The Return of Decadestwo: A Look Inside the Preview

Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.

What a fantastic week: The sun and warm weather finally made an appearance and the Decadestwo pop-up is back! The famed Los Angeles-based boutique is best known for designer consignment straight from the closets of famous fashionistas like Rachel Zoe and Oscar Winner Sandra Bullock. Like last September, the pop-up is chock full of mouthwatering shoes, bags and womenswear from up to 70% off retail prices. Remember, these are high-end designer goods, so don't expect bargain basement prices, but it's fun to peruse the beautifully arranged shop and it's a great place to find investment pieces. It's also important to note, in homage to the late designer, Decadestwo is presenting a dedicated Alexander McQueen rack.

The shoes are of course what everyone is asking about, so let's start there. Shoppers can't and won't miss a table full of Christian Louboutin platforms, wedges, booties, strappies and more. Prices run from about $220 to over $550, but the majority average around $370. There is a mix of dead stock and consignment, but they all come with their original boxes.

The rest of the selection reads like a dream—Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel and more. Our resolve was tested with a sick pair of snakeskin peep toe platform Nicholas Kirkwoods, but we reluctantly put them back on the shelf after seeing the price tag of $660. Better deals are unworn Lanvin satin platform pumps for $220 and look on the floor along the walls, where we found Prada metallic peep toes for $170 and a pair of hot pink Pierre Hardy low patent wedges for $150. Word has it that the shoe selection will be heavy on Loubies, Manolo, Lanvin and even Nicholas Kirkwood.

The bags are mostly displayed on a large table in the back of the room and even at up to 70% off, they will still cost you a pretty penny. Unlike last time, there is not a dedicated Chanel table, but fear not, there are a few around. We found a white shoulder bag for $1300 (originally $1995) and a brown quilted bag with a short chain for $1350. We spent some time with two soft Bottega Veneta handbags (one for $2000 and the other $2200) and found a cute green Gucci snakeskin duffle for $1400. The best "deal" we found was a small black studded Marc Jacobs "Killer" purse for $660 (from $1995).

The racks of clothing are full of what we wish would fill up our imaginary walk-in closet. Zac Posen, Rick Owens, Balenciaga, Gucci, Prada, Rag & Bone, you name it. The Chanel rack is back again with suits ranging from $1070 to $2000 and up (it is Chanel). The Alexander McQueen collection is a fantastic representation of his work from a lovely grey pleated ruffle puff sleeve dress for $660, to a strapless, a kimono wrap dress for $500, a strapless slate grey Grecian gown for $2400 to the best deal of all, a gold flecked zipper hooded cropped tank for $220. The McQueen section is limited, so visit soon.

Ladies, mark your calendars for Sunday when a fresh collection of shoes will be brought out and priced at $150 and under. Sorry guys, but no menswear this time around. The sale opens to the public tomorrow and while they will replenish stock as needed. Since some items are one of a kind, act fast for the best selection.
· Decadestwo Winners: Five Shopping Tips from Friends and Family [Racked]
· Decadestwo's Flash Store Comes Back to Soho in March [Racked]
· Before the Fray: A Sneak Peak at the Decadestwo Pop-up Shop [Racked]