Jewels in the 'hood

Lately I've been wearing a medley of necklaces and have received many compliments from friends and strangers alike. I don't usually change my jewelry up as often as I would like to or even recommend to others. And judging by my repeat wearing of this four-necklace combo, I am clearly someone who gets stuck in a rut...even if it's somewhat stylish!

The necklace I wear everyday is my 24 inch 14 kt gold twist chain from Helen Ficalora with A, H, K and "Project Sunshine" charms from her and then a gold vintage dice charm given to me by my friend Heather Severs, the Accessories Director for Town & Country, when I left NYC for Nebraska. She said it was for luck. I love the gold paired with the white beads and ribbon necklace on a nude "bra-strap" from Prada, one of my purchases one season in Milan during the shows. The third necklace to be added to this grouping was an old Judith Leiber pillcase necklace encrusted with Swarovski crystals with a coin purse closure with peridot and garnet.

And then the last piece is a sterling silver camera pendant that I bought at the Gallery of Functional Art in Santa Monica on my July visit to L.A. It was the perfect length to work with the other three and I also liked the idea of showcasing how mixing metals can really look beautiful together.

Speaking of mixing metals...I was in Vegas for the shoe show and Kaitlyn from Joie was wearing an armful of Alex and Ani expandable bracelets. I loved how she embraced mixing the textures, the metals, the different materials. We love carrying the Alex and Ani line at Trocadero -- they make such a great gift both for oneself and for bridesmaids, friends, wives and teenagers too. We've sold out of many of the single charm bracelets but they're on reorder for fall. We can't wait to get more of them in. But in the meantime, come by and check out what we have currently in stock. And while you're at it, you can view our exclusive Helen Ficalora Sterling Silver Collection. I don't know anyone who doesn't love the simplicity and charming prettiness of Helen Ficalora's initial pendants. And at a recession-friendly price tag of only $50 per alphabet charm and $35 for a 16 inch chain and $40 for an 18 inch, it makes a great under $100 gift.

It's Raining Umbrellas...and Boots

I was just recently in Las Vegas shopping for shoes for Spring 2010 for Trocadero. Needless to say, it's rather difficult to look at styles to buy for 6-7 months from now when Fall 2009 shoes haven't really even hit the sales floor yet. Yes, while the big cities already have winter coats, fall thigh high boots and fur trimmed jackets in the windows of their major department stores, it's like Omaha hasn't really had its summer yet in many ways. The weather has been rather mild, albeit we've had some hot and humid ones as of late. But all in all, this has been a summer that has been marked with unmemorable dramatic weather patterns.

While I was in Vegas I walked through the Palazzo Hotel, the beautiful newish tower adjacent to the Venetian. In the shopping area of the Palazzo, outside of the Barneys New York is this amazing decorative spectacle of colorful umbrellas against a backdrop of a waterfall. I'm not often taken aback by these visions; I usually walk on by and go about my business. But this time I was truly struck by the beauty of these open umbrellas. I stood there like a Japanese tourist (in fact, there was one right in front of me taking photographs as well!), whipping out my point and shoot and taking a couple of shots to keep the memory alive.

With Fall right around the corner, Marie took some time before she left for London (speaking of rain!) to create a Polyvore paying homage to the Trench Coat called FRENCH & TRENCH. I love the images she picked: from the memorable Audrey Hepburn in her trench coat to stylish icon, Kate Moss, in hers alongside chic accessories (all available at Trocadero of course!) that are perfect for foul-weather. This layout reminds me of the great rain boots we have coming in from See by Chloe. In two-tone gray with taupe as well as taupe with lavender, these are the rain boots you want to own and wear. Just because it's raining and dreary outside does not mean one should trade style for comfort. In a torrential rain storm or just a simple light thunder shower, we'd find any excuse to put these cute rain boots on.

As for umbrellas, we love the ones from Kaneko. This Omaha-based sculptor has graced his modern colorful, patterns and designs on a genius one-button open and close umbrella. The handle is like a work of art and for $50, is a great way to own a piece of Kaneko at a fraction of the cost of a large-scale piece of his (well over $100,000+). The umbrella comes with a great matching tote ($295) and both items are available at Trocadero as well as at the Kaneko.

source: umbrella

Meet Team Trocadero: SABRINA

This is the first of a many-part series called "Meet Team Trocadero!" Here we'll introduce you the multi-faceted and thoroughly talented group of folks who are an integral part of our everyday operations. This series of Q&A questions will give you a brief idea of each person's personal style and fashion aspirations. Hey, it's not brain surgery....just a little glimpse into everyone who makes up our awesome team. First up? Miss Sabrina...

How would you describe your personal style in one sentence:

My style is laid back simplicity-I use accessories to try and create different looks.

Favorite item of clothing"

A dress...it can be worn for anything-with boots and leggings if it's cold, gladiators for a summer day and heels at night. With a simple dress the possibilities are endless.

If money was no object, what is the one designer you would wear head-to-toe:

Chanel, of course!'

Favorite place to shop (besides Trocadero!):

Shopstyle.com

Your current fashion icon is:

Nicole Richie

What would you wear from your own closet to your interview at a top fashion magazine:

Such a toughy! I would wear this royal blue skirt I have that has a gold zipper up the back and the rest of my outfit would be black: black tights, shoes and a black or white shirt. Oh, and my hair pulled back for sure.

My go-to outfit for a special occasion is:

My black dress.

Do you identify with Sabrina's personal style? Or is it the polar opposite? Let us know! Stay tuned to Troc Talk to learn more about Team Trocadero and see if you're more "Sabrina" or more of a "Lauren" or "Kathleen" or any of our team as we reveal a new staff/intern member to our readers and customers.

Sabrina is pictured outside the Chloe boutique at the Palazzo Hotel in Las Vegas during the shoe show in February 2009.

source for Nicole Richie: Wire Image via People