Hip, hip Hooray!

A majorette opening the Marc Jacobs Collection show for Spring/Summer 2006 (September 13, 2005)

Today's the day.

The day that I tried on my size 4 Marc Jacobs Collection shorts and they fit! For the first time in a very long, long time.

I'm not one to throw out clothes that don't fit. First of all, a lot of my clothes were bought or gifted back when I was -- how do I say this -- a lot smaller. And to me, there are some girls in my household that may really like having some of these "vintage" items when they turn a certain age and size.

I loved these Marc Jacobs shorts as soon as they hit the runway. They're pictured here in black satin but the ones I got were a thick black cotton. I'm wearing them now as we speak!

The whole collection was an exaggerated school girl look. I remember it so well, beginning with the Penn State marching band that opened up the show with "Smells Like Teen Spirit." What a show!

This wasn't the only item I purchased from this particular collection. I also could not resist this jumper. To me it was perfection. I loved that it reminded me of my youth but that it had enough of a classic look that could be fashionable without looking too trendy. I love the look with a blazer thrown on top. Very grown-up Catholic schoolgirl.

Turns out that when I went to Vegas, I got a deal on a pair of Marc Jacobs sandals that were -- you guessed it -- from the same collection. I got these sandals but in a nude color. They're that total "jolie laide" type of shoe that I got so much use out of back in the day. I've semi-retired them for now but I think we'll have to put them back into rotation.


I realized today that I have lost over 40 pounds since Annabel was born. And I gained only about 20 pounds when I was pregnant. You can do the math.

I have gained quite a lot of weight since moving to this state -- a little bit ashamed that I too have succumbed to the bad eating habits of many a Nebraskan. And I got to say that living in a household with two active children who eat dessert almost every night (and one who likes to bake many cupcakes), well, it's pretty easy to gain weight.

But lo and behold I have lost weight without really trying. It's been a gradual process but one that I hope continues...

My newly fitting old Spring/Summer 2006 size 4 Marc Jacobs Collection shorts are definitely encouraging me to continue with my weight loss goals. I've got a couple size 38 Chanel jackets and a size 36 Jil Sander navy wool skirt that are definitely items that I would love to incorporate into my Fall/Winter 2012 wardrobe! I am definitely motivated to shop my closet if it means saving some money too.

photo sources:
Marc Jacobs Spring 2006 Ready-to-Wear
Marc Jacobs Spring 2006 Ready-to-Wear
Marc Jacobs Spring 2006 Ready-to-Wear
Marc Jacobs Spring 2006 Ready-to-Wear

A True Gem in the heart of Omaha

I can't believe it's taken me a year to blog about this, but I guess better late than never! Last November as I was organizing my old house, I came across some of my jewelry that needed some work. Two of the pieces were Chanel costume pieces that were missing stones. The first is pictured above. One of the circle amber stones is missing from this otherwise perfect chunky "brooch" style necklace. I first thought to go to some bead stores. So off I went to a few places all over Omaha. But none of these stores offered anything even remotely close to what I needed.

I had another necklace that had a broken chain and was able to be fixed on-the-spot by a nice young woman at Mangelson's. I showed her my Chanel necklace and asked her if they had any loose stones that were close to a match. They didn't. But she tipped me off to a place that is now my favorite go-to place for all my custom jewelry repairs. Coincidentally, it's called Custom Gems and is located across from Mangelson's on 84th Street (8487 Frederick Street; 402-397-9606). 

There is so much to say about Custom Gems. First off, they're awesome! It's the type of store that you could spend an hour searching through their plastic bins for stones. It's like a card catalogue system at the library. You tell them or show them what you're looking for and they go back and pull out a tray with a bunch of similar stones and you have to dig through to find the closest match.

They not only had a piece of amber that fit perfectly in my Chanel necklace, but the price of the stone and repair costs were unbelievably affordable. And they were all so nice and friendly. And fast.

I also had this Chanel brooch fixed. On the left, one of the baguette clear stones is missing and on the right, it is replaced with two smaller emerald cut stones side-by-side to fit the setting. Unfortunately they didn't have a perfect match for this, but as you can see, it's hard to notice.

I also took a pair of Vera Wang citrine drop earrings where the stone had become loose. Again, Custom Gems tightened it and if I recall, they didn't even charge me for it. Seriously, they're that nice!

I love how Mom and Pop the shop is and there is so much to see there. And to buy too. So the next time you're in need of some jewelry repair, go check out Custom Gems on 84th Street. You won't be disappointed!

Best in Show

I had been looking forward to The Academy Awards all week, and when I got caught up at work Sunday night, I was terrified I was going to miss it. At a quarter after 7 I rushed home to catch whatever else I could of Hollywood's most glamorous evening. Although I missed the Red Carpet pre-shows (which is typically all I tune in for), I managed to get home in time to catch the main event only missing about 30 minutes of the broadcast. Here are some of my picks for best dressed from last night.

High Notes



Cate Blanchett was a one-of-a-kind beauty in this strong and elegant Givenchy number, while Mila Kunis embodied ladylike poise in Elie Saab.



Natalie Portman glowed in an empire waist gown from Rodarte, and Scarlett Johansson was stunning in a Dolce & Gabbana lace dress.


Swan Song

This year The Oscars was the year of the pale dress. Many actresses seemed to have drawn inspiration from this years hit film Black Swan. Leading ladies dawned nude and pale, shimmering frocks fit for any Swan Queen. From pearly beading and soft feathers to chiffon, crystals and delicate metallics, the Red Carpet was a sea of wintery beauties.
Below are some of my favorite looks from the night, including Halle Berry in Marchesa (demonstrating that she truly can pull off anything) and Hilary Swank in Gucci. Hailee Steinfeld made her debut also in Marchesa, and Michelle Williams (who I think was a dead ringer for Twiggy with her pixie cut and wide-eyed gaze) was exquisite in Chanel.

A New Level of Shopping

No matter how many clothes I own, I like to always update with a few things each season. The only problem is that I don't take my own advice and get rid of things that I haven't worn in years or more importantly dispose of seasonal, cheap stuff I wore the heck out of and enjoyed but aren't really investment pieces worth taking up coveted real estate space in a closet.

I used to make a few bigger purchases each season and then do some filling in with some trendy, cheaper items. Some great investment items have been my Prada wool trenchcoat, a Katayone Adeli lace dress, a Jil Sander navy wool and cashmere skirt, a Dries van Noten cotton blouse, a Chanel spring tweed jacket and a YSL gray wool tunic. All of these items still remain in my closet and are in full wardrobe rotation at all times (well, except for the Jil Sander skirt which honestly is a tad small...but I am hopeful to fit into it again by next fall/winter!). My favorite "filling" stations back in NYC were Strawberry's, J. Crew, American Apparel, Club Monaco and one season, Bloomingdale's flagship's second floor. I often didn't have much luck at Zara or H&M though I definitely own a few items from both (and based on my advice, should have gotten rid of these items long ago as I don't really wear any of it anymore). The remaining items in my closet are sample sale purchases, gifts from the designers and stuff I bought while on vacation or business trips.

On my current budget, I can't afford to buy the high-ticket items and while I do miss, at times, the beauty of really well-made and well-designed items, I must say that I am really happy to find some very fashionable and inexpensive finds at my not-so-secret retail therapy "boutique." That place is called Target. Have you heard of it?

All joking aside, I really have replaced Prada and Barneys with Target and Kohl's. And I have to say, my wardrobe hasn't really suffered too much from it. The other day I went to Target to check out the new Gaultier collection. Unfortunately, that Target didn't have it so I took to the phone to call around and finally tracked it down to another location closer to my home. Hurray! as I thought about adding a fun, navy and white nautical stripe top or dress or something else to my spring wardrobe. I had heard about a leather motorcycle jacket (for a whopping-for Target $200!) as well as his signature "tattoo/grafitti" patterned items. With full anticipation I entered the Target and....disappointment! Honestly, it was all so bad but I couldn't just leave so I decided to at least try on the navy and white striped dress. As I was making my way to the dressing room, a dress against the wall caught my eye. It was a black tank top style with a long skirt in a shimmery silky taupe with a double stitched cuff-like hem. I loved it but the only ones left were a XL and XXL. Feeling fat these days, I took the XL and thought maybe it would work. Along the way, I grabbed a floral tunic top in lavender and some drawstring cotton sweatpants in a pretty wisteria color. And off I went to the dressing room.

"Disastrous," is all I could sum up for that JPG nautical dress. Maybe on someone who weighed less than 100 pounds. The horizontal stripes, the weird extra material that looks like a diaper and goes between the legs and the totally 100% polyester material = Totally NOT Tubular. More like I looked like a tube.

The Mossimo tank dress, on the other hand, was splendid! Absolutely perfect...except for the size. I had to have it; it was very minimalist and had a Dries-like quality but at a Target price ($24.99)...so on my MUST DO TOMORROW ASAP LIST was stop at one of the other nine hundred Targets in Omaha to track down the dress.

And as already predicted, the floral top and sweatpants were comfy, sweet and definitely something to lounge around in at home on the weekends. And the top paired with a skirt and cardigan could work outside the home as well. (Who am I kidding, I'll be wearing the sweatpants with the shirt with heels and rocking it at the Troc! In comfort!)

Needless to say, I became obsessed with my Mossimo dress and finding it so it became priority numero uno. There were three Targets on my list and I went to the first one and...voila, my dress was hanging on the wall in a S and a M. I grabbed both and en route to the dressing room I found myself in the Liz Lange Maternity section and then the store went quiet. Or, more appropriately, I stood there silently but mumbling in my brain, "I mean, really Alice, c'mon, I mean, can you really? No. ALICE! Really? I know you think you're kind of chubs these days but you can't really shop from the maternity section of Target! But I know, it's really cute. I mean, R-E-A-L-L-Y cute. Looks totally like your Marni khaki cotton trench.
But, really, Alice...it's effing Liz Lange Maternity. Says so on the freaking label on the back of the coat! It just doesn't seem right. But not like you really care..." and with that last thought, I looked around me and stealthily grabbed the Small and Medium and headed off to the dressing room.

"OMG. I love it!" was all I could say but my mind was still in that purgatory known as "I'm not pregnant, can I really get away with buying something from a maternity line?" But it fit, the empire waist was very chic, I loved the belt, the length was perfect and the olive green looked fresh. I tried to look at myself from every angle to see if it looked like there was too much extra fabric in the middle section. And to be honest, it wasn't much different from my own Marni empire-waisted cotton trench in terms of the shape. To me, this Liz Lange Maternity trenchcoat was a winner. And at $39.99 you couldn't beat the price. I finally decided I didn't care that it was maternity and who knows? Maybe one day I will be pregnant and then I will already have something to wear! "SOLD!"

Oscars 2010, The Recap

Call me a party pooper but I have to admit I wasn't actually planning on watching the Oscars this year. With 10 nominations for Best Picture, I was ready to boycott what I believe was a terrible ploy for ratings to get a broader, younger audience instead of recognizing the true standouts in filmmaking this year. But I just wasn't able to ignore it; no matter how I tried, just when I thought I was out, the annual ceremony just pulled me back in.

So there I was during the E! pre-game telecast standing on the red carpet donned in a turquoise lace "gown" and black patent with major bling Sergio Rossi stilettos. The other "actress" on the red carpet with me was wearing a hot pink chiffon evening dress with satin Jimmy Choo kitten heels with Swarovski crystals on the toe. Perhaps what it took for me to see the fun side of the Oscars was doing a little dress up myself. And with some live-action interviews on the red carpet, well, the evening definitely was off to a lively start.

I guess a lot of my curmudgeonly attitude is due in part to the overly focused nature to these award shows in my prior profession. Frankly, I just have lost interest in both the fashion and what people are wearing as well as the ceremony and who wins. And for the aforementioned 10 movies being nominated, well, I just really, really lost interest. But yesterday was a different occasion entirely partly because I didn't have any vested interest in who won (I haven't seen most of the movies unlike past years) and I looked at the dresses from a purely "outsider's" viewpoint.

I don't know what people were wearing and whose jewelry they had on (and still don't really know or care for that matter) but I do know what I liked and who I thought looked good. So my BEST AND WORST DRESSED AT THE OSCARS 2010 (in no particular order):

1. Demi Moore...okay, she may have had a lot of help under the knife, but I liked her nude dress and her tousled up do.

2. Penelope Cruz...I really liked the color of the dress and the tucks and pleats. Dramatic but did not take over (unlike Vera Farmiga's way too much going on pleating and bedspread cover-like fuchsia dress)

3. Rachel McAdams...it didn't read like a Monet watercolor on the television monitor but I liked the soft, ombre-look of the dress

4. Elizabeth Banks...just remembering I liked the grey and floating layers of chiffon. Thought it was very elegant and fit her well.

Honorable mentions include Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Miley Cyrus, Helen Mirren, Kristen Stewart.

I did not like SJP's dress. I know it was Chanel Haute Couture but I just thought she looked way too broad shouldered; plus no matter what, I don't like that yellow color on an evening dress. No thank you. I also did not care for Charlize's gown...the rosettes placed right on the breasts were so distracting and almost laughable. It reminded me of a spoof dress or something really bad done by someone on Project Runway. And I thought Zoe Saldana's purple ruffle explosion was a mess. It was too costumey and something that belonged on a Flamenco stage (I should know because I just saw the Flamenco show at the Orpheum last week and it really could have used some of this color and flounce!).

photos from People.com

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.

Two for the Road: 10/22/09

Date: 10/22/09

Bag: Chanel Coco Cabas bag in distressed brown caviar leather

Shoe: Fendi rubber rain boots

Worn with: Brooks Brothers boy's blue striped button down shirt, tie, and plaid wool jacket with American Apparel jersey gray skirt and Hue gray tights

It was a rainy, cold day in Omaha so a great excuse to wear my Fendi rain boots. I love them because they are a neutral gray color and blend with anything "grown-up" in your wardrobe as opposed to the childlike, colorful rain boots so often associated with the style. One very rainy season in Paris, the pair of boots arrived in my room at the George Cinq from the Fendi PR office. It was surprising since Fendi is based in Milan and they were the fashion brand to send rain boots while we were in Paris. Hey, I wasn't complaining. Plus, I especially loved it when I was walking through the Tuileries on my way to a show and Andre Leon Talley commented on my choice footwear and I was able to tell him, "Yeah, the Fendi folks sent them to my room yesterday, [sucker]!" Clearly, he didn't get the gift. He probably got a fur with a reversible slicker. My Cabas bag from Chanel was a Christmas gift, probably the best gift ever from them in the history of Christmas presents. It was the bag and not everyone got the Cabas...I love my distressed brown leather one, chosen especially for me by my former assistant who then worked at Chanel. The Brooks Brothers ensemble was purchased in NYC with my 30% discount, the American Apparel skirt from Omaha and my tights from Halls in Kansas City.

Two for the Road: 10/15/09

Date: 10/15/09

Bag: Chanel black quilted with white stitching and long silver chain shoulder strap

Shoes: Manolo Blahnik gray flannel with black rope detail

Worn with: Madison Marcus black sleeveless shift, Aqua gray cashmere with black piping, Forever 21 black leggings, Dior black wool scarf

I've been away from the store...playing a little hooky as of late so haven't had outfits to blog. But I have to admit I forgot to take my photo on 10/14/09 so will have to rewear that outfit another day. The bag is from a Chanel sample sale from long ago. The shoes are also from a Manolo Blahnik sample sale held twice yearly where pretty much every shoe is $100 a pair. I think I've gotten at least a 1/2 dozen if not more Manolos that way. The dress is from Talulah G, a boutique in Las Vegas that I adore. This one was from their Red Rock outpost. The cashmere sweater is from Bloomingdale's in NYC and the scarf was a gift at the DIOR fashion show from "28 Février 2006" at "Le Grand Palais" (both were embroidered in black on the black scarves and were with our Run of Show program on the cold metal bleachers in the very, cold, restored Grand Palais). They kept our butts warm and then made a great wrap for every day, planes, you name it.

Two for the Road: 10/3/09

Date: 10/3/09

Bag: Gucci black shoulder bag

Shoe: Chanel over-the-knee cap toe boots

Worn with: Katayone Adeli lace dress, Fendi fur jacket

I bought this dress at Barneys probably about 7 years ago. Even at 40% off (or whatever it was discounted), it was still expensive in my eyes. But I'm glad I bit the bullet; it has been a great savior dress for many an occasion. It works great for day but transitions perfectly for an evening cocktail event (just change the accessories to sparkly jewelry, sleek evening bag, high heel stilettos). The Gucci bag was a purchase during Milan fashion week; the boots a gift from the Chanel PR girls. I was obsessed with them and they were unable to find them in my size (I'm a 37 normally but in Chanel I'm a 38). These were from the runway, a size 39, but they're boots so they fit just fine. You can't see the jacket in this photo....so I had Cygne model it for this post. It was one of my greatest shopping steals; 90% off Fendi sample sale furs. What I really wanted was a $20,000 white fur coat marked down to 2 grand. Honestly, a steal but I still couldn't justify it. So my consolation prize was this badger fur jacket....only $350 down from $3500. Could you blame me?

Two for the Road: 9/25/09

Date: 9/25/09

Bag: Mulberry brown small duffle

Shoe: Fendi platform sandal

Worn with: Chanel silk chiffon dress and Sandro brown tweed jacket with ribbon detail

There was an Ovarian Cancer Research Fund luncheon today at the Governor's Mansion in Lincoln, hosted by the First Lady of Nebraska Sally Ganem. With that occasion in mind, I decided to put on a pretty dress and a ladylike jacket. While I was in a rush to get out of the house, I was unable to photograph my accessories until I got back to the Troc. The Mulberry bag was an editor gift one season. It's like a LV Speedy in shape but I love that it also comes with a detachable long strap so you can wear it cross-body. The shoes are from Fendi; I saw them in the showroom and loved them (and another similar pair on a higher heel in taupe/silver). One day, both shoes arrived at my office, right before I was heading out to the Milan/Paris shows. Fendi wanted me to wear their shoes during fashion week. I obliged. I don't think these were ever produced; they never asked for them back and I have happily kept them in heavy rotation in my closet. The hidden platform was new at the time and was a genius concept to get all the height with the comfort to boot. I paired these accessories with a Chanel dress purchased at a Chanel sample sale (oh, those were the days...they unfortunately have done away with them!) and the jacket is from Sandro, a little shop in the Marais district in Paris. Sandro is like a higher-end Zara, Club Monaco-like prices but much more fashionable. It's Parisian so of course all the details are pitch perfect.

Two for the Road: 9/23/09

Date: 9/23/09

Bag: Chanel shoulder bag and Anya Hindmarch tote

Shoe: Roger Vivier "Belle Vivier" flats

Worn with: Express black camisole, American Apparel cardigan, H&M gray bubble skirt

Today I decided to go with two bags; one for all the necessities and one for my laptop and extra gear. The Chanel wool chain strap bag was a Christmas gift one year from the PR girls. The truth is that even as an accessories director, it was not often that Chanel sent handbags at the holidays. Usually, that was reserved for the beauty directors. Often times I would get a small zip clutch, wallet or jewelry. But I remember that this was the year that they gave many editors handbags and we all were very appreciative. I mean, who didn't want a Chanel bag? The Anya tote is from her Bespoke Ebury line, a custom, made-to-order handbag meant to pass down through the generations. The cool thing is that they can inscribe the bag personally with a note or decoration from whomever is giving the bag. This one was a surprise gift from Anya given to select accessories directors. If you look closely, you can see a message in silver; this was something that was "engraved" from a message that my nephew scribbled to me (the PR girls arranged to have someone "close" to each editor to do a message; in my case, it was my sister who then had her oldest son write it). The message says: Hi Emo (Korean for "Aunt on maternal side") with a picture of a boy (him), a heart (loves) and a girl (me) and then signed "Jonah" (but notice the backwards "J"). I mean, really, it's just the sweetest remembrance of my sweet little nephew. The shoes are the classic buckle shoe Belle Vivier, named after the Buñuel classic starring Catherine Deneuve, Belle de Jour. Bruno Frisoni has been designing for Roger Vivier as of late and I just love his whimsical take on the French brand. I chose these accessories after deciding to wear my new bubble skirt, my latest purchase from my recent trip to Tysons Mall outside Washington D.C. And the tank is an old one from NYC and the sweater, one of the standard cardigans I mentioned on an earlier post.

Meet Team Trocadero: SABRINA

This is the first of a many-part series called "Meet Team Trocadero!" Here we'll introduce you the multi-faceted and thoroughly talented group of folks who are an integral part of our everyday operations. This series of Q&A questions will give you a brief idea of each person's personal style and fashion aspirations. Hey, it's not brain surgery....just a little glimpse into everyone who makes up our awesome team. First up? Miss Sabrina...

How would you describe your personal style in one sentence:

My style is laid back simplicity-I use accessories to try and create different looks.

Favorite item of clothing"

A dress...it can be worn for anything-with boots and leggings if it's cold, gladiators for a summer day and heels at night. With a simple dress the possibilities are endless.

If money was no object, what is the one designer you would wear head-to-toe:

Chanel, of course!'

Favorite place to shop (besides Trocadero!):

Shopstyle.com

Your current fashion icon is:

Nicole Richie

What would you wear from your own closet to your interview at a top fashion magazine:

Such a toughy! I would wear this royal blue skirt I have that has a gold zipper up the back and the rest of my outfit would be black: black tights, shoes and a black or white shirt. Oh, and my hair pulled back for sure.

My go-to outfit for a special occasion is:

My black dress.

Do you identify with Sabrina's personal style? Or is it the polar opposite? Let us know! Stay tuned to Troc Talk to learn more about Team Trocadero and see if you're more "Sabrina" or more of a "Lauren" or "Kathleen" or any of our team as we reveal a new staff/intern member to our readers and customers.

Sabrina is pictured outside the Chloe boutique at the Palazzo Hotel in Las Vegas during the shoe show in February 2009.

source for Nicole Richie: Wire Image via People