Botkier Back at the Troc

We are so excited to have Botkier back at Trocadero. I've always been such a fan of the designer Monica and although we temporarily stopped carrying Botkier bags, it wasn't because we didn't love and adore them.

I was at the shop recently and I couldn't help but love the cardinal red tote! It's a great pop of color, a great "neutral" in many ways as a good red can go far in terms of versatility in your wardrobe.

Paired with the tribal print scarf, both pieces are definitely items that will never scream "Spring 2012" but rather, these are wardrobe staple accessories that will enhance anyone's closet.

I also could not stop myself from trying on the latest sandal deliveries. These black platform sandals from Dolce Vita are so amazingly comfortable but also incredibly practical. I mean, who doesn't need a great, basic heel in black? I also like that you can take these sandals and wear them with opaque tights come autumn.

And speaking of black. I'm also loving this black leather Botkier satchel. Do you see the wood bar detail? I adore that! It's just a simple but chic touch that gives this black bag something special.

I'm definitely loving the look of a satchel these days. Handheld or placed in the crook of your arm, it's a far cry from the large, oversized shoulder bags that I'm so accustomed to wearing. I love mixing ladylike with some downtown edge. This bag would be great paired with a biker boot or even the Dolce Vita platform sandals pictured above. But of course, this also works with a classic black pump as well such as these.

At last....SPRING!

A great black/beige snake print on canvas with espadrille wedge.

Springtime has sprung in Omaha but it took a little longer for the Troc to adjust to the new season. Don't get me wrong; we LOVE springtime weather! But knowing Omaha's weather patterns made it us a bit dubious in thinking that Spring was really here and that ugly winter wasn't coming back....

Now that it's April, we are happy to announce the beginning of some of our warmer weather arrivals!

Take a look at some of our sandals that are already gracing the feet of some of our Omaha friends (two customers came in while we were unpacking and bought pairs before they had officially been checked into the system!).

(And the toe nail polish that lets each of these sandals POP? You can find it right here.)

Tan leather platform wood wedges with neon yellow trim

The color combo of the season in a cute thong sandal

Pewter braided leather thong is the easy go-to for any outfit

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.

The It Shoe of Spring 2012

It's been a while since I've gone gaga over a shoe. But this one from Pierre Hardy just does it for me. I LOVE the day-glo pink with the neutral beige. Forget about trying to walk in heels like this...I gave up years ago. But if I was still in NYC working it, I would totally tell the folks at Pierre Hardy that this shoe is the one. The shoe of the season!

Available at net-a-porter for a cool $1050.

Retro-fit your wardrobe for Spring 2012

I've also been following the uber feminine return that is going to be poppin' this spring. To follow up on that idea posted by Jared, I wanted too seek out some of these top pieces and how your wardrobe can get a fresh face without a fresh chunk of change?

Here's what we're seeing and how you can incorporate it with ease!

There's been a huge pop in flirty pastels, big soft floral prints and lace, going back to the waisted fit and flare of the 50's. Its main pieces are extremely feminine but don't expect to be washed out. The key here is in the accessories. My advice... tough-en-up. Bring in your fall leather or military bomber jackets over a modest lace boat neck dress. Lace that looks sheer is classy and sexy at the same time. Chunky or studded jewelry is the best way to stand out. Stick to just one bold necklace or cuff so it's not overdone.

Key pieces you might want to invest in:

You'll want to find a well fitting feminine a-line dress. Make sure you feel comfortable in this piece so it is your go-to dress for any event; weddings, work day to a night out or just a stroll through the farmers market. I'd suggest a solid color for more options to mix and match. I like the silk full skirt shirt dress from Loft , 98-.

~Tailored colored pants. I'm a fan of the Unisex Slim Slack from American Apparel, 74-. An updated Audrey classic that works with sandals, loafers and boots.

One of my personal favorites I've been looking for is a fitted striped blazer like this weekend blazer. I think this piece will add pop and can be worn with most outfits, dress up or casual!

What do you think? How would you incorporate these looks into your own style?