What Moms Really Want

If you've waited until now to buy or just started thinking about what to get your mom for Mother's Day on Sunday, it is officially last minute gift shopping status...and crunch time!

Luckily, we at The Troc have you covered for fail-proof gifts that are above the norm and suitable for any budget. Here's our Mother's Day gift guide for the things she really wants!

Tocca scented candles 

$38

Candles always make a great gift, but avoid overpowering and off-putting mall-store candles and upgrade to a more elegant selection. With a high concentration of fine fragrance oils and a burning time of 60 hours, these candles are comparable to higher end brands like Diptyque (another Troc fave) at a fraction of the price. With scents like Sofia- a sweet and subtle tomato vine (trust us, it's not what you'd expect!) and Yma- a rich guava and red currant blend, Tocca candles are sure to delight even the most discerning of noses.

Summer scarf

$57- 65

These scarves are our favorite for spring and they will easily become one of mom's go-to items. So light and breathable, this scarf makes for an excellent topper to any summer ensemble.  Perfect for a  casual meal, a day at the market or a night out on the town.

Kara Kara Ross chain drop earrings

$135

If you're going to give her jewelry, do it right. C'mon, who really wants to wear "Mom" or heart shaped jewelry when there are so many great options like these out there? 

Kara Ross is known for making some of the most beautiful jewelry pieces using exotic skins and gorgeous stones like these drusy quartz earrings. A winning spring color combo of peacock blue and gold and timeless for any season to come, these beauties will find their way into a heavy rotation in your mom's jewelry collection. 

MZ Wallace Kate

$390-415

(Shown in peacock blue, also available in black)

The "Kate" is the one bag that will change your mom's life. We've gone on and on about our adoration for this timeless classic, but it really is the perfect bag. Named Travel + Leisure's 2010 bag of the year, the Kate really lives up to all of its hype. Here's why:

1) Teflon coated nylon construction for a light weight and an unbelievable durability... and stain and spill resistant to boot (complete with gorgeous Italian leather handles and trim.)

2) Lots of room as well as plenty of pockets on the interior and exterior to keep your many belongings organized. There is seriously a place for everything!

3) Detachable cross body strap for when you need a little extra mobility.

4) Sophisticated design that will take you from season to season in style.

Show mom how much you really care with these winning gift ideas at The Troc! And when she raves about how much she loves her new MZ Wallace bag or Tocca Candle, we'll let you take all of the credit.

Discovering Mother India

Here's how I discovered Mother India...

My friend Cayleigh and I were driving around aimlessly trying to figure out a new place to eat. I hate picking, and she had no desire in helping either, so I said: "alright, next place we drive by, we're eating." So we drove past a run down chinese place that wasn't open and then off to our left appeared Mother India. A tiny place that held some history, but they were packed with customers so we thought we might as well give it a go. 

We sat outside on the patio and listened to the people around us talk adventure and masters degrees, and I suddenly felt like we were somewhere else besides Omaha, and I love feeling like that. The atmosphere was simple and the people were sincere. They actually wanted to take care of you and make sure you were satisfied. 

So, seeing as how it was our first time and I have no idea what Indian cuisine is, our waitress was extremely helpful with recommendations. 

Here is the menu of our first adventure:

Appetizer: Naan - Tandoor bread made with white flour & mint chutney dipping sauce (extra)

If I could live on bread I would. There are a ton of different kinds of naan to pick from, so I'm assuming you can't go wrong with whatever you choose. 

Drink: Indian Chai Tea - Delicious. My friend Cayleigh has been told they serve some of the best Chai. 

I tend to zone out when I'm in unique places. Maybe it's the writer in me, but I sat there - holding my cup and saucer, staring out over the boxed plant in my oversized face shades picturing myself reading a good novel. (Who wouldn't want to experience this?)

Dish: Chicken Kashmiri - Chicken cooked with creamy banana sauce, served with a side of rice. I added medium heat to this dish, but I'll up the heat for next time.

I know how the banana sounds, I wasn't too sold on it at first either. The waitress said she hates bananas, but this is by far her favorite dish. Excellent call!

Chicken Shish Kabob - bell pepper/ginger/onion/cilantro/indian spices, served with a side of rice. Cayleigh asked for a side of sauce and they whipped her up something to add to it.

Definitely a place I will be frequenting from now on. I plan to try something different each time, so I will be sure to report back!

Hours:

Tuesday - Saturday 11-3 & 5-9

Sunday 5-9

What are some of your favorite Indian dishes? 

One Wedge Three Ways

Dolce Vita wedges, $185 at Trocadero

I'm officially declaring these Dolce Vita wedges to be my shoe of the season. I knew as soon as we placed the order that they would be coming home with me. While mint green suede, a square toe and an ankle strap might read super trendy, I find these espadrille wedges to be incredibly wearable. See below for a few styling suggestions! 

one shoe three ways by shoptrocadero

1.) For day
To me, this is the perfect classic summer ensemble. A striped t-shirt dress, easy bag and woven wedges give off a slightly nautical feel without being overly preppy. Plus, I'm a big fan of unexpected color combinations, and mint green and red just works!


2.) For evening
Maxi dresses are still going strong, and I find them to be an easy, breezy option for evening. Pastels look great paired together, so try opting for a peach, lavender or pale pink to compliment your magnificent mint wedges. 


3.) For the weekend
I don't know if I'll ever grow tired of wearing wedges with flared jeans. With a flowy printed tank and structured satchel, this look is both relaxed and polished all at the same time.

Which look is your favorite -- or how would YOU wear these wedges? 

The Best Bets in Omaha for Berkshire Hathaway 2012: Part Five (48 Hour Itinerary)

When 30,000+ people descend on Omaha, you'd think that every business would benefit big time. Yeah, the general consensus is that the restaurants LOVE this annual meeting, but unfortunately the small-business owned retailers just don't get so much of the love.

We get it. It's definitely all about patronage of all the Berkshire Hathaway owned companies. They want to keep the stock up! And yes, you should absolutely get your red-hot deals on diamonds to dish washers but once you've had your fill of Borsheim's (though, does any one tire of looking at fancy canary diamonds and Cartier Roadster watches at a discount?) and Nebraska Furniture Mart (one more 58 inch television?), you should scrape together a few more bucks to check out some of these other fine stores. Because it's always good to support local business. Even those that aren't owned by Warren Buffett.

We've put together a 48 hour itinerary that includes some stops into some of our favorite places in town:

FRIDAY DAY:

A great place to start your afternoon is by having a light lunch at Taste in Rockbrook Village. It's the perfect stopping point pre-Borsheim's cocktail party. I recommend any of the paratha wraps or the orzo salad. Then check out two of Omaha's nicest small businesses, both located within Rockbrook Village:

Rossi Clothiers -- A men's clothing and accessories store. I love the owner, Charlie Rossi, because he is a gentleman who knows his business. He works painstakingly and lovingly to provide men in Omaha with grown-up clothes; from made-to-order suits to a fine collection of ties by Robert Talbott, this is not a store with Cosby sweaters, cargo shorts and Hawaiian shirts.

Category One, a terrific place for the gourmet or starting chef. They have a wonderful selection of the finest kitchen tools and gadgets, including Wellness Mats, a truly indispensable item for someone who needs the extra support under their feet while prepping dishes and meals (I bought mine from Category One and don't know what I'd do without it!).

FRIDAY EVENING:

If you arrive later to Omaha and want to skip out on the Borsheim's cocktail party, then head over to Midtown Crossing and make a night of it there. You might even find some new art for your home.

The Afternoon in Midtown Crossing -- A specialty home and gift store. This place has everything! It's a real mishmash of unique items ranging from cards and books to objects for the office or your garden.

If you're not hungry yet, it's definitely worth it to check out the following two art gallery events taking place in suites next door to each other.

Material Matters, an exhibit on fiber, clay and wood in art -- Opening Reception from 6-9pm at Peerless Gallery, 3157 Farnam, Suite 7108

Yes, Yes You Are Magic, the inaugural show of brand new gallery Tugboat Presents. Works from Claudia Alvarez among others. 3157 Farnam, Suite 7111

There are a variety of options to dine at Midtown Crossing, including "the greenest restaurant in America" The Grey Plume. That would be your fanciest option. Otherwise, there are so many places to choose from at Midtown Crossing; you can even do "Cine-Dine" and have a meal while watching a new release at Marcus Midtown Cinemas.

SATURDAY:

We know the big reason you all came to town was to hear Warren and Charlie speak (ok, and watch the world-famous video). So we won't suggest anything alternate to do besides check out our list of close-by pit stops when you need a break from the Q&A session.

After the meeting ends, we do recommend you head over to the Old Market to enjoy both the retail and restaurant offerings.

Go to Howard Street and walk from 10th Street west until you head to 13th Street. Of course, we'd love for you to stop by our shop Trocadero, next to Wheatfield's.

For dinner, there is everything from Hiro 88 and Blue Sushi for your Asian fix to Stokes for Southwestern cuisine and Nicola's for delicious Italian. Try to get a table at La Buvette (any of their specials are amazing) or M's Pub (love their chicken satay with rice) and you won't be disappointed. A Noma-trained chef is heading up the kitchen at V. Mertz while The Boiler Room still gets my vote as the best restaurant in Omaha, under the direction of chef Paul Kulik.

SUNDAY:

If you didn't get your Borsheim's or Warren Buffett fix on Friday, then by all means head back there for all the day's festivities.

But we definitely think it's worth a trip to the 5 brunch places we mentioned if you're not in the mood to stand in the buffet line.

And if you're in the mood for a steak, please don't go to Gorat's or Piccolo Pete's with the rest of the masses; take our earlier suggestion and head here. You really won't get a better steak in town.

Thanks for reading the Troc's 5-Part-Series on What to do in Omaha during the Berkshire Hathaway 2012 Meeting. We hope our suggestions were helpful and please do let us know in the comments section whether you tried a place and what you thought. And come and say hi to us at the Troc!

What To Do In Omaha: Berkshire Hathaway 2012 Best Bets Part Four

Look, we've been to the annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholder's meeting before. And we know many of you want to stay in the Century Link Center for the whole duration and eat your $1 DQ Dilly bars, buy Ginsu knives, count how many Cherry Cokes Warren Buffett drinks, stock up on See's Candies, hug the Geico lizard and hear the Q&As. 

But for those of you who feel like you need some quick breaks, here is an emergency quick hit list that are all within a 20 minute walking radius. Note that those that are * are located in the Old Market and might make more sense to do during longer breaks or in the afternoon when the meeting is finished.

You need a:

• Cappuccino -- Blue Line, located at 14th and Cuming -- in addition to your coffee fix, they have all sorts of beverage treats including Italian sodas as well as light bites such as salads and sandwiches.

• Light Snack -- Red Mango, located at 13th and Cuming -- this local outpost of a national chain of frozen yogurt deliciousness in a cup. Add fruit to make it even more healthy. Or add candy.

• Stiff Drink -- The Liberty Tavern, located in the Hilton Hotel -- you can't get closer to an alcoholic beverage than within the hotel that is adjacent to the convention center.

• Pedicure -- The Nail Shop, located at 9th between Dodge and Douglas -- we've raved before and we'll rave again as this is the place to get your nails and toes done. Relaxing...ahhhhhh....

• Charcuterie Plate -- La Buvette*, located at 11th between Howard and Jackson -- because sometimes you just need a big honking plate of cured meats. Atkins-friendly.


• A First Edition -- Jackson Street Booksellers*, located at Jackson between 11th and 12th -- there's nothing like discovering a treasure in the form of a rare book, or even just a gently used one.

• Something Sweet -- Bliss Bakery*, located at 11th and Jones -- because challenging times are always easier when you have a cupcake or cookie standing by.

• Glass of Wine -- Nosh, located at 10th and Dodge -- 100+ wines are offered at this newish lounge located within minutes of the Century Link Center. Need we say more?

• Bowl of Pho -- Saigon Surface*, located at 14th and Farnam -- who doesn't crave this cure-all soup that will wake your senses especially if you put some sriracha in it.

• New Pair of Shoes -- Trocadero*, located at Howard between 12th and 13th -- everyone always needs and wants pretty things to put on their feet.

48 Hours Dining in Omaha (The Best Bets: Berkshire Hathaway 2012 Part Three)

I've lived in Omaha for almost 5 years and often times I'll hear lifelong Omahans comment that they've never heard of a restaurant I mention. And it can be either a new place, an old one, a moderately priced restaurant or a dive.

When I moved here from New York City, I made it my mission to know Omaha inside and out. But like many who came from bigger cities, I really kept my knowledge to midtown and east. God forbid I go anyplace "out west" in the 'burbs.

But now that I live in "uncool" West Omaha, I've really found that there are great little places to go for a bite to eat that aren't necessarily chains (contrary to what midtowners and downtowners want to believe).

I've compiled a list of some great eats in Omaha -- most which are located in....yup, you guessed it, "uncool" West Omaha.

Yes, there are your tried and true places in the Old Market that everyone knows to go to -- and believe me, they get plenty of business while the BRK folks are in town. This list includes some places that aren't included in the usual guide to Omaha, provided by the Berkshire Hathaway PR team.

If I had 48 hours to eat in Omaha, this is what I'd do:

Friday, May 4th

Ok, we know everyone LOVES the Borsheim's cocktail party. It's like a Husker tailgate -- everyone is there to be seen and to drink. Last year, I did something REALLY smart. I got there about an hour before the official party started. Got a great parking space and my husband and I wheeled our 3 month old baby daughter through Borsheim's and got a great deal on a watch at the Baume & Mercier counter. We skipped the lines for the free food and drinks and instead went on home to put our baby to sleep and make dinner.

I don't suggest you do all of the above; but I do recommend getting there early to look at the deals on watches and jewelry. Plus, you'll get a good salesperson or better yet, a visiting company person, to start working with you. Get your goods and then get the heck outta there.

Sure, everyone loves a free drink and food but with those lines, I'd definitely skip the cut cheese cubes and egg rolls (that's what they served in 2008, the last and only time I endured the long lines).

Instead, make a reservation at one of the following places for a great meal depending on your mood:

French: Le Voltaire -- My husband is taken to this restaurant every year on his birthday. The last time we were there, we looked at each other and thought, "Why do we come here only on special occasions?" The prices are reasonable enough -- depending on what you order -- and you'll definitely be treated to one the best meals you can get in Omaha for any night of the week. Their specials are wonderful, although definitely more pricey.

Italian: Pasta Amore -- I have yet to find a true Northern Italian restaurant in Omaha. But if you want dependable Italian cuisine with a Southern bent, I recommend this place located in Rockbrook Village around 108th Street.

Japanese: Sushi Japan -- Try to get a sushi bar seat and enjoy their omakase menu. I really like the sushi chefs there and they do sashimi and sushi very well. If you sit in the dining room, look at their specials and get something truly fresh and delicious. This is located out west too around 141st Street.

American: J. Coco -- I'm a big fan already of this new spot in Omaha. It has an edited menu with special dishes to cater to many appetites. Everything from bouillabaisse to osso bucco to wagyu steak. It's a jewel box of a restaurant, so you'll want to make reservations for sure. Or sit at the bar and wait for your table with a craft cocktail from Chris Engles, their bartender extraordinaire.

Korean: Maru -- At the very least, you can tell everyone you went to Omaha and had Korean food. People will raise their eyebrows thinking, HUH? For Korean novices, get a seafood pancake and pan fried dumplings to start. Kalbi is a must and the dolsot bibimpop is to-die-for good. Be sure to scrape all the crunchy bits of rice and savor all the yumminess. Maru is located south around 108th Street.

Saturday, May 5th

You'll have to grab breakfast at your hotel in order to get to the Century Link Center to listen to the Oracle of Omaha and Charlie Munger. Once you've had your fill of the loads of people at the Century Link Center, you should spend the rest of your afternoon strolling around the Old Market (and come visit yours truly at Trocadero)...and then...

It's Cinco de Mayo, everyone's favorite excuse to imbibe several margaritas. If you want the best ones in town, well, there will be differing opinions. But if you want the tastiest Mexican food in town (and quite honestly better than anything I've had in NYC including Rosa Mexicano and the like), I say head to Rivera's. Their Sparky's nachos are unlike anything I've ever had and are so incredibly flavorful and spicy! And you cannot go wrong with their chicken mole enchiladas. Seriously good stuff. Rivera's is located around 120th Street and Blondo. You'll want to get there early as they get busy on non-Cinco de Mayo nights. Perhaps a late afternoon bite?

For dinner, please refer to the list above, in addition to these standouts:

Asian Fusion: Hiro -- We had our rehearsal/out-of-towners dinner here and there isn't anything on the menu that does not please and delight. Start with the Asian short ribs, gyoza and avocado spring rolls and choose either the salmon plank, miso cod, peanut butter chicken or Mongolian beef for your entrée. And don't miss their crazy delicious gooey chocolate cake!

Indian: Tanduri Fusion -- My love of Indian food goes way back to when I first moved to New York City in the early '90s. Tanduri Fusion hits the spot like no other place in Omaha for Indian food. It's another restaurant located way out in West Omaha and people just don't know about it enough. There may be better looking places or more "hole in the wall" joints, but this place can't be beat in my opinion. I love some of their special lamb dishes like safed maas and their chicken makhani or korma are some of my favorite dishes.

Sunday, May 6th

If a crowded buffet line is your thing, then you'll want to head over to Borsheim's again and fight for your breakfast/brunch. Otherwise, I say venture to any of these five places for some really great brunch meals before you head out of Omaha.

Heartland Café -- It's located way, way out west, technically in Elkhorn. But it has a seriously amazing buffet brunch that is hard to beat. We had our out-of-towners' brunch here for our wedding and guests from California to Maryland to New York were delighted with the chicken fried steak, perfect pancakes, crispy bacon, made-to-order omelettes and mini cinnamon buns among other offerings.

Dario's -- In my opinion, they have the best brunch menu in Omaha. I love the variety of items including sweet and savory crêpes, quiches, salads and Belgian specials like mussels and frites. A delicious cocktail menu includes one of my favorites, "the Cocktail Aux Lillet, a classic spritzer turned head over heels in love with classic Elderflower Liquor."

Dixie Quick's -- There is absolutely nothing to NOT love about this Southern meets Cajun-Tex-Mex cuisine. Now in its new location in Council Bluffs, Iowa (just across the river from Omaha), Dixie Quick's has a bright, airy, light-filled urban vibe that still churns out tasty bites noon and night. The Dixie Scramble is always a good bet as is the outstanding salmon entrée.

Lot 2 -- This newest addition to the Omaha foodscape scene is a well-needed and modern one. We love the look of the place and the food is great to boot. The brunch menu offers everything from croque madames and eggs benedict to ramen. Bloody Marys and a High Life are served post-noon for those who are looking to nurse their hangovers.

New Gold Mountain -- If you want to have dim sum, this is the place to go. There aren't the traditional carts of food going around the room but it's a Chinese-owned joint that has mostly Asian clientele. My usual order includes Singapore noodles, shrimp dumplings, roasted pork, BBQ pork buns, lotus leaf wrapped rice, turnip cake, 1/2 order Peking Duck. And if you want Vietnamese, they serve a mean pho.

The BEST Bets in Omaha During Berkshire Hathaway Meeting 2012: Part Two

Hands down, the best steak in Omaha.

I came across this article about "What To Do In Omaha When You Need A Break From Next Week's Berkshire Hathaway Shareholder Meeting" in the Business Insider and as a former editor, I can't help but say I'm a tad disappointed with their picks.

Gorat's? Again? Really?

And including Berkshire Hathaway-owned Borsheim's really doesn't actually "give you a break" from the shareholder meeting when you're basically doing BRK stuff.

The Business Insider's Things to Do and See list isn't terrible but here are Trocadero's ideas when it comes to eating, recreational play and shopping. You'll see their options in red, and we've gone ahead and listed our counterpoints in blue.

So without further adieu, here are our counter-suggestions of what to do in Omaha when you need a break from this week's Berkshire Hathaway Shareholder Meeting:

1. Don't eat a steak at Warren Buffett's supposedly favorite steakhouse Gorat's. Instead, get an amazingly delicious Omaha-legendary "Whiskey marinaded" steak at the Drover (pictured above). You won't be disappointed.

Kara by Kara Ross drusy chandelier earrings at Trocadero

2. Don't buy a pair of earrings at Borsheim's, the jewelry store owned by BRK. Instead, get a pair of drusy earrings from Kara by Kara Ross at Trocadero, a boutique owned by the former Accessories Director of In Style.

3. Don't hit the links at Indian Creek Golf Course. Instead, hit the links at Elmwood Park, an easy 18 hole course that is a stone's throw (ok, more than a real stone's throw) away from Warren Buffett's house.


4. Don't check into the Hilton Omaha downtown where the conference is. Instead, check out and check into the Westin Group's Element Hotel, an-eco-friendly and modern option. 

The Boiler Room in Omaha

5. Don't eat beef stuffed pasta at the greenest restaurant in America, The Grey Plume. Instead, dine at one of the best restaurants in Omaha, The Boiler Room, or the newest, J. Coco. 


6. Don't pay homage to the oracle of Omaha's longtime home (that's creepy!). Instead, drive by the Omaha Community Playhouse, the theater home of Omaha natives Henry Fonda and Marlon Brando, and coincidentally see the current production of A Streetcar Named Desire.


7. Don't sample local microbrews at Upstream Brewing Company. Instead enjoy craft cocktails, bloody marys  and an amazing list of draught beers at Krug Park.


8. Don't visit the General Crook House Museum, a truly historical bizarre monument. Instead, well, actually I think this sounds pretty awesome! Never heard of it and love that it's something different. Go for it!

What's more Americana than Omaha and a baseball game?

9. Don't catch a baseball game at Werner Park and receive your own Warren Buffett bobblehead. Instead, I cannot really complain about this one either. Go get tickets to this Triple-A league because Omaha, baseball and Warren Buffett is as all American as you can get -- a true triple threat!









10. Don't play a hand of Buffett's favorite game at the Omaha Bridge Studio. Instead, head across state lines to Council Bluffs, Iowa and go play some Texas Hold 'Em at the Horseshoe. (I can't resist, as I'm an ex-poker player myself.)


11. Don't see the fastest jet-powered aircraft in the world and other awesome planes at the Strategic Air & Space Museum. Instead, see some of the fastest moving fish at the newly renovated and reopened aquarium at the Henry Doorly Zoo.






source: The Drover

source: The Boiler Room

source: Omaha Storm Chasers logo

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 BEST Bets at the Berkshire Hathaway 2012 Meeting in Omaha

Welcome Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders to Nebraska!

Our very popular dish towels (we have everything from Nebraska to Boston to Paris!)

It's that time of year again! The annual Woodstock of Capitalism, also known as the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting.

The estimates are always around 30,000 folks attending this convention held at the Qwest Center in Omaha, now known as the CenturyLink Center (I know, kinda confusing!).

Trocadero always love to share our best bets when it comes to dining in Omaha during the BRK Meeting, but this year we're going to mix it up a bit. For the next 5 days, we'll be posting daily about what our BEST BETS are during Berkshire Hathaway week. To kick off this 5 day TrocTalk series, we decided to begin with a peek at all the fabulous new items available at Trocadero this season...

Jewelry, handbags and shoes in Spring's cheeriest hues!

Hi! This is Alice Kim. My specialty when I was the Accessories Director at In Style were handbags and shoes. But I also know my way around the luxury and costume jewelry market as well. So I cannot help but stock Trocadero with some of my favorite brands such as MZ Wallace, Kara Ross, Botkier, Seychelles and Dolce Vita. The best thing about these brands is that they offer stylish, seasonal items that don't cost a fortune and aren't so trendy you cannot wear them ever again after this season.

I love to buy items that are wardrobe staples but have something about them that are au courant. In addition to all our wonderful accessories, please enjoy our unique gifts for the home and baby.

Come by and say hi! Trocadero is located at 1208 1/2 Howard Street in the heart of the Old Market. Right next to Wheatfields!

Beautiful lightweight summer scarf that has the colors of the season!

The perfect black sandal that isn't overly trendy. Comfortable to boot!

A power red leather tote with a tribal print scarf

You can't miss our window!

Oh, and an adorable little rattle for that baby!

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

Honey & Milk or Milk & Honey?

Wouldn't it be nice if you could customize your own piece of footwear? Add a little piece of suede here, maybe a little embellishment there, throw it on a flat or a boot and suddenly you can dub yourself a designer. Right?

milk & honey was created by two sisters, Llissa and Dorian Howard, who simply have a taste for good shoes and couldn't always find what they were looking for.

Upon my first attempt at creating my own shoe, I immediately found the exact bootie I had been searching for. A perfect dainty cut below the ankle. From there you can choose the type of material, embellishments, trim, platform or not and your desired heel size/height.

(I would show you my final product but I wouldn't want you to steal my brilliant idea, so here is my perfect bootie to say the least)

The only complaint I have is that it's difficut to actually know what the real deal is going to look like once you get it. There is a final picture, but when I'm spending good money on my own piece of work, I want it to be exactly how I pictured it. However, you can request to have certain swatches sent your way so you can get a feel for what's going on your feet.

If you get the shoe and you don't like it, send it back and change it! The beauty of being your own designer.

On the upside, if you live in downtown LA, you can stop by there showroom and check out swatches. They also have a bigger selection!

(Check out their Q&A page for more answers.)

Man of Style

For co-owner of bar and lounge House of Loom Brent Crampton, being a taste-maker and staying in the public eye are basic job requirements. The 28-year-old Omaha native is no stranger to working 16 hour days during which he wears the hats of host, event planner, DJ, barback, hype man, and overall face of the bar.

As an ambassador of the city's nightlife scene, Crampton's wardrobe reflects his distinctive eye.

I sat down with Crampton one afternoon in the dimly lit lounge of House of Loom to pick his brain about his unique style.

Define your Style.

One of my mottos is "mixing life." The same way I mix music, which is all over the board, is the way I mix my life, friends, and experiences. From day to day I can feel something different, so it's really a smorgasbord.

Do you have any style inspirations?

Johnny Depp, definitely! The mystery, the sense of danger, and certain dark tonality.

What's in your closet right now?

I went through a V neck phase, but I got tired of that. Now, I'm doing more wide neck kind of stuff. I like my clothes loose and dangly. I'm not a big fan of normal cut tee shirts, I want something that's bigger and I want the texture and contrast.

Any current style obsessions?

I got influenced through Boardwalk Empire, so I've been doing this "dapper" thing with my hair. Kind of taking the sides down and gradually bringing it back.

Do you have any signature items in your wardrobe?

I've always been a fan of necklaces. And this particular dog tag has a Mayan emblem on it and I wear it just about everyday.

A friend of mine was at a Mayan temple and he did this sketch of the symbol on the tomb, turned that into a stamp, and created this . It was a gift for my birthday a couple of years ago. I have no idea what it says.

Hats. I feel like they're a really fun accessory which can convey a lot of character and the particular mood. I like that sort of Cuban, beach, carefree feeling of the fedoras I usually wear. There's also a simplicity to it- sometimes I never actually was able to shake off bed head so I just put a hat on. I'm surprised there aren't more people who celebrate and explore expression with hats.

What are your splurge items?

I would say jeans and pants. You can find a really good pair, but they may be like 300 or 400 dollars. It may seem like a lot, but if they're great pants then you'll wear them a ton and they'll last you a long time. So, I think it's a good investment.

I have a problem buying hats, I have more than I need. I feel like every time I go out of town, I make a conscious effort to not wear a hat, because I may come home with one.

At the end of the day, what does style mean to you?

The way I look at it is instead of trying to dress to impress, it's dress to express. Every day you have the ability to choose what character you're going to play in the world. You can do that through clothes which can be an artistic expression.

All photos by Clay Lomneth

Website

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Trend to Try: Nail Art

My nail polish collection has gotten a bit out of hand. The 50+ bottles now sit jumbled up in a clear plastic bin in my bathroom, and if I pick up a few more polishes I'm going to have to own up to my addiction and purchase a new place to store them. That being said, I'm all for using up as many of them as I can, and have found that nail art is the way to get a least a little bit of use out of each bottle. I love the way a printed manicure can act as a statement accessory. Although it takes a little bit of finesse and a lot of patience, do-it-yourself nail art is well worth the time and effort. Find five of my favorite nail designs below, complete with easy-to-follow tutorials (just click the links!). 

1.) Nail Art for Novices

If you aren't ready to bust out the brushes and stock up on stencils, this Glamour guide gives you five fabulous options for amping up your manicure. 

2.) Marni-Inspired Nails

You may not be able to afford the dress that inspired this Marni manicure, but you can still add a bit of designer style to your wardrobe. I love this pop art pattern -- and again, the color options are endless!

3.) Art Deco Nails

This is definitely a more classic manicure, one that's a little more office-appropriate than some of my other options but still translates to a night out. Match the metallic color with your jewelry for a complete look!

4.) Tribal Nails

This design is definitely for the pros, but once you get the hang of it, it's nearly impossible to go back to a singular shade. Try it with neon colors for a super statement!

5.) Sunset & Palm Tree Nails 

I love this perfect summer manicure. I don't get to see palm trees or the beach, so these California-inspired nails are just right for when I need a little mental vacation.

Which one would you try? 

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

36 Hours in Omaha, Nebraska

Here at the Troc, we're all about the Nebraska state motto of "The Good Life." To those customers and the browsers that stop in, we often are asked our advice of where to eat, what to do for the afternoon, where else to shop. With the ICAN Women's Leadership Conference taking place in Omaha this Wednesday, April 4th at the Century Link Center, I decided to take this opportunity to showcase what I would do in the approximate 24 hour period that I was in Omaha.

Trocadero welcomes the following women who will be headlining and speaking at this year's ICAN Conference! Thanks to Arianna Huffington, Mallika Chopra, Jeannette Walls, Karen Watson, Julia Moulden, Karen Lisko, Alexandra Levit, Sangeeta Badal, Beverly Kracher, Dawn Gelderloos, Karen Baldwin and Karen A. Watson for coming to Omaha and we hope you get a chance to enjoy some of our recommendations.

I figure that most people will be arriving on Tuesday as the all-day conference on Wednesday begins at 7am with registration and 8am for opening remarks. The conference ends around 4:30pm on Wednesday and some may spend another night and others may fly out that same evening.

Tuesday night, April 3, 2012:
Depending on what time you arrive in Omaha, I would definitely stop by La Buvette and sit outside at a café table with a bottle of wine, a charcuterie and cheese plate and enjoy the mild, springtime weather we are expecting. Enjoy the cobblestone streets (beware stilettos!) and pop into Jackson Street Booksellers (a favorite of Kurt Andersen's and Alexander Payne's) and Second Chance Antiques, where you may find a couple of gems to bring home to your loved ones. I would say stop by my boutique Trocadero but we are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays at the moment.

I recommend the following places to eat dinner either Tuesday or Wednesday evenings. The asterisk (*) means a taxi is required from downtown (where the conference is being held/most hotel accommodations I presume).


Beautiful space, beautiful food: The Boiler Room -- one of the best places in town, hands down. Farm-to-table cuisine, inventive but not precious. Craft cocktails, great wine list.


* Best steak in town: The Drover -- it is my personal favorite. Known for its whiskey marinade on everything from sirloin, bone-in rib-eyes, filet mignon. Great retro salad bar with metal plates. It's very kitsch-y but tasty.

* New and noteworthy: J. Coco -- the newest place in town, it has a James Beard nominated chef and is serving delicious solid food. Everything from osso bucco to seared salmon.

Sushi and Asian-fusion dishes: Hiro 88 -- fresh sushi and sashimi in addition to updated classic Chinese and Japanese dishes. Very hip, urban designed space.

Wednesday, April 4th, 2012:
I noticed there is a break period on Wednesday for lunch. Or for those who may want to skip the first afternoon session, they can have an extended lunch period. I recommend heading to the Old Market (about a 10 minute walk from the Century Link Center) and eating at the various restaurants that cater to any appetite. There is Stokes for Southwestern, Blue Sushi for Japanese, Upstream Brewery for all-American pub fare. But the following two places are the ones I would recommend for a lunch bite:

Saigon Surface -- modern Vietnamese cuisine
M's Pub -- a classic, Omaha institution with great food

Dinner recommendations remain the same as the Tuesday night dinner places.

And of course, if you're not completely wiped out, be sure to stop into Trocadero, my shop, located at 1208 1/2 Howard Street in the heart of the Old Market of Omaha. My store specializes in women's accessories, shoes, handbags, jewelry, books, gifts for the home and babies. It's a one-stop shopping destination (I used to head up accessories at In Style). We are open Wednesday from 11am-7pm. Hope to see you there!