Kick Up Your Heels

There's a new wedge in town! Meet "Kick Up Your Heels" by Seychelles. The black sandal arrived on Wednesday and is already selling fast!

Truthfully, I'm not much of a high heel kinda gal. I feel clumsy wearing stilettos, and they aren't the most practical for navigating the Old Market's cobblestone streets. Because of both of those reasons, I love wedges! They provide the same height and leg-lengthening magic of thinner heels but are infinitely more comfortable. Plus, you can dress them up or dress them down. (I know people wear heels with shorts, but I think wedges look better.)

The new Seychelles wedge would look fantastic with a short summer dress. Right now I'm loving the combination of periwinkle blue and black. To complete the look, I'd accessorize with a black cross-body bag like the Rafe Carine, which is now on sale for $315, and some Kara by Kara Ross gold jewelry. All Kara by Kara Ross jewelry is now 20% off! To up the playfulness and add a bit of color to the outfit, I'd polish my nails with Frugalista by Rescue Beauty Lounge. And underneath it all... a pair of lacy Mary Green boy shorts!

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?

image source of logo bags

image source of leather bag

Two for the Road: 12/7/09

Date: 12/7/09

Bag: Rafe canvas vertical tote

Shoe: Naturalizer black leather motorcycle boot

Worn with: Simply Vera by Vera Wang scribble sleeveless tunic with black jet bead neck detail, Plenty by Tracy Reese black long sleeve tunic top, Forever 21 black leggings, American Apparel black fleece mini skirt

Yes, I'm rockin' Naturalizer boots and I love 'em. I got these at a Brown Shoe press breakfast and ever since I took them back to my office, I promoted the crap out of them. For one thing, these boots were comfy. But they were also really stylish, practical, with a fabulous lug sole, perfectly rounded pointed toe and two simple silver buckles that weren't showy, flashy, western in styling in that tacky Donald J. Pliner way. No offense but I have never met a DJP shoe that I have thought was editorial or something I would carry in my boutique. I know they're a huge retail moneymaker; but retail sales don't necessarily mean fashionable and stylish. I'm just sayin'. Sorry. But give me a well made Naturalizer boot and let's just say my editor-in-chief asked for a pair as well as my assistant at the time (shout out to my L'il Fleege). Editors stopped me asking me where I got my boots. And the best was when Hal Rubenstein, one of my colleagues at the mag, asked me if my fantastic boots were from Chanel. CHANEL! Can you believe it? Naturalizer boots disguised as Chanel! Then the Rafe bag is another freebie editor gift; my friend Vicky carried hers a lot and it was in a different color combo that was very chic as well. This bag has been in my wardrobe for a very long time and it's a great bag for a laptop and magazines. Really functional and just plain awesome. Go Rafe! I am wearing some Vera from Kohl's, my stand by AA merch and a great long sleeved top from Plenty, bought at the Tracy Reese shop on Hudson Street in the West Village.

Accessories that Speak for Themselves

Bitter winter winds can leave you feeling in a rut and reluctant to leave the house, but giving a little lift to your winter wardrobe with accessories can be just the ticket you need out of the doldrums.

Accessories can liven up outfits and add instant glam to any look. Detailed accessories can take your look to new heights, and luckily Trocadero has the perfect picks at the right prices just in time for the holidays. Patterns, exotic skins, and other embellishments add excitement to any ensemble.

Accessories That Pack a Little Punch by shoptrocadero

Brilliant hues are a great contrast to the white winter palette. Chunky jewelry like the Kara Ross enamel bangles can add a punch of color that makes plain pieces like a solid crewneck pop. Rafe's red patent bag stands out too with it's bold color and sheen as well as the pleating detail on the front.

Add a little variety to your look with exotic textures from Rafe's wristlets in stamped crocodile leather or a Kara Ross python cuff. Fur always evokes luxury, and with Ulu's rabbit fur boots looking chic is both functional and stylish.

Vibrant patterns can take an outfit to a whole other level. An ornate patterned accessory like Yarnz cashmere scarves can breathe new life into old threads. Pair one of them under a blazer with a white oxford shirt for a playful work outfit or even for a weekend casual option. LAMB's tiger/newsprint tote gives a funky twist to a classic color combination and the gold studs take it one step further. A subtle woodgrain accentuated by crystals is where rustic meets elegance in the Devi Kroell box clutch.

Give the gift of style with these and other great accessories from Trocadero. Stop in this week for extra savings off all items in the store during our BIGGEST SALE EVENT OF THE YEAR!

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?

Mojito Madness!

Mojito Madness by shoptrocadero featuring RAFE bags

The mojito, a traditional Cuban highball, is one of my favorite summertime drinks. It was also a favorite of author Ernest Hemingway! According to the website Taste of Cuba, this is the mojito recipe that Hemingway enjoyed at La Bodeguita del Medio in Havana, Cuba, the supposed birthplace of the mojito.

1 teaspoon powdered sugar

Juice from 1 lime (2 ounces)

4 mint leaves

1 sprig of mint

Havana Club white Rum (2 ounces)

2 ounces club soda

While we can't mix you a drink at the Troc, we can offer you Malin + Goetz's mojito-scented candles and mojito soap sets, featuring individual bars of peppermint, rum and lime soap. Almost as good as the real thing!

What is your favorite beverage to sip during the summer?

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.

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.

We love Rafe

I have been a fan of Rafe's handbags since the late 90s when I first scouted his line at a showroom or a trade show. It's hard to remember the exact way that I stumbled upon his wonderful designs but I have been fortunate to have lent a hand in making Rafe bags a household name by featuring them in In Style and now at my shop, Trocadero. This season I especially love the collaboration he did with Tibi. The designer behind Tibi, Amy Smilovac, is just a great, energetic and multi-talented woman whose line became much more than the dresses I remember seeing way back when. I remember fashion when both of their lines did not exist and it's always so exciting to watch as your friends become successes in their fields.

I just got a message from Rafe that he is now in American Express' new campaign and I couldn't be more proud! His bags pop off the page and I love that his company is getting the recognition it deserves. I also love American Express because it really supports small businesses like myself. Their fairly new Plum Card is genius and has been my lifeline in many ways. Below are a few other bags and clutches available at Trocadero and starting for Fall we will be carrying his shoe line. Wait until you see the amazing motorcycle boot. embellished ballet and studded bootie pump we have coming. I know that I can't wait.