It's mid-August but surprisingly it seems as if everyone is back-to-school already. What happened to summer vacation?
I'd like to take a cue from the Europeans and be on holiday the whole month of August but in the real world of the U.S.A., it seems like summer break has been cut short and everyone is in back-to-school mode. That also means that the shops are full of fall/winter merchandise even though most of the nation is in 80-100 degree weather.
At the Troc, we have our first shipments of fall. In the coming weeks we'll have our website up and running with all our new fall merchandise from Botkier, L.A.M.B., Marc by Marc Jacobs, Rafe, Be & D, Harajuku Lovers, Anya Hindmarch and much more.
In this week's Trocadero Tidbits newsletter, we featured the story, "The Trocadero Top Twenty" which is our picks for the trends in which you should BUY, SEARCH, SKIP or INVEST. I think the key to shopping during this downward economy is to follow those words above and use our guide to make wise purchasing decisions. We know how hard you work for your money and we want to make sure your dollar goes a long way.
Tune in each week as we reveal more tips until you're all set with our TOP TWENTY. Happy Shopping!
The Trocadero Top Twenty: Our Must-Have Items To Get You Through The Fall Fashion Season
20. It's not just the temperature outside that's stuck in the 80s. The decade of excess, shoulder pads, neon, metallic studding, leggings and acid washed jeans are all back in full fashion force. Just be careful not to pile it all on at once or you'll risk looking like a true fashion victim. Search for a vintage 80s strong-shoulder blazer in your closet (or your Mom's) or at a thrift/consignment shop (like Esther's on 75th St. north of Pacific), buy inexpensive leggings in black, metallics or neons at Target or American Apparel, skip the acid washed jeans (or just bleach an old pair at home) and invest in a studded accessory (because trust me, this trend will always come back every few years).
We love this look from Balmain (above) and this Be & D shoulder bag available right now at the Troc.
19. Nothing is more polished this season than a crisp white cotton button shirt. The good thing is that this style is available almost everywhere at every price. If you're prone to spilling and yellowing underarms, stick to more throwaway shirts that you can ditch after a season or two. I love the Simply Vera by Vera Wang one from Kohl's with a tuxedo-style front pleating detail.
18. Black tie isn't just for after-hours. Whether it's double-breasted, black, with a notched lapel or my personal favorite: the shawl-collar, a tuxedo jacket is a fresh, new look to pair with a feminine, flirty mini skirt or pair of skinny leggings or jeans. There are tons of designer versions out there to invest in from Stella McCartney, Thakoon, See by Chloe and others. This is a great classic jacket that is current but great to have for years to come so I'd say spend the money and get a really fabulous one if you can.
17. Look Ma, No Hands! This season it's all about the hands-free bag. Whether it's a messenger-style large tote or one that is big enough to just hold the essentials, a cross-body bag is something every wardrobe should have.
And at the Troc we have many styles from L.A.M.B., MZ Wallace and Anya Hindmarch (coming soon).
Here, is the Paige from MZ Wallace...we love it in this black color but the nutmeg is equally delicious.
16. Steal from Dad's closet. It's all about menswear this fall season so take a cue from Daddy dearest and incorporate some of his houndstooth, herringbone and pinstripe patterns into your own closet. While you might not be able to physically wear his clothes, at least steal the inspiration. At least grab a tie (one size fits all). There's a reason why ex-NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani stopped me on a street corner when I was wearing a navy blazer, white shirt, tie and khaki...shorts. Ok, so maybe the shorts was the real reason (he and his whole crew were wearing my same look minus the shorts). I like menswear mixed with some femininity (in my case it was the shorts). But for fall, I would pair it with a wool pencil skirt, bermudas, a pair of high heel pumps. You get the idea. Just don't be afraid to embrace your testosterone.
*These next tips from Tidbits 08.26.09*
15. Make a Statement. A "wow" necklace can really make an entrance and truly transform any hum-drum outfit. Think multi-strand chains, chunky, bauble styles in jewel tone colors to complement fall's earth tones when searching for the right piece.
We love this one from Kara by Kara Ross (available at Trocadero) and would pair it with a tweed blazer, crisp blouse, slim jeans and an oxford bootie. For more of our styling tips, check out our
Personal Stylist page of our website.
14. Get your motor running. We've been talking about it for months and yes, it's true...the biker jacket is the key piece to own. If you find a fabulous one at a thrift store, grab it while you can. Otherwise, there are plenty of choices both online and in stores so just search for one that suits you and your budget. Wear it with something softer on bottom such as a satin knee-length skirt or sweater dress.
13. Be like Sporty Spice. While we might live in a more Posh Spice-centric, a.k.a. Victoria Beckham, world, rugby stripes, polo shirts, shorts and sneakers look equally at home next to fur trim, rhinestones, satins and boucle suits. Incorporate and layer the pieces to create rugged ladylike silhouettes or preppy glamour looks.
This L.A.M.B. "Lambert" tote is one of our favorite bags at the Troc for its versatile handheld and long shoulder strap. And of course for its sporty stripes. It's ample size is large enough to fit a laptop and some some knee pad guards for that rugby game after work.
12. Up, up and away! The over-the-knee boot this season is almost like a second skin, especially if you live in colder climates (hello, can we say O-M-A-H-A in December thru February?). Good thing that
the Troc has come prepared to offer the bomb of a boot from Joie: the black Caravan double-zipper thigh high leather style. 
Most of the boots on the runway are on a heel but we love the fact that this is practical, chic, oh-so-stylish, super cool and most importantly FLAT.
We're counting the days when it arrives on our doorstep courtesy of our awesome UPS man, Bob.
He's almost as much as the bomb as the boots. Here, a sneak peak. And if you're worried because you're petite, have no fear: this boot looked great on Kim from Joie who is not much taller than 5'2".
But if you need a heel,
we do have these incredible Giuseppe Zanotti thigh-high boots on a hidden platform heel.
11. Show some shoulder.
It's a season about showing some skin. Whether it's a mini dress or skirt or the one shoulder or one sleeve top or dress, the designers want you to liberate your legs and your arms. Remember Freida Pinto at the Oscars (in John Galliano)?
For fall, Oscar de la Renta showcased a few gorgeous dresses with the bare shoulder look, such as this stunning jewel tone one at left. If you want to do the ultimate one-two punch: this Emilio Pucci hot pink mini dress with one sleeve will do double, or triple duty (the hot pink makes it a trifecta).
It's mid-August but surprisingly it seems as if everyone is back-to-school already. What happened to summer vacation? I'd like to take a cue from the Europeans and be on holiday the whole month of August but in the real world of the U.S.A., it seems like summer break has been cut short and everyone is in back-to-school mode. That also means that the shops are full of fall/winter merchandise even though most of the nation is in 80-100 degree weather.
And at the Troc we have many styles from L.A.M.B., MZ Wallace and Anya Hindmarch (coming soon). Here, is the Paige from MZ Wallace...we love it in this black color but the nutmeg is equally delicious.
Most of the boots on the runway are on a heel but we love the fact that this is practical, chic, oh-so-stylish, super cool and most importantly FLAT. We're counting the days when it arrives on our doorstep courtesy of our awesome UPS man, Bob. He's almost as much as the bomb as the boots. Here, a sneak peak. And if you're worried because you're petite, have no fear: this boot looked great on Kim from Joie who is not much taller than 5'2".
But if you need a heel, we do have these incredible Giuseppe Zanotti thigh-high boots on a hidden platform heel. 
For fall, Oscar de la Renta showcased a few gorgeous dresses with the bare shoulder look, such as this stunning jewel tone one at left. If you want to do the ultimate one-two punch: this Emilio Pucci hot pink mini dress with one sleeve will do double, or triple duty (the hot pink makes it a trifecta).
This month we were lucky to have our out-of-state intern, Kate, join the Troc. Sadly, it seems that time does indeed fly by and we seem to already be at the close of an incredibly active month. Kate learned not only about the brands of Trocadero but also the buying, merchandising and selling of all our items, the joy of the Troc required film list and last but not least, the art of the Tiffany bow. Here, we find out a little bit about Kate before she ventures back to the Buckeye state...
Last week we received our first shipment from a new vendor...Flip & Tumble eco-chic foldable totes. Their name describes the way these lightweight ripstop nylon bags fold up and turn into a convenient ball to stow in a handbag, tote, glove compartment, suitcase, etc. At the Troc, we carry them in bright, cheerful color combinations as seen in our window, expertly decorated by PJ and Kate. Do you notice the gorgeous cut out fruits and veggies that Kate painstakingly created for our windows? Who said an intern's job was thankless? 
We also have two cute patterned ones: this brown tote with an image of a pink bicycle and another brown tote with the image of little birdies. With both the plain and patterned totes priced under $15, these are great gifts to give and receive. And, the perfect carryall for local farmer's market shopping. Or a trip to the pool. Though today it looks like Omaha's weather is not cooperating with either. Torrential rain and thundershowers this morning woke me up at the crack of dawn. Which makes me think about those See by Chloe rain boots we have on order (see August 11th's post). Too bad Italy is closed for the month of August! That means we won't be receiving our shipment of boots until September. If you don't have a proper (and cool-looking rain boot), definitely stop into the Troc to pick up a pair of See by Chloe ones. They'll make you wish for rainy days.
Lately I've been wearing a medley of necklaces and have received many compliments from friends and strangers alike. I don't usually change my jewelry up as often as I would like to or even recommend to others. And judging by my repeat wearing of this four-necklace combo, I am clearly someone who gets stuck in a rut...even if it's somewhat stylish!
Speaking of mixing metals...I was in Vegas for the shoe show and Kaitlyn from Joie was wearing an armful of Alex and Ani expandable bracelets. I loved how she embraced mixing the textures, the metals, the different materials. We love carrying the Alex and Ani line at Trocadero -- they make such a great gift both for oneself and for bridesmaids, friends, wives and teenagers too. We've sold out of many of the single charm bracelets but they're on reorder for fall. We can't wait to get more of them in. But in the meantime, come by and check out what we have currently in stock. And while you're at it, you can view our exclusive Helen Ficalora Sterling Silver Collection. I don't know anyone who doesn't love the simplicity and charming prettiness of Helen Ficalora's initial pendants. And at a recession-friendly price tag of only $50 per alphabet charm and $35 for a 16 inch chain and $40 for an 18 inch, it makes a great under $100 gift. 
I was just recently in Las Vegas shopping for shoes for Spring 2010 for Trocadero. Needless to say, it's rather difficult to look at styles to buy for 6-7 months from now when Fall 2009 shoes haven't really even hit the sales floor yet. Yes, while the big cities already have winter coats, fall thigh high boots and fur trimmed jackets in the windows of their major department stores, it's like Omaha hasn't really had its summer yet in many ways. The weather has been rather mild, albeit we've had some hot and humid ones as of late. But all in all, this has been a summer that has been marked with unmemorable dramatic weather patterns.
I love the images she picked: from the memorable Audrey Hepburn in her trench coat to stylish icon, Kate Moss, in hers alongside chic accessories (all available at Trocadero of course!) that are perfect for foul-weather. This layout reminds me of the great rain boots we have coming in from See by Chloe. In two-tone gray with taupe as well as taupe with lavender, these are the rain boots you want to own and wear. Just because it's raining and dreary outside does not mean one should trade style for comfort. In a torrential rain storm or just a simple light thunder shower, we'd find any excuse to put these cute rain boots on.
