Want a Little Pony?

If you're like us (and so many children), you desperately wanted a little pony of your own while growing up. Now, we're letting you have a pony without all the fuss!

Of course, we're talking about a pony skin 35cm Birkin by Hermès--arguably harder and more expensive to get (not to mention, it isn't exactly up for a frolic through the pasture)... but no matter. This is fashion! The bag is unused, with stickers on the hardware and all the original packaging intact. Just be sure to tell your kids that it's faux.

Hermès 35cm Black Birkin in Leather and Ponyskin, 2007. Outstanding Condition, Never Used. Original Packaging Included. SOLD

WHAT TO WEAR ON VALENTINE'S DAY

If you religiously read our blog, you may recall this Valentino dress posted in October of 2007. Rarely do we get repeats in a dress, but when an opportunity to purchase this dress again came our way; and taking into consideration our great admiration for the incomprable Valentino, we said, "let's do it again!"

This signature red gown from the early 1990s is actually quite simple in it's construction. It's more or less a strapless sheath with beaded trim, one shoulder strap, and a kick of chiffon at the rear hem. It's shown with a coordinating red chiffon stole trimmed in lace, a useful addition for an evening of merriment.

Go for the Red. Valentino Red.

Valentino Red beaded trim sheath with coordinating chiffon and lace stole c early 90s. SOLD

ALWAYS VALENTINO

Over the last year, we have been trying to get our hands on as many fantastic Valentino pieces as possible, in advance of his retirement. Well, last week, the maestro gave his final Haute Couture show and the emotions ran high in Paris.

We will continue to list more and more Valentino pieces, but here is an early 1980s strapless cocktail dress in a chic color block combo on pink/peach pleated silk with a high slit skirt. Sexy, but not vulgar...a hallmark of Valentino. The sculptural pleated bodice is incredibly flattering and the unusual peachy-pink hue is complimentary on all skin shades.


Valentino Boutique early 80s peach pleated bodice with silk high slit skirt cocktail dress. Marked size 10. Modern 6 - 8

CALLING ALL DOMINIQUE AURIENTIS FANS

We can't seem to post fantastic costume jewelry fast enough on the blog. Our blog readers swoop up the pieces so quickly, so we were delighted when we purchased the pieces below that we will list over the next two days. Straight out of the closet of a terribly chic Michigan based fashionista, these pieces are all circa the mid 1980s and we will begin with the following Dominique Aurientis cuffs that make a wonderful statement. Other Aurientis pieces will post in the next day, as well as, the always popular big Chanel hoops seen below.

Dominique Aurientis mid 80s ebony bangle with grape motif design SOLD

Dominique Aurientis layered garland wide cuff in gold painted wood c mid 80s SOLD

Dominique Aurientis layered leaves wide cuff with multi color glass gems c mid 80s SOLD

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PURCHASE EMAIL BLOG@DECADESINC.COM OR PHONE 323 655 0223. PLEASE REFERENCE THE DESCRIPTION ABOVE

BAIL MONEY AND BREATH MINTS!

We love things that are a little frivolous sometimes. However, we are usually able to find a justification for whimsy like this itsy-bitsy 80s Chanel bag. Okay, it won't hold a cell phone, but your personal assistant should be responsible for the cell phone. All you really need to do is throw some bail money, breath mints, and maybe a tiny lipstick when you are going out at night. Save your 40 cm Birkins for transatlantic flights, and rock this elite petite purse when the sun goes down.
Chanel 3 x 3 wine quilted velvet mini purse c 1980s. SOLD

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PURCHASE EMAIL BLOG@DECADESINC.COM OR PHONE 323 655 0223. PLEASE REFERENCE THE DESCRIPTION ABOVE

HALSTON

The only reason someone would ever sell this classic 70s Halston dress is if their body grew out of it. It's so simple and perfect and classic. A beautiful shade of chocolate brown with an olive under-town, the double layer of matte jersey will cling to the body, but the skirt is fluid with a bit of volume. A simple tank cut with a plunge back that is far from vulgar, this gown can be accessorized with Boucheron jewels for a grand night on the town. Or, go with some sculptural or ethnic-inspired jewelry and flats for a Sunday al fresco affair on Grand Cayman. It is jersey so it packs so easily! It's vintage Halston and although the label is being re-launched next month for the umpteenth time, we know you will always desire the real deal!
Halston 70s matte jersey classic olive brown tank dress. Modern 4 - 6 SOLD

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PURCHASE EMAIL BLOG@DECADESINC.COM OR PHONE 323 655 0223. PLEASE REFERENCE THE DESCRIPTION ABOVE

THE VERY DEFINITION OF A CHIC WHITE BAG

This Hermes white ostrich Constance bag is the very model of a proper white bag. What is it about white bags that generally look atrocious, yet, a white Hermes bag is always appropriate. We purchased this white ostrich Constance a few months ago and took it straight away to Paris so the Hermes Faubourg Saint-Honore boutique could lovingly refresh it for you and what a divine job they did! Although the bag is stamped for 1988, it now looks more 2008!

Get on the chic bandwagon and finally carry a white bag that doesn't look offensive. We constantly try to list Constance bags because they adjustable strap makes them go from luncheon to sporty to evening chic.

Spring will be here sooner than you know, but it's a winter white moment right now.

Hermes White Ostrich Constance bag 1988 SOLD

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PURCHASE EMAIL BLOG@DECADESINC.COM OR PHONE 323 655 0223. PLEASE REFERENCE THE DESCRIPTION ABOVE

Cloak Yourself in Midnight!

Earlier today we posted two Oscar-worthy gowns in black. Of course, we know that black can be a bit overwhelming for less formal events in the spring... might we suggest midnight blue instead? Below are two new arrivals at Decades: the first, by society designer Jacqueline de Ribes, wraps about the body in a delightfully tricky fashion while forming a sleek, sexy shape. (Also check out this Lanvin creation, which features a similar color story.) Beneath it is a fishtail gown by Thierry Mugler Couture fishtail gown with V-shaped hardware at the bust.

Jacqueline de Ribes Creme and Midnight Silk Gown, Crosses in Front and Draped in Back, c. 1980s. Modern 4 - 6 SOLD

Thierry Mugler Couture Midnight Silk Strapless Fishtail Gown with Silver V Hardware at the Bust, c. late 1980s. SOLD

More Chanel Costume Jewelry!

As promised, we've got more Chanel costume jewelry, fresh from the shores of France. This time we're showing necklaces in a variety of lengths and styles. The first is a gold chain link sautoir with gleaming pearls; it looks chic in a single long strand or roped around the neck, as seen below. Next is a crystal and pearl necklace with gold chain that looks quite glittery and magnificent in the light. Finally, a "Wilma"-style necklace with gorgeous oversize pearls and gold chains!

Chanel Long Pearl and Gold Chain Link Sautoir, c. late 1980s. SOLD

Now available through Decades London at Dover Street Market, +44 (20) 7518 0680

Chanel Super Long Pearl and Gold Chain Link Sautoir, c. late 1980s. SOLD

Now available through Decades London at Dover Street Market, +44 (20) 7518 0680

Chanel Crystal and Pearl Gold Necklace, c. late 1980s. SOLD

Chanel "Wilma"-style Oversized Pearl Necklace with Gold Link Chain, c. late 1980s. SOLD

Now available through Decades London at Dover Street Market, +44 (20) 7518 0680

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PURCHASE EMAIL BLOG@DECADESINC.COM OR PHONE 323 655 0223. PLEASE REFERENCE THE DESCRIPTION ABOVE

Two of This Year's Serious Oscars Contenders: Nina Ricci Haute Couture and Valentino

The gloom hanging over Los Angeles this week has less to do with the weather and more to do with the ongoing writers' strike, which has already claimed as a victim the Golden Globes--and more than a few of the beautiful gowns intended to grace the red carpet. Despite the impasse, we're feeling optimistic about the prospects for the Academy Awards. Hollywood--and the world--could use a dash of glamour and an evening of celebration.

Decades is gearing up for the festivities with two perennial Oscars favorites (designers, not actresses). The first is Nina Ricci Haute Couture from the late 1970s, a spectacular creation in black appliquéd wild silk with a creme guipure skirt that's only appropriate for an Oscar-caliber event. The boned bodice fastens over one shoulder with a bow and a white organza rose, while the stiffened skirt panels are adorned with vertical bands of appliquéd black and silver beaded spring flowers.

Nina Ricci Haute Couture Ball Gown in Black Wild Silk and Creme Guipure, Adorned with Appliqued Silver Flowerheads in Crystal Beading, c. late 1970s. 74cm at the waist, 91-96cm at the bust.

The next dress, by Valentino, features a similar silhouette with less ornamentation and more accessible fabrication (velvet and satin). The less voluminous design and cleaner panels suit a woman who wishes for elegant simplicty. We also love the contrast between the floor-length bustle and the knee-grazing hem of the dress--what a way to show off a jeweled heel!

Valentino Boutique Spectacular One-Shoulder Black Velvet & Satin Panel Gown with Bow at the Shoulder, c. 1970s. Fits a contemporary size 4 to 6. (Please be aware that the velvet skirt portion features velvet that has impressions with age. The dress has been expertly cleaned, but the velvet is not entirely smooth). SOLD

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PURCHASE EMAIL BLOG@DECADESINC.COM OR PHONE 323 655 0223. PLEASE REFERENCE THE DESCRIPTION ABOVE.

Guess Who's Back!! (With Souvenirs, Of Course!)

Hello Decades friends and family! Did you miss us as much as we missed you? We thoroughly enjoyed our latest trip to Paris, where Decades' very own Cameron Silver toasted the 150th anniversary of Boucheron amidst the spring Haute Couture presentations. There are too many of you for us to send postcards, but we did want to bring back a few souvenirs... What better than a collection of white-hot Chanel costume jewelry? Posted below are three adorable charm bracelets and two seriously chic cuffs. Trust us, this is only the beginning--check back again later today for more great arrivals!

Chanel Golden Egg Logo Charm Bracelet, c. late 1980s. SOLD

Chanel "Cute-as-a-Button" Gold Charm Bracelet, c. 1980s SOLD

Chanel Gold Dog Tag Charm Bracelet, c. late 1980s SOLD

Chanel Blackened Gold Braided Cuff, c. late 1980s SOLD

Chanel Quilted Gold Cuff with Insignia, c. late 1980s SOLD

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PURCHASE EMAIL BLOG@DECADESINC.COM OR PHONE 323 655 0223. PLEASE REFERENCE THE DESCRIPTION ABOVE.

PARIS IS BURNING!

We are taking the week off of the blog to celebrate and enjoy the contemporary Haute Couture collections in Paris starting the 21st. After all, new Couture becomes vintage at some point, so we need to be informed! We will be back blogging on the 25th. In the meanwhile, don't be shy! There are wonderful items on our blog that you can view from postings over the last 18 months. Search by "Designer" if you like using the upper left-hand corner search button, or, take a peak by the month....lots of fabulous temptations and just click on the right hard month and blog away....
Merci
Au Revoir!

Precious, Precious Ferre

Gianfranco Ferre is suddenly very collectable. Click on the photos below and you'll catch the exquisitely beaded gold trim and crystal body detail of this shift--you're guaranteed to light up the room!

Gianfranco Ferre Crystal and Gold Bead Embroidered Sleeveless Shift Dress, c. 1980s. Fits a contemporary size 6 to 8. SOLD

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PURCHASE EMAIL BLOG@DECADESINC.COM OR PHONE 323 655 0223. PLEASE REFERENCE THE DESCRIPTION ABOVE.

Yves Saint Laurent Ivory Blouses

Our acquisition of an Yves Saint Laurent collection last November was so large, we're still posting it on our blog! Below are three beautiful blouses in classic ivory with a variety of design details--French cuffs and pleats on the first, and interesting patterns and neckties on the second and third.

Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Ivory Satin Silk Blouse with French Cuffs and Pleats, c. late 1980s. Marked size 34, fits a contemporary size 4. SOLD

Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Ivory Silk Blouse with Bow Pattern and Necktie, c. late 1980s. Marked size 34, fits a contemporary size 4.

Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Ivory Silk Blouse with Polkadot Pattern and Necktie, c. late 1980s. Marked size 34, fits a contemporary size 4.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PURCHASE EMAIL BLOG@DECADESINC.COM OR PHONE 323 655 0223. PLEASE REFERENCE THE DESCRIPTION ABOVE.