YOU CAN PRINT THAT!

Black, black, and more black be damned--I heart a print. That's right. No need to look like a horsewoman of the apocalypse everyday, swathed in black fabric remnants and greasepaint. Luckily Spring 2010 is full of patterns and designs and this season's prints are a sophisticated affair, employing a random Rorshach sensibility.


*Marni printed laser paneled dress. In a size 38. Priced at $470.


*Peter Som printed pleated dress. In a size 10. Priced at $340.


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

FRILLY FLORALS!

Are we already mid-march? The advent of Spring signals a abandonment of heavy fabrics and dark colors in favor of lightweight gossamer threads woven in pretty pastels. In other words, time to get footloose, flouncy and fancyfree in floral frocks that easily go from a walk in the park to an art opening to a bicycle ride across the Brooklyn Bridge. And speaking of NYC landmarks, may I just say, I wish I was with our traveling Decadestwo counterparts, prepping for the Decadestwo Pop-up starting tomorrow at Kiki de Montparnasse. Magnolia Cupcakes for Everyone!

Chisato pink floral printed dress. In a size medium. Priced at $370.

Dries Van Noten floral printed ruffle robe over pink slip dress. In a size 40. Priced at $390.

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

SPRING TREND: LUXE LINGERIE

Now that the sun is coming out to play, we're looking at looks that inspire a little play of their own. Tee hee. That's right: time to break out all those Dolce & Gabbana and John Galliano gathered and ruched numbers you bought circa season 3, Sex and The City. Considering that you no longer need to leave the house in a puffer and galoshes its time to show some skin. And what better way to do so than to don a dress that's got a little peek-a-boo action built right in?

*Dolce & Gabbana pale grey ruched jersey dress with gem encrusted straps. In an Italian size 44. Priced at $770.

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

MILITARY MADNESS!

Spring Fling! I'm calling it: spring is officially here. At least on the west coast. The sun is shining, the sky is blue, and it's warm enough to rock a sundress (ok, ok, maybe with a cardigan and tights.) That said, it's time to abandon winter's dark romantic wear in favor of Spring's gentle luxe trends. You know, the ones we saw sashaying down the runway about oh, 6 months ago (wink).

This week, we'll focus on a few of our favorite Spring trends beginning with a look already in heavy rotation: military gear. This season numerous designers are turning to khaki tans and greens, button up jackets and chic cargo pockets for inspiration (think practically all major hitters: Prada, Chloe, Stella McCartney, Balmain etc.) but this Spring's military wear aren't your average boot camp worthy gear. Fashion fatigues are sporting feminine sexy notes with sparkle, beaded, chain, and sequin embellishmets and form-fitting cropped cuts. Aten-HUT!

*Kaufman Franco halter dress with chains, beads and wooden hardware. In a size 4 and priced at $390.

*Yohji Yamamoto Army Blanket Blazer. In a size 2 and priced at $340.

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

FRATERNAL TWINS

Ok, so they aren't identical. But they're pretty close . . . I do not understand what is going on with floofy, fluffy, flouncy frocks at this year's Oscars. I've been going over it in my mind again and again and for the life of me, I cannot figure out why this shape and style has come back in vogue. It seems to be outdated and somewhat matronly. Obviously, both of these ladies have amazing style so their choice of red carpet wear has me above all things, puzzled. Especially considering that Spring trends are sooooo fashion forward with sleek sophisticated lines and shapes--think military, architectural cuts with geometric prints and peek-a-boo lingerie. We're looking at modern silhouettes for a modern woman, so I guess I just cannot understand why stylists have encouraged their clients to go in pretty pretty princess mode. That said, the colors of these gowns are lovely--slate grey and tawny peach--flattering for any skin tone and so elegant.

ROCKING ROCKS!

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but rocks like these excite me! I heart jewelry--costume, fine, trinket, or 5 & dime--I love a little jzudje. If you're anything like me (and I think I know you guys pretty well by now), you're going to love our latest Hautelook sale. We selected the most fabulous pieces from one of our favorite collectors. Each one of these babies deserves their own turn down the red carpet! Go check it out: www.hautelook.com. But HURRY--the sale closes tomorrow at 8am!

JAZZY JEWELS!

We're talking serious bling for Spring ladies!

Our latest Hautelook sale showcases a collection of exquisite pieces, culled and curated by Christos, from one of our dearest clients--who is also a major jewelry collector. So, when she offered us access to her vaults, it was like the heavens themselves opened up and showered us with diamonds. Literally. Diamonds and rubies and sapphires and emeralds and tourmaline and citrine and aqua and kunzite . . . Need we say more?

Run, don't walk, to www.hautelook.com and check it out!

OH OSCAR!

Hmmmmm . . . well, sadly, the fashion at the last night's Oscar's would not have won any awards. By and large, the frocks that rocked the red carpet failed to knock us out. Basically, last night was a sea of mermaid silhouettes--tight on the top and gargantuan on the bottom. You couldn't swing a Leiber baguette without getting it caught on some starlet's skirt ruffles. It was like everybody's inner child dressed them in princess fare for the ceremony. Where are the stylists?

And for that matter--when did a messy bun with a whisplet halo become the hairstyle du jour? Personally, I preferred the days of a chic chignon, but I guess that's just me.

That said, there were a few standouts. It seemed that at the 82nd Annual Academy Awrds, the dresses that dazzled were crafted in a pale silver and encrusted with beads, gems and sparkles. I guess this year, silver gets the gold!

*photos from www.style.com

SUPER DUPER CUTE!

OMG--OSCAR night is practically upon us and we are going nutso with anticipation. I mean, the laughter, the tears, the montages! Of course--all next week, we'll be posting treats and tidbits from the red carpet as well as frocks to inspire you and jewels to bedazzle you.

In the meatime, just to stoke your formal fires, we're posting this Chanel ribbed plum evening bag with silver metal fringe. Sometimes, it's fun to pick the bag and the image ALL the gowns you could wear with it . . .

*Chanel plum ribbed handbag with metal fringe. Priced at $1200. For further information or to purchase, please contact: lizzy@decadestwo.com

RAWRRR, RAWRRRR, LIKE A DUNGEON DRAGON!

I ask you: Does animalia really ever go out of style?

I thought not, too.

Maybe, my love of things animal stems from a fanciful facination with cartier's panther rings and a secret love of bejeweled and bedazzled Leiber mini-audieres who take their shape in the form of jungle creatures and garden dwellers. After all, sporting a fashion item that is the grown-up version of playing dress up, where you get to be Ms. Moss and Mowgli at the same time, makes a city girl the queen of the jungle.

Of course, animalia need not be contained to sparkly accessories. Oh no, animals showing up up on the clothes is an equal sign of whimsy--and, who amongst us, doesn't wish to show of their footloose and fancy-free nature?

Thought so.

*Gucci tiger printed halter dress with matching scarf. In a size 42. Priced at $1420.

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

PARTY GIRL!!!

No one's saying it, so I'm saying it: Chanel clogs be damned!


Don't get me wrong. I love a clog, love Amsterdam, love windmills, love bicycles. But, when it comes to Chanel footwear, I'm eschewing the latest CC coup de grace--the toe patch clog--in favor of these thigh-high boucle babies with sequin detailing and straight-from-the nineties chunky heels. I plan on wearing them with something flouncy, light and lingerie-inspired. And maybe topping it with the Nouveau Riche jacket I blogged about yesterday. Shazaam!


*Chanel Boucle Thigh-High booties. In a size 39. Priced at $500.


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

FUR REAL!

ARGH--I spoke to soon. yesterday, it looked like early shwoers were bringing flowers, but today, we're back to grey. There's a storm cloud hanging overhead and the temperature is brisk, to say the least. Oh well, we've still got winter gear hanging on our racks, and no matter the zero degree factor, we're gauranteed to have you looking refined in no time.

So, hang on to the sundress ladies and pair them with tights, military boots, a wrecked and distressed tee and a whimsical cozy & chic coat (like this Nouveau Riche fur coat with greeen snakeskin trim) and you'll be the perfect blend of winter and spring's trends du jour.


*Nouveau Riche long hair green fur jacket with black tips and green snakeskin piping and trim. In a size small and priced at $1600.


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

FUN IN THE SUN!

Is is Spring yet? Is it? Is it? We are chomping at the bit, waiting Spring's official arrival. Calender-wise, I'm not sure if we're there and photos from back east seem to suggest that March may be a winter wonderland, but here in sunny California, we're two Farmer's Market trips away from officially announcing the season's change. We're ready for everything Spring has in store--especially fabulous frocks in loud prints in the seasons's signature color: yellow. I'm sure we'll be going on about a butter color palette in washed out hues, but for now, we're so psyched that winter's almost over, we just want to turn up the volume on saturation. Like with this Leonard shift in a signature geometric print with belt at the waist. We'll be garden party ready in no time.
*Leonard geometric print dres. In a size small. Priced at $500.
For further information or to purchase, please contact: lizzy@decadestwo.com

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