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.

source for Gwen Stefani photo

source for Megan Fox photo

Gwen in the House

We just received another shipment from L.A.M.B. and we practically sold the bags right out of the shipping boxes. I have to admit I wasn't always sure about the brand, thinking it might not be the right fit for Omaha or even for my store in general. But I was totally wrong...Omaha is crazy about Gwen! It's easy to see why when you check out both her L.A.M.B. collection as well as her fun, nylon and canvas Harajuku Lovers line. I knew the quality of the line would be great -- her line is manufactured by the same folks who started the company Le Sportsac way back when. It was my friend Tim's great idea to have Gwen collaborate with Le Sportsac on those awesome nylon bags so when it came down to finding someone to partner with for her own bag collection, Tim was naturally her go-to-guy. This season for Harajuku, Gwen brought back that retro print, reminiscent of her first collection at Le Sportsac.  We love it here in "the Raddest" shape. I also love the new button and ribbons she has put on this collection of Harajuku bags.
I love the Harajuku Lovers bags for their lightheartedness and affordability. But I am really impressed by the chic-factor of so many of the L.A.M.B. bags this season, most notably the collection we just received. First, "the Rabais" is this chevron fabric satchel with optional long strap. I love the accents of cobalt blue and yellow against the black and white chevron pattern. It's really something totally unique but at the same time is versatile enough to wear with both casual and dressy outfits. This bag also comes in a clutch called "the Bala" that is so well-priced at $195. Really, it's a steal, since it's sooo adorable and chic. Another bag that I haven't seen much anywhere is "the Smyth," a soft leather cut-out handle tote that has a long canvas strap that can be worn as a long shoulder strap or even cross-body. I love the white racing stripe down the center. I'm a big fan of the sporty look this season and think that touches of it look especially nice with soft, feminine silhouettes like shirtdresses, flowy skirts with a t-shirt or a ruffle top and pair of jeans. One last bag from this delivery is "the Busby," the perfect cross-body shape that is the summer solution bag for any woman. I love it especially when traveling as it fits all the essentials and it fits close to the body keeping your passport and money safe. But it's also the perfect size when you're heading out to a quick dinner with friends or out for a walk around the block. We've always sold these small cross-body shapes well at Trocadero and are always anxiously awaiting this style of bag. If you haven't checked out the L.A.M.B. bags in a while, we invite you to check them out online or in person. And while you're at the store you can see a special signed photo that Gwen signed for me (she was after all, in her "Alice in Wonderland"-themed outfit from her "What You Waiting For" video).

Leather-free, fashion forward

My sister Lindsey, a staunch vegetarian, doesn't wear or carry leather. When she first made the decision to give up the material, I benefited - as did a bunch of her friends - when we received her cast-off, oft-expensive and barely used collection of leather bags.

Once my sister made the decision to forgo leather, her search for stylish, non-leather goods began. One of the first lines she discovered was, coincidentally, one she found at Trocadero: Gwen Stefani's Harajuku Lovers. This line of fun, frivolous and fashionable bags includes lots of non-leather options that are also long on style. Below are just a few of the covet-able ones in the store now.

Pictured above: Harajuku Lovers “tromp l’oeil” black canvas tote, Harajuku Lovers shoulder tote “Kamp Kawaii” print, Harajuku Lovers cross body “Totally Tubular” print and Harajuku Lovers Makeout City Pop Bag.