A BROOCH IS NOT A THING OF THE PAST

We understand that for many women wearing a brooch is a thing of the past, memories of your grandma or Madeleine Albright might scare you away from owning a brooch or pin. But do not be afraid. There are other ways to wear a brooch other than pinned on your lapel. Wear them to fasten your scarf, use it as a hair pin, or pile them up on your favorite chunky sweater. These amazing vintage pieces from Chanel would look striking together on a fitted wool dress or use the pin as a closure to a cardigan or low cut blouse. The Lacroix heart and cross should be fastened on your favorite hat and not only on Christmas!

-Eri 

Chanel brooch with gripoix stones in red and green, c. 1980's. 
Chanel brooch with gripoix stones in red and green, pearls and crystals, c. 1980's. 
Chanel pin with gripoix stones in red and blue, pearls and crystals, c.1980's SOLD
Christian Lacroix pin with cross and heart marked Christmas 1989. 

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. 

WHAT TO WEAR TO MEET THE POPE

Who doesn't love a little mystery in their life or closet?  The Chanel Creations label is neither Coco Chanel or Karl Lagerfeld.  It represents a period when Chanel was designed anonymously prior to Karl's triumphant debut in 1983.  The label was considered dead before Kaiser Karl worked his magic, but perfectly classic product was produced and this red coat and gift-with-purchase skirt is unworn. Originally purchased at Bullock's Wilshire, considering inflation, it retailed for nearly $8000 in the late 1970s (we have the original price tag).  Although the Chanel label may have not been reignited at time of design, it still carried a hefty price tag. 

Rumors have swirled about who designed Chanel between Coco and Karl and I don't have an answer.  However, I can confirm for the ultimate in classic, timeless Chanel, this is an ideal investment.  As I often remind my friends, one never knows when an invitation to meet the Pope may be received and a classic Chanel suit the ultimate in classic, timeless and appropriate attire.

-Cameron

Chanel Creations unworn red boucle classic day coat and skirt, c. late 1970s.  Marked size 8,  modern 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.

LITTLE BLACK DRESS: THE UNIFORM OF WOMEN OF TASTE

The story of the little black dress starting form the 20's courtesy of Coco Chanel and remaining a stable uniform of all chic women through Decades, is not going away. These four wonderful dresses remind us that when a black dress is just right there is nothing else to wear in its place. From Christian Dior to Gianni Versace, from Norman Norell to of course Chanel these four options will freshen up your wardrobe and remain classics at the same time. Try wearing these with flats for a more relaxed and updated look. 

-Eri 

Christian Dior wool crepe dress with satin black bow belt, c.1960's. Modern size 4.

Chanel silk pleated dress with black gold logo button, c.1970's. Modern size 6. 

Norman Norell wool dress with side pockets, c. 1960's. Modern size 6. 

Gianni Versace silk jersey dress, c. 1990's. Modern size 6 to 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.

COCO’S SEAL OF APPROVAL

She famously said that elegance is in the lines. Coco Chanel was a passionate fan of the horses and was seen often at the races. She paid attention at the lines of the quilted jackets of the men working the stables and that became and inspiration for Chanel who appreciated the graphic and the flexibility of the fabric. And so the quilted handbag was born first in jersey and then in leather. In this photo Coco Chanel, wearing the bag in jersey is photographed in the 50’s at the races. We have the same bag from an equally elegant woman from Washington DC who at the time would take several trips to Paris to shop mostly Chanel and Hermes. Chic women understand other chic woman and what a better advise on what to buy when Coco Chanel has personally approved. 

-Eri

Chanel jersey quilted bag with gold chain and red lining, c.1950’s. It measures 10’x7’x2.5’. 
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.

BIG IS BEAUTIFUL

This year was all about the come back of big earrings. As seen on all major runways they came in many styles, from chandeliers at Balmain to Byzantine inspired at Dolce and Gabbana. but one house remains as the number one to-go-to for costume jewelry and especially big earrings; Chanel. These vintage chandelier earrings with pearls and Gripoix multicolor stones set on gold baroque style pendants, make it clear that when it comes to jewelry big is beautiful. 

-Eri 

Chanel chandelier earrings, c. 1970"s.  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 BLING RING

Coco Chanel famously declared that before you leave the house take one piece of jewelry off. She may have been right but the opposite works as well. If you pile up lots of pieces that you love, they will find harmony and make a statement. Play up your face this fall with oversized jewelry to bring the attention where it is needed. With collector pieces like these from Chanel to Eisenberg, you can never go wrong. 

-Eri 

Gripoix flower pin in purple and green glass stone, c.1980's. 

Kenneth Jay Lane KJL brooch with glass stones, c. 1980's. 

Chanel pin with Gripoix stones, 1993. 

Eisenberg peacock pin sterling silver with purple Swarovski stone, c.1940's. 

Eisenberg peacock pin sterling silver with blue Swarovski stone, c. 1940's. 

Karl Lagerfeld flower pin with pearl trim, c.1980's. 

Chanel charm belt, 1993. Length 29". 

Chanel chain and leather belt, c.1990's. Length 34". 

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.

FOR THE MAHARAJAH

Maharajahs famously rode on elephants in elaborate processions in India decked in jewels.  This Chanel dress would not be appropriate for such a grand road trip, but the whimsical elephant print on navy silk and crown gilt buttons makes for a very chic chemise dress with cap sleeves and stylish skirt that is enhanced with a second layer of silk like a reverse apron. This can be worn rather sexy if you leave some buttons undone.  Just don't lose those buttons!

-Cameron

Chanel elephant print silk dress, c. 1980's. Marked size 40.   Modern 6 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.

CHANEL GANG

Everywoman wants a Chanel bag. From the simple 2.55 to the new Maxi, the quilted Chanel bag with a chain strap is the one designer bag that never, ever goes out of style. Everyone has tried to imitate it or fake it, but there is something so chic and cool about a simple Chanel bag that can not be duplicated. If you don't have a Chanel bag yet, get your own favorite from this new bunch. Perfect way to start your collection. 

-Eri 

1. Chanel quilted leather shoulder bag in black, c.1980's.  
9 x 11 x 3 SOLD
2. Chanel quilted leather shoulder bag in white, c.1970's. SOLD
7.5 x 9.5 x 2.5
3. Chanel quilted leather shoulder bag in brown, c.1970's.  
8.5 x 11 x 3
4. Chanel quilted leather shoulder bag in black, c.1980's. SOLD
5 x 8.5 x 2.5
5. Chanel quilted leather stitched "CC" shoulder bag in black, c. 1980's. SOLD
7 x 9 x 2.5 

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.