ELEMENTARY

Sherlock Holmes may be synonymous with capes, but it doesn't mean he has a sartorial exclusive on this versatile garment. Pierre Balmain has had many incarnations from 1950s Haute Couture to today's rocker pret a porter. The cream knit 1970s double cape is from the label's "boutique" brand and is a timeless and effective year round addition to the fashionista's closet. The pleated knit avoids wrinkling and we love the web tonal trim. We picture this worn in early fall with a cashmere-silk turtleneck, skinny blue jeans tucked into flat boots, and a large hobo bag swung over your shoulder. Because of the light color, revisit this cape in early spring and wear it with a great hippie couture floral print dress that won't get swallowed over an alternative coat. Perfect for traveling, this is a cape for strolling...just the way chic Parisian women always manage to have a cape on when window shopping on the Rue Faubourg Saint Honore. Capes are practical. Spread the word....it's elementary!

Pierre Balmain cream knit pleated cape with tonal web trim, c. 1970s. Free size SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-0223. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 1/2 Melrose Avenue (2nd Floor) at Harper Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting, so may offer you a high level of personal service

SLIPPERY WHEN WET

The bias cut slip dress is one of our most loved 20th Century clothing designs. It's Old Hollywood sexy and modern at the same time. But when is a slip a slip and when is a slip an evening dress? This sounds like a Carrie Bradshaw question and we can't really answer that since the new Galliano designed Dior slip dresses often look like lingerie. That is the same case for this official lingerie slip from Christian Dior Boutique that was designed in the 1970s for more intimate occasions, but is totally appropriate in the 21st Century for less intimate occasions. Why, Katy Perry would wear this on the red carpet and no one would bat an eye! A cream trimmed and velamint silk dress with five sensual buttons that cascade from the bosom to the sternum, it's Jean Harlow approved. This is such a "Right Now" dress because it's light as a feather and perfect for summer travel. Going on a Yacht? Sleep in this with nothing underneath. Eat breakfast in this with flip flops. Apres Plage in this with a bikini underneath. Dance in this with some big Vrba earrings.. This may be the only dress you need. If you are a brave lass, then you can go the way of Ms. Perry and throw on some pearls, a white fox fling, and Manolos (Manolo always has the perfect boudoir mule) and venture out in public with a champagne flute in tow. This may be the most glamorous investment a Decades client will make, but it won't cost an arm and a leg!

Christan Dior Boutique silk bias cut slip lingerie dress in velamint and cream, c. 1970s. Modern size 4. SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-0223. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 1/2 Melrose Avenue (2nd Floor) at Harper Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting.

GET TWISTED

It's December 24th and we have a feeling many of you are feeling twisted and are in knots. The Holidays are stressful! We have had so many lovely clients stop by the store just to vent a little. Decades often serves as a place to decompress for many of you. Sit on the Phillip Johnson sofa with Knoll fabric, have a Pellegrino, and enjoy a little retail therapy. We are here for you! Well if you do feel like you are twisted and your neck is in knots, don't buy this dress! However, if you are already somewhere peaceful and relaxing (i.e., you have completed all your Christmas gift shopping and you are officially on vacation), buy this dress!

It's an Oscar de la Renta Boutique black jersey dress with a very cool halter-neck detail that twists around your neck. Very 1970s streamline chic. We've given it a bit of edge with a vintage Hermes collier de chien belt from the 1980s. The belt is sold separately and will be posted in the next few days along with a coordinating orange leather dog collar belt, too. Actually, we are currently photographing around 35 pieces of Chanel jewelry from the 1980s, too; including a stunning Gripoix necklace, many Chanel shoulder-duster earrings, runway earrings that are one-of-a-kind, and great gold gilt medallion necklaces. These will post between Christmas and New Year's Eve in our "What I really wanted for Christmas" week of posts!

Back to this Oscar dress, it has a plunge back and the waist is small, so this one is for our elite petite clients.

Oscar de la Renta Boutique black jersey twisted neck and knot halter dress, c. early 1970s. Modern size 2. Hermes belt sold separately. DRESS SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-0223. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 1/2 Melrose Avenue (2nd Floor) at Harper Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting.

HOWL FOR THE COWL

Now that the temperatures have dropped, velvet is the go-to fabric to keep you warm while the social scene goes into full force. Valentino has been a dependable and beloved designer of so many well-dressed women over the Decades. Although the Master has retired, we are fortunate to have the opportunity to share with you great examples of his designs. This particular cowl neck velvet gown below may not be Haute Couture, but it certainly features hallmarks of the Art. The cut is a wonderful use of a cowl neck and a cowl back. We are always fond of dresses with surprising and unexpected backs. The illusion of the sheer chiffon top is intricately patterned with jet black pailettes and sequins. The large black jet buttons running down the left side of the gown offer another taste of luxury in a Boutique gown. We think you will howl for the cowl over this dignified and classy gown. Plus, it will keep you warm!

Valentino Boutique black velvet cowl neck gown, c. 1980s. Marked size 12, modern size 6 SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-0223. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 1/2 Melrose Avenue (2nd Floor) at Harper Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting.

SOFTER SIDE OF DECADES

Lately we have been tempting you with some hard-edge clothing from the closets of a few Super Women, but now we are returning to the "softer side" of Decades with a beautiful Valentino lavender silk spaghetti-strap gown with polka-dot ruffles. With the busy month of June weddings rapidly approaching, fashionable attendees need appropriate attire that isn't boring, but remains appropriate and not distracting from the bride's big day.

We think a modification of southern charm and style is evidenced in this Valentino boutique design from the early 1980s that manages to have personality, while still being a little bit country, but not a little bit rock 'n roll. It's the type of dress that fits the bill for a summer black tie wedding.

Valentino Boutique lavender silk spaghetti strap dress with complimentary polka-dot trim and satin sash, c early 1980s. Marked size 8, Modern size 6

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call (323) 655-0223. Please reference the description above. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting.