BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Float like a butterfly . . . we loved Alexander McQueen's entire Spring 2008 collection. Inspired by and dedicated to his muse, benefactor and dear friend, the late Isabella Blow, the collection was everything that blow embodied, style, sophistication, elegance, daring, innovation and attitude mixed with grace. We especially loved the rainbow ombré butterfly printed dresses. In face, McQueen made one of these special for another luminous lady, Beth Ditto, to wear to the may opening of his LA boutique. So imagine our excitement, when one of these flocks of butterflies somehow fluttered into D2 and made it onto the store of our floor. We almost joined those butterflies in flight. Afternoon delight.

Alexander McQueen Spring 2008 butterfly dress. In a size 46. NEW WITH TAGS! Originally retailed for $7575 and priced at $2100.

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

SOME SMOKING MARY-JANES

One of our favorite moments in the latter third of seson 4 on Sex and the City is when Carrie is taken into the Vogue closet and spies what she had up-until-then believed was only an urban myth: the Manolo Blahnik Mary-Jane.

There's just something about a Mary-Jane. It's like a big girl's schoolgirl seduction shoe: a little bit naughty and a little bit nice. so, we've posted our favorite Mary-Jane of late. Crafted by Davis by ruthie Davis, this baby si the shoe our schoolgal wore when she hiked her way out to the highway, caught a ride into the big city, found herself at elaine's with literary luminaries and wound up dancing the night away at Studio 54. Oh, I guess now she'd be at Lit. Or maybe just skulking across the Brooklyn Bridge with her skateboarder boyfriend and eating a coconut cream doughnut from the Donought Plant on Grand St. Yummmm . . .

*Davis by Ruthie Davis black patent leather mary-jane with sparkle stiletto heels and metallic insets. In a size 37.5 and priced at $250.

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

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: BURBERRY

In 1856, a 21 year-old Thomas Burberry, the OG Christian Siriano, opened his own shop in Basingstoke, Hampshire, England. Burberry became reknowned for quality outerwear; in 1880 that reputation was cemented when Burberry invented gabardine, a rough-and-tumble fabric that could take a licking and keep on ticking considering that the fabric was water-resistant and yet breathable. However, gabardine wasn't the only contribution burberry made to outerwear. In 1914, the UK War Office tapped Burberry to construct an officer's coat which would be compatable for contemporary wartime conditions. Burberry took the task to hand and created the now iconic trench coat.

Today Burberry's not just known for innovation in outerwear. In 2001, Christopher Bailey joined the ranks as head designer at Burberry. Bailey, who previoulsy held design posts at Gucci and Donna Karan, revamped the brand and produced innovative and elegant designs for all facets of women's wear. No wonder style maven like Sienna miller and Kate Moss can often be seen decked out in Burberry and Hogwart's ingenue, Emma Watson has been tapped to be the face of the brand in their latest ad campaign.

Rather than focus this post on Burberry's signature haymarket check or camel colored coat, we've decided to post a few pieces that demonstrate Burberry's ability to produce stunning pieces that are red carpet ready, with or without the trench! After all, Prorsum does mean forwards in Latin . . .

*Burberry lavender metal floral necklace. In mint condition. Priced at $1120.

**Burberry brass coin dress. In a size 40 and in next-to-new condition. Priced at $6000.

***Burberry black pearlescent feather starched skirt. No size--probably a runway sample. in next-to-new condition and priced at $1500.

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

HOLY GUACAMOLE! TONIGHT'S THE PREMIERE OF THE RACHEL ZOE PROJECT SEASON 2

Omg, omg, omg . . . synchronize your rolex's ladies--10pm PST is the debut of season 2's first episode of the Rachel Zoe Project. Last year we watched religiously every week to see what calamity the Zoe team was fast and furiously scrambling their way back from only to emerge event after event triumpant on the red carpet. I mean we laughed. We cried. We died. And we were on it. That's right. Cameron Silver + Rachel Zoe + Birkin = match made in heaven.
Ok, ok, ok so here's our favorite five moments from last season:
1. Rodger gives Rachel Dylan McKay's car for her birthday (so it wasn't actually the one from the 90210 but it was the same make and model--chic!)
2. Brad cries and gives his notice. In a text message. During Awards season. Yikes.
3. Rachel Zoe picks a Marchesa dress for her best friend's wedding.
4.The Decades cameo
5. Brad or I. Brad or I. Brad or I.
Ooooooooh, we just can't wait for tonight! Only 4:17 to go!

KIKI COVERAGE!!!

Oooh, we had so much fun last night! We co-hosted a fabulous fête at KiKi de Montparnasse, our favorite luxury lingerie and lifestyle brand and at their left coast retail boutique. Named after Man Ray's muse, KiKi is everything one might think of when one imagines Paris in the 1920s. Needless to say, we abandoned our teetotaling status for the night and made like madcap Moulin Rougies. We nipped, nibbled and thanks to the KiKi staff, learned a thing or two about a thing or two . . .Christos Garkinos, Radha Mitchell and Cameron Silver


Radha Mitchell takes a gander at KiKi garb


Christos Garkinos and Cameron Silver

This white ensemble has us raising the white flag. Girl, we surrender!

Style gurus and D2 girls: Micaela and Jessica

Luxe Tuxe!

Thrilled with my new Newton tome: "Work", a survey of Helmet Newton photographs throughout his career

Lilly and Sergio

A few guests view a demonstration of KiKi goods

Decadestwo Crew: Todd, Mayasha, Megan and Jessica

Rona

WE HEART NEW YORK!

So, we're letting the cat out of the bag . . . well, us and WWD!

http://www.wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-scoops/grauso-rumors-punk-in-the-court-gaultiers-not-so-nice-surprise-2245276#/wwd

October 1-4, we're putting up the second D2 pop-up shop at KiKi de Montparnasse, our globe-trotting BFF's NYC outpost. We'll be bringing an even larger selection of stylish schwag to the big apple, including more luxury labels, looks and livery as well as throwing a mass of men's wear into the mix. We posted just a few little tidbits above, just to whet your appetite before the D2-meets-Montparnasse schmorgasboard come Fall.

And tonight, to celebrate our on-going relationship with KiKi, the ultimate lingerie plus lifestyle brand, we'll be having a little private party at the Montparnasse emporium on Melrose. Don't worry though, we'll be sure to post pics on tomorrow's blog!

*Chanel Spring 1997 cream bouclé with rainbow threading long jacket.

**Goyard handpainted blue handbag with attached coinpurse.

***Christian Louboutin magenta sequined platform heels.

TREND: BLACK AND WHITE BALL

No need to forget your stripes, my dear, everyone's been making like a zebra. Black and white together, sharing equal fashion billing, is the latest fashion trend. From Leighton Meester rocking the red carpet at the Teen Choice Awards to Kate Moss skulking about the sands of St. Tropez, pairing these opposites is proving that harmony exists in even the most dynamic polarities. Forget the prison garb of yore, black and white together is no fashion crime. Unless you consider how hot these goods may be. Perhaps, we spoke to soon. Like Mike, black and white may make you, a smooth criminal.
*Alexander McQueen white blazer with black embroidery and pleated ruffle detailing. In a size 40. In mint condition. Retailed for approximately $3500. Priced at $1300.

**Marchesa sheath with black sequin and beaded embroidery. In a size 6. New with tags. Originally retailed for $4840 and priced at $1450.

***Chanel Cruise 2005 dress with black mesh bodice and cream silk satin pleated skirt. In a size 40. Priced at $3000.

****Vera Wang cream starched skirt with black trim. In a size 36. New with tags. Originally retailed for $1180 and priced at $340.

***** Sanga black snakeskin clutch with white ruffle snakeskin trim. In mint condition. Priced at $1100

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

ANIMAL COLLECTIVE!

STAFF PICK: Lizzy, D2 Online Editor

STARSIGN: Virgo

ON THE OLE ONES AND TWOS: Erik Satie "Velvet Gentlemen", Fleetwood Mac "Tusk", Philip Glass "Einstein on the Beach"

FAVORITE MOMENT IN THE SUN: watching the Brooklyn Cyclones (minor league) baseball game with my dad, eating a fat NY pretzle and roasted peanuts as the sun set over Coney Island. Ah, to be home again. I heart NY.

MUST -HAVE PURCHASE FOR FALL: I'm looking for a shiny, skinny, mini-dress to pair with black cashmere tights.

WHAT TO PACK COME THE COLD: Birkenstocks

STAFF PICK: KJL Kenneth Jay Lane laquered animal rings

ET POURQUOI: I love love love costume jewelry. They remind me of something some super moldy-moneyed eccentric lady might wear to play bridge with the girls, if the girls were say, over 75. I love that bizarre flat tucked away brownstone vibe. Obviously, these babies take their cue from Cartier animal jewelry but their priced in such a way that even us downtown hippie types can afford.

*KJL Kenneth Jay Lane laquered animal rings in bird, cougar and calf models. Priced at $140 each and in mint condition.

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

THIS JUST IN: OSCAR DE LA RENTA LACE-IN-POINT DJELLABA

Generally, Resort collections are the Wednesday's red headed step-children of seasonal desinger offerings. While there's always something charming within each showing, Resort often goes overlooked and underappreciated. Perhaps that's because the collections are smaller; though we also think it's usually because designers don't entirely embrace what Resort/Cruise evokes: warm sandy beaches, whitewashed oceanliner decks with teak chaise lounges, crystalline azure waves. Thankfully, Oscar De La Renta gets it. Proof in point: this white lace-in-point djellaba from the Resort 2007 collection. This caftan is the perfect piece to embody what Resort should be: pieces that transport you to some private island somewhere in the Carribean, perhaps with a japanese parasol poked into the sands, thumbing your way through "Dubliners". Truth be told however, we'd wear this baby in any season. With sandpapered grey jeans and a fur vest in the Fall and with not much else in the Spring . . .

*Oscar De La Renta white lace-in-point djellaba. From the Resort 2007 collection. In mint condition. Priced at $1450.

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

MR. T!

Ok, ok--rather than look ahead to the upcoming season to ready our wardrobes for what Fall may have in store, our latest blog posting concentrates on the here and the now. Clothing that practically screams summer fun: the T-shirt. Leave those Hanes to him--we've selected a few Tees that are crafty and creative for today's modern lady. While the T-shirt itself is older than beyond the turn of the the century (originally worn as underclothes) it was in the mid 1950s that companies such as Disney, began manufacturing the T as outerwear, and decorating the garment with printed characters. In the 60s, hippies took it the to outerlimits by tie-dying their T's a variety of rainbow colors. Later, in the 80s, the decade that gave birth to our favorite paradox: extravagant minimalism, messages were silk screened on the T. Today, the T is the ultimate fashion equalizer--the must-have to spice up any wardrobe--no matter what the season frankly. So, if you can't find your favorite Frankie Goes to Hollywood T or you just need to break free from your Fruit of the Loom rut, don't worry lady, we've got you covered.

*Yves Saint Laurent splatter paint muscle Tee with gathering at the sleeves and mock turtleneck. In a size medium and in mint condition. Priced at $150.

**Lanvin silk-screened T-shirt with multi-colored paillette detailing and silk trim. In a size medium. New with tags and originally retailed for $750. Priced at $295.

***Lanvin cream cotton T-shirt with cream colored grosgrain tuxedo front, gem detailing, and silk trim. In a size medium. New without tags. Priced at $230.

****Thomas Wylde skull and diamonds silk-screened long red T-shirt. In a size medium and in mint condition. Priced at $250.

*****Thomas Wylde skull and diamonds silk-screened brown T-shirt. In a size medium and in mint condition. Priced at $250.

******Christian Dior Marie Anoinette printed cream colored T-shirt. In a size 10 and in mint condition. Priced at $160.

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

PARTY PICS FROM THE "LIFE IN COLOR" BOOK SIGNING PARTY

So, as you know, last night we hosted a book signing party for the launch of Life In Color. The book, co-authored by super chic stylists, co-owners of luxury lifestyle consulting firm Visual Therapy and Decadestwo pals Jesse Garza and Joe Lupo, focuses on color-typing to help women understand which colors, patterns, baubles and jewels look "best" for them. The duo assembled four basic color palettes (Sun, Moon, Earth and Star) each of which showcases variables of all the colors of the rainbow. No longer are redheads doomed to earth-toned closets--this tome makes color selection and fashion styling easy as a pie in the sky. Luckily, at last night's soirée, the duo were on hand to give personalized color consultations to those in attendence as they snacked on canapés, consumed cocktails and generally reveled. I'm happy to say that I'm a SUN--lotsa light warm colors with golden over and under tones! Good to know . . . Jesse Garza, Christos Garkinos and Joe Lupo

Jesse Garza and Joe Lupo outside Decadestwo

Laura Bennett

Party People!

Jesse Garza gives Jen Whitman a personalized color consult

Too cute!

Mayasha Long along with two uber stylish rogues

Nicollette Sheridan

Black and white--always fashion forward

the carrying cases of the style set

"Moon"-type Cameron Silver breaks it down for Mayasha Long and Pegah Anvarian

Jesse Garza typing the Tarantino crew

Laura Bennett chats it up with Nicollette Sheridan and friend

Pegah Anvarian and friend