Showing posts with label Botkier. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Botkier. Show all posts

Monday, April 30, 2012

Botkier Back at the Troc

We are so excited to have Botkier back at Trocadero. I've always been such a fan of the designer Monica and although we temporarily stopped carrying Botkier bags, it wasn't because we didn't love and adore them.

I was at the shop recently and I couldn't help but love the cardinal red tote! It's a great pop of color, a great "neutral" in many ways as a good red can go far in terms of versatility in your wardrobe.


Paired with the tribal print scarf, both pieces are definitely items that will never scream "Spring 2012" but rather, these are wardrobe staple accessories that will enhance anyone's closet.

I also could not stop myself from trying on the latest sandal deliveries. These black platform sandals from Dolce Vita are so amazingly comfortable but also incredibly practical. I mean, who doesn't need a great, basic heel in black? I also like that you can take these sandals and wear them with opaque tights come autumn.

And speaking of black. I'm also loving this black leather Botkier satchel. Do you see the wood bar detail? I adore that! It's just a simple but chic touch that gives this black bag something special.

I'm definitely loving the look of a satchel these days. Handheld or placed in the crook of your arm, it's a far cry from the large, oversized shoulder bags that I'm so accustomed to wearing. I love mixing ladylike with some downtown edge. This bag would be great paired with a biker boot or even the Dolce Vita platform sandals pictured above. But of course, this also works with a classic black pump as well such as these.




The BEST Bets at the Berkshire Hathaway 2012 Meeting in Omaha



Welcome Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders to Nebraska!

Our very popular dish towels (we have everything from Nebraska to Boston to Paris!)

It's that time of year again! The annual Woodstock of Capitalism, also known as the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting.

The estimates are always around 30,000 folks attending this convention held at the Qwest Center in Omaha, now known as the CenturyLink Center (I know, kinda confusing!).

Trocadero always love to share our best bets when it comes to dining in Omaha during the BRK Meeting, but this year we're going to mix it up a bit. For the next 5 days, we'll be posting daily about what our BEST BETS are during Berkshire Hathaway week. To kick off this 5 day TrocTalk series, we decided to begin with a peek at all the fabulous new items available at Trocadero this season...

Jewelry, handbags and shoes in Spring's cheeriest hues!

Hi! This is Alice Kim. My specialty when I was the Accessories Director at In Style were handbags and shoes. But I also know my way around the luxury and costume jewelry market as well. So I cannot help but stock Trocadero with some of my favorite brands such as MZ Wallace, Kara Ross, Botkier, Seychelles and Dolce Vita. The best thing about these brands is that they offer stylish, seasonal items that don't cost a fortune and aren't so trendy you cannot wear them ever again after this season.

I love to buy items that are wardrobe staples but have something about them that are au courant. In addition to all our wonderful accessories, please enjoy our unique gifts for the home and baby.

Come by and say hi! Trocadero is located at 1208 1/2 Howard Street in the heart of the Old Market. Right next to Wheatfields!

Beautiful lightweight summer scarf that has the colors of the season!

The perfect black sandal that isn't overly trendy. Comfortable to boot!

A power red leather tote with a tribal print scarf

You can't miss our window!

Oh, and an adorable little rattle for that baby!

Thursday, March 4, 2010

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?

Sunday, December 6, 2009

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!

Thursday, October 29, 2009

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.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Black Beauty


As Fall slowly creeps around the corner, the weather is getting cooler and the clothes are getting heavier. I was searching through my closet yesterday and I realized how crazy it seemed that I was searching for my black Ugg boots and a long sleeve shirt... in the middle of August! I figured, though, since I can't change the weather, I might as well change my clothing. This Fall season, prepare to make a bold statement with a great pair of black boots from the Troc. The boots pictured above range in sizes, style, and price. From the Giuseppe Zanotti thigh-high leather tie boots to the Botkier ruffled ankle boots, this trend covers a wide range. You can dress them up with tights and a mini dress or tone them down with a pair of skinny-leg jeans and a comfy tee. Either way, these black boots will turn your outfit from drab to fab.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Scholastic Rock n' Roll

My favorite trend of the season is STUDS. I love their rough aspect paired with soft leather and the rocker facade they provide for any outfit a studded accessory is paired. Unfortunately academia doesn't cater to the rocker in all of us when trips to the library are more important than the latest show at Slowdown. Therefore I have put together a collection of items that say rebellion while secretly hiding your Calculus textbook.

Back to School
My favorite and most affordable item is the Jonathan Wright and Company bookplates each blessed with an individual skull and crossbones and a dose of latin. I can't wait to add some rebellious flair to my boring and beat-up trapper keepers in class. I also am in love with the "Kate" bag (I swear no bias) from MZ Wallace. Originally intended for a diaper bag this brilliant tote has pockets for every pencil, pen, and protractor as well as plenty of room for that brand new environmentally safe Macbook your parents gifted you for graduation. The sleek Botkier clutch also doubles as a perfect pencil pouch or makeup bag for those school days turned late, late nights.

I'm dreading leaving the cobblestoned streets of the Old Market to return to the foothills of Appalachia for school but hopefully with some of these items in tow it will make the transition a little more glam-rock.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Season's change

Fall is--and always has been--my favorite season. Come mid-August I'm already itching to put on sweaters and boots, to snuggle in an over sized scarf and to start my yearly slew of knitting projects (a huge shawl and a cabled scarf are on my needles as we speak.) Last Sunday at Trocadero I noticed a hint of season's change in the air; the bright hues of summer are slowly being exchanged for the rich hues of fall.

Rich Hues

Touches of navy--in M.Z. Wallace and L.A.M.B. handbags, in Giuseppe Zanotti pumps--caught my eye. Some fetching new pieces from Kara Ross' line in rich gold, navy and emerald stood out in the jewelry case. A set of ten aubergine-hued Rescue Beauty Lounge fingernails suddenly felt of the moment, especially when one has a matching bag in hand. New styles from Botkier fit the bill. A buttery soft flat--again from Giuseppe--with a shiny gold capped toe felt new when I thought of wearing it with thick ribbed tights and a tweedy blazer.
Here's to fall!

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Rock and Roll Lifestyle

I have been totally inspired by the rock and roll-inspired editorial spreads filling the September issues so far. Motorcycle chic isn't my go-to style--I'm much more of a vintage modern gal--and the only item in my closet that even approaches this aesthetic is my Diane von Furstenberg navy blue motorcycle jacket. I think it'll be seeing a lot more wear this season, and I'm definitely hoping to pair it with some of the amazing studded pieces Alice has in the store this fall.
Studs and Chains

I swooned over the Be & D "Colette," pictured at the bottom left, which Trocadero has in black with a silver chain handle. The leather is butter-soft, and its one of those pieces that has to be seen in person to truly appreciate. The Be & D "Garbo" clutch, which Alice bought in gunmetal and nickel, has a long chain strap hidden inside; it embraces two of fall's biggest trends in one.

The best thing about this trend is that, even if your style verges on the conservative or lady-like, a piece with a harder edge can still work - check out Botkier's more gentle take on the stud trend with the champagne "Marcel" bag (another long chain strap, too!) and its rose gold "Studio" clutch. Instead of overpowering a softer look, these two bags will just bring a touch of your inner biker chic to the surface.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

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.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Let's remember these style icons.

This is Miss Marie blogging for the first time and even though I'd rather have my first blog for TrocTalk be about more uplifting pieces, I realize this is a great opportunity to touch base on what the passing of Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson has brought to the fashion community.

Whether it was Farrah's gorgeous locks and smile or Michael's white glove, pegged pants and stark white socks, they all left a very strong impression with us. Not only will these individuals leave a lasting legacy in the acting and music industry, but they will forever be an inspiration for generations to come. This is Trocadero's tribute to them and how they forever changed our fashion outlook.
Farrah's signature style was obviously her feathered locks. Above, Whitney Port and Paris Hilton pay homage to her iconic 70's-hairstyle. You can recreate this style by using some of Trocadero's haircare products from Paul Labrecque, such as the Volume Style Root-Lifting Spray and Daily Finish Matte Pomade.

Michael's Thriller album has him in a sleek, white suit that is not far from what Katy Perry is sporting. Ashley Olsen has the Billie Jean look down to a T. And...let's not forget that iconic red, puffy, leather jacket that Rihanna is rockin'. To get a little bit of the 80's look, try these Marc by Marc Jacobs flats and the Botkier fold over clutch.

All accessories are available at Trocadero.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

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.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

7 Tips for a Stylish and Cool Memorial Day Weekend


With Memorial Day Weekend the unofficial launch of summer, we've come up with some tips to make it cool and stylish and possibly somewhat unexpected. Cheers to Summer Days ahead!

7. Listen to music underneath the stars. The 
Omaha Symphony will be giving a free concert at Playland Park in Council Bluffs on Sunday, May 24th at 7pm.

6. Stop and smell the roses. If pruning these fragrant beauties isn't your thing, then we recommend you get 
Diptyque's Rose Geranium candle at Trocadero and bring its heady scent into your home.
5. Break out the whites. We love wearing our white jeans year-round. If you don't have a pair we suggest you head out to 
Delure at Rockbrook Village to see their assortment from Joe's and J Brand. Just don't wear them with white shoes or you just might be mistaken for an 80s tribute band member.
4. Go topless. By that we mean schedule a test drive of a Mini Cooper Convertible. What's more fun than cruising around with the top down? The Mini Cooper is not only cute as a button but you'll get amazing mileage and that's something to consider now that gas prices seem to be going up-up-up again!
3. Add some hummus and kebabs to your BBQ weekend. Recently we ate at Juba, a Sudanese restaurant around Nicholas and NW Radial Hwy. Bare-bones but serving flavorful dishes (goat, anyone?) including a delicious tilapia as well as a refreshing spiced iced tea.
2. Open the windows. With nighttime temperatures hovering around 60 degrees, it's the perfect, natural air-conditioning for a delightful night's rest.
1. Get your shoe on! It's definitely sandal season and at Trocadero we have a great selection of fun, casual flat sandals. Mention this Troc Talk post and receive 20% off any spring sandal. Buy 2 or more pairs and we'll also give you 40% off the lower-priced pair. But hurry as
this special is only valid this Mem
orial Day weekend!  (And please note we are closed on Memorial Day Monday and our usual Tuesdays.) This offer cannot be combined with any other special promotion.

(Botkier sandal available at Trocadero)

Monday, May 4, 2009

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? 

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Celebrities and Trocadero

We love when we see our products on various celebs -- mostly because it really connects with the customer. When someone sees that a certain celebrity is wearing a certain product...well, I know the power of celebrity (I mean I worked at a celebrity/fashion glossy for over a decade!)!!

I like it even more when the certain celeb is the designer behind the brand. Hey, I'm not one to wear head-to-toe one designer, and I definitely am a believer in mixing the high with the low. That's why I really love that Gwen Stefani is modeling her own Andrha Bala clutch (which by the way is on our own home website page at Trocadero). What's even better is that the chevron and brightly color-blocked clutch is a mere $195 -- a pittance compared to what other bags are out there this season.


The other bag that we've seen on another famous face is the James tote from Botkier. It is seen here on Megan Fox. We love this roomy tote both in this tan color but also the deep purple style we have at the Troc.

Thoughts on a honeymoon...

I've been in the thick of wedding planning during the past two weeks, and though it's still a lot of work, one of the most enjoyable tasks popped up on my to-complete list last week: book honeymoon.

We're planning a trip to San Francisco and Napa Valley. We've both been to San Francisco once, though not together, and this marks our first voyage to wine country. Though my honeymoon isn't until this fall, since I have it on the brain, I thought I'd write about some of my top Troc pics for casual yet beautiful honeymoon style.

Every time I look at the Botkier Haley sandal, I think honeymoon. Maybe it's the soft creamy pleating or the comfortable flat style, which looks like it would be perfect for hours of walking around any romantic destination. I'd love to wear it with a maxi dress and beachy, wavy hair.

For a night on the town, these striped Guiseppe Zanottis (the ones at Trocadero have a shorter, more walkable heel) are perfect. Dress them down with a pair of skinny jeans, dress them up with a little black dress. They're so happy and eye-catching. Perfect, I think, for a newlywed bride.

Alice just started to carry pieces by designer Kara Ross, and so far, I've loved everything of hers that I've seen. This burlap clutch with just a touch of gold lizard on the simple slide clasp strikes me as the perfect bag for evenings while out of town. A bride could pack just this with a few simple outfits and be set for the whole trip. It's a classic.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

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.
Trocadero at Summer Music Festivals

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.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Trocadero Shops Your Closet: Get Rachel's Look

I've had Rachel Bilson and her amazing style on my mind since I did the summer scarves post a few days ago. When I worked at Trocadero on Sunday, I saw that we'd received a selection of gorgeous tie-dyed scarves since my last shift. (Read more about them in this week's Trocadero Tidbits newsletter, which comes out mid-week.) In the meantime, I found a photo of Rachel sporting a version of the scarves in the store now, created by TDM Designs. It's on the right.

Her look is perfect for the weather we've been having as of late, and its one that's easy to recreate. Most of us probably have a rocker tee, a pair of skinny jeans, a pair of flats with fun detail and a colorful bag in our closets already. In this case, it's all about how you put simple pieces together for a casual but pulled together finish.

I turned to Polyvore to help me with some options to get Rachel's look. The three vintage rock and roll t-shirts are something you can buy at a chain store, like Forever 21, or scour your local thrift or vintage shop for the real thing. Ramones shirts, in my opinion, are always cool. The three scarves are very close to ones Trocadero's got in store now: solid scarves in midori green and cream, and dark blue tie-dye like Rachel's. All the jeans featured below are by J. Brand; they're sort of the quintessential skinny jeans, no? Going with black or indigo for this look is more flattering, though I can also see it working with this summer's white jeans, too. Finally, I chose three casual chic accessories from Trocadero's stock: a Kara by Kara Ross anaconda bracelet in a gorgeous magenta, the Botkier "James" tote in a vibrant purple and our newest Marc by Marc Jacobs striped Miss Marc flats.

If you don't subscribe to the Trocadero Tidbits newsletter yet, do it here by clicking on Mailing List once you get on the site.
Get Rachel's Look
Photo of Rachel courtesy TFS.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

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.
Open Skies
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.