Two for the Road: 10/31/09

Date: 10/31/09

Bag: Fendi "B" Bag in black patent

Shoe: Manolo Blahnik black patent open-toed three buckle pump

Worn with: Plenty by Tracy Reese black tunic top, Nanette Lepore leopard print skirt, Gerard Yosca and Lee Angel jet necklaces

Okay, I gotta admit that Manolo Blahnik can make an awesomely chic, classic but at the same time sexy shoe. Of all the Manolos that I own, this one is near the top of the heap. It has a perfect 90mm heel (3 1/2 inches) that is not too high, not too low. It has great arch support, a very sexy line and the skinny buckles are tiny, tiny and just hug the foot in the right way. I always feel really sexy wearing these heels and often take them with me on any trip where I want to get some height, be comfortable and look sexy but sophisticated. The Fendi bag was a press gift before Fashion Week one season. Some people got the double "B" bag; my former boss found it to be cumbersome and so did I. I liked my "single B" since it was much more lightweight and easier to maneuver. I must admit that often times my Fendi bags had terrible issues with the ease of getting into and out of them. My former boss actually cut herself on the closure of her double "B" bag. Yes, it was that tricky! I am wearing a top by Plenty that I bought at the Tracy Reese store on Hudson Street in the West Village in NYC and the skirt is from Super Saturday in the Hamptons, the yearly fundraiser that In Style and Donna Karan hosted to support the OCRF (Ovarian Cancer Research Fund). It was towards the end of the day and Nanette handed it to me thinking it would work for me. I love Nanette Lepore; she is definitely one of my favorite designers I met while working in NYC. She and her hubby were so lovely and kind people. And down-to-earth. I just might have to reach out and say hello to her the next time I'm in the NYC-area. Thanks, Nanette, for my lovely leopard skirt -- still rocking it after all these years! The necklaces are wonderful wardrobe staples from Gerard Yosca and Roxanne Assoulin for Lee Angel. I carry Lee Angel at the Troc (though nothing jet at the moment). I received both of these necklaces (and the bulk of my jewelry collection) as gifts from the designers themselves. I still have boxes upon boxes of costume jewelry that hardly ever see the light of day...I'll try to post more photos as I get the hang of it...

Oh, and the bonus photo are pillows that were gifts from Manolo Blahnik at the holidays -- a different sketch of a shoe each year. (And some Burberry pillows too from Christmas one year.)

Two for the Road: 10/29/09

Date: 10/29/09

Bag: YSL Downtown bag in off-white leather

Shoe: Brian Atwood Nico gray snake pumps

Worn with: Alberta Ferretti lavender silk camisole with nude lace, teal velvet belt and gray pinstripe skirt dress, Alberta Ferretti lavender cashmere mini cardigan, Bravo gray cashmere waffle knit long cardigan

One of my all-time favorite bags. Actually I don't think there is one YSL bag that I own that I don't completely adore. Functional and chic and not gimmicky and logoed out. This was a gift from YSL to all the Accessories Directors and some Fashion Directors at the major magazines. Top tier mags: Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, W, In Style. Yes, I was one of the lucky few who season after season, was showered with the most coveted bags of the season. And this one for sure was one of my absolute faves. The shoes are total F$%# Me pumps that were at the Troc (actually we have one last pair left, size 40, for a mere $325 -- originally $765). I got the Alberta Ferretti dress with matching cardigan as a gift from the Aeffe PR folks. And the long cardigan I wore with the dress to make it more work-appropriate is from She-la, here in Omaha. It's my go-to warm long cardigan for many a day and night. And my spray tan? It's from Shine Day Spa out at a strip mall across from the Lakeside one in Omaha. I had never gotten a spray tan before but it was FREE with the purchase of any $60+ treatment. They are so lovely at Shine Day Spa...I recommend it highly.

Two for the Road: 10/28/09

Date: 10/28/09

Bag: Nancy Gonzalez hunter green crocodile tote

Shoe: Joie black leather over the knee double zip boot

Worn with: Free People animal print long sleeved dress, American Apparel long cardigan, Forever 21 black leggings

It was my first day back at work after missing 5 days in a row due to a killer cold/flu. It's also the first of many days I will be sporting these new boots from Joie. Even though they are brand new to the store and brand new to my closet, they are quickly becoming a classic. The perfect go-to boot. I wore them with my animal print sweatshirt-weight cotton dress (a fave of mine that I picked up at Bloomie's right before taking off to Europe one season), my handy-dandy cotton cardigan from AA (I love the contrast beige buttons) and my usual black leggings. The "eyes" in the animal print on the dress are an emerald green; so yes, I matched back the green to my tote: my Nancy Gonzalez crocodile one (large enough to fit my laptop), a gift from Santiago Gonzalez, Nancy's son, PR-magnet, President and spokesperson and general bon vivant. I wonder how Santi is. Last I remember him, he was being über-fabulous at the Plaza Athénée in Gay Paree, with Nina Garcia and the gang...oh, the days of being a fashion editor with a giant expense account...

I'm not the only one who is sporting the new Joie boots. Cygne, shown here, was wearing hers the same day (and has been addicted to them since getting them a couple weeks ago). They have this great, contrast gray lining that folds over that makes them really versatile...she's wearing them with her new Botkier Rio tote.

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: 10/21/09

Date: 10/21/09

Bag: Lambertson Truex burgundy leather satchel

Shoe: Alexandra Neel navy suede buckle harness knee-high boot

Worn with: Simply Vera by Vera Wang white ruffle tuxedo shirt, Ralph Lauren v-neck cashmere sweater vest, Simply Vera by Vera Wang charmeuse pattern skirt

My sincere apologies for not posting anything sooner. Today marks the 8th day that I have been under the weather and the 3rd day I've been on antibiotics for a cold and cough that just won't go away. I've been away from the Troc since last Thursday, October 22nd so in reality I'm just behind on two posts of what I've been wearing. My days off, well, let's say have consisted of me in a robe (Chaiken & Capone - old Christmas gift from when they were still together as business partners!), my new Ugg shearling slippers and my boyfriend's college sweatshirt. But last Wednesday, I managed to get myself to work (pre-fever and real illness setting in) and wore one of my favorite Lambertson Truex bags. It is the perfect shade of lipstick red and works well with both jeans and more work-appropriate outfits. I decided to wear a Simply Vera from Kohl's silk-like (read: polyester) skirt (with elastic-waistband and all!) that had a nice white-navy-wine-powder blue pattern to tie back with the L-T bag. I chose a navy sweater vest and a white blouse to wear on top and then figured wine shoes would be too matchy matchy so I dug up my Alexandra Neel boots. I love that they look like they're black at first glance but in daylight you notice that they are actually a great blue. Alexandra is this ex-dancer, Parisian, and oh-so-very beautiful in that naturally, French way. I loved always hearing about the inspiration of her collection and visiting her in her atelier/pied-a-terre near the Eiffel Tower. Her designs were so feminine but I loved that she put a little edge into her work as well. I look forward to sporting some more of her shoes in future posts. In particular: a military-inspired d'orsay pump. She is one designer I miss seeing twice a year in Paris; I hope to one day find the time to see her again in the coming years.

Sarah, Smile

A few weeks ago one of Troc's own, Sarah B., got hitched! And in perfect fashionista fashion, she did a costume change. Sarah wore a long gown for the ceremony and for half of the reception before changing into her shorter gown for the rest of the night. Her accessories also changed (of course!) and her "something borrowed" turned out to be a pair of René Caovilla crystal ankle-strap sandals from my closet. They were a gift from the designer (it's really great being a sample size 7, let me tell you) and actually had never been worn. I think my closet is mostly full of evening bags and shoes that hardly ever see the light of day. After seeing Sarah in my shoes, it's made me think that I should start loaning out my bags and shoes more often. It's not the first time Sarah has took a little loaner from my closet; she rocked a pair of my old Manolos and a Sergio Rossi evening bag for a wedding she attended this past summer. And just this week I gave intern Cygne C. a pair of Sergio Rossis, René Caovillas, an Alberta Ferretti black lace dress and some Lee Angel jewels to possibly wear for Homecoming festivities. I just love the idea of being able to have my beautiful objects get some needed "face" time. Because while I am blogging about my daily shoe and bag pairings, it's often not going to be super high heels or Swarovksi-encrusted evening bags. So perhaps I'll have to start another Troc Talk feature with "The Weekly Special" of something in my closet that I just simply adore. But where to start? The Murakami original jewelry case purse? The black velvet Dior mules with key charms? The burgundy satin Christian Louboutin evening clutch with gold snake detail? Oh, there's just too many to list...

Two for the Road: 10/17/09

Date: 10/17/09

Bag: Oscar de la Renta black leather with gold cut-out handle

Shoe: Hermès platform black wedge

Worn with: C&C California black long sleeved cotton t-shirt, Miu Miu black and gold thread cardigan, American Apparel black yoga pants, DVF wool mini skirt

It might be 45 degrees in Omaha today but I decided to wear open-toed sandals. Why? Because I am really trying to wear a different shoe everyday and I couldn't quite find the right one to wear with this outfit and bag. The Hermès sandals are from a sample sale from like 1999. I swear these are super old but in great shape because I never wore them until years later when I rediscovered them and found them to be the perfect pair of shoes: lots of height, comfortable, sturdy and very classically chic with great lines. I decided to paint my toes a nice, dark wine color (Rescue Beauty Lounge's "Black Russian" -- formerly known as "Revamp" before Chanel had a meltdown...) in honor of the exposed look. My bag is one of very few Oscar de la Rentas in my accessories wardrobe (the others being a chic, brown croco minaudière as well as a crystal handled satin small version of the above bag). I received this "football" satchel from the PR team at Oscar and while many have probably gotten rid of theirs, I have kept mine because it is a real classic in my eyes. I love the gold hardware, the shape, the definite uniqueness of the bag. The skirt is the one I wear about once a week, the yoga pants are a mainstay (like my AA leggings), the black tee is a staple as well and the Miu Miu cardigan is from, where else...Milan, one season shopping 'til I dropped between fashion shows. "Fabio! We go to Prada and Miu Miu!" That's me telling my Milanese driver (the best one ever!) of where to take me upon landing at Malpensa or during a fleeting 45 minute break between shows.

Organizing with Anya (and Sarah)

I love Anya Hindmarch -- all of us Troc girls do! -- and so today when I got her latest email newsletter, I had to take a look. This issue included a link to a video of Anya showing how she keeps her own bag organized. Of course, her beautiful bag (of her own design, natch) includes lots of beautiful stuff inside, also all of her own design. I covet her "loose pockets" purses; we carry them at Trocadero and they're a lovely addition to an accessories wardrobe. I might have to finally pick one up at the Troc, especially now that I'm carrying Anya's Seasonal Tote as my go-to fall bag. (There's one left in the store - I highly recommend it!)

Just for fun, and because I love reading "what's in your bag?" blog posts, I included some photos of my Anya Seasonal Tote and the contents inside, to give our loyal Troc Talk readers an idea of just how versatile this bag really is: perfect for carrying a laptop or file folders, as a yoga tote or just to use every day (like I do!) My bag isn't nearly as stylishly organized as Anya's, though I think my love of all things Troc (hello Kidrobot keychains, Archipelago grapefruit lip gloss, BC I used to be a rice bag cell phone holder and Rafe wallet!) is easy to see.

Here is a rundown of what you see above, starting at top, clockwise: Bajra checkered wool scarf, green portfolio, daily newspapers, Rafe wallet, $7, work cell phone, blackberry, BC phone case, keys with Kidrobot Yummy Breakfast coffee and milk keychains, pen, a selection of lip gloss including Archipelago grapefruit, Chanel nail polish in Intermezzo, extra car key, computer drive holding all the computer documents I used for my wedding planning (hence the giant engagement ring keychain), Oso Burrito frequent buyer card, reading glasses, two checkbooks, RayBan aviators and a vintage Whiting and Davis bag I use for a makeup case. Below, a little closeup of some of my mini Kidrobot keychains: L to R: heart from "Things that Hurt" line, fireplace from "Luckies" line, bomb from "Things that Hurt" line and smiley green flower from the "Zipits" line. The little green guy and the coffee cup were the first two Kidrobot toys I ever bought - and the first purchases I ever made from the Troc!

Click here and click on "As Seen In" to see Anya talking bags and spilling the contents of her bag to the world.

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: 10/9/09

Date: 10/9/09

Bag: Prada gold and brown brocade small tote

Shoe: LAMB by Gwen Stefani peep toe bootie in black and brown

Worn with: Badgley Mischka brown faille and tulle skirt, Cynthia Steffe cream cashmere sweater with pearl and crystal bib

I had a cocktail event to attend to that night so I had to wear something a little more dressy to work. I also had a vintage fur stole (that I practically stole for like $40, purchased in Walnut, Iowa) that I wore that evening. The bag is from a trip to Milan (my twice yearly Prada purchase) and the booties are from LAMB and currently in store at Trocadero! They are truly so hot. I love 'em. The skirt was a borrow from James and Mark before an event and the PR Director told me I could keep it. I know you can't see the sweater; but it is a scoop neck and has rows of pearls and a crystal brooch. I bought it on sale somewhere I cannot remember...

Trocadero Turns Two!

Trocadero's opening day on Saturday, October 13th, 2007 with my first customers. It seems like only yesterday that the doors to 1208 1/2 Howard Street opened as Trocadero, a lifestyle and accessories boutique in the Old Market of Omaha, Nebraska. It was an idea that hatched from reading an article in the New York Times about this historic downtown district. I would have never thought that a little over 6 months later I would be living and breathing Omaha and be an entrepreneur. Just this morning I remarked that I still cannot believe I quit my job and moved here basically sight unseen to do something so ballsy and downright risky. But for my own sanity and peace of mind, I just couldn't let this idea of being in America's heartland be only a thought. For some reason I had to prove to myself that this was what I needed to do and that for better or for worse, I would learn something. What I have gained from this experience is that Omaha really is my home. Trocadero is my two year old toddler. They don't call it the terrible twos for nothing. It's been a tough year, year #2, but I am feeling like the black cloud called "the recession" and "downward economy" is starting to lift. I am, at the very least, hopeful.

Today is the Troc's 2nd birthday. And while we're usually closed on Tuesdays, we've decided to throw our little two year old baby a proper birthday party. So from 4-7pm, we're hosting a very special shopping event, complete with cupcakes, bubbly and lots of discounts for today only. Kidrobot toys your thing? Buy two of your favorites and receive one free! Love Bond No. 9 fragrance? Today only save $20 off your fave scent. A great deal since their prices are going up starting next month! Dying for a new handbag or pair of shoes? Save 20% on any new fall merchandise -- and take an additional 20% off already marked down items. But that's not all, there are tons of other deals to be had!

Thanks to our wonderful customers, we are lucky to be entering our third year. In these times, that's a big accomplishment. We're damn proud but more so we're just thrilled to be part of Omaha's downtown destination scene and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your patronage and support.

Thank you, Omaha and beyond!

Two for the Road: 10/8/09

Date: 10/8/09

Bag: Tod's burgundy leather satchel

Shoe: Taryn by Taryn Rose studded ankle boots

Worn with: Navy DVF sleeveless shift dress and Bravo gray waffle knit cashmere cardigan

Season after season, Tod's has been a standby in my bag wardrobe because of their sheer commitment to public relations of their brand. I haven't kept all the bags they have gifted me over the years but this satchel is one of my favorites. The color is a much deeper, lipstick red than pictured and I love the grainy, textured leather. The boots are from Taryn Rose's more affordable, younger line called "Taryn." When I saw these at a preview, I thought they were the perfect every day ankle boot. Unfortunately not enough retailers bought the boot so they were never made. But lucky for me, as a sample size 7 shoe, Taryn sent the only pair to me. Too bad they were never produced; I know about ten people a day that stopped me on the streets of Manhattan to inquire about them every time I wore them. The DVF dress is my go-to dress purchased at Scoop in Las Vegas and I got the gray cashmere cardigan at She-La in Countryside Village last winter during their super sale.

Baby on Board!

As I am watching The Today Show this morning, they are talking about Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar. It is the 40th anniversary of this children's classic. We love this book so much that last month it was added to the Trocadero collection of baby gifts. It's the perfect add on shower gift, along with some Susan Brown's Baby sensitive skin products, a Holly's Copenhagen clover onesie or a Swankie Blankie receiving blanket. Arriving later this week are Swankie Blankie's newest hooded towels with a pretty toile pattern. So don't forget to think of Trocadero for all your baby shower shopping needs!

Two for the Road: 10/7/09

Date: 10/7/09

Bag: Marc Jacobs ivory tote

Shoe: Miu Miu python and metallic leather kitten heel

Worn with: Ralph Lauren Polo button down, Sonia Rykiel cashmere sweater, H&M bubble skirt, Forever 21 leggings

I've had a few days off from the store and it's been nice to have a brief respite from logging my outfits. I didn't realize how much work is involved in putting together these looks but I am enjoying the process of weeding through my closet. Soon I think I'll be able to purge many things. Anyway, I digress...

The bag is the only MJ one I own. I have never been a huge MJ bag fan; I find them to be way too heavy for my liking. The PR folks at Marc Jacobs (or should I be more specific, at KCD, their PR agency) were always really generous at loaning out bags for fashion week. I remember carrying one of the more popular styles (the one with the big coin purse closure that was quilted) and like Cinderella, returning it when the NY-Milan-Paris extravaganza was over. This ivory tote is a classic MJ that they gifted me and I decided that I needed at least one bag from each designer for my archive collection. On the bag is a keychain of gold Louis Vuitton "cherries" from Spring/Summer 2005. The Miu Miu shoes are yet another purchase from Milan fashion week (I guess I really did buy at least one pair of shoes when going to the shows). The sweater is a steal from a sample sale; it's one of my faves. The button down short sleeve window pane patterned shirt is from the Ralph Lauren store on Madison Ave (with my 30% discount). The skirt is from H&M that I got last month and the gray leggings are my latest purchase for $4.50 from Forever 21 at Westroads Mall.

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: 10/2/09

Date: 10/2/09

Bag: Helmut Lang black nylon canvas tote

Shoe: Stephane Kelian stretch leather knee high boot

Worn with: Black DVF mini skirt, Gray Isaac Mizrahi for Target mock turtleneck, Derek Lam cashmere cardigan, leggings from Strawberry's

Another head-toe-toe black outfit (minus the gray t-neck), last winter I swear I wore these Stephane Kelian boots almost every day. They pull on, are slimming on the leg and have a bit of a platform to give some height but are completely flat. The Helmut Lang tote? I don't even remember how it got into my closet. I think I purchased it on sale at Barneys in NYC back when Helmut Lang was the minimalist designer and it just seemed so very cool to have a bag from him. (Yes, I was sometimes shallow and insecure in my fashion choices!) The skirt is from DVF, is a wool jersey, also pulls on and was purchased at the same time as the DVF dress (at the Vegas Scoop). I want to trace the pattern of the skirt and have it made in every color of the rainbow. Seriously, I might just have to do it. It's the perfect go-to skirt for everything in my closet. Works on skinny and fat days! The leggings are my favorites from Strawberry's across the street from my old Tribeca apartment. They have an easy elastic band, not too tight, and are a nice, soft cotton...and cost like $9. Lastly, the Derek Lam black cashmere cardigan was a holiday gift from 2005 or 2006. It is so yummy and soft and super warm. The best sweater I own, I would be completely lost without it. (Thanks, Derek!)

Two for the Road: 10/1/09

Date: 10/1/09
Bag: MZ Wallace "Jane" black nylon shoulder bag

Shoe: Brian Atwood black patent "go-go" boots

Worn with: Diane Von Furstenberg black dress, Louis Vuitton jacket

We are definitely heading into colder temperatures as evidenced by my black wardrobe and wearing of boots. With rainy days in Omaha, I knew I wanted to carry a bag that wouldn't get ruined by the weather. I chose this black MZ Wallace; it's something I had back in NYC, a gift from the designer, Lucy Wallace (who in her previous life was the Accessories Director of Harper's Bazaar and then Elle. Just like accessories editor Kate Spade before her, Lucy knew that the bag market was abysmal and needed some help so she created her own line of what she thought was missing in the overcrowded but severely poor marketplace). I love her line of reasonably priced, well-designed and lightweight bags. That's why I carry them at Trocadero. My boots were a sample pair from Brian's studio in Milan; I was in severe pain from my high heels one day and they gave me them to wear right out of the studio. I love them because they are so comfy but also extremely chic--they zip up the back and have a great mid-calf height that is surprisingly flattering. The DVF dress was from the sale rack at the Scoop store in Las Vegas and is a good old stand-by. The Louis Vuitton jacket is a purchase from an LV sample sale back in the day. It has tiny little jet beads on the pockets and collar that add a little sparkle; perfect jacket to wear from day-to-night.