Make Your Summer Wardrobe Work for You

Living in Nebraska, one of the most common questions people ask me is "How do you stay fashionable and cool in the ridiculously hot weather while still remaining work appropriate?" (or at least something to that effect). Since this summer we've experienced some BLAZING temps, I thought I would finally share some tips for staying stylish and cool while keeping it professional at the same time.

Fabric choice is key in hot and humid situations. Look to lightweight fabrics like silk, bamboo, linen and other light knits and sheer fabrics to keep it breezy.

While fabrics like silk and linen require a little extra care and handling, the few extra steps are well worth the beautiful outcome and heat relief.

Lightweight tops and shirt dresses are perfect for this weather, offering ease and breath-ability. Blousy shirts look smashing tucked into a skirt or belted with a summer cardigan.

A winning office look from the blog Alterations Needed.

This silk "Blythe" shirt from J. Crew is easy to wear and super chic.

Ann Taylor's tank dress may seem casual at first glance, but when paired with a summer blazer and a smart pair of pumps or flats (or sandals where appropriate) this number will get you through the work day, cool and collected.

Roll up your sleeves in a cotton blazer, flash a bit of color and texture detail with a bracelet like this snakeskin link option from Kara Ross, and add a simple belt to tie it all together.

Banana Republic's ruffled blouse is a feminine twist on a classic white dress shirt and still holds up the sophistication factor when paired with a slacks or a pencil skirt.

Sea foam green and red come together to make a simple work outfit pop. A feather-light cardigan like this linen version from Banana Republic is perfect to keep you cool outside and cozy in the office.

Tory Burch's linen skirt is both work and weather appropriate and stunning in this bold coral shade. I love the idea of it paired with a lacy top like it's shown, with a crisp pale blue dress shirt or even a silk sleeveless blouse.

Pant options like these from J. Crew are perfect for the office and the cropped fit adds a more fun take on traditional, boring khaki.

Photo sources:

JCrew, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Tory Burch, Kara Ross, Alterations Needed

Alex's Must Have: TDM Bamboo Scarf!

A Trocadero staple, TDM Scarves are definitely a seasonal favorite. I was so excited for this shipment because I love to layer clothing and add a scarf on for an extra pop of color or texture. I know with the warm weather approaching, adding a scarf sounds like a sweaty mess, but these scarves are created from 100% organic Bamboo fiber (we also have a scarf in cotton) and are a breathable weight. They are in rich colors and organic patterns that will go with nearly any outfit, and will definitely add that "extra something."

Not only are these scarves super fun, they are economically and environmentally conscious. The scarves are hand made/dyed by Women in Nepal from natural materials, eco-friendly and azo-free dyes. A portion of the TDM profits go to help support health care and education for the women and children of Nepal. Not only will you be loving the look your scarf adds to your summer wardrobe, you will be helping out women and children in need! Bamboo Scarves available in Sea Green, and Bright Orange ($95) Cotton Scarf available in Patriot Blue ($55).

TOTE-ally Eco, TOTE-ally Chic!

I remember being a little girl and running around the Laiki, meaning "popular market" with my mother every Wednesday in our neighborhood in Athens, Greece. Local merchants came with their goodies of fresh fruits and vegetables to sell with apples as big as your hands and watermelons large enough to feed a family of six. Ok, maybe that's exaggerating, but it was a treat. The wonderul thing about this market here is that you can taste before you buy. The merchants actually encourage this to prove that they are the best in the venue. Many Greeks prefer to get their fruits and vegetables at a market than at a grocery store because there is more to choose from. I prefer getting my fresh oregano here for my Greek salad. I find the whole Laiki trip a wonderful experience. Much more fun than just roaming around the same aisles at your local grocery store. Not only was the food plentiful, but you get more for your buck. Many Greeks also carry their own, personal tote for their purchases. Which begs the question: With all the styling and care we do for ourselves, why shouldn't shopping for food be just as fashionable as well as Eco-friendly ??

Whether you are shopping at the Farmer's Market or at your local grocery store, reusable totes are definitely the way to shop nowadays. Besides, who needs all those crumply, plastic bags hanging around? Even if the thought of carrying a tote sounds annoying to you, there's always the option of carrying pocket size totes that fold up easily in the palm of your hand.

Anya Hindmarch, known for her lady-like style, started a huge craze with her chic, reusable bags simply titled: I'm NOT A Plastic Bag. Now, she expanded her reusable idea into other clever Reusable Totes, each with its own use. Separate your food with these cute totes by putting your eggs in your dairy bag and your chicken in your poultry bag. Yeah, I know what you're thinking: "I need a luxury reusable tote like I need a hole in my head," but according to the Wall Street Journal, America' s consumption of bags is estimated at 100 billion plastic shopping bags annually, that's an estimated 12 million barrels of oil required to make that many plastic bags. So a little luxury isn't so bad, especially when you know that you're doing your part in being responsible. So go ahead, treat yourself.

Want a more portable option? Ty these Flip & Tumble Reusable Bags. These recyclable and reusable bags roll up in a little ball and fit in the palm of your hand. Now you have no excuse for not bringing your own tote. Just drop it in your handbag and pull out when you do your shopping. They can be used for just about anything and the great thing is, you won't have to worry about leaving a tote at home or in the car because this handy little thing will always be with you for that impromptu pick up at the market. And don't worry about ripping them. These bags are made from ripstop nylon (parachute material) and can carry up to 25lbs. Just toss the bag in the washing machine when they need it and when they are no longer usable, send to it to Flip & Tumble to recycle it. They fit comfortably on your shoulder and come in really cute designs and colors, so there's no need to worry about carrying a boring, bland bag.

Fashionable or Functional, there's something for everyone.

TOTE-ally available @ Trocadero.

It's All Greek To Me!

Miss Marie here for a final summer hoorah! I'm a little bit of a travel bunny at the moment with moving to London (and I'll get to London next time) and now visiting beautiful Greece. Not only am I visiting family and catching some serious relaxation, but every now and then I catch a glimpse of some fashionistas and awesome products.

Speaking of products, I had an urge to shop for some eye cream since I ran out of mine and I specifically needed eye cream with SPF. You'd be surprised how hard it is to find an eye cream with that ingredient. Even some of the pricey, popular items out there had no such thing in their eye creams. In my wandering, I came across some products that are not only made in Greece, but can be purchased right here exclusively at Trocadero.

Started as a homeopathic pharmacy, KORRES offers advanced natural formulations with maximum results - and for those of you who are environmentaly conscious, you can feel comfortable using KORRES on a daily basis. All the paper is recycled and all product containers are recyclable. KORRES also uses no harmful chemicals in any of their products. These organic concoctions conjure up images of the mediterranean, healthy lifestyle that the Greeks are so well known for such as yogurt, olive oil, honey, pomegranate and so on.

I liked the Evening Primrose Eye Cream with spf 6 so much, that I went ahead and got the eye serum and some face wash that I ran out of.

Natural and affordable, these products are great for any skin type. Check out our KORRES products at Trocadero.

One Pot Wonder

In this week's Trocadero Tidbits, we continued our 15 Tips for Easy Summer Entertaining and our #4 One Pot Wonder mentioned a fabulous recipe for a New England Clam Bake. You don't have to be on the ocean to create this traditional meal:

New England Clam Bake

2-3lbs fresh spinach blended w/ 4 tsp. salt
4 lbs fresh shrimp
4 lbs crab legs
8 ears corn, shucked
2 lbs new potatoes
2 lbs yellow onions, quartered
4lbs clams, soaked to remove sand
1 lb unsalted butter, melted

Pour 1 inch of water into a 20- quart steamer or kettle. Divide the spinach and salt into 4 equal parts. Place one quarter in the bottom of the steamer, and nestle the shrimp and crab legs on top. Cover with another layer of spinach, and position the corn, potatoes, and onions over it. Cover vegetables with a third layer of spinach, and scatter the clams over it. Cover the clams with the last of the spinach.
Bring the steamer to a boil over high heat, then cover and steam for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the clam shells have opened wide. Divide the seafood and vegetables among eight large platters, and serve with equal portions of melted butter. Discard the spinach.

*Recipe Courtesy of Home By Design

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.

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!

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Summer scarves are here!

Of all the accessories in the world, scarves are one of my favorites. In fact, about a month ago I decided to try and organize my scarf collection only to learn that I had close to 75 scarves in my apartment! If I were to add one more to the already vast pile, I'd have to add one of these Yarnz scarves that Alice bought for Trocadero.

A scarf seems like such a simple thing - just a square of fabric - but in reality, a lot goes into it: weight, length, how it feels against your skin and of course, what it looks like. The ivory peacock feather design we ordered in a light cashmere hits all the perfect notes: it's big enough to tie a number of different ways, feels great against your skin and is lightweight enough to be worn in summer but still warm enough to protect your bare shoulders from chilly central air conditioning that will soon be blasting all over Omaha.

I tied this scarf in my favorite way for the photo on the left, by doubling it in half and pulling the ends through the loop, but it also looks great worn wrapped around the neck or even tied in a long, loose knot.

The pattern shows through no matter how it's tied, and its both subtle and colorful at once. The perfect wear-every day piece.

If you're more of a plain scarf lady, don't worry. A selection of summer weight Mai Scarves, made of a 50/50 blend of linen and cashmere arrived in the store this week, in midori green and onyx.

Solid 100 percent cashmere scarves by Mai are available, too. As spring progresses, the store will get even more great new scarf designs, so stop by and tie one on for yourself.