It's Called "What If..."

I love nice clothes. Sure, who doesn't? But I can honestly say that right now, in these times, with my budget and the fact that Omaha isn't necessarily the most "dressed up" city, it is hard to justify spending hundreds of dollars on just one clothing item. Yes, sure, I sell expensive bags that are "hundreds" of dollars and many hovering over $500, but it's like what I learned in my old job about cost per wear (CPW). Buying a dress that is noticeable and memorable like this one for instance from Mason by Michelle Mason from shopbop will set you back $320. But how often can you get away with wearing it? Maybe once a week? Throw in the cost of dry cleaning at least once a month and you're talking about another $100 at the end of the season (about 5 months). That averages to be about $20 per wearing if you really wear it once a week (and honestly with something that eye catching, you probably would wear it more like twice a month). But on the other hand, if you invested in a handbag for $520 and used it on average 5 days a week for 5 months, your CPW would be around $5.

What I've learned through the years is that it's important to pay attention to things like CPWs and the long term value of fashion purchases. I invest in classic shoes, boots, evening shoes, handbags and coats. Once in a while I will buy a dress or cardigan that I know I will get a lot of mileage from and that are simple silhouettes that aren't overly noticeable so I can get repeat wearings out of them in a week. I don't invest in jeans (I know people who do and it's smart if you are going to wear them a lot; I don't) and I buy throwaway tops and skirts seasonally. I love getting a patterned top from a cheapo line and wearing it with a designer jacket and a staple pair of pants or skirt. I toss the cheapo top in the washer, don't have to worry about dry cleaning and all is fine in the world (and my Amex bill).

I've talked with some friends both far and near and many have the same ideas about where they want to put their money. No one is rushing out to buy a $350+ dress or item of clothing even if it's a name brand. The same goes for shoes. It's either people want to spend the $795 for the real deal Christian Louboutins or else they want to get shoes for under $150. Ok, maybe $250 tops for regular, every day heels, boots, shoes. Summer sandals? Forget it. We're talking $95 and less. So as a retailer, it's hard right now because in many ways, I get it. I mean, I really get it. Which brings me to my next challenge in approaching the Spring 2010 season. I'm looking at myself as my best customer as to what it is I want to buy, to update my wardrobe, to wear for the next 5 months.

In my "What if" world of "What if I opened up a clothing boutique, what would I buy?" I went to shopbop and found they had 74 dresses. In my "virtual" boutique I would stock 7 dresses...for 7 days a week and then show how to interchange them with different jackets, cardigans, shoes and accessories.

1. The hot pink dress by Mason by Michelle Mason, $320. It's still a bit special occasion but I think it has a nice flow and good lines. Each season you need at least one thing with some color to brighten up your boutique.

2. Theory black and white dress, $295. Doesn't look like Theory, this dress can be dressed up or dressed down. Love it with a long black cardigan or else more polished with a cropped collarless jacket with 3/4 sleeves. I can also picture it with a leather motorcycle vest or jacket too.

3. Thread Social cloud print combo dress, $550. Okay, this is a bit pricey I know but I love the look of it and I think again, if only offering 7 dresses a season, you gotta have some things that are a little more special. I also know and love the designers behind Thread Social so they have a special place in my heart.

4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Darby Sweater dress, $228. I like the color blocking, that it has sleeves, it's a comfy shape that works on different body types. Cute and a good price. Would wear this at least once a week and change the shoes; sneakers one day, cute ballets another, a slouchy boot for another day...

5. LaRok Foulard Fever Dress, $228. It's not one of my top choices but it's the most summery with the spaghetti straps, flirty with the ruffle, and is good for the teenager, 20- and 30-somethings. Wear it alone, with a boyfriend blazer, throw a tee-shirt underneath it too for variation. Good neutral color, easy shape.

6. Joie Mary Jo Dress, $248. It's an oversized t-shirt dress with a subtle animal print pattern. I can picture so many people in this dress. I see 40-somethings and 20-somethings both wearing this and it would be really awesome with the Joie over the knee boots we have in the boutique right now!

7. DVF Slippery Dress, $325. Everyone is always looking for an LBD. This one to me looks like a winner. Great sweetheart neckline, wider straps, fitted bodice. This is a no brainer dress that you slip on and out of and can literally wear every other day with a different topper and shoes.

Sometimes I wish I could create a really edited clothing store that I only had 7 dresses, 3 jackets, 2 sweaters. And if I happened to find a fabulous skirt or tops at a good price, I would have a few of those too. But that would be it. Kind of like my store right now when it comes to shoes...just the bare basics and the best.

What do you think of my virtual boutique? Let me know...

The next thing I'll be posting will be jackets to complement these dresses...

all photos courtesy of shopbop

Fashion for the Masses

It might be New York Fashion week and Narciso Rodriguez's Fall 2010 collection will hit the runways but for those who don't have the money to afford his eponymous, designer threads can now get a little piece of the action with his new line for eBay. Yes, eBay. Forget about Target, H&M, Top Shop and the other usual suspects. This time the famed online auction seller has found a new niche in featuring a "designer-for-less" line of their own.

Narciso Rodriguez for eBay launched this week and perusing the line I have to admit I was surprised by the prices. The jersey dresses are simple, like most of Narciso's signature line, but I don't think they have enough of the seaming or contrast color blocking that warrants a price tag of over $125. Yeah, there's the now ubiquitous "exposed zipper" detail which is nice but I want more design especially at a $250 diffusion price point. Personally I love the simplicity of the scoop neck jersey dress; it's slightly reminiscent of a staple DVF dress I own. And yes, if it was DVF for $270 I wouldn't balk. But for some reason the $270 price point for a diffusion eBay line seems a bit steep. If I could feel the fabric and be convinced that it's not cheaply made, I would think about it. But what really got me going (and in a bad way) was the $450 price tag for the canvas espadrilles. Four hundred and fifty dollars...really? I love a good espadrille, but trust me when I say it's all about Castañer (a Spanish shoe company) and you won't be breaking the bank. The mark up on these Narciso for eBay espadrilles makes me seriously wonder about the mark up on the dresses...like I said, a $125 price point seems more appropriate.

I like that Constance White, the Style Director of eBay, who used to be with the New York Times and WWD is using her clout to bring something different and new to the eBay marketplace. While it's nothing new to have designer clothing for less, I appreciate this new approach to it. I just wish it wasn't mid-priced and instead more affordable for the masses. Or else I wish she made it strictly an auction-only line with limited availability.

What do you think of this eBay line? Are you going to place your "bid?"

image source: LA Times

image source: eBay

Two for the Road: 11/23/09

Date: 11/23/09

Bag: Mayle black leather patchwork bag with black chain strap

Shoe: Marc by Marc Jacobs Miss Marc flats

Worn with: DVF black short sleeve dress, Bravo gray waffle knit long cardigan

My go-to dress by DVF with my favorite cardigan that I bought here in Omaha at She-la gets paired with Miss Marc patent flats from Trocadero and a bag from Mayle that I actually got from eLuxury before they stopped doing e-commerce. It was a bag I fell in love with and something that I actually wanted to carry in the shop but unfortunately Mayle had stopped its wholesale business operations. I thought a client of mine would fall in love with this bag but she couldn't afford it so by default it became my new possession. That just suits me fine. I love unique bags that other people don't own or know what it is. Kind of like the sort of bags I carry at my shop. Smiles.

Two for the Road: 11/19/09

Date: 11/19/09

Bag: Dior denim logo saddle satchel

Shoe: John Varvatos for Converse gray flannel Chuck Taylors

Worn with: C&C navy striped long sleeve tee, American Apparel black cotton cardigan, DVF black wool mini skirt, American Apparel black cotton yoga pants

It was a casual day at the Troc for me. While I would have loved to have worn some sexy high heels, patterned tights and a fitted suit, I just wasn't in the mood. I have to admit in the mornings I just gravitate towards the same comfortable shoes and clothing in my closet. Plus I am really trying to not repeat a shoe or bag whatsoever and am proud of my accomplishment thus far. But soon I will be repeating some shoes or boots but with different bag combos than what has been documented here. The bag is a gift from the Dior PR office long ago; I'm not a huge logo fan but this is classic Dior -- an archive shape in denim logo. And I don't own many Diors so this was a keeper. The shoes were stored in my office for years before I finally took them home. Actually, I don't think I've ever worn them until I moved here to Omaha. I wasn't really a sneaker-wearing girl in the city; but what I quickly realized was that these are great winter options for footwear because of the gray flannel and black accents. I'm wearing these with a favorite striped shirt from C&C (I think purchased on a Vegas trip) with my trusty AA pieces and DVF skirt. I found a photo of the striped shirt I am wearing; I'm pictured with the famous poker player, TJ Cloutier and his wife at the Bellagio. This is probably about 5 years ago...and yup, the shirt is still in great condition!
The funny thing about this day at work was that I was wearing argyle socks underneath my pants (the only pair I own) and turns out that PJ was also wearing argyle socks. Must have been argyle sock wearing day. Here's a photo...

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.

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.

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.