INNER SHOWGIRL

Marc Jacobs bid Louis Vuitton adieu with a dramatic collection of showgirl and flapper goth dresses with bugle bead, crystals, and jet beads aplenty.  This was the collection for the showgirl in every woman...or man.  The authentic 1920s flapper dress below was previously owned by a 92 year old woman who now lives in Montecito.  She purchased in the 1950s while living in Chicago and wore it on many glamorous occasions.  How cool that this fashionista embraced vintage in the 1950s?   This effortless sheath of decadent handiwork is the time of garment that nearly 100 years since it was first made, remains relevant and inspirational in the 2013.  Get your glam on and find your inner showgirl.

-Cameron

1920’s anonymous flapper beaded dress on black chiffon, Modern size 4 to 8.  SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.

THE GOLDEN DRESS

If you have been watching Dukes of Melrose on Bravo you might have noticed Cameron shopping for vintage couture and purchasing an Anonymous gold sequin gown. The dress quickly found a home with the beautiful and talented actress Meg Tilly which she rocked it soon after on the red carpet. Because Cameron loves a show stopping dress, he managed to find a very similar one a few weeks ago. The dress below is from the same period, constructed in the same way, bias cut with gold sequins all over and a matching belt. We at Decades believe that every woman deserves to feel like a golden statue. And what better an options than this. 

-Eri 

Anonymous gold sequins gown with belt, c. 1930's. Will fit size 2 to 4. SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.

SHEER MADNESS

It is true that a sheer dress can be a bit off putting as it is hard to figure out how to wear it.  But it is actually easy and there are many ways you can make a great outfit with just this one dress. You can wear it with a slip, a black bra and black high waisted biker shorts, over a bathing suit, or over nice lingerie serving dinner to your lover at home. The sheer chiffon trend was  all over the runways this season and the 30's madness continues as we await Downton Abbey's season 4. This is the dress Lady Mary would wear to seduce her husband number two. And for those heading to Coachella 2013 this spring, wearing this dress over denim shorts will make you stand out in the sea of suede boots, feather hats and fringe. 

-Eri 

Anonymous 30's black sheer chiffon dress with printed collar and belt.  Modern size 4 to 6.

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.

WE ALL HAVE A LIL BOHO IN US

The new sexy is not to look sexy.  Call that an oxymoron, but Pier Paolo and Maria Grazia have beautifully given women the confidence at Valentino that covered and prissy can be very seductive...just as much as letting it all hang out!  This 70s dress could have been featured on a recent Valentino runway, but you won't be able to find it anywhere except Decades. A black silk floral print beautifully made with a fine silk chiffon lining and honey-comb pleated skirt and black silk sash, turn around and the rear keyhole is a nice suprising touch.  We have no idea who made it but sometimes it's good to add a little mystery into you life as that's very sexy!

-Cameron 

    

                                                

Anonymous printed silk jersey boho dress, c. 1970's.  Will fit a modern size 2 to a small 6. SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesincMelrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.

WHAT IT FEELS LIKE FOR A GIRL

I have been living out of a suitcase for the past five weeks going from fashion week to fashion week while promoting my book.  Basically my life consists of packing and unpacking while saving on hotel laundry bills by hand washing my unmentionables in the bathroom sink!  Sometimes I truly envy the ease of a woman's wardrobe as is demonstrated by this Anonymous custom purple chiffon draped goddess gown.  When I travel and know a black tie is imminent, I have to pack my tux, pleated shirt, cufflinks, socks, evening slipper, bow tie, pocket square, and cape (oh yes, I do wear a cape).  A gorgeous woman need only this gown and a pair of heels to look spectacular.  The dress can easily fit in a carry on.  She can top the dress with anything from a black slim tux jacket to a chinchilla and accessorize with subtle or bold bijoux.  Plus you get to carry a minaudière.  Us dudes rarely have enough pocket space for our phone, wallet, mints, and cash, so now I carry a man bag, too.  My word, it seems like an entire suitcase is devoted to one night.  Luck be a lady tonight, a little draped chiffon and you don't even have to wear undies!  Sorry, I simply can't go commando in a tux!

-Cameron

Anonymous Purple strapless custom French goddess gown c.1980's. Modern 6-8.

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.

WTF AND LOVE

I love to buy things that make me question "why am I buying this?"  This may seem totally impractical, but I am drawn to things that confront and confuse me.  Those are the types of objects that make us progress creatively. This Anonymous possum vest is a WTF fabulous example of something that may not have an exact position in your closet at time of purchase, but will suddenly inspire you.  I actually would love to to see it worn a little rock 'n roll: ribbed tank and leather leggings with super angry heels.  How would you style this and how would you describe it?  Yes, it's weird and wacky and totally fabulous.

-Cameron

WTF possum fur vest brown (no label) size 2 (very small armhole), c., who knows! SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.

A FRENZIED SONG OF AMOROUS THINGS

By now you might have bought or heard of Cameron Silver's book Decades; A Century of Fashion available at amazon.com and shopdecades.com for a signed copy. 

As every decade of the last century is covered by a specific chapter with photos and descriptions of what made a decade memorable, the It girl, and the influential designers. Here is an excerpt from 1910's as told by Cameron Silver; "Lucile, a.k.a. Lady Duff Gordon, a.k.a. Lucy Sutherland, is often credited with designing the world's first brassiere, but she was also responsible for bringing the intimacy, delicacy and intricate handwork of lingerie to street clothes, pioneering the concept of underwear as outerwear. Lucile named every dress she created after what had inspired them. Among these "gowns of emotions"  were confections called "The Sighing Sound of Lips Unsatisfied" and "A Frenzied Song of Amorous Things." With gowns that were both closely fitted and demure like this one below, women in 1910's cut an intriguing figure." 

This anonymous gown, in perfect condition after over 100 years, not only is part of the history of fashion, but it has not lost its charm or fascination to this day. 

The ethereal easy going vibe and ivory shade in a wrap around style seems and feel unstructured, even though a light weight corset is built in with a slip that prevent the leg from showing but hints at all the possibilities. 

-Eri 

Anonymous ivory satin silk and beaded gown, c.1910's. Modern size 4-6. 

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.

THE ROARING TWENTIES

No decade captures my imagination quite like the roaring twenties, the fur coats, the bobs, the beaded dresses, and of course the jazz and champagne in bars that kept going till the wee hours of the morning. And then during winter, there was the French Riviera, where all the rich and famous sipped tea under mimosa trees and the riviera style was born. Zelda Fitzgerald was a fixture in that scene and was undoubtedly the very definition of the modern flapper girl. She lounged around during the day in lace-trimmed sheer chiffon dresses and at night no self-respected flapper girl would leave the house unless gracefully draped in a heavy beaded lace art deco evening dress. Both these options are perfect for recreating that style whether you are attending a twenties theme party or just simply feeling as fizzy as a champagne cocktail. 

-Eri 

Anonymous chiffon blue dress with nude lace trim and belt, c. 1920's. Modern size 4 to 8. 
Anonymous art deco beaded chiffon evening dress in black, c. 1920's. Modern size 4. 

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.

WHEN YOU HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR

Do you ever have those moments in your closet when you think you have nothing to wear?  Of course this is a rhetorical question because when you are a Decades shopper, you have built up a wardrobe of staples and eccentricities; flashy ensembles and clothes to wear in an audience with the Pope; 11th hour black tie gowns and chic day looks.  We keep you dressed 24-7.  With runways filled with 1920s influences as well as Downton Abbey references, I love the idea of just throwing on a 1920s robe when you just don't know what to wear.  This apricot burnout velvet robe with scallop cuffs on the sleeve and satin trim, it the perfect answer when you just can't make a decision.  It will work over a tank and jeans or shorts and a shell.  Throw it over a drop waist dress for a more retro look.  Entertain at home with the robe and a slip for the perfect pajama party look.  As a garment that is nearly 100 years old, there are some stresses in the fabric, but that can be expected when you are wearing history and going to be history in the making, too.

-Cameron

Peach burn out velvet robe, c. 1920s.  One size SOLD
For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.

SECOND SKIN

Very 70's retro reminiscent of an Ossie Clark design, this Anonymous 30's silk chiffon bias cut floral print dress with no slip will make the wearer sensuous and sinous. 

This special piece is made of strips of silk chiffon sewn together creating a fluid dress made of a singular cape-like ruffled collar. Beautiful, easy and rare, put this on and let your hair down.

-Eri 

Anonymous bias cut chiffon floral printed dress, c.1930's. Modern size 2 to 4. SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.

CAMERON SILVER PACKS FOR THE FRENCH RIVIERA

There is no doubt that Cameron Silver has a fabulous life. After his smashing appearance at the Met Ball, he is en route to Cannes to attend the premiere of Versailles '73 - An American Runway Revolution by filmmaker Deborah Riley Draper, that celebrates the victory of American Fashion in France in 1973 in an iconic fashion face off at Versailles. Narrated by Cameron Silver, the documentary tells the story of what was to be a fundraiser to restore Versailles that turned into a competition between French Haute Couture and American Ready to Wear. Americans won.

 "This is an important film," says Cameron, "not only because it's the story of American designers getting international attention for the first time and kicking ass over the French. But it also has important political overtones, because this show actually broke the color barrier on the runways."

And to celebrate American fashion and the French city by the sea here are some nautical inspired options. Get your hands on these fun inspiring pieces and head for the sea. 

-Eri

Normal Norell sailor in red with white collar and blue tie with belt, c. 1960's. Modern size 4 SOLD

Anonymous sailor top in navy, c. 1950's. Modern size 4 to 6. SOLD

Norman Norell sailor dress in navy with white collar and belt, c. 1960's. Modern size 4. SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.

KATE MOSS SHAKES AND BAKES

She is still undecided which of her many vintage John Galliano pieces will getting airing over the holidays, but some things are already certain for Kate Moss and her holiday plans this year at her home in the Cotswolds. Contrary to her ever-thin never-eats image the opposite is the truth and not only does Kate eat she loves to cook—she makes a delicious Shepard’s Pie--and to entertain at home. She also is said to be getting into the wine business having bought husband Jamie Hince a vineyard in France for their wedding present.

Kate Moss’s holiday to-do list includes:

--Making preserves, jams and chutneys to give as gifts to friends.

--With ingredients from her country garden, making bars of soap to also give as gifts.

--Organizing a small pre-Christmas black-tie dance and supper on the evening of December 17^th. The party coincides with the season finale of Kate’s favorite television show, “Strictly Come Dancing,” the British version of “Dancing with the Stars.”

Why don’t you give a small dance at home? Who will you invite? What will you wear? Here is one suggestion from us. This 60's nude silk chiffon, vermicelli pattern in short silver bugle beads, narrow beaded shoulder straps with matching belt, built-in underwire bra for that perfect fit with nude silk jersey lining.

-William

Anonymous beaded evening gown, c.1960's. Modern size 4. SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-0223. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 1/2 Melrose Avenue (2nd Floor) at Harper Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting, so may offer you a high level of personal service.