Summer scarves, part two

In the new issue of InStyle, which came in my mailbox last week (a new fashion magazine in the mail always excites me) the editors debuted a new feature, Ask Rachel, where actress Rachel Bilson tackles readers style queries. Bilson is one of my favorites to watch, style wise, and apparently I'm not the only one that likes her look. At the front of the issue, InStyle cites a reader survey it conducts on what celebrity has the best personal style and Bilson regularly comes out on top. I think its incredibly cool that Bilson took on this challenge, and I am looking forward to reading her answers to different questions each month.

This month, though, she mentions one of her favorite style accessories, the summer scarf. As I've blogged about before, I simply love scarves. Here's the question and Rachel's answer from the magazine.

Q: What are some tips for wearing scarves in warm weather?

A: My favorite accessory! A lightweight blend, like cashmere-silk, is one you can use year-round. I tend to go for longer ones because you can do more. Fringe is kind of over, in my opinion. Matta makes scarves edged with pom poms, which are a cool alternative to fringe.

Rachel is pictured at left wearing a very cool summer scarf in a sunny yellow, along with some simple basics: black skinnies, a black leather jacket and a white t-shirt. If you're in the market for a summer scarf of your own, stop by Trocadero. We have a number of options: Mai Cashmere, TDM Designs and Yarnz scarves, which come in Bilson's recommended silk-cashmere blends as well as some eco-friendly versions made of bamboo.

Photo courtesy of The Fashion Spot

Put A Feather In It

I have a confession to make: I love birds. No, I've never had a pet parakeet, nor would I ever own a bird in cage. I'm not a bird watcher, and in my mind, any bird with a hint of azure to its feathers is a Bluebird.

Perhaps my bizarre affinity towards birds explains why one of my favorite accessories at the Troc is the Pluma feather headband. Did you catch the photo of Milla Jovovich wearing the "Kit" style in the March 16, 2009 issue of People? The magazine declared "feathers" a H-O-T trend for Spring, and we at the store agree! 

If you're not sure whether you can pull off a feather headband, try wearing one that blends in with the color of your hair. For example, if you're a brunette, go for the headband with the black and green feather rather than a lighter version. That way, the look is less "in your face." Personally, I love when the feather pops, so I often choose to wear the white headband with the white and brown feather in my almost-auburn hair.

If you own a Pluma headband, let us know how you like to wear it: matching your hair color or contrasting with it. 

Ode to Lidia

What can we say but the Lidia from Brian Atwood is H-O-T! Just in the past couple days we've had emails, phone calls and local customers inquiring about this shoe. I don't know if it's just because Gwyneth was seen wearing it on her website GOOP or because people are in the mood for a sexy, open-toed sandal now that Spring has Sprung but it is the popular shoe of the week. We love you Lidia in all your glory! Be warned Trocadero only has about three pairs left of the Brian Atwood Lidias...I think we have a 36, 38 and 39...so reserve your pair now!

Drew Barrymore in Giuseppe Zanotti

Drew Barrymore - who has been all over the place promoting her new movie "Grey Gardens" - fearlessly wore a funky dress by Giambattista Valli for an appearance on David Letterman yesterday. And what's more exciting is that she has on a pair of shoes by Giuseppe Zanotti that we have at the Troc! I'd say she looks fabulous, wouldn't you? Check out Drew's shoes - and a bunch of other fabulous choices - here. Happy shopping!

Photo of Drew courtesy NY Post.

Inspiration by way of Talaria

After Trocadero got the new Matt Bernson Talaria sandal earlier this week, I felt a whiff of inspiration, as if from the gods. Just kidding. But it's an awfully cute sandal, and it can be worn in tons of ways.

Our looks this week all focus on this cute, versatile gladiator with a darling pair of wings at each ankle. First, a glittery mini dress paired with a Pade Vavra knuckle duster pearl ring, a simple Anya Hindmarch clutch and an adorable Pluma feather headband gets you ready for girls night out. Next, we update the ubiquitous black legging with a simple gray tank, an updated boyfriend blazer and the go-anywhere Sasha convertible hobo from Botkier. Finally, let your winged sandals take you though the workday in a simple black blouse, a brightly-colored tulip skirt and signature expandable bangles from Alex and Ani. None of these looks would be complete without a sprinkle of the truly addictive Glamo Glitz eye shadow from Scarlett Cosmetics.

And, in case you were wondering, the Talaria sandals are named after the winged sandals worn by the Greek Gods, most often Hermes, the messenger god. Pretty good lineage for a sandal, no?

All accessories above are available in store now at Trocadero! Clothes designed by Chloe, Elizabeth and James, American Apparel, Helmut Lang, James Perse and Lipsy.

Silver Sandals

My sister, Lindsey, is a fashion writer for one of Omaha's independent newsweeklies, and she also has a blog, where she regularly features her own outfits and answers style-related questions for her readers, including me. I totally take advantage of this fun service. Recently, I asked her to help me style a pair of Giuseppe Zanotti silver sandals I got at Trocadero. Check out her amazing post, and see some of the great outfits she put together below.

45 Tips to Gear Up for Summer

If you get our weekly newsletter, Trocadero Tidbits, then you know that we're counting down the days to the "unofficial first day of summer" on Memorial Day, which falls on May 25th this year. We've been revealing 5 tips a week, trying to make the slow progress more bearable. If you've missed tips  45-26 look no further. 

Spring Break Fever 

45. Incorporate Bright Colors Start with a light scarf, colorful nails or a bright bag or skirt with your tights and cardigan...before you know it, it will be Arnold Palmer and summer dress season

44. Change up Your Fragrance We think that heavier muskier scents like Bond no. 9's Andy Warhol Lexington Avenue works better in the winter, while lighter floral or citrus fragrances are favored for spring. Time to break out Bond no. 9's Coney Island which has hints of margarita mix and guava. 

43. Get a Pedicure Get your toes ready for exposure with a soak and professional paint job. Our favorite pedicure spot is Nail-Tek on 78th street between Dodge and Cass. The technicians are quick and thorough and offer some of the lowest prices in the city. 

42. Buy Fresh Flowers It's probably too early to start planting your summer garden, so compromise and purchase some fresh flowers next time you're at the grocery store. The smell and colors will improve your home and your mood immediately. 

41. Take Your Lunch Outside Take a 20 minute mini-retreat at lunch. Eat your sandwich or salad outside on your front porch or on the grassy hill outside of work while soaking in the sun. Breathe in some fresh air before it's back inside to cleaning or the computer. 

Out and About

40. Exercise Sparky Take that cooped up pooch on walk or to the park for a brisk jog. SIngle? Better yet! Dog owners are really friendly people, and you already have one thing in common...man's best friend. Just don't forget a plastic bag!

39. Protect your look One of the worst things about spring is that you never know when rain will ruin your hair or shoes, and your umbrella is always in the car or hall closet. Thanks to this website, you can enter your location and the website will text or e-mail you if you'll need your umbrella that day. Tut tut, looks like rain. 

38. 'I' is for Ice Cream Once it gets warm enough to open the door at Trocadero, we can't help but crave ice cream. Nothing says carefree, like a double scoop waffle cone. Our favorite ice cream is from Ted and Wally's, on the corner of 12th and Jackson, which features wacky, homemade flavors daily. Try the lemon ginger; we swear it doesn't taste like body wash. 
37. Channel your Inner Child You don't have to be a kid to paint a picture, make a collage...or see a puppet show. Tony-award winning musical Avenue Q is in town at the Orpheum Theater through Sunday. Just don't bring the little ones to this one...it's for mature audiences only. 
36. Visit the Zoo You've seen the jungle, aquarium and even the desert dome a thousand times, but have you visited the Insect and Butterfly Pavillion at the Henry Doorly Zoo? It opened last May, but hummingbirds were just added last month.

Spring Cleaning 

35. Eat Asparagus This yummy, green vegetable is now in season! Asparagus is a great source of antioxidants and a great detoxifier, but did you know that the stalky vegetable is a diuretic and a good source of folic acid...perfect for those looking to conceive! Intern Christine recommends asparagus with a simple penne, fresh ground black pepper, red pepper flakes and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Our stomachs are already grumbling!
34. Donate Old Clothes It's that time of year when half your closet holds wool sweaters and long pants while the other half is filled with sun dresses and lighter cardigans.Take an hour to go through that mess and set aside anything that you haven't worn in a year...like those gaucho pants. Donate your old duds to the Salvation Army or Goodwill, and if the clothing is business appropriate send it to the YWCA Career Clothing Closet, one ofTrocadero's favorite charities. 
33. Clean Makeup Brushes Cleaning your makeup brushes is often times a forgotten beauty task, but now that winter's over stop dusting dead skin cells over your face. At least once a month, wash your makeup brushes with a gentle shampoo and lay out to dry overnight. If that's too much work, try Clinique's new Quick Blush Brush that's finished with anti-bacterial technology.   
32. Wear Patent Leather Don't ruin your new leather bag in April showers (or ugh, snows). Instead opt for patent leather which is virtually waterproof, and nice and shiny as an added bonus. Don't have any patent leather? Trocadero has two black patent Botkier convertible hobos (favored by Angelina Jolie and Rihanna) and one hunter green patent Anya Hindmarch duffle on sale, plus a nice selection of red patent Rafe bags and patent-trimmed Anya Hindmarch totes and clutches new for spring! Shoes more your thing? Pick from Marc by Marc Jacobs' Miss Marc ballet or Giuseppe Zanotti's lust-worthy rocker heels in blush and black patent.
31. Prevent Allergies 
Finally a no needle, drug free way to combat allergies. Advanced Allergy Therapeutics (AAT) is a digital, non-invasive treatment with roots in acupuncture. Learn more about ATT from Dr. Thomas Triba at Triba Chiropractic Clinic (2720 S. 114th Street), one of only 58 centers in the country to offer this technique.

So Fresh and So Clean 

30. Come Fly With Me While flights are still relatively cheap, take advantage and book your summer destinations now...before gas prices become unfriendly. Travelocity is our favorite travel planning site but also check out the special $49 one-way flights on Southwest.
29. Strike a Pose We know you say you're not flexible but we'd like to try to bend you the other way...by getting onto the yoga bandwagon. It will not only limber you up but will also strengthen your back and alleviate a natural-stress area. Try the Omaha Yoga School's Hyp-Yoga class or if you're a little more experienced sweat it out with a Bikram class at One Tree Yoga. Namaste.
28. Lose pounds with a new 'Do
There's nothing like feeling ten pounds lighter when you chop your locks. Especially if you've got 8 inches or more to cut off like Alice did a couple years ago. She donated her locks to Pantene's "Beautiful Lengths" program that provides wigs for cancer survivors. If your hair (or you) are not ready for a chop, why not experiment with some color with a Today Show regular Louis Licari-trained local colorist, Christi Clark over at Hair Tech in Rockbrook Village. We love Christi for her perfect L.A.-blonde highlights but at Omaha prices.

27. Lick your Lips Easter is right around the corner and it's hard to resist eating all sorts of candy such as intern Sabrina's favorite Cadbury mini eggs and Christine's fave Peeps. Click here to see what our other staff favorites are and let us know what candy you want in your Easter basket. But if you're like some of us and either gave up sugar for Lent or are on a spring diet, we've found the Easter Bunny cure for you: Peeps lip balm. 

26. Recycle the Unthinkable Intern Drew can't help but recycle glass, even if Omaha makes it rather inconvenient and Sarah regularly recycles her Diet Coke cans at work. You might recycle your milk cartons, cardboard boxes, and don't even think about ever taking a plastic bag...but what about your makeup containers? Thankfully, Origins cosmetics is now accepting empty cosmetic containers, tubes and jars at their makeup counters, regardless of brand, for recycling and energy recovery. Which brings us to our next point: what is your eco-ritual? Check out our blog to see more of our eco-tips as we celebrate Earth Day this month and let us know what you do to keep our environment green and ecologically safe. We'll post some of our favorite customer tips in an upcoming Trocadero Tidbits.

Stop and Smell the Flowers

25. Experiment with an Elixir The fermented Chinese tonic, kombucha, promises to rejuvenate, restore, revitalize, replenish and regenerate, so expect high energy and clear thinking. But beware...kombucha is not for the faint of heart. If raw strands of culture in your tea freaks you out, then this is not the drink for you. But it might change your life...and is now available at Cubby's in the Old Market in addition to Whole Foods out west.  

24. Support a Fashion Indie Help bring a fashion legend to town...on the big screen. Valentino: The Last Emperor is a behind-the-scenes look at the world of fashion from the legendary designer himself. The movie is now playing in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco but expands its release starting April 17th. The film that Time calls "flawless" and The New York Post calls "pure movie magic" isn't on its way to Omaha yet...but it could be. Click here to see where it's playing now and in wider release as well as to find out how to get it to your town. Sounds like a perfect movie to screen at Omaha's Dundee Theater or Film Streams...

23. Ban Rays Invest in a pair of dark, high quality shades. They'll last you years, we swear.  We are grooving on these styles from Marc Jacobs (left) Selima Optique (center) and Marni (right) and like the selection at local sunglass shop Robert Max in Countryside Village. But we like to mix it up sometimes and suggest amping up your sunglass wardrobe with a pair of Blublockers, a fun pair of tinted aviators, or a crazy pair of unique vintage frames.  

22. Rice, Rice Baby  With Earth Day a week away, why not support the environment with a quirky, new take on recycled goods? BC Footwear's "I used to be a rice bag" flip flops and iPhone/Blackberry holder are made of recycled rice bags and available now in limited quantities at Trocadero. These cheeky but comfy sandals ($35) and durable phone covers ($18) make great gifts for both your carnivore and vegan friends! Check out our blog post on them here. Speaking of rice, we're always on the lookout for great Asian eats in Omaha.  We have recently been tipped off from Amanda at Jackson Street Booksellers (the best used book store in America according to Omaha native, best selling author and NPR host Kurt Andersen) that India Garden at 125th and Center has an amazing lunch buffet. Alice went for dinner and said that both the Chicken Makhani and the Aloo Gobi were 'so flavorful and spicy.' And don't miss Mother India on 35th and Leavenworth for takeout Vindaloo. Hmmm do those rice bag shoes come with a free meal?

21. Embrace the Greek Life With Greek Orthdox Easter on Sunday, our minds can't help but wander to the blue skies and waters of Santorini. Thank God for the just newly arrived Miroslav Sasek illustrated book: This is Greeceto sweep us away...visually. Or feel like a goddess and slip on a pair of Matt Bernson's "Talaria" gladiators. "Talaria" actually means winged sandal, and is the footwear of choice for Hermes, the Greek messenger god. See how we style the shoe by checking out our post at Troc Talk.

Back to Basics

20. Hit the Pavement Spring is the perfect time to start thinking about getting healthy, and the Omaha Health, Wellness and Fitness Expocomes just in time for seasonal detox. This year's event, slated for April 24-25th at the Civic Auditorium, will feature more than 250 exhibitors showing their wares! Click here for more information on the walk and bike ride to benefit the American Lung Association and officially kick off the season to exercise outdoors. Best part: admission is free! 

19. Make the Old New Again If you've purchased Frugalista, Rescue Beauty Lounge's sparkly nail polish from Trocadero, and still haven't embraced the lifestyle...then it's time to try the Recessionista Project. Lindsey Baker, the City Weekly's style editor and the sister of our own Sarah Baker, started the movement on her blog: Only Style Remains the Same. The only requirement is that "new" items must be vintage or thrifted, and the rest of your look must come from shopping your own closet.Check out our blog, Troc Talk, for outfit photos and to find out how to submit your own Recessionista looks. But if you must shop for new wares, check out Loomstate, Target's newest GO International line featuring 100% certified organic cotton.

18. Wrap it Up Our love of scarves is no secret and we're thrilled that our newest shipment from TDM Designs are perfect for Earth Day festivities.Not only are they tie-dyed (so granola-chic!) but they are made of 100 percent bamboo and create sustainable income for Nepalese women to combat poverty and to support themselves and others. Our other Trocaderoeco-picks are Alex and Ani expandable bracelets made from recycled metals and Red Flower's line of organic products including candles, body care and perfumes. (Alex and Ani photo courtesy of Alex and Ani) 

17. Let Loose This weekend's earth day festivities at Elmwood Park should be on your to-do list for Saturday. Events and booths will run from noon-6 p.m. and nosh on food from yummy restaurants like McFosters and the Pizza Shoppe starting at noon. Even if you don't want to do Tai Chi or recycle your used electronics, stop by and listen to some live music and chill out in the beer garden.       

16. Buy Paper, Not Plastic The Benson stationery store and art gallery,Pulp, has picked up its roots and re-planted them in the Old Market passageway. The new location is celebrating with Sprout, a show featuring a crop of emerging artists that continues through May 11th. 

High Rollers and Good Eats

15. Win the Clean Plate Award Finally a reason to get out of bed on Saturday morning: the Omaha Farmer's Market! Get your hands on the freshest produce and local goods on Saturdays in the Old Market from 8 am. to 12:30 p.m. or at Village Pointe from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Both markets run through October 3rd.    

14. Smell Sweet and Sour Our newest Bond no. 9 fragrances for spring and summer are Little Italy with top notes of grapefruit and mandarin and Astor Place with top notes of violet, freesia and poppy. If you prefer something more woodsy, be sure to check out Brooklyn...it has hints of juniper (read: gin & tonic) and leather. Lately we've been experimenting to find out which Bond fragrances complement each other. Visit our blog to check out our favorite combinations. 

13. Eat Your Art Out The Bemis Center's latest exhibit, which opens this Friday, gives viewers a legitimate chance to play with food. Paul Renner's exhibit, The Omaha Diner, is a presentation where food is the sculpture, and environment and experience are the backdrop. For more information or to make reservations for one of the two artist-orchestrated meals, in collaboration with the Boiler Room's executive chef Paul Kulik, click here. 

12. Be a Fruit Does your moisturizer have sunscreen? If not, we've got you covered with Korres pomegranate balancing moisturizer with spf 6 or Korres watermelon face cream with spf 30.Not into food on your face? Try Malin + Goetz's sunscreen with spf 30. 

11. I Scream You Scream I don't know about you, but we never turn down free ice cream. If you're a Berkshire shareholder make sure to stop by the Dairy Queen on 114th and Dodge Friday, May 1st for a free ice cream cone. Cold-inducing headaches will be served from 8:30-10 p.m.

Do What Your Mama Taught Ya

10. Savor the Day  If the thought of breakfast (and crumbs) in bed gives you a headache,take the time to indulge in a lazy Sunday brunch with mom. Think beyond the typical country club buffet and try The French Cafe for elegant French-inspired dining or Granite City for a classy twist on the buffet, featuring several exclusive Mother's Day entrees. Make sure to make reservations wherever you go.     
9. Scrub Between Your Toes As a kid, your mother always insisted on cleaning those inconspicuous places like your bellybutton and behind your ears. Reward her nit-pickings and treat her to an Ashiatsu massage, a technique that uses the practitioner's feet, from Lisa Christensen at the Omaha Healing Arts Center. 
8. Pick and Choose Didn't find the right bauble at Borsheim's during BRK weekend? Check out this online jewelry concierge service that does all the work for you. If you need to see your jewelry in person, stop by Trocadero to see our selections from Candace Ang, Pade by Pade Vavra (earrings shown), Alex and Ani, Ileana Makri (necklace shown), Alexis Bittar, Kara by Kara Ross (bracelet shown), Patch NYC, Lee Angel, Ginette NY and Helen Ficalora.

7. Hit the Drive Thru Flowers are an obvious Mother's Day staple and thankfully down in the Old Market we have some wonderful choices such as Garden Flowers and Habitat. Or pick up a fresh bouquet from the Farmer's Market on Saturday, head over to Trocadero and pick out a Normann Copenhagen grass bud vase, an Anne Black ceramic one or a modern glass vase from Roost and there's a perfect two-in-one gift for her to enjoy both now and later. Out west? Try Stemsin Countryside Village or Bloom's over at Rockbrook...but if you're in a rush, hit up Piccolo's drive-thru floral shop, just south of Dodge on 72nd, for a single rose or a mixed bouquet.
6. Rectify those Wicked Years  Were you a teenage witch? Make up for the wrinkles you caused by taking your mother to see the Grammy and Tony award-winning Broadway show, Wicked, at the Orpheum through May 31st, about the friendship that formed between the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda, the Good Witch...long before Dorothy stumbled down the yellow brick road.

Stay tuned...

Trocadero featured on My Space Fashion

A couple months ago, my former colleague contacted me wanting to do a profile piece on My Space Fashion on Trocadero. It was a short series of Q&A questions and I'm happy to link it on Troc Talk. One of the questions she asked me was what I was most excited about carrying at the Troc. It really is a hard one to answer—and I expressed that same sentiment but was forced to make a few choices. Looking back I must say that my picks were spot on. All three items: the Anya Hindmarch canvas totes, Recchiuti fleur de sel caramels and Kara by Kara Ross jewelry are truly covetable items and also show the diversity of products carried at the store. We are nearly sold out on the Anya totes—so if you want one, you better act quickly. We were out of the caramels for a bit but now with Easter and Mother's Day around the bend, we have reordered the delicious sea-salt added confections and definitely recommend you take home a box of them. for all to read.

They're so good, you'll get addicted fast.

And one of our newest vendors this season, Kara by Kara Ross, has been definitely a breath of fresh air at Trocadero. I am really loving the new jewelry we have brought into the store along with the addition of lightweight summer scarves from Mai, Yarnz, Megan Park...and soon we'll have the bamboo striped scarves from TDM Designs. Perfect timing for Earth Day month!

Source Recchiuti caramels: nibble.com

Meet Team Trocadero: SABRINA

This is the first of a many-part series called "Meet Team Trocadero!" Here we'll introduce you the multi-faceted and thoroughly talented group of folks who are an integral part of our everyday operations. This series of Q&A questions will give you a brief idea of each person's personal style and fashion aspirations. Hey, it's not brain surgery....just a little glimpse into everyone who makes up our awesome team. First up? Miss Sabrina...

How would you describe your personal style in one sentence:

My style is laid back simplicity-I use accessories to try and create different looks.

Favorite item of clothing"

A dress...it can be worn for anything-with boots and leggings if it's cold, gladiators for a summer day and heels at night. With a simple dress the possibilities are endless.

If money was no object, what is the one designer you would wear head-to-toe:

Chanel, of course!'

Favorite place to shop (besides Trocadero!):

Shopstyle.com

Your current fashion icon is:

Nicole Richie

What would you wear from your own closet to your interview at a top fashion magazine:

Such a toughy! I would wear this royal blue skirt I have that has a gold zipper up the back and the rest of my outfit would be black: black tights, shoes and a black or white shirt. Oh, and my hair pulled back for sure.

My go-to outfit for a special occasion is:

My black dress.

Do you identify with Sabrina's personal style? Or is it the polar opposite? Let us know! Stay tuned to Troc Talk to learn more about Team Trocadero and see if you're more "Sabrina" or more of a "Lauren" or "Kathleen" or any of our team as we reveal a new staff/intern member to our readers and customers.

Sabrina is pictured outside the Chloe boutique at the Palazzo Hotel in Las Vegas during the shoe show in February 2009.

source for Nicole Richie: Wire Image via People