Adieu to you, and you, and you!

So, I sit here writing this blog post as a temporary goodbye to the store I've spent the last 15 months working for. And when I say "working", I use it lightly because whenever I'm here, I rarely feel like I'm at work. I'm constantly surrounded by coworkers I refer more to as friends than colleagues and find myself doing projects I actually enjoy rather than tasks I'm forced to complete. And that's exactly what I love about this place, I feel at home here.

I'm now on a single-digit countdown to moving away from the warmth of the Heartland to the hustle and bustle of Southern California. I can't say I'm not excited... because I really can't wait to get there. But, that impatience is definitely countered by the heartache I have leaving a store like this. Therefore, I've decided to take a few pieces of Trocadero with me along the way. Six things, to be exact. So, here's what made my list of what I'll be flaunting on the West Coast in homage to the Troc.

#1: The MZ Wallace "Kate", more formally known as my laptop bag.

I know, I know... quite a fancy laptop bag to be carrying my first semester away. But, I trust it will serve me well. Whenever a customer comes in sporting an MZ on their shoulder, the bags consistently look as good as new... the secret's in the coated nylon exterior. That's why I bought it. I'm confident it will most likely last me longer than any Jansport I've ever owned and will serve as far more than just a laptop bag. If you're considering one for yourself (it can transform into a baby bag, too!), all of us here at Trocadero highly recommend it.

#2: "I Used To Be A Rice Bag" thongs, my go-to sandal.

Our most popular item in stock this summer. Seriously, we've already ordered two shipments of these shoes (typically 18 per order) and only have six pairs left! It's because these shoes really do match everything. Fabricated from used rice bags, they come in a variety of colors and every single one is as unique as a fingerprint. Someone else may be walking in the same brand, but your sandals will always be one-of-a-kind.

#3: Malin + Goetz Peppermint Body Wash, my preferred scent and scrub.

Up until our beauty products went on supersale, I'd never really taken the time to check them out. I'd occasionally smell them while taking inventory, but I always trusted Neutrogena to have my back when it came to hygiene. Boy, was I mistaken! This Malin + Goetz scrub is my shower must-have. The crisp scent is extremely refreshing and the granules of sand gently scrub away dry skin and leave it silky smooth. This product along with others is now on sale for $25!

#4: My Attic Journal, my alternative assignment notebook.

I'm not sure whether it's the fact they're recycled library books or the fact each one is different, but Attic Journals have really become some of my favorite items in the store. Whenever we get a shipment of new ones, I always love looking through them to see the different cover designs and find the personal notes inside. Though a rarity, some have old library cards with rental dates from the 60's! A little piece of history to carry around with you, conveniently present for all your note taking needs!

#5: Cavallini Paris Map, my dorm decor of choice.

Over the summer, I've gradually built up a collection of posters to hang in my room. Ranging from screen print concert posters to shots from the Hubble Space Craft, my dorm decor is a sort-of wacky compliation of the coolest looking things (to me, at least). This Paris Map is one of them. With the light pinks and blues, it'll be a nice contrast to some of the harsher colors in my other posters. No matter what, I'm sure this wall art will be far more appreciated than those from dormposters.com.

#6: Helen Ficalora Necklace, my customized necklace.

I wear my Helen necklace a good 75% of the time I'm awake... and probably the same amount when I sleep. Being partial to silver jewelry, myself, this necklace goes with everything. I really do wear it frequently and have formed a bond with it. I've collected charms over my time working here at the Troc. A "C" to start, a star for graduation, a peace sign for Christmas... and I think it's the perfect reminder of my life back in Omaha and here at the store.

Though I'm saying goodbye for now, I will stillbe a part of the Troc Team. I'll update the blog and shop with all of my California style tips and the Troc products I spot out and about in Los Angeles. I can't wait to discover the life out there, but I'll never forget my one back here.

Catch ya' on the flipside!