Friday, July 31, 2009

LA VIE EN ROSE ET VERT ET BLEU ET JEUNE . . .

Say bye bye to boring mud colored clothes and adios to earth tones all together! Seasoned stylists, Oprah favorites and the genius behind the company Visaul Therapy, Jesse Garza and Joe Lupo will be at Decadestwo to sign their new book, Life In Color, and demonstrate using their tried and tested techniques how every woman need not be afraid of color! Garza and Lupo will be celebrating the bright side of life by giving guests their own personalized colortype consultations. Garza and Lupo will also remerchandise Decadestwo into the different color facets that the book outlines to showcase the different color stories per color and style type. As always, cocktails and nibbles will be provided.

To attend the event, please respond to: rsvp@decadestwo.com

Thursday, July 30, 2009

It IS easy bein' green . . .

Not to toot our own horns or anything, but if you really think about it, we've been ahead of the green curve for years. Ever since our inception, we've been showing ladies how do it gracefully and greenfully without waste or want in accordance with our motto: hunt, gather, recycle. Think of us like green pioneers, with better fashion. So, obviously, we were thrilled to bits when our dear friend and favorite eco-conscious chef, Katie Chin, invited us to set up a fashion installation at her lastest happening tonight! Chin has teamed up with Valucine, Italy's top high-end and sustainable kitchen design company, to showcase earth-friendly designs with outta this word style. Chin will also be on hand to demonstrate green cooking ideas and recipés that are much more haute cuisine than the usual wheatgrass hippie fare. Delish!

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

STAFF PICK: MEGAN


NOM DE PLUME: MEGAN
STAR SIGN: ARIES
IN THE NETFLICKS CUE: L'Avventura, E.T., The Wicker Man
FAVORITE MOMENT IN THE SUN: Blueberry picking with my man
BEST MOMENT IN THE SHADE: (Cut To) When I see Depeche Mode play at Lollapalooza in Chicago this summer (plus Living Things--who go on at 1:30 pm)
STAFF PICK: YSL Polka Dot Sheer ruffled Blouson Top
ET POURQUOI: Because it's romantic and playful. Perfect for summer night music festivals (see above) or reading Pablo Neruda in bed . . .
*YSL blouson top. In mint condition. Priced at $450.
For further information or to purchase, please contact: lizzy@decadestwo.com

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

TREND: TECH SAVVY








Perhaps inspired by the slash-and-burn style eighties revival we saw stalking down the runways, designers have eschewed the polite prints of summer for high tech looks for fall. Solid colors ruled the runways, either in bold blacks or muted neon shades. Fabrics themselves were substantial, employing nouveau weave techniques and were manipulated with origami-inspired pleats and geomtric draping. Not quite your standard pocket-protector gambles, these babies are more the revenge of the nerd.
*Balenciaga Space-Age Dress with bustle. In a size 38. In mint condition. Priced at $2700.
**Sophia Kokosalaki folded cocktail dress. In a size 42. In mint condition. Priced at $450.
***Marni neoprene shift dress. In approximately a size 4/6. In mint condition. Priced at $350.
****Lanvin Summer 2006 belted maroon cocktail dress. In approximately a size medium. Priced at $700.
For further information or to purchase, please contact: lizzy@decadestwo.com


Monday, July 27, 2009

ADORE DIOR!











Ahhhhhhh . . . the Bar Jacket and Skirt--perhaps one of, if not the most influential pieces from Christian Dior's first collection. Dior created form-fitting sensual shapes for women, inspired by flowers. In fact the name of his first line was Corolle, or petal. His suiting was also heavily influenced by fabric rations after the war and so instead of the voluminous boxy shapes of the WWII era, Dior crafted curvaceous, body-hugging sillhouettes which accented a woman's body. His pieces employed boning, bustier-styled bodices, hip-padding, nipped-in waists and hem lines which grazed either the calves or ankles adding length and elegance to the form. Today, Dior is still known for its sophisticated suiting still inspired by the Bar Jacket and Skirt. We'd die to have the original but the re-interpretations are just as subtley glamourous as their predecessor.
*Christian Dior lace scalloped blazer. Approximately a US 8. In next-to-new condition. Priced at $820.
**Christian Dior silver lace bustier. In a size 44. New with tags--originally retailed for $2460. Priced at $180. That's right. $180 US.
***Christian Dior "Veste et Jupe Doublee" gathered petal hip skirt suit. In a size 40. New with tags--originally retailed for $3285. Priced at $850.
****Christian Dior wide lapel blazer. In a size 44. In mint condition. Priced at $600.
For further information or to purchase, please contact: lizzy@decadestwo.com




Friday, July 24, 2009

STAFF PICK: BILLY



STAFF MEMBER: Billy "Insane-In-The-Membrane" Garcia
STAR SIGN: Virgo
IN HIS NETFLICKS CUE: Party Girl, Showgirls, Pippi Longstocking
FAVORITE MOMENT IN THE SUN: Hiking in Malibu
BEST MOMENT IN THE SHADE: Walking to Moustache Mondays (best LA spot to shake your moneymaker) at La Cita wearing Balenciaga Heels
STAFF PICK: Gareth Pugh Uber Draped Coat
ET POURQUOI: Because he designs for art not for marketability

*Gareth Pugh plush draped felted coat. In mint condition and priced at $870. For further information or to purchase, please contact: lizzy@decadestwo.com

Thursday, July 23, 2009

LE SMOKING 2009!


In 1966, Yves Saint Laurent first created le smoking: a tuxedo suit for women. Saint Laurent was among the first to propel forward a growing trend in women's fashion--popularized by Coco Chanel of borrowed-from-the-boys clothing and YSL's le smoking pioneered androgynous and minimal styles for women's wear. The suit was captured by Helmut's Newton's lense in one of the most famous fashion photographs in 1975 and the look's paired-down gender-bending sexiness is still incredibly relevant in fashion design today and certainly within YSL's brand. So, we have for you a YSL tuxedo for women from the 2000's. Updated with a nipped in waist and blousy pant legs, the look still screams understated yet powerful sex appeal. Nous adorons le smoking.
*Yves Saint Laurent black tuxedo suit. in a size 38/40. Priced at $850.
For further information or to purchase, please contact: lizzy@decadestwo.com



Wednesday, July 22, 2009

SASSY SASS & BIDE!



The term flapper was first coined in its use as the title of a 1920s movie starring Olive Thomas. In the 1920s a flapper was a new kind of woman--one who bucked puritanical morés of the Victorian era in favor of wisecracking, smoking, drinking, dancing, wearing short skirts, dramatic make-updriving automobiles, and otherwise breaking convential social and sexual norms. Of course, flapper's were also ahead of the fashion curve. Boyish haircuts were en vogue along and art deco pieces, layers of beaded necklaces, straight lined dresses and short skirts became the rage. A flapper's spirit was indominable--her fashion undeniable and today, there's still something about her fashion flair which we still love. So, we've chosen this Sass & Bide fringe dress to channel each of inner flapper's. You that little voice inside you that screams to throw on a dress, grab your newsboy and hit the local speakeasy, no matter how hot it gets on a summer night. and this dress is the perfect dress to do it in. What can we say. It's the bees' knees. It's the cat's pajams.
*Sass & Bide fringe flapper dress. In a size 4/6. Priced at $600.
For further information or to purchase, please contact: lizzy@decadestwo.com

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: B. ROMANEK











In 2005, then super singer Brigette Romanek and wife of video director Mark Romanek had decided to make handbags for her friends for Christmas. she spent nights turning and twisting a piece of farmed crocodile skin her hands. From that project, the Rock Star Clutch and a subsequent successful career as a full-time handbag designer was born. Romanek's line now includes five main styles--each one "road-tested" by Romanek's pals on the red carpet, at events, cocktail parties and the like to determine their allure and feel for its wearer. Personally, we think each bag out of the Romanek gate is a smash and hey, if Romanek needs anyone else to conduct a little onsite research, we'd be more than happy to help out.
*B. Romanek large crocodile foldover bag with antiqued brass metal chain. New without tags. Priced at $1900.
**B. Romanek sienna crocodile wrap clutch with tail. New without tags. Priced at $1400.
***B. Romanek espresso eel foldover clutch. New without tags. Priced at $900.
****B. Romanek pink crocodile wrap clutch. New without tags. Priced at $800.
*****B. Romanek assorted leather envelope clutches. New without tags. Priced at $250.
******B. Romanek small crocodile wristlet with chain. New without tags. Priced at $300.
*******B. Romanek assorted mini crocodile coin purses. New without tags. Priced at $200.
********B. Romanek small blue foldover clutch/coin purse. New without tags. Priced at $250.
*********B. Romanek assorted small foldover clutch/coin purses. New without tags. Priced at $200.
For further information or to purchase, please contact: lizzy@decadestwo.com

















Monday, July 20, 2009

CHRISTINA RICCI FOR RAINN

Christina Ricci and Decades' Cameron Silver

Christina Ricci at the 71st Academy Awards



Christina Ricci at the 56th Annual Golden Globes





We first fell for Christina Ricci years ago the moment we heard her monotone musings as Wednesday Adams in The Adams Family. And its since been our pleasure to watch her grow from a spunky lil' sprite to such a lovely lady. Of course, its not just her thespian talents we admire, but her humanitarian efforts as well. Ms. Ricci currently serves as the National spokesperson for the Rape, Incest & Abuse National Network (RAINN) and is a member of the organization's National Leadership Council.
Suffice to say, we were thrilled when Christina consigned with us, 4 dazzling dresses from her private collection--including the dress she wore to the 71st Academy awards and the dress she wore to the 56th Golden Globes--and even more thrilled that a portion of the proceeds of the sale will benefit RAINN.

RAINN is the nation's largest anti-sexual assualt organization, operating the National Sexual Assault Hotline in partnership with over 1,100 rape crisis centers across the country. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual assualt, help victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice. For more information, please visit http://www.rainn.org/
*Versace Couture lilac dress with boned corset, beaded and sequin details and asymmetrical shoulder straps. In approximately size 0/2 and priced at $10,000.
**Atelier Versace black sheer silk dress with champagne silk underlay, beaded and sequin details and mermaid detail at the decolletage. In approximately a size 0/2 and priced at $5,600.
***Alberta Ferretti 2007 seafoam multi-layer silk dress with beaded and gem details. In approximately a size 0/2 and priced at $3,600.
****John Galliano teal silk dress with grecian draping and knotted strapping. New with tags and originally retailed for 2170. Priced at $1700.
For further information or to purchase, please contact: lizzy@decadestwo.com
red carpet coverage courtesy of wireimage.com







Friday, July 17, 2009

THE NEW SCHOOL!

In 1961 Gucci launched the handbag that we now know as the Jackie O. Fabricated with luxury skins, the handbag combined a haute hippie vibe with classic tote styling. Mrs. Onassis loved the bag so much that she often wore it to official appearances and the public fell in love with it too. So much so, that the style became synonymous with the brand itself. So this year, Gucci decided to to revamp an old classic with their "New Jackie" collection for Fall 2009. Not better than the OG, just different. A new luxury for the new millineum. Mrs. O would be proud.
*Gucci Fall 2009 brown ostritch Jackie O bag with gold hardware, adjustable strap and gold bamboo push lock closure. New Without Tags. Originally retailed for $9900 and priced at $5500.
For further information or to purchase, please contact: lizzy@decadestwo.com

Thursday, July 16, 2009

FUR RIZEAL!



Ok, ok . . . I know what you're all thinking. I must crazy to keep posting about fur coats. I mean it's the middle of summer. People are surfing not skiing, wearing underwear as outerwear not inner wear, shoveling sand not snow (you know, shoveling sand--at the beach--for sand castles . . . sheesh.) But sometimes, like today, when I spy a PRISTINE Lanvin Fall 2006 sheared lambskin fur coat from a seminal Lanvin collection that I personally would sell my grandmother to have attended, I just can't help wanting to share the good news. So, think of it like inspiration, besides as any fashion forward girl knows, it's never to early to start contemplating that look for next Fall. If you don't believe me, see The September Issue . . .
*Lanvin Fall 2006 brown lambskin fur coat. In pristine condition. Priced at $9000.
For further information or to purchase, please contact: lizzy@decadestwo.com










Wednesday, July 15, 2009

VIVE LA REVOLUTION!


Well, as most of you know, yesterday was Bastille Day. There's nothing we love more than fighting the man and taking him down. Downtown to chinatown. So, in honor of one of our favorite countries and one of our favorite holidays, we've picked out this super chic Chanel jackets. If we were about to take it to the streets and be with the people, there's nothing we'd rather wear than a floral print with white sequin camellia appliqués. BONNE ANNIVERSAIRE REVOLUTION! VIVE LA LIBERTE!
*Chanel pre-mid nineties floral jacket with open front and sequin appliqués. Priced at $4020.
For further information or to purchase, please contact: lizzy@decadestwo.com











































Tuesday, July 14, 2009

MUCHAS GRACIAS, OMBRE!

Did you guys know that ombre is a card game for 3 players using a deck of cards minus the 8s, 9s, and 10s that was popular in Spain during the 18th century and immortalized by Alexander Pope in his epoic poem The Rape of the Lock? Neither did we until about 5 minutes ago. But we did know that ombre is also a word that is used for the technique of using varying gradations of color in fabric, either covering the entire spectrum of one color family or to transition from one color to another. Par Example: this absolutely divine Herve Leger dress, which when worn, absolutely becomes a fun game for at least two . . . We're just saying.
*Herve Leger ombre dress. In a size medium. Priced at $750.
For further information or to purchase, please contact: lizzy@decadestwo.com

GUCCI GOLD!


Gold, gold, gold . . . I love lil' bullion. Of all of the soluble and edible metals, gold is my favorite. Apparently, when too much of metal is ingested, it can cause an allergic reaction (and did win allergen of the year--who knoew doctors in a conference were so much fun) but I CANNOT see how gold in any form could do a girl any harm. I mean just try convincing me that too much of this Gucci dress could be anything but a good thing. Crafted with gold sequins, sheer gold mesh and and gold flame paillettes at the skirt, this skirt is going to set a new gold standard if you catch our drift . . .
*Gucci gold sequin halter dress. In mint condition and in a size 6. Priced at $4000. For further information or to purchase, please contact: lizzy@decadestwo.com

Monday, July 13, 2009

A LA PLAGE!

Here's a list of must-haves for the beach:
  • Bain de Soleil SPF 5000
  • Dita shades
  • lemon for lightening hair
  • travel scrabble
  • Hermés printed beach towel (the pink one with green fish--could be trout)
  • Book--either smart: Thus Spoke Zarathustra or sexy: The Unbearable Lightness of Being
  • Vintage printed cover up dress (for after sunning drinks)
  • espadrilles from a recent jaunt to Spain
  • pineapple and Fiji H20

MUST HAVE TO CARRY IT ALL: Gucci lace tote bag with printed scarf drawstring. Dustbag included. New without tags. Priced at $1900.

For further information or to purchase, please contact: lizzy@decadestwo.com

Friday, July 10, 2009

BLESSED ART THOU ST. PRADA




Who doesn't love lace? It's the ultimate paradox fabric: demure but sexy, feminine but tough so there's something for everyone. I mean, its the only fabric I know of that has a patron saint (St. John Francis Regis). While lace-making--the process of creating a patterned fabric by either removing threads from an already woven piece or by looping threads to create a design--is actually a ancient craft, its use was popularized in the 15th and 16th century in the construction of vestments for catholic clergymen. And while we're no angles, we'll borrow from the beatitudes. and so will Miuccia prada. From what we hear, she had all of Switzerland working on the lace for the Fall 2008 collection. And we understand why--for that collection was a shining example of divine inspiration. Miuccia, who art in fashion, hallowed be thy name . . .
*Prada bronze lace jacket from the Fall 2008 collection. In a size 42. New with tags. Originally retailed for $2530 and priced at $850.
For further information or to purchase, please contact: lizzy@decadestwo.com
(photo from runway show taken from style.com)


Thursday, July 09, 2009

LUELLA DE VILLE!

Leave it to the brits . . . noone but noone does horsey preppy farchatahness like the brits. And we're just eton it up with a spoon. Take this Luella handbag for example. Crafted in madras ready bright colors, this handbag features a woven leather construction (ok, so its shleppy preppy which really just means old money, like mold money) and is accented with a silver metal stirrup detail. Equestrian chic, ole chap. Cherrio!
*Luella woven leather handbag. Comes with authenticity cards and dustbag. Priced at $600. For further information or to purchase, please contact: lizzy@decadestwo.com

Wednesday, July 08, 2009

ALOTTA ALAIA!







As some of you ladies know, we recently had a shoe sale here in the store. You ladies came, you saw and as usual, you conquered. You left our shoe shelves bare as a babies tuchus and cleaned out the clothing racks as well. We wished that all of our treasured clients could have been with us on the sale day--there was laughter, there was crying, and in some cases discounts of up to 90% off. So for those of you who had to miss to miss the sale, we shuttled aside a few different ALAIA styles to showcase just to you lot. We like to spread the wealth. With friends like you, who could blame us?
*Alaia printed pony lace-up bootie. New in box. Originally retailed for $1650 and priced at $590. Available sizes: 37, 37.5, 39
**Alaia striped pony heel with black suede ankle tie. New in box. Originally retailed for $1628 and priced at $570. Available sizes: 36.5, 37.5, 39.5, 41
***Alaia black suede cut-out wedge heels. New in box. Originally retailed for $1650 and priced at $590. Available sizes: 38, 38.5, 39
****Alaia brown suede cut-out wedge heels. Originally retailed for $1350 and priced at $395. Available sizes: 38, 39, 39.5, 40
For further information or to purchase, please contact: lizzy@decadestwo.com