Two for the Road: 11/20/09

Date: 11/20/09

Bag: Hogan doctor's satchel

Shoe: Golden Goose western and vintage style boots

Worn with: J. Crew striped top, Claudia Brown equestrian print skirt, Moschino cashmere and wool cropped cardigan, Hue teal tights

I've definitely worn this particular outfit before (on 9/28) but not with these same accessories. That's the fun part of accessorizing; you can make different combinations and create new looks over and over again. This Hogan bag is one of the originals from a very early season. I still love its really retro-colors and shape. It's one of my favorites even though it is one huge open cavernous bag. The boots I bought on sale in Woodstock at some boutique. Barneys carries this line, Golden Goose, and they're really expensive reclaimed/redesigned footwear. They're vintage, recrafted and retooled and really expensive. I remember trying to justify spending over $800 on boots (and ON SALE!) but I fell in love with them and sometimes you just got to do what a girl's got to do. And I have never felt a moment of buyer's remorse whatsoever. These Golden Goose cowboy boots with their thick outside zipper are so comfortable, so durable and just enough country for a city girl like me. Because of the zipper, they work equally fine in big urban cities as well as the smallest of country towns.

Trocadero Holiday Q&A: Cygne

With the holidays right around the corner - literally - we thought it would be fun to share with our loyal readers a bit about the Trocadero staff and what we love in the store right now.

One of the best parts of the holidays, aside from spending time with friends and family, is gift-giving. It's always exciting to find the perfect gift for someone special on your list.

With that in mind, today marks the beginning of a special series of posts that will feature one member of the staff each Sunday through the holiday season. Each of us will talk about what item we would love to get for an important person in our lives and why we'd gift this particular item. We're kicking off the series today with Cygne. See the gift she would buy and for whom she'd buy it below.

"If I could buy anything from Trocadero, I would buy my mother the beige Kara Ross 'Nola' bag," Cygne writes. "The reason for this is simple - my mother almost never indulges herself in anything she wants. She usually buys my sister and me gifts over buying small ones for herself. I would want her to have the bag as a thank you for everything she's given me. On a less important level, she carries around bags for years and rarely gets a new one. This purse would be the absolute best gift to give her."

The Kara Ross "Nola" comes in beige or black buttery-soft leather with a touch of python trim, $895.

To learn more about Team Trocadero, to subscribe to our weekly e-mail newsletter or to find the perfect holiday gift, visit our Web site at ShopTrocadero.com.

Holiday Gift Guide!

Double-click the picture to enlarge.

New York, I Love You

After a full day of Thanksgiving festivities yesterday, my family headed out to the Dundee Theatre to see the 9pm showing of New York, I Love You. The film, composed of eleven vignettes, follows New York couples through marriage, reunion, and heartbreak. Thinking to myself while watching each tender love story unfold, I realized how much I love New York. So today, in honor of said film, this blog is about all things NYC. With the holidays coming up, there's no better gift than that unique little something from the Big Apple.

From the Bond No. 9 Wall Street unisex eau de parfum to the replica Greek coffee "We Are Happy to Serve You" cup, these New York-inspired items are perfect as a gift for any occasion. If you're searching for someone who's into writing or literature, I recommend the Cavallini notebooks and the "This Is New York" book, respectively. Have a girly-girl on your present list this year? Try the Helen Ficalora, an NY-based designer, sterling silver charms. Or, if there's that ever-famous dog lover that you need to get a gift for... the Haute Diggity Dog "Bark Street Journal" chew toy is excellent!

That being said, all of us down here at the Troc hope to see you soon. Stop in for the latest in fashionable accessories or come by to grab a gift for that special someone. New York themed or not, I'm pretty sure we'd love to have you. Actually... I'm positive we'd love you to stop by. We'd love it almost as much as we love New York.

Two for the Road: 11/19/09

Date: 11/19/09

Bag: Dior denim logo saddle satchel

Shoe: John Varvatos for Converse gray flannel Chuck Taylors

Worn with: C&C navy striped long sleeve tee, American Apparel black cotton cardigan, DVF black wool mini skirt, American Apparel black cotton yoga pants

It was a casual day at the Troc for me. While I would have loved to have worn some sexy high heels, patterned tights and a fitted suit, I just wasn't in the mood. I have to admit in the mornings I just gravitate towards the same comfortable shoes and clothing in my closet. Plus I am really trying to not repeat a shoe or bag whatsoever and am proud of my accomplishment thus far. But soon I will be repeating some shoes or boots but with different bag combos than what has been documented here. The bag is a gift from the Dior PR office long ago; I'm not a huge logo fan but this is classic Dior -- an archive shape in denim logo. And I don't own many Diors so this was a keeper. The shoes were stored in my office for years before I finally took them home. Actually, I don't think I've ever worn them until I moved here to Omaha. I wasn't really a sneaker-wearing girl in the city; but what I quickly realized was that these are great winter options for footwear because of the gray flannel and black accents. I'm wearing these with a favorite striped shirt from C&C (I think purchased on a Vegas trip) with my trusty AA pieces and DVF skirt. I found a photo of the striped shirt I am wearing; I'm pictured with the famous poker player, TJ Cloutier and his wife at the Bellagio. This is probably about 5 years ago...and yup, the shirt is still in great condition!
The funny thing about this day at work was that I was wearing argyle socks underneath my pants (the only pair I own) and turns out that PJ was also wearing argyle socks. Must have been argyle sock wearing day. Here's a photo...

Two for the Road: 11/12/09

Date: 11/12/09

Bag: Anya Hindmarch three pocket bag

Shoe: Manolo Blahnik tan mid-calf boots

Worn with: Ferre by Gianfranco Ferre silk sleeveless shift, Veronique Branquinho menswear blazer

This posting is not entirely authentic. I came to work with a Fendi brown logo tote but realized that this Anya bag that I carry in my shop coordinated with my outfit so well that I decided to show it instead. The boots are a gift from the Manolo Blahnik PR office and are super old...like from the late 90s (though upon further reflection it might have been the early 2000s). They were definitely one of my first gifts and the dead giveaway is the pointed toe box. Lately I have been finding these really pointy toed shoes and boots and they haven't been looking so dated. I'm thinking they'll be back in fashion next fall/winter...My dress was purchased so long ago on sale somewhere and the jacket is either from Barneys New York in NYC or from Susan in San Francisco (one of my favorite shops in the world!). All I know is that I purchased many Veronique items including a skirt I still own and covet from Susan but I think the jacket might have been an additional purchase from Barneys or perhaps even somewhere else?

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?

Dressing Up the Holidays From Head to Table

Recently I have been on a holiday high thinking of ways to get into the holiday spirit. Baking sweet treats with friends, drowning in "pumpkin harvest & fall" air freshener, strolling through the mall and department stores ogling the seasonal decor- all great ways to boost the cheer factor. But the holidays are not complete without the perfect accessories, and that goes for your table as well as you.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner there's no better time than now to devise a plan of how to dress your table. Forget the typical cornucopia or tired turkey basket filled with fall foliage. This year, try adding some spice to your spread by using playful dishes and chic accents.

Luckily, the Troc has you covered with our collection of unique houseware items that are sure to impress all of your dinner guests.

Add a quirky yet stylish touch to your table with a forest votive (below) or crumpled porcelain platter from Roost. The fun texture will definitely add variety to the setting. Lorena Barrezueta's elegant dishes are also a great pick to add function and flair to your feast. These pieces are fashioned after tin food containers but are made in fine porcelain.

Light a Diptyque candle or sit out an Antica Farmacista scent diffuser and the sweet, powerful aroma will be the first thing your friends and family notice when they step foot into your home.

The presence of quality perfumes and oils in these products will leave a lasting impression on the olfactory senses and help create that cozy holiday mood.

With these touches of interior glamour the holidays at your home will go unmatched, but putting on a great dinner or party does not end there. Whether you are hosting or attending, you can't do the holidays without the perfect accessories for your special ensemble.

For a pop of color or pattern to a simple updo or a sleek straight look throw on a Jennifer Ouelette headband or a feathered creation from Pluma. For party-perfect locks try some of Paul Labrecque's praised luxury hair care products.

Don't let your look slip through your fingers. Paint on a coat of our Rescue Beauty Lounge nail color (left: Black Russian) for a completely polished look, and slip on a set of Alex and Ani mixed metal bangles for a little more shine.

Treat yourself to an early Christmas present and splurge on a pair of shoes to carry you through the endless parties of the season. A heel like one of Brian Atwood's fancy creations are perfect to give you a little boost and a dash of charm.

A pair of Anne Black's playful earrings is the icing on the cake for any outfit, with styles ranging to compliment every outfit from casual to cocktail.

You can't go wrong with any of these home, beauty, or accessory items. They will take care of leaving your friends and family visually satisfied, but satisfying their taste buds is up to you. Happy Holidays from all of us at the Troc!

Two for the Road: 11/11/09

Date: 11/11/09

Bag: Fendi "Spy" bag in black logo

Shoes: Christian Louboutin black suede pumps

Worn with: Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti black tank dress, Aqua gray cashmere cardigan with black piping, DKNY black tights

This was another coveted bag of the season: Fendi's "Spy" bag. Following in the footsteps of their famous older sister, the "Baguette," this secret compartment tote was all the rage for many a celebrity and designer bag aficionado. I was lucky to receive one of these totes as a gift from the Fendi folks. I actually love that mine wasn't in leather because it made the bag much more lightweight. To be honest, this bag is not very functional in its design; the opening is too small to easily get in and out of and there are no pockets inside so it's just a big cavernous "where the hell is my ____." The shoes were a pair that I picked out pre-fashion week to get me through the season of shows and of course were mine to keep post-season. I actually snagged the same pair of pumps for my editor-in-chief as well and a pair of ankle boots for my friend and partner in crime at the mag (she did the clothing; I handled the accessories). Let's just say that my colleagues loved me a lot. The Philosophy dress is my go-to dress for both casual events as well as cocktail and black tie ones. It's one to dress up or dress down and I like to wear it when I am having a blah day and want to look a bit more polished.

Hello Everyone!

First, let me introduce myself. I am Alex, a newer member of the Trocadero Team. I was raised here in Omaha, attended Marian high school, and then moved to New Orleans for college. I have a B.A. in Graphic Design from Loyola University. I moved back this February and have been lucky enough to be a part of this fabulous store since September.

Working for Alice, I have become aware of some amazing designers and truly incredible pieces: accessories and lifestyle items that, for the most part, can only be found at Trocadero (in Omaha and surrounding areas).

I haven't been the best in contributing to this blog, so I thought I would make my first one extra special. Maybe it's because I am a fire sign, but I truly love yellow gold and wear it as jewelry frequently. The warm metallic tone is a good reminder of summer while in this dreary winter. Luckily for me (and for you), yellow gold has been used in many designs this fall as an accent, in studs and zippers, and even in colored/treated leather. So the Polyvore below is all about gold!

All that glitters is Gold by shoptrocadero

At the top is a L.A.M.B clutch wallet in "Gilded" (yay gold!). This is a great wallet, mainly because it has tons of zippered pockets and card slots. It even has different textures of leather, patent, and suede. This great statement piece can spice up a basic colored purse or be a clutch for a fun night on the town. (It's also available in all black.)

To the right of the wallet is the killer Botkier "Trigger Moto Clutch" which is a great over the shoulder bag with detachable strap so it can be a clutch, as well. Large zippers are totally in this season, as well as studded leather. The gold accents are beautiful but not over powering. This purse is a favorite of many Trocadero employees (originally $395 on sale for a steal at $325).

To the right is the Anya Hindmarch "Maddock" bag in brown leather. The handle is gold metal that has inlaid leather in graduating tones and is exquisitely crafted. It is highly functional and would be a GREAT everyday bag. It also comes with a detachable strap for a cross body look. (We have a large in brown and a smaller version in black).

Below is the MZ Wallace "Paige" purse. MZ bags happen to be a favorite go-to of mine for the sportier everyday bag look, yet, are made of luxurious colored and textured nylon, accented in patent and plain leather. The gold zippered pockets make having an organized purse very easy! Not to mention, they are highly durable bags. (We have different styles and different colors: black, burgundy, and nutmeg.)

Below the MZ Paige is the ultimate sexy shoe: the L.A.M.B. "Jalonna". The brown and black combination makes dressing super fun because it goes with everything! There is a built in platform, so walking in the super-high heel is much easier than expected. Also, the gold zipper in the back is an extra touch of gorgeous!

To the left is Bond No. 9 perfume "Wall Street". It's top notes of sea kale and cucumber and base notes of vetiver and musk make this unisex perfume incredible. All Bond perfumes have the highest level of eau de parfum, which means they're super long lasting (you really only need one spray for a whole day) and they come in great artisan bottles. The black bottle with gold logos is a great addition to any perfume collection. (We have 14 additional scents/bottles that come in small, large, and some even as candles.)

To the left again is the L.A.M.B. "Jona" heel in gray leather with gold metallic inlays. The platform is also built in, so your foot is more comfortable. Gwen Stefani is able to make her shoes have the perfect mix of sexy & classy. The color is such a beautiful rich gray that it goes with so many fall/winter colors. The super-high heel also elongates the leg. (I swear... the Jona makes everyone look 10 lbs thinner.)

To the left is the Joie "Caravan" over-the-knee boot, which has been featured many times in the blog. It has double zippers in gold. The color is a rich dark gray/black with a lighter gray fully leather lined inside. It can even be folded over for a second look. It is truly the perfect fall boot and effortlessly transforms from a day look to night look .

In the middle is a Ilenea Makri seeing eye charm with 24kt gold. Her designs speak for themselves with a timeless and artistic beauty.

To the right is a set of Alex & Ani bracelets in gold! These bracelets are a great every day piece to wear. They are made of recycled metal and come in Russian gold and Russian silver. They become quite collectable with different charms, textures, semi precious stones, and groupings. The bracelets are also adjustable/expandable in size and lock to slide over any side wrist!

To the right are Kara Ross enamel gold rings. They are so fun and totally fabulous. Also available in teal, magenta, deep purple, and a rusty red.)

To the right is the Botkier "Marcel" clutch in a champagne colored leather with woven straps of gold metallic leather. It is a gorgeous clutch to wear for a girls night out or dress up for an event. It also has a metal chain strap that lets it double as cross body. (Originally $295 on sale for $225!)

Below that is my favorite jewelry item in the store. The Pade Vavra bird's nest bracelet is an absolutely beautiful item. Gold plated with pearl eggs, it is such a feminine, unique and gorgeous piece!

And finally, a "Stalactite" sapphire and gold plated ring also by Pade. It is very unique, yet again, and would be great cocktail ring or artistic piece to wear every day or to dress up any event! (Also adjustable!)

Well, I hope you all enjoyed my first blog. There will definitely be more to come. Stop in the store to see all the great items we have in. :)

Two for the Road: 11/5/09

Date: 11/5/09

Bag: Devi Kroell matte gold metallic python hobo tote

Shoe: Jimmy Choo black slouchy boots with silver rings

Worn with: See by Chloe long sleeved silk mini dress, Strawberry black leggings

This is one huge bag. Talk about a statement piece. When Devi Kroell created this bag, it made fashion history. It was photographed in all the best glossies and featured in all the top specialty stores. She became an overnight sensation. I feel lucky to own one of these bags, a gift from the designer herself, as it is definitely an archival piece for my lifetime collection. My daughter (or niece) will be thrilled to inherit this one for sure. The boots are classic pointy-toed black boots from Jimmy and while I often thought about getting rid of them, I have a new-found respect for these oldies-but-goodies. They have a great heel, I think a 80mm, so they're low enough to wear all day long. The dress is a purchase from Intermix or Scoop (I think) and was bought right before Fashion Week one season. I must admit, there was a lot of "prepping the wardrobe" before the fashion circus began. You just needed some new pieces to get you through the month-long festivities.

Two for the Road: 10/31/09

Date: 10/31/09

Bag: Fendi "B" Bag in black patent

Shoe: Manolo Blahnik black patent open-toed three buckle pump

Worn with: Plenty by Tracy Reese black tunic top, Nanette Lepore leopard print skirt, Gerard Yosca and Lee Angel jet necklaces

Okay, I gotta admit that Manolo Blahnik can make an awesomely chic, classic but at the same time sexy shoe. Of all the Manolos that I own, this one is near the top of the heap. It has a perfect 90mm heel (3 1/2 inches) that is not too high, not too low. It has great arch support, a very sexy line and the skinny buckles are tiny, tiny and just hug the foot in the right way. I always feel really sexy wearing these heels and often take them with me on any trip where I want to get some height, be comfortable and look sexy but sophisticated. The Fendi bag was a press gift before Fashion Week one season. Some people got the double "B" bag; my former boss found it to be cumbersome and so did I. I liked my "single B" since it was much more lightweight and easier to maneuver. I must admit that often times my Fendi bags had terrible issues with the ease of getting into and out of them. My former boss actually cut herself on the closure of her double "B" bag. Yes, it was that tricky! I am wearing a top by Plenty that I bought at the Tracy Reese store on Hudson Street in the West Village in NYC and the skirt is from Super Saturday in the Hamptons, the yearly fundraiser that In Style and Donna Karan hosted to support the OCRF (Ovarian Cancer Research Fund). It was towards the end of the day and Nanette handed it to me thinking it would work for me. I love Nanette Lepore; she is definitely one of my favorite designers I met while working in NYC. She and her hubby were so lovely and kind people. And down-to-earth. I just might have to reach out and say hello to her the next time I'm in the NYC-area. Thanks, Nanette, for my lovely leopard skirt -- still rocking it after all these years! The necklaces are wonderful wardrobe staples from Gerard Yosca and Roxanne Assoulin for Lee Angel. I carry Lee Angel at the Troc (though nothing jet at the moment). I received both of these necklaces (and the bulk of my jewelry collection) as gifts from the designers themselves. I still have boxes upon boxes of costume jewelry that hardly ever see the light of day...I'll try to post more photos as I get the hang of it...

Oh, and the bonus photo are pillows that were gifts from Manolo Blahnik at the holidays -- a different sketch of a shoe each year. (And some Burberry pillows too from Christmas one year.)

Two for the Road: 10/29/09

Date: 10/29/09

Bag: YSL Downtown bag in off-white leather

Shoe: Brian Atwood Nico gray snake pumps

Worn with: Alberta Ferretti lavender silk camisole with nude lace, teal velvet belt and gray pinstripe skirt dress, Alberta Ferretti lavender cashmere mini cardigan, Bravo gray cashmere waffle knit long cardigan

One of my all-time favorite bags. Actually I don't think there is one YSL bag that I own that I don't completely adore. Functional and chic and not gimmicky and logoed out. This was a gift from YSL to all the Accessories Directors and some Fashion Directors at the major magazines. Top tier mags: Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, W, In Style. Yes, I was one of the lucky few who season after season, was showered with the most coveted bags of the season. And this one for sure was one of my absolute faves. The shoes are total F$%# Me pumps that were at the Troc (actually we have one last pair left, size 40, for a mere $325 -- originally $765). I got the Alberta Ferretti dress with matching cardigan as a gift from the Aeffe PR folks. And the long cardigan I wore with the dress to make it more work-appropriate is from She-la, here in Omaha. It's my go-to warm long cardigan for many a day and night. And my spray tan? It's from Shine Day Spa out at a strip mall across from the Lakeside one in Omaha. I had never gotten a spray tan before but it was FREE with the purchase of any $60+ treatment. They are so lovely at Shine Day Spa...I recommend it highly.

Two for the Road: 10/28/09

Date: 10/28/09

Bag: Nancy Gonzalez hunter green crocodile tote

Shoe: Joie black leather over the knee double zip boot

Worn with: Free People animal print long sleeved dress, American Apparel long cardigan, Forever 21 black leggings

It was my first day back at work after missing 5 days in a row due to a killer cold/flu. It's also the first of many days I will be sporting these new boots from Joie. Even though they are brand new to the store and brand new to my closet, they are quickly becoming a classic. The perfect go-to boot. I wore them with my animal print sweatshirt-weight cotton dress (a fave of mine that I picked up at Bloomie's right before taking off to Europe one season), my handy-dandy cotton cardigan from AA (I love the contrast beige buttons) and my usual black leggings. The "eyes" in the animal print on the dress are an emerald green; so yes, I matched back the green to my tote: my Nancy Gonzalez crocodile one (large enough to fit my laptop), a gift from Santiago Gonzalez, Nancy's son, PR-magnet, President and spokesperson and general bon vivant. I wonder how Santi is. Last I remember him, he was being über-fabulous at the Plaza Athénée in Gay Paree, with Nina Garcia and the gang...oh, the days of being a fashion editor with a giant expense account...

I'm not the only one who is sporting the new Joie boots. Cygne, shown here, was wearing hers the same day (and has been addicted to them since getting them a couple weeks ago). They have this great, contrast gray lining that folds over that makes them really versatile...she's wearing them with her new Botkier Rio tote.

Two for the Road: 10/22/09

Date: 10/22/09

Bag: Chanel Coco Cabas bag in distressed brown caviar leather

Shoe: Fendi rubber rain boots

Worn with: Brooks Brothers boy's blue striped button down shirt, tie, and plaid wool jacket with American Apparel jersey gray skirt and Hue gray tights

It was a rainy, cold day in Omaha so a great excuse to wear my Fendi rain boots. I love them because they are a neutral gray color and blend with anything "grown-up" in your wardrobe as opposed to the childlike, colorful rain boots so often associated with the style. One very rainy season in Paris, the pair of boots arrived in my room at the George Cinq from the Fendi PR office. It was surprising since Fendi is based in Milan and they were the fashion brand to send rain boots while we were in Paris. Hey, I wasn't complaining. Plus, I especially loved it when I was walking through the Tuileries on my way to a show and Andre Leon Talley commented on my choice footwear and I was able to tell him, "Yeah, the Fendi folks sent them to my room yesterday, [sucker]!" Clearly, he didn't get the gift. He probably got a fur with a reversible slicker. My Cabas bag from Chanel was a Christmas gift, probably the best gift ever from them in the history of Christmas presents. It was the bag and not everyone got the Cabas...I love my distressed brown leather one, chosen especially for me by my former assistant who then worked at Chanel. The Brooks Brothers ensemble was purchased in NYC with my 30% discount, the American Apparel skirt from Omaha and my tights from Halls in Kansas City.