Preview our Independence Day sale!

If you've been holding out on that perfect pair of shoes, that bag you've been dreaming of or your favorite Bond fragrance, the wait is over. Trocadero is chock-full of must-have items, and we're welcoming our best customers to a special pre-Fourth of July summer sale. Many items are more than half off, and customers who come in and make a purchase before Independence Day will enjoy an additional discount off their next purchase: $25 off each $100 spent. Just mention the code: FIREWORKS! and you'll receive the extra discount off both your full-priced and sale merchandise!

At Trocadero, it's truly Christmas in July. If you can't head to the Old Market soon, come and visit us online. We ship to the continental U.S. and any purchases over $250 qualify for Free Ground Shipping thru July 3rd.

One of our biggest sale items has got to be the Be & D "Kan Kan" tote, seen on the arm of Eva Longoria and on the set of Gossip Girl. It originally retails for $1395 and is marked down to $1195. Made of supple leather and roomy enough to go from day to night, this bag will become a wardrobe staple. Be quick or else you'll miss out -- we only have one Kan Kan tote...

Marc by Marc Jacobs' black patent mouse flat has been a best seller at Trocadero, and the sizes left are now marked down, from $250 to $150. The navy and black patent mouse loafer from Marc by Marc Jacobs (seen above) is only $250 from $455. Go to the Trocadero website to see what other shoes we have on sale. Click on 'more shoes' to see our older styles reduced up to 75% off! Bettye Muller slingbacks for $75, L.A.M.B. mesh skimmers for $50! We even have Giuseppe Zanottis and Brian Atwoods marked down over 40% off. Get Drew Barrymore's, Reese Witherspoon's, Anne Hathaway's and Gwyneth Paltrow's favorite styles at Trocadero.

source Eva Longoria: Coolspotters.com

6 Smart Packing Tips for Summer Getaways

In this week's Trocadero Tidbits newsletter, we featured several tips and tricks to ease packing stress and make the most of your luggage-space. Here is our full list of tips to help lighten your load.

6. Neutral basics are key foundation pieces to be worn 2-3 times. Solid shirts, shorts, skirts and a pair of dark wash jeans serve as staples.

5. Add a few pieces that pop like a vest,a patterned or print shirt or a lightweight cardigan or blazer to liven up your neutral pieces.

4. Accessories finish the look. Pack lightweight scarves, statement necklaces and bangles, and a few pairs of sunglasses to transform your outfits from afternoon stroll to evening out-on-the-town.

3. Make the most of convertible pieces. A spaghetti strap evening dress can be worn with a blouse and a waist belt for a daytime ensemble. Satin sleeveless tops that can be worn casually with jeans or a pencil skirt and a blazer for a business lunch are also perfect for those busy, event-filled trips.

2. Be sure to pack a pair of cute and comfortable flats or sandals to wear in your down time. Flip flops are great at the poolside or at the beach, but investing in a cute comfy sandal or ballet or open toed flat really polishes a look, especially in "city" vacations.

1. Travel size beauty kits like Malin + Goetz 1 oz. essential kit, available at Trocadero, are both space and airline friendly. Also, try packing an empty spray bottle. If you are land-locked, fill it with water and salt, and use it in the hair for perfect beachy waves.

All of us here at the Troc wish you a safe, happy, and stylish summer travel season. Don't forget our summer travel tips when packing your bags, and keep Trocadero in mind for all of your accessory needs. Bon voyage!

To become a Trocadero Tidbits subscriber, click HERE!

Play Ball!

Alice and I are both headed to the College World Series tonight for the first of the final games. It's going to be a hot one - 97 degrees today, with heat indexes in the triple-digits - but after seeing the slew of Texas and LSU fans that came streaming into Trocadero yesterday, I'm betting on a high-energy, albeit sunburned, crowd. These southerners have no shortage of team spirit, that's for sure. Yesterday at the store, Alice and I saw tons of yellow, purple and orange-clad baseball fans filling the Old Market and checking out what we had in the store. Their often stylish team spirit (hello purple and yellow Rescue Beauty Lounge manicures!) inspired me to create the below collage. Such spirited style can turn even a fashionista into a sport lover.

June Staff Picks-of-the-Month

We always enjoy seeing what our staff is loving each month. While we used to post our picks on our store's website, we are now starting this month to post our picks on our blog. This week are picks from Cygne, Drew, Marie and Sarah. In this week's Trocadero Tidbits newsletter, we featured this DV by Dolce Vita "moon" sandal in gold and beige. Turns out the first round of this sandal in rose gold and grey sold out within the month so this new batch in gold and beige is fast on its heels of disappearing from the Troc.

Intern Cygne has her eye on the DV sandal -- it is surprisingly still available in her size...so who knows? It just might become her true pick-of-the-month. Drew's favorite Bond No. 9 scent is his own personal fragrance: Andy Warhol's Union Square.

With top notes of freesia and lily of the valley and base notes of amber and 

musk, it's definitely floral but with a nice grounded earthiness. Marie's pick is definitely a chic one...Anya Hindmarch's large day clutch. This is something that one can invest in and have forever.

Lastly, we have a pick from Sarah...which so happens to be a lot of other staffer's additional pick: the new Kidrobot Get Luckies zipper pulls.

Tune in to our blog to see the rest of our staff picks.

Rocking Out at the Troc

It was a difficult decision....but we finally have a winner of our First Trocadero 15-Song Playlist Submission Contest. Congratulations to Jill Blacketer for her eclectic mix that will be incorporated into a Summer Playlist to be heard at the Troc!

There were a host of other songs not currently on our iTunes library from other submissions that we're eagerly saving our money to purchase on iTunes. They include: "With Arms Outstretched" by Rilo Kiley (whose lead singer Jenny Lewis is performing at the Slowdown in Omaha this evening!), "Carry On" by Crosby, Stills & Nash, "Strawberry Letter 23" by Shuggie Otis and "Transatlantique" by Beirut.

Anyway, without further adieu...the Winning Playlist is:

1. Shadows - Midnight Juggernauts, Dystopia

2. How the Day Sounds - Greg Laswell, Three Flights from Alto Nido
3. Colleen - The Heavy, Great Vengeance and Furious Fire
4. You My - Lupe Fiasco, Food And Liquor
5. Jump - Madonna, Confessions On a Dance Floor (Deluxe Version)
6. Encore - Jay-Z, The Black Album
7. You Got the Love (Original Mix) - The Source featuring Candi Staton, One Night At Momo's - Kemia Bar
8. American Baby - Dave Matthews Band, American Baby - Single
9. Boogie Shoes - KC & The Sunshine Band, KC & the Sunshine Band...and More
10. Get Up - Elektrons, The Get UP EP
11. It's a New Day - will.i.am, It's a New Day - Single
12. On Your Side - Pete Yorn, Live At The Roxy
13. Eleanor - The Low Millions, Ex Girlfriends
14. California Soul (Diplo/Mad Decent Mix) - Marlena Shaw & Diplo, California Soul (Remixed)
15. Comin' Home Baby - Mel Torme, The Essentials:  Mel Torme

Thanks to everyone who submitted songs. We loved listening to all of them and hope that you'll come visit us again soon to hear some new songs on the Troc airwaves.

In the Mood for the College World Series

Baseball, one of America's favorite pastimes, has taken over Omaha for the first half of June in the form of the College World Series. Two days ago, I sat through four innings (as many as I have the patience for) of the LSU vs. Arkansas game with my friends but could hardly concentrate on the field. I was more intrigued by what the fans around me were wearing. Sitting in front of an LSU fan with toy tigers and Mardi Gras beads glued to her hat (cute, I know) and behind ten die-hard Arkansas fans body-painted to spell out "Razorbacks", I just had to look. Even walking through the crowds of fans in the Old Market, I noticed that many of them can't help but sport their home team's colors, as well. However, I saw that many of the fans stick to colored clothing when they could be going the extra mile with team colored accessories we have at the store. Take the purple Botkier James tote, for example. How perfect would that be for an LSU lover? Or a few red items, like the Matt Bernson Barracuda sandal and the Rafe Pearl bag, for someone cheering on ASU. The store even has Carolina blue baby clothes and Dolce Vita shoes, plus a Southern Miss gold Python bag! Any accessory from our "team-colored" display seems perfect for these fans.

All this talk about the College World Series has just made me think how much I love attending. I mean, you can never go wrong with a nice summer day, tickets to a sports event, and some good greasy food. Oh, the greasy food at the stadium - even the staff here can't get enough. When asked to choose between a hot dog, popcorn, and a baked pretzel, I chose the pretzel... with a side of cheese! Sarah and Marie like their hot baked pretzels too while the other high-school intern, Lauren, chose popcorn (only because the ever-famous Bloomin' Onion wasn't offered) and Jared, another intern, went off the list and chose his favorite: cotton candy (pink, to be exact). As for Alice, Drew and Helen, they go for the Hebrew National hot dogs (courtesy of local Con Agra!). 

With two ball games almost every day, I'm just looking forward to the final match, which is the only whole game I'm willing to sit through. Who's going to win? I couldn't even guess. I do know the competition has narrowed down to ASU, Arkansas, LSU, Texas, UNC, and Virginia. So, good luck to all. The spirit, excitement, and food from the stadium is enough to last me the entire summer. I'm soaking it up; you should too.

Trocadero June Playlist

The playlists are in! And we've got some great new music to choose from. Hard part is to crown the winning 15-set playlist to be heard at the Troc later this month. We love the eclectic mixes which are very akin to what we enjoy listening to at the shop. From "Eleanor" by the Low Millions to "Encore" by Jay-Z, to local Omaha band the Faint's "Glass Danse" and "I'm Amazed" by My Morning Jacket, we're hard pressed to pick a favorite playlist.  Is the fitting title "Wait for the Summer" by Yeasayer the perfect song to play in the Troc airwaves this June? Or do we mellow out with some David Gray's "Dead in the Water" or Bob Marley's "Buffalo Soldier." Let us know what you think...by posting a comment below and telling us what you think you want to hear while shopping for your summer treats at the Troc!

The ultimate conundrum

Last week I bought a second wedding dress. I know, I know. The first thing Alice said to me when I told her at Trocadero yesterday was "Why?" I have to admit, it's a good question. I certainy never saw myself as a one wedding dress bride, let alone a two wedding dress bride. Though I won't show a photo of either dress here (bad luck!) they're both beautiful but they're as different as night and day. One is short, one long. One is spangly, one simple. One is puffy, the other sleek. And I am in love with them both.

My best friend was in town last week, and I talked the decision over with him. He agreed with the conclusion I've come to: get both dresses tailored. Accessorize both. Bring them both on the big day. See how you feel and put one on.

For now, thats the plan. I'd be curious to know: any other two wedding dress brides out there?

Getting the most bang out of your buck

In this week's upcoming issue of Trocadero Tidbits we mention a couple tips on how to make the most of bargain shopping. Some of our tips come from our new summer interns at the Troc. Coming soon: a meet and greet of our bright, new team members. In the meantime, here are our 5 Thrifty Tips:
5. Don't be afraid to rummage. The other night Sarah was wearing some fabulous crystal earrings (the size of gumballs) that she got for $5 from Second Chance located at 1116 Jackson Street. Another customer of mine came in recently with the perfect black motorcycle jacket (the item of the coming season) that she had scored from Bellwether Boutique, located around the corner from Trocadero on the corner of 12th and Howard. This unique vintage and local designer clothing store has an eclectic mix of items for men and women and again, it might take some time to go through it all but it's totally worth it if you find a total gem.
4. New intern Jared recommends seeing the potential in items not in your size and finding a good tailor. Cygne, another new intern, and her mom swear by Connie at Jack's Tailors at 10110 Maple Street (571-7411). Another tailor we love is Tina over at Countryside Village(391-0027) who expertly fixed Alice's torn Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti dress.

3. I've always found some great key items at Kohl's in the Simply Vera Vera Wang section. I'm not sure if her pieces are always 30% off but it seems like every time I go to Kohl's, everything I want is on sale. The trick is to try everything on and the best items tend to be the printed pieces that can seasonly update and liven up a pair of jeans or a khaki skirt you already own. Ikat prints or tie-dye are trends to enjoy now...and for little money. Save your big purchases for great basics that you'll use over and over again. I just bought myself a great "investment" circle skirt in ecru cotton poplin that will be in my closet for years and years (unless I spill red wine on it!). Thankfully it was an investment piece that wasn't an investment price (it was on sale almost 90% off!!! at She-la in Countryside Village)...which brings me to my next point...

2. It pays to be patient and thorough. Most people I know don't have the eye to go through the sale racks or to pick out items that are true finds. Trocadero offers a Closet Consultation Service for our customers who would like someone to assist in editing their closet and figure out what items are needed to complete your wardrobe. In addition to accompanying you shopping, we'll also create looks from your own closet so that you know what to put with what. It's personal styling for the regular person. By figuring out what's needed in your closet, you avoid making more purchases of clothing and styles that are either not appropriate for your body type or are going to sit in your closet unworn. Make an appointment and ask about our rates by contacting us via email at shoptrocadero@mac.com

1.  Sign up for a subscription to DailyCandy.com where often you'll get tips on when certain sales are taking place nationwide. Or check out Gilt Group, a private on-line shopping site of discounted designer clothing. There's a wait list but it's the closest someone can get to insider sample sale information if you're not someone in the industry.

The Trocadero Guide to Summer Weddings, Part One

In our newsletter this week we talk about the upcoming wedding season. We'll be posting on various topics regarding the high-season for all things bride and groom-related.

We always try to educate our customer about the importance of investing in a shoe and bag wardrobe. A great simple shape like the black shift above can go a long way when you change up the accessories. Everyone should definitely look for one great little black dress that will go the distance. This one is from Moschino (via Polyvore, click here for more details). This is a type of dress you can throw a suit jacket over, wear with some pearl stud earrings, a classic watch and a pair of pumps to go to work. Or you can dress it up with some bold statement jewelry and heels and it'll be the perfect outfit for a cocktail party or evening wedding. Just remember, if it's a black-tie affair, skip the leather shoes (no matter how fancy) and choose a pair of peau de soie, satin or silk evening shoes. 

If you've ever wanted some one-on-one advice on what to wear or how to put some looks together in your own closet, I offer closet consultations. You can go to our website for more information or email me at the store: shoptrocadero@mac.com to inquire about rates.