Valentine Gift Ideas from Trocadero!

As a lifestyle and accessories boutique, we see women walk through the store day in and day out without any idea of what they're looking for. The Troc staff understands that sometimes women don't know what they want, which makes shopping for them all the more difficult. To make the exhausting task of searching for Valentine gift ideas a little easier, we've come up with five top-selling products that any wife or girlfriend is sure to love. 

1.) Bond No. 9 fragrance, $225 for an 100mL bottle

We maintain that there isn't a woman out there who wouldn't love a Bond No. 9 fragrance on any day of the year, but Valentine's Day is the perfect occasion to give her a sweet scent. Our top pick is easy - Chinatown, an alluring combination of peach blossoms and gardenia, was named the sexiest fragrance ever. 

2.) Mary Green boy shorts, $18

This classic Valentine gift idea is even better when you give her lingerie she'll actually want to wear! The staff of Trocadero is obsessed with Mary Green boy shorts, which combine a comfortable full-coverage cut with flirty lace detailing. Pair it up with a matching cami for a gift 

3.) Tocca candle, $38

Nothing says romance quite like a candle does, and our newest arrivals are irresistable. Choose from five sensational scents, including best sellers like Florence (english rose) and Yma (guava/currant). 

4.) MZ Wallace Kate, $390

We sing the praises of this bag on a daily basis, but only because we've had so many women tell us what a difference the Kate has made in their lives. The Teflon-coated nylon fabric makes it practical to clean and carry, and its numerous compartments make it a must-have for any occasion. Use it as a laptop bag, school bag, weekender, baby bag, and more. The Kate typically sells out in a heartbeat, but we've got a few extras in stock for Valentine's Day in both a gorgeous taupe and pebble grey. 

5.) Ten Things earrings, $55-$85

The newest jewelry line at Trocadero has been selling fast, and we can see why - the effortlessly feminine earrings are well suited to any style. We really adore the Storm earrings ($75), a gorgeous combination of gray and green stones in a delicate gold setting. 

Splurge Vs Steal

Rebecca Minkoff's Save/Spend wallet

It's January 20th. Have you been sticking to your New Year's resolutions?

I love this wallet from Rebecca Minkoff -- it reminds me of an old Anya Hindmarch double "Loose Pockets" that had one side as "save" and the other as "spend." We at the Troc used to do a lot of Anya Hindmarch business....that is, until the economy went bust and people just weren't willing to spend as much money on handbags and other leather goods. It's too bad because Anya makes some of the coolest accessories and we sure do miss them at Trocadero! But perhaps another season we can bring them back into the mix...

Anya Hindmarch "Loose Pocket"

But if you're like everyone else and wanting to save a buck here and there, do I have the biggest treat for you!

You'll either love me for telling you about this amazing store or you'll hate me because you'll be spending all your money there.

My friend owns an amazing consignment shop called Fashion Avenue 2 in the Minneapolis suburb of Wayzata. It is an offshoot of the original Fashion Avenue located in Edina on the main shopping drag. Both locations have -- without a doubt -- some of the best deals on designer labels. And so much of it is brand new, never been used items from designers like Anya Hindmarch, Lanvin, Mulberry, Yohji Yamamoto, Chanel, Dior, Catherine Malandrino, Vince, and the list goes on! We're talking ultra-deluxe designer as well as the contemporary brands that you know and love.

The best part is that much of their inventory is current season merchandise, never used, tags still on them...at 50% off or more. On their Facebook fan page, there is a brand new Louis Vuitton bag at 50% off the retail price, a never been worn black Y-3 bomber jacket originally $510 for $175 and so many other fabulous fashion finds. Honestly, if I lived closer, it would be the only place I would shop. For both myself and for gifts. You cannot beat the quality of the merchandise -- because it's mostly all brand new or very, very gently used. And I know that the gently worn items are even better deals because they're not brand spanking new.

How do I know so much about Fashion Avenue 2? Because I'm both a customer and a consignor. I had the opportunity to visit Minneapolis a couple years ago and finally got to see the store in action. I was so blown away by the terrific items stocked at both locations. If you're a fashion "whore," this is the place for you. Again, you might love me for telling you about this place but you might also hate me for making you spend all your savings there!

But just as the wallet says, there will be spending...but you most certainly (in some ways) will be saving as well. Heck, if you buy that Vuitton, you'll have saved $1,725!


source: Rebecca Minkoff wallet
source: Anya loose pocket

Golden Globes 2012 Red Carpet: Round Two

There's nothing more glamorous than a red carpet event. Why some celebrities choose this moment to have their two-year-old pick out an outfit for them is completely beyond me (I'm looking at you, Sarah). Below, see my top picks (and a couple of my worst-dressed candidates).

The Good:

Dianna Agron in Giles: This 'Glee' star heated up the Golden Globes in this fire-engine red dress with a matching red lip. The bodice of her dress also features my favorite detail of the night - laser cut swans.

Charlize Theron in Dior: I completely agree with Alice's assessment of Charlize's soft yet sexy ensemble.

Emma Stone in Lanvin: I'm partial to anyone who wears Lanvin, and particularly partial to Emma Stone's personal style. Although I don't love the silver eyeshadow, I can't help but adore this two-toned dress.

Rooney Mara in Nina Ricci: I love that she sticks to her character on the carpet. This Nina Ricci number was a bit softer than her recent choices, and I loved how her soft makeup and fluttery eyelashes played against her severe part. She played with contrast and the result is truly gorgeous.

Freida Pinto in Prada: Freida consistently chooses colors that are unbelievably flattering for her skin tone. I loved the texture on this Prada dress, and I'm glad to see her add a bold accessory to boost the look.

Reese Witherspoon in Zac Posen: Absolutely stunning. Reese manages to look completely effortless and totally sexy all in one - both adjectives that I wouldn't have used to describe her style five years ago.

The Bad:

Sarah Michelle Gellar in Monique Lhuillier: Sarah's two-year-old daughter chose this dress for her. While that anecdote is cute, this gown clearly reflects it. Don't take style advice from someone who can barely dress themselves.

Piper Perabo in Theyskens' Theory: This sheer gown is an interesting choice, but it was Piper herself that really put this dress at the bottom of the pile for me. She was prancing around and fussing with the silhouette of it all night. It would take someone with the right attitude (and the right accessories) to pull this off, and I don't think that person is Piper.

Michelle Williams in Jason Wu: How can someone who is nominated for playing Marilyn Monroe, arguably the sexiest actress of all time, not inject an OUNCE of it into her Golden Globes dress? She's a stunningly beautiful young woman, and this ensemble doesn't demonstrate it at all.

photo sources: getty images, temptalia and the LA Times

Who were your picks for best and worst dressed at the 2012 Golden Globes?

Golden Globes 2012 Red Carpet Round Up

While I live-tweeted last night during the Globes as an experiment in tweeting, I couldn't help but comment on the dresses from the red carpet. There were the obvious hits and misses. The themes: fishtails, plunging v-necklines, nudes, shades of red and the every ubiquitous strapless numbers.

Below, my top picks of the night. And one of my least favorite looks as well...

Charlize in Dior Couture. She often does not disappoint and she didn't this year. My favorite total look of the night. Loved her diamond headband and soft waves of her hair.

Diane Lane in Reem Acra. It's not the most exciting dress but I think it's a very elegant and age appropriate dress. I think for women over 40+, strapless and sleeveless just aren't the most flattering and I love that she has a little capped sleeve on this one. She is simply gorgeous and ages beautifully.

Evan Rachel Wood in Gucci. Talk about year of the mermaid! Her alabaster skin against the fish scale design of the dress in the iridescent green with the plunging v-neckline...it all worked for her.

Helen Mirren in Badgley Mischka. Regal in navy and very tasteful but stylish. I like this look on her compared to some of the more sexy frocks she has donned in years past.

Reese Witherspoon in Zac Posen. Or is is Pamela Anderson? Wow, what a new marriage can do for someone! Love the red dress, love the tousled bed head hair. She has never been sexy to me -- more sweet than sexy -- but this look was very different for her and I liked it.

Rooney Mara in Nina Ricci. She has totally stuck her Girl with the Dragon Tattoo persona and shed her sweet, soft brown hair girl from The Social Network and her real life in general! For the time being, I like this very sleek side of her. It's a tad severe -- but so was the movie, right? I think the dress fits the hairstyle and make up. She nailed it.

Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang. Seriously, this woman is both sexy and a true comedic actress. Who else is that? And she was a true knockout in the dress. Love that it was navy and not red, that it was tasteful and elegant (it's Vera, after all) and she was true to herself. With the blown out straight hair to boot? Yay for Sofia!

Stacy Keibler in Valentino. Okay, so some people are only paying attention to her arm candy and Best Actor winner, George Clooney, but I couldn't help but be wow-ed by her. It's a transformation happening before our very own eyes. She's gorgeous (those long legs!), but the dress was perfection. Her hair was tousled just so and everything just clicked.

My least favorite look: Julie Bowen in Reem Acra. It did not evoke memories of Grace Kelly. I know it should have but it didn't. Instead she looked like she was in Halloween costume trying to be a princess. To pull that dress off, she needed to look edgier. Charlize could have rocked it in the right way. Julie made the dress way too precious. With that hair. With just being her. She should have gone for a great plunging v-neckline with smokey eyes. Not that she would have ever come close to Sofia but at least she would have been interesting. Fire your stylist, dear. You need a new look!

Charlize in Dior Couture.

Diane Lane in Reem Acra. 

Evan Rachel Wood in Gucci.

Helen Mirren in Badgley Mischka.

Reese Witherspoon in Zac Posen.

Rooney Mara in Nina Ricci.

Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang.

Stacy Keibler in Valentino.

Julie Bowen in Reem Acra.

source LA Times

source Hollywood Reporter

Modern Technology Playtime

Tonight for one night only, FilmStreams theater, DaOMA (Design Alliance Omaha) and Omaha Creative Institute are debuting a film that had never been properly released in the U.S.

"Playtime" (1967) by Jacques Tati is a virtually silent commentary on the cold, vast and impersonal nature of technology that was becoming predominant in our modern age. It took 2 years to film and another 3 years to release. For lack of adequate skyscrapers, Tati decided to build his own building for a set that would become a film studio and ended bankrupting the production.

I found this old poster of the film online and loved it's graphic image of a body filled with buttons and directional signs and I thought more poignant than it's schitzophrenic, messy current poster image but then again I haven't seen the movie yet.

I am excited to see this piece of cinematic history on the big screen. Considering how much technology continues to direct even more of our lives this day and age it would be interesting compare impressions between now and then. If you get the chance to see it please share your feedback.

"Playtime is a lasting testament to the modern age tiptoeing on the edge of oblivion"-F.S.

Troc Staff Share Their New Year Resolutions!

Everyone enjoys starting a clean slate with the start of each new year, and 2012 is no exception. To get ourselves on track, the staff of Trocadero is more than happy to share their New Year's resolutions and how we plan on living "the good life" this year!

photo from hailmika.tumblr.com

Alice Kim, store owner:

• writing at least five times a week
• having more dinner parties
• learning a new language...maybe Korean! 

Jil B., manager: 

• practice yoga or meditation daily (she'll be certified to teach by fall!)
• save money for a trip to Europe
• celebrate turning 30 in style!  

Jamie B., part-time manager: 

• start her own blog again (the third time is the charm, right?)
• learn how to cook
• build savings
• exercise more - wouldn't be an honest list without including this, haha!  

Megan T., associate: 

• creating a cohesive wardrobe full of classics for every occasion 
• drink more water 

Jared S., associate: 

• investing in more staples and statement piece for his wardrobe! 

Chelsey Y., associate: 

• read every night 

What are YOUR New Year's resolutions? 

Bonne année!

Enjoy a French 75 cocktail to start your New Year's party off with a bang!  This potent cocktail was said to have such a kick that it was aptly named after the French 75mm field gun.  Simple, strong and bubbly, this classic champagne cocktail is the perfect drink to toast the New Year. Cheers!

 Ingredients:

-3 ounces gin

-3 ounces fresh lemon juice

-4 tsp granulated sugar

-1 1/2 cups ice 

-1 cup chilled champagne (Any kind works, but I prefer extra dry)

-lemon twists for garnish

Preparation: 

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lemon juice, sugar and ice and shake

2. Strain cocktails into 2 champagne flutes and top off with champagne

3. Garnish with a lemon twist and enjoy!

Makes 2

(photo source)

The Perfect Gift for...Jewelry Addicts!

Lately, it seems that I am all about the latest in online shopping crazes - the subscription service. Working a 50+ hour work week, catching up with friends, sneaking in odd freelance jobs, and spending time with family all takes its toll on my time. With such a busy schedule, I often don't have the luxury of treating myself to a few hours of retail therapy. With subscription services, I ensure that once a month I will update my wardrobe and invest a bit of my hard-earned money in myself.

While I will forever be a fan of Birchbox, a $10/month beauty sampling program, I am equally as enamored with JewelMint. This particular subscription service sends you a pretty piece of jewelry for $29.99/month.

Upon signing up for JewelMint, you are asked to take a "style quiz" which determines which pieces will best suit your style. Each month, your "showroom" fills up with stunning selections that are tailored to your tastes - and if you aren't happy with their picks, you can flip through all the options on your own as well. Short on cash, or don't see anything you like? You can skip a month within the first 5 days and you won't be charged. 

Much of JewelMint's appeal comes from celebrity spokeswoman Kate Bosworth. I have forever been a fan of her personal style, and you can truly sense her investments in the company - she's rarely spotted these days without wearing at least piece. Together with her partner-in-crime, celebrity stylist Cher Coulter, JewelMint has become a bonafide success story, launching spin-offs like StyleMint with the Olsen twins and ShoeMint with Rachel Bilson.

I have personally ordered four pieces from JewelMint and have been truly impressed with the style, quality and attention to detail. I've been known to frequent Forever21 for their fast-fashion accessories, but my JewelMint pieces have left those in the dust. 

 Click here to learn more about JewelMint and take the style quiz!

One Stop Holiday Shopping at the Troc

We're a bit biased. But we think that you can do the majority of your holiday shopping under one roof. No, not Target! (Ok, we know that this is also a convenient place to do one-stop shopping but try to give us independent boutiques a fighting chance!)

So with TWO "Shopping" SATURDAYS left before Christmas, I leave you with a few ideas...

PERFECT STOCKING STUFFERSTocca candles ($38), travel hand creams ($8)  and lip glosses ($14)
Roost sea urchin votive holder ($38)

LOTS OF PLACES TO CHOOSE FROM!Cat Studio pillows ($156 in stock, $165 special order)

FOR ANYONE ON YOUR LIST!Recchiuti fleur de sel caramels ($28)

EVERYONE'S FAVORITE ITEM!Archipelago Botanicals Pomegranate items ($28-$42)

FOR THE FASHIONISTA ON YOUR LISTSecrets of Stylists book ($24.95) 

FOR THE NEW BABY!Danish rattles and teething toys ($20)

FOR THE MIXOLOGIST!Absinthe cocktail set (spoons, $18 each; set of 6 glasses, $60; book,  $19.95)

FOR THE NYC LOVERThe iconic New York City deli cup in ceramic ($15)

We have lots of wonderful items under $30 for everyone on your list. Great items for babysitters to children's teachers, your favorite aunt to your brand new nephew. Don't forget about your local shopping vendors like us. We at Trocadero strive to provide Omaha with beautiful, unique items perfect for gift giving. Please email us at shoptrocadero@mac.com or give us a ring at 402-934-8389 and we can help you put together any type of gift package for anyone on your list.

Happy Shopping!

America the Beautiful

I decided to do things a little bit different this time around, so here is a documentary review, let me know what you guys think!

I watched the documentary, America the Beautiful (written, produced and directed by Darryl Roberts in 2007) on Hulu a little over a week ago, and I’ve been trying to figure out what route to take so I could share it with you all. The truth is, it’s one of those films you’ll have to check out for yourself. Sure, I can share the general outline of the story and pop a few alarming quotes in here, which I already planned on doing, but, you can see how realistic it is when you actually watch it. Do I think you should clear your schedule for it? Not necessarily. I believe we are all aware of the issue at hand; this documentary just brings it to the forefront of our minds. However, if you have time to spare, I do recommend checking it out.

The first few minutes of the film had males of different ages and types expressing their personal views on women. What they want in a women. “Thank God for cloning. If you like your Pam Andersons you can just run ‘em off in a manufacturer and eliminate nasty chicks,” was one male view.

The focus of the film is on a 12-year-old African American model, Gerren Taylor. She took the runway head-on and was more or less thrown into an adult world. Throughout the film you can see how she rises to the top, grows up, gains a few curves and it suddenly became increasingly harder for her to find work.

Another girl, 15-year-old Maggie, has dedicated her whole life to modeling and acting. We’re talkin’ modeling and acting classes and home schooling. Maggie does however, have a slight “belly” as her mother calls it. She so kindly mentions liposuction as an option if Maggie can’t get rid of it. “If that’s what we need to do, then we’ll do it,” says Maggie’s mother.

Her daughter responds with: Plastic surgery is a women’s best friend.

Speaking of plastic surgery, I’m sure some of you have taken part in the guilty pleasure of watching Dr. 90210, yeah? Or are familiar with a few popular faces of plastic surgery? Did you know that some of these so called plastic surgeons were not board certified with the American Board of Plastic Surgery during the time when this was filmed? You can call the board yourself and find out who really has the skills and who is sliding under the radar.

One of my close friends, might I add… she’s got curves, is black and beautiful and embraces every second of it…thought it was just plain sad. In the beginning portion flashed Victoria’s Secret ads across the screen, saying how unrealistic advertising makes expectations on women. The question was then asked: who benefits from it? “No one benefits from women feeling inferior,” said CG, “we’ve got a long way to come and I doubt we will make any progress because the damage has already been done.”

Towards the end of the film, Darryl Roberts is talking with Gerren again and she chimes in and pronounces: I’m ugly. Period. Point Blank. Before Roberts can get a word in she cuts him off again and forcefully says: “Period.”

“By the end it showed how self conscious she really was, which I felt showed that the more beauty centered you are, the more self conscious you are, thus showing how much more unnecessarily critical you are. Especially of yourself,” said CG.

Would you ever get your dog testicular implants? Or how about revamp the look of your own hoo-ha?

Shocking? Perhaps.

Unheard of? Nope.

Holiday Craft Time, a Good Way to Spread the Cheer

Last weekend a couple friends and I hosted an afternoon of cider, cheesy chili and plenty of silly holiday craft making. Before that my feet were dragging into the inevitable season changes and the holiday spirit. It so happened this ended up on the first snow day of the year and spending it warm indoors with happy people sparking creativity everywhere was just what I needed to flow into the season.

If you are thinking of having a holiday get together, try your own craft time on a lazy weekend afternoon. You can do anything simple from collaging holiday cards, baking cookies, gluing things on ornaments or more complex like sewing a stocking or painting a picture.

It's such a great way to get into the spirit, spending quality time with friends old and new. Here are some great websites to get you inspired!

Dana-Made-It

She does step by step projects for everything from food to clothes and so many of them are really simple to do. I love the sweater stocking project!

Design Sponge

Their website has an easy to search DIY tab that you can pick your material and/or level of difficulty.
Craft Gossip
Involve the whole family with this handmade rolling stamp wrapping paper, cute!

Cut-Out-and-Keep
Try this easy stacked felt circle wreath by Kojo Designs. You could also try torn newspaper spray painted gold with some red ribbon. I have also done one with torn fabric just tied on a hanger.


Have fun, get creative and share any other great ideas. Happy crafting!

Shin Scissorhands

A few years ago, my friend Shin An was featured in VOGUE as one of New York City's best "underground" hair stylists. At the time she worked either for Mark Garrison or Paul Labrecque, two of the best salons in the city. The VOGUE story focused on those stylists that had a "cult-like" following that weren't exactly the "marquee" names on the door. (I remember that Harry Josh was another stylist featured in the story...but for some reason I cannot find the article online.)

Flash forward to now.

Shin has opened up her very own eponymous salon in Santa Monica. Yup, that's right. She's traded in the concrete jungle streets of NYC for the Palm trees and sandy beaches of sunny southern California.

As featured on vogue.com, Shin is making waves in her Asian-inspired, beachy bungalow on Montana Avenue.

There are people who cut hair and then there's Shin. She is, without-a-doubt, a genius when it comes to knowing hair and what style, shape and cut is best on each particular person. I can't count how many people I have referred to Shin's effortless way of creating magic with a pair of scissors. My college roommate lives in Eastern Connecticut and would make trips to NYC for a Shin hair cut. A good friend from NYC who now lives in Philadelphia also schlepped to New York for Shin to wield her Edward Scissorhands talent. I even converted two friends from Omaha to go to Shin when they went to NYC. Yes, she's that good. The best part of her cuts? No, not the price. You have to pay for a good hair cut. But what makes it worth it is how the cut gets better with time. The hair cut grows out beautifully.

If you want a hair cut of a lifetime, go see Shin. And tell her Alice from Omaha sent you. It wouldn't be the first time!

Shin Salon is located at 1025 Montana Avenue in Santa Monica, CA. Phone #: 310-310-3128 or go to shinhair.com

source of photo: vogue.com

A Few of My Favorite Things

I absolutely love this time of year! All because of holiday gift giving, that is. Those who know me may not believe it, but I actually enjoy giving gifts far more than receiving them. Finding something that a friend or loved will adore just makes me happy. All throughout the year I'm constantly jotting down notes of items I think would make great gifts. I just couldn't help but to share my ideas, so here is a list of just a few of my favorite items to give this holiday season.

Piggy Power Bank by Neon Green

Flight001.com

This solar power bank and USB charger is eco-friendly and really comes in handy. It can be used with iPhones, iPods, Blackberry, as well as most other mobile phones and MP3 players. It is fully charged when left in the sun for 15-16 hours and can also be charged by USB power. The perfect gift for any techie on your list. The Piggy Power Bank also comes in "Big" and "Lil' Piggy Power" versions to suit your energy needs.

Goldsmith Silversmith

Goldsmithsilversmith.com

I am such a fan of buying locally and hand made items, and when they look as spectacular as the work from Goldsmith Silversmith, you really can't beat it! In the heart of the Old Market, Goldsmith is located on Howard street and houses the work of several talented jewelry artists. From sterling silver, to gold and pearls to diamonds, Goldsmith really covers all of the bases. And there is no better gift than custom made jewelry. The staff is welcoming and works with customers to create the piece of their dreams within their budget.

Schmidt Brothers Cutlery

Schmidtbrotherscutlery.com

After reading about Schmidt Brothers in Food & Wine Magazine I fell in love with their concept of high-quality knives without the high-quality price tag. Their range of knives includes an exclusive Acacia and stainless steel collection for West Elm and even titanium and ceramic a lines in their regular collection. With prices starting at $10, there's something for everyone, from the casual cook to the master chef.

Images courtesy of:

Flight001

Goldsmith Silversmith

Schmidt Brothers Cutlery

Make Your Trendy Summer Staples Work in Your Winter Wardrobe!

from summer to winter by shoptrocadero

all bags and shoes available at Trocadero!

With the first major snowfall of the season falling outside my window, it's time I've come to terms with my closet. Every year, I struggle to switch out its contents with the passing of spring, summer, fall and winter. In all honesty, I'm a true believer in "seasonless" dressing - for the most part, I only purchase pieces that I can wear all year round.

To prove this philosophy, I've taken three of last summers' trendiest pieces and demonstrated how to transition them into a perfectly wearable winter ensemble.

The Maxi Skirt

The floor-length skirt was one of my favorite pieces from this past summer. There's something so effortless and easy about tossing on a maxi skirt with a white tee and a great necklace and heading for the door. Mine is so well-loved that I couldn't bear to pack it up, so instead I'll be pairing it with a cropped sweater. I am obsessed with these suede wedges, but I also like the idea of swapping those out for a pair of rugged boots for running errands.

The Lace Tee

A great lace tee is a must-have for me. It's the simplest item to dress up or down for any occasion. Throw on a pair of great colored corduroy trousers and a rugged black boot and you're ready for just about anything!

The Romper

Most people would say that a romper is a summer-only option, but I dare to disagree. I sport all my shorts with tights during the winter - in fact, so much so that my friends like to joke that I "never wear pants," because I'm always in shorts, skirts and dresses no matter what the season. With a thick pair of tights, chunky sweater, and riding boots, this lightweight romper is winter-ready.

What summer item will you be wearing this winter?