The Troc's "Virtual" Shoe Store Spring 2010

Today I did some "virtual" shopping on the internet. This time I was looking at shoes on net-a-porter and was completely stupefied by the prices. I'm so glad I'm not a fashion editor anymore. I know that there would be no way in hell that I could feature these outlandishly priced shoes in the magazine and instead I would be relegated to showing crappy shoes from mainstream brands. Ick. That's not what fashion is about to me but I know these days, most of the "consumer-driven" magazines show "affordable" looks that are available at your local mall. It's what the direction of my magazine was going and I'm glad I got out before I only was able to shoot items under $100. I don't know about you but I buy the magazines to show me the stuff I don't readily see in the basic stores in the strip malls and beyond. If I want to see the bubble skirt from Aeropostale, I can go and check that out myself. Instead, can you please fill your glossy pages with clothing from Derek Lam, Lanvin, Prada and Dries please? And while you're at it, I want to see covetable clutches from Balmain and Miu Miu, not cheap plastic ones from Intuition and Fossil.

But going back to shoes. It's pretty crazy, to say the least, that the average price point of a decently designed spring shoe is around $895. Yes, that's right, EIGHT HUNDRED AND NINETY FIVE DOLLARS! I "shopped" on net-a-porter and found that the majority of the shoes hovered above $795. As a shoe retailer I will emphatically state that I do not carry any new spring shoes even near that price point. And to be honest, I can't say I even liked that many that were so ridiculously over-priced. Actually my favorites tended to be updated classics and styles that could remain in your closet for a lifetime. And they were all under $695. If I could only stock 5 shoes (from net-a-porter) in my shop right now, they would be:

1.Jimmy Choo platform clog sandal in desert suede, $395. Great price for Jimmy Choo and a great casual sandal for the spring/summer. I love it with shorts, jeans, sundresses, you name it. The neutral color is key here. I WISH I had this shoe in my shop for real. I would snap the size 7 in a second for myself. Love it.

2. Rupert Sanderson black patent pumps, $585. If you don't have a black patent pump, now's the time to invest in one. This is a REALLY nicely shaped one; great toe, nice heel, sexy deep cuts on the side. I would tell all my customers to buy this if they didn't have a basic black pump. It's that good.

3. Maison Martin Margiela two-tone peep toe mary jane, $695. Really pretty, very feminine but smart at the same time. Not a basic but definitely can become a key piece in a shoe wardrobe because of its two-tone neutral colors and very day-to-night usefulness. A little on the higher price side but definitely something that I would recommend for that working woman who has everything else in her shoe wardrobe but is looking for a practical but fresh updater.

4. DKNY two tone wedge in black suede and nude patent, $245. I love a good wedge that will go with almost everything and can be dressed up or dressed down. It's not a showstopper but will definitely be a workhorse in your shoe wardrobe for the summer.

5. See by Chloe tassel loafers, $245. It's a stretch for Omaha but I loved these when I saw them at the shoe show last August. They're preppy, a bit 80s but all the while being current and in many ways, classics. Wear them to the club, on vacation, with a seersucker jacket over a floral sundress. It doesn't have to be cliché and it certainly doesn't have to be predictable.

Some other notables:

6. Miu Miu platform black patent slingback, $575. These are amazing high heel sandals to incorporate into a spring shoe wardrobe. They're not necessities but I like them enough that if I could, I would buy these for my shop pronto.

7.Giuseppe Zanotti leopard-print peep toe pumps, $595. I like when an animal print is done well (read: not tacky) and this one is almost perfect. I love that it's on a lower heel and the little splash of red gives some added color. Great way to liven up a black, beige, red or white dress or pants. I like this almost more than the Margielas.

8. Jimmy Choo classic leather pumps in black, $495. I would definitely offer these as an alternative to the Sandersons because of the heel height. This pump is so utterly awesomely perfect. The heel is ideal, the cut is classic. If you don't have a good mid-sized "walking" black pump, this is the one to buy. Go do yourself a favor and get this shoe if you need a basic black pump. If you're 25, you'll have it until you're 40. If you're 30, don't waste your money on buying a cheap black pump from somebody else. And if you're over 40, really, please invest in a nice, expensive black pump. Jimmy, Christian, Manolo, Brian. You know who you are...

Feels Like Fall

The weather in Omaha this past weekend was unseasonably cool. Rather than melting from sweltering 90 degree days, we enjoyed early-Fall-like temperatures in the low-to-mid 70s. As I pulled on my jean jacket over my sundress, I got to thinking about what I plan to wear when the season officially changes to Autumn. I'm looking forward to bundling myself in warm, rich colors and materials, such as flannel, and accessorizing with camel, hunter green, maroon and navy shoes and handbags. For some reason, whenever I think about Fall, I envision camping and hunting in the woods, sitting around the fire making s'mores at night. Let it be known that I've never done any of these things in my life, but a girl can daydream, can't she?

In an ideal world, I'd carry my red Rafe clutch inside my sage L.A.M.B "Alwar" tote and wear my L.A.M.B. Rosebury booties with opaque tights when I went to work. On the weekends I'd make the boots more casual by pairing them with a pair of skinny jeans and Kara by Kara Ross hoop earrings, which remind me of tree branches. Of course I'd have to burn a Diptyque Feu De Bois candle because it smells like a wood-burning fire!

What does Fall make you think of?

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.

The Trocadero Top Twenty

It's mid-August but surprisingly it seems as if everyone is back-to-school already. What happened to summer vacation? I'd like to take a cue from the Europeans and be on holiday the whole month of August but in the real world of the U.S.A., it seems like summer break has been cut short and everyone is in back-to-school mode. That also means that the shops are full of fall/winter merchandise even though most of the nation is in 80-100 degree weather.

At the Troc, we have our first shipments of fall. In the coming weeks we'll have our website up and running with all our new fall merchandise from Botkier, L.A.M.B., Marc by Marc Jacobs, Rafe, Be & D, Harajuku Lovers, Anya Hindmarch and much more.

In this week's Trocadero Tidbits newsletter, we featured the story, "The Trocadero Top Twenty" which is our picks for the trends in which you should BUY, SEARCH, SKIP or INVEST. I think the key to shopping during this downward economy is to follow those words above and use our guide to make wise purchasing decisions. We know how hard you work for your money and we want to make sure your dollar goes a long way.

Tune in each week as we reveal more tips until you're all set with our TOP TWENTY. Happy Shopping!

The Trocadero Top Twenty: Our Must-Have Items To Get You Through The Fall Fashion Season

20. It's not just the temperature outside that's stuck in the 80s. The decade of excess, shoulder pads, neon, metallic studding, leggings and acid washed jeans are all back in full fashion force. Just be careful not to pile it all on at once or you'll risk looking like a true fashion victim. Search for a vintage 80s strong-shoulder blazer in your closet (or your Mom's) or at a thrift/consignment shop (like Esther's on 75th St. north of Pacific), buy inexpensive leggings in black, metallics or neons at Target or American Apparel, skip the acid washed jeans (or just bleach an old pair at home) and invest in a studded accessory (because trust me, this trend will always come back every few years). We love this look from Balmain (above) and this Be & D shoulder bag available right now at the Troc.

19. Nothing is more polished this season than a crisp white cotton button shirt. The good thing is that this style is available almost everywhere at every price. If you're prone to spilling and yellowing underarms, stick to more throwaway shirts that you can ditch after a season or two. I love the Simply Vera by Vera Wang one from Kohl's with a tuxedo-style front pleating detail.

18. Black tie isn't just for after-hours. Whether it's double-breasted, black, with a notched lapel or my personal favorite: the shawl-collar, a tuxedo jacket is a fresh, new look to pair with a feminine, flirty mini skirt or pair of skinny leggings or jeans. There are tons of designer versions out there to invest in from Stella McCartney, Thakoon, See by Chloe and others. This is a great classic jacket that is current but great to have for years to come so I'd say spend the money and get a really fabulous one if you can.

17. Look Ma, No Hands! This season it's all about the hands-free bag. Whether it's a messenger-style large tote or one that is big enough to just hold the essentials, a cross-body bag is something every wardrobe should have. And at the Troc we have many styles from L.A.M.B., MZ Wallace and Anya Hindmarch (coming soon). Here, is the Paige from MZ Wallace...we love it in this black color but the nutmeg is equally delicious.

16. Steal from Dad's closet. It's all about menswear this fall season so take a cue from Daddy dearest and incorporate some of his houndstooth, herringbone and pinstripe patterns into your own closet. While you might not be able to physically wear his clothes, at least steal the inspiration. At least grab a tie (one size fits all). There's a reason why ex-NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani stopped me on a street corner when I was wearing a navy blazer, white shirt, tie and khaki...shorts. Ok, so maybe the shorts was the real reason (he and his whole crew were wearing my same look minus the shorts). I like menswear mixed with some femininity (in my case it was the shorts). But for fall, I would pair it with a wool pencil skirt, bermudas, a pair of high heel pumps. You get the idea. Just don't be afraid to embrace your testosterone.

source of runway photo from style.com

*These next tips from Tidbits 08.26.09*

15. Make a Statement. A "wow" necklace can really make an entrance and truly transform any hum-drum outfit. Think multi-strand chains, chunky, bauble styles in jewel tone colors to complement fall's earth tones when searching for the right piece. We love this one from Kara by Kara Ross (available at Trocadero) and would pair it with a tweed blazer, crisp blouse, slim jeans and an oxford bootie. For more of our styling tips, check out our Personal Stylist page of our website.

14. Get your motor running. We've been talking about it for months and yes, it's true...the biker jacket is the key piece to own. If you find a fabulous one at a thrift store, grab it while you can. Otherwise, there are plenty of choices both online and in stores so just search for one that suits you and your budget. Wear it with something softer on bottom such as a satin knee-length skirt or sweater dress.

13. Be like Sporty Spice. While we might live in a more Posh Spice-centric, a.k.a. Victoria Beckham, world, rugby stripes, polo shirts, shorts and sneakers look equally at home next to fur trim, rhinestones, satins and boucle suits. Incorporate and layer the pieces to create rugged ladylike silhouettes or preppy glamour looks.

This L.A.M.B. "Lambert" tote is one of our favorite bags at the Troc for its versatile handheld and long shoulder strap. And of course for its sporty stripes. It's ample size is large enough to fit a laptop and some some knee pad guards for that rugby game after work.

12. Up, up and away! The over-the-knee boot this season is almost like a second skin, especially if you live in colder climates (hello, can we say O-M-A-H-A in December thru February?). Good thing that the Troc has come prepared to offer the bomb of a boot from Joie: the black Caravan double-zipper thigh high leather style. Most of the boots on the runway are on a heel but we love the fact that this is practical, chic, oh-so-stylish, super cool and most importantly FLAT. We're counting the days when it arrives on our doorstep courtesy of our awesome UPS man, Bob. He's almost as much as the bomb as the boots. Here, a sneak peak. And if you're worried because you're petite, have no fear: this boot looked great on Kim from Joie who is not much taller than 5'2". But if you need a heel, we do have these incredible Giuseppe Zanotti thigh-high boots on a hidden platform heel.

11. Show some shoulder.
It's a season about showing some skin. Whether it's a mini dress or skirt or the one shoulder or one sleeve top or dress, the designers want you to liberate your legs and your arms. Remember Freida Pinto at the Oscars (in John Galliano)? For fall, Oscar de la Renta showcased a few gorgeous dresses with the bare shoulder look, such as this stunning jewel tone one at left. If you want to do the ultimate one-two punch: this Emilio Pucci hot pink mini dress with one sleeve will do double, or triple duty (the hot pink makes it a trifecta).

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.

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!

Jet Set

Cover Up in the Desert by shoptrocadero featuring Giuseppe Zanotti shoes

I am currently packing for the experience of a lifetime. I'm leaving my comfort zone in the Midwest for the desert of Doha, Qatar. The hardest part about packing for the trip is that I have to pack clothes that will cover me up, even though it will be extremely hot. Middle Eastern women are supposed to dress conservatively, and as a foreign guest, I need to respect the culture. I'm not a suit person, so I'll be packing mostly long dresses, skirts, sandals, and TONS OF SUNSCREEN. Who knows, I might arrive and decide I need completely different clothes. As I see it now, my day to day style is going to be based around a solid colored dress and sandals with colored accessories (I still have to be Kathleen). But I'm still looking for a mid-priced lightweight blazer. Any ideas?

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.

Drew Barrymore in Giuseppe Zanotti

Drew Barrymore - who has been all over the place promoting her new movie "Grey Gardens" - fearlessly wore a funky dress by Giambattista Valli for an appearance on David Letterman yesterday. And what's more exciting is that she has on a pair of shoes by Giuseppe Zanotti that we have at the Troc! I'd say she looks fabulous, wouldn't you? Check out Drew's shoes - and a bunch of other fabulous choices - here. Happy shopping!

Photo of Drew courtesy NY Post.

Silver Sandals

My sister, Lindsey, is a fashion writer for one of Omaha's independent newsweeklies, and she also has a blog, where she regularly features her own outfits and answers style-related questions for her readers, including me. I totally take advantage of this fun service. Recently, I asked her to help me style a pair of Giuseppe Zanotti silver sandals I got at Trocadero. Check out her amazing post, and see some of the great outfits she put together below.

Sparkle-a-plenty

Right now, let's just say it's all about "Frugalista" from Rescue Beauty Lounge. This nail polish was created by the one and only Ji Baek, a friend of mine from NYC, in response to the current dire economic situation. If you can't afford to buy and wear sparkly sequin Lanvin, why don't you just settle for some bling on your nails? We couldn't agree more! We're just crazy about this color: a silver glitter with purple flecks. It just seriously sparkles...and is just the perfect pick-me-up. I like wearing it over RBL's color "Grunge" (a pale greyish mauve) as well as Ji's signature Rescue Beauty Lounge color, "Black Russian."

Today at the Troc we received a packet from Bond No. 9 with yet another fragrance launch so soon after "Brooklyn" just arrived! The new Bond No. 9 scent is called "Astor Place," a floral that has notes of violet with freesia and a musky base that makes it so utterly complex but so beautiful. I am not a huge 

floral fan but the violet of this scent is intoxicatingly good. It reminds me of a liquid Diptyque Violette candle. I've always wanted to wear that candle and now thanks to Bond No. 9 I can! I also love the new bottle with its graphic, cubist pattern of bright primary colors. It reminds me of what is going on with our accessories -- as seen here with our Anya Hindmarch patent zip clutches and Giuseppe Zanotti striped ribbon satin with pink and black patent leather d'orsay!

Giuseppe to Go-go-go!!!

This is the new two-tone shoe from Giuseppe Zanotti with the zip-up back and everyone is going crazy for it. The colors are so ladylike, a blush paired with black, but the open cut-out sides and of course the zipper give it a rock and roll, "not so ladylike afterall" look. What can we say, WE HEART IT! It also comes on a lower heel instead of the super high ones that are available at other retailers. While I love a high heel, I think this one is definitely more sensible to wear literally all day long. I don't know about you, but it seems like these days I cannot last more than 3 hours in a high heel if it doesn't have a platform.

I am loving, however, the trick I heard from one of my customers. She mentioned that she has what is called a "met bar" attached to the bottom of her high heels. It's something we mentioned in our last Tidbits newsletter and it's an inch-wide horizontal pad attached to the bottom of the shoe so the pressure is more on the back of the ball of the foot. I am definitely going to have to check this out. In all my years working in magazines and using top shoe repair places like "Shoe Service Plus," who would have thought a little cobbler in Omaha, NE would have the answer to making high heels comfortable? Andy's Shoe Repair is the place and it's at 4954 Grover (402-558-1030).

Trocadero Shops Your Closet: The LBD edition

Everyone, no matter what her style, has a "LBD," or a Little Black Dress, hiding somewhere in the depths of her closet. In this edition of Trocadero Shops Your Closet, we tackle this simple item that can go from day to night, work to cocktails, simple to simply fantastic with the addition of just a few accessories.

First, we'll tackle the day look, which offers options for the weekend or workday. We chose an eye-catching bag, the Botkier "James" Tote, in a vibrant purple - it's roomy enough to carry all your datyime essentials but does it while looking great. For the weekend look, we paired the dress with Marc by Marc Jacobs' whimsical Miss Marc Flat in neutral grey and white stripes. If you're headed to the office, these Sigerson Morrison patent open toe kitten heels are workday ready but still show off a spring pedicure. Finish your look with a fun but professional Pluma feather headband and a spritz or three of Bond No. 9's Scent of Peace.

In our night look, we went sexy. Either shoe here - the Giuseppe Zanotti sandal bootie in blush and black patent or the Brian Atwood "Lidia Self" sandal in soft black suede - will be an eye-catcher during your date night or girls night. The bag and jewelry work with either look: a zap of electric blue comes courtesy of Anya Hindmarch and her pleated patent "Ivo" clutch. Kara by Kara Ross finishes off this after-dark look with one of her signature two-petal flower rings, which are a modern take on the classic knuckle-duster style.

Of course, you can find all of these accessories at Trocadero, in Omaha's Old Market, where any of the stylistas will be more than happy to help you put together a look for your spring wardrobe.