Nail Obsession

Growing up, I was never allowed to grow my nails long as I was your typical Korean-American immigrant daughter and played the piano. And it was strictly forbidden for me to wear nail polish (how tacky and low class!).

Let's just say that once those piano lessons stopped, I started to grow my nails. Not really on purpose so much but because they just grew. Quickly. And in great, perfect condition.

Fast forward to living in NYC and working in fashion/beauty. My first manicure wasn't until I was well into my 20s; my first pedicure was even later. But I made up for lost time.


When I worked at In Style I pretty much exclusively went to Rescue Beauty Lounge on Centre Market Place to get pedicures and the occasional manicure. I didn't have the patience to get my nails done; I know that they really need to dry and it's close to impossible to get anything done when you have your hands in the air like a surgeon going into the O.R. But boy oh boy! When I did get a manicure, it was usually for some reason...like crazy nail art.

Ok. Don't get the wrong idea. I was not a nail art type of person. But I had these spectacular, evenly growth, long nails and everyone and their mother would comment on them. And that's when the PR person at Louis Vuitton, who had just launched their signature nail lacquer in an espresso brown and burnished gold, called me up and said she was taking me to Rescue Beauty Lounge to get some LV monogram mani-pedis!

My first taste of the LV monogram manicure and I was hooked! It was seriously ghetto fabulous; I felt like a cross between L'il Kim, Jenny on the Block and Eve.

It was impossible to not go back and get the LV monogram again. The amazing part of the nail art manicure was that Sondra at Rescue Beauty Lounge did it all free-style. No stencil. All by hand with a tiny brush. And it was so affordable considering the time that was spent creating the nail art. I think it was like $45 for the whole manicure.


This was all during the time of the now famous Vuitton Murakami colorful monogram. I thought, what if I use the brown base coat of the LV nail lacquer but then use the bright colors of the Murakami logos?

As you can see, the results were impeccable. I was totally in love with my nails! Wouldn't you be?

I had to model my nails in front of my LV Murakami makeup bag. That sweet little guy is so darn cute and the bag itself is amazing, with a full size mirror inside!

Even though the owner of Rescue Beauty Lounge, Ji Baek, absolutely hated my long nails (and was very direct in telling me every time she saw me!), I was a big fan of the salon and her nail lacquers. As I mentioned, I pretty much only went to her salon for my pedicures as they lasted for over a month! No chips, ever. The only reason I would need to get another pedicure was due to nail growth.

So when I opened the Troc, I told Ji I wanted to carry Rescue Beauty Lounge nail polishes as I thought they were seriously the best in the business.

Trocadero carried the Rescue Beauty Lounge nail polishes for a few years and gained a good following. But unfortunately Ji closed her salons and stopped wholesaling the nail polishes.

They're now available exclusively online and she just launched "The Fan Collection" which consists of 4 dream nail colors that were submitted by Rescue Beauty Lounge fans. It was a contest that took place over a year ago and the fans got to pick their top 4 favorites. I loved reading about the finalists here. Did you know that there are amazing nail polish blogs out in the blogosphere? I've never seen anything quite like it! Amazing color swatches of nail lacquers, comparisons, photos with flash/without flash, daytime/nighttime. It's the mother lode of consumer reporting for nail polish addicts. I can spend hours looking at these sites! Here are a few: All Lacquered Up, Scrangie, Nails and Noms and Also Known As.

My favorite of the 4 was fortunately NOT sold out! Halcyon, pictured above, is this amazing sage green with pink and orange shimmer, depending on the angle. I cannot wait to receive it! I love this photo of the color.

I also ended up ordering this color too. Mmmmm, pretty!

photo source of RBL polish

The Illusion of a Lady

I have this phrase I always use with friends- "You have to keep the illusion of a lady!"-meaning that one should always be on their best behavior and put their best self forward when in public. (Yes, this includes sitting straight, shoulders back, and legs crossed). It seems that on the spring runways, designers took my advice by showing lady like ensembles in pastels and 50's inspired frocks.

Take a little mix of Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and top it off with a bit of Blair Waldorf and you've got the right look. Designers like Marc Jacobs (for Louis Vuitton), Giambattista Valli, and Miuccia Prada all seemed to take inspiration from decades past with delicate details like lace, modest skirts that fall to the knee and ladylike pencil skirts, and demure blouses. The light and airy easter egg hues also lent themselves to the trend-- pastel pink, sorbet yellow and green seem to be the colors of the season.

Ladylike inspirations (clockwise from top):

Edith Head's Dress for Success, Rescue Beauty Lounge nail polish in Pepto Pink, Prada SS 12 collection, Tocca grapefruit and cucumber hand cream, MZ Wallace Little Alice bag, Ginette_NY mini boy and girl 14 k gold w/ diamond necklaces, Prada SS 12, Dolce Vita suede pump, Louis Vuitton SS 12 collection.

I, for one, am pleased to see the nod to purposeful dressing. I cannot express enough my views on dressing for your career and stage in life, and then there's something to be said for just dressing to express all the right things and keeping some of it a mystery.

What are your thoughts? Too prim and proper or refreshingly sophisticated?

**All photos courtesy of Google images.

Fall's Hot Neutrals

Don't let the temperature outside fool you: It really is fall. With the change of seasons comes a change in trends. Are you up-to-date on what's hot this autumn?

In addition to deep purple and bright red, neutrals are a big color trend this season. But if the warm weather is preventing you from pulling out your camel overcoat or slipping into a pair of olive green cargo pants, why not dip your digits in putty-colored polish?

We think neutral nails are a welcomed break from the dark, vampy colors of past falls and winters. They can come across as classic, bohemian or edgy and look good on nearly every skin tone.

A popular neutral for nails this fall is "greige," a mix of grey and beige. We've always been a fan of Rescue Beauty Lounge's Grunge, a greige with a bit of pink in it that's perfectly on trend this season.

If the color in the RBL bottle doesn't grab you, this description of the "Grunge" girl from the Rescue Beauty Lounge website will:

"There's an uber-cool woman. She's rocking a Sally Hershberger shag, wears nerdy-edgy glasses and has the greatest handbag ever — that her friend the designer created for her. At least you can have her nails — a moody pinkish grey with a dash of lilac. Unexpected but way cool."

Grunge is currently unavailable from RBL online, but we have it in stock at Trocadero! And we're currently running a special cosmetics promotion - Buy 1, Get 1 50% Off. Hurry, though, because we have a limited number of bottles of Grunge left. Get yours while you can!

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!

The CWS is Coming to Town!

We're just days away from the first pitch of the 2010 College World Series! The sporting event gets underway on Saturday, June 19th for the final time at the legendary Rosenblatt Stadium, but the party starts on Friday with a opening ceremony featuring music and fireworks.

No matter who you are rooting for this year -- Arizona State, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Oklahoma, South Carolina, TCU or UCLA -- Trocadero has a rainbow of accessories so you can color coordinate with your favorite team. Baseball caps and t-shirts are so passe. There's no reason why you can't be chic while watching the game! Show your Bruins pride in a pair of turquoise DV sandals. Rather than sweating in a giant foam finger, wave your red, blue or yellow patent Anya Hindmarch clutch in the air to cheer on your favorite players.

Here are some of our favorite accessories in this year's CWS teams' colors.

Maroon/Red: Anya Hindmarch patent clutch, Red Flower Blood Orange candle, Rescue Beauty Lounge nail polish in Chinoise, Matt Bernson Barracuda sandal, Harajuku tote, Kara by Kara Ross bangle and enamel ring, Crocodile Creek bib

Yellow/Gold: Anya Hindmarch loose pocket, Anya Hindmarch patent clutch

Royal Blue/Baby Blue: Anya Hindmarch loose pocket, Anya Hindmarch patent clutch, DV sandals, Marvis aquatic mint toothpaste, We Are Happy To Serve You ceramic deli cup, Flip and Tumble reusable bag

Purple: Marvis jasmin mint toothpaste, Rescue Beauty Lounge nail polish in Purple Haze, Seychelles sandals, Bond No. 9 Scent of Peace perfume, Kara by Kara Ross enamel ring

Orange: Bond No. 9 Little Italy perfume and candle, TDM tie-dye bamboo scarf (not shown)

In the three years I've lived in Omaha, I've yet to go to a CWS game. I think I need to experience at least one at Rosenblatt before it moves to TD Ameritrade Park Omaha next year. I'm not partial to any of the teams playing (go BU Terriers!), so I'll probably pick one based on their uniforms, which is what I did when I was a little girl. I do love purple and orange...

A Stroke of Sparkle

Every once in a while at the shop, I find myself staring down at the palate of Rescue Beauty Lounge nail polish colors wondering, "what color do I feel like for this week?" My most common answer is either Drifter, a lovely raspberry color that has been on my nails, in total, for about five months - or - Stormy, a medium grey hue that goes with pretty much everything. On any given day, I'll swipe on a few coats of either and call it good. If I'm feeling really fancy, I might add a touch of Frugalista (who doesn't like glitter?) as an overcoat.

But today, I wanted something different. I walked over to the tray of colors, so delicately sorted into darks, brights, and neutrals and chose a color I'd never even considered before. Grunge, a nude shade. Not being a fan of my hands or fingers, for odd personal reasons, I'd always imagined a neutral nail polish on my nails would look weird or too much like my skin. However, I was quite surprised upon dabbing on the second coat. I liked Grunge on my nails. I really liked it.

I then remembered a bottle of Frugalista I've been storing in my purse and decided to give it a whirl. Yet, this time, I glittered only the tips of my nails. And the outcome was fabulous:

Call me crazy, but this may be my favorite polish look I've ever created and you could have nails like this just as easily. The bottles run for $19 and come in shades like Orbis Non Sufficit, Chinoise, Squarepants, Purple Haze, and Film Noir (a very deep plum). If you fancy decorated nails or just want a unique shade for something different, these Rescue Beauty Lounge colors are the way to go.

Summer Style Featuring Seychelles Gypsy

To celebrate our 2nd anniversary last weekend, my husband and I went to a fancy dinner. Because it was a celebration, I wore a frilly black, white and purple dress reminiscent of a Theory frock from a couple of season ago. My hubby loved the look... except for the black wedge sandals I was wearing. To be honest, the sandals are more than a few years old, and he told me it was time to invest in a new pair of black shoes for summer.

I had a feeling I'd find what I was looking for when I returned to the Troc after Memorial Day weekend. Sure enough, we had just gotten a shipment of Seychelles Gyspy in black. We had already received them in Teal and will soon be getting them in Natural, as well. Wooden heels are a hot summer trend, and the Gypsy has a 3 3/4" stacked heel with a 3/4" platform. Don't be intimidated by the heel height, though. You can dress 'em up or dress 'em down. Try pairing them with a day dress for work, shorts and a tank on the weekend and a mini-dress for a night out.

For the evening look above, I paired a printed silk dress with stackable rings by Kara by Kara Ross ($65 each). Don't forget to spritz yourself with Bond No. 9 Union Square ($150 for a small, $225 for a large) before you walk out the door! On the weekend, stay comfy in cut-off denim shorts but paint your nails Chinoise by Rescue Beauty Lounge ($19) to up your glam factor. Alex and Ani assorted bangles ($78) complete the casual look. For work, throw a cardigan over a sundress and accessorize with a Kara by Kara Ross pink quartz X-cuff (20% off $295). Purple Haze nail polish by Rescue Beauty Lounge ($19) will have you staring at your hands as you type away on your computer.

Dressing Up the Holidays From Head to Table

Recently I have been on a holiday high thinking of ways to get into the holiday spirit. Baking sweet treats with friends, drowning in "pumpkin harvest & fall" air freshener, strolling through the mall and department stores ogling the seasonal decor- all great ways to boost the cheer factor. But the holidays are not complete without the perfect accessories, and that goes for your table as well as you.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner there's no better time than now to devise a plan of how to dress your table. Forget the typical cornucopia or tired turkey basket filled with fall foliage. This year, try adding some spice to your spread by using playful dishes and chic accents.

Luckily, the Troc has you covered with our collection of unique houseware items that are sure to impress all of your dinner guests.

Add a quirky yet stylish touch to your table with a forest votive (below) or crumpled porcelain platter from Roost. The fun texture will definitely add variety to the setting. Lorena Barrezueta's elegant dishes are also a great pick to add function and flair to your feast. These pieces are fashioned after tin food containers but are made in fine porcelain.

Light a Diptyque candle or sit out an Antica Farmacista scent diffuser and the sweet, powerful aroma will be the first thing your friends and family notice when they step foot into your home.

The presence of quality perfumes and oils in these products will leave a lasting impression on the olfactory senses and help create that cozy holiday mood.

With these touches of interior glamour the holidays at your home will go unmatched, but putting on a great dinner or party does not end there. Whether you are hosting or attending, you can't do the holidays without the perfect accessories for your special ensemble.

For a pop of color or pattern to a simple updo or a sleek straight look throw on a Jennifer Ouelette headband or a feathered creation from Pluma. For party-perfect locks try some of Paul Labrecque's praised luxury hair care products.

Don't let your look slip through your fingers. Paint on a coat of our Rescue Beauty Lounge nail color (left: Black Russian) for a completely polished look, and slip on a set of Alex and Ani mixed metal bangles for a little more shine.

Treat yourself to an early Christmas present and splurge on a pair of shoes to carry you through the endless parties of the season. A heel like one of Brian Atwood's fancy creations are perfect to give you a little boost and a dash of charm.

A pair of Anne Black's playful earrings is the icing on the cake for any outfit, with styles ranging to compliment every outfit from casual to cocktail.

You can't go wrong with any of these home, beauty, or accessory items. They will take care of leaving your friends and family visually satisfied, but satisfying their taste buds is up to you. Happy Holidays from all of us at the Troc!

Two for the Road: 9/18/09

Date: 9/18/09

Bag: Miu Miu gray croc print leather with scarf-wrapped handle

Shoe: Prada navy leather loafer with stacked heel

Worn with: C&C black long sleeved cotton top, Fendi navy short sleeve jacket with brown leather self-belt, Mossimo ombre polyester skirt

This is my homage to Miuccia Prada as I am wearing both Miu Miu and Prada accessories today. The bag was one of my purchases from Milan fashion week (I can't recall the season but I am thinking circa September 2005-2006). I loved the ladylike look of the bag and especially loved the scarf-wrapped handle. The colors are totally on point for right now--the gray with teal, navy, brown and tan. I would wear Rescue Beauty Lounge's Under the Stars nail color with this bag. I think the shoes are one of my first Prada sample sale purchases. They have the perfect rounded squared-off toe and chunky heel. I've thought about giving them up some seasons but am always happy to pull them back out of the closet year-in and year-out. The jacket was a bargain sale purchase from a London Fendi shop; I remember getting an unreal deal. And the skirt is something I picked up at Target earlier this year. Coincidentally I got it because it reminded me of old Prada. I can't tell you how many compliments I get on the skirt...every time I wear it. I love telling people it was $19.99 full price. LOVE!

The Trocadero Top Twenty *Tips #20-#6*

Late August we started our countdown to Fall and came up with the Trocadero TOP 20 Trends to Incorporate into your Wardrobe. From what to buy (cheaply), to search for (in your own closet or someone else's), to invest in or what to skip, these tips should help you make wise decisions of how to spend your money this fall season. Below you'll find our top 15 tips so far....tune into next week when we reveal our final 5 tips.

The Trocadero Top Twenty: Our Must-Have Items To Get You Through The Fall Fashion Season (Tips 20-15)

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).

10. Grab a sweater. As soon as Labor Day is over, it seems like nature automatically turns on the switch button to cooler temps. And it makes us reach for our oversized sweatshirts and cableneck sweaters. While it's always sweater season come autumn, this year it's more about the style of sweaters that are essential to updating your wardrobe. Think oversized, chunky, long and short sleeve. Yes, short-sleeve. The way to wear this is by wearing a long sleeved button down or a long sleeved cotton shell. And when it's really cold, wear it over a cashmere-blend turtleneck. Keep the pants slim or wear a pencil skirt and use a belt to break up the look. There are so many affordable options of the short-sleeved, chunky sweater; many I have seen are under $45.

9. Lace it up. When it comes to footwear this fall, there are a few must-haves to make sure you have in your wardrobe. One trend (and truly a classic style) is the oxford. It works well with all the menswear looks this season but also grounds a more feminine outfit. I really love the oxford bootie on a heel, such as this one called the Blimey from Seychelles. It is such a fabulous style on a hidden one-inch platform that not only will give you great height but is super comfortable...to boot (no pun intended). Its versatility to pair with jeans, dresses, skirts and trousers makes it an all-around shoe/bootie to have in your closet season after season. This is definitely a style you can invest in but we really love all the affordable options out there as well.

8. Drink and think Guinness. I'm not advocating consuming alcoholic beverages; instead I'm talking about drinking in the color palette of the famed Irish beer. Black and tans make a tasty combination when it comes to your wardrobe (and the drink isn't so bad either -- and contrary to what you'd expect, Guinness is not higher in carbs or calories than most beers!).
Whether you take inspiration from the gradient colors of the Guinness as it's poured alone or when it's mixed with a pale ale for the classic black and tan, we think that everyone's eyes will be smilin' when you're sporting colors of rich browns, dark chocolates, earthy tans and ecru beiges.
Just look at some of the accessories at the Troc and you'll get the message.

7. Be somewhat Peta-friendly. I know many people are against wearing fur and this might not be a trend where everyone will go on board. But it is definitely an item-driven season and the fur jacket or fur-trimmed coat is something that looks equally chic with a cocktail dress or a pair of well-worn jeans.

We love all the faux-fur options out there as well such as the Rachel Zoe for QVC line debuting on September 12th (photo courtesy of Instyle.com). But if you want the real deal and are on a budget (and maybe don't want to support the new trade of new fur), then go vintage. It's definitely much more cost-conscious, easier on the psyche and honestly, the designs are true originals. This is where estate sales or antiquing come in handy. A short-drive from Omaha, Walnut, Iowa is an antiquing mecca with shop-after-shop of incredible wares for incredibly low prices. This mink capelet is a fraction of what it would have cost brand new and it was in terrific shape. It also reminds us of Doris Day in the movie, That Touch of Mink.

6. Make them green with envy. The perfect complement to fall's hues of grays, burgundys and chocolates is an accent color of green. We love Rachel Bilson with this cute pop of hunter green color in her shoulder bag and love the small shape as well (photo courtesy of people.com). At Trocadero, we like to take the green in a different direction: on our nails. Rescue Beauty Lounge has launched this brand new color for Fall called Orbis Non Sufficit (Latin for "the world is not enough") and we love the hue with charcoal and deep wine reds. This color and twelve other delectable hues from Rescue Beauty Lounge are all available at Trocadero. Don't forget about your nails, girls. They're just like any other accessory in your wardrobe!

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!

To cover or not to cover? That is the question.

One thing to definitely consider as we start to slowly roll into cooler climates ahead is transitioning your peep toe heels into Fall and further into the colder months.

Heels and Tights are still very much IN, which means that those cute, peep toe heels you've been sporting are to going to get even more wear this Fall & Winter. This works great with like colors like black on black but daring colors and patterns can be just as chic.

Trocadero not only has heels that will transition into your Fall & Winter wardrobe, but these Brian Atwood heels are on SALE too!! The Lidia Self Platform and the Trixi Platform Pump are great shoes to work into your wardrobe right now and into Fall.

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Use these accessories to create a look and feel around these fabulous heels!

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.

Trocadero at Summer Music Festivals

Last summer I went to Chicago for Lollapalooza. It was the first time I'd ever attended a multi-day outdoor music festival and I had a great time. I also learned what to wear. With Coachella going on as we speak, and tons of outfit posts from the festival all over the fashion blogs, I thought a little guide to style for the summer music festivals might be in order. Here's what I came up with.

All four of these outfits would work for any of the American festivals, and they'd work for Glastonbury, in England, with the addition of a good pair of rubber boots and a rain jacket.

We'll start at the left. A pair of jean shorts are necessary (I have this exact pair, from American Eagle Outfitters.) I paired them with a big pair of sunglasses, a simple grey American Apparel tank and of course an all-access pass. Accessorize at Trocadero with Anya Hindmarch's Fruit and Veg tote (to lug your sunscreen, water bottle, lip gloss and wallet) and keep your feet cool in a pair of DV brown "Caprice" gladiators.

The two middle looks both use a dress, and let me just say this is the coolest, most comfortable option at a festival crowded with people in 90-degree heat. Our top look takes a simple Alice and Olivia tank dress in a bright color and pairs it with a funky pair of Puma sneakers, your boyfriend's baseball cap and a classic pair of Ray Ban Wayfarers for an overall sporty vibe. Accessorize this look with a Harajuku Lovers crossbody bag in the fun "Flourescent" colorway and a set of Alex and Ani expandable bangles.

The bottom look uses a floral cotton sundress, from Theory, and makes it festival appropriate but still keeps things feminine. A hat is your best friend in the hot summer sun, and here we show a cute retro straw style from Eugenia Kim. A "Pepto Pink" pedicure from Rescue Beauty Lounge looks great with Matt Bernson's Talaria winged sandal and a pair of retro pink sunglasses. I'd use the Anya tote with this look, too.

Finally, at an evening show, when the sun is on its way down, consider a pair of comfortable boyfriend jeans with a floaty peasant top; here we show Current/Elliott jeans and a Malele Birger York embroidered blouse. A big floppy sun hat keeps the glare off your face and classic aviators just look cool. A simple but cute pair of Seychelles "Get Outta Town" flats and Botkier's "Marcel" clutch with a crossbody strap are dressy enough for drinks after the show.

Have fun at the summer concerts, and even if you're just enjoying music locally, let Trocadero know what you wear.

What do you want in your Easter basket?

It's beginning to look a lot like Easter at Trocadero! Especially when you look at this adorable Pade by Pade Vavra nest bracelet (it also comes in earrings). Since Pade's pieces are all handmade, we only get a few exclusive works of art at a time. I first fell in love with Pade's jewelry around 7 years ago and it was her nest ring in her fine jewelry collection that made me an instant fan. When I first opened the Troc, I knew I wanted Pade to be one of my designers at the store. Click here to see more of Pade's designs available at Trocadero (I'm currently wearing her opal drusy earrings); not everything is pictured on the website so you'll have to come into the store to see the rest of her unique necklaces, cuffs, rings and earrings!

With Easter right around the corner, I've polled everyone at the Troc to tell me what their favorite Easter candy is. For Helen, Sabrina, Stephanie, Sarah and me, Cadbury mini eggs with the hard shell are #1 in our book; for others it's the classic Peep marshmallow treats (but only the chicks for Christine and only if they're yellow for Drew!).
Kathleen loves Reese's peanut butter eggs and Lauren thinks a classic Chocolate Easter Bunny is "the bomb.com!"


With Easter almost here, we want to know what is your favorite candy? Comment and enter to win a Kidrobot Let's Hang zipper pull of your choice! If you're not into sweet tasting things, we can think of some other sweet things...in pastel colors to whet your appetite! Our spring arrivals almost look like an Easter egg palette of mint greens, lavenders, robin egg blues and Peep marshmallow yellows!

We just got back in the Normann Copenhagen grass vases-perfect for that new spring bud growing in your backyard. And it seems like no one can resist Botkier's Trigger moto clutch with its long strap and biker-chick feel...but in a soft way! And finally, Rescue Beauty Lounge's Square Pants nail polish is just the right yellow, not too garish and not saccharin sweet but perfectly subtle and neutral enough to wear with both business casual outfits (we love it with gray and navy clothing) as well as summery floral dresses.