DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF!

It is so hot in LA today. My eyes are watering and I feel constantly dehydrated.   Every stylist is coming into Decades to find an Emmy gown as they are on the 25th of August.  All we are thinking about is how do you look chic and sexy on the red carpet when it's 110 degrees in the shade?  Leave it to Valentino to solve the elegant actress dilemma: a statuesque column gown of white crepe with embroidered strap and goddess hip drape.  You can sweat in it and no one will know!  #Keepthechic on the red carpet and always wear Couture, baby.

-Cameron

Valentino Haute Couture ivory silk crepe draped evening gown with embroidered silk straps, from Spring of 1995. Modern size 2-4. 

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.

VALENTINO INSTANT GLAM

This strapless Valentino gown doesn't require huge amounts of platitudes to express how much we love it.  Isn't it quite obvious?  A strapless black silk and velvet classic glamorous evening gown with a beautiful sculptured bust line and fitted to the body with a flare at the lower hip.  It's going to be one of those dependable gowns in your wardrobe and made for all that jewelry you have been collection and receiving from your multitude of admirers. This dress could be from a multitude of decades so its just perfect for when you want something to wear that will be timeless, iconic, and instantly glamorous. 

 

Have a fantastic weekend everyone. 

-Cameron

 

Valentino black strapless silk satin evening gown with velvet trim, c.1980's. Modern size 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.

ZIG ZAG

When you don't want to wear a blouse, why not wear a Valentino Haute Couture fatto a mano paillette vest trimmed in silk satin?  I love that it's every shade of metallic so it matches everything and ideal under le smoking or solo with a pair of pants.  We've paired it with a pair of Alaia leggings and I say it works for me, too.  With all the award season parties going on this is a perfect eccentric addition to your wardrobe and not basic, boring, or black!

-Cameron

Valentino Haute Couture sequin vest, c. 1969. Modern size 4 to small 6. 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.

ALTA ROMA

Haute Couture is not the exclusive domain of the French.  The Romans had a very healthy Haute Couture industry famously fronted by Valentino, as well as, Tiziani, Capucci, Schuberth, the Fontana sisters, etc.  The tradition still exists and I will actually be attending the Alta Roma shows next month following the Parisian Couture shows.  Make sure you follow my Twitter and Instagram @CameronDecades for the latest from the runways of both Paris and Rome.  I will also be in London and Milan for the men's shows, too.  So I promise eye candy for all the sexes. 

Speaking of sexy, I wish you could feel this cranberry silk velvet Valentino Haute Couture scoop neck jumpsuit with coordinating jacket trimmed in organza.  The original owner became close with Valentino and Tiziani in the late 1960s while visiting her daughter who was attending boarding school in Rome.  This chic American woman would coordinate mommy-daughter time while getting outfitted for the season by these legendary Roman couturiers.  A jumpsuit is always in style and today the talents behind Valentino, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccoli, continue the Valentino legacy and actually did some fab jumpsuits in the current RTW collection.  I am such a fan of their work!  Have the best of both worlds:  wear modern Val accessories with this luxe vintage Couture jumpsuit.  You will be the height of chic. Now that's Alta Roma!

-Cameron

Valentino Haute Couture silk velvet jumpsuit and cropped jacket with organza trim, c. 1969.  Modern 4 to 6 SOLD
For additional information, please email eri@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

VALENTINO WRAPPED

Not all holiday dresses are supposed to be green or red. Black can be very exiting in a sea of color and make you stand out even more in this time of the year. Like this vintage Valentino cocktail dress which comes already wrapped like a precious gift. You can gift yourself away to the object of your desire or you can just look sexy and chic while you hop from one party to another. And now let the countdown begin for the best holidays ever. 

-Eri 

Valentino Boutique black velvet and satin cocktail dress, c.1970's. Marked size 4, will fit modern size 2. 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.

RED OR BLUE STATE?

Tomorrow I fly to Dallas for a book signing party and then fly on Wednesday to DC for our exciting Hu's Inaugural Ball Salon.  This dress would have been ideal to take to 1600 Pennsylvania but it just arrived which means any Inaugural Ball party hoping fashionista should snag our red Valentino evening dress directly from Decades and wear it with a blue shoes, white clutch, and gold jewels.  Actually kidding about the accessories as one needn't be too red, white, and blue, but you can never go wrong with a perfect Valentino red dress to show your proud stars and stripes.  Anyway, looking forward to seeing friends in Dallas and DC!  

-Cameron

 

Valentino Boutique red crepe jersey one shoulder gown, c. 1980's.  Marked size 6, 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.

ALTA MODA VERBOTEN

No one told me not to share pictures of the Dolce & Gabbana debut couture show in Taormina last week, but I did!  I got in a little trouble after photos I put on my Instagram went viral and a slew of fashion sites snagged them without my permission...so I took the pictures down ASAP.  But it pays to follow me if you want a sneak peak from the runways of the world.  The "Alta Moda" show was pure vintage D&G with tons of Sicilian references that blended Roman Catholicism with Anna Magnani and a touch of Scarlett O'Hara.  Although a lot of the collection was a bit too retro for my taste, I was drawn to several looks including this hand-embroidered cage jacket with gold sequins that is a bit reminiscent of Christian Dior bar jackets that I referenced in my earlier post. 

Today I seem to be wanting to recreate Haute Couture runway looks and this Valentino wool challis gathered blouse with elaborate embroidery is my "cheap and chic" version of the Alta Moda option.  We paired it with a pair of Chanel denim short-shorts to pay homage to the Alta Moda styling.  The bat sleeves may be serving an early 1980s reference but the ornate pattern is pure feast of Italian Rococo. 

In an effort to be fiscally responsible, consider this post a PSA for DIY Haute Couture. 

Saving you tens of thousands, with love,

Cameron

 

Valentino Boutique Rococo pullover in wool challis and ornate embroidery, c. 1980s.  Gathered waist to fit 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.

LOOKING GOOD, GOOD LOOKING!

*image courtesy of style.com

Well, well, well . . . guess who got snapped on the carpet at the Valentino party?

As we all know, prints are H.U.G.E. for Spring 2012 and while this trend seems an easy mark for the ladies (Floral printed frocks, anyone? And speaking of Mary Katranzou . . .), Gents can pick patterns too. However, instead of going head-to-toe with a rose printed three-piece, you might want to keep it simple and chic with a bright printed tie or other accessory against casual and neutral pieces. See Cameron Silver's gold-winning ensemble above for outfit inspo. Case in print, I mean, point.

--Lizzy

OH OSCAH . . .

Here in Hollywood, Tinseltown literally looses it's last mind when it comes to the the Academy Awards; grown people turn into children all hopped up on sugar and ripping down the stairs to open Santa's presents like it's Christmas and there is definitely a pony under the tree. Heck, most people get all dolled up just to watch the 73 hour event on the telly, never mind those who actually attend the show, get nominated or walk with a naked gold dude sans parts, (a kin to Ken perhaps).

Come Oscar night, the hills and haute hotspots are aglow with revelers in their Sunday finery - more parties are kicked off, champagne sipped, toasts made, hands hive-fived and if you're lucky enough to roll through the Governors Ball, chocolates nibbled at Wolfgang Puck's chocolate buffet. Chocolate coffee, chocolate toffee . . . Oy. I die.

So, if you don't live under a rock, chances are this Sunday's plans have been on lock for a sweet minute or two. Me, I don't have a TV nor the patience to sit though 62 montages. That said, my beloved and I have rsvp'd in the affirmative to a few fetes here in town and as far I'm concerned, the only portion of the show I care to see is the pre-show arrivals. Checking out who's wearing what and of course, digging out the final looks of the lovely ladies we've dressed is an absolute gas.

But once Billy Crystal takes the mike to say Bonjour 84, meh. I'm just hoping once the clock strikes 4p PST, that's there's a chocolate buffet in my immediate vicinity. I've already picked out my ensemble for the night and it involves some vintage YSL. However, I realize some of you may have put off picking out your outfit. Feeling a bit stressed about last-minute prep and dressing? Don't worry girlfriend, I got you. Today's Tuesday Ten at Ten features pieces that guarantee a mention on anyone's best-dressed list. I'm talking Gucci gowns, Cavalli kicks, Valentino evening bags and the ultimate in red carpet bling, why Miriam Haskell for Decades jewelry. Sadly, the little naked gold homie isn't included in the collection. Not that we didn't try.

--Lizzy

GOING GAGA FOR GAGA

Ok, ok . . . it's not like we're suggesting that you run out and buy a dress made out of meat or anything like that.

But, with Valentine's Day right around the corner, it doesn't hurt to snag a play or two out of Lady Gaga's fashion diaries. And again, it's not like we're suggesting that you rock a leather bathing suit to dinner at Gjelina either. But, you've got to admit Gaga's got something. After all, Thierry Mugler did tap mini-Madge to strut her stuff down his runway and if Mugler's on your team, then we're betting our bottom dollar on ya.

Though we can't quite put our finger on what we love so much about Gaga--maybe it's her fearless fashion sense or the way that she favors mostly black body-con clothing or maybe it's the way she injects humor into her sartorial sensibility--all we're saying is, why not rock a little Leger number or a fab Ferre frock on February 14th and bring the sexy back?

Wanna get Gaga's look? Here's a sample of pieces we pulled that evoke the precocious pop star.

Vintage Gianfranco Ferre black knit dress with golden metal bar cuffs.

Vintage Claude Montana asymmetrical black skirt with mesh hem.

Raphael Young black suede and gold crackle leather platform boots.

Valentino black leather rosette handbag.

DECADES DAILY FASHION FACT: FEBRUARY 7

It goes without saying that design is influenced not just by those who create it and those who wear it but by those who manufacture the fantasy of fashion. We're talking of course, about the visionaries who through shooting, styling and scribing, create mood, tone, and aesthetic morés; oftentimes new and evocative worlds of image and dress.

Deborah Turbeville is one of those seminal taste-makers. So, when we read today on style.com that Turbeville is releasing a tome of her inimitable images on Rizzoli, Deborah Turbeville: The Fashion Pictures, we were filled with glee.


Turbeville has had an impact on fashion since her first foray into the industry when she was a fit model for seminal American designer, Claire McCardell. McCardell wound up letting Turbeville go as a human hanger because she wanted Turbeville to serve as her assistant. Turbeville's turn behind-the-scenes at McCardell's lead to a styling position at Harper's Bazaar in the early 60s, where she edited, styled and ran around with photographer Bob Richardson. The two's jaunts are still legendary - of course, they were arrested in Texas.


Sadly, the Texas incident lead to Turbeville's dismissal from Bazaar. After leaving the magazine, Turbeville worked with iconic photographers such as Diane Arbus and Richard Avedon before someone suggested that she pick up a camera and start shooting herself.


Which she did. While styling at Mademoiselle, with encouragement from Avedon, Turbeville was able to shoot her sittings for the magazine. Using a Pentax with soft-focus lens, Turbeville developed the jolie-laide style for which she is now renowned. Her images, often haunting, showcase what fashion usually shies away from: the blemishes of the image, an off crop, grainy slightly out-of-focus exposures, color bleeds, scratches, rough-hewn edging, perfect imperfection.


Now on the other side of the camera, Turbeville was able to work with the great stylists of the industry, famously collaborating often with Polly Mellen. Lucky for us, Turbeville continues to work today. Below is a recent campaign for Valentino.


Are you going gaga over Turbeville's work? The Valentino pictures make us want to do nothing but drape ourselves in delicate dresses from the Italian designer's house and wander aimlessly through the moor. Are you having a similar impulse? Well . . .


Shop vintage Valentino here and . . .


. . . modern Valentino here. Now, all we need is that moor. Topanga may have to suffice.

*Deborah Turbeville's images courtesy of style.com; be sure to read style.com's compelling and in-depth interview with Turbeville as she recollects anecdotes from her fashion career and discusses the images above.

VICTORY

What's everyone doing for NYE? I am headed to NYC for the final performance of the Merce Cunningham Company. It should be amazing and a very emotional evening, especially for the spectacular dancers. There will be a performance followed by a party to ring in the new year. What could be more chic to wear to this "alternative black tie" dress code affair than sporting a vintage Valentino halter jumpsuit in wool crepe with an equally sexy front and back? It's totally black tie, but it is certainly alternative and I did the strass V at bottom of the decollete as well as the wide cuff of the pants. Perfect with a pair of stacked heels and a chinchilla chubby, who knows if I will see someone in the elite audience wearing this on Saturday, but if I do, expect a bevy of compliments...the first will be from yours truly.
-Cameron

Miss V Valentino jumpsuit in black crepe with crystal detail, c. 1990's. Marked size 6., modern size 6SOLD

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.

BACK IT UP

The biggest fashion statement at the Golden Globes wasn't what you saw head-on, but rather what you saw when the star turned around and exposed her bare back. In particular, Anne Hathaway's dramatic Prive gown revealed a racy back when she turned around and that made me think of our selections that have a demure front but a plunging back. I love the look.

This ivory Valentino gown has a clean long shift silhouette with intricate embroidered straps (the straps actually look celestial with their delicate silver embroidery and pearl applique) that meet and twist just below the neck to unveil the exposed back. There are two back slits on each side of the skirt portion of the dress that a) make this dress easy to walk in, and b) continue the notion that leaving a room is just as exciting as entering it. This could be an amazing dress for a bride. Who wouldn't want to get married in vintage Valentino...especially a Valentino that looks gorgeous from every angle, just like a bride should look on her big day!



Valentino Boutique white crepe column gown with celestial embroidered straps, c early 1980s. Marked size 8, modern size 4 to 6 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

WINTER WONDERLAND

The white evening gown is a favorite at Decades. Celebrities love the command white has on a red carpet. Socials love a white gown for a winter ball like this past Saturday's Winter Wonderland Gala at the Botanical Garden in the Bronx. And of course we love our cool brides who come to Decades for a special vintage gown on the most memorable day of their romantic life.

Can one garment fill the wishes of all three of the different women above? Yes, it can! This Valentino Haute Couture one shoulder gown has an elaborate nude embroidered one shoulder top that connects to a rich white silk crepe de chine wrap skirt bottom with bow belt that may be positioned in a myriad of ways (front center/hip/back). To own a piece by the Maestro of Italian Fashion, The Last Emperor of Haute Couture, the legendary Valentino Garavani is to own something that no longer exists. Valentino retired in 2007, but the label carries on to great success by Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli, who design both ready to wear and Haute Couture at Valentino today. This is a true piece of fashion history that turns a woman into a movie star/social icon/and beautiful bride just by slipping this concoction over her body. Ah, the magic of Couture and the magic of Decades.


Valentino Haute Couture one shoulder embroidered gown with silk crepe de chine bottom, c. 1980s. Modern 4 to narrow 6 (the top embroidered half is closer to a 4, the bottom is more flexible to fit a true 6). 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.

BLACK AND WHITE PARTY

It will happen in your lifetime and it won't ever be as great as Truman Capote's legendary black and white ball of 1966. Regardless, you will be invited to a black and white themed fete at some point in your fashionable life and we have your back!

This Valentino Night black and white silk organza gown reminds us of a 1930s evening dress with it's fluttering layers of fabric. The slim straps reveal a sexy open back. The bust is fitted and the skirt has volume that begs for a twirl around the ballroom's dance floor. It may not be Truman Capote's party, but you will be dressed the part and just imagine that your companions are Frank Sinatra, Norman Mailer, and Lee Radziwill.

Valentino Night black and white organza tiered evening dress, c. 1980s. Marked size 6, modern narrow size 4SOLD

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.