Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Belle of the Ball in Valentino!

We're ever-so-taken with this midnight silk Valentino dress in three bell-shaped tiers. It brings to mind a beautiful flower, a Lily of the Valley, perhaps... there's something very fresh about the way it drapes over the right arm.

Valentino Midnight Silk One-Shoulder Layer Dress with Satin Trim, c. late 1970s. Fits a contemporary size 6. SOLD

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

Trick or Treat!

On this sunny Southern California Halloween day, Decades is going trick-or-treating with you! But something's missing from you costume... is it a little glitter on your ear, or a colorful cuff on your wrist? It's hard to go wrong with this assortment of new pieces from Chanel, Satellite, Iradj Moini, and our favorite designer of all--anonyme!


Iradj Moini Grape Heart Brooch with Crystal Bands, c. 1980s. SOLD!

Anonymous Black Sequin Circular Earrings, c. 1980s. SOLD



Anonymous Ocean Blue Enamel Bell Earrings with Gold Studs, c. 1980s.SOLD



Satellite Gold Paillette Earrings with Splases of Rust, Jade, and Sapphire, c. 1980s. SOLD



Satellite Gold Paillette Flower Bracelet with Splases of Rust, Jade, and Sapphire, c. 1980s.




Chanel Unsigned Runway Sample Cuffs in Metallic Fuchsia Lambskin with Gold Hardware, c. 1990s. SOLD



Chanel Lucite and Gold Charm Bubble Cuff, c. 1980s. SOLD

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

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

DON LOPER FOR THE OPERA

We all remember Don Loper as one of Hollywood's favorite costume designers who was lovingly immortalized when Lucille Ball included Mr Loper on an episode of "I Love Lucy." Remember the episode when Lucy gets a terrible sunburn just prior to a Hollywood Wives fashion show featuring the designs of Don Loper? Well, we tried to find it on You Tube, but to no avail. However, it's probably the most hilarious blend of physical comedy and fashion, you will ever see. We have always had a love of Don Loper at Decades. After all, he was a Los Angeles designer and we like to support our local heroes.

This black silk full-bodied opera coat can be worn closed, as shown, or more dramatically opened up and off your shoulders. It's intricately beaded with black jet and the sleeves balloon grandly with narrow holes for your arm and hand to pass. It's very diplomatically sized. It can fit a variety of figures, it just needs a woman with the presence to carry-off such full-fledged glamour. What is particularly amazing about this coat is it's versatility. Worn with a fitted sweater and slim pants with flats, it's almost casual. Worn with a slight cocktail dress, it's useful to keep you warm during the winter months. And for a the red carpet with a full-length gown and slipping off your shoulders, it becomes a great non-fur wrap. So live the glamour. Lucy would be proud. Don Loper 50s black silk beaded opera coat. SOLD

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

IF IT'S GOOD ENOUGH FOR A COUNTESS, IT IS GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU!

Okay, so we have satiated the princess in you with the Grace Kelly-endorsed Helen Rose, but what about the Countess? The Vicomtesse de Ribes (AKA the designer of this deep jade taffeta gown), remains one of the most chic and glamorous women of Europe. For a decade beginning in 1983, arguably one of the best dressed women of the 20th and this first decade of 21st Century, set up her own design studio and showed in Paris and New York. We love that the Vicomtesse understands discretion, glamour, and drama...check out the back of this gown! Jacqueline de Ribes early 80s iridescent jade taffeta gown. Modern size 4. Retailed at Saks Fifth Avenue SOLD

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

Saturday, October 27, 2007

GOOD ENOUGH FOR A PRINCESS

If it's good enough for Princess Grace Kelly, it's good enough for you! Helen Rose famously designed Grace Kelly's legendary wedding dress worn in 1956 for her nuptials to Prince Rainier of Monaco. That may have been one of Helen Rose's most famous achievements, but she also won two Academy Awards for Costume Design (The Bad and the Beautiful in 1952 and for I'll Cry Tomorrow in 1955) and was nominated an additional 8 times. In the late 1960s, she left the movie studios and opened her own atelier where this dress was designed. The striking citron draped jersey V neck gown is embellished with jeweled straps and has a flattering empire waist. As an added bonus, there is a gift with purchase. We jest. The gown actually has a lovely coordinating silk opera coat for added drama. The mandarin collar and crystal encrusted buttons on the full-volume coat scream "Best Actress" so we think this is an Academy Award winning concoction. Of this show stopper we hope you will agree: "we like you...we really like you."


Helen Rose late 60s citron draped jersey empire waist jeweled gown and coat. Contemporary size 6 SOLD

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

Friday, October 26, 2007

I Magnin Holds The Key To Your Heart

While we're piling on the old school Hollywood glamour, how about something a little more classic? I Magnin was the go-to place for beautiful gowns for years... today, the store is gone, but the clothes are still beautiful as ever! Just look at this black chiffon keyhole dress: the delicate drapes of chiffon open to a graceful slit in the front.

I Magnin Black Chiffon Keyhole Dress with Train, c. early 1980s. Fits a contemporary size 4 to 6. SOLD

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

Feminine, Old School Glam by Jacqueline de Ribes

Looking to indulge your girly-girl side? You're going to need a whole lot of pink, and bows... or, this couture dress by the legendary Jacqueline de Ribes! Mme. de Ribes was one of Paris' most celebrated socialites for decades and began designing her own eveningwear creations in the 1980s. This dress is worthy of a classic Hollywood screen siren--make it your own and capture a bit of the magic!

Jacqueline de Ribes Rosé Strapless Satin Dress with Oversized Fuchsia Bow and Cumberbund, c. 1980s. Fits a contemporary size 4. SOLD

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

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Queen of the Night

This creation by Valentino Night delivers a whole lotta sex appeal! And, unlike so many black dresses, it hardly fades into the background. The drapes of jersey off the arm and around the knees give it a sporty vibe, while the black and silver beaded warrior waistband accentuate your svelte physique.

Valentino Night Black Jersey Draped Cocktail Dress with Triangular Waistband, c. 1980s. Fits a contemporary size 4 to 6. SOLD

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

Formal Follows Function...

One of the advantages of buying vintage is that no one else will have your look on that special night. This design by Victor Costa is great for a formal wedding, a Bar Mitzvah, or any number of other functions. We love the color, a fresh turquoise with violet lining, and the decorative swag across the front of the dress.

Victor Costa Turquoise Evening Gown with Violet Lined Swag, c. late 1970s. 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.

Warning: Herve Ahead!

This Herve Leger is guaranteed to stop traffic--and not just because it's done in construction-zone orange! It's a fantastic, eye-catching party dress with a wide square neck and body-hugging curves that demonstrates why old school Herve is so special. If you're a fan of the color, might we also suggest this Thierry Mugler cocktail dress as well?


Herve Leger Electric Tangerine Viscose Party Dress with Wide Scoop Neck, c. late 1980s. Marked size small, fits a contemporary size 4. SOLD

Monday, October 22, 2007

Two Ways To Do Blue

Are you looking for the poise and sophistication that a little black dress exudes--but without the black? We think navy dresses make an excellent substitute, especially given designers' gravitation to the color this fall. The Christian Lacroix cocktail dress below gives you next season's muscular, belled hip in a shimmery blue taffeta that's sure to be the hit of the party. For something more elegant, though, it's impossible to go wrong with the Geoffrey Beene midnight jersey wrap dress beneath it; the open back and stitched wrap waist add just the right amount of detail to a dress supremely rooted in simplicity.

Christian Lacroix Midnight Shimmery Belled Cocktail Dress with Ribbon Waist, c. 1980s. Fits a contemporary size 4 to 6.SOLD

Geoffrey Beene Midnight Jersey Wrap Dress with Open Back and Contrast Stitched Waist, c. 1970s. Fits a contemporary size 4 to 6. SOLD

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

Valentino Jewelry Megapost!

Costume jewelry lovers, rejoice! These stunning 1980s-era pieces from Valentino are sure to make a formidable addition to any collector's treasure chest. The first pieces are a set: the necklace and matching cuff feature a braided pattern and beautiful white and blue stone embellishments. Next is an oversize crystal and black beaded bracelet, followed by two sets of earrings. We'll be featuring more costume jewelry acquisitions tomorrow, so check back soon!


Valentino Gold Braided Necklace and Cuff Adorned with Storm-Blue Beads, c. 1980s. CUFF SOLD


Valentino Jet Bead and Crystal Wide Cuff, c. 1980s. SOLD

Valentino Indian-Inspired Gold Drop Earrings with Blue, Green, and Pearl Stones, c. 1980s. SOLD

Valentino Crystal Twist Gold Earrings, c. 1980s. SOLD

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

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

HERMES and CHANEL Megapost!!

THIS JUST IN--Decades delivers a one-two fashion knockout with bags from Chanel and Hermès! Check out our assortment of Kelly bags (one in gold leather and one in sapphire ostrich), an Haut au Courrois, a superb lizard Constance, and two fabulous Chanel shoulder bags. One thing is guaranteed: these bags will sell out!

ALL these bags are in exceptional pre-owned condition. These bags were so delicately cared for, that the previous owner wore gloves when handling the bags at home, like a piece of fine art. They were all ALWAYS stored in their dust covers. Furthermore, the dust covered bags were then covered in a water-repellent bag to further protect the precious bags and keep the dust covers from getting...well, dusty! This is about as good as it gets and many of these bags are simply impossible to procure from Hermes, some of the leathers are no longer used, and the colors are sublime. Act fast...

Hermès 32cm Gold Leather Kelly with Gold Hardware and Shoulder Strap, 1992. SOLD

Hermès 32cm Midnight Blue Ostrich Kelly with Gold Hardware and Shoulder Strap, 1992. SOLD

Hermès 32cm Chocolate Haut a Courrois in Courchevel Leather with Gold Hardware, 1991. SOLD

Hermès Emerald Lizard Constance Bag with Gold Hardware, 1991. Measures 9" by 7" by 2½". SOLD

Chanel Chocolate Caviar Leather Bag with Logo Zipper and Chain Shoulder Straps, c. 1980s. Measures 12" by 9½" by 4½". SOLD

Chanel Oversized Black Quilted Leather Tote with Chain Shoulder Straps, c. 1980s. Measures 15" by 15" by 4". SOLD

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