This past Wednesday I had the honor/pleasure/delight- you choose- of meeting Decades & Decades Two owner Cameron Silver at one of DC’s most uber HighEnd boutiques Hu’s Wear. As we all know, Mimi looooves vintage, but this vintage…this vintage is in a whole ‘nother league!

If you don’t know Decades, school yourself, sweetie- because Silver’s spot is the hautest vintage retailer around. Celebs regularly time-travel with Decades, and Lady Zoe practically rents a corner of its’ Melrose boutique. In a word, Decades is the ish when it comes to consignment couture! From Oscar to Hermes, Valentino to gobs of Chanel; Decades carries the names that have truly stood the test of time.

Cameron was gracious enough to chat with me about his love of vintage and even imparted some words of wardrobe wisdom for all aspiring consignment chicsters!

• HighEnd: Walk us through the timeline of your love for vintage…did it start with family heirlooms or just flea market finds?

Cameron Silver: I became interested in men’s vintage as a teenager. Throughout that discovery process, I started finding all of these beautiful women’s things that I loved, but didn’t want to wear…obviously. So thirteen years later that led to me selling women’s vintage.

• HE: What is your process for finding those “wow” vintage pieces? What makes certain pieces stand out?
  

CS: There are several questions I ask myself- “Is this modern? Is it sexy?” Because above everything, a woman should be sexy no matter her age. That is always in style. And I never buy pieces that are costumey or overly kitschy. It should have influences from the past, but still work as well in 2010 as it did in 1987.

• HE: I love seeing all of the gorgeous Chanel, Valentino, Balmain and Oscar de la Renta; but what are some of your secret places where you find unknown treasures?
  

CS: Consignment shops are great places to find that hidden gem, because generally they specialize in more current pieces. So I have been able to find some amazing things in consignment stores that other people don’t realize the value of. And flea markets, while not glam, are definitely a rite of passage for every fashionista.

• HE: Yessss! I love LA’s Fairfax Flea Market on Melrose. I love digging through all of the jewelry and bags and finding that one thing that NO ONE else will have.

CS: Love that Flea Market! It’s a great place to find little treasures, but I’m definitely too old for the dig now. I’ve paid my dues!

• HE: What is your one piece of stylish advice for the budding fashionista 20-something?

CS: Shop like an icon. Be a trendsetter rather than a follower. And at the end of the day ask yourself “What would Audrey Hepburn, Jackie O and Diana Ross wear?”

Well, there you have it- Mimi’s one-on-one with the VanGough of Vintage! Ok, chicsters onward to make old not just new, but fab again ;) Decades Two, Silver’s more modern consignment shop is hosting a sale on Hautelook. Click H.E.R.E. for an exclusive invite!

*all images via decades, inc. blog*