Party Time - Trio Style!

Happy Valentine's Day!


Armed with the creme de la creme of Trio's Spring collections, several rolling racks & accompanied by designer Heather David, of Petite Bling jewelry, we were ready to celebrate! Ready and excited!

Who do you think he's going to choose?

We found the perfect way to celebrate Valentine's Day -- 

By throwing an exclusive 

'the Bachelor' Viewing  Shopping Party!

Petite Bling's
Heart Icon.
Love!

So, we set up shop (quite literally!) in the living room of our wonderful hostess & organized the racks while Heather spread out her 18k gold & diamond earrings, ID bracelets & necklaces on the dining room table. Aaaaand... We were good to go!

Everyone stocked up on Spring!

Once the guests arrived, they sipped on champagne and gnashed on yummy Mediterranean spreads with pita & pesto paninis while perusing the gorgeous pieces Deb handpicked from the Palm Desert store. (Sunner, Joie, Goddis, Textile by Elizabeth & James, Jen's Pirate Booty, to name a few...)

And, the best part?! Well, in the name of Valentine's Day, we played Spin the Bottle!
(Well, sort of... Right before being rung up, our clients got to spin for an additional discount or a gift bag. Such a cute idea!)
After everyone got their shop on, all the guests settled in to watch this week's The Bachelor*, after sneaking in a few heart shaped cookies or a mini pink frosted cupcake (or seven).

*All I have to say is, the Model on the show is a liiiiiittle cuckoo, don't you think?!

All in all, it was such a fun night!
We followed the Bachelor Night in Newport with a Valentine's Day themed soiree in Beverly Hills the next night! It, too, was a total hit!
Such a great way to get all your friends together (for a holiday, birthday or for no reason at all), sip some bubbly and shop your hearts out!

xo, Dori

By the way - If you want to host your own exclusive Trio Boutique in your living room - or have a private after-hours shopping soiree in the store with your girlfriends - feel free to call Heather at Trio in Palm Desert for more information at 760.837.9333.

This Shopgirl's Literary Inspiration

Happy New Year everyone!

You know, in the blog-o-sphere at the start of 2012, I've noticed an overwhelming sense of cynicism - from posts on post-NYE hangovers to ruminations on the 'upcoming' apocalypse; and you know what?
I can't stand it!
I started my new year inspired!
2012 is going to be a great year, I can just feel it!

It started off with an fantastic gift: a book was given to me written by designer Ann Fogarty called, Wife Dressing.
Written in 1959, and though it is geared towards the 1950's 'modern housewife' (hence the title) it is really interesting how so much of it still rings true today!

I devoured it - and if you remove the whole idea of dressing for the 'husband who pays the bills'  - and take it as more of a meditation on individual style - it's a pretty amazing read. I found a lot of her ideas very similar to my own; whether they be 'shop in a shopping mood' or, the idea that 'expense does not assure good taste, nor is "good" taste necessarily expensive'. Some other tidbits that stayed with me after I finished the book - ideas and theories that I have wanted to sing - and have sung - off trio's rooftops for the past several years are:

You are you. You are not the model in that photograph or the girl beside you in the elevator or the woman eating lunch at the next table. What they are wearing may stop traffic, but be sure its right for you before emulating the effect.

If [something] is out of style - or makes you itch or squirm with discomfort - turns your skin sallow - get rid of it fast!

Fashion is for today!

Nothing spoils an outfit more than time worn shoes & shoes which are obviously out of style. Heel shapes change gradually from season to season, but the change becomes glaringly obvious when a three old pair comes out of the shoe bag.

But my favorite part was Anne Fogarty's chapter on what is 'chic'. She titled it 'Chicology' & it included this list:

CHIC begins with good taste.
CHIC is organization + inspiration.
CHIC is a statement of who you are & what you stand for.
CHIC is a picture of you worth more than a thousand words.
CHIC is bearing - the way you walk, move & sit.
CHIC is the image you convey to others.
CHIC is doing something for clothes rather than expecting them to do something for you.
CHIC is appreciation of fabrics, textures, colors.
CHIC is attention to the smallest detail.
CHIC is selectivity & the understanding that what may be great for someone else is not necessarily for you.
CHIC is not blind acceptance of fashion fad.
CHIC does not depend on money.
CHIC is classical styling with personal embellishments.
CHIC may be looking different than everyone else or looking the same as everyone else.
CHIC is a personal mood.
CHIC is personal identity, immediately distinguishable.
CHIC is comprehension of clothes, atmosphere, and surroundings.
CHIC is a custom-made look concocted from the assembly line of fashion.
CHIC is Insinct + Impulse + Individuality.

Brilliant, don't you think?!? Absolutely brilliant.

I guess what struck me most was that a book written about style almost 60 years ago could still be so relevent in 2012.
And probably will still be relevent 50 years from now! (Barring any apocalypse, of course.) I mean, some of the book is pretty hilarious, with whole passages devoted to white gloves and how a good wardrobe must have many many(!) hats; or her 'revolutionary' chapter on the importance of an every-day multi-purpose handbag, but when it really comes down to it; Anne Fogarty was pretty on top of all things Style, Fashion and, of course, Chic.

I definitely recommend taking a look at it.

- xo, Dori

Buyer's Sneak Peak: Genetic Denim for Spring!

I love when my clothing reps get out of Downtown LA, take the cruise down PCH and meet me at the store for a road appointment. And today I had the pleasure of meeting with our rep from Genetic Denim to look at what they have in their Spring 2012 collection.

(I know, crazy that it's just getting chilly out here at the beach and I'm buying for March and April and in some cases even later!)
So... What did I see from Genetic for spring?



Spring Sneak Peak!

Super soft denims, in both dark washes and electric sherbert-y colors (Dori and I were both partial to a verrrrry pretty bright orange). I've loved all the colored denim that was in for Fall, and am happy to see it stay strong through Spring! I ordered some bootcuts in black (again, very soft) that will be great for the transition from Winter to Spring (pair them with sandals once the weather allows!) and some great teal cut-off shorts coming as well.

But, the one thing I saw that I found really exciting was their Silk Denim! Washable silk skinnies in a bunch of colors and neutrals. So soft, and such a new and interesting take on plain ol' denim! I loved the taupe version they did, as well as the navy blue.

Excited to what Nightcap has to show me when they stop in later today!!!

xo Deb

Hallelujah! The Holidays are Here!

I cannot believe tomorrow is the first day of December! With Thanksgiving behind us, and now Christmas & Chanukah are right around the corner (they'll be here before you know it!). With all that in mind, Deb & I took to making the shop look amazing for the holidays.
And I have to say,
I think we kiiiiind of outdid ourselves this year.

Gift Wrapping = my 'Moment of Zen'.

After three days of bringing down the tinsel and other holiday decor Deb's collected over the years, of Christmas music on our shop's Pandora (we went back & forth between classic Michael Buble & the very au currant Justin Bieber, with a little Charlotte Gainsbourg & Maroon 5 thrown in for kicks), and of receiving new merchandise (some perfect gift items from Vanessa Mooney, Natalie B. & JET by John Eshaya) I have to say, the shop looks great!

The stars add such a subtle sparkle.

Current/Elliott denim shirt,
Vanessa Mooney bag with Otis & MacClain's hi-lo skirt =
My Christmas Wishlist.

Boat Parade Open House?
Heather dress with sparkle insert,
BB Dakota velvet blazer
& layered necklaces.
Pair with opaque leggings and boots
and you're done.

Plus, I have a ton a great party-perfect looks in mind for me, you & everyone else. I'm coveting Blue Life's one shouldered black body suit paired with a nude, floaty high waisted skirt from Gypsy Junkies. Or Otis & MacClain's black s& white stripe hi-lo skirt with a black ballet-inspired tee and maybe Rory Beca's black leather vest to pull it all together. With all the holiday parties, parades & open houses I have (and I suspect you do as well) on my calender --- I need easy, chic and effortless. And I have to admit, Deb did a great job buying just that! So, come visit me & take a peak at our holiday handywork.

Trio's thinking... White Christmas!

Maaaaaaaaaybe I'll even have some eggnog (or champagne!) waiting for you to sip while we cross everyone off your Christmas List & get you perfectly dressed for every event you are invited to attend.

xo, Dori

One Teaspoon

So, as a buyer I am always on the hunt for new & upcoming designers. One of the things that I really try to do here at trio is find exciting pieces and lines that you don't see everywhere else.
You know where I'm finding the most amazing things these days?

Australia!

Australian line, One Teaspoon (created & designed by Jamie Blakey) might be my favorite line out there at the moment - it's cutting edge yet totally effortless; with their luxurious kimonos, fly-out-of-the-store denim cut-offs & every fashion piece in between, along with their unbelievable styling of each look, I find myself ordering more & more every season!

Each piece from One Teaspoon is simultaneously super-feminine and rock'n'roll, which I love.

Check out some of my favorite looks from them for Holiday, as well as some of their past pieces that really got my attention.
xo, Deb



Neutrals Galore!




Boots + Assymetrical Maxi = LOVE!



Heather Cardi



This morning when I walked into Trio, with the mist coming over the ocean (& the parking lot) I was inspired to dress some of our mannequins... I'm obsessed with this season's neutral palette (specifically the blushes, soft silvers and creams) as well as the silver Heather silk cardigan we received last week. Also, on my must-have list for the Holiday season is maxi length anything - especially the hi-lo versions that are everywhere! That little detail (shorter in front, longer in back) makes them so much easier (& aesthetically pleasing) to wear with this season's amazing boots.

So, for mannequin numero uno, I paired Rory Beca's blush colored Natalie ruffle cami, with the Heather cardigan, my favorite light wash Ferris flares by Hudson and topped it off with Kage's Huntress necklace (with a real shark tooth!). My second mannequin is now wearing TT Collection's Blixen hi-lo dress and Joie's Orson cardigan.

My creations!

Love the print on this dress. (We also have it in a blouse!)

It's just so ethereal, don't you think?

Now off to do the rest of the mannequins!

xo, Amy



'Tis (Almost) the Season

 As I was grabbing Starbucks earlier this week, I realized that they are now serving their hot drinks in their signature Holiday cups! Yaaaay! Because, with holiday cups come Holiday Parties!

(I'm a sucker for the ugly sweater versions, myself.)

Current/Elliott tuxedo jacket.
I will be wearing this
over my Ugly Xmas Sweater,
with J Brand peacock
 blue skinny cords.

... And Holiday Windows!

Last year Deb & I were inspired to write out all the lyrics to Santa Baby on huge kraft colored scrolls & decorate them with gigantic gold and silver stars and silver tinsel.

Our Palm Desert store has a beautiful autumnal display happening right now, with tree ornaments filled with fall leaves and rusty chains and willow branches... I'm not going to lie, I'm a little envious! 

So I have been spending some of my free time in the shop getting inspired for our holiday windows here in Newport Coast.

Wish me luck!

-Dori

PS - I could really go for a Pumpkin Spice Latte right now.
PPS - If you guys have any ideas, leave them in the comments!



Palm Desert's envy-inducing trimmings.

Treva in trio.

Can I just say, I have the most fashionable clients!!??!!
I almost died when Treva walked in today in head-to-toe trio pieces! Her combination of Tylie Malibu's leather fringe cardigan, Wilt's white slub asymmetrical long sleeve tee & the (always fabulous) Goddis Huntley pant was absolutely perfect...

Easy, effortless & stand out all in one.

Love it!

 - Dori

Welcome.

Rory Beca, Holiday 2011

We are so excited to debut
the inspired shopgirl
trio's new blog right in time for the Holidays!

We wanted to give our clients & friends an insiders point of view on what really goes into making trio what it is.

We pour our heart into making our two stores your favorite shopping destination; whether you're on vacation in the desert or just seeking a little refuge in Newport before having to pick up dinner at Trader Joes. 

Between Deb's buying trips to LA, Heather picking up the newest product from Bumble & Bumble for the salon, Dori cruising the latest lookbooks for inspirational ways to rock our newest arrivals, Elodie trying to figure out what to pack for her next trip to Hawaii or Amy simply coming across an awesome quote from John Lennon that brightened her day - We are an inspired bunch & we wanted a place to share.

So, wish us luck & keep checking back!

-the trio shopgirls.