An End and a Beginning!

I'm just dropping in to wish all of you a
Happy New Year!
The end to 2009 is just hours away and I wanted to take the time to wish you all peace and happiness in 2010!

Also, take a look out the window at the moon tonight. It's a "blue moon", meaning the 13th full moon of the year and the 2nd full moon this month. It won't happen again until 2028!

Remember to be safe tonight.
All of us down at the Troc hope to see you next year!

Last Minute Gifts for the Girls

I'm pretty sure you all can agree with me when I say that the holidays are the busiest time of year for everyone. From watching Alice rush to get all her Christmas presents wrapped and in the mail to studying until the wee hours of the morning for my Physics final, Christmas seems to be a very chaotic time. Caught up in all the rush, someone on your gift list is bound to get left out. Whether it be your girlfriend from high school or the hostess of your party, sometimes you just forget. Fear not, though. Alex and I have carefully devised a list of those last minute "I-can't-believe-I-forgot" gifts. So to start us off, number...

5. Archipelago Hand Creme - A store and staff favorite, this hand creme is loved all around Omaha. It's silky texture and subtle scent leaves your hands feeling and smelling fantastic.

4. Recchiuti Fleur de Sel Caramels - If you're going to give any edible gift this year, these caramels are definitely the way to go. Covered in bittersweet chocolate and flecked with sea salt, this sweet treat is sure to please any palate.

3. Attic Journals - I'm sure we've mentioned these on the blog before, but that doesn't mean we can't keep talking. Our new shipment of journals just arrived a week ago and we can't get over how unique our selection is.

2. Rescue Beauty Lounge Nail Polish - To keep in the Christmas spirit, the red and green colors in our collection go perfectly together. The colors go by the names of Chinoise and Orbis Non Sufficit and are adorable used together or separate. (And for all our Hannukah celebrators out there, we've got a blue polish too.)

1. Mary Green Sleeping Masks - These are a new addition to the store for the holidays and are absolutely perfect for any girl in your life. Available in silver or black, these silky smooth covers will give you a good night's rest.

So, in case you're reading this and have realized you left that special someone out - come down and pay us a visit. We'll help you find the perfect last-minute gift.... and maybe even something for yourself!

"Have Beauty, Will Travel"

I opened up the pages of one of my favorite artsy fashion publications, the up-and-coming Zink! magazine, to find them spotlighting not one, but two product lines we carry here at the Troc! Both were featured in an editorial spotlighting travel-sized beauty products (because, let's face it, those one-time hotel shampoos and awfully perfumed soaps just don't cut it.)

The first brand, Ole Henrickson, is a natural anti-aging skincare line created by the top beauty expert and spa-owner of the same name. Among the products featured in Zink! is the Natural Hair Wash with Sea Kelp, a gentle shampoo that moisturizes and nourishes hair with hydrating tropical extracts like plumeria and orchid. Both the shampoo and the conditioner are on sale at Trocadero for $24 each (but we're currently running a buy one, get one 1/2 off special!)

Other amazing Ole Henrickson products in-store include the Sheer Transformation cream ($48), a light oil-free formula that smoothes facial lines and helps makes skin discolorations and sun damage disappear without harsh chemicals, and my personal favorite, the Apricot Cleansing Lotion ($24). I'm notoriously guilty of not fully removing my makeup before bed, but this soft cleanser with a light, clean scent gets rid of even the most persistent water-proof makeup.

All of the Ole Henriksen products are on sale, so it's definitely worth stopping by to test out the brand hailed by celebrities like Naomi Campbell, Ralph Fiennes, Renee Zellweger, and Christy Turlington.

The second line, Korres, uses super high-quality plant extracts and leaves out all the unnecessary synthetic ingredients, leaving it with an all-natural formula that's amazing for your skin. Spotlighted in Zink! is one of the adorable travel sets, and Trocadero just so happened to get a shipment of all sorts of these little darlings just yesterday! We've got the Yoghurt, Guava, and Quince travel-size body butters, all of which are nutrient-rich balms made with real shea butter and avocado, sunflower and almond oils($10 a piece!). They're the perfect size to throw in your suitcase for a holiday vacation or as a last-minute stocking stuffer.

The travel/gift sets are true skincare gems, and Trocadero has plenty to choose from. Those loyal to the body butters can purchase a set of Guava, Quince and Fig($27) or seek a bit more spice in the Vanilla Cinnamon gift set ($23), featuring extra-moisturizing body milk and shower gel. My personal favorite is the Guava Travel Set (a steal at $20), an all-body combo of shower gel, body butter and their incredible lip butter. Just putting on the tropical-scented body butter is a vacation in itself. (Of course, if you find yourself obsessed with these products, we've got the full-size versions as well.)

 

 

If you've got any last-minute holiday shopping to do, or you just want to pick up some great travel-sized beauty products for your trip out of town, make sure to stop by or call us the Troc!

 

Happy Holidays!

Let it Snow (or Rain, or Sleet....)

A few days ago, Alex and I had a customer that was infatuated with the store's See by Chloe rain boots. Personally, I hadn't really given them a thought since setting foot in the store four months ago - rarely had I seen an outfit I liked that incorporated rubber footwear.

In any case, we began chitchatting with the customer about all the positive aspects of this particular boot, when Alex mentioned the possibility of switching out the laces. Immediately, I was excited at the thought of putting pretty patterned laces (florals, for one) in these, uhm, rubber boots. Somehow, this customer had sold me on the rain boots, instead of the other way around!

The See by Chloe rain boots are a darling piece of footwear that can withstand all of the elements. It's fully lined with fabric and features the most adorable little faux pocket detail on the side. Here at the Troc, we have two exclusive colors you can't find anywhere else: a stunning lavender/khaki combo, and the more earthy dark grey and camel. They were also featured as one of In Style's best Fall 2009 accessories!

I actually became so enthralled with these rain boots that I challenged myself to create outfits to pair them with.  I was leaning toward the dark grey boot (pictured above), and felt it was the perfect opportunity to experiment with neutral tones.

rainboot outfits by shoptrocadero

The first outfit is filled with my current must-haves: a cute floral dress, a sturdy parka, and a classic bag (here, the Anya Hindmarch Maddock). It's the perfect stomping-about-town look for running errands, picking up a quick lunch, and the necessary shopping detours.

The second is a bit more weekend-casual, just a simple plaid top with a few hippie-esque accessories from Trocadero. The See by Chloe boots really ground this look and add an element of texture, and the MZ Wallace Jane bag (which Alex will not stop talking about) has all the compartments a busy girl could need.

The third outfit is this idea I have currently been toying with of the "innerwear as outerwear" trend that was alllllllll over the runways. I love the idea of pairing a tissue-thin satin slipdress with a chunky sweater and a sturdy boot. It's an interpretation of a look in one of my favorite editorials of all time, Keira Knightley in the June 2007 issue of US Vogue. This is an excellent outfit for spring, as well (for the current weather, you'd need a lot more layering!) As with the other outfits, the accessories and bag can be found at the Troc!

In any case, the key component in all of these looks is the See by Chloe rain boots, a practical and pretty pair of shoes that just may wiggle their way into your wardrobe!

Two for the Road: 12/7/09

Date: 12/7/09

Bag: Rafe canvas vertical tote

Shoe: Naturalizer black leather motorcycle boot

Worn with: Simply Vera by Vera Wang scribble sleeveless tunic with black jet bead neck detail, Plenty by Tracy Reese black long sleeve tunic top, Forever 21 black leggings, American Apparel black fleece mini skirt

Yes, I'm rockin' Naturalizer boots and I love 'em. I got these at a Brown Shoe press breakfast and ever since I took them back to my office, I promoted the crap out of them. For one thing, these boots were comfy. But they were also really stylish, practical, with a fabulous lug sole, perfectly rounded pointed toe and two simple silver buckles that weren't showy, flashy, western in styling in that tacky Donald J. Pliner way. No offense but I have never met a DJP shoe that I have thought was editorial or something I would carry in my boutique. I know they're a huge retail moneymaker; but retail sales don't necessarily mean fashionable and stylish. I'm just sayin'. Sorry. But give me a well made Naturalizer boot and let's just say my editor-in-chief asked for a pair as well as my assistant at the time (shout out to my L'il Fleege). Editors stopped me asking me where I got my boots. And the best was when Hal Rubenstein, one of my colleagues at the mag, asked me if my fantastic boots were from Chanel. CHANEL! Can you believe it? Naturalizer boots disguised as Chanel! Then the Rafe bag is another freebie editor gift; my friend Vicky carried hers a lot and it was in a different color combo that was very chic as well. This bag has been in my wardrobe for a very long time and it's a great bag for a laptop and magazines. Really functional and just plain awesome. Go Rafe! I am wearing some Vera from Kohl's, my stand by AA merch and a great long sleeved top from Plenty, bought at the Tracy Reese shop on Hudson Street in the West Village.

Seoul Sisters in the Heartland of America

Last week we had a trio of celebrities in the Troc. It was none other than the Ahn Trio, the critically-acclaimed classical piano trio. I recognized their name from the countless articles and reviews I have read about them (in Vogue, Time and People among others). Being a classically trained pianist and Korean as well, I felt an instant kinship to them. They, too, were having a moment as they came back the next day to meet me in person and hand me an autographed copy of their CD, Lullaby For My Favorite Insomniac. The sisters, two of whom are twins, were all attractive and beautifully dressed and accessorized; the perfect models for the Troc. They were apparently so happy to find out that the store was owned by a Korean girl from NYC. The sisters, Angella, Lucia and Maria were all trained at Juilliard and currently live in New York but were in Omaha for the tour of their latest CD. I wish I had known about their concert as I would have gone in a heartbeat. When I was in high school I used to play in a classical piano trio. I only remember a Beethoven piece; I don't think we pursued it very far.

I've been listening to their CD and enjoying it very much. I highly recommend it!

Two for the Road: 12/5/09

Date: 12/5/09

Bag: Ruehl tan leather tote

Shoe: Bruno Frisoni gray patent bootie

Worn with: Gray v-neck t-shirt, American Apparel charcoal gray cotton cardigan, Union Bay camouflage cargo ruched bottom pants

Do not adjust your screen. Yes, I appear to be wearing pants. It's a very rare moment when I am sporting anything resembling trousers. Okay, maybe at night I slip into some drawstring sweatshirt material pants or some shorts but other than that, this is one girl who does not spend her money on designer jeans. I bought these camo pants at Kohl's; I don't know, there was something about them that I liked (I think the ruched bottom). I can only wear them with a long cardigan of some sort to cover my butt so I chose my trusty AA one. The shirt is by a designer I don't recall and I think I got it at Talulah G in Vegas. It has a great deep v-neck and I always get compliments when I wear it. The bag was a freebie from the Ruehl folks (a now-defunct upscale division of Abercrombie & Fitch). I love his tote because it's a great neutral color, really worn in leather and very roomy in size to fit almost anything. I'm glad I never gave this away because I have grown to rely on it for so many occasions. Great road trip bag to tote around stuff in the car like snacks, camera stuff, toiletry kit, books, maps, etc. The shoes are my first repeat! These are my beloved Brunos in gray patent leather. Killer heels, killer look. Hardly ever wore them in NYC but a new fave here in Omaha.

Two for the Road: 12/4/09

Date: 12/4/09

Bag: Jil Sander gunmetal leather small hobo

Shoe: Chanel black satin ballet flat with ribbon

Worn with: Kimchi Blue black tank top dress with gray skirt, Bravo gray waffle knit cashmere long cardigan, Louis Vuitton silver buckle black belt, American Apparel black stirrup opaque tights

This is my ballerina Chanel look and I felt like a princess when I wore this outfit. I bought the dress this past week at Urban Outfitters on sale for a mere $29.99. My two boyfriends liked it very much on me (one of whom is 6 years old). The leggings are also new from American Apparel and the sweater is my usual stand-by for cold days. The Jil Sander bag was a gift from the designer at the time: Milan Vukmirovic. I love this bag for all the many pockets on the outside and the neutral metallic color. The shoes were given to me at a Chanel Ballet Flat Luncheon held for Accessories Directors at La Grenouille restaurant in Manhattan. I remember the invite said to RSVP with your shoe size. Who wouldn't want to go to a luncheon when Chanel asks you for your shoe size??? I don't think there was one editor who didn't show up. When we arrived at the luncheon, everyone's seat had a place setting card with their name as well as a large Chanel shopping bag sitting on the chair. We all pretty much figured out what was in the bags.

Accessories that Speak for Themselves

Bitter winter winds can leave you feeling in a rut and reluctant to leave the house, but giving a little lift to your winter wardrobe with accessories can be just the ticket you need out of the doldrums.

Accessories can liven up outfits and add instant glam to any look. Detailed accessories can take your look to new heights, and luckily Trocadero has the perfect picks at the right prices just in time for the holidays. Patterns, exotic skins, and other embellishments add excitement to any ensemble.

Accessories That Pack a Little Punch by shoptrocadero

Brilliant hues are a great contrast to the white winter palette. Chunky jewelry like the Kara Ross enamel bangles can add a punch of color that makes plain pieces like a solid crewneck pop. Rafe's red patent bag stands out too with it's bold color and sheen as well as the pleating detail on the front.

Add a little variety to your look with exotic textures from Rafe's wristlets in stamped crocodile leather or a Kara Ross python cuff. Fur always evokes luxury, and with Ulu's rabbit fur boots looking chic is both functional and stylish.

Vibrant patterns can take an outfit to a whole other level. An ornate patterned accessory like Yarnz cashmere scarves can breathe new life into old threads. Pair one of them under a blazer with a white oxford shirt for a playful work outfit or even for a weekend casual option. LAMB's tiger/newsprint tote gives a funky twist to a classic color combination and the gold studs take it one step further. A subtle woodgrain accentuated by crystals is where rustic meets elegance in the Devi Kroell box clutch.

Give the gift of style with these and other great accessories from Trocadero. Stop in this week for extra savings off all items in the store during our BIGGEST SALE EVENT OF THE YEAR!

Back In Black

It's now a week and a couple days past Thanksgiving and everyone is starting to gear up for Christmastime. With snow on the ground and boots on our feet, the majority of the city is out and about - shopping for X-Mas gifts for their loved ones. But! Just because Black Friday has come and gone, doesn't mean that the color has, too. Black is here to stay this winter.

From shoes to candles to clutches, black is being brought back in this season. Luckily, the Troc is keeping up with this rising trend and is now featuring the best in black accessories.

• The boots on the top left are a store favorite from Rafe. To add an edgy touch to any dress, just slip on a pair of matte tights with these boots and you've got yourself an outfit.
• In between the boots is the mini Botkier clutch. Used for make-up or money, this little pouch fits well in any purse.
• Below the boots and clutch is one of the Troc's most oogled-over items. This Anya Hindmarch python tote (also available in beige) is the absolute epitome of an amazing bag. It's smooth-as-butter leather and gold accents make for an elegant addition to any nighttime ensemble.
• The Seychelles "Blimey" pumps, just under the tote, are adorable. Though they're still available in most sizes, these shoes have been a hit at the store since they came in.
• To the right of the Seychelles are is one of my favorite items we carry in the store - the Botkier "Moto" clutch. Whether you carry it as your main purse or use it for a night on the town, it's sure to be noticed. We used to have the bag in a seafoam green, as well, but some Trocadero lovers from Louisiana came in during the CWS and bought both! That's what I call a couple of lucky ladies!
• The Kara Ross Velvet and Gold clutch, center, is a black beauty for sure. As Alex posted a couple weeks back - gold is also an "in" color this season - and this bag has everything to show for it! It's black velvet texture is delightful and made even better with the bright gold accents!
• Above the Kara Ross sits a black L.A.M.B. deco wallet. A perfect gift for a mom or teenage daughter, this wallet has a ton of credit card slots and plenty of room for change!
• The Anya Hindmarch "Maddock" tote, diagonal, is another stunning bag we're carrying this season. The chain-link handle and the frilled zipper add the perfect touches to this terrific tote.
• Up next, the Joie boots on the right. Seeing as I own a pair of these lovely boots, I can attest to their magnificence! I've worn them over jeans, with skirts, and with leggings before and I never tire of them. They can be flipped down to expose their grey interior leather or worn over-the-knee (as shown in the picture). Either way, the black boot is an excellent winter shoe.
• And last, but certainly not least, the Diptyque "Baies" candle in the lower right corner. With the scents of black currant and Bulgarian rose, this candle is sure to please any nose.

Trocadero Holiday Q&A: Alex

We're continuing our special weekly feature on this snowy Sunday with Alex. With the holidays right around the corner we thought it would be fun to share with our loyal readers a bit about the Trocadero staff and what we love in the store right now. Each of us will talk about what item we would love to get for an important person in our lives and why we'd gift this particular item. See the gifts Alex would buy (she couldn't narrow it down to just one!) and for whom she'd buy them below.

If I could by my mother anything, It would be the Anya Hindmarch "Autumn" crocodile embossed leather with the suede flap. (pictured above.) It is such a classic looking, well made purse, and definitely would be part of lifetime collection of items.

















If I could buy my best friend Emily anything, it would probably be the light gray Botkier "Uma" with the Kidrobot wallet inside. They are both well made and long lasting, but they have a definite edge.

Finally, If I could buy myself anything it would be the MZ Wallace Jane in black with the Pade Vavra bird's nest bracelet inside.






















All of Alex's amazing gift choices are available in store now. Anya Hindmarch "Autumn" bag, $995; Botkier "Uma" bag, $595; MZ Wallace "Jane" bag, $345. Contact us for pricing on the other items featured and don't forget, our big sale started Saturday, so shop for the holidays while the price is right!

Two for the Road: 11/23/09

Date: 11/23/09

Bag: Mayle black leather patchwork bag with black chain strap

Shoe: Marc by Marc Jacobs Miss Marc flats

Worn with: DVF black short sleeve dress, Bravo gray waffle knit long cardigan

My go-to dress by DVF with my favorite cardigan that I bought here in Omaha at She-la gets paired with Miss Marc patent flats from Trocadero and a bag from Mayle that I actually got from eLuxury before they stopped doing e-commerce. It was a bag I fell in love with and something that I actually wanted to carry in the shop but unfortunately Mayle had stopped its wholesale business operations. I thought a client of mine would fall in love with this bag but she couldn't afford it so by default it became my new possession. That just suits me fine. I love unique bags that other people don't own or know what it is. Kind of like the sort of bags I carry at my shop. Smiles.

Two for the Road: 11/21/09

Date: 11/21/09

Bag: Lambertson Truex black crocodile satchel

Shoe: Sigerson Morrison black patent skimmer

Worn with: C&C black cotton long sleeved t-shirt, black leggings from Strawberry, Louis Vuitton black silk dress with polka dot skirt

There are a few LV clothing items in my closet courtesy of the long departed Louis Vuitton sample sales that used to happen pre-LVMH Tower on 57th Street. I have an amazing trench coat that I adore for its sheer, in-your-face use of the logo. I'll post a photo of it once I finally get it retooled and refitted. I've actually never worn it; it's in a size 36 (the equivalent of a 2-4, it is still really huge and needs to be taken in even more -- even though I'm not a size 2). This dress is one of my purchases at the sale and I remember Ellyn Chestnut, the ELLE Accessories Director having the same dress. The shoes are from the famed Sigerson Morrison sample sale (Kari Sigerson, by the way, is from Omaha) and were probably $50. These are a particular favorite of mine because of their simplicity. I love the black elastic band across the shoe -- very ballerina, very Audrey. The black crocodile Lambertson Truex bag (to die for!) was a beloved gift from the designers, John Truex and Richard Lambertson, for my 30th birthday. If I was still in the fashion magazine business I wonder what I would be getting for my 40th birthday next month...

Unique Hostess Gifts

The holiday season is officially upon us, and that means it's time to prepare yourselves for the numerous sit-down dinner and cocktail parties you're sure to attend. A classy way to show your gratitude for being invited to the soiree is to present your hostess with a small gift. A typical gift is a bottle of wine or a bouquet of flowers. How boring! Stop by Trocadero to find unique gifts that are sure to impress your hostess (or host).

I like to stick to items meant for the home and not ones geared towards a specific person. Candles, books and vases are things everyone can enjoy. Red Flower candles come with a small heap of potpourri and are available in alluring scents like Italian Blood Orange, Indian Jasmine and Spanish Gardenia. Let her explore the homes of well-known Parisians in the book Paris Living Rooms, which is perfect for the coffee table in her living room. And Anne Black and Normann Copenhagen vases are simple enough to match any decor--and to hold the flowers that other guests bring.

Since your host or hostess has likely been slaving away in the kitchen, why not bring something he or she can use at the kitchen sink? Archipelago Pomegranate Hand Wash is one of our best-sellers. It smells absolutely delicious, but Malin + Goetz's Mojito Soap Set, a collection of three bar soaps in lime, rum and peppermint, is a great alternative. When the work is done, she can indulge in some MarieBelle. Trocadero carries three varieties of the dark chocolate bar: Mayan Chocolate, Aztec Hot Chocolate and Dark Hot Chocolate.

A John Derian paperweight would nicely contain that stack of bills and mail your hostess shoved in the corner. I particularly like the one that says "A Happy Home." Stationery is always something needed--and appreciated. These Cavallini Typewriter Thank You Notecards will come in handy when it's time for your hostess to thank people for their holiday gifts. Finally, who doesn't enjoy a fragrant home? A gift of Antica Farmacista home ambiance reed diffusers is sure to bring a smile to anyone's face.

So there you have it! Creative gifts you can bring with you the next time you're a guest at a party... and, lucky for you, they're all available at Trocadero!

I SPY!

Watching my weekly smut television my friends were alerted when I screamed "OMG!" but this week I came across a surprise...

Blair Waldorf was totally carrying a Anya Hindmarch Belvedere on Gossip Girl!! This is a bag we currently have in the store. Although hers is red, the beautiful taupe leather of the one we carry is just as fantastic and definitely an accessories staple throughout the years.

If anyone else watches the CW as much as I do, you may have noticed a necklace on Lori Loughlin (a.k.a Aunt Becky from Full House). She always wears her Helen Ficalora charms. I often see them on other characters too, but she wears a "D" for her character Debbie nearly every episode.

These necklaces are a favorite of the Trocadero staff as Jamie mentioned them in her post below. Pictured is an up close view of the a letter.

So for a little celebrity style that will last all year round come to Trocadero this holiday shopping season!

-Alex

Embracing the Gray

gray by shoptrocadero featuring Botkier bags

Not to pick a fight with Alex's fairly recent gold post here, but this season I'm more enamored with silver and my all-time favorite neutral, gray. I've always found the happy medium between black and white to be perfectly suited for the winter months, when it blends into the muted skies.

It's no surprise, then, that my two favorite bags at the Troc are in this blustery hue. The Botkier Uma Satchel (left) is soft, lightweight and perfect for everyday use, while the Be & D Kan-Kan Zip Tote (right) makes more of a statement with its contrast of feminine ruffles and silver studs - and it is at the top of my Christmas list.

I can't go a day without thinking of shoes, and gray footwear is a welcome alternative to the quintessential black. Brand new to Trocadero is the Dolce Vita Whitney boot (not even on the web site yet!), covered in zippers and yet completely adorable. The Botkier Julia Stingray Platform is a classic sandal in a killer skin that could even be made winter-appropriate with the addition of black sock or tights. And nothing says glam and comfort for the holidays like the Guiseppe Zanotti metallic ballet flats (although we carry them in pink, yellow, and gold - you win, Alex).

Of course, the holidays aren't all about me and my wishlist, so for those gift hunters out there, Trocadero has plenty of silver bells and stocking stuffers. A personalized Helen Ficalora necklace makes the perfect, one-of-a-kind gift for any woman in your life, and we've got the full silver alphabet and other little charms to make it happen. The adjustable and ever-popular Alex and Ani bracelets are an excellent choice for the hard-to-shop-for girl, and the Alexis Bittar quartz drop earrings are a definite dose of holiday sparkle. Or, if you're just looking for a little extra something to give to a little sister or good friend, throw in a bottle of Rescue Beauty Lounge nail polish in Stormy (only $18!) for that touch of gray.

Whether you're on the hunt for the perfect smoky eye makeup, a dash of silver or an amazing neutral bag, make sure to stop by Trocadero to do some holiday shopping this season. We've got some spectacular deals going on! I'll see you there!

Love,

Jamie (Trocadero's newest intern)