Long or Short?

It's a common dilemma, especially for women in Los Angeles... is that cocktail party formal enough to warrant a floor-length dress? Can you go short for that latest film premiere? Frankly, we think it's silly to ask yourself such questions when presented with these show-stopping numbers from Arnold Scaasi and Geoffrey Beene. The Scassi is a vision in black tulle with oversize bows and primary color polka-dots, playful enough to hold its own at a multitude of fashionable functions. The Beene sports a delicate floral lace pattern in black and ivory trim with an open back that's red-carpet ready. Oh, the possibilities!


Arnold Scaasi Clingy Black Tulle Gown with Velvet/Grosgrains Bows and Polka Dots, c. 1980s. Fits a contemporary size 4 to 6. SOLD


Geoffrey Beene Delicate Black and Ivory Lace Dress with Spaghetti Straps and Open Back, c. late 1980s. Marked a size 4, 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.

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Wishing for a Little Color in Your Life?

Ever had a dress you love so much, you wish you could have it in every color? Decades understands that it's an uphill battle, especially when you're talking vintage. But cry not! We have this outrageous Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche in two great colors: a ravishing fuchsia and and electric blue. Decades is like the fairy godmother(s) you never had!

Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche fuchsia tiered jersey halter dress, c. 1980s. Marked size 36; fits a contemporary size 4.

Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche electric blue tiered jersey halter dress, c. 1980s. Marked size 36; 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

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Nicole Rocks Out in Chanel

Nicole Richie stepped out in style last night carrying a double-sided quilted Chanel bag in fashionable cherry red! We've seen her tow it around town all summer, and it looks good with everything. Do we even need to tell you where she bought it?*


*(the answer: Decades)

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Gianni Versace Megapost!

It's been ten years since the tragic passing of Italian designer Gianni Versace. While his namesake label is beginning to attract accolades from editors once more, we think nothing can compare to the energy and raw sex appeal that made Gianni's own designs so unique. Pictured below are six iconic Versace dresses from the 1980s and 1990s--be sure to search our archive to see our full collection.

Gianni Versace Couture Billowy Checkerboard Bustier Dress with Floral Pattern, c. early 1990s. Marked size 42, fits a contemporary size 4 to 6. SOLD

Gianni Versace Couture Black Wool Cocktail Dress with Checkerboard Beading at the Bust, c. early 1990s. Fits a contemporary size 4 to 6. SOLD


Gianni Versace Couture Lilac Jersey Cocktail Dress with Medusa Emblem Straps, c. early 1990s. Marked size 6, fits a contemporary size 4 to 6.

Gianni Versace Couture Lime Jersey Shift Dress with Sheer Celestial Cutout Pattern, c. early 1990s. Fits a contemporary size 4 to 6.

Gianni Versace Couture Black Wool Scoop-Neck Minidress with Bubblegum/Chartreuse Panel, c. early 1990s. Fits a contemporary size 4 to 6. SOLD

Gianni Versace Couture Scarlet Wool One-Shoulder Dress with Green/Blue Color Block Detail, c. early 1990s. 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

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Emmys Countdown Begins with Loris Azzaro!

Ladies (and gentlemen?), start your engines! You have exactly 30 days to find the most dazzling Emmys gown in town. It's a daunting task, one that celebrities are only able to handle with an army of stylists at their sides. LA's fashion-savvy women have a secret weapon in their arsenal, though--it's Decades, the vintage couture boutique!

All this month, we'll be profiling gorgeous gowns appropriate for your red carpet arrival. The first two come from Loris Azzaro, a perennial favorite with the Decades set. The first is a slinky and seductive black jersey halter dress which plunges in the front as well as the back. It's trimmed with jeweled stones arranged to look like a ribbon (how adorable!). For the woman who wants the same look but with a splash of color, we present another Azzaro halter, this one in purple jersey with an intricately embroidered Grecian halter collar.


Loris Azzaro Gathered Black Jersey Halter Gown with Jeweled Border and Bow, c. late 1970s. Fits a contemporary size 6 to 8.

Loris Azzaro Purple Jersey Gown with Ruched Bodice and Ornately Embroidered Halter Collar, c. late 1970s. Fits a contemporary size 6.

As delectable as these vintage evening gowns are, we'd be remiss if we didn't encourage you to saunter on down to Neiman Marcus and check out the contemporary Azzaro collection by Vanessa Seward as well. Ms. Seward scours the house's archives for inspiration, turning up eveningwear so beautiful that Mr. Azzaro himself would be proud!

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

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BACK TO HAUTE COUTURE

We have posted some great Ready to Wear pieces the last few days, but here is a fine example of Christian Dior HAUTE COUTURE from P/E 1968, when Marc Bohan designed. This ecru gazar gown features gorgeous embroidered cap sleeves and bodice that continues the details to just around the hips. The close-up shots show the intricate embroidery of a cobweb pattern in silver metallic thread with overlays of crystals and gold embroidery. The details are extraordinary. The dress is fitted around the bust and arms but the skirt is fluid. At nearly forty years old, the dress seems entirely contemporary and year-round wearable. We even love it with a metallic flat, but finessed off with some Graaf diamond studs or a Buccellati cuff. It will match both yellow and white gold jewelry.

Christian Dior Haute Couture by Marc Bohan P/E ecru embroidered short sleeve gown. SOLD

(The gown was painstakingly hand cleaned by Brown's in Santa Monica but some intermittent spotting was impossible to remove. The gown remains entirely wearable, however). Contemporary US 4 (the top is fitted) but the skirt portion can fit someone less-narrow at the hips.

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

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Sporty Sexy Chic

Well, friends, the marvelous summer of 2007 is drawing to a close. It's been a good one for us. And while we're already feeling misty-eyed as the fall collections hit the racks, we're here to remind you that summer isn't over just yet! You still have two glorious weeks of fun in the sun to rock vintage kicks from master designer (and compulsive tanorexic) Karl Lagerfeld!

Perhaps you've been busy shopping for back-to-school clothes for the kids. Why not send them off with an early geometry lesson in Chloé? Both of these pieces date to Karl's tenure at the house, where he seems to have been fascinated by wavy lines, obtuse triangles, and grids of rectangular paneling. The first dress is feather-light in green silk, while the second--a sexy high-neck halter with plunging back--features an almost athletic viscose blend.


Chloé by Karl Lagerfeld Green Geometric Print Silk Summer Gown, c. late 1970s. Fits a contemporary size 4. SOLD

Chloé by Karl Lagerfeld Shades of Midnight Vicose Mesh Halter Dress, c. late 1970s. Marked size 38; fits a contemporary size 4.

Decades also found this chic Karl Lagerfeld creation from the 1980s to whisk you into fall. In navy silk plisse, it's a bit more appropriate for an autumn soiree; but with a halter neck and sheer leg panel, it's still got a touch of summer.

Karl Lagerfeld Midnight Silk Plisse Halter with Sheer Chiffon Leg Panel and Textured Striping, c. early 1980s. Marked size 40; fits a contemporary size 4 to 6.

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

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