It's Raining Shoes

With the cold weather, and a fatter paycheck this week I decided it was time to invest in some new(ish) fall shoes. First I went to check out Bellwether boutique  which carries high quality vintage clothing as well as fashions by local designers like Buf Reynolds and Spano Lang by Shannon Hopp. (Click the link to see video of the shop and the opening fashion show. The strawberry blonde with the puppy is owner Jessica Latham.)

I found a brown velvet blazer by Renoma Paris ($20), and the highlight of the trip: navy vintage 'Vara' pumps by Italian shoemaker Salvatore Ferragamo ($20!). Today his 'Vera' pumps run for about $350. I immediately put the shoes on (even though I was wearing black) and showed my mother who told me that my grandmother's favorite shoes used to be Ferragamos.

After I got my vintage fix I headed to Target to check out the Sigerson Morrison for Target line and bought the fierce patent bootie ($39.99). The booties were twice as expensive, half as comfortable and definitely not as well-made as the Ferragamos. 

Moral of the story? Shop vintage, especially if you're on a budget. 

Target, is it really you?

Target's designer collaborations keep getting better and better. New York fashion photographer and cult handbag designer, Monica Botkier's, line ran from July 21st- September 14th. Following in her footsteps is none other than British designer Anya Hindmarch's handbag line  which became available October 12th and will be in stores until December 26th. As far as footwear stands, Sigerson Morrison, a high-end line for the classic, elegant woman runs alongside Anya through the December holiday. 

Merry Christmas anyone?

In other fashion news:

• According to fashionologie, Omaha-native Thakoon Panichgul's sportswear collection for Target will be available Christmas day. 
  
• Mary Kate and Ashley's book, Influence, is available starting Thursday, October 28th.
• Anthropologie, Urban Outfitter's older sister, opened earlier this week at Regency Court in Omaha

All Aboard...

My friend and co-worker Hannah Rood makes some pretty nice clothes. She is a graduate student at University of Nebraska at Lincoln in the Marketing, Communication and Advertising program. She began sewing at the age of nine and began designing clothes at the age of 12. 

Hannah shot her portfolio Monday at the Durham Museum in Omaha and I had the opportunity to model for her. 

Her collection consisted of several coats (all lined with her signature tie trim) and dresses. The backdrop of the old train station really complimented her 30s-50s inspired modern look. 

Accessories were provided by Trocadero and Bellwether boutique. 

I do have to say that modeling is harder than it looks. I've always fantasized about it, but knew I could never do runway at my height (5 ft 8 in). For this photo shoot, I worked for 6 and 1/2 hours. I got to have my makeup done by a Chanel artist, which looked beautiful (probably $500 worth of makeup on my face!), but I found it hard to be confident the whole time, especially when the other two girls were two to four inches taller than me and much more experienced! 

I tried my hardest to keep the energy up, had a good time on set and was happy to oblige my friend and blossoming designer Hannah Rood...that's really all a natural disaster can hope for. 

Trocadero Turns One!

Trocadero, the lifestyle boutique I work at, celebrates it's first birthday tomorrow. The store sells accessories, shoes and gifts and is the brainchild of former In Style magazine accessories director, Alice Kim. 

If you haven't been in the store yet, it's a mecca of all things chic and unique to Omaha. Favorite products include Brian Atwood shoes, Wizard of Oz pop-up books, Korres greek skincare, jewelry by Helen Ficalora and Kidrobot collectable vinyl toys, among many others.  

There will be plenty of munchies, samples and interesting people around all day, although I can't tell you what the door prizes will be. You'll have to come see for yourself. 

"Fashion by Chance"

I'm lucky not to have class on Tuesdays, but the downside is that I'm usually doing homework (or at least worrying about homework) from the time I wake up in the morning until I finally get to bed around 2 a.m. 

The upside: I actually have time to get ready for the day. 

Today I wore white lace tank top (dates back from 7th grade when Abercrombie was actually cool) under a men's blue plaid shirt with snaps for buttons (that I think came from an old co-worker), my trusty Banana Republic chino jeans, and silver ballet flats that I got from Target last fall. I also put a white sweater with black details in my bag in case I got chilly. 

I went to Aromas Coffeehouse to do some homework, worked for a few hours and then took a break to go to Second Chance Antiques with my friend Kevin when he got off work. I found a necklace (see picture) that hits right at my breastbone, that encases an Estée Lauder jelly perfume ($6).  

"Vintage, so cute." 

I went back to Aromas and couldn't decide whether to put my sweater on under or over my plaid shirt (big deal, I know). My friend and Aromas regular, Anthony, suggested I flip a coin. If it was heads, I'd wear it over and if it was tails, I'd wear it under. 

And there you have it, fashion by chance.  

I would be gay for her...

Jenny Lewis, an indie/folk singer based out of California, released her latest solo album Acid Tongue September 23rd. Not only does she have an intoxicating voice and catchy, provocative lyrics, but she's got incredible stage presence and impeccable style. 

Her last solo album was released with the Watson Twins in 2006, and I remember watching them sway in perfect rhythm at the Sokol Auditorium show, almost like they were mirror images on either side of Lewis.  

Lewis performed with her other band, Rilo Kiley, formally of Saddle Creek Records, last May supporting their 2007 album Under the Blacklight. [Trivia fact: I was able to see the sold out show after a certain boss of mine made friends with her manager!] Lewis wore a blue haltered romper cinched with a skinny belt, shiny tan dance tights and what appeared to be vintage heels. 

photo courtesy of www.instantcast.com

                                            

I'm so dorky, I wore my own version of her romper inspired outfit to work the next day (American Apparel Tri-blend Halter Romper in Athletic Blue, $28) .

Tonight I had the opportunity to see the front-woman make an appearance on Late Night with Conan O'Brien performing "Acid Tongue" off her album of the same name. She wore cuffed wide-legged jeans, a navy, sleeveless polka dot top and a black fedora. She played acoustic guitar while her five band members sang backup. I think this was the first time I've seen her in jeans!  

Lewis was last in Omaha playing with Conor Oberst September 20th at the Anchor Inn.