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!

DECADESTWO SHOE SALE COUNTDOWN!

SAVE THE DATE: SATURDAY, JANUARY 30th, 2010

EVENT: DECADESTWO SHOE SALE

As most of you know, we'll be hosting our annual shoe sale. All shoes sold at $150 per pair (limit 2 pairs per client). Of course, in the aftermath of the devastating effects of the earthquake in Haiti, we've teamed up with one of our dear friends and longtime clients, Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon, to do our part. Here's a letter from Garcelle which we'd like to share with you.

See you Saturday!

January 20, 2010
I am sure that you are all aware of the devastating earthquake that has struck Haiti. Although most of my family is safe, the island that I know and love has been changed forever.

Many friends have reached out to me to ask what they could do to help…  and as we all know from the news, the only way to really make a difference right now is with donations of cash.  I support the long-established non-profit Artists for Peace and Justice.  They have done great work in Haiti and are, today, on the front-line of the support efforts, and I had to think of a way to help them out.  My great friends from Decadestwo kindly offered an idea that would be a means of support, one in which we can all easily participate, help get the word out and ultimately do something right now.

On Saturday, January 30, 2010, Decadestwo is hosting their annual shoe sale at their Melrose Ave shop.  They are directing a portion of the day’s sales to Artists for Peace and Justice. As you know, Decadestwo resells designer goods from the world's best closets. This shoe sale is one of the best-attended events at the store and a perfect opportunity to raise some money. Which is why I am reaching out to you….

I am writing to ask you to donate your gently-worn designer shoes to this sale, and Decadestwo will create a special area in the store to sell all of the shoes collected from my friends for $50/pair.  100% of the proceeds to Artists for Peace and Justice and to the Haitian people in their time of need.

Cool, right?  Your shoe donation will literally help to get my people back on their feet.  If you would like to participate, just drop shoes off at Decadestwo, 8214 Melrose Avenue before January 29.  If you need help making large donations or if you have questions emailtodd@decadestwo.com

 

Garcelle

CHIC IN CHANEL!

HELLO CHANEL-O! Ok ladies, our second Hautelook Chanel sale is underway and frankly we don't know why you're still reading this post. Get yourselves over to hautelook.com and check out the sale! Christos curated his MUST HAVE Chanel items for this sale and it's an AMAZING collection of the best bouclé, dazzling dresses and heavenly handbags straight from the Rue de Cambon! Magnifique!

HAUTELOOK SALE: TOMORROW JANUARY 26th

Lookout ladies: Decadestwo is back in full effect, with another fabulous collection curated by Decadestwo co-owner Christos Garkinos, to be posted on our favorite online boutique www.hautelook.com tomorrow, January 26th. Following the smashing success of our last sale, Christos pulled together his tip-top must-have Chanel pieces, exclusively for our Hautelook clients—many of which are from the past few seasons. We're talking the most beautiful bouclé, sophisticated skirt suits and amazing accessories. Just call us cuckoo for CoCo!

See above for a preview of the goods!

Best,

The Gang @ Decadestwo

DECADESTWO SHOE SALE!

Holy guacamole, word travels fast in this town! Check out the press on our upcoming shoe sale. Our online faves Racked LA and Fashion Rules posted super fab stories covering our upcoming shoe sale on January 30th. Be there or be square ladies!

Decadestwo is ready to knock your socks off . . . so you can squeeze your tootsies into some heavenly heels! That's right--our fabulous annual shoe sale will be held on Saturday, January 30th! This year, we'll be rocking our racks with the most stylish stilettos, fantastic flats and beautiful boots you've ever laid eyes on. And, during this ONE DAY ONLY event, all shoes will be priced at a wallet-friendly $150, with extended store hours from 9am - 6pm. How much do we love you?

But that's not all. After the devastating crisis in Haiti, we're honored to team up with our longtime friend and client Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon to support the relief efforts of the non-profit Artists for Peace and Justice, in Haiti, Garcelle's native homeland. A special area will be set up in the store, where shoes donated by Garcelle and her friends, will be sold for $50 a pair. 100% of the proceeds will benefit Artists for Peace and Justice. So come on, come by and help spread the love!

Decadestwo

8214 Melrose Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90046

NO SWEAT!!!

While I've never been a fan of the upscale track suit and think workout wear belongs in the gym--period--there's something about this Chanel navy sweatshirt that I absolutely adore. Maybe it's the nautical inspiration complete with shoulder epaulettes or maybe its the fact that this baby is going deep undercover as a jacket, complete with Chanel signature touches as the front pockets, contrast top-stitching and silver CoCo metal button closures. Either way, this baby is chic. Wear it over a floral printed dress to lunch or throw it over your shoulders and make those ladies kvell at Crunch!

*Chanel navy knit sweatshirt jacket. Priced at $770. Please contact lizzy@decadestwo.com for inquiries and purchase information.

GOLDEN GLOBE TREND: PRETTY IN PINKS (AND PURPLES!)

Fashion on the red carpet at the Golden Globes was red hot! The gowns, the glamour, the glitz . . . I died and went to fashion heaven where apparently, all the angels are rocking frocks in a floral-hued palette. Above see the standouts from this year's Globes in pinks, purples and nudes--as if they were just plucked from an english garden. Delightful!

SWEET SALVATORE!

Maybe its the new year. Maybe its the fact that I'll be turning . . . um . . . 23, yeah, 23. Okay 26. 29 and that's my final offer. But I've decided to start incorporating some classic pieces into my ensembles. There's no reason to look like Lady Gaga took a page from my fashion spread every single day. Besides, sometimes a bustle and a leather tube top is a bit much at the bank. I meant to start with say a sweater set, but when I say this Ferregamo hadnabg--I knew she was my beginning in classic chic. I mean, even an east coast preppy would adore this baby, straight to the Harvard club!

*Salvatore Ferregamo black boxy handbag with golden metal horsebit clasp. Priced at $500. For further information or to purchase, please contact: lizzy@decadestwo.com

THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR WALKING!

Now that winter is finally upon us (It's been 85 degrees here in LA!), I'm so excited to break out the boot collection! I heart boots: motorcycle boots, thigh-high boots, cowboy boots, work boots, Balenciaga boots--the possibilities for a little over-the-ankle-action are endless. Personally, I'm really feeling these Henry Beguelin slouchy styles--complete with cream colroed top-stitching and tassle details. Perfect over pants or under a floral printed mini, the boots are boss!!!

*Henry Beguelin hippie slouchy boho baby boots. Priced at $350. For further information or to purchase, please contact: lizzy@decadestwo.com

TAKE THAT, BALMAIN!

Suffice to say, Balmain has done its best to corner the super short super sparkly market but they certainly weren't the first kids to rock a riské vibe. In fact brightly colored sexy frocks have been a staple in the Matthew Williamson neighborhood for years. So here's the latest dazzler from one of our fave brits on the block. This baby is a guaranteed photo-op--go ahead and set up your own red carpet and get ready for a blitzkreig of paparazzi. Shazaam!
*Matthew Williamson multi-colored sparkley mini dress. Priced at $2000. For further information or to purchase, please contact: lizzy@decadestwo.com

OH BOY-ARD!

Ok, I admit it. I'm a Goyard freak! A Goyard addict. I'm in deep and I just can't get enough. Soon, you'll find me skulking about the Rue Saint Honoré, mumbling about handpainted canvas and monogramed travel sets. Don't judge . . . It's a sickness . . . I have no control! Luckily, I've just set my eyes upon this bad boy: a rectanglar carryall with rolled handles, silver metal hardware and feet. INCROYABLE!
*Goyard Handpainted Handbag. Priced at $1600. NEVER CARRIED! For further information or to purchase, please contact: lizzy@decadestwo.com

For those of you who weren't able to attend our CoCo celebration last month--don't fret or forwn. We absolutely haven't fortgotten about you! In fact, we're posting a sale tomorrow on hautelook.com with pieces straight outta the Rue de Cambon. Here's a sneak preview of schwag from the sale!!!

SEND ME AN ANGEL!

I love love love Angel Sanchez! A former architect who left the building business when he realized that his true calling was sculpting stunning ensembles, Angel Sanchez's designs are the holy grail of cocktail and evening wear. Perhaps most known for designing Sandra Bullock and Eva Longoria's wedding dresses, his creations are fashion faves on the red carpet. So far, Sanchez has outfitted the following Salma Hayek, Gisele Bundchen, Beyonce, Iman, elizabeth Hurley and Bridget Moynahan--just to name a few. And so, as we count down the days to Awards season, I felt that a Sanchez posting would be fitting, as many of you are gearing up for the party circuit and shows. For those of you gracing the red carpet, I pulled this fabulous red satin ribbon gown with handbeading and petticoat detailing. For those of you who are looking to standout at a cocktail party, hoping to eschew basic black for something that is actually festive, I pulled this short little Sanchez number with handbeading and feather skirt. Heavenly!~

*Angel Sanchex red ballgown. In a size 4. New with tags--originally retailed for $4400 and priced at $2000.

*Angel Sanchez pink cocktail dress. In a size 6. Priced at $1400.

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

GOTTA PRADA!

I once heard a rumor that Karl Lagerfeld took his "girls" on a shopping jaunt to Colette and that they descended en masse in head-to-toe black, like a dark cloud of fashion militia on an unsuspecting coastal town. Sometimes, I like daydream that I was one of those Black Water Babes, skulking through the Left Bank with Karl L helming the crew. And if I was, I like to think I might have worn this Prada jacket. Crafted in silk from the white label collection, this jacket also features tufted fur shoulders. Sleek, sexy and dangereuse. Je l'aime.
*Prada jacket with tufted fur shoulders. In an Italian size 44. Priced at $970.
For further information or to purchase, please contact: lizzy@decadestwo.com

RED HOT!

One of the best things about winter is that you get to wear red. One of the best things about Chanel is that you get to wear it all year round. Luckily for you gals, this Chanel clutch is perfect for the winter season and beyond. Crafted in a red molded patent leather, this clutch is the perfect accessory come winter, spring, summer or fall. You really can't go wrong with Chanel.
*Chanel red patent leather hard shell clutch. Priced at $1750.
For future information or to purchase, please contact: lizzy@decadestwo.com

ADORE DIOR!

Remember the 90s? Now that we've crossed the 2010 mark, they seem so far away. I'm talking the times when Amber Valletta & Shalom Harlow co-hosted MTV's House of Style, Nirvana co-opted the airwaves, and everyone went ballastic over My So Called Life. It was a grand decade--one that introduced us to Marc Jacobs and via his vision: grunge. Who can forget Naomi Campbell and Kristin McMenamy's multi-layered, multi-patterned, multi-colored slouchy chic? Not me. I guees that's why I'm drawn to this Christian Dior cream colored knitted sweater coat with fur patchwork fur. Rock a floral printed slip underneath, an Ann Demeulemeester combat boot and top it off with a plaid flannel hunting cap and its like you're primed for a RV trip to Seattle. Smells Like Teen Spirit!
*Christian Dior cream colored knitted sweater with patchwork fur and wooden button front closures. In a size Medium. Priced at $1500.
For further information or to purchase, please contact: lizzy@decadestwo.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Can wait to celebrate with all of you in 2010!
Lots of love,
The Gang @ Decadestwo