Sunday, April 30, 2006

Store Review: Decades

Decades
8214 Melrose Ave,
Los Angeles 90046

Tag line: Split-level vintage house makes the dream of owning designer clothing a reality.


On a lovely Friday afternoon, a girlfriend and I strolled into Decades, a supposed gold-mine of celebrity hand me downs and designer goods galore. We got buzzed in and my previous excitement was quicky replaced with disappointment as I saw how little merchandise there was and how high the prices were. It was interesting to see old seasons masterpieces hanging on the racks again yet the prices seemed over the top high for what it was: used designer clothing. Even though I was disappointed with the clothing selection, I knew my fire would light up when I saw the shoes, yet again they were very sparse, probably selling only 15 pairs! At least now I can say I've been to Decades, and I'm sure that popping in once in a while I will find something I fancy. Id recommend going to Maxfield Bleu on Robertson if you want designer duds at remarkable prices. Think Prada Sport, Marni, Gucci, and Lanvin merchandise from its cousin, Maxfield on Melrose.

Hi-Low concept

I am a believer in finding good replicas of a certain trend, but lately I've been getting annoyed at how fast the cheap stores can put out a copy of the real designer item. It seems like they cancel each other out and magically a trend vanishes way before it even blossomed. Case in point: Short Shorts with rolled up hems; before the season even began there were the most beautiful See by Chloe khaki shorts and then the that week Forever 21 had the SAME style short! Same with those patent cork platforms Christian Louboutin put out that were absolutely edible, the next thing you know Steve Madden had the same pair. It is a positive and negative because those who love fashion can afford it now, but what is to separate the true fashionistas from the average mall shopper? Just a thought.

Saturday, April 01, 2006

Feeling Frenchi

Ahhh I love classic 1950s & 1960s Parisan dressing. Im so happy its coming back. Heres some examples of then and now.

















Looks of the Season: Spring '06

Heres some of my favorite looks from the season


Trend #1: Short Shorts

Runway: Zac Posen



Deal: Vince


$245




Trend #2: Tiny Cocktail Bags

Runway: Chanel



Deal: Luella Bartley for Target



Only $30!



Trend #3: Platforms

Runway: Chloe



Deal: Nine West


$85



Trend #4: 60's Day Dress

Runway: Miu Miu



Deal: Marc Jacobs


$298



Trend #5: Cigarette Pants


Runway: Costume National



Deal: Tavernity So Jeans



These Jeans are AMAZING!!! Check out the back:



$182




Fashion Rumor

New designer for GO international: Target



So the new buzz going around is that the new designer to take over the Go: International program for Target is Tara Jarmon, from Paris.





I think she is just so so. To me this looks like Banana Republic or something equally plain. She does not have the edge that Luella has, nor the reputation, so I don't think people will be as excited for the debut of this collection. Bummer, I thought the rumor about Proenza Schuller doing a line would be true.