FUR REAL, GURLFRIEND

I don't know about you guys, but I'm kind of sick about hearing the qualifier "fashion must-have" next to something I need like a hole in my head, say a cropped neon pink fur and feather jumpsuit or orange vinyl leggings or for that matter any kind of jegging. Sigh. Remember when jeans were jeans and leggings were leggings?

Not that there's anything wrong with wanting to wear a fuschia and chartreuse sweatshirt that zips up into a hooded face mask with a cobalt lucite harness. It's just that those types of things are not essential. Believe me. You will get way more mileage out of a classic trench, a white button down, and/or a grey cardigan hand knit in the softest cashmere than a hat made out of crustaceans.

But I will say that the crazy kinds of clothes--the ones that might have Anna Dello Russo's approval--those are the things that make fashion fun. If you can't infuse humor into your dressing, you're not going to have a good time when you get out of the shower and stand in front of your closet. Fashion has an amazing ability: the potential to transform. And it does that through the fantasy it can offer, as well as the reality it provides. After all, you do need clothes. I mean, you might get busted for wearing your birthday suit to the bank, depending on where you live.

So, I'm not going to waste your time by trying to explain why you need an Hermès mink blanket. But what I am going to do is suggest, that in addition to evoking glamour and luxury, this baby will definitely lend itself to building a little fantasy in your home life. Think about stretching out over this baby at the end of a hard day, the delicious juxtaposition of folding it over your case-study couch, heck, why not even call your mate and tell them you two are up for a round of playing Ski-Lodge in the Alps" while kicking it fireside one cozy winter eve? I suggest wearing a pair of lederhosen and not much else. Now, that's a fashion fantasy, girlfriend.

--Lizzy

YSL Russian Collection coat 1976

With the Ballet Russes Collection of 1976 for fall and winter, Yves Saint Laurent revolitionized the fashion industry in one fell swoop. It was no longer a staid and traditional presentation of couture clothing on glamorous models to potential buyers, but an extravaganza, a production, a full bells and whistles show. It was a break from the norm and a commencement of a standard to be copied and heightened.

YSL Russian Colletion 1976 Saga mink coat. Detailed with three rope closures. Contemporary size 4-6. SOLD

For further information or to purchase please contact alexander@decadesinc.com

YSL Haute Couture coat

In recent days I have come to realize a truth within fashion. As I have heard many times, it is not about shopping ad nauseum in each season for looks that will last no more than three months and exhaust your shopping potential. It is far more important to find pieces that you both truly adore and that you will be able to not only cherish for ever but also wear for ever.

This is not to say that buying clothing is ever an investment. That would be akin to saying buying cars is an investment, it just is not so. But what it does mean is that you will have a collection of pieces worth every penny you spend originally and the joy you will get every time you wear it. On that note, i think this coat not only plays into the moment, the current desire of comfort in fashion, but it also is a great standard of dress for a true Lady. It is at once stylish and fashion forward but never tired. A simple task that so often goes awry when the check book is in the wrong hands.

YSL Haute Couture, early 90s, Anthracite velour jacket. In the style of a throw-on wrap coat but made sublime with rare Emba mink trim on the cuff, shawl collar and hem. Belted at the waist adding a touch of sophistication. Contemporary size 4-6. SOLD

for further information or to purchase please contact alexander@decadesinc.com