Francisca Flores Resin Heart Earrings

We can't get enough of bold chunky jewelry. This trend has lasted several seasons, and we suspect, will hold longer that the broader 80's trend that has been popular the past few seasons. While we've never heard of Francisca Flores before, these earrings (and the matching bracelet to be posted later) made us an instant fan. Cast resin hearts in rust are bound in gold wire and suspended from a smaller heart which hangs upside down. The signature tells us that Flores was/is based in Paris, and there are several contemporary French designers doing a similar look now. These also resemble 80's jewelry by YSL and Lacroix.

Jean Charles de Castelbajac

Jean Charles Castelbajac got his start by making himself a coat out of an old blanket when he was just a boy. This became a signature look for him and this coat is a prime example of the look Castelbajac was after. I found this over the summer but didn't feel it was appropriate to post until fall. I sold this piece at the vintage show I attended this past weekend, and am already missing it. The dealer who bought it sells exclusively to high end collectors in New York, so I know it will find a good home.

Bold Pink Accessories, Part 2

A few months back I had another clutch made with the same exotic skin, and it was a hit. This patchwork frog skin bag can be worn as a clutch or on your shoulder.

Oscar de la Renta Peacock Convertible Clutch

Wear this bag on your shoulder or tuck in the chain and carry it as a clutch. The stitching mimics the pattern on a peacock feather and the jewel clasp provides a nice contrast to the soft black lambskin.

Large Disc Pendant

Lately I've been buying up as much vintage Donna Karan as I can get my hands on. I'm loving her 80's and early 90's looks and, because everyone might not be ready for them, I'm tucking them away in my closet of special things. This large disc pendant reminds me of the jewelry Donna commissioned from designer Robert Lee Morris for some of her shows. The disc is ceramic, and is strung onto a leather cord. Pair it with a beach tunic and you have a perfect late summer look.

Silver Shoes for Day and Night, Part 1

For Day, these Perry Ellis America flats fit in perfectly with the current gladiator sandal trend, without hitting you over the head with a costume look. Instead they are gladiator-inspired flats, in silver leather with bands of black silk running through the leather. Size 7.5

Chunky Italian Beachcomber Necklace

I immediately thought of Marni when I saw this necklace, so it wasn't a big surprise when I saw "Made in Italy" engraved on the clasp. I like to call this a beachcomber necklace because it looks to be made up of bits from the sea. The pieces, which include matte colored shells and goldtone details, hang off of a chain bib that comes to a point. The knotted rope also lends this necklace it's nautical theme.

Valentino Belt

Two things make this simple belt special. The color, which straddles the line between navy and charcoal grey in a cool matte finish, looks clean and modern. And the buckle, with its slightly oriental shape and inlaid leather fill, gives this belt the little bit of character it needed.

This articulated jester necklace hangs lower than it appears but was too difficult to photograph at its full length. Anyway it has completely movable extremities and an adorable smile on its face. I found this last week and it sold 3 days later.

Norma Kamali Leopard Print Cocoon Top

Wear this as a casual beach cover up or out on the town. Norma Kamali OMO leopard print cocoon top.

Extra Wide Belt with Snakeskin Trim

This belt is about 4 inches wide, making it the center of attention and perfect pair for a pared down little black dress. The brown snakeskin and tortoise and goldtone buckle contrast nicely with the black leather.

Kenneth Jay Lane Black and White

I love black and white cookies, so I had to grab this because the enamel looks like icing! This is a great piece to layer with others because it is so simple and graphic.

Massive Black Lucite Clamper Bracelet

So, my friend Kirsten has this same bracelet, which she found at a Paris flea market, in clear Lucite. I love it and think about it often, and assumed I would have to go to Paris to find another one. Imagine my surprise at finding a black one here in Southern California. I should have photographed it on someone since the weight and size are difficult to capture otherwise. Take my word for it, this piece is massive. The closure is magnetic and is located under the goldtone design.

A Couple of Sexy 80's Dresses, Part Two

There is no defined pattern to the sequins on this dress- it is just an impressionistic burst of rich colors. Like the post below, this dress is a mini (although not as drastically short). My favorite detail is the scoop back. This is a great party dress that would force you onto the dance floor.

A Couple of Sexy 80's Dresses

The stripes on the chest of this dress alternate between solid black stretch velvet and stretch sheer, giving a not so subtle sexy hint of skin throughout the top half of the body. As if there were anything left to the imagination, the skirt is cut unbelievably short. Just so you don't feel like a total slut, the high neck keeps this look conservative enough for a dinner date. The label is Tadashi.

Betsey Johnson Screaming Punk Mini Dress

This dress comes from the Betsey Johnson "Screaming Punk" label of the early 1980's. The body is a stretch knit that hugs every curve and the skirt is a patent-like material. This is a great summer party dress if you are under 25. Over 25? See below.

My Thierry Mugler Finds at Decades!

I recently paid a visit to Decades and sold them three of my Thierry Mugler pieces. In the images above are two of them- a flame bodiced mini dress and a jumpsuit with built in cat-eye brooch. These are iconic Mugler and, while I wanted to hold onto them forever, I thought now would be a good time to share them. I got these pieces several years ago. Unfortunately most women overlooked Mugler for the past 15 years. This also happened with Herve Leger. Everyone thought it looked "dated" or too costume. Anyway Decades posted these three pieces on their blog and I couldn't be happier that they are being exposed to a wider audience than I am capable of reaching. I have a few other Mugler pieces that I will be posting this week.

Bold Gold Chunky Choker

This choker is made up of strung together wooden beads painted metallic gold. It sits high on the neck and is reminiscent of Wilma Flintstone. Again, a bold chunky piece that will make a little black dress stand out this spring.

Karl Lagerfeld Cartouche Necklace

Notice that, in the title of this post, I call to your attention the signature KL cartouche. Of course this acts as a clasp, allowing you to double the necklace around your neck if you so desire, but it is also a nice design element. One which I recommend you highlight, rather than hide.

Gerard Yosca Enamel Earrings

Here is a pair of Gerard Yosca enamel and rhinestone clip earrings. Yosca has always designed pieces that stand on their own as fashion objects. These enamel clip earrings probably date to the 80's or early 90's, but look like they were designed for this spring. Larger in scale and bold in color, these earrings are spot on for this moment.