Let Me Introduce You to....TROCADERO VINTAGE!

Last year around this time, the Trocadero employee and intern team got together at Alice's house for a delightful dinner and exchange of gifts. The highlight of the evening, however, was unquestionably the moment Alice let us step into her closet. I made a bee-line for the baby blue quilted Chanel bag, while Cygne laid eyes on a pair of Jimmy Choo sandals. We were all starstruck for her collection of the most delectable designer duds and stunning accessories...I still remember having to physically restrain myself when she pulled out a limited-edition gold Chanel pill necklace.

Luckily for, well, everyone, this experience is no longer limited to the Trocadero holiday staff party. Now, you too can virtually step into Alice's closet, except now, these items are available to purchase!

We're all absolutely thrilled to introduce Trocadero Vintage, featuring a plethora of one-of-a-kind finds straight from Alice's personal collection. The store is filled with beloved, gently-used (or never worn!) items - everything from a Celine wallet and the most unbelievable Chloe boots to a stunning leather Tod's satchel and a silver Chanel bracelet.

Check out a few of my favorites: 

YSL Rive Gauche leather bag, $225

Celine wallet, $55

Burberry Chain Lizard Cuff, $75

Gerard Yosca earrings, $55

Chloe boots, $395

Our selection will be continually updated - check out our Facebook page for photos and prices, and remember that we do phone orders! 

Just keep in mind...if that baby blue Chanel somehow made its way down to the store, I WILL fight you for it. :)

Seriously, though, I will. 

Spring 2011 Sneak Peak: White Out

This spring's runways were flooded with bold colors and a lack there of. White was the single most embraced color between designers and can easily be paired with any style.

Chloe, Thakoon

 Carolina Herrera, Dolce & Gabbana

 Alexander Wang, Alexander McQueen

How to wear this trend? Don't be afraid to mix different shades of white and off white. Throw in some various textures to add visual interest or pop a bright accessory against your clean palette.

Collegiate Style

 

Who: Yenni 

Tell me about your outfit: "My coat is from Nordstrom. We don't have one of those in Omaha."  

I love Yenni's subdued look. This picture truly doesn't do her outfit justice-- hidden behind her arm is her chocolate Longchamp bag that complements her camel leather boots and ivory tweed lady coat. She finishes her look with pearl jewelry and champagne eye shadow. 

The muted color palette of this season-- oyster grays, dusty rose, champagne, porcelain and cream among others-- are sophisticated and not to mention easy to wear! Chances are you probably have a few neutral pieces hanging in your closet, but if not, now is the time to invest in some beauties. Black is obviously a great go-to color, but why not try a great pair of gray boots or camel coat?

I Spy: Vintage Paris Map

I always get a thrill seeing items we sell at Trocadero make appearances on other people's blogs. Welcome to our "I Spy" series.

Today's "I Spy" post is once again from La Dolce Vita. If Paloma ever visits Omaha, she will have to stop by Trocadero; we carry all of her favorite brands!

Paloma was recently interviewed on Pepper Design Blog and shared some of her design inspiration and guidelines:

Add personal touches. Your home should not look like a photo from a sterile catalog. It should have life and speak of you and your interests. If you like to travel, add a framed map.

To illustrate her point, Paloma featured a photograph of a room in her home, presumably her living room. I immediately noticed two things: that adorable dog and the vintage Paris map on the bottom left of the foursome of framed posters over her couch. Visitors of Trocadero will notice that we have the same map framed at the front of the store near the door and that we sell it unframed for $13.

PS: Framed or unframed, a vintage map of Paris makes a great gift for world travelers, history buffs and Francophiles alike.

(image via La Dolce Vita blog)

Spring 2011 Sneak Peak: Beauty Trends

LOUD MOUTH 

 Marc by Marc, Jil Sander, Fendi 

The key to this trend is having flawless skin as the backdrop to shocking lips. "It's about the contradiction of that one graphic element against an otherwise bare face," said makeup artist Peter Philips, backstage at the Jil Sander show. 

THE FAR SIDE

 Marc Jacobs, Rodarte, Chloe

This trend can be worn with sleek, slicked back hair or can tame down a curly mane. Try it alone or pair it with a eye catching barrette.

BRIGHT EYES

 Jason Wu, Derek Lam, Dior

This trend is something to pair with nude lips to avoid color overdose. Slather color over the lid for a fun evening look or keep it to a minimum by lining the lashes for day. 

COME UNDONE

 Proenza Schouler, Donna Karen 

Throw your hair back in whichever way suits your fancy- knots, buns, twists- this trend is limitless, easy, yet effortlessly chic

HONEY BUN

Oscar de la Renta, Marchesa, Versace

Worn high or low, this trend serves as a go-to put together look. It can take center stage with locks and barrettes piled atop the head, or wear it low and keep your mane minimal for other attention grabbing looks of the season.

Spring 2011 Sneak Peak: Cut Me Some Slack

I was thrilled to see the comeback of the wide leg pant on the spring 2011 runways after seasons of skinny pant domination. Don't get me wrong, I love my skinnies, but these 70s-inspired, flared duds are oh-so-flattering and offer a refreshing break from the ubiquitous silhouette of skinny jeans

 

To balance your look, pair this style with a body conscious top, such as a tucked in button up, a fitted tee, or this season's popular bow blouse to continue to channel that 70s vibe. If you're like me and have purged your closet of all things flared after ignoring them for seasons, now is the time to stock up! Take some notes from one of our interns, Jamie, on how to wear this style now: 

Jamie pairs her flared jeans with a sheer tee, an Urban Outfitters blazers, and a Megan Parks scarf from the Troc. These pants will be a great staple come spring and can easily be worn with wedges and a floral tank.

Alice's Shoe Pick of Fall 2010

I'm not a huge vintage clothing wearer but I'm definitely nostalgic when it comes to clothes and accessories from my past. One of the key items that I adore are these Bastad clogs from Sweden. They remind me of my youth -- from about age 5 on these wooden sole shoes were mainstays in my footwear wardrobe. Yeah, at first look, they might seem a tad "bowling shoe ugly," but it's really in the way that one wears them that the look can be "very preppy-chic, Ali MacGraw, stylish 70s."

About 7 years ago I came across the manufacturer of the Bastad clog at the WSA Shoe Show in Las Vegas. I couldn't believe my eyes! I hadn't seen them since the 70s when I was growing up in Buffalo, NY. I immediately asked them if I could personally order a pair for myself as I grew up in the shoes. They looked at me and said, "You must have grown up in Buffalo." Apparently the distribution of this particular clog wasn't very widespread and literally the only place that carried this style was Buffalo, NY!

Flash forward to about two weeks ago when on a whim I googled Bastad clogs and found them available once again on shoebuy.com. Already owning them in tan, I decided a navy pair was needed. I purchased them and waited with anticipation to receive my new clogs.

A few days later after they arrived, I was hooked. I loved the arch support, the way they alleviated my foot aches and most of all, the height they elevated me! It's about two inches of heel without the wobbliness of a stiletto. Plus, they looked fantastic with tights and mini skirts as well as cute socks, chunky knit sweaters and corduroys. Right then and there I decided, I NEED THEM IN BLACK TOO.

So now, another week later, I'm the proud owner of the Bastad Audubon clog in tan, navy and black. I feel armed (or legged?) to face the fall and winter season with some "vintage" footwear that's timeless (in my opinion) but coincidentally, very on point with what's going on in fashion right now: Check out Alexa Chung, SJP and Rachel Bilson in their own clogs of the season.

If you're not a fan of the Bastad "lace up" Audubon style, I also recommend the Bastad Wright which has a pretty braid up the center.

celeb photo source: Shefinds

Bastad "Wright" photo source: Shoebuy.com

Collegiate Style

Name: Libby MacCarthaigh

Fashion Inspiration: Audrey Hepburn, a la Breakfast at Tiffany's

What are you wearing? "Vintage Christian Dior jacket, Ray Bans & my new L.A.M.B. tote from Gilt"