BUY LESS, MORE SMART!

When all else is fails, why don't you just get it right...very right and put on some vintage Yves Saint Laurent?  The stores are filled right now with marked down spring inventory.  Frankly, I am amused by things that were deemed so essential several months ago by the big books and bloggers and editorially celebrated now relegated to 65 percent off because let's be real...some of the stuff was just hideous! 

You can scoop up a ton of bargains that may not be bargains when you bring the pieces home and realize "yup, everyone was right...this is butt ugly" OR invest in a piece of Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture.  This lace and navy crepe gown is a simple strapless silhouette in the perennially chic nautical combo of navy and white.  The belt is intact and you can edge up this gown with a pair of whimsical shoes by Charlotte Olympia.  This is the summer dress you should invest in.  Don't get too seduced by mark-downs.  I have a closet full of them and trust me, they add-up!  Be less, more smart!

-Cameron

 

Yves Sant Laurent Haute Couture dress in blue crepe with white bodice, c. 1980's.  Modern size 2-4. 

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.

NINE WEST CAMPAIGN

Hitting stores today is my new Nine West collaboration and I had the best time styling Alexandra Spencer of 4th and Bleeker in great vintage clothing from Decades.  The collection was inspired by 80s punk icons, but we wanted Alexandra to look totally modern.  And we did that by interpreting great vintage from Decades along with some Alexandra's personal clothing and my partner in fashion crime, Kate Ciepulch, and her perfect blazers she designs for her label Laveer.  You can own some of the looks from the campaign if you click on the links below!

-Cameron

 

Emilio Pucci silk printed blouse with shorts, c.1960’s. Will fit modern size 4. 

Herve Leger fringe skirt with top, c.1990’s. Modern size 2 to 4. 

Lancetti feather coat in brown, c.1970. Will fit size 4 to 8. 

Yves Saint Laurent silk blouse in peach, c.1980’s. Modern size 2 to 4.

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.

THE COOL WAY TO WEAR BLACK TIE

I love lamé. Possibly because in the 1970s as a kid there was always disco in the background, lamé just seems as practical to me as flannel to a grunge kid.  This Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche sleeveless dress is pure gold lamé fantasy but isn't a product of the 1970s disco scene.  Designed for YSL's Winter 1991 collection, the shoulder-padded gown has three rope buttons on the left shoulder that repeat at the left hip, too.  There's an optional gold leather belt that the original owner wore with this gown, too.  I like the YSL styled with this 60s Chanel Haute Couture jacket (more info on that jacket tomorrow). Don't you think it's a very modern and cool way to wear vintage?  Although it's very vintage!

-Cameron

YSL gold lamé metallic gown, Winter 1991. Marked size 38, will fit modern size 4 to 6. SOLD

Chanel Haute Couture jacket, c. 1960's. SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.

THE DUKES OF MELROSE PARTY IN LA

All stars were out last night to celebrate with Decades family the launch of our brand new TV show "The Dukes Of Melrose" premiering on March 6th on Bravo TV.
The ladies wore Decades vintage and modern and we wanted to share some photos with you. It has been a busy month for us with award season and the upcoming TV show and that is why we have been missing in action on the blog. Off we go now to celebrate with our New York friends! Check back the blog for more updates on new vintage and for more exciting news from Decades.
-Eri

Morena Baccarin in vintage Madame Gres, c.1950's. 

Leven Rambin in vintage YSL tux suit, c. 1980's 

Sophia Bush in vintage Halston, c.1970's 

Isabelle Furhman in vintage Norell, c.1960's 

Rose McGowan in vintage Chanel, c.1980's 

Leslie Bibb in vintage Halston, c. 1970's 

Garcelle Beauvais in Oscar de la Renta.

Perrey Reeves in vintage YSL Haute Couture, c.1980's. 

Rachel Griffiths in Lanvin 

Lisa Rinna in Oscar de la Renta 

Abigal Spencer in Dolce and Gabbana

*All photos from Just Jared

CRUSHED

Usually when I think of crushed velvet I conjure up unfortunate images of heavy metal rockers in leggings or Tim Curry.  I don't know why I think of Tim Curry, but I do.  Let's just say it's not my favorite fabric, although I do own a wonderful golden Stefano-Pilati designed men's blazer in crushed velvet that is always met with compliments.  Which brings me to this original Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche cherry red crushed velvet wrap gown.  I do not conjure images of Sammy Hagar or Tim Curry when I look at this.  I think more Dietrich back stage after a show in Vegas.  It's not to suggest this is a "dressing gown" per se, but it has that old Hollywood glamour silent film boudoir vibe, but is made for going out and being comfortable.  Remember: don't sacrifice chic, for comfort.  The two can meet.  As a matter of fact, chic + comfort has made its match in the dress below.  Now have you made your match?

-Cameron

Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche velvet robe dress in red, Marked size 36. Modern size 2 to 6 SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.

CREATIVE AND FESTIVE

Certainly you have received an invitation which suggests a dress code of "Creative" or "Festive." Might those be the two scariest fashion dress code dictates that appear on an letter press invitation? Well, once again we have the answer; and, once again, it's Yves Saint Laurent to the rescue. Creative and festive means an LBD on steroids and this black strapless hammered silk dress is trimmed in peach organza and has a terrific and coquette-ish matching bow for your derriere. Add some tonal patent shoes (we are digging Brian Atwood's spring collection at present) and diamond studs and you will be both creative and festive, but not a victim! Leave it to Yves Saint Laurent to dress you in an appropriate manner when the dress code suggests something that might be construed as costume.

-Team Decades 

Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche hammered black silk strapless festive dress with peach organza,c.1980s. Marked size 42. SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.

OMNIPRESCENT

May one ever have too many vintage Yves Saint Laurent blouses in one's closet?  I think not.  Why you must own silk secretary blouses, and shells, tuxedo blouses, linen camp shirts, and of course lots of peasant blouses, like this black silk one with gathered round neck and cuffs in the lightest crepe.  There are infinite ways to style this.  On a hot day like are having in LA, it is ideal paired with a white skinny jean.  For a dressier moment, picture this with a tuxedo pant.  Come this fall, I love the look with a pair of Jitrois stretch leather pants tucked into those amazing Brian Atwood crazy up to the thigh boots for a strong transitional look.  The peasant look NEVER goes out of style.  Trust me.

-Cameron

Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche black silk peasant blouse, c. 1970s. Marked size 34, flexible 4 to 8 SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.

GARDEN IN THE DESERT

As we mentioned in an earlier post and if you have seen our windows lately, it is all about Yves Saint Laurent. With Hedi Slimane recently revealing he will bring back couture at YSL and the name change for the ready-to-wear into Saint Laurent Paris, with his menswear and women's cruise 2013 collection going on show only to buyers, the anticipation is palpable. For decades Yves Saint Laurent was one of the world's most prominent couturiers, and from the house's golden couture days we bring this luxurious caftan style gown. It is indeed a masterpiece. From the chiffon flowing to the lavender and green print reminiscent of the Majorelle Garden which was both home and source of inspiration for Yves, this piece shows the genius of imagination within the framework of one simple shape. 

Inspired by what was only supposed to be for the husband's eyes, since a caftan like this had to be covered by a djellaba outside the home, Saint Laurent transformed and adopted north African vibes into 

modern and sensual creations. Here is something to cherish as we wait to see what will the new couture days of YSL be. Own it and wear it somewhere special.

-Eri  

Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture chiffon caftan green and lavender floral print, c.1970's. Modern size 4 to 6.  SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.

YVES SAINT LAURENT THEN AND NOW

This month we are celebrating all things Yves Saint Laurent with our vibrant display of Vintage and modern YSL pieces.  Whether you find yourself gallivanting through the gardens of Marrakech in a silk chiffon caftan created by Mr. Saint Laurent, or making your grand entrance at one of the soon to be renamed Yves Saint Laurent boutiques in a Pilati jumpsuit or Ford masterpiece, the message from YSL is consistent.  Mr. Saint Laurent had an affinity for the essence of femininity, noting his subtle highlights of her features from backless couture gowns to the dramatic bows he would place along the neck and lower back to highlight the erogenous zones of his many adoring fans.  You will find one of a kind Rive Gauche Haute Couture pieces hand embroidered at Lesage and some of the last pieces of the era’s of Ford and Pilati adorning our shelves.  We invite you in to see the magnificence that is Yves Saint Laurent and pay homage to one of the greatest designers I had the privilege of working for.  While the house may be changing its name, it is clear from our beautiful collection that what was YSL and will always be Yves Saint Laurent will remain timeless and should find a place in your closet before one of our adoring collectors takes it home before you. 

-Geoffrey

YSL Haute Couture chiffon caftan in lime, c.1980's. Modern size 4 to 8. SOLD

YSL Haute Couture chiffon floral print caftan, c.1980's. Modern size 4 to 8. SOLD

Stefano Pilati for YSL black and red jumpsuit, cruise 2011. Modern size 6. SOLD

Tom Ford for YSL blouse with ties front and sleeves in black, c. 2000. Modern size 4.

Tom Ford for YSL velvet skirt with fringe detail in black, c.2000. Modern size 6.  SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.

MARRAKESH EXPRESS

Morocco is a magical place and has been a true inspiration for many designers, from Yves Saint Laurent's tassel to Dries Van Noten's tribal vibe to Givenchy's Ricardo Tisci dhoti pants and accessories, the signs are everywhere. As in this vintage Yves Saint Laurent gold coin necklace that could be worn two ways in true North-African boho chic form, and this amazing Sonia Rykiel layered coin necklace to add that mix of exotic splendor to any mood or outfit. 

-Eri

Sonia Rykiel layered coin necklace, c.1980's. SOLD
Measures 9 inches around the neck and 18 inches in total length. c. 1980's

Yves Saint Laurent coin necklace in gold. Measures16 inches around the neck. c 1980's SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.