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

What's In My Bag: Ellyse

Most of the time my purse is a hot mess inside and I can't find anything! It's like digging in a black hole! So, I decided to clean it out and focus on my most important items that I cannot leave the house without.

On the left, my Marc by Marc Jacobs leather bag that I purchased from Von Maur. It was definitely a splurge for me, but it was well worth it! It goes with anything because of the fabulous puddy color and the lovely gold hardware. This bag can also either be a satchel or a cross-body bag with its removable strap. It's the best of both worlds!

Here is an up close look at each of the products I carry.

Anya Hindmarch makeup bag: This little bag I got from Trocadéro is perfect for carrying my many beauty products. It is the perfect size and shape and it's so cute, too!

Cell phone: I cannot live without this thing! I feel lost if I do not have it with me. I wish it was a smart phone but maybe by my next upgrade!

Paul Mitchell hairspray: This stuff will hold your hairstyle in place ALL day! Love it! You will never have a bad hair day if you carry this bottle with you!

Bobby pins: What did people used to do without bobby pins? I think I use bobby pins at least once a day for something. My hair has a mind of its own... I'm always getting sick of it and wanting to change it up. They are perfect for keeping your wild hair in place!

Mint gum: It's always good to have fresh breath!

M.A.C. lipsticks: My first lipstick color is Viva Glam. This color is a natural shade with a little bit of shimmer to it. I like wearing it just to add a little color to my face. Also, the good thing about M.A.C lipsticks is they're not sticky like most lip glosses tend to be. My second color I purchased is Russian Red. This color is all about making a statement! Wearing this color can make any outfit! Just be careful and wipe your teeth often. ;)

Bond No. 9 pocket scent: This scent is called West Broadway and is one of my favorites! This little bottle is the perfect travel size. Just spritz a little on and you can smell fresh on-the-go all the time! Come in and purchase a bottle down at the Troc!

Scarlett Cosmetics lip gloss: The color I have is called Dunes. I like to put this over my lipstick as a finishing touch to add just a little more shine! These lip glosses are almost out at the Troc so hurry and stop in to pick one up before they are all gone!

Kiehl's face lotion: You can never start preventing wrinkles too early! This lotion is a moisturizing, anti-aging cream. I love it and it smells so good!

Hand sanitizer: There are too many germs out in the world to not carry hand sanitizer at all times!

Wallet: I love this wallet because it was inexpensive and it is all sparkles! It holds everything I need! Now if only there was more money in there....

Necklace: I feel naked if I do not have any jewelry on! So, if I'm running late and I forget to put something on, I have a backup in my purse!

I SPY: Anya!

...Because we always get a thrill seeing items we sell at Trocadero make appearances on other people's blogs.

This week I spied Anya Hindmarch's Lips and Eyes pouch over on Cupcakes and Cashmere, a blog I make sure to visit daily. Emily of C&C seems like our kind of girl; she loves good food, fashion and elegant simplicity.Other Troc favorites she's showcased include Diptyque and Jonathan Adler.

This morning she featured Anya's pouch (in beige canvas) in her last minute holiday gift guide post. We sell this pouch in black, but whatever color, this is a great stocking stuffer for the beauty aficionado in your life. Both a stylish and practical gift any girl would love!


If you are in the market for a makeup pouch, be sure to take a peek at our array of other pouches from MZ Wallace and Harajuku Lovers. And if you are still searching for the perfect gift for that special someone, don't forget to check out our own holiday gift guide here.

Happy Holiday Shopping!

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(Image courtesy of Cupcakes and Cashmere blog)
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The CWS is Coming to Town!

We're just days away from the first pitch of the 2010 College World Series! The sporting event gets underway on Saturday, June 19th for the final time at the legendary Rosenblatt Stadium, but the party starts on Friday with a opening ceremony featuring music and fireworks.

No matter who you are rooting for this year -- Arizona State, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Oklahoma, South Carolina, TCU or UCLA -- Trocadero has a rainbow of accessories so you can color coordinate with your favorite team. Baseball caps and t-shirts are so passe. There's no reason why you can't be chic while watching the game! Show your Bruins pride in a pair of turquoise DV sandals. Rather than sweating in a giant foam finger, wave your red, blue or yellow patent Anya Hindmarch clutch in the air to cheer on your favorite players.

Here are some of our favorite accessories in this year's CWS teams' colors.

Maroon/Red: Anya Hindmarch patent clutch, Red Flower Blood Orange candle, Rescue Beauty Lounge nail polish in Chinoise, Matt Bernson Barracuda sandal, Harajuku tote, Kara by Kara Ross bangle and enamel ring, Crocodile Creek bib

Yellow/Gold: Anya Hindmarch loose pocket, Anya Hindmarch patent clutch

Royal Blue/Baby Blue: Anya Hindmarch loose pocket, Anya Hindmarch patent clutch, DV sandals, Marvis aquatic mint toothpaste, We Are Happy To Serve You ceramic deli cup, Flip and Tumble reusable bag

Purple: Marvis jasmin mint toothpaste, Rescue Beauty Lounge nail polish in Purple Haze, Seychelles sandals, Bond No. 9 Scent of Peace perfume, Kara by Kara Ross enamel ring

Orange: Bond No. 9 Little Italy perfume and candle, TDM tie-dye bamboo scarf (not shown)

In the three years I've lived in Omaha, I've yet to go to a CWS game. I think I need to experience at least one at Rosenblatt before it moves to TD Ameritrade Park Omaha next year. I'm not partial to any of the teams playing (go BU Terriers!), so I'll probably pick one based on their uniforms, which is what I did when I was a little girl. I do love purple and orange...

Grasping on to style and function

Since my (temporary) departure from interning at The Troc, I can’t help but stop in every now and again, as I find myself getting homesick. Unfortunately for my wallet this means making some sort of purchase to do my fair share as a loyal “customer”.

Upon my last few visits I became intrigued with the idea of adopting a small bag into my daily wardrobe. I often find the need for something to carry my on the go “must haves” in but something that is smaller than a tote and able to easily fit in my grasp. After thinking about all of the pouches we carry in the store, I decided to investigate the crop of stylish candidates.

After a journey of “this one’s too feminine”, “this one’s too small” and “this one may cost more than what I plan to carry in it”, Alice helped me decide on the Harajuku Lovers “tromp l’oeil” "make-up" pouch in black (shown below in cream). I quickly became a fanatic of the small wonder.



Perfect for organizing the clutter wars going on in your purse (or “man-bag”) or a simple solution to carry a few necessities (i.e. phone, gum, cash, lip balm, keys) on the go, the pouch- or as I have named them for myself, the “man-clutch” – is my obsession of the moment.

This past Friday I made my way down to The Troc and ended up snagging the MZ Wallace Bedford Nylon Flat Pouch to add to my collection. This bag is sleek and sophisticated for casual or dressier looks and still fun with a vibrant flash of color from the red lining and the gold colored zipper and stud detailing.

I feel that any woman…or man…could benefit from some sort of pouch in their life. Perfect spring treat for yourself or even great for a last minute Mother’s Day gift (see: Anya Hindmarch’s Loose Pockets!), come down to Trocadero to check out the array we have to offer.


(On a side note: During my last visit I also managed to get my hands on the last Kikkerland Sing Sing Dinner Tray, a hosting necessity that will soon find use this summer maybe serving up Bliss Bakery’s Pink Champagne Caketinis….Yummmm!)

Welcome to BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY MEETING 2010!

It's the first weekend of May and that means about 30,000 people will descend to Omaha to participate in the three-day, three-ring circus that is Warren Buffett's annual shareholder's meeting for his company BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY.

If you're one of the lucky people who arrived today, you're in for a real treat with severe thunderstorms and a mini tornado watch! There's nothing like midwest thunderstorms; they're eerily romantic and absolutely frightening at the same time.

But hopefully once this passes, we'll be in for some 65 degree temps for the rest of the weekend...

Warren and the gang keep the shareholders pretty busy but if you have some down time, we recommend you of course come by the Troc and check out all our new spring merch! Everything from cool Joie oxfords to our classic gifts like the ceramic NYC We Are Happy To Serve You Greek coffee cups (and in honor of the original paper version's creator who just died today, the Troc will be giving the $13 cup for free with any purchase over $50 FRIDAY, APRIL 30th ONLY! Just mention this blog post to receive your free NYC cup with your $50+ purchase). We are also going gaga for this Anya Hindmarch glitter clutch...we only have one more left in the shop...who will be the lucky BERKIE who gets to take it home with them? Oh, by the way, we'll be offering FREE SHIPPING to those out-of-towners who show us their BRK Meeting Credentials and mention this blog post...

But besides shopping, what else are you gonna do? Eat, of course! At the Troc, pick up our complimentary guide of what to do, see and eat in the Old Market of Omaha. But if you're looking to dine beyond the Old Market, skip the lines at Gorat's and Piccolo Pete's (two of Warren's favorites) and if you're like me and my NYC and Omaha friends, we love our steaks medium rare and done "whiskey-style" at the Drover. If you want some really tasty Thai food, check out one of my favorites: Taste of Thailand at 157th and Center. Really great curries and delicious soups...but I'd avoid the pad Thai. For a delicious burger without all the fuss (it's served on a napkin), go to Stella's in Bellevue. They also have great fries and onion rings. For unbeatable Mexican food, go to Rivera's on 120th and Blondo and please order Sparky's nachos, the chicken enchiladas mole or BO's pork enchiladas...and get the sopapillas for dessert...heaven!

Ok, but if you want to stay local in the Old Market, these are my suggested dishes at some of my favorite places:

M's Pub: get a lavosh; they're all great but most people love the Thai one

La Buvette: their simple salad a la Buvette is perfect, especially with the cornichons and add the goat cheese. It comes with their homemade sourdough bread and butter and that's enough to make the perfect light lunch.

Hiro 88: brand new downtown location of a West Omaha favorite; Rock 'n Roll sushi roll, salmon skin hand rolls, crispy garlic steak, peanut butter chicken and the Asian short ribs appetizer. Trust me, you will not be disappointed!

Stokes: go for Happy Hour and get a Moscow Mule to drink and order the Aztec nachos (they have an amazing curry sauce that adds a special something to the dish!)

Last but not least...BREAKFAST or BRUNCH...my top choices are: Lisa's Radial Cafe, a dive but oh-so-tasty...get the radial raft or even just the simple breakfast sandwich. The stuffed french toast rocks too. Dixie Quicks is a classic and just plain fantastic. Their french toast rules (with berries or chocolate) but my favorite is the Dixie Scramble. All I can say is Tomato Butter Sauce. Yum! Amato's is another great local restaurant and it's all about the blueberry ricotta pancakes (homemade ricotta) and anything with their homemade Italian sausage. And if you're feeling like having dim sum, run (don't walk) to Gold Mountain on 156th, north of Maple. They have all the pork buns, shu mai and lotus leaf wrapped sticky rice you can eat! And the Peking Duck is a steal and so yummy.

Dessert? Ted and Wally's for ice cream downtown and eCreamery in Dundee in midtown.

That's all folks! Have fun in Omaha...it's a great town to visit...and as you can see, a great place to live too!!

Logo-ed OUT

It's no secret at the Troc that we aren't the biggest fans of Coach logo bags. I think part of the problem is that for the same amount of money you can purchase a bag with style and not be carrying the same thing as everyone else. These days, the classic hobo style featured on the bottom will set you back $358. That's a lot of money to look like an unfashionable clone.

As a fashion editor, I loved watching the direction that the creative director, Reed Krakoff, had taken the brand and liked many of the leather offerings, small accessories and outerwear. I own many wonderful Bonnie Cashin-era Coach bags and still love the classic turn lock closure on my very The Official Preppy Handbook-style leather pocket bag and mini backpack. I have a great leather coat, a shearling and the most vintage-looking trench coat cape from my years of covering the brand. I was even the very lucky recipient of a custom-made satchel in suede with pastel python trim, stitched inside with "Made exclusively by Reed Krakoff of Coach for Alice Kim."

So don't get me wrong; I like the Coach brand for its great American heritage, its workmanship and classic lines. I just wish that women would branch out from the brown logo (or worse yet, the pastel ones) and either get a beautiful leather bag from them (like the one featured here, which is $398, only $40 more than the not-stylish-at-all logo hobo) or look to other designers who are making very fashionable totes and purses. At Trocadero, we feature handbags from MZ Wallace, Rafe, Botkier, Be & D, Anya Hindmarch and L.A.M.B by Gwen Stefani. Trust me when I say that I've seen almost every brand out there. I try to bring the best bags at various price points and for the greatest value for what you're getting. And you'll be happy to know that you're one of only a few who have the bag, especially in Omaha. As a former magazine editor, I know women spend lots of money because they want to look good and seem fashionable. And that's why I'm telling you that there is not one fashion editor in America who is carrying a logo Coach bag. There's a reason for that.

So the next time you're at your local mall, resist the urge to buy something with that logo print. Actually resist the urge to buy a brand that everyone else has. If one day your fantasy is to be a fashion editor or stylist, it's all about having a unique point-of-view. So that means not being a follower. Plus, as a twenty-two year old do you really want to be carrying the same bag that many married forty-year olds with three kids are toting around at their local grocery store?

image source of logo bags

image source of leather bag

Trocadero Holiday Q&A: Alex

We're continuing our special weekly feature on this snowy Sunday with Alex. With the holidays right around the corner we thought it would be fun to share with our loyal readers a bit about the Trocadero staff and what we love in the store right now. Each of us will talk about what item we would love to get for an important person in our lives and why we'd gift this particular item. See the gifts Alex would buy (she couldn't narrow it down to just one!) and for whom she'd buy them below.

If I could by my mother anything, It would be the Anya Hindmarch "Autumn" crocodile embossed leather with the suede flap. (pictured above.) It is such a classic looking, well made purse, and definitely would be part of lifetime collection of items.

















If I could buy my best friend Emily anything, it would probably be the light gray Botkier "Uma" with the Kidrobot wallet inside. They are both well made and long lasting, but they have a definite edge.

Finally, If I could buy myself anything it would be the MZ Wallace Jane in black with the Pade Vavra bird's nest bracelet inside.






















All of Alex's amazing gift choices are available in store now. Anya Hindmarch "Autumn" bag, $995; Botkier "Uma" bag, $595; MZ Wallace "Jane" bag, $345. Contact us for pricing on the other items featured and don't forget, our big sale started Saturday, so shop for the holidays while the price is right!

Two for the Road: 11/12/09

Date: 11/12/09

Bag: Anya Hindmarch three pocket bag

Shoe: Manolo Blahnik tan mid-calf boots

Worn with: Ferre by Gianfranco Ferre silk sleeveless shift, Veronique Branquinho menswear blazer

This posting is not entirely authentic. I came to work with a Fendi brown logo tote but realized that this Anya bag that I carry in my shop coordinated with my outfit so well that I decided to show it instead. The boots are a gift from the Manolo Blahnik PR office and are super old...like from the late 90s (though upon further reflection it might have been the early 2000s). They were definitely one of my first gifts and the dead giveaway is the pointed toe box. Lately I have been finding these really pointy toed shoes and boots and they haven't been looking so dated. I'm thinking they'll be back in fashion next fall/winter...My dress was purchased so long ago on sale somewhere and the jacket is either from Barneys New York in NYC or from Susan in San Francisco (one of my favorite shops in the world!). All I know is that I purchased many Veronique items including a skirt I still own and covet from Susan but I think the jacket might have been an additional purchase from Barneys or perhaps even somewhere else?

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: 9/23/09

Date: 9/23/09

Bag: Chanel shoulder bag and Anya Hindmarch tote

Shoe: Roger Vivier "Belle Vivier" flats

Worn with: Express black camisole, American Apparel cardigan, H&M gray bubble skirt

Today I decided to go with two bags; one for all the necessities and one for my laptop and extra gear. The Chanel wool chain strap bag was a Christmas gift one year from the PR girls. The truth is that even as an accessories director, it was not often that Chanel sent handbags at the holidays. Usually, that was reserved for the beauty directors. Often times I would get a small zip clutch, wallet or jewelry. But I remember that this was the year that they gave many editors handbags and we all were very appreciative. I mean, who didn't want a Chanel bag? The Anya tote is from her Bespoke Ebury line, a custom, made-to-order handbag meant to pass down through the generations. The cool thing is that they can inscribe the bag personally with a note or decoration from whomever is giving the bag. This one was a surprise gift from Anya given to select accessories directors. If you look closely, you can see a message in silver; this was something that was "engraved" from a message that my nephew scribbled to me (the PR girls arranged to have someone "close" to each editor to do a message; in my case, it was my sister who then had her oldest son write it). The message says: Hi Emo (Korean for "Aunt on maternal side") with a picture of a boy (him), a heart (loves) and a girl (me) and then signed "Jonah" (but notice the backwards "J"). I mean, really, it's just the sweetest remembrance of my sweet little nephew. The shoes are the classic buckle shoe Belle Vivier, named after the Buñuel classic starring Catherine Deneuve, Belle de Jour. Bruno Frisoni has been designing for Roger Vivier as of late and I just love his whimsical take on the French brand. I chose these accessories after deciding to wear my new bubble skirt, my latest purchase from my recent trip to Tysons Mall outside Washington D.C. And the tank is an old one from NYC and the sweater, one of the standard cardigans I mentioned on an earlier post.

TOTE-ally Eco, TOTE-ally Chic!

I remember being a little girl and running around the Laiki, meaning "popular market" with my mother every Wednesday in our neighborhood in Athens, Greece. Local merchants came with their goodies of fresh fruits and vegetables to sell with apples as big as your hands and watermelons large enough to feed a family of six. Ok, maybe that's exaggerating, but it was a treat. The wonderul thing about this market here is that you can taste before you buy. The merchants actually encourage this to prove that they are the best in the venue. Many Greeks prefer to get their fruits and vegetables at a market than at a grocery store because there is more to choose from. I prefer getting my fresh oregano here for my Greek salad. I find the whole Laiki trip a wonderful experience. Much more fun than just roaming around the same aisles at your local grocery store. Not only was the food plentiful, but you get more for your buck. Many Greeks also carry their own, personal tote for their purchases. Which begs the question: With all the styling and care we do for ourselves, why shouldn't shopping for food be just as fashionable as well as Eco-friendly ??

Whether you are shopping at the Farmer's Market or at your local grocery store, reusable totes are definitely the way to shop nowadays. Besides, who needs all those crumply, plastic bags hanging around? Even if the thought of carrying a tote sounds annoying to you, there's always the option of carrying pocket size totes that fold up easily in the palm of your hand.

Anya Hindmarch, known for her lady-like style, started a huge craze with her chic, reusable bags simply titled: I'm NOT A Plastic Bag. Now, she expanded her reusable idea into other clever Reusable Totes, each with its own use. Separate your food with these cute totes by putting your eggs in your dairy bag and your chicken in your poultry bag. Yeah, I know what you're thinking: "I need a luxury reusable tote like I need a hole in my head," but according to the Wall Street Journal, America' s consumption of bags is estimated at 100 billion plastic shopping bags annually, that's an estimated 12 million barrels of oil required to make that many plastic bags. So a little luxury isn't so bad, especially when you know that you're doing your part in being responsible. So go ahead, treat yourself.

Want a more portable option? Ty these Flip & Tumble Reusable Bags. These recyclable and reusable bags roll up in a little ball and fit in the palm of your hand. Now you have no excuse for not bringing your own tote. Just drop it in your handbag and pull out when you do your shopping. They can be used for just about anything and the great thing is, you won't have to worry about leaving a tote at home or in the car because this handy little thing will always be with you for that impromptu pick up at the market. And don't worry about ripping them. These bags are made from ripstop nylon (parachute material) and can carry up to 25lbs. Just toss the bag in the washing machine when they need it and when they are no longer usable, send to it to Flip & Tumble to recycle it. They fit comfortably on your shoulder and come in really cute designs and colors, so there's no need to worry about carrying a boring, bland bag.

Fashionable or Functional, there's something for everyone.

TOTE-ally available @ Trocadero.

To cover or not to cover? That is the question.

One thing to definitely consider as we start to slowly roll into cooler climates ahead is transitioning your peep toe heels into Fall and further into the colder months.

Heels and Tights are still very much IN, which means that those cute, peep toe heels you've been sporting are to going to get even more wear this Fall & Winter. This works great with like colors like black on black but daring colors and patterns can be just as chic.

Trocadero not only has heels that will transition into your Fall & Winter wardrobe, but these Brian Atwood heels are on SALE too!! The Lidia Self Platform and the Trixi Platform Pump are great shoes to work into your wardrobe right now and into Fall.

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Use these accessories to create a look and feel around these fabulous heels!

All in One-Piece

Okay, so I know bikinis are the choice of many fashionistas out there for showing some serious skin this summer, but don't cancel out the one-piece.

A one-piece can look very sophisticated with a hint of divaness and dare I say, just as sexy as a bikini.

If you are at a loss of what type of one-piece to wear or because maybe you haven't worn a swimsuit in ages, try channeling your inner goddess with these inspirational pieces from some of the most popular icons in fashion.

From Marilyn Monroe to Jane Birkin, there's something for everyone that will compliment a unique personal style.

Don't forget to spice up your one-piece with these accessories from Trocadero for a more fashionable look.

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.

Five hold-overs

We've talked about shopping your own closet a lot here on Troc Talk and in our weekly Trocadero Tidbits newsletter, so I've had it on my mind. As I go through my purchases from the previous summer in my own closet, I've found a few things that I know I'll be rocking all summer long (as well as a few things I plan to donate to my local consignment shop.) It just so happens that a lot of the items on my list are things we carry at Trocadero, so if you didn't pick up an ec0-chic tote or a pair of gladiator sandals last summer, you're still in luck. 

Here's my list of the top five holdover looks for the impending Omaha heat. 

1. Strappy Gladiator Sandals. Whether you opt for a comfortable flat style for everyday wear or a sexier high heeled number, last summer's Greek-inspired sandals are my top pick for what to hold on to or to invest in now. At Trocadero, we have lots to choose from: Matt Bernson's studded red "Barracuda," L.A.M.B.'s "Fuji" with its fetching triangular heel (pictured at left) or a metallic gladiator by Bettye Muller or DV Dolce Vita. I tried the "Fuji" on last weekend and can't get it out of my head. 

2. Oversized Clutches. For day or night, or day-to-night style, an oversized clutch is both chic and sensible. 

I have a number of vintage numbers at home, but if I were going to invest in a new one, my number one choice would be Anya Hindmarch's "Large Pipkin" clutch, pictured at right. It's perfect for day or night, neutral enough to be worn with everything but has gorgeous detail on the front clasp. It's an investment piece, to be sure, but one that you'd pass down to your daughters or neices without fail. I also love Kara Ross clutches, in both gold and burlap with python details, and the L.A.M.B "Ahndra Bala" clutch that Gwen herself recently carried. 

3. Eco-chic gear. We all know how important it is to be friendly to Mother Earth, and Trocadero helps us do it stylishly. I'm still planning to rock my Anya "I'm not a Plastic Bag" tote this summer, but if you missed out on that trend, you can check out her latest foray into eco-chic with the much-blogged about Fruit and Veg, Meat or Dairy totes. You can also pick up a canvas tote screened right here in Omaha by artist Miss Cake; we have a few in stock. New this summer is BC Footwear's "Danke" sandal, pictured above, which boldly advertises what it used to be: a rice bag. These comfy flip flops are not only eco-friendly, they're super cute. What's more is that beacuse they're made of old rice bags, each pair is singular, with subtle details that differ from pair to pair. Alice also carries a super cute phone or mp3 player case, also made from colorful recycled rice bags. 

4. Cross body bags (for day or night). Though I usually carry an

oversized bag stuffed to the gills with odds and ends, I'm totally into the idea of downsizing for the summer. I'd love to do it with Botkier's soft green "Moto" clutch, which is a petite sister to my white Botkier "Trigger" bag (that, coincidentally, Alice has too!) I prefer this beauty in green, though Trocadero also has it in black. If you're looking for a vegan style, we have a number of cross body bags in canvas and nylon by Harajuku Lovers. Botkier's "Marcel" is made for hot city nights with its long chain strap and woven gold detail on its sides. 

5. Wearing SPF every day. What's more important than our skin? I've long been a devotee of strong sunscreen, and I think its become more than a trend. It's a necessity. Luckily, lots of skin care lines are aware of the importance of skin protection, and Alice, is too: all of the face creams at Trocadero include an SPF. Korres makes both a lightweight pomegranate moisturizer and a wild rose moisturizer (at left) with SPF 6, as well as a watermelon moisturizer with SPF 30 (for pale girls like me.) Ole Henriksen has two SPF 15 moisturizers, one for normal skin and one for dry/sensitive skin. Malin+Goetz makes a SPF 30 moisturizer that we have in the store, and finally, for your little ones, pick up a tube of Susan Brown's Baby SPF 30.

Now that I've reviewed my list of summer hold-overs, tell us, what do you plan to hold on to or purchase before it gets hot in Omaha? 

Trocadero at Summer Music Festivals

Last summer I went to Chicago for Lollapalooza. It was the first time I'd ever attended a multi-day outdoor music festival and I had a great time. I also learned what to wear. With Coachella going on as we speak, and tons of outfit posts from the festival all over the fashion blogs, I thought a little guide to style for the summer music festivals might be in order. Here's what I came up with.

All four of these outfits would work for any of the American festivals, and they'd work for Glastonbury, in England, with the addition of a good pair of rubber boots and a rain jacket.

We'll start at the left. A pair of jean shorts are necessary (I have this exact pair, from American Eagle Outfitters.) I paired them with a big pair of sunglasses, a simple grey American Apparel tank and of course an all-access pass. Accessorize at Trocadero with Anya Hindmarch's Fruit and Veg tote (to lug your sunscreen, water bottle, lip gloss and wallet) and keep your feet cool in a pair of DV brown "Caprice" gladiators.

The two middle looks both use a dress, and let me just say this is the coolest, most comfortable option at a festival crowded with people in 90-degree heat. Our top look takes a simple Alice and Olivia tank dress in a bright color and pairs it with a funky pair of Puma sneakers, your boyfriend's baseball cap and a classic pair of Ray Ban Wayfarers for an overall sporty vibe. Accessorize this look with a Harajuku Lovers crossbody bag in the fun "Flourescent" colorway and a set of Alex and Ani expandable bangles.

The bottom look uses a floral cotton sundress, from Theory, and makes it festival appropriate but still keeps things feminine. A hat is your best friend in the hot summer sun, and here we show a cute retro straw style from Eugenia Kim. A "Pepto Pink" pedicure from Rescue Beauty Lounge looks great with Matt Bernson's Talaria winged sandal and a pair of retro pink sunglasses. I'd use the Anya tote with this look, too.

Finally, at an evening show, when the sun is on its way down, consider a pair of comfortable boyfriend jeans with a floaty peasant top; here we show Current/Elliott jeans and a Malele Birger York embroidered blouse. A big floppy sun hat keeps the glare off your face and classic aviators just look cool. A simple but cute pair of Seychelles "Get Outta Town" flats and Botkier's "Marcel" clutch with a crossbody strap are dressy enough for drinks after the show.

Have fun at the summer concerts, and even if you're just enjoying music locally, let Trocadero know what you wear.

Inspiration by way of Talaria

After Trocadero got the new Matt Bernson Talaria sandal earlier this week, I felt a whiff of inspiration, as if from the gods. Just kidding. But it's an awfully cute sandal, and it can be worn in tons of ways.

Our looks this week all focus on this cute, versatile gladiator with a darling pair of wings at each ankle. First, a glittery mini dress paired with a Pade Vavra knuckle duster pearl ring, a simple Anya Hindmarch clutch and an adorable Pluma feather headband gets you ready for girls night out. Next, we update the ubiquitous black legging with a simple gray tank, an updated boyfriend blazer and the go-anywhere Sasha convertible hobo from Botkier. Finally, let your winged sandals take you though the workday in a simple black blouse, a brightly-colored tulip skirt and signature expandable bangles from Alex and Ani. None of these looks would be complete without a sprinkle of the truly addictive Glamo Glitz eye shadow from Scarlett Cosmetics.

And, in case you were wondering, the Talaria sandals are named after the winged sandals worn by the Greek Gods, most often Hermes, the messenger god. Pretty good lineage for a sandal, no?

All accessories above are available in store now at Trocadero! Clothes designed by Chloe, Elizabeth and James, American Apparel, Helmut Lang, James Perse and Lipsy.

Trocadero featured on My Space Fashion

A couple months ago, my former colleague contacted me wanting to do a profile piece on My Space Fashion on Trocadero. It was a short series of Q&A questions and I'm happy to link it on Troc Talk. One of the questions she asked me was what I was most excited about carrying at the Troc. It really is a hard one to answer—and I expressed that same sentiment but was forced to make a few choices. Looking back I must say that my picks were spot on. All three items: the Anya Hindmarch canvas totes, Recchiuti fleur de sel caramels and Kara by Kara Ross jewelry are truly covetable items and also show the diversity of products carried at the store. We are nearly sold out on the Anya totes—so if you want one, you better act quickly. We were out of the caramels for a bit but now with Easter and Mother's Day around the bend, we have reordered the delicious sea-salt added confections and definitely recommend you take home a box of them. for all to read.

They're so good, you'll get addicted fast.

And one of our newest vendors this season, Kara by Kara Ross, has been definitely a breath of fresh air at Trocadero. I am really loving the new jewelry we have brought into the store along with the addition of lightweight summer scarves from Mai, Yarnz, Megan Park...and soon we'll have the bamboo striped scarves from TDM Designs. Perfect timing for Earth Day month!

Source Recchiuti caramels: nibble.com