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.  

Cultural Funfair

Yesterday was a whirlwind of unexpected fun. It all started out at the Scout Candy Land fashion show in Dundee, where I got to dress up in an outfit of my choice and have my hair and makeup done by Halo* Studios. I wore a green boy scout shirt with a cranberry colored scarf, a Free People jean shirt with a rainbow belt, and vintage red Dorthy-esque pumps. My hair was big and backcombed (garnished with a hair clip made out of purple candy) and my makeup was blue and purple with matching blue lips painted geisha style.  

After strutting the catwalk and taking advantage of the free keg beer, I  went to Amsterdam Falafel around the corner for some delicious curry fries with my new found friends Nolan and Eric. 

We then headed back downtown to the Slowdown to catch Lincoln band, Mr. 1986, play 1 of 3 reunion shows, before retiring for good. I was happy to experience the multi-layered purely instrumental music that reminded me of a Midwestern Explosions in the Sky. Outside on the patio I had the pleasure of meeting and talking with Lindsay Baker, the Omaha Reader's style beat reporter. 

As if the night wasn't colorful enough, my friends and I decided to stop by an after-hours party on the way home, where I got to meet Darren Keen, the crazy mastermind behind the anti-Creek Omaha band The Show is the Rainbow. 

My editor for the Creightonian recently sent me an e-mail that ended with a quote from Thoreau, "How vain is it to sit down to write when you have not stood up to live." 

I think I'm on the right track. 

Apple of my Heart

It's been almost two weeks since I got back from New York and I have yet to talk about two of my favorite encounters.
First was the Colette Paris (for GAP) store temporarily set up adjacent to the GAP flagship store on 54th and 5th Avenue. Colette is a Paris boutique that carries a wide variety of products including clothing and shoes, beauty, art and design books and random gifts and treasures. This is the first time Colette products have been released in the US, and I was lucky to be able to experience the store. The first time I stopped by Colette, the line was too long and I had to book it to make it to the New York Library to set up for the Jill Stuart show. The second time I witnessed firsthand the Euro's power over the dollar. I stumbled upon a charm necklace/bracelet by Aurelie Bidermann that I just had to buy (but set me back $75). Each necklace was engraved with Colette loves NY and could be found in four classic symbols: the four-leaf clover, heart, apple and star. I of course chose the apple.
Speaking of the Big Apple, I often have heard that New York abuses you and you have to abuse it back to survive, but on my short trip the city embraced me with open arms. When I was leaving the Kidrobot offices in Chelsea, I was having a hard time finding the downtown F train that would take me to the Kidrobot store in Soho. I wandered around a bit and eventually wandered down into a station to look at a map. As I was walking down the stairs, a cute kind of hipster boy locked eyes with me and said hello. I smiled and said hello back and continued walking down the stairs. As I was staring down the subway map, it was clear I was at the wrong station and was kicking myself that I didn't ask the cutie boy for directions. I turned around and he was standing there holding out a demo for his band Baby Teardrops that was playing that evening at the Mercury Lounge. I asked him for directions and he took me to the correct station and rode with me to my stop. He ended up being from Kansas City and thought it was way cool that I was from Omaha. He was taking a mid-afternoon break from his advertising job and was telling me about his band and wanting to work for Sesame Street. I missed his show, but I have a feeling that won't be the last time we meet.
New York runs on energies (and lots of caffeine), being able to tap into that really helped me navigate my way around. I know the city is for me, now it's all about getting there.
[read about my experience at the Charlotte Ronson show at scene.creightonian.com]

Obama for fashion, or fashion for Obama?

While on Barack Obama's campaign site earlier today, I discovered that he has quite the (fashion) designer endorsement. I mean, it makes sense that he would be popular with the young, creative class, but I guess I've been living under a rock because I was astonished to see prominent designers like Nanette Lepore, Vera Wang, Alexander Wang, and Zac Posen with custom Obama T-shirt designs for sale. Not to mention tote bags by Marc Jacobs, Diane von Furstenberg and Rag and Bone, among others. 

My favorite shirt is probably the white racer back tank by Alexander Wang ($45) that says "Change", although if I was still in my Juicy Couture days I would have picked their "Dude Where's the Hope" tee ($60). 

I also like the Rag and Bone tote that says "Change is Awesome" ($75), but was disappointed with editorial darling Marc Jacobs's lame "Obama '08" tote ($75). 

I tended to favor designs without the campaign logo, but not because it's a bad design. 

If you're looking for poor design, visit the McCain store and while you're at it buy a Bikers for McCain bandana ($8). 

Omaha Fashion Week

Tonight I had the pleasure of taking part in the inaugural Omaha Fashion Week event at the Nomad Lounge. I had my hair cut live by Lisa Anderson, co-owner of Icon Studios. I would say the look is like a modern "bowl cut"...chopped short in the front, shaved along the sides and leaves me with just enough shape to put it in a ponytail (look for me on campus).

Events take place all week at the Nomad Lounge with cute boys serving $3 drinks, and the more you drink the more special they get. 

Please see www.omahafashionweek.com for more information, and don't miss the Premiere Catwalk event on Saturday, September 20th featuring local designers and models. 

It's all about putting Omaha on the map, right?