Score or Snore: Emmy Fashion Recap

With the exceptions of January Jones and Anna Paquin, I thought the Emmy red carpet was a general snooze, which is generally what I think of award show fashion. More celebrities need stylists with guts!

Here are my top 3:
 

January Jones of "Mad Men" unquestionably has my pick of the night. Jones usually opts for architectural Versace on the red carpet (this mint green number she wore to the 2009 Emmys was literally my favorite dress of the year) and I have to say that I wholeheartedly approve. She absolutely never fails to look interesting. This blue Versace makes her eyes pop, and I love her carefree hair and lack of jewelry - perfect choices.

I love this loose boho-glam ensemble on Keri Russell. The Emmys are not the Oscars, and too many television actresses take themselves too seriously. (There's a reason the washed-up film stars end up with a television series - only rarely does it work the other way around.) Keri looks feminine and positively glowing, and her accessories complement her outfit flawlessly.

I can't pin it down but I was pleasantly surprised by Jenna Fischer of "The Office." Her hair is picture perfect and she looks completely comfortable in her red Versace gown. She got a lot of heat for blending into the carpet, but I think her effortlessness makes her stand out.

Honorable Mentions:

Lea Michele of "Glee" looked nice in her navy blue Oscar de la Renta gown, but I think it's a bit too mature, especially with her heavy jewelry. Also, has anyone else noticed the amount of weight she's lost lately?!

Love that someone wore Burberry on the red carpet, but I would have loved to see this gown styled in a way that's a bit less stuffy and more true to the brand, like with a leather belt and a loose updo. Cute gold accents, but overall I'd say Jayma Mays played it pretty safe. The hair is also a yawn.  

The Bad:

LOVE that Anna Paquin of "True Blood" chose McQueen. HATE that she chose this one. (Would have preferred this shorter option, even in red.) The top seems to fit her awkwardly and the bottom portion looks haphazardly draped on her petite frame, and her hair and facial expressions are just way too severe. I'm almost scared of her.

I really don't think I have to justify why Mindy Kalig's Emmy dress is in the bad category.

I don't know who on earth told Lauren Graham that this dress was "the one." Completely and utterly unflattering.

This may be controversial, but I will say that I would have loved this look if Tina Fey's Oscar de la Renta dress was in a solid color. As it stands, I feel like aliens are trying to communicate messages to me via lace. And I think her hair looks equally as strange.

What did you think of the fashion at this year's Emmys?

Around the Web

I always get a thrill seeing items we sell at Trocadero make appearances on other people's blogs. That means they love them as much as we do!

Over on Sacramento Street, Samantha from We Love DC included Diptyque's Figuier candle in her "10 Things That Make Me Happy" list. According to Samantha,

These candles don't come cheap, but they are worth every penny. They last for a long time and make my entire home smell incredible. Almost every scent is good, but my favorite remains to be Figuier.

Every Tuesday, Design*Sponge runs a series called "Living In," where they groups together products inspired by popular films or books. This past week they explored the 1988 classic "Big," starring Tom Hanks, and their collection of "Big"-inspired items included the ceramic version of New York City's iconic We Are Happy To Serve You cup, which, as you know, we carry at Trocadero!

Back-to-School Staples!

I know I literally say this every year, but I cannot believe how fast this summer flew by! The back-to-school season has snuck up on me as usual. Even more unbelievable is the fact that it'll be my last - unlike Cygne (who's in her first year at USC!) I'm a college senior graduating in December and the gravity of that statement has yet to hit me. In any case, this semester I am determined to go back to class with all of my favorite necessities from Trocadero!

1.] The MZ Wallace "Kate," $390.00

It is shocking how often we talk about this bag (it's Cygne's back-to-school pick as well!), but when Travel & Leisure stamps it's 2010 award for "Best Travel Accessory" on something, it's for good reason. Although I could search around for a boring backpack, as a graduating senior I'm looking for something that will carry me into my post-college career. Water-resistant nylon, Italian leather trim, roomy pockets, an optional crossbody strap....it's everything you could possibly want from a travel bag/diaper bag/school bag/work bag. We'll be getting it in the basic black (which we have to reorder at least once a month) and a gorgeous chocolate brown for fall.




2.] Attic Journals, $18.00/each

photo: urbancraftuprising.blogspot.com

Another often-talked-about Troc item, these journals are vintage and forgotten library books that are cut and spiral-bound. The hardcovers keep my precious notes protected from rain and inevitable coffee spillage. Plus, they're a million times more chic than a standard college-ruled Hello Kitty notebook, and the blank pages allow for optimum freedom to doodle as I choose!

3.] DV By Dolce Vita "Brody" Desert Boot, on sale for $95

I am an all-season boot wearer, and every fall I need a new class-appropriate version. This one is such an easy neutral that would go with everything and I absolutely adore the buckles on the back - slightly reminiscent of the Vivienne Westwood pirate boots but for a super small fraction of the price! 

4.] Cavallini Sticky Notes, $17 (Office & Kitchen)

I am notoriously absent-minded, and this semester is my busiest one yet. The ONLY way I'll be able to keep track of everything is with these adorable versions of Post-Its. In multiple sizes and variations, this is definitely the cutest way to remember even the smallest detail!

5.] Harajuku Lovers Trompe L'oiel Cupcake Cosmetic Case, $42

I absolutely hate the tacky plastic pencil bags that mass retailers provide for back to school. Instead, I'll be toting a cute canvas version, like this one from Harajuku Lovers. It's the perfect size to carry my black pens, pastel Sharpies, chapstick, quarters for parking, granola bar, etc., and it will last me a whole lot longer than a plastic one will! 

Another Thursday, Another Three Tips

I miss my hair stylist Shin at the Paul Labrecque Salon in NYC. She just always gave me the best haircuts that seriously lasted 6-9 months. For the first year I was able to get away with still seeing Shin. But eventually I needed to find my local replacement. While Shin can't ever be replaced (her haircutting skills are some of the best in the nation), some of her expert tips are available for you to partake...from home. Check out her video clips for iVillage.com.

If you're like me, and you can't afford to fly back to NYC for a Shin-tastic cut, check out my local stylist find: Alli at Trios Salon (156th and Ruggles, north of Maple). I've had my hair cut by about 5 different people in Omaha and unfortunately none of them were able to achieve a cut that didn't have me putting it back into a ponytail again. She gave me a hair cut that was easy to style and that grew out well so that I didn't have to go back in 4 weeks. My hair is so thick that you really gotta cut into the layers and Alli is able to get rid of the weight and heaviness and still leave the length. Bravo!

It's August and that means the IOWA STATE FAIR is back in action! Yes, food on-a-stick is all the rage in Des Moines for a two week period and this weekend is your last chance to take part in this annual, beloved event. Choose from delectable treats like hot bologna on-a-stick to potato lollipops to frozen fudge brownie on-a-stick. If you're on a diet, you can opt for salad on-a-stick or shrimp on-a-stick. It's an Atkins diet lovers dream with everything from german sausage, hot dogs, meat balls, chicken lips, lamb and pork chops on sticks!

Animal prints are back in fashion...but that doesn't mean you should run out and buy that tacky tiger print polyester dress. Instead, invest in a good tote that can be a classic for years to come. Hitting our shelves shortly will be this MZ Wallace tote in the "Grace" shape. If you know you want it, email us now to reserve one in your name. Believe me, it's like last season's "Violet Storm" pattern...before long, we'll be sold out!

photo source: Iowa State Fair

photo source: MZ Wallace

Death by Stiletto

Tune into "The Rachel Zoe Project" on Bravo for just 30 seconds and you'll no doubt hear the celebrity stylist use her signature phrase "I die!" to describe something she loves at least 10 times.

In the latest issue of Harper's Bazaar, Rachel was photographed with some of our favorite designers, including Marc Jacobs and Vera Wang, in scenes depicting what would happen if Rachel were to really die for fashion. We are partial to "Death by Stiletto," featuring the talented -- and, ahem, gorgeous -- Brian Atwood.

If you would like to get your hands on Brian Atwood... I mean on a pair of Brian Atwood stilettos, they are now on mega sale. For example:

The Trixi has been marked down from $775 to $250, and we have one size left - 37.

We have two pairs - sizes 37.5 and 39 - of the Dorian in stock, and they have been marked down from $750 to $395.

This is just a small sample of what's on sale. Plus, we're still running our Vegas promotion, so spin to win up to 50% everything, including Brian Atwoods. Imagine getting the Dorian for 50% off the sale price? You can... if it's your lucky day!

Three 4 Thursday

I love multi-strand necklaces, especially ones with big crystals and mixed metals, and this one from American Eagle outfitters is the perfect non-investment piece at a not-so-whopping $19.50. And with their special deals of "buy one and get one at 50%off" it's twice as nice when you're shopping with a friend with similar tastes!

I can't get enough of my XM 44 "First Wave" radio station especially with all the great The English Beat, General Public and Fine Young Cannibals songs...so I'm very excited to hear Dave Wakeling, the original front man of the first two bands mentioned, to be performing at the Slowdown tonight! It's not sold out yet so there's still time to get tickets...

This summer heatwave is absolutely killing me. While I'm usually a big oenophile, I can't really stomach the heaviness of red wine during these warmer months and am often rather picky when it comes to drinking white wine (can't be too dry, too sweet, it's gotta be kinda perfect...). My summer drink of choice is definitely the Moscow Mule, made with vodka, lime juice and ginger beer (which is actually non-alcoholic despite its name). The best part? It is served in a copper mug with ice. The drink literally is ice cold because the copper retains the cool temperature. I love to get a Moscow Mule at the Homy Inn, LIV Lounge, Stokes and the Cork and Bottle in Dundee. So next time you're looking for a cool, refreshing beverage, order up a Moscow Mule...you won't be disappointed!

photo source of Moscow Mule

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!

Spin to Win

Instead of traveling to Vegas this week for the annual shoe show, we decided to bring the fun to Omaha and have a weeklong Vegas-themed promotion for our customers! Starting tomorrow, come into the Troc and spin our 'Wheel of Fortune' to receive discounts up to 50% off. (This includes full priced items as well as sale merchandise.) After you have selected an item to purchase, spin the wheel and receive your discount. Don't worry about your luck running out, because in this game, everyone's a winner!

This is a great opportunity to receive discounts on some of our popular merchandise that rarely goes on sale, such as our MZ Wallace handbags, Bond No. 9 New York perfumes, Helen Ficalora charms, or our Anya Hindmarch leather embossed loose pockets.

Last Pair SALE!

Combing through our shoe stock a few months back, we realized how many single pairs of certain styles we have left. While all the others walked out with a happy customer, these last pairs from over 12 styles are still looking for homes. From sizes 6-11, we have numerous styles in our LAST PAIR SALE!

From L-R -

Top Row: Joie Oxford flats in blue, size 41. DV "Whitney" boot, size 6. Brian Atwood "Trixi" pump, size 37.5.

2nd Row: LAMB "Teza" flat, size 6. Brian Atwood "Violet" heel, size 36. Giuseppe Zanotti D'Orsay multicolored pump, size 38.5.

3rd Row: Seychelles snakeskin flat, size 37. Giuseppe Zanotti gold satin kitten heel, size 38.5. Bettye Muller copper gladiator sandal, size 37.

Bottom Row: Sigerson Morrison white/gold sandal, size 11. Marc by Marc Jacobs "Miss Marc" flat, size 36.5. Marc by Marc Jacobs metallic bow pump, size 37.5.

Not pictured: Botkier tall black leather boot, size 38. ULU "Val D Isere" brown boot, size 6. ULU "Suluk" tan boot, size 6. Giuseppe Zanotti black leather over-the-knee boot, size 36.

From flats to pumps, these last pairs are discounted at up to 60% off. So next time you're in the Old Market or in need of a pair of unique shoes, come check out these. Trust us, you won't be disappointed by the selection... or the pricetags!

Three 4 Thursday

Ever open up your closet and think you have nothing to wear? Or do you find yourself wearing the same things every day? In a recent NYTimes article, Eric Wilson writes about the "shopping diet" as well as the "Six Items or Less" challenge, where participants pick 6 items from their wardrobe and can only wear those 6 pieces for a 30 day period. You can change accessories, wear different shoes and obviously mix and match those 6 items. It made me think about what 6 items in my closet that I would pick...check back later this week to find out my 6 items I would pick. What would yours be?

I am currently loving the newish CD from Scissor Sisters called Night Work. The title song itself is a fun, rollicking beat that makes you want to get up and get on the dance floor. Or at least for me, open up the windows of my car and blast it.

All I am thinking about this week is how to get to Sunday. Because that's the night that Mad Men's season 4 begins (10/9c). I wish I was in NYC though so that I could go to this...

TOP THREE: Bond Perfumes

I must admit that prior to interning at the Troc, I was all but oblivious to the world of fragrance. The only bottle I had owned was Mary Kay's Velocity, which I practically bathed in when I was 13 after my aunt gave it to me for Christmas. But for whatever reason, my spending money always gravitated towards food and clothing before it ventured anywhere near the perfume counter.

Three days into working at Trocadero, the delightfully star-shaped bottles of Bond No. 9 called to me, begging to be tested. Another employee rattled off the numerous benefits of this brand, which, at over $100 for a small bottle, was incredibly intimidating to a fragrance freshman like myself.

Luckily for me, the captivating scents spoke for themselves. I barely heard her tell me about their incredibly long-lasting formula (they contain the highest level of eau de parfum of any scent on the market) and her chatter about the brand's creation after the September 11th attacks - each is dedicated to a different area of New York City - fell on deaf ears.

From that day forth, I was hooked. Three scents in particular have had me at first sniff, however, and have me saving up to start my own personal Bond collection.

1.] Chinatown. A sweet floral, Chinatown is my absolute favorite of the Bond fragrances we carry. The top notes of peach blossom and gardenia are feminine yet strong, making it the perfect scent to spritz on for an evening out - and, as PJ noted, it just happens to be the sexiest fragrance ever! I have never felt so passionate about a perfume in the past; I proclaimed it my "signature scent" after using up a small sample bottle!

2.] Chelsea Flowers. It's pretty obvious at this point that I fancy a good floral. Chelsea Flowers is my top pick for everyday wear - the white peony and hyacinth top notes are light and delicate, while the magnolia and sandalwood base provide a solid foundation for this all-around spectacular scent.

3.] Astor Place. There is just something about Astor that I adore during the summertime - it has this upbeat energy to it that is absolutely infectious, and the scent is somewhat reminiscent of apples to me. Its bold color-blocked bottle makes this fruity fragrance one of the first ones that new customers pick up, and they are never disappointed with its artful combination of violet, freesia, poppy, mandarin, teakwood, and amber.


If you're curious about Bond, stop by the Troc and pick up a few samples of your favorites - with so many bottles to choose from, you're bound to find a scent you can't live without!

Three 4 Thursday

This skirt from J Crew is something I recommended to one of my Trocadero clients during her one-to-one wardrobe consultation at her home. It has a great slight bubble shape, is mini enough (but not in an obscene way) and has an elastic band waist that's easy to get in and out of. It just turned out that I ran into another one of my customers the next day and she happened to be wearing the skirt! It looks even better in person and is actually on sale right now at jcrew.com (and at the stores too) from $64.50 to $49.50.

I've just gotten a new car lease and one of the cool things is that I get free XM radio for a month! It makes me want to spend as much time in my new ride just so that I can continually listen to XM 44 "1st Wave" radio. It's like reliving my high school years every minute of the day! With hits from Duran Duran and The Smiths (my faves!) to hearing more obscure songs from Lloyd Cole and the Commotions, The The and Siouxsie, well I can't help but find myself driving around aimlessly hoping to hear what's next so that I can go home and use iTunes to purchase an oldie but goodie.

I'm a huge carnivore but I can't help but fall in love with the most awesome, vegan restaurant Daily Grub! It's located on 20th and Pierce (down the street from red sauce Italian Malara's) and it serves up tasty, extremely flavorful vegetarian dishes all in the cute comfort of a farmhouse-to-table restaurant. With little tables, bar seating and a giant chalkboard with all the weekly menu offerings, it's a tiny slice of healthy living in the heartland of America. But with sandwiches like the Vietnamese banh mi (absolutely delicious!), it's not just typical all-American fare. Menu changes weekly and they're only open 11-3 for lunch Monday thru Friday. But the best way to be in the loop is to become a fan of Daily Grub on Facebook! I know I check in every Monday to see what Elle's serving up! If you're in Omaha, go check it out...and have a happy belly when you leave...

J Crew photo source

Daily Grub photo source

I Used To Be A Rice Bag

Just a few weeks ago, we received a shipment of the BC Danke Ricebag sandals, and boy did they fly off the shelves in no time. These shoes are not only adorable, comfortable, and the perfect casual summer sandal, but they are unique in which they are made from recycled ricebags! Besides being eco-friendly, these shoes are truly unique because no two shoes are alike. The array of colors seen from the rice bags makes these perfect because they will match virtually everything in your closet! The best part about these darling sandals is that they retail for only $35! Thankfully for you (and me!), our second batch has just arrived, so hurry in to grab yourself a pair before they’re all gone!

P.S. Don’t forget to grab a matching “I Used To Be A Rice Bag” wallet (just big enough to hold your phone, credit cards, and a bit of cash!) while you’re at it!

The Sexiest Fragrance Ever

In the July issue of Allure, Luca Turin and Tania Sanchez, the authors of Perfume: The Guide, ranked the top five sexiest scents of all time. Their number one pick? Chinatown by Bond No. 9 New York!

Here's what Turin, a scientist, and Sanchez, a perfume critic, had to say about Chinatown, which they described as smelling like spice:

"If wearing Opium is like walking around with a bullhorn shouting, 'Come and get it!' Chinatown is like discreetly whispering the same thing.

The other four perfumes to make the cut were Insolence Eau de Parfum by Guerlain, Bulgari Black by Bulgari, 31 Rue Cambon by Chanel and Secretions Magnifiques by Etat Libre D'Orange.

Do you agree with Turin and Sanchez's picks? What do you think is the sexiest fragrance ever?

The Troc's Three 4 Thursday

It's been a while since I've blogged but I have so many ideas and usually so little time. So I've decided to edit myself and just quick blog about THREE things today...and since it happens to be Thursday, I've come up with a new weekly blog posting called The Troc's Three 4 Thursday!

I'll be linking to other sites and things that have caught my eye this week...

T4T #1...One of my former colleagues at In Style has a fabulous beauty site called Beauty Blitz (doesn't hurt that she was born with the name Polly Blitzer!). It's an insider-info online beauty magazine chock full of tips, expert advice, new product launches, interviews and Q&As. What caught my eye this week is the "Meet the Pros" focus on Laurice Rahme, the founder of uber-exclusive fragrance line Bond No. 9 (and available at Trocadero, of course!).

T4T #2? I'm having a beauty moment today. So my second link is also beauty-related and happens to be an item I'm obsessed with...this Sephora for OPI nail polish I purchased a few weeks ago before going on vacation. It's called "Only Gold For Me" and it's a clear polish with big gold flakes (and a great price at $9 a bottle!). Unlike a smaller glitter-look, the flecks of gold are larger and almost look like real gold leaf on the nail bed. Right now my nails are super long again and I really love wearing it so that the gold flecks are on the bottom half of my nails and not on the white tips. It really is like jewelry for the nails and it lasts a long time (and obviously since it's clear and the flecks are randomly placed, there are really no touch-up issues).

The final T4T #3 this week would have to be these awesome tank tops that I now own in three colors. You might think I'm crazy again shopping in the maternity section at Target, but I found these on the way to the check out and what makes them perfect is that they're much longer than the average tank top. They don't look or feel maternity -- they just cut longer, come in great colors and are $9.99 each. Check them out: Liz Lange Maternity for Target Long and Lean ribbed tank tops. They're a no brainer.