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.

DON'T WEAR A COSTUME, WEAR THE REAL THING

The MET gala is not the only fashion hype these days, with The Great Gatsby hitting theatres on May 10, and a spectacular New York premiere, the twenties are back. Not that they ever left, the fashion world has always been inspired and amused by this decade's awesome dresses and accessories. With over the top feathers, beads, sequins in shift easy silhouettes, the champagne filled parties and the jazz, the twenties were definitely the most glamourous of decades. There will be many parties with a 20's theme and you will be wondering what to wear. As Tommy Hilfiger said last night at The Great Gatsby premiere: "to avoid looking costumey, you've got to wear the real thing, wear vintage". Wise words from someone who knows. This flapper dress comes from The House of Adair, which in the twenties made flapper dresses for North America. Based in Paris, The House of Adair made each dress different from the other, when you wore Adair you wore a one of a kind. The art deco detail in this dress is exquisite. With a Prada t-strap slingback sandal you will be the best dressed guest. 

-Eri 

House of Adair flapper dress, c. 1920's. Will fit 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.

THE BEST FLAPPER DRESS EVER

I don't need to get too descriptive other than confirm that this is the best authentic Deco flapper dress I have seen at Decades in the fifteen long years since we have been making you look sexy.  Sexy this is: a deep plunge of black bugle beads trimmed in crytal "glitzy" strass.  The more daring of you can lose the modesty chiffon panel across the bust and dance the Charleston or whatever the kids are doing these days all night long.

-Cameron

Anonymous black beaded flapper dress with rhinestone bands and chiffon inserts, c. 1928. Modern size 4-8. 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 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.

WTF WITH DOWNTON ABBEY

We keep picking up 1920s pieces since a Deco trend has certainly been evidenced on the runways and Downton Abbey is moving into the 1920s next season, also.  Flapper dresses are always divine, but sometimes a "remnant" from the past can pay homage to the Roaring 20s without going head-to-toe.  Certainly many of the authentic 1920s pieces were augmented over the nearly one hundred years since they were created.  I can't for certain guarantee what this wrap blouse looked like this its original configuration.  Perhaps it was part of a dress?  Regardless, I am a firm believer in eccentric editions to a wardrobe and this could be worn with double tape a la J Lo to cover your boobies.  Alternatively, this could be great worn with a ribbed tank and a pair of jeans for a casual nonchalant look.  I depend on those weird (often impulsive) purchases in my closet because when I really feel I have nothing cool or fresh to wear, it's those "WTF" pieces that suddenly inspire me and will inspire you, too.  As a matter of fact, I bought a red velvet waist length cape today from the 1960s.  WTF?  Wait till you see how it will inspire some wacky ensemble during fashion week!

-Cameron

 

Anonymous Deco beaded wrap blouse, c. 1920s.  Adjustable 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.

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.

POIRET LE MAGNIFIQUE

Paul Poiret was the oracle of la mode in 1910's and in Paris he was known as simply Le Magnifique. His creations were desired by the most stylish ladies of that decade like Josephine Baker and La Marchesa Casati. Influenced by traditional Arabian dress, Poiret helped to free women from the constraints of the corset, focusing on draping and a simple empire waist shape. Referencing orientalism especially Ballets Russes production of  Schéhérazade he created iconic silhouettes such as the harem pantaloons in 1911 and the lampshade tunic in 1913. Poiret died in poverty, he had rejected modernism and by the time the World War I had ended fashion was overshadowed by utility and function. However by freeing women of corsets and the restrained silhouettes of the Belle Epoque, he was undoubtedly fashion's first great modernist. 

This stunning piece created in 1925 is in great condition, a rare find and a very important piece in fashion history. Besides you can actually wear it in one of many The Great Gatsby inspired parties that you are about to be invited this winter. 

-Eri 

Paul Poiret multi-colored fish tail sequin dress. c.1925'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.

Flawless Flapper Fashion

The idea of a flapper dress is always appealing, but often they are not very body conscious or are too trapeze. This one is from the 1920s, of course, purchased in the United Kingdom, in a divine sky blue chiffon with crystal pattern embroidery AND it's sexy and modern in its cut. The condition is sublime...
Anonymous Sky Blue flapper dress modern size 4. SOLD

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PURCHASE EMAIL BLOG@DECADESINC.COM OR PHONE 323 655 0223