WE'RE LETTING THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG!

We're in love and it feels so good--so good, that we're hopping on a plane to spend a little QT with our amour, KiKi de Montparnasse. And you know what that means: Pop-up Shop! That's right, come March 18-21st, we'll be setting up shop at KiKi's Soho Outpost. After all, when it comes to love, three times' a charm!

LOVING ME SOME LANVIN!

Soldier styling took over the runways for Spring 2010. From the Gap to Gucci, military madness was the name of the game. Our favorite item taken from the troops, is of course the military jacket. Of course, the military is no stranger to fashion. This baby's gone on safari at YSL, done double duty at Balenciaga and carried cargo at Chanel. But for the transition from Cruise/Resort 2009 to Spring 2010, we've dipped back in time and picked a piece from Lanvin's Summer 2005 collection. Go figure. Crafted with raw edging and hand-crafted metal embroidery, this jacket is the ultimate piece for a gal on the fabulous forces.


*Lanvin Summer 2005 jacket. In a size 38. Priced at $650.


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

PRETTY IN PROENZA!

We became fans the moment we saw Proenza Schouler's first Runway show in Fall 2003, but it wasn't until their Spring 2005 show, that our love was set in stone. The design duo behind the line cemented their sophisticated surf aesthetic with this collection, which incidentally, literally took our breath away.

The pieces proffered the duo's best in printed chic--jackets, dresses and flip ensembles as well as singlehandedly did more for the bustier since, well, Madonna. So when we saw this dress from that collection, we simply has to post it online. Simple and sexy and sheer, this dress takes boho babe to a whole 'nother level.

*Proenza Schouler printed bustier dress. In a size small. Priced at $500.

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

LBD MANIA HITS HAUTELOOK!

Ok, with our latest Hautelook bonanza 3.5 hours underway, we thought we'd give those of you who haven't already scrolled through the sale, a little taste of what you've been missing. This HL collection focuses on last season's pieces that you simply must fold into your wardrobes before we transition into spring.

That said, there are a few items that every girl simply must get her hands on no matter the season: the perfect trench, a crisp white button down shirt, a Hermes 30cm Croc Birkin (okay, okay!) and a little black dress.

A girl can never go wrong with a little black dress. She can wear it to work, to the patisserie, to cocktails, to the opera and in today's economic climate, day-to-night wear is as kind to your wallet as to your style savvy. So, we've picked the best of last season's LBD's that will carry you into Spring and well beyond. Here's but a few of some of the scwhag from the sale! Run don't walk!

HOORAY FOR HAUTELOOK!

At the end of each season, we find ourselves on a madcap search to find those perfect pieces that somehow slipped through our fingers. You know what we're talking about: that LBD that was never in stock, those stiletto shoes you called every boutique in 50 states to find but alas--they were always off the rack? Well, all we can say is hang in and have faith because tomorrow, we're posting our must-have pieces from the past season on Hautelook. See, oh ye of little faith? Not to worry. We're talking hard-to-find chic cocktail wear, terrific trousers and heavenly handbags as well as stylish and sophisticated shoes. For a little preview, check out the pics above! Don't forget to check it out--the sale begins tomorrow at 8am PST!

COOL IN CERULEAN!

One of my favorite colors for Spring is cerulean blue. Calm and cool and collected, cerulean brings to mind deep blue seas, large french exterior doors, and rich glazed Morrocan tile. Rather than wait for March, I've decided to add cerulean in little doses to ole wardrobe now. It's a color that fits right in with Cruise/Resorts glam luxury but transitions perfectly to Springs sun-kissed elegance.
*Louis Vuitton Cerulean snakeskin clutch with golden metal hardware. Priced at $3500. For further information or to purchase, please contact: lizzy@decadestwo.com

D is for Demuelmeester!

Ok, so one of our favorite trends for Spring is Military Madness. While this may not exactly be a new trend, we're not talking hyped-up camo frocks bedazzled within an inch of their lives or monochrome black wraith waifs. No, what we're looking is simple separates, crated with exquisite tailoring in calm colors: think khaki, pale blues, butter yellows. Take this Ann Demuelemeester jacket for example. Cast in a sand colored crinkled velvet, this military jacket is flattering for even the most peaceful amongst us.

*Ann Demuelmeester crinkled velvet jacket. In a size 38. Priced at $850.

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

KEEPING IT REAL--REAL CHIC!

*photo courtesy of Keep It Chic

Fashion Week: NYC--we hit the tarmac running and never looked back. It was a 7 day bonanza of shows, stylistas, and sassafras. Somewhere in the mix, we posted up and popped up, hosting a trunk show with our dear pals from Hautelook. The event was as they say, a smashing success. In addition to yukking it up with our elegant east coast clients, we were thrilled to sit down for a quick Q&A with Jennifer Alfano, one of our favorite fashion journalists, which she posted on her must-read blog: Keep It Chic.

Check It Out: http://keepitchic.com/2010/02/16/do-you-know-christos/

HERMES IN THE HOUSE!

Ok, when people think Hermes, they think Birkin. They think Kelly. What may not immediately spring to mind are the heavenly Hermes clothing creations. After all, the storied French house isn't just a carry-all factory--their ensembles are the bestest in luxury prep. So, that's why I've selected this Hermes blouse for my latest blog posting. Everyone should have an item that can make from the Hampton Classic to Point Dume. Crafted in a shawl-inspired style, this blouse is the ultimate in Hermes equestrian elegance. Dig it!
*Hermes green silk shirt. Priced at $450. In a size 38.
For further information or to purchase, please contact: lizzy@decadestwo.com

SAY WHAAAAAAAAA?

I've always subscribed to the belief that form should follow function. In other words, that good design is primarily solution oriented and that artistry is the way in which approach design issues. how many times have we seen some farchactat fabric scrap dipped in tar and covered in feathers with dangling mint leaves and Christmas light fringe saunter down the runway. A lot of times, all we get is smoke and mirrors and when you remove the complicated and bizarre embellishments, if all you have are boring sillouettes, then the garment is not a design feat.That said, sometimes, when you slapdash a bunch of elements that should never go together, you wind up with an item, that is pure perfection. Take this Missoni handbag for example. I don't know why a simple tan clutch covered with squiggle pinted lucite dangles, squiggle knotted ribbon and tan leather handles works, but somehow it does. I stand corrected.

*Missoni tan clutch with lucite and ribbon. Priced at $450.

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

STAFF PICK: GUSTINE

Staff Member: Gustine, D2 Online Department

Spirit Animal: Wombat

Currently Reading: Dancing into Darkness by Sondra Fraleigh

Favorite LA Hang: Taco Truck on Lincoln & Rose

Style 'Scription: Wanna-Boyfriend-meets-early-Coco-Chanel-meets-Tammy-Wynette

Winter/Cruise Item to Rock: 70s style calfskin boots and J. Crew sweaters

Winter/Cruise Item to Drop: leather chaps

Staff Pick: I love the camel color and anything classic that I can wear until I'm 95, like this signature Burberry trench with iconic plaid lining, is the right move for me. Stick with the classics kids. They'll never steer you wrong.

*Burberry classic trench coat. Priced at $700. In approximately a 4/6.

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

HOLY GUACAMOLE!

Just a little reminder--we're having a Hautelook sale today and tomorrow. Christos has personally curated an amazing selection of winterwear available exclusively through Hautelook. That's right. His tippy-top picks for outerwear and accessories to keep you bundled up and looking boss, all though the winter season. Check it out!

JUST 'ROUND THE CORNER: HAUTELOOK SALE, TUESDAY FEB. 9th!

Despite having spent the past 20 years in Los Angeles, Christos Garkinos can't completely abandon his Grosse Pointe, MI roots. So, considering the season, he's decided to curate an amazing collection of winter wear exclusively for our latest HauteLook sale, to keep you warm and toasty during these chilly months. He's put together a fabulous group of perfect puffers, chic coats and jazzy jackets to ensure you're looking chic no matter how cold the wind blows. In addition to keeping you beautifully bundled up, he's thrown in a collection of gorgeous scarves from Chanel and Hermes as well as some heavenly handbags, just to complete your wonderful winter looks. Check out a preview of the goods above. And don't forget to go to to the sale tomorrow, 8am PST on hautelook.com!

BLACK MAGIC!

Allegedly, Sarah Jessica once mentioned in an interview that in her opinion, the must-have bag in any woman's wardrobe was a Bottega Veneta. Now, in our opinion, it's not so much a solo operation as a necessary top ten, but that doesn't detract from the fact that if you don't have a Bottega Veneta, you need one. Such as this little baby. Crafted in a hand woven black leather and accented with black sequins, this baby is the perfect complement to any outfit, From Paris to The Paris. Or the Venetian for that matter.
*Bottega Veneta black handbag with sequins. New with tags. Originally retailed for $6085 and priced at $3700.
For further information or to purchase, please contact: lizzy@decadestwo.com

IF YOU LIKE IT THEN YOU SHOULDA PUT A RING ON IT!

Finding the right accessory can be a long and hard journey for a girl. A piece of jewelry should complement not just the garment but the girl and at the same complete a look while giving it the right tone/mood. Are we thinking 1960s east coast prep cocktail chic? That might call for a baroque necklace with large earrings and a matching bauble ring or stands of pearls with simble gold band stacking rings. Are we shooting for So Cal Surfer Style? Then we might want to rock a long heavy coral necklace with multiple gold bangles or perhaps we're feeling blue and want to be dripping in turquoise. Of course, if we just rocked this Prada sheath dress with avant-garde gem printing, it's alsmost as if the jewelry ixs taken care of. In that case, the best accessory might be a red lip and a high heel. Perfect.
*Prada white label sheath dress printed with gems and jewels. In a size 38 and in mint condition.
For further information or to purchase, please contact: lizzy@decadestwo.com

TOTALLY TRAPEZOID!

Ok, don't think for a second we're not thrilled to be able to dust off some of our 8th grade math jargon. And for those of you who secretly love to dig into a little pi (tee hee, get it?), we've found a handbag to satisfy your inner geometry geek while maintaining you impeccable sense of chic. Check out this Louis Vuitton copper Vernis trapezoid handbag with rolled handles and detachable shoulder strap. Perfect for toting around all your essentials--consider it the grown-up glamour version of a pocket protector.
*Louis Vuitton copper Vernis handbag. For further information or to purchase, please contact: lizzy@decadestwo.com

KNIT WIT!

Brrrrrr! Winter is really upon and we're feeling the freeze--even in super sunny southern California. No matter, the time has come to bundle up with a mug of hot cocoa, your best pals, a roaring fire and a trivia-testy game of Pictionary which means that cozy chic is the way to play. For those of you gearing up for game night, we've picked this uber chic Chanel cashmere sweater. Knit in a black and white ethnic design, this long sweater coat is the jam for any boho babe worth her patchouli. Of course, for those of you eschewing a glam granola stance, this baby will still work during late night hours. Shazaam!
*Chanel Fall 2004 sweater coat. In a size 42. In mint condition.
For further information or to purchase, please contact: lizzy@decadestwo.com

A WOMAN'S RIGHT TO CHOO'S

*photo courtesy of Racked LA

Well, you came, you saw, you conquered. And you certainly left nothing out in terms of preparation--some of you lined up as early as 1 am, clad in winter-friendly puffer gear, to get the first gander at the goods last Saturday at our annual shoe sale. Some of you even had the wherewithal to bring SLEEPINGBAGS. Uh huh--true story. You guys manned up like it was 1992 and we were handing out G'N'R tickets and Axl rose himself was fronting a kissing booth. Talk about a paradise city.
Anyhoo, we had a blast! It was great to catch up with some of our old pals, meet and greet some new friends, outfit your footsies in heavenly heels, as well as raise duckets for Haiti. Thank you all so much for coming! for those of you who couldn't make it--you were sorely missed. To check out the festivities, check out Racked LA's front page today for event coverage as well as pretty pics!