Class Acts

One of the hardest occasions to dress for is a wedding. Doesn't it seem that the bride-to-be has it easy? Wear a large, pouffy, cleavage-bearing Barbie gown and you're golden! Attendees have no such luck--go too demure, and you're essentially asking for a life of singledom; go too sexy, and face the wrath of bridezilla.

We've got two superb solutions to this all-too-common dilemma. Don Loper brings us our first dress, a vision in floral café au lait lace and chiffon (for those of you who are unfamiliar with Mr. Loper, he was the first and only stop for Hollywood's glitterati in the 1950s). Our second little ditty is a floor-length girlsnberry lamé wrap from Mr. Blackwell that's more appropriate for a formal affair. The pleats are vaguely reminiscent of Mariano Fortuny's tea gowns. Classy!

Don Loper Café au Lait Floral Lace and Chiffon Scoop-Neck Cocktail Dress with Open Back, c. 1950s. Fits a contemporary size 4 to 6. SOLD

Mr. Blackwell Girlsnberry Fortuny-Style Lamé Tea Dress, c. 1970s. Fits a contemporary size 4 to narrow 8. SOLD

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

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HOT FOR HERVE

A few months ago Kate Beckinsale showed up in a vintage Herve Leger from Decades. It was white, strapless, and a classic bandage design. She ended up on all the Best Dressed lists. Mission accomplished. We just acquired the same dress is black and if you want to end up on all the Best Dressed lists, we suggest you purchase this classic early 90s dress. Longer in the front with a nice swag and build to hold you in and show off what mama gave you. Make your mom proud: wear Herve Leger!

UPDATE: Sold in less than 24 hours.... you have to act fast, friends!

Herve Leger black bandage strapless dress with swag/slit front c early 90s marked size S. Modern 4 SOLD

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

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ZANDRA WITH A "Z"

On August 17th in The New York Times, Ruth LaFerla profiled the extraordinary Zandra Rhodes and commented on her continued influence on contemporary fashion. A great Zandra is a piece of art and truly these two exceptional designs from around 1981 are delicious examples that also happen to be sexy and timeless.


Zandra Rhodes red chiffon star burst pattern with signature pearl trim empire waist gown marked UK10/US8. Flutter sleeve with handkerchief hemline. c 1981 Fits a contemporary 4 - 8 (cummerbund waist can be taken in depending on your size)

Zandra Rhodes exceptional black chiffon backless halter gown with corded round neck, zig zag collar and black jersey under slip. Signature pearl trim detail and iridescent applique. SOLD

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

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Stunning Dior Haute Couture

Every so often, we come across a dress that is, to invoke an overused cliché, priceless. This particular piece unites two of the most venerated figures of 20th century fashion: it was designed by a young Yves Mathieu Saint Laurent in his second haute couture collection for the house of Dior, Spring/Summer 1959. The artistry apparent in the garment's construction--intricate floral lace, elaborate bodice, layered skirt--is scarcely replicated today, even within the realm of haute couture. Patrons of Yves Saint Laurent or Christian Dior are certain to find this a formidable addition to any collection.





Christian Dior Haute Couture by Yves Saint Laurent Ivory Floral Lace Dress with Wide Ribbon Tie, P/E 1959. Extremely delicate, fits a size 2 to small 4. SOLD

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

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Emmys Mayhem, Part Deux

We're less than 20 days from the Emmy Awards, and we know that you still need a dress for the big show! At Decades, our top priority is to prevent this....

...from happening to you. After all, no one wants to step out in a dress that's already had its day in the spotlight--or worse, show up alongside Hollywood's starlet-du-jour in a fluffy "Who Wore It Best?" mini-feature. We think the next two dresses are the finest remedy to a fashion faux pas. The first, an iconic ruby red Norman Norell Mermaid gown, glitters in sequin-studded silk jersey with an open back. The second, a puce jersey Galanos halter dress, is eleganty draped from the bodice. Two great ways to shine on the red carpet!

Norman Norell Iconic Mermaid Gown in Ruby Red Sequins and Silk Jersey, c. 1960s. Fits a contemporary size 4 to 6. SOLD

James Galanos Puce Jersey Halter Dress, Draped From the Bodice, c. 1960s. Fits a contemporary size 4 to 6. SOLD

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The Los Angeles Times recently discovered what you, gentle reader, already know: Decades, along with contemporary clothing counterpart, Decadestwo, packs the perfect one-two punch for sexy, directional fashion finds! Rose Apodaca gives you way more information about your favorite little shop than you ever needed to know in this fabulous piece from Aug. 19th.

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Accessories Megapost!!

Husbands of the world, beware: Decades has just received trunkloads of the most stellar bags, belts, and baubles you ever did see! Poring through the stacks of rare and outrageous accessories has got us feeling a sugar high, something akin to a young child punch-drunk on Red Bulls and Twizzlers.

Leading off the festivities is an "It" bag if we ever did see one: a Judith Leiber black snakeskin oversize shoulder bag! Long before Marc Jacobs was a household name, Leiber was giving fashionable ladies chronic back pain with heavy gold chain handles like these. It's biker babe meets disco denizen (one of our favorite combinations).



Judith Leiber Black Snakeskin Oversize Disco Bag with Gold Studs and Heavy Chain Handles, c. 1980s. Measures 13½" by 9½" by 6". SOLD


Next, two fashionable Chanel bags in violet--a must-have color for Fall '07. The first is an oyster-shaped evening purse in flawless satin with a gold clasp and chain; it's also stitched with the iconic CC logo on the bottom. The second is a buttery quilted leather satchel with gold hardware and ornamental tassels (fans of this look should check out our red Chanel bucket bag, featured here).

Chanel Violet Pleated Satin "Oyster" Evening Purse with Gold Clasp and Chain, c. 1980s. Measures 8" by 6" by 3".

Chanel Violet Quilted Leather Drawstring Bag with Ornamental Tassels and Gold Chain, c. 1980s. Measures 8" by 7" by 8". SOLD

Finally, we present two decadent belts fit for a fashion warrior. The first is a Judith Leiber black suede number with an oversize gold-plated clasp that would look trés chic with some Lacroix (view here) or Dominique Aurientis costume jewelry (also available by request at Decades); the second is a patchwork belt in suede, rope, patent, and rhinestones with a distinctive arrowhead ornament.

Judith Leiber Black Suede Warrior Belt with Gold Ornamentation, c. 1980s SOLD

Anonymous Suede/Patent Black and Carmine Warrior Belt with Twisted Rope and Rhinestone Detail, c. 1970s SOLD

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

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