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.

The Big Bang Belt

Yesterday on my personal blog Postcards From Omaha, I wrote about how I was in need of some new clothes and ended up purchasing almost a dozen pieces at Ann Taylor. Yes, that Ann Taylor. I am surprised by how many great staple pieces I bought both this past weekend as well as another trip I made there fairly recently. On my blog I spoke about how I'm a good editor: how I can spot the good items from the bad (read: dowdy, corporate 80s looks that Ann Taylor kind of has the bad reputation for) and quickly edit through a whole store's merchandise. But what I forgot to mention is that once you have these key pieces, it's all about the styling.

When I opened Trocadero, I wanted to concentrate on all my favorite things. Those included accessories, shoes and gifts. And within the category of accessories, I really focused mainly on handbags, jewelry and some scarves. Some people have wandered in the shop looking for belts. We don't sell belts. And there's a reason: I don't really like them. I am not a fan of wide, garish belts with buckle ornamentation. I don't like the belt as "a trend." If anything, I like belts very sparingly. And perhaps that's why I like vintage belts and not so much new ones that are "new to the scene."

On one recent shopping excursion to Ann Taylor, I happened to purchase this top to the left. It didn't seem to be very popular as many sizes were still available and it was on sale like 4 times. I think it was "take an additional 50% off the sale price" sort of thing. I think I might have paid between $25-$35 for this top (originally $88). I liked the gray neutral of the top with the daytime shimmer of matte sequins in a bronzy gold.

I also happened to snag a great gold lurex cardigan from the super sale racks and thought it would pair nicely with the gray top.

I'm still a bit top heavy to date and my waist line has seen slimmer days so with those two in combination, I I find that most shirts fall on me in an unflattering boxy way. Add the cardigan and it just looked really flat and boxy.

Lo and behold, what did I learn? I discovered that the one accessory that would really put the whole look together was a skinny belt! And thankfully for me, Ann Taylor had one in a great gold lizard. I couldn't have picked out a better match for what I needed.

I still don't think I'll be stocking belts anytime soon at the Troc. Instead I recommend you head over to Ann Taylor and check out their wide assortment of skinny belts. This is one item that you'll want to own in different colors and it's just the right accessory to create a waistline and break up a head-to-toe color look.

source: top

Tickets to the Runway

Never been to Omaha Fashion Week? Now is your chance! All this week, the Troc will doing a special raffle to win a pair of tickets to Omaha Fashion Week going on from August 22-27th.

If you are not familiar with OFW, it is the Midwest's largest fashion event. This event allows designers to showcase their best work and network themselves with other designers, stylists, photographers and models.

In order to enter to win tickets for this highly anticipated event, you must do one of three things, which are:

1. Come into the Troc, buy something fabulous for $50 or more and enter your name in the raffle.

2. Bring in a gently used fashion accessory to the store (shoes, handbags, jewelry, etc.) and we will then donate the items to the Lydia House, along with entering your name in the raffle to win tickets.

3. First, go on Facebook and "like" the Trocadéro page. Then, each day this week the Troc team will be posting a fashion related trivia question and the first person to comment with the correct answer will be entered to win the tickets.

The raffle begins Monday, August 1st and the winner will be drawn on Monday, August 8th. We will then arrange for the tickets to be picked up. Good luck!


Photos from Omaha Fashion Week's Facebook page.

Teenie KKINI Bikini

Bikinis are apart of almost every girl's summer wardrobe. Girls secretly compete with one another to see who has the cutest swim suit. Your swim suit is a fashion statement. KKINI bikinis by Michaela Cawley definitely make a statement.



Michaela Cawley is an Omaha native and graduated from Westside High in 2002. She then ventured off to college in California and decided to study abroad in Cape Town, South Africa. Cape Town marked the spot where her love for bikinis and beachwear started. She collected many bikinis while she was there, and then decided that she wanted to start designing them.



After she finished her schooling in California, Cawley traveled back to Cape Town where she studied beachwear. So to make a long story short, she started her own line, KKINI, found a manufacturer, and her luxury swim line was born. KKINI is now sold online, in NYC, and in Cape Town.



Cawley will be featured in the Fall 2011 Omaha Fashion week. The Troc is also lucky enough to team up with her to exclusively carry her glamorous swimsuits in the store for a limited time only. Trocadéro is featuring the blush pink and silver glitter bikinis along with the ultra bright neon yellow and grey strip cover-up. KKINI swim suits are chic and affordable. They range in price from $110-$180. Stop by the Troc and try one on!

Source: omaha.com
Pictures from KKINI Facebook page

Grasping on to style and function

Since my (temporary) departure from interning at The Troc, I can’t help but stop in every now and again, as I find myself getting homesick. Unfortunately for my wallet this means making some sort of purchase to do my fair share as a loyal “customer”.

Upon my last few visits I became intrigued with the idea of adopting a small bag into my daily wardrobe. I often find the need for something to carry my on the go “must haves” in but something that is smaller than a tote and able to easily fit in my grasp. After thinking about all of the pouches we carry in the store, I decided to investigate the crop of stylish candidates.

After a journey of “this one’s too feminine”, “this one’s too small” and “this one may cost more than what I plan to carry in it”, Alice helped me decide on the Harajuku Lovers “tromp l’oeil” "make-up" pouch in black (shown below in cream). I quickly became a fanatic of the small wonder.



Perfect for organizing the clutter wars going on in your purse (or “man-bag”) or a simple solution to carry a few necessities (i.e. phone, gum, cash, lip balm, keys) on the go, the pouch- or as I have named them for myself, the “man-clutch” – is my obsession of the moment.

This past Friday I made my way down to The Troc and ended up snagging the MZ Wallace Bedford Nylon Flat Pouch to add to my collection. This bag is sleek and sophisticated for casual or dressier looks and still fun with a vibrant flash of color from the red lining and the gold colored zipper and stud detailing.

I feel that any woman…or man…could benefit from some sort of pouch in their life. Perfect spring treat for yourself or even great for a last minute Mother’s Day gift (see: Anya Hindmarch’s Loose Pockets!), come down to Trocadero to check out the array we have to offer.


(On a side note: During my last visit I also managed to get my hands on the last Kikkerland Sing Sing Dinner Tray, a hosting necessity that will soon find use this summer maybe serving up Bliss Bakery’s Pink Champagne Caketinis….Yummmm!)

Seoul Sisters in the Heartland of America

Last week we had a trio of celebrities in the Troc. It was none other than the Ahn Trio, the critically-acclaimed classical piano trio. I recognized their name from the countless articles and reviews I have read about them (in Vogue, Time and People among others). Being a classically trained pianist and Korean as well, I felt an instant kinship to them. They, too, were having a moment as they came back the next day to meet me in person and hand me an autographed copy of their CD, Lullaby For My Favorite Insomniac. The sisters, two of whom are twins, were all attractive and beautifully dressed and accessorized; the perfect models for the Troc. They were apparently so happy to find out that the store was owned by a Korean girl from NYC. The sisters, Angella, Lucia and Maria were all trained at Juilliard and currently live in New York but were in Omaha for the tour of their latest CD. I wish I had known about their concert as I would have gone in a heartbeat. When I was in high school I used to play in a classical piano trio. I only remember a Beethoven piece; I don't think we pursued it very far.

I've been listening to their CD and enjoying it very much. I highly recommend it!

From the Pages of a Magazine

Finding inspiration in magazines is nothing new for me. I regularly scour through the periodicals I subscribe to looking for ideas of what I can do with items in my wardrobe. Sometimes I end up buying an inexpensive basic or trendy piece to create a look; other times I take the idea I see in the pages and make it my own using similar pieces I already have. It's totally satisfying to come up with an outfit that I never thought of wearing with pieces I already own. It's all a matter of putting clothes and accessories together in a new way.

Today, for my shift at Trocadero, I re-created an outfit I saw in the December issue of InStyle almost to a tee, and added my own touch with accessories.

The outfit centers on a cream and silver brocade skirt that has a three-figure price tag. I happened to have a nearly identical piece in my own wardrobe that I'd purchased a few years back at H&M; I think it was even on sale. The rest of the outfit is basics that every girl should have: a white blouse, black tights, black oxfords and a navy blue blazer. I added my own twist with an inexpensive chain and pearl twisted necklace similar to the one in the magazine and my beloved Candace Ang bracelet from Trocadero (because I always have to have a piece of the store in my look, right?)

What's even more fun is that all the outfits in the feature center on the same item - the skirt I already have - and other basics like a black turtleneck, a jean jacket and a tank. It's an idea that any girl (or guy) can do: taking one piece and making lots and lots of outfits around that one central item. I know the jean jacket-tank-skirt-bootie combination will make it into my regular outfit rotation sometime soon.

Where do you find outfit inspiration?

Organizing with Anya (and Sarah)

I love Anya Hindmarch -- all of us Troc girls do! -- and so today when I got her latest email newsletter, I had to take a look. This issue included a link to a video of Anya showing how she keeps her own bag organized. Of course, her beautiful bag (of her own design, natch) includes lots of beautiful stuff inside, also all of her own design. I covet her "loose pockets" purses; we carry them at Trocadero and they're a lovely addition to an accessories wardrobe. I might have to finally pick one up at the Troc, especially now that I'm carrying Anya's Seasonal Tote as my go-to fall bag. (There's one left in the store - I highly recommend it!)

Just for fun, and because I love reading "what's in your bag?" blog posts, I included some photos of my Anya Seasonal Tote and the contents inside, to give our loyal Troc Talk readers an idea of just how versatile this bag really is: perfect for carrying a laptop or file folders, as a yoga tote or just to use every day (like I do!) My bag isn't nearly as stylishly organized as Anya's, though I think my love of all things Troc (hello Kidrobot keychains, Archipelago grapefruit lip gloss, BC I used to be a rice bag cell phone holder and Rafe wallet!) is easy to see.

Here is a rundown of what you see above, starting at top, clockwise: Bajra checkered wool scarf, green portfolio, daily newspapers, Rafe wallet, $7, work cell phone, blackberry, BC phone case, keys with Kidrobot Yummy Breakfast coffee and milk keychains, pen, a selection of lip gloss including Archipelago grapefruit, Chanel nail polish in Intermezzo, extra car key, computer drive holding all the computer documents I used for my wedding planning (hence the giant engagement ring keychain), Oso Burrito frequent buyer card, reading glasses, two checkbooks, RayBan aviators and a vintage Whiting and Davis bag I use for a makeup case. Below, a little closeup of some of my mini Kidrobot keychains: L to R: heart from "Things that Hurt" line, fireplace from "Luckies" line, bomb from "Things that Hurt" line and smiley green flower from the "Zipits" line. The little green guy and the coffee cup were the first two Kidrobot toys I ever bought - and the first purchases I ever made from the Troc!

Click here and click on "As Seen In" to see Anya talking bags and spilling the contents of her bag to the world.

BE&D at Fashion Week

Even though my wedding is in a mere ten days, I've been doing my best to keep up with New York Fashion Week. Looking at collections online--and at photos of celebs and fashion editors in their amazing outfits--is one of my favorte time-wasters. So it's easy to see why I was excited to see this image of Misshapes member Leigh Lazark carrying the BE&D "Garbo" Bag that Trocadero has for fall. I love how Lazark matched the hard-edged bag with an equally rock-and-roll outfit.


photo by Kelly Stuart for the ELLE News Blog

Scholastic Rock n' Roll

My favorite trend of the season is STUDS. I love their rough aspect paired with soft leather and the rocker facade they provide for any outfit a studded accessory is paired. Unfortunately academia doesn't cater to the rocker in all of us when trips to the library are more important than the latest show at Slowdown. Therefore I have put together a collection of items that say rebellion while secretly hiding your Calculus textbook.

My favorite and most affordable item is the Jonathan Wright and Company bookplates each blessed with an individual skull and crossbones and a dose of latin. I can't wait to add some rebellious flair to my boring and beat-up trapper keepers in class. I also am in love with the "Kate" bag (I swear no bias) from MZ Wallace. Originally intended for a diaper bag this brilliant tote has pockets for every pencil, pen, and protractor as well as plenty of room for that brand new environmentally safe Macbook your parents gifted you for graduation. The sleek Botkier clutch also doubles as a perfect pencil pouch or makeup bag for those school days turned late, late nights.

I'm dreading leaving the cobblestoned streets of the Old Market to return to the foothills of Appalachia for school but hopefully with some of these items in tow it will make the transition a little more glam-rock.

Meet Team Trocadero: KATE

This month we were lucky to have our out-of-state intern, Kate, join the Troc. Sadly, it seems that time does indeed fly by and we seem to already be at the close of an incredibly active month. Kate learned not only about the brands of Trocadero but also the buying, merchandising and selling of all our items, the joy of the Troc required film list and last but not least, the art of the Tiffany bow. Here, we find out a little bit about Kate before she ventures back to the Buckeye state...

Favorite film right now? The Thomas Crown Affair. I watched the remake with Pierce Brosnan and Faye Dunaway not realizing there was an "original one" (found out in a magazine fashion spread, surprise). I was drawn to the complete honesty of the characters and found Rene Russo's character captivating. (*ed note: The Thomas Crown Affair, 1968 is on the Trocadero Required Film List for its continuing influence in fashion)

How would you describe your personal style in one sentence? A grown-up child, with accessories from Dad and silhouettes from Mom.

If you could be anywhere in the world, where would you be right now? Although cliché, the streets of Paris completely immersed in culture.

My Troc pick-of-the-month: Definitely the Bed & D studded bag or the matching wallet!

My guilty pleasure is: http://thisiswhyyourefat.com

My favorite item of clothing in my closet: A white and grey sweater that I bought at a thrift store for a unicorn costume and ended up integrating into my wardrobe.

Current fashion icon? Zooey Deschanel

If I had 36 hours in Omaha, I would: Go to the Farmer's Market on Saturday morning in the Old Market then sit and people watch at La Buvette right next door. Omaha is a mecca for thrifting and I recommend Bellwether Boutique (local designers with an art gallery along with cheap finds), Second Chance (the basement is a secret find filled with vintage clothes, accessories and luggage), Retro and the Flying Worm (cool boots and faded tees). And I'd never pass up eating an itchy seabass roll at Blue Sushi downtown. And if you're into live music, head over to the Slowdown or catch an indie, docu (like Food, Inc.) or classic flick at Film Streams.

photo of Zooey Deschanel from people.com

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!

Rock and Roll Lifestyle

I have been totally inspired by the rock and roll-inspired editorial spreads filling the September issues so far. Motorcycle chic isn't my go-to style--I'm much more of a vintage modern gal--and the only item in my closet that even approaches this aesthetic is my Diane von Furstenberg navy blue motorcycle jacket. I think it'll be seeing a lot more wear this season, and I'm definitely hoping to pair it with some of the amazing studded pieces Alice has in the store this fall.

I swooned over the Be & D "Colette," pictured at the bottom left, which Trocadero has in black with a silver chain handle. The leather is butter-soft, and its one of those pieces that has to be seen in person to truly appreciate. The Be & D "Garbo" clutch, which Alice bought in gunmetal and nickel, has a long chain strap hidden inside; it embraces two of fall's biggest trends in one.

The best thing about this trend is that, even if your style verges on the conservative or lady-like, a piece with a harder edge can still work - check out Botkier's more gentle take on the stud trend with the champagne "Marcel" bag (another long chain strap, too!) and its rose gold "Studio" clutch. Instead of overpowering a softer look, these two bags will just bring a touch of your inner biker chic to the surface.

Farmer's Market Saturdays

Last week we received our first shipment from a new vendor...Flip & Tumble eco-chic foldable totes. Their name describes the way these lightweight ripstop nylon bags fold up and turn into a convenient ball to stow in a handbag, tote, glove compartment, suitcase, etc. At the Troc, we carry them in bright, cheerful color combinations as seen in our window, expertly decorated by PJ and Kate. Do you notice the gorgeous cut out fruits and veggies that Kate painstakingly created for our windows? Who said an intern's job was thankless? We also have two cute patterned ones: this brown tote with an image of a pink bicycle and another brown tote with the image of little birdies. With both the plain and patterned totes priced under $15, these are great gifts to give and receive. And, the perfect carryall for local farmer's market shopping. Or a trip to the pool. Though today it looks like Omaha's weather is not cooperating with either. Torrential rain and thundershowers this morning woke me up at the crack of dawn. Which makes me think about those See by Chloe rain boots we have on order (see August 11th's post). Too bad Italy is closed for the month of August! That means we won't be receiving our shipment of boots until September. If you don't have a proper (and cool-looking rain boot), definitely stop into the Troc to pick up a pair of See by Chloe ones. They'll make you wish for rainy days.

July Showers Bring August Flowers?

Today's weather forecast: cloudy and light showers with a chance of thunderstorms... yick. That dreaded weather report turns everyone's "supposed to be summer" day into one of those "I don't want to do anything other than lay in bed and watch HBO" kind of days. This one rainy day mixed into a full week of lovely weather has been irking me since I woke up. Everyone's supposedly cooped up in their house watching the latest episode of True Blood or at a coffee shop warming up with a latte because there isn't anything better to do. However, I think most people don't go out on days like these because they have no idea what to wear. I often find myself thinking, "ya' can't sport a sundress when there isn't a ray of sunshine" or questioning if jeans and a long-sleeved shirt would be too much cover-up for the month of July. And even though you could technically categorize my daily schedule as something similar to those inside-only types (except I'm required to be inside for work), I decided to turn all my unused energy into a tutorial on how to dress for a rainy day.

Starting off with a trench coat and a pair of slim-fit jeans (two things every closet needs), you can go for a variety of looks. Make your neutral coat pop with the bright colors in "This Look" or glam it up with rich purple and gold tones in "That Look". Carry a bag that won't get soaked if you have to take it out into the rain. I recommend the usually water-resistant fabrics like nylon or patent leather. As well as covering your belongings, keep your feet out of the puddles with a sturdy pair of patent leather flats, like the Miss Marc ones featured, or put on your favorite pair of pumps. It'll save your feet and pants from the water and add "umph!" to your look. Pretty much a win-win situation, if you ask me. To top it all off, you can even find an umbrella to match!

All the accessories (other than the umbrellas) featured are available down here at the Troc. So, if you need something to do on a day like this, add your own touches to our stylish outfits to look great on even the most drab of days!

15 Tips for Easy Summer Entertaining

Summertime and the Living is Easy...

All July we've been sharing our tips for simple and chic summer shindigs in our weekly newsletter Trocadero Tidbits . Check out our complete list of suggestions this week as we end our list.
15. Themes aren't just for children's birthday parties, but also for the detail-oriented individual. Choose a theme like "Mediterranean Soiree" and carry it out in everything from the decor to the invitations to the food. Sweet Myrtle & Bitter Honey: The Mediterranean Flavors of Sardinia by Efisio Farris is full of tasty, authentic dishes.
14. Utilize the great outdoors with a backyard bash. Just be sure to have both sunny and shady areas for your guests and if entertaining at dusk, be sure to take care of problems like bugs with a natural deterrent like a lavender candle from Diptyque or more traditionally with Tiki torches and candles with citronella.
13. Use bright splashes of color to create a fun and vibrant atmosphere. Kikkerland's "Sing Sing" plastic dinner trays add a unique touch to any setting and are the perfect indoor and outdoor buffet line plate.


12. Bring out your inner Ina Garten. Yeah, sure, some of the Barefoot Contessa's recipes look hard to replicate but we have this easy, light salad made with fennel and oranges that will impress your dining companions. Take 2-4 fennel bulbs and chop into bite-sized pieces. Peel 3 oranges and slice into slivers. Mix with 2 oz of arugula. Combine and whisk 1/4 cup olive oil, the juice of 2 lemons, kosher/sea salt and freshly ground pepper and pour the dressing over the salad and toss. Serves around 6.
11. Create a "Signature" Drink. Instead of having to play bartender (or hire one), fill pitchers with a summery cocktail for guests to serve themselves. Just be sure to have plenty of ice on hand. We love this recipe for Clementine Margaritas from chef Todd English and actress Eva Longoria. The cocktail reminds us of combining Bond No. 9's "Little Italy" with "Coney Island" -- yum!


10. Create instant conversation starters. Encourage dialogue and mingling by playing an after dinner game. Try writing hot topics on small pieces of paper and filling a large bowl with them, pass the bowl around the table and have each guest start off the discussion on a topic. This activity is sure to keep friends entertained long after the food is gone.
9. Here's a quick start to a first course. Use the bounty of the season, and serve a chilled soup. All you need is fresh fruit and herbs, heavy cream, and a blender, and you are set for a dish that is as refreshing as it is filling.
8. Let Your Stomach be Your Guide. Be resourceful by using items you already have around the house for table decor. Filling clear bowls or vases with fruit makes for a fail-proof centerpiece and an appetizing treat for the eyes.
7. Get to Know the Neighbors. Co-host a 5-course "block party" with your fellow homeowners/apartment dwellers. Start at home #1 for appetizers and move onto the next for soup, the third for salad and so forth. If you're a wine connoisseur, create special pairings with each course. Perhaps start with an Italian Prosecco and end with a French Muscat. And with no driving, it's not only safe but also eco-friendly. Eat, drink and be merry!
6. You've Got Mail. Email invites just got revolutionized by Paperless Post. These stylish and eco-friendly invites resemble fine stationery and are sent to your guests in a virtual envelope that even opens with a click of the mouse. Finally, the elegance of handwritten invitations is back and more convenient.


5. Bring the Ocean to your backyard. Create a beach theme in your home or backyard by decorating with items from the shoreline. Set the table with beach pails filled with condiments, silverware, or napkins, and decorate with picnic baskets and scattered seashells. To enhance the beachy atmosphere, burn a Diptyque Feu De Bois (firewood) or Essence of John Galliano candle (which has notes of Birchwood) to give the feel of a bonfire without the hastle of one.

4. One pot wonder. Nothing says summer on the beach like a New England clam bake. Since Omaha is a little far from the ocean, the traditional method of cooking it on the beach forms a challenge; so try an in-the-kitchen version like this one from Home By Design.
3. Spend a night overseas. Take a tour of the foreign beaches of St. Tropez or Biarritz with a menu of French seafood. Take a venture from the typical ocean cravings and try recipes from Eric Kayser's New French Recipes.

2. Take the party on the road. Lighten your load of responsibilities by taking advantage of festivities already going on in the community. Grab some friends, pack up a picnic basket and head to a summer music festival like Jazz on the Green to enjoy dinner and a show.

1. Create an instant dual purpose party-favor. Buy a dozen glass bowls and a dozen betta fish and use them as decorative touches on cocktail tables. Then at the end of the night, guests can choose a fish bowl to take home.

The Troc Look of the Week

When Cygne came to work the other day she had an extremely "je ne sais quois" French look. It seemed quite effortlessly chic and something that seemed reminiscent of what I would see on young French women in Paris, the city with the most fashionable looks.

What works here? The lightweight, spaghetti strap cotton summer dress in white paired with a same length charcoal cotton cardigan makes it work appropriate. The short-sleeves on this cardigan is a modern take on the traditional, "grandpa" style item. Cygne's choice of accessories really worked too. The nude sandals don't distract from the neutral ensemble. And the piece that really ties the whole look together is the skinny tan belt that she "borrowed" from her mom's closet. I'm not a big fan of belts (Trocadero, in fact, does not carry them at all) as I find them awkward to wear most of the time. But her use of this "vintage" piece from her mom's closet made me think that I need to start wearing some of my own collection of belts, both skinny and wide ones.

Let us know what you think of Cygne's look. And check back here for future posts on our Trocadero Look of the Week.

Summer Hair Care on Sale at Trocadero

It's July and the height of humid, sticky weather in Omaha. We know what that means for your hair! So we're trying to make it a bit easier by offering some incentives on our star hair care products from Paul Labrecque. Personally I cannot live without Paul's incredible mud conditioners. At Trocadero we carry both the Daily Mud Conditioner as well as the one for Color-Treated hair. Both are truly amazing, with moisturizing sea mud that does not weigh down the hair follicle. I swear by both. For a deeper leave-in treatment, their Repair lotion is the bomb. Combined with the Repair Shampoo, you'll have restorative effects on your color-treated and sun-damaged hair. Believe me, this stuff is better than Kerastase. And right now at 20% off all Paul Labrecque products at Trocadero, it's worth it to test out.

Paul Labrecque's styling products are also superb. Just look at this month's In Style that featured both his Shine Spray and his Humidity Control Hair Mist.

I'm in love with his Curly Style Hair Gel as it really brings out some of the natural wave in my locks. And for a versatile product for short (for guys too!) and long, layered hair, you can't go wrong with the Paul Labrecque Daily Finish Matte Pomade. It has the awesome sea mud formulation like his mud conditioners and it smells so good. I can't get enough! I highly recommend you take advantage of the special hair care savings. And then let us know what you think of the products. Are they worth every penny? We want to know!

Another hair care and beauty deal is going on with our Ole Henriksen products as well. Now thru the end of the month, buy one Ole Henriksen product and get another one for 1/2 off. We're in the midst of streamlining our beauty lines at Trocadero so we need to make room for the new products that will be lining our shelves come fall. Stay tuned to see what we have in store.

And lastly, we are offering a 30% discount on our SPF skin care products. That means our wild rose skin cream from Korres, Malin+Goetz SPF 30 face lotion and Korres watermelon face cream.

Isn't it time to treat yourself to some bargain treatments?

Let's remember these style icons.

This is Miss Marie blogging for the first time and even though I'd rather have my first blog for TrocTalk be about more uplifting pieces, I realize this is a great opportunity to touch base on what the passing of Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson has brought to the fashion community.

Whether it was Farrah's gorgeous locks and smile or Michael's white glove, pegged pants and stark white socks, they all left a very strong impression with us. Not only will these individuals leave a lasting legacy in the acting and music industry, but they will forever be an inspiration for generations to come. This is Trocadero's tribute to them and how they forever changed our fashion outlook.

Farrah's signature style was obviously her feathered locks. Above, Whitney Port and Paris Hilton pay homage to her iconic 70's-hairstyle. You can recreate this style by using some of Trocadero's haircare products from Paul Labrecque, such as the Volume Style Root-Lifting Spray and Daily Finish Matte Pomade.

Michael's Thriller album has him in a sleek, white suit that is not far from what Katy Perry is sporting. Ashley Olsen has the Billie Jean look down to a T. And...let's not forget that iconic red, puffy, leather jacket that Rihanna is rockin'. To get a little bit of the 80's look, try these Marc by Marc Jacobs flats and the Botkier fold over clutch.

All accessories are available at Trocadero.

6 Smart Packing Tips for Summer Getaways

In this week's Trocadero Tidbits newsletter, we featured several tips and tricks to ease packing stress and make the most of your luggage-space. Here is our full list of tips to help lighten your load.

6. Neutral basics are key foundation pieces to be worn 2-3 times. Solid shirts, shorts, skirts and a pair of dark wash jeans serve as staples.

5. Add a few pieces that pop like a vest,a patterned or print shirt or a lightweight cardigan or blazer to liven up your neutral pieces.

4. Accessories finish the look. Pack lightweight scarves, statement necklaces and bangles, and a few pairs of sunglasses to transform your outfits from afternoon stroll to evening out-on-the-town.

3. Make the most of convertible pieces. A spaghetti strap evening dress can be worn with a blouse and a waist belt for a daytime ensemble. Satin sleeveless tops that can be worn casually with jeans or a pencil skirt and a blazer for a business lunch are also perfect for those busy, event-filled trips.

2. Be sure to pack a pair of cute and comfortable flats or sandals to wear in your down time. Flip flops are great at the poolside or at the beach, but investing in a cute comfy sandal or ballet or open toed flat really polishes a look, especially in "city" vacations.

1. Travel size beauty kits like Malin + Goetz 1 oz. essential kit, available at Trocadero, are both space and airline friendly. Also, try packing an empty spray bottle. If you are land-locked, fill it with water and salt, and use it in the hair for perfect beachy waves.

All of us here at the Troc wish you a safe, happy, and stylish summer travel season. Don't forget our summer travel tips when packing your bags, and keep Trocadero in mind for all of your accessory needs. Bon voyage!

To become a Trocadero Tidbits subscriber, click HERE!