Diary of an Oakland Shop Girl

The Evolution of oo la la!

2011-10-24T13:51:00.000-07:00

At least once a week for the past 6 months, I have had fleeting thoughts about the store blog. Fleeting because I have been moving at the speed of light and have been trying to figure out what the store does and does not need, what I can and cannot do and whether I will or will not stay.

If you're a regular at the store, then you've noticed that in the past year or so, the store has become part-time. I've always done more than one thing and my travel schedule, youth & adult trips and change in lifestyle have had me all over the place...particularly in the past 18 months. What's interesting about my new part-time status is that as long as I place the heart-shaped note on the front door of the store with my return date on it, you all show up to see where I've been and what I brought back. To be honest, it keeps everything interesting for me because I don't have the "stay put" gene in my DNA. Maybe I have ADD. LOL

I'm writing this post mostly because it's time and secondly because I just registered with a new vendor (LOVE their jackets!) and left the space blank when it asked for my store Web site because this site hasn't been updated in quite some time. Now is as good as any to get current, don't you think?

A week from this Monday, I am leaving for Paris and will be back in the store early December with goodies from The City of Light and from my new vendor. I'll be pre-selling to my Facebook tribe and checking in while I'm away, but in the meantime I want you to know that I am dedicated to my part-time status here at oo la la! I love being a buyer and I love that you love what I buy. I get such a kick seeing you leave with items that excite me as much as they excite you and appreciate your ongoing support.

Guess I'll sign off and get back to work.

With all my heart,

Tracey

Your part-time Oakland Shop Girl

New Digs!

2011-03-05T09:30:00.000-08:00

No, no, no! The store doesn't have new digs! Instead, I'm using new digs for the Annual Trip to Paris!

I have compiled some photos (below) of the apartments that my guests will stay in this November for the trip to Paris. Lynda + Alice will share a 2 bedroom apartment and Judy will stay in a studio apartment.

If you can't make it in 2011, consider 2012. In fact, Sherry Trujillo of San Jose, California has already made her deposit for 2012! She'll be turning 45 in the City of Light. oo la laaaaaaa!

Here is Lynda & Alice's two bedroom Paris apartment!

Now here's traveler Judy's studio apartment

Aren't they the cutest?! Hope you can make it some time. If not with me in November, then Just Go! Hope to see you soon!

Tracey

Your Oakland Shop Girl

Be Careful What You Wish For...

2011-02-16T10:22:00.000-08:00

Resting in the Lounge Area at Accessories/The Show
Las Vegas 2/15/11

In case you might have noticed, I've been moving at the speed of light lately. After my annual November holiday in France, I had a lovely holiday season (December) at the store. It was fun catching up with customers and getting into the holiday spirit!

It's lunch time!
Martinique, French West Indies
January 2011

In January, I took off for the Caribbean (Barbados and Martinique) to belatedly celebrate my 10 year wedding anniversary. (My actual anniversary is in August.) And as much as I love to travel, getting back home for longer than a month was heavy on my mind. There is, after all, no place like home.

So here I am on my last day in Las Vegas where I went to MAGIC (at the Las Vegas Convention Center), WWIN (at the hotel Rio) and Accessories/The Show (at The Venetian) to see what was unique, cute and new in retail. In the picture above, I was pooped from shopping and taking a break. So, yes, it's true. A woman can actually tire from shopping. *Smile*

Specifically on the lookout for new sunglasses, body shapers and a refund from a vendor that took my order and my money in August 2010 (!) and didn't send me my stuff (long story), I found what I was looking for and more. I can' wait for everything to start rolling in...

2011 is going to be busy for me. The store has turned into a part-time business (Noon-6pm Monday through Friday when I'm in town) because I spoke some things into existence by putting my desires out there into The Universe about more travel and my continued celebration of culture. As a result, I signed a contract with American Airlines' BlackAtlas.com to travel and provide content for their site; I won a spot in a travel blogging contest with Wyndham Worldwide; I'm going to be a panelist at a big blogging conference; and I am actively marketing my travel adventure camp for girls. All I can say is Be careful what you wish for. You know the rest...because you might just get it!

Thanks for putting up with me! I love my store and I love all of you for your support.

See you tomorrow!

Tracey

Your Oakland Shop Girl

The Shop Girl in Paris 2010

2010-11-18T15:52:00.000-08:00

My customer Tracy & I at Dom Perignon on The Avenue de Champagne in Épernay,
the Champagne capital of the world.

Wow. When I stop and think about it, I've been here in Paris for 15 or 16 days and we leave next week on Wednesday or Thursday to come back (I don't remember the exact date and I refuse to look at the tickets). How unfair that this whole vacay is going by far too quickly.

Far too grand to capture in one image, this is the front of the Château de Versailles.
See http://en.chateauversailles.fr/the-palace- for details about its brilliant history.

Inside view of Château de Versailles.
I wish the people would've moved. LOL.

Marie-Antoinette slept here.

Every day that I've been here, I've told myself "You need to write to your customers" and every day I didn't. Instead, I wrote and posted pictures on my Facebook page, because it was quick and easy...and to be honest...I didn't know what to say to all of you. Remember last year? I gave you all a blow by blow and I thought it would probably bore you if I did the same. So until I could figure out what I should say, I said nothing. But that's my usual M.O. I don't say anything until I'm sure I should. I think that can be both good and bad.

One of the magnificent store windows at Printemps Department Store.

Another window at Printemps.

Anyway. I'm not really ready to come back to Oakland. But then again I am. (Oooo, I'm so contrary.) You see, I bought some really cutesie stuff and tomorrow I'm going to pick up the rest of it. The exchange rate is horrible (same as last year), so I wasn't able to get as much as I would have liked, but I at least bought as much as I did last year, so it's all good. I want to come back and show it to you...but I want to stay and "be French" too. LOL. Clearly, I have issues.

A really cool sculpture that uses negative space brilliantly.

The truth is...I'm coming back in July for a family wedding, so I really should stop whining like a big baby. But blogging is a good way to vent...and I don't mind sharing my feelings with you. =) I'll just save the details of the trip for when I get back. (Wanda and Tracy, my two customers from Oakland, are having a blast, by the way. Hope you can make it next year.)

The magnificent Riems Cathedral which is 800 years old. Wow.
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notre-Dame_de_Reims
(not to be mistaken with Notre Dame in Paris).

An inside view.

Guess I'll sign off now. It's after midnight and I should at least lie down so I can be energerized for tomorrow's shopping. I really do sorta kinda miss you all. LOL. See you on the 30th!

Tracey ;-)

Your Oakland Shop Girl

At Aunt Astrid's...acting silly. LOL.

My horse encounter (today!) of the magnificent kind...

2010-11-03T05:36:00.001-07:00

OMG, I Missed You!

2010-10-21T08:45:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted here. You know how it is when you keep thinking (and thinking) about doing something and then something else gets in the way? Well, that's my story. But I'm pretty much over myself and woke up early just to write. I love my store and I love my customers, so here's What's What in oo la la Land. =)

Paris. As you (hopefully) know by now, the store is going to be closed (I know, I know) for the month of November. I'm going on a nice little vacay in France, where it will be chilly (who cares?) and fabulous in spite of the protests and al Qaeda threats (gulp). (France has never bored me and I guess it never will.) And while there is some really cute new (!) stuff in the store right now, I'm going to be shipping back some French fabulosity that I'm hoping will knock your socks off! I'll be back in the store on November 30, so be sure to mark your calendars and tell a friend! In the meantime, I just got in the MOST BEAUTIFUL scarves eh-ver...

This year, two of my customers - Wanda and Tracy - will be joining me in Paris for 10 days of oo la la! I am truly looking forward to setting them up in their Paris apartment, orienting them to the city, and stopping by their apartment to swap stories and drink champagne. If you're a Facebook person, feel free to join me on the One Brown Girl In Paris Facebook page so you can get a blow by blow and decide if you want to come along on my annual November jaunt next year. Everyone is welcome! I'll be posting updates here as well, but not as often. (Facebook has really taken over the world, haven't they?)

Other than Paris, I've been doing a lot (!) of writing and traveling and thinking about What's Next...and overall life is good.

My last day in the store is October 29 and I plan to work from Noon-6pm Monday-Friday between now and then, so please...if you have a little gift you need to give (to yourself or someone else), come on down. Even if you don't, come on down and say hello (maybe good-bye is more appropriate...LOL). And if you happen to see lights on while I'm away, it's just a friend checking on things and keeping the space occupied. She will not, however, answer the door....so kindly keep that in mind.

Time for me to scoot! We have some overzealous raccoons here at my house (do you believe one actually used its paws to slide open our bedroom window?!?!?), so I need to do some cleanup and raccoon prevention. Any tips?

Your Oakland Shop Girl,

Tracey =)

Home Again, Home Again, Diggity Dig!

2010-09-09T17:01:00.000-07:00

I’ve been flitting around California and other parts of the US like a little bumble bee since July 25th and I’m pleased to say that I am flitting no more. Well, not right this minute anyway. I was in Las Vegas for MAGIC and I can’t wait for the orders to start coming in (see American Airlines Black Atlas site for my travel story). I just got back from a houseboat mini-camp experience at Lake Shasta with 10 girls over Labor Day Weekend and had a blast! (See http://www.Facebook.com/OBGAdventureCamps for photos.) During the rest of September, the store will be open Monday through Friday from Noon to 6pm and I will only be closed for one day on Friday, September 24. In October, I’m in Miami for a long weekend. But right now, it feels good to be still.

I’m tying up loose ends for oo la la!’s Shopping Trip to Paris (which of course isn't just a shopping trip) this November and I’m happy to announce that I’ll be the doing the trip every November from now on. This year, two of my customers – Wanda and Tracy – are going to experience Paris the oo la la! way. =) In fact, I’m firming up the Marais apartment now and will be booking airfare this week. If you were interested in making the trip but were unable to, I’ll be doing my regular blog and Facebook reporting once I get there (just like last time) so we can still experience Paris together technologically (smiling). And if you're still interested, you are certainly welcome. Just don’t forget that oo la la!’s very own Paris Fashion Week will start on Tuesday, November 30. I can’t wait!

Yesterday, I got a shipment in of these really cute sandals. You can swap out the middle part and have an entirely different shoe. Kuh-yute! Great for vacations, cruises, beaches, hanging out. I wear a 9.5 and I fit a 10 (they don't come in half sizes, but do go up to a Size 11). Come and get 'em! (I don't think they'll last.)

I look forward to seeing you!

Bye for now....

Tracey, Your Oakland Shop Girl

The State of Retail

2010-08-18T17:11:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I've posted, but if you've been by the store and I haven't been there, you've seen my little heart-shaped post-its with the "Be Back Soon" messages and know that I've been busy as a bee handling business for the store, handling business for my travel adventure camp for girls, developing a new e-commerce site at http://shop.onebrowngirl.com, going to conferences and expos, and simply having a good time. Whew. As I type this blog post, I'm in my (lovely) hotel room in Las Vegas on the tippy-top floor of the Aria, a new hotel here on The Strip. (My husband, who got comped for 3 days at MGM Grand, the Bellagio and here, selected this hotel because it's new. And I'm not mad at that either.) When you walk into your room, the drapes open automatically and the lights come on and every single thing is managed technologically from the control panel next to the bed. It's a modern, luxuriuos room and the bathroom is absolutely to die for. When I'm not at the conference I came here for, I'd rather be up here than in the smoky casino down below. Anyway....enough about Vegas.

I was quoted recently in an Oakbook article about the proposed sales tax hike by saying "It sucks for retail and retail sucks right now” and by the looks of things here at MAGIC - the preeminent trade event in the international fashion industry that takes place twice a year in Las Vegas - I was dead on. What was once a massive fashion expo with tons of people is now a moderately sized event with much fewer attendees and vendors...and it's painfully obvious. I don't even see any fashion groupies. And you know something's up when the groupies don't show. LOL.

About a year ago, when all you heard about in the media was the demise of retail, I was doing extraordinarily well at the store. I thought I must've been doing something right. And then it was my store's turn...and for the past 6 months, it's been...well, let's just say...retails sucks. LOL. I buy with far more care than I used to and although (as you know), my prices are more than fair, I'm a little slower to bring in higher end items. Now, don't get me wrong. I have my faithful loyal customers and I get new customers every day (that I'm open) because of the high foot traffic area. But I've had lots of my regulars come in to tell me that they've been laid off and/or they're moving out of State and/or their hours have been cut. And I feel really bad for them too.

I hope I don't sound depressing or anything, because that's not at all how I feel. I love my part-time boutique, I love my customers (mostly ... LOL), I love being a buyer, and I love presenting (aka merchandising). Retail is rewarding in many ways and being here at MAGIC is just one of the perks. I managed to order a little bit of really cute stuff and I can't wait for you to see what'll be coming in. (I'm really looking forward to bringing back stuff from Paris again this November though. You all bought me out in less than 10 days the last time. Stay tuned for more info about that.)

Well, I guess I'll go downstairs and hang out with my husband before we head out. Our flight leaves for Oakland tonight at around 9pm and I've got to catch a flight to Los Angeles (just for the day) tomorrow. But Art & Soul is this weekend, so look for me there as I won't re-open the store until Tuesday or so. I miss talking to all of you and hope to see you soon. Until we meet again, remember to always wear cute stuff. LOL.

Your Oakland Shop Girl,

Tracey =)

The Mehserle Verdict

2010-07-09T10:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at 1pm, I finally bit the bullet and arranged for the front of my store to be boarded up. And I was right on time evidently, as the Mehserle verdict was announced three hours later and the Mischief Makers started causing problems in Downtown Oakland just as it began to get dark. I was watching the news when all three of my contact phones started ringing. It was my alarm company calling. I had to get up and go to my store at 10pm last night because "your glass break sensors have gone off and have been comprised." Here we go. On my way, I saw small groups of people on the street hanging out. I even saw one guy carrying a pipe. When I got there, there were a dozen police officers in riot gear standing by, the psychic guy was outside, some local business owners were on the corner, and another store owner was guarding her property. They gave me the full story: Apparently, a small group used M100s to try to blow open the coffee shop (aka marijuana dispensary) across the street from my store and the vibration triggered my alarm. Created broken glass for some and anxiety for me. I so resent this.

Before The Verdict: When other store owners on the street began to panic last week and started boarding up their stores, I stubbornly refused. I ran my business "as usual" and shooed away the news reporters and news cameras that pounced on 17th Street en masse. (18 months ago, I got a threatening phone call after 17th Street got hit and I appeared on the news. I don't need that.)

My "kumbayah" stance faded quickly however and I closed my store early on the Friday before the 4th of July weekend since 17th Street looked like a war zone with boarded up windows and business owners were in fear passing out posters of Oscar Grant in the hopes that his image would actually make a difference to the Mischief Makers (I think not). I even had a flight attendant customer from another city comment on the tension in the air and she didn't even know what was going on.

This Week: Because I knew the verdict results would be coming in "any day now," I decided not to open this week. I resented the idea that fear was being used as a weapon and I saw no point in hanging out in a charged environment. And then yesterday, I fought with my stubborn streak and boarded up my property. With floor to ceiling glass, the expense of replacing it outweighed my fear. Like I need another expense.

I am writing this blog post because this morning I saw some people on Facebook try to minimize the damage last night by saying that the media is sensationalizing the damage. And while they are known to do so, it's the casual attitude of the people that haven't been affected that irritates me the most. "Oh, they [the Mischief Makers] just started a few fires and looted a few stores. The media sensationalizes everything." You know what? Bite me. When you own a store and you start to operate from fear, then you can talk. In the meantime, STHU.

P.S. I am outraged by the killing of Oscar Grant and the unjust verdict. However, damaging property and ruining people's livelihoods is not and never will be the answer. I'm pissed.

Checking In

2010-07-04T15:22:00.000-07:00

I have the biggest smile on my face. Not only is it the start of summer, but it's the 4th of July and I have officially started planning for the trip to Paris this November! No, I'm not eating barbecue (yet) and no, I'm not at the County Fair (which is a really good idea actually). Instead, I'm dreaming of Paris (so what else is new?) and planning for Paris too! I can't think of anything else I'd rather do. Check out the new tab at the top of this blog to get info about the trip. Hope you can make it! (Even if you can't, I promise I'll bring back some great stuff for the store!)

A Sale Like I've Never Had Before

2010-06-04T15:08:00.000-07:00

50% off all clothing!

until it's all gone.

It doesn't get any simpler than that. =)

And no, I'm not going out of business...just reorganizing and such...

Volcanoes Mess Stuff Up

2010-05-20T17:29:00.000-07:00

I'm bummed. All of this volcanic activity in Iceland is putting a dent in a trip I was going to take to Europe this July. But I'd rather be safe than sorry, so oh well.

I am, however, excited about the Shopping Trip to Paris I have planned for November! In fact, Miss W (that's what I'll call her) came in and dropped off her deposit today! Miss T, the other adventuress, dropped off her deposit several weeks ago. It makes me feel good to know that they trust that I will find the best possible price for the trip. Of course, and as I've stated before, they'll get all of their money back should they be unsatisfied with the final price and decide not to go. I seriously don't think that's going to happen though. =) Let me know if you're interested. November will be here fast. Watch.

Other than not being able to go to Paris, everything is going pretty well. I have lots of changes coming on the horizon, so it'll be fun to see oo la la! transition over the next year. Even though I'm not going to Europe (boo, hiss, boo), I plan to do some shopping in June, after the sale is over. Oh yeah. I guess I shouldn't forget to mention that there is a sale going on at the store: 10% off on all jewelry, hats and gloves through Memorial Day Weekend. In fact, if you bring in a copy of this blog post, I'll give you another 10% off (smiling). I swear, I love a sale.

I guess that's it for now. I've got seeds to plant. =)

RIP Lena Horne

2010-05-09T23:32:00.000-07:00

My love of fashion started at any early age. I grew up watching musicals and old movies and was always drawn to the imbeccable style and craftsmanship of the garments, whether I was looking at Greta Garbo wear a man's hat and pinstriped suit or Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor in an Edith Head creation. They just don't make clothes like they used to.

They also don't make stars like they used to. Stars back in the day always had so much style and class. Including Lena Horne. Lena Horne died today at the age of 92 and there will never be another like her, just like the fashions of my childhood cannot ever be re-created in the same way. RIP, Lena Mary Calhoun Horne (June 30, 1917 - May 9, 2010).
For more photos, click here.

Happy Monday!

2010-04-26T09:58:00.000-07:00

Earth Appreciation Sale

2010-04-19T10:52:00.000-07:00

So this coming Thursday is Earth Day and this week is Earth Week, which are designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment. Frankly, and like most of you, I think Earth Day is and should be every day, but since I've just returned from one of the most beautiful environments on earth teaching adolescent girls about the beauty of nature, I thought it would be appropriate to have oo la la!'s very own 20% Off Earth Appreciation Sale for the rest of the month of April to honor the world we live in! Likewise (and FYI only), the Children & Nature Network has designated April as Children & Nature Awareness Month which is right in line with President Obama's White House Conference on America's Great Outdoors that took place this past Friday, which is right in line with one of my own interests. So if you need a little pick me up for yourself or a gift for a friend, or if you just want to say Happy Earth Day, come on in! ;-)
P.S. The World Peace necklace I have in the store makes a great gift!

Shopping Trip to Paris

2010-03-31T13:38:00.000-07:00

Several years ago, I snuck a peek at a questionnaire my husband was filling out that asked him what famous person I reminded him of and he wrote Josephine Baker (see photo to your right). I thought that was kinda cool. I always fancied myself one of those women that - like dear Josephine - would pack it all up and move out of the country. In fact, it had always been my plan to live somewhere in either the Carribean or Paris, both places I love (among others). And although my husband is a French citizen with his mom's side of the family all over France, I loved Paris waaay before I met James. He's definitely the gravy. Good gravy too. =)

When James and I trotted off to France last year, a part of my agenda was to do some planning for the Shopping Trip to Paris (for interested oo la la! customers) I had been talking about for so long. After a 3 week holiday, I changed my mind. And now I've changed it back. I enjoy travel for myself, but I also enjoy facilitating travel as well -- as you might have deduced from my travel camp for girls. So here we are, and this time, I'm going for it!

The plan is to take 10 easy going & adventurous women (i.e., 5 sets of girlfriends, co-workers, moms & daughters, etc.) away for 10 days of gay Paris departing around November 10, 2010! I will host 2 complimentary dinner/info meetings before we go; arrange all of the air transportation and hotel rooms; arrange for 3-4 tours; provide an itinerary (with choices!); and throw in a few surprises! All you'll need is money for food, shopping and Paris Metro &/or taxi fare. All costs will be laid out for you and I will simply charge a concierge fee for my services. I throw a mean party and put together even meaner events, so I feel confident that you will have a fantastic (and rather unique) experience.

If you have any questions, please feel free to post them here or shoot me an email. I'm accepting $250 deposits (that will be held in escrow) to secure your spot until I firm up the cost of everything. You can even start making $300/month payments now! Once the price of the trip is announced (I'm aiming for a great deal for less than $2000), if you decide not to take the trip for any reason, you get your deposit back (and any payments) toot suite! It's really as simple as that!

Vive la France!

I've Got Butterflies

2010-03-27T15:46:00.000-07:00

If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies. ~Author Unknown

I created a heartfelt little Facebook pictorial in honor of the butterflies that have invaded my stomach on and off for the past week or so (because of the launch of an OBG Adventure Camps inaugural trip). I imagine the butterflies must be enjoying themselves, because they're definitely making their presence known. Cheers to their beauty and to the change and growth they represent. =)

See Oakland Run

2010-03-24T20:12:00.000-07:00

I jogged to the dentist's office and back yesterday. His office is two blocks away from my house. Boy was I tired. And the day before that, I ran on the treadmill at the Oakland YMCA for 1 minute, then walked 1 minute, ran 1 minute, walked 1 minute...for about 40 minutes (so that's 20 minutes in all...LOL). Today, I raced my husband down the street for about half a block. I won't say who won. But it wasn't me. I was relieved when I went to exercise class last night and learned that the instructor wasn't going to make us run around the indoor track like he made us do last week. Yeesh. I just get tired thinking about it.

As you might be able to tell, I'm not a runner. My knees refuse to cooperate and my lungs are friends with my knees. But I am pleased as punch that Oakland (after a 25 year hiatus) will be bringing back the Oakland ~~Marathon~~...uh...Running Festival this coming weekend (March 27 & 28, 2010). In fact, I think it's pretty exciting stuff! I even had the nerve to consider running in it when I first heard about it as a way to get fit, but I changed my mind. I even imagined that someone would notice this little block and the course would make its way down 17th Street (and not 19th). Ha! I think I'll surprise my friend Tovi and volunteer at her water stop (it's at mile 6) for a few hours. Maybe I'll even jog there.

For more info about the Oakland Running Festival, click here.

Never a Dull Moment

2010-03-21T13:36:00.000-07:00

I keep saying that someone should bring a reality camera to 17th street and shoot a series. I swear: It is SO colorful. Between the new crop of psychiatrically impaired people that like to make 17th Street their hang out (Security!) and the traffic that the Pot Club attracts (not to mention the stuff I can't talk about), this little tree-lined block of Downtown Oakland is a slice of life that would make for some great tv. The restaurants, retailers, hairstylists, and yes, even the psychics on 17th bring a spectrum of the working class to the well heeled and it's kinda cool to just sit outside sometimes on a sunny day and watch the world go by. Folks fighting about parking spaces, horns blaring, cars driving too fast, tattoo guys hanging outside smoking cigarettes, and the occasional pimped out Mack Daddy strolling down the street in his lime green ensemble make this 2 lane stretch of land Oakland's mini-version of Venice Beach. For me, last week was eventful, as always. A group of 5 girls showed up in the store and stole some stuff; I almost started a fire in the wastebasket; the property manager for the building thought he had permission to yell at me and treat me disrespectfully (and found out what a big mistake that was); and someone (from the City?) is finally making an attempt to care for the trees on 17th Street and there is now mulch at the base of the trees. (I'd like to think my b*tching & groaning had something to do with it, but I can't confirm it.) I'm telling you: There is never a dull moment...

Flower Power: A Sneak Peek

2010-03-10T15:12:00.000-08:00

I'm gearing up for Spring and Summer and found these adorable flip flops - called SwopFlops - for the store! The flower snaps on and off, so that if you're feeling pinktastic, you can wear a pink flower; and if you're feeling apple-licious, you can snap on an apple green flower. They also come in black and orange in Sizes XS-XL (which is supposed to fit up to an 11). They'll be here in May. Cute, cute, cute.

Handling the Pan

2010-03-10T09:56:00.000-08:00

Retail establishments everywhere are experiencing relatively slower traffic these days and business (or the lack thereof) for some retailers can even put business on the verge of painful. And not just because it's the first quarter of the year either (retail's slowest time of year). No matter what business strategists say about how business owners should change with the tide or roll with the punches in order to survive the recession, the truth is that many businesses will not survive through the end of this week, this month or this year. Which brings me to the point of this blog entry.

As a retailer in a Downtown neighborhood (across the street from a pot dispensary no less), I've grown accustomed to the unique and colorful personalities that make their way up and down the street everyday. But what I can't seem to get accustomed to are the aggressive pan handlers that harass people (think potential customers) while begging for a handout. Not only can an intimidating pan handler encourage people (mostly women) walking down the street to walk down a different street (so as to avoid any discomfort; oh yeah and my store), but having pan handlers regularly hang out can change the vibe of the neighborhood. So as you might be able to gather by my rant, I don't think Slow Traffic + Pan Handlers = An Increase in Store Traffic.

I hope, of course, that I don't sound terribly unsympathetic, but I'm trying to increase my odds of success (and the odds of the other merchants on this street) by shoo-ing the pan handlers away every day. And if that means calling on the local Security Ambassadors to get them to move on every time I see a pan handler making a person uncomfortable as they walk down the street, then so be it. I'm just hoping for a new equation that might have a more positive impact. Who knows? Maybe No Pan Handlers + Business Owners That Actually Care might even = An Increase in Store Traffic.

The Back Seat Sale!

2010-03-03T10:05:00.000-08:00

Everything I usually do (including caring for the store, eating, sleeping, etc.) has taken a back seat to a very important project I'm about to implement and I'm feeling (mildly) guilty about it. As a result, I'm having a Back Seat Sale through March 30, leading right up to Easter. Whether it's new merchandise or marked down merchandise, everything thing in the store will be on sale as follows:

March 3-5: Everything is 15% off the lowest marked price.

Week of March 8: Everything is 12% off the lowest marked price.

March 15 - March 27: Everything is 10% off the lowest marked price.

March 29 and 30: Everything is 20% off the lowest marked price.

See? This is what you get when I feel mildly guilty. Imagine what you might get if I were feeling really bad! =) P.S. Does not include layaways.

On the Radio, Whoa Oh Oh Oh Oh

2010-02-19T16:45:00.000-08:00

Bay Area radio personality Nikki Thomas of KBLX 102.9FM interviewed Oakland business owner Tracey Friley (that's me!), creator of OneBrownGirl.com® and Executive Director of CampCaribe, on Nikki's half hour radio show - Bayview - that airs at the crickety crack of dawn (smiling) this Sunday, February 21, 2010 @ 5:30am on KBLX. Nikki's awesome! And if you aren't awake (yawning already), no worries. I'll post the recording on my FB page & somewhere on the CampCaribe blog. =)

Tracey <<<< doing her best impression of Donna Summer singing

::::: On the radio, Whoa oh oh oh oh, on the radio :::::

27 Degrees and Sunny?

2010-02-15T09:29:00.000-08:00

LOL. I leave for Denver tomorrow and I just checked the weather: 27 degrees and sunny. Sounds like an oxymoron to me! I'll just need to remember to bring my sunglasses...and my coat. See you soon!

Love, love, love.

2010-02-08T09:48:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is coming up, but I don't think this annual Love Holiday is just for lovers, do you? Who says you need Big Diamonds? (Okay, let me think about that a little more.) What I really think is that VDay is a cute little holiday that's meant to show affection to any of the people we love with Little Love Trinkets, like the little treasures and trinkets at oo la la! Since my weakness is sweets, I ordered these amazing Raspberry truffles that will knock. your. socks. off. They should arrive at the store by Thursday, as they're being shipped in from Washington state. There are also rose petals for the romantics, red barrettes for the girls, and a number of other cutesy red items for the loves of your life, including yourself. Feel free to come on by and see what's what.

Love you like crazy,

Tracey, Your Oakland Shop Girl

Ooooo! The Shop Girl is All Fired Up!

2010-02-08T09:23:00.000-08:00

"Well behaved women rarely make history." --Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

[Note: I wrote this last week and I still feel the same way, so I figured I would go ahead and publish it. :::Shrugging shoulders:::] I don't feel like being PC today. I am over (O-V-E-R) lip service, false promises, wasting time and haters. Where are the action-oriented people? The ones that don't hate because you are doing something novel and new? The ones that don't just jibber jabber for the sake of flapping their jaws? The ones that know how to do business professionally? Where are the people that realize that we can collectively be of service to girls that need our help? The ones that don't care about Who Gets Credit, but Who Gets Growth? Where are these people? Do they exist?

I've been working on my camp project and volunteerism for awhile now and a number of irritating occurences have motivated me to write. I'm POed. It's official.

(1) I was blown off (how unprofessional!) by a local women's organization that didn't have the decency to return an inquiry, but they were perfectly willing to accept my annual donations for the past several years. I'm over them.

(2) I sent a proposal to a girls organization with a similar mission that I had previously contact with. Instead of a yes or a no, I was blown off (yes, again!). Oh yeah, someone from their Board of Directors contacted me a few months after my proposal to tell me that they wanted to "pick my brain" because they want to do a similar program. I told them I'd send them my fee schedule and haven't heard back. Good.

(3) I made a business arrangement with a local booster with contacts. She said she would fundraise (she was going to get paid) starting in January and on my third follow-up communication, she told me I fell off her radar over the holidays. WTF.

(4) I volunteered my time to a local girls group and some of the staff turned one of my survey questions into a race issue. Some adults always seem to find a way to ruin what could have been a positive experience. Ugh.

(5) Even some of my customers have made promises (that I didn't ask them to make) and didn't follow through, or at least tell me that they are no longer interested. Oh well.

(6) I met a local politican at a networking event and asked if she knew the best way for me to go about raising funds. She got all enthusiastic about my program and said she would help (yes, she said it). And then she passed me on to her Right Hand Guy and he told me he couldn't help. Gee, a politican that didn't follow through on something. How novel.

(7) A local church said "Yes! We're in!" and then they weren't. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. NOT.

(8) And then a pastor I met told me I would "definitely be hearing from the Youth Division leader" at his church, and I don't hear a message on my voicemail. (Yes, it's working.)

I could go on. But I won't.

Just be about what you say you're about. And if you don't roll like that, just stay the hell away from me. No offense intended.

Sincerely,

Tracey

P.S. Success is the best revenge.

The Oakland Shop Girl Challenge

2010-01-29T19:37:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I said it. I'm challenging you. I'm challenging you to collect gently worn shoes from your friends, your customers (if you're a business owner), your mom, your dad, your kids, your hair stylist, your co-workers, your neighbors, etc. and then I'm challenging you to bring those gently worn shoes to my store (by February 20), or take them to your local Finish Line where they will be donated to Soles4Souls, a non-profit organization whose quest is to collect 1,000,000 pairs of shoes for the victims of the Haiti earthquake. Go ahead. I dare you. Consider the gauntlet thrown.

Shoes Glorious Shoes

2010-01-29T17:28:00.000-08:00

Ooooo. I love shoes, don't you? And like a few of my girlfriends in particular (you know who you are...laughing), I would be embarrassed to tell you how many pairs of shoes I actually own: Flats, high heels, boots, sneakers, sandals, flip flops, yada yada yada. I've got some really cute ones in spilling out of my closet, but I have no problem admitting that I usually wear the same 2 or 3 pair on a weekly basis. Right now, sneakers are what I wear more than anything else, but that's because I've just recently turned into a gym rat. Otherwise, I wear flats most of the time and save my bad a** shoes for when I go out on a date with my husband or when I'm out with girlfriends. On Tuesday, I'm going to The Shoe Show in Las Vegas (just for the day) to start my search for the bestest cutest most wonderfulest shoes with heels that are 2.5 inches and under and I'm super excited! Can you imagine looking at rows and rows (and rows!) of shoes in a place 1000 times bigger than the biggest DSW shoe store?!?!? I'm afraid I won't be able to stand it. But I'm going anyway. LOL. See you when I get back!

Helping Haiti

2010-01-18T14:37:00.000-08:00

oo la la! is collecting gently worn shoes at the store through January 31. Your gently worn shoes will be donated to Soles4Souls for the victims of the Haiti earthquake.
Please see store schedule for drop-off hours (!) particularly during the week of 1/25/10. I have donated much of my time during that week to Girls, Inc. of Alameda County for No Name Calling Week and don't want to miss your visit!

Rules of Engagement

2010-01-13T18:03:00.000-08:00

About 5-7% of my customers are men. Some gentlemen buy gift certificates for their wives, loved ones, daughters or secretaries while some gentlemen actually enjoy shopping and are very clear about making their own selections. Right before Christmas, a gentleman came in to the store and bought some things for his girlfriend. He was obviously very anxious and somewhat indecisive while he was shopping and after repeatedly leaving the store (3 times!) and coming back, he told me that he was going to be popping the question (yes, that question) over the holidays and he just "wanted to get it [buying a gift] right." Awwww. I was instantly enchanted. He had already bought the engagement ring but he said he still wanted to buy her something nice for Christmas. I probably don't have to tell you that every female customer in the store melted just a little bit. I made him promise me that he would bring her into the store as soon as he could and today was the day. They're a darling couple, in their 40s, neither ever having been married, and they are definitely in love. And yes, he even got down on one knee. She flashed her ring, they kissed, he blushed, they smiled and then they left. Awwww. She told me she doesn't like to shop, but she's got a man that does (he even bought her a cute little tattoo tee that was on sale for 10 bucks while he was here today), so I expect I'll see him again. I'm just so happy for them, I wanted to share. Cheers...to love.

Ready for the Next Level?

2010-01-08T15:21:00.000-08:00

Oakland Magazine: "Next Level ...one of the 10 workouts worth falling for..."

I started working out this week and everything hurts. Ouch. But I brought it on myself, so I'm not complaining...owie...much. To be honest, I love my work out at Next Level Fitness and the results I am certain I will see within the next few months. After several attempts to find the best trainer for my needs, I found Abu at Next Level and I am tickled pink. The classes are semi-private; typically with only 3-5 people at a time and my personal training sessions make me feel great (after I'm finished). In the past, my most successful fitness routine has been with a circuit training program and that's exactly what you get at Next Level's classes. I'm definitely hooked. If you need a place to work out, check out Next Level...and don't be surprised if you see me in fitness gear at the store from now on. It's just me...ouch...trying to stay in shape.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

From the bottom of my heart, I'd like to thank you for all of your kindness and ongoing support. I simply could not do it without you! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Auld Lang Syne

2009-12-30T20:36:00.000-08:00

Since Auld Lang Syne has Scottish origins, it only seems appropriate that we hear it with bagpipes. Enjoy and Happy New Yearrrrrrrrrr!

Oakville

2009-12-19T12:42:00.000-08:00

There's an indie film called "Oakville" filming both inside and in front of oo la la! today. Isn't that fun?!?!?

According to the director Lisbon Okafor (pictured above with some of the cast and crew), they just started filming about six days ago and will be filming for six months in and around Oakland. He says it's about an idyllic Oakland, "not the Oakland you see on Gangland." As I sit here and type, the entire crew is in the front of the store setting up a "store scene" with one of the cast. The Costumer/Director's Assistant even purchased a "wedding ring" for one of the main characters. After they leave, I'm going to stand in front of the mirror and practice my acceptance speech for Best Store Background in an Independent Film. "I'd like to thank my husband, my mother, and of course, God." Hehehehehe.

(Uber) Cute Shoes

2009-12-18T09:18:00.000-08:00

Pictured above: Apepazza's Tormalina in Black

Earlier this year, I was at MAGIC and had completed 3 days of wholesale shopping for the store when I was on my way out of the Las Vegas Convention Center and happened upon these shoes (see above). They are absolutely perfect. An Italian shoe by Apepazza, the suede upper and leather sole make for a luxurious flat. The rich suede design is pickstitched and pleated for touchable texture, while the bold (yet classic) ornament at the toe features sparkling rhinestones. Great for slacks, leggings and/or skirts, I am in love, love, love. They should arrive in the store by 12/24 or 12/28 at the latest. I did see them on Zappos for $116; and they will be less than that at oo la la! - naturally.

In the coming year, I plan to carry 6-8 different styles of shoes at the store that will be flats or have a modest heel height of 2 inches and below. High heel shoes are always easy to find, but uber cute flats/low heels are not. So I have officially named the shoe section of oo la la! "Two Below" - a testament to the heel height, a testament to the fact that we all have 2 feet...below, and (obviously) a testament to how cold it can get. (Thought you'd like that. LOL)

See ya soon!

Holiday Sale at oo la la!

2009-12-14T20:24:00.000-08:00

Holiday Sale

December 15 - December 24

Feel-A-Vision Anyone?

2009-12-09T16:48:00.000-08:00

Sometimes a picture is a dead-on ringer for a garment and sometimes the picture is just so-so. Does this photo look like this jacket has that sueded look? Because it does. I think the above photo is a poor poor representation in comparison to what it looks like in person. In contrast, some of my other photos are Dead On. I wish Feel-A-Vision existed already (because you know one day when we're long gone from this earth, something like that will probably exist, right?). You know what I mean; where you can actually feel a garment through the computer screen or through the television set so you can get a genuine sense of the quality of piece, the weight of the piece, etc. Does that sound insane?

Anyway, if this Hot Little Number doesn't sell out before you get a chance to see it next week (by the 16th, I'm thinking), check it out...and you'll see what I mean.

Baby It's Cold Outside!

2009-12-08T08:56:00.000-08:00

It's is fa-reezing in the Bay Area! I talked to my mom last night and she said it's cold and rainy in Los Angeles as well (!). They're even reporting "epic 40-50 foot waves" in Hawaii! Brrrrrr, said the Shop Girl as she sits at the computer typing wearing fingerless gloves, a knit cap, and two layers of cozy under her robe. I guess it is December after all, but this is California and I will admit that I am somewhat spoiled. So when, it's cold, I'm fussy. Spoiled or not though, I've learned how to layer since I moved here from LA 10 years ago and I've got some (cute) stuff at the store for the cold, whether it is for you or for a holiday gift. So if you need a cozy (and cute) scarf, leather or fleece (cute) gloves, a (cute) umbrella, or anything else that will keep you from turning into a (cute) popsicle this season, come on by. I've got the heater on.

Oakland Bloggers on a Layover

2009-12-04T15:47:00.000-08:00

I love the name: The Layover. Such a cute name for such a cute place. Plus, I love to travel, so it's right up my alley. It's also right around the corner from the store at 1517 Franklin, where there used to be this seedy kinda dive bar called Pat's that I always crossed the street to avoid walking in front of. (Is that mean?)

I was invited to The Layover for The Blogoaksphere Party (a blogalicious networking event for Oakland bloggers) by a Mystery Person(ette) named V smoothe, who is spearheading the Blogoaksphere Food Drive and who I later met (love her), along with bartendress and co-owner* RaeAnn, Councilmember at Large Rebecca Kaplan (that's us in the picture above that really isn't blurry; it's just that your eyes are bad), her Chief of Staff Andre Jones, Oakland Advocate and Lakeshore's Pamela Drake, and Abel Habtegeorgis of the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights. I pulled my friend Kevin Skipper along, a downtown Oakland real estate dude that has a new blog coming out called Mr. Oakland Speaks, ordered a $2 club soda, chit chatted, and took in the fun new vibe at this new local lounge (with a new art gallery next door opening tonight!) that is less than 50 (okay, 100) steps away from my front door. Ooo chee wah wah! When you're in the need of a layover, you should definitely check it out.

*Other co-owners of The Layover are Tim, Christi & Zack.

These Boots Are Made for Walkin'

2009-12-03T10:36:00.000-08:00

And that's just what they'll do.

Wonna these days these boots are gonna walk all over you...

Are you ready boots?

Please Nominate My Local Business!

2009-11-29T22:48:00.000-08:00

Please show the world how much you love oo la la!

by nominating oo la la! gift & accessories lounge for a small business grant!

And thank youuuuuuu!

[The zip code is 94612]

100% Natural Hawaiian Soap

2009-11-28T09:09:00.000-08:00

When James and I were in Hawaii last week, we used the soap samples and toured the (100% green) soap factory and coffee/cacao farm in Kona before I decided to bring the product into the store. Well, I've been using it and besides the smell being divine, it lathers well and is 100% natural! I love that. The soap makes great little gifts and can be used on the face as well as the body. I'm hooked.

About the soap: There are no artificial ingredients or colors used in any of the soap formulas. The basic oil ingredients include olive oil, palm kernel oil, and coconut oil. Hawaiian kukui nut oil is also added due to its healing and health benefits. The formulas also include natural rain water captured and filtered at the factory. The colors in each bar of soap are natural and are formed by either natural herbs, by an exfoliant, or an essential oil. The essential oils used are of aromatherapy grade.

Some of the exfoliant soaps include cacao which is the actual name of the plant that produces chocolate. The cacao contained in the soap formulas is part of the actual roasted bean and not the processed chocolate associated with a chocolate bar. There is a very faint chocolate scent from the cacao ingredient but the cacao soaps do not have a chocolate bar scent. Even the cacao is grown at the soap facility in Hawaii and used it in the soap products. Interestingly, Hawaii is the only state in the United States that grows and produces chocolate.

Liar Liar Pants on Fire

2009-11-26T13:20:00.000-08:00

If you don't know anything about me at all, you have to know that I will not lie to you. I won't cross my fingers behind my back and tell you "Oh my goodness, that black jacket looks sooooo good on you," when in actuality, the black jacket makes you look washed out or doesn't fit just right. It's not a good way for me to get repeat business or referrals. Plus, lying is for losers. Likewise, I won't cross my fingers behind my back and tell you that something doesn't look good on you when you look like a million bucks. And that, my dear customers, is what I see happen in the store from time to time. Like yesterday, for instance.

A friendly petite little woman came into the store with 2 of her co-workers raving about one of the jackets in the window that I brought back from Paris. Before she tried it on, she said "If it fits and looks good, then it's mine." Soooo, she tried it on...and it fit...and it looked adorable. (Remember, I wouldn't lie to you.) Before she even had a chance to look at herself in the mirror, one of her co-workers told her a littany of things: "It doesn't look right. You don't look good in that jacket. I don't really like that on you. There's something I don't like about it, but I don't know what it is. You need bigger boobs." Deep sigh. Is that what a friend does? I asked the woman trying on the jacket if she liked it, but after being brow-beaten, she said she wasn't sure. I don't like when that happens. And not because I want a sale either, but because first and foremost, it isn't nice. How about letting your co-worker look at herself in the mirror first and then give her your point of view without being rude? Dang. I'm not saying The Co-Worker/Friend (with a question mark) had to actually like the jacket because I did, but it seemed to me like she was just being a hater. I've seen it before and I'm sure I'll see it again and maybe I'm just overreacting. All I know is that it sure did rub me the wrong way. And that's no lie.

Flower Power - Coming Soon

2009-11-25T19:58:00.000-08:00

Comes in Black & Brown!

Coming Next Week!

2009-11-24T19:57:00.001-08:00

The Coat

2009-11-24T17:57:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite customers - Bridget - came into the store yesterday to pick up her layaway and to get one of the bling belts I brought back from LA. Bridget has her own funky chic style and always looks nice every time I see her and yesterday was no exception. Although she was relatively casual, she was rocking a black fur vest and quickly threw on the black bling belt with her jeans to add the exclamation point to her outfit. She was on her way to a dinner date and I can only imagine how he must have looked at her when they met up because she looked Fierce (with a capital F).

Before she left, Bridget and I were chatting about some of the reactions she's been getting when she wears her oo la la! gear as she's out and about. Most notable was a recent interaction with a woman at a Gavin Newsom soiree in San Francisco where Bridget broke out and wore The Coat. You know about The Coat, right? The Coat that I brought back from Paris that had everyone stopping DEAD in their tracks as they walked by the store window. The Coat that only 6 people in the Bay Area own because I only brought 6 of them back from Paris. The Coat that I should've kept for myself and didn't. That beautifully embroidered uniquely designed makeyouslapyourmama (doggone) Coat. That coat.

So the woman at the soiree in the City asked Bridget point blank about The Coat as she oohed and aahed and pet it like a house cat and circled Bridget like a hawk. The rest of the women at the party eyeballed her, but didn't say a thing, a sure sign that she looked fantastic. Of course, Bridget was all too happy to tell SF Soiree Lady where The Coat came from (oo la la! via gay Pah-ree) particularly since SF Soiree Lady can't get one of her own. You know my credo: I only buy a few of any one item so you don't see yourself coming and going.

I share these stories with you because not only do I love relaying a cute story, but hearing you all tell me about the reactions you get when you rock your oo la la! actually makes my day and validates what I'm doing. I buy what I love and I love what I buy and it tickles me pink when you love it too. Thanks again for making what I do worthwhile. It's awesome!

P.S. I'm going back to Paris in June. ;-)

A Warm Smile + 3 Cans of Food = Families Fed & a 10% Discount!

2009-11-22T13:06:00.000-08:00

The thought of a hungry child freaks me out. Bring in a warm smile and three cans of food and you will receive 10% off all merchandise (excluding layaways) between now and 12/31/09! All proceeds will go to the Alameda County Community Foodbank. (Don't forget the smile.)

I'm Baaaaaccccckkkkk!

2009-11-22T10:56:00.000-08:00

Frantically waving hello to everyone! I'm back on the mainland; back to reality and it isn't so bad at all!

I spent the day yesterday putting out all of the little trinkets I got from Hawaii (handmade natural soap and 100% pure kukui oil) and from LA (jewelry, belts, scarves, leather handbags, etc.). You know, it's really just as much fun for me as it is for you! I went to bed (and woke up) thinking about the new cute stuff. (Is that weird?)

Ooooo, and I can't wait to see My Best(est) Friend (the UPS guy) this week. It always feels like Christmas when he shows up because I don't remember what I ordered earlier in the year until it arrives. Lots of other goodies will continue to roll in and I can't wait! (Dancing around in circles.)

As you might know, I started this blog at the urging of my mom because I was sending out all of those silly little emails to all of you while James and I were in France. And although I promise to keep you abreast of any highlights while I'm out shopping, I managed to snag a little gig as an International Travel Writer on a news blog, so I will reserve my travel rants for that space. It doesn't make sense for me to write about my first ever dolpin encounter (OMG, it was fab!) while I was in Hawaii on a blog dedicated to fashion unless the dolphin was wearing a really cute skirt or knockout pair of earrings, right?

I also want to thank you for shopping at oo la la! I know you have other places where you shop (what?!) and I simply appreciate the fact that I'm on your list. Small businesses like mine rely on the local community to keep us strong, and I appreciate you very much. See ya soooooon! Smoooooches.

Shop Bay Area Independent Businesses!

2009-11-18T13:53:00.000-08:00

Landing on the Moon

2009-11-15T22:01:00.000-08:00

I've been to Oahu and Maui, but I've never been to The Big Island before now. It's quite unusual in that some parts of the island are tropical (I was at a waterfall today and it was like a rainforest); some parts of it look like the desert; and some parts look like the moon (not that I've been there or anything). The "moon look" is because the entire island is made up of black lava rock that is millions of years old. This is wicked cool.

Here are some highlights from the trip so far:

1. I found some handmade Hawaiian soap made here in Kona and tracked down the guy that makes it. You won't believe this, but he's been living here for 5 years and when I asked him where he came from, he told me Montclair! LOL. Anyway, in 2003 he started coming back and forth between the Bay Area and Kona and would plant a cacoa tree everytime he came. Now he has a farm and makes 100% Kona coffee, handmade soap and kukui oil. James and I are going to tour his farm tomorrow...and yes, I'm going to be bringing back some soap for the store. I will probably take orders for the coffee and the kukui oil (the most amazing non-greasy Hawaiian oil for dry skin conditions like eczema, etc.) and will report here on the blog after the tour.

2. The lizards here are so green (see above) that I thought they were rubber when I first saw them. Then one ran across my foot.

3. I found dragonfruit (below) and starfruit (left) and am waiting for the starfruit to ripen. It smells like perfume.

4. I signed up for a dolphin encounter for Thursday, our last day here. Ooooo, I'm soooo excited!

5. We went to Akaka State Park today to see the waterfalls. Because we were on another side of the island, it rained all day, but it was still humid. It's strange to perspire while it's raining. I took some video of the waterfalls. We'll see how it came out; I'm a novice.

6. I'm bummed that no one serves authentic Hawaiian food other than when you're at a luau.

7. I went inside a little boutique yesterday and saw a dress I sell in my store for $79 and they were selling it for $240. This is why I get frustrated when someone comes in the store and wants to haggle about prices. I can't believe people are marking stuff up that high. I take that back. I see it all of the time...

8. James and I went to the Hilton Waikaloa yesterday and saw some of the most beautiful artwork at this stunning resort. One such piece was a life size bronze of some warriors in an ancient carriage (see below). Absolutely amazing.
9. If you didn't know this about me, I have an obsession with and collect Brown mermaids (they aren't easy to find). When I was a mere babe, I wanted to be a mermaid. I still do sometimes. (See below.)

10. Is it silly to comment on the beautiful sunsets?

11. I'm wearing flip flops and shorts right now. (Don't be mad.) I'm 10000% clear that I won't be wearing them when I get back to the Bay.

Thanks for listening...and I'll chat with you soon!

Shop Indie!

2009-11-13T21:35:00.000-08:00

Of course you've heard of Black Friday, that crazy shopping day that occurs the day after Thanksgiving where people get lined up at the crack of dawn to trample one another for the [alleged] latest, greatest and cheapest holiday gifts. Well, if you don't want to be trampled and you want to support Oakland's independent businesses, check out some of Oakland's finest indie shopping spots (including oo la la!) on Plaid Friday! Sponsored by East Bay Express and Yelp!, this is a great way to show support for the local economy while getting your plaid on. See ya then!

Who Is This By?

2009-11-13T11:18:00.000-08:00

Are you a brand snob? I'm not. Don't get me wrong. I have some foo-foo la-la stuff in my closet and in the store, but I choose quality and style over popular brands and inflated price tags any day of the week. Especially for the store. Which of course leads me to my little story. LOL.

I have had a dozen or so women over the past couple of years walk into the store, pick up something they like, and ask me "Who is this by?" Sigh. "It's not by a mainstream designer," I always say. "But you can bet that it's a quality piece and you won't find it in Macy's," I usually finish up with a smile. (I always smile.) And then one of two things happens: She either leaves with her nose up in the air (on her way to Macy's?) or she eyeballs the item for a second time and buys it. These are The Brand Snobs, and you gotta love 'em.

I also have a Brand Snob customer (who will remain nameless) that stops by from time to time and tosses around lightweight insults. "You know, I have a St. John knit and that [pointing at something in the store] is a decent imitation." or "I would never really buy any of these throw-aways, but they sure are cute." Did she just call my inventory throw-aways? LOL. Wow. In fact, when I got back from Paris, she didn't say anything at all about the inventory that you all bought up so quickly. Hmmm. I wonder what that was about? Sometimes I wonder why she even comes into the store, but I think she likes to chat. Oh yeah, and she just spent $300 on some of my throw-aways. Go figure.

Aloha!

2009-11-12T09:04:00.000-08:00

(Above) Lovely performance at the Hawaiian Airlines Terminal on our way to The Big Island.

There's a 2 hour time difference here in Hawaii (we're on The Big Island), so I am wide awake and it is only 6:30am. I am not an early riser, so it's pretty funny to be up (and typing no less). But I must say that the color of the sky during sunrise is beautiful. I wish I were a painter at this precise moment.

The flight from San Francisco to Honolulu was turbulent. In fact, the pilot from American Airlines came on the speaker during the flight to explain to us why he just made a left turn (something about the wind) and to let us know that this was the windiest it had been in awhile. Since I went to bed so late, I was tired and therefore in and out of sleep, so I didn't really tune in too much; in fact, it was the turbulence that rocked me back and forth like my very own bassinet.

The little girl sitting next to her Dad in the seat in front of James and I was absolutely delighted by the turbulence and jumped up and down with excitement just like she was on Mr. Toad's Wildride at Disneyland. It made me aware of the fact that turbulence (in the sky or in our lives) is really what you make it. You can either be deathly afraid or you can ride the ride with joy. Like that darling little girl, I pick joy.

See ya soon! Aloha...

The Leg(ging)s Have It!

2009-11-08T12:58:00.000-08:00

It has been difficult for me to find quality leggings that fit bigger than a size 8, but I did it! (There is no such thing as One Size Fits All. Who made that up anyway?) Nevertheless, I now have the black leather-look leggings up to a size 18 as well as some slinky black leggings. They are a great fit and look great as a layering piece under tunics and dresses, or if you're Super Bad (and slim), you can wear them as pants. The leg(ging)s have it!

Don't Hate

2009-11-05T16:50:00.000-08:00

LOL. I adore old movies. The women always wore the most beautifully put together outfits. They looked like a million dollars ~~even~~ especially when they were lounging around the house. In the spirit of How Old Becomes New Again (because all fashion ultimately recycles into its newest skin), take a gander at the delightfully whimsical (and sexy) veil J Lo is wearing as she channels Marlena Dietrich. Isn't that hot? (I'm not mad at her for pouting either! It just adds to the moment. LOL.)

Veiled cocktail hats and headbands are a great accessory whether you're going to a holiday party, to church, taking photos or just...I don't know...lounging around the house. Just don't get too agitated when the haters eyeball you and then don't say One Single Word. That's your clue that you look absolutely fab. Repeat after me: Don't hate; just get your own veil. Hahahaha.

Oh. And don't forget the multi-strand pearls. They make any outfit say "Pow!" I just got them in the store a moment ago and they come in Pearl tone (shown below), hematite (grey) tone, brown (caramel) tone, and black (shown below). They're to die for!

Thanks for checking me out...

A Few Things I Love

2009-11-05T05:46:00.000-08:00

I love seeing the UPS truck because that usually means I've got something new to unwrap & display.

Although I love color, I love black because you can get dressed quickly, you'll always match, you're able to go from day to evening pretty easily, and it looks good.

I love fall because the clothes have more texture.

I love the rain because it makes the air clean and the trees abundant.

Plus, I get to carry a really cute umbrella.

I love being a Shop Girl at oo la la! because inevitably

there's a good story to tell at the end of each and every work day.

No Comment

2009-10-29T18:34:00.000-07:00

Every inch of this handbag is custom-made. It looks so good, I can't even comment on it. In fact, I'm having trouble breathing right now. So I have to go.

Put a Lid on It!!!

2009-10-28T14:54:00.000-07:00

Oooo chee wah wah! I love a cute hat. My only issue is that I have a big head ... no ... a big brain ... so I can't usually wear a hat off the rack. Oh well schmell; sounds like a personal problem, doesn't it? Anyway, I just got in some cute fall hats (including the cocktail hat above) just in time for this blustery weather. I got so excited about the shipment I received that I ordered some more (from another company). I know, I know. I need to relax.

I also ordered some bee-yoot-ee-ful gloves this past February when I went to MAGIC. In fact, I got a call from the glove vendor today asking me for my credit card number so that they could ship. Looks like I'll have to wait until Friday because I need to pay my quarterly (State) taxes first. Sigh. When will the government realize that fashion is far more important than some crummy old taxes?!?!? Jeez.

Coming Soon

2009-10-27T10:26:00.000-07:00

I ordered the new book Mrs. O: The Face of Fashion Democracy for the store. Can't wait to get it. I think it's a great keepsake and a great holiday gift considering all of the press she gets for what she wears.

5th Annual Power of Change Fashion Event

2009-10-25T18:35:00.000-07:00

We all know first hand how good it feels and how confident we become when we don a nice outfit. I know I do. And that's why I'm an advocate of Wardrobe for Opportunity, a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization that provides professional clothing and career support to low-income jobseekers in the Bay Area so they can become economically self-sufficient. I plan to get into my storage real soon and put together a nice box of career clothing that I don't wear anymore in an effort to be of service. If you have some career clothes in your closet that you don't wear anymore, perhaps you might consider donating as well. On Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at the white tent at Scott's restaurant at Jack London Square, Wardrobe for Opportunity is holding its 5th Annual Power of Change Fashion Event hosted by guest MC Honorable Willie L. Brown Jr. I'm not sure I'll be able to make it, but I was able to donate a lamp to the silent auction on behalf of the store and I'm hoping it'll raise some money for this extremely worthy cause. For more information about this worthwhile event, please visit Power of Change.

Layaway Laughs

2009-10-24T20:39:00.000-07:00

A pleasant and rather familiar-looking woman walked into the store this afternoon and said "You aren't going to believe this." And boy, was she right. She handed me her layaway receipt telling me that it was overdue and then asked if I still had the black dress with the this and the that. "No maam," I responded nicely. "Most things don't last in here for very long." Before I had a chance to look at the receipt, I politely recited one of my more popular and frequent speeches: "Layaways that are more than 30 days old are automatically put back on the floor and the deposit is forfeited as written on your receipt. Unfortunately, I'm a small store and merchandise sitting in my stock room - as you can imagine - is kind of like cash sitting in my stock room. In the future, if you need a few extra days, just give me a call and I can...." Then I looked at the date on the receipt: It read 12/5/08. Ummmmm. Is this a joke? I know I didn't see Ashton Kutcher behind her, so I just knew I wasn't being punked. Did she really just hand me a layaway receipt that was almost a year old? Bwahahahahahaha. Yagottabekiddingme. Fast forward to 45 minutes later as I was packing up her new purchases and the three of us (there was another customer in the store) were cracking up laughing. I told her that she must know that I was absolutely positively going to have to talk about her on my blog. She told me she didn't blame me and we cracked up some more. I absolutely love a customer with sense of humor and a sense of fairness. What a fun(ny) way to end the work week...

Coming Soon to a Shop Near You...

2009-10-22T20:01:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite customers - Kim - was in the store today (uh, for the 3rd day in a row) when I was still high as a kite from placing a few orders. I whipped out my catalog and with a devilish grin, I showed her what I saw at MAGIC in July and what would soon be coming into the store. She rolled her eyes at me and said "Ooooo. I hate you." LOL. I hear that alot. Anyway, the jacket above (OMG, it's cute) will arrive within the next 10 days. It is super duper crazy cute (and up to size 18!). Wow. I love it. Kim does too. LOL.

I also ordered some fun umbrellas. With a pop of a button, they go up. And with another pop of a button, they collapse. Pretty sturdy too. The one with the daisy is my favorite. No, the one with the pansies. No, the one with the Eiffel Tower. Yeah, whatever. They're all cute (and they make unique gifts too). And remember those plastic see-through throw-back umbrellas that actually cover you like a mushroom or a dome? I ordered a few of those too. And they have goldfish on them. What a crack up.

I also ordered some cute caps, cigarette pants (in opaque and shiny), a cobalt blue kimono style dress/tunic, a black dress/tunic with bell sleeves and leather-like trim....and let's see...what else? Oh! And some of the Halloween stuff is in already too. Cat glasses, cat hats, witches hat, pirate hat, angel wings (in black and white)...blah blah blah. If you get a minute, come on down. I'm having a ball.

The Cold Shoulder

2009-10-22T10:20:00.000-07:00

When James and I left France, we were so "Frenched-out" (think "turned out" LOL) that we immediately got online and started checking out airfares so that we could go back in December. After all, December is a busy month: It's Uncle Gino's birthday, cousin Teddy and Aurelie are having a baby, Uncle Gino & Aunt Astrid have an anniversary, it's Christmas (in France!), yada yada yada. Of course, 5 days later, my husband tells me he doesn't want to go. I didn't even ask him why. I simply gave him The Cold Shoulder and The Silent Treatment for a few days. Grrrrrrr. I am happy to report, however, that we will be going back in June. I'll be able to get my Paris Shop On and bring back more fab stuff. Yowza! (You ladies just about bought me out within the week!)

P.S. I guess The Cold Shoulder works sometimes. My husband rocks! (That's him on the left.) Wink, wink.

A Sweet Day at Work

2009-10-16T19:22:00.000-07:00

Today was a good day. It was my second day back in the store since getting back from France on Sunday night and I'm starting to feel relatively normal again. I'm still a teeny bit tired, but at least I don't feel like I'm stoned anymore. I hate repeating myself; but jet lag bites.

99.99999% of My Customers are awesome and that's one of the things I love about my job the most. My Customer Brigit bought me a candy apple today (wasn't that sweet?!?!?) and one of My other Customers wrote me a lovely welcome home email. I don't know how many other Shop Girls there are out there that get gifts and emails from their customers, but I love it and don't take any bit of it for granted. My mother always taught me to appreciate the kindness of others and I do. I really do.

Other than the rush I get when I'm out buying clothing, jewelry, accessories & gifts for the store, nothing beats the thrill of seeing My Customers walk (and sometimes even skip) out of the store excited about their new purchases. I brought back some really cute stuff from Paris and it is flying out of the door. It is really fun for me to imagine what they're going to look like and more importantly how they're going to feel when they wear their oo la la! gear around town. I know how I feel when I'm wearing a wicked outfit and it pleases me to think that they might feel the same way too.

Here I go repeating myself again, but today was a good day. =)

Bright Eyed & Bushy Tailed

2009-10-15T05:50:00.000-07:00

OMG. It's 5am and I am awake. Bright eyed and bushy tailed; eyes wiiiide open; mind going a mile a minute thinking about all of the things I need to get accomplished. But it's 5am and if you know anything about me at all, you know that I don't wake up when it's dark outside. Not unless I have a flight to catch.

Obviously, my body is still trying to readjust to the time difference. My mind is too. I dropped by the store yesterday intent to redecorate everything so that I had a "Parisian Halloween" themed store, but all I managed to do was read my mail and open a few boxes. Even the guys at the tattoo shop next door gave me a luke warm reception. Jeez.

On Monday, I even spoke to my trainer (I have to lose some weight) to get started again and he said "Okay, I'll see you tomorrow morning...since you're awake and all." Yeah right. (Giggling.) My body would never forgive me for working out this first week back. I'll start on Tuesday morning.

So it looks like I need to get over myself and snap out of the "IwishIwerestillinParis" blues. I love my store; I love my customers; and I love seeing someone walk out of my store with a reasonably priced really cute outfit that very few people will have.

Might as well get this party started...since I'm up and all.

Leaving Jamaica

2009-10-11T07:43:00.000-07:00

LOL. Don't I wish. Well, not really. I haven't been to Jamaica (in the Caribbean) for about 6 years. I can't say that I miss it although Port Antonio is my favorite place on the island. There are islands other than Jamaica that I like much much better. But I digress.

I am leaving (the hotel in) Jamaica, New York on my way to my JetBlue flight that will take me home to California from a very peaceful holiday. Although I am looking forward to seeing my cat Miles, sleeping in my own bed, getting the store ready for Halloween, and gearing up for life's next adventure, I will miss speaking French every day (and getting better at it), drinking wine with no sulfites, strolling the streets of Paris in the evenings, discovering new places in both the city and countryside, and shopping in some of the finest boutiques on earth.

Life is good. (And I have the t-shirt that says so.)

Thanks for listening. =)

Trip to France (#15)

2009-10-10T07:32:00.000-07:00

We made it back to New York last night. I wonder what time my body thinks it is?
I teared up a little when we left Astrid and Gino's. Teddy came by at 8am to say good-bye (How many people do you know would get up early and drive over to say good-bye? Most call.) and we gave him a cute little baby gift for the boy he and Aurelie are expecting the first week of December. The adorable little baby outfit has a picture of an airplane on it and the store we bought it from is called Le Petit Bateau (the little boat). It's a little bit of a joke because Aurelie told us the night before that she hates flying and boats. Cute.
Astrid & Gino gave us a bottle of James' favorite French wine (Chateau Neuf de Pape). I packed it deep inside one of the carry-ons, so it wouldn't break, of course. It was confiscated going through the security check point in France. No liquids allowed. The security guy said they throw everything away that is confiscated. I don't believe it. THAT would be too much of a travesty.
The last time we were here (see? I still think I'm in France), we visited the rest of James' family and they came over and we had a party. This time, we didn't. He did speak to his other aunt (Denise) on the telephone. Sometimes it's nice not to have to run all over the place.
James dropped me off at Charles de Gaulle airport in France, took the rental car back to Gare de Lyon (30 minutes away), and caught the bus back to the airport because we had too much luggage to deal with. It's fun people watching. I never considered this before, but what do you think the flight attendants on Saudia Arabia Airlines wear? (I discretely took a few pictures on my camera phone and posted to Facebook.) They cover their heads!
The flight from France to Iceland was uneventful (except for the Italian man that WOULD NOT be still and the turbulence at the end of the flight). The winds were so bad (there was a storm) that you could physically feel the plane rocking when it was sitting on the tarmac.
The flight from Iceland to France was WAY smoother than I expected considering the storm. Thank goodness we were flying away from the storm. Again, turbulence is no friend of mine.
So here I am in my hotel room in New York tip-typing away while my husband lounges on the bed mastering his BlackBerry. We're considering taking the train in to Manhattan, but we're moving slowly. It's 10:30am here and we woke up at 4:30am. Ooooo, I'm so confused.
It is bittersweet to be back on U.S. soil. I always experience a mild case of post-vacation depression after I return from Europe and the tropics. :::Shrugging my shoulders:::: This too shall pass. At least I have Hawaii to look forward to next month...

Trip to France (#14)

2009-10-08T13:51:00.000-07:00

Today was a day of firsts.

Today was the first time I had ever been to the Champagne region of France and visited the Reims Cathedral. I cannot describe in words the beauty of this place. Once inside, it took my breath away and made me cry. The ceilings must have been at least 150 feet tall and the stained glass was mesmerizing. It was also the first time our camera completely died on us when we were about to take the first breathtaking photo. The image below is from the Internet. It was not, however, the first time I cursed softly under my breath. At least I was outside of the church...

Today was the first time I drank (the real) champagne in Champagne. LOL. Not sure if you knew this, but the Champagne region of France is actually the only place where true and bona fide champagne is produced. Anything else you might get outside of France (including the US or even outside of the Champagne region) is actually a sparkling wine or a variation thereof. The word "champagne" can only be used as an adjunct. My husband told me this years ago...
Today was the first time I had a mini opera performed in front of me at a cafe (still in Champagne). With no less of the drama and gestures you might see in a traditional opera house. At first it was funny; and then it was kinda cool. LOL.
Today was the first day I paid attention to the speed limit and tried to figure out kilometers vs. miles. The posted speed limit on highway A4 was 130 kilometers, which is about 80mph. The maximum speed limit on rural highways is 70 kilometers, which is about 45mph, although it seems faster in a small car. This will be the last time I try to figure it out.
Today was also the first time I ever ate wild boar...and it was gooooood too. It's more like beef than pork. I was afraid I wasn't going to like it and was pleasantly surprised. My Uncle Gino cooked it. He hunted it and killed it too, but don't tell anyone.

Tonight is my last night in France and this is not the first time I wished I could stay.

Trip to France (#13)

2009-10-07T15:40:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry. Did I imply in a previous blog post that getting my permanent residency card was going to be a piece of cake because we're here in France? Uh...yeah, right. First we have to get our marriage certificate translated, then get Le Livre de Famille, and then fill out 5 hundred thousand million pieces of paper (because that's how the French do it. I know because today I went to the bank and what would normally take 20 minutes and one piece of paper in the US took 2 hours and 50 pieces of paper.). Sigh. Now I know.
We looked at three houses the other day and the third one was a charm. Of course, it's not big enough for our French family - who live in a doggone chateau - so they're trying to talk us out of it. I'm not sure when 4 bedrooms for 2 people became too small, but hey, okay. On a side note, the first house we saw was very unique, but when we arrived, a stoic old woman made it VERY clear that she wasn't interested in having Brown people as neighbors. I'm not sure if it's the fact that she eyeballed us like we stole something or if it's because she didn't speak when spoken to....or, no...maybe it was her reluctance to hand over the keys to the broker. Needless to say, she was a piece of work.
Neither my Aunt Astrid nor I slept at all last night due to something in the air. I had a sinus headache that wouldn't quit and I found out she did too. The weather here has been beautiful...sunny one day...clean and crisp winds the next day...then rain...then sun again. And since we are out in the country, it makes sense that something got whipped up and decided to stick to the back of my throat and press (hard) on my sinus passages. I'm glad that's over.
Astrid is slick. She asked me yesterday - in passing - if I liked escargot...and when I went downstairs for lunch, escargot was waiting for me. Yummmmm. She can coooook. There was another really unusual dish, but it had lots of cream in it, so I had to pass. My sinuses + cream do not go together at all.
Tonight, we went to my cousin Teddy and Aurelie's house (see photos below) for aperitifs before dinner back at Astrid and Gino's. (Reminder: Teddy is their son.) The last time I was here, Gino was talking about building a restaurant in the space where Teddy now lives, so I had to be resuscitated when I walked into his home. Jiminy Crickets! Italian marble floors from Siciliy; 500 year old wood beamed ceilings; pizza oven in the kitchen; blah blah blah. When do I move in? To die for. Absolutely. I am soooo jealous.
So we're thinking about coming back for Christmas, because Aurelie is having a baby (another cousin!), Gino & Astrid have an anniversary, and it'll be Christmastime in France with family. I hope we get a big income tax refund. Because if we do, I'm on a plane for sure.

Trip to France (#12)

2009-10-07T03:02:00.000-07:00

i ate. i ate. i ate. swordfish AND tuna, grilled on the outdoor grill of course, with some kind of sauce i've never seen but hope to eat again and again and again...with mashed potatoes, carrots (from Astrid's garden)...and something called cabbage that looked like a fat asparagus, but tasted awesome.
then i ate some more. because after dinner (oh yeah, and wine), we had cheese. a selection of about 6, yes 6, on a lazy susan.
and then she forced ice cream down my throat and gino went outside and got peaches off of their tree and grapes from sicily. jesus.
not to mention the appetizer: beer out of the beer machine, the natural salami that gino makes, baguette, and some kind of vegetable mix (yummy) they eat in martinique and guadeloupe.
i also drank some port and something called lemoncello. ARE YOU GETTING ALL OF THIS?
went to teddy's optician store (my cousin, the son of astrid and gino) and salivated over a pair of unique eyeglasses. small fortune, but hey...what're cousins for?
tonight we go to teddy and aurelie's for aperitifs and then back here for an enormous meal that astrid has already started to prepare.
oh my god.

Trip to France (#11)

2009-10-06T09:13:00.000-07:00

Provins

Not one of the premier tourist destinations in France, Provins is a step back to the Middle Ages. In the 12th and 13th centuries, the Earls of Champagne made this fortified city their capital, well situated on the way to the Far East. Provins became very wealthy from the merchant activities, bankers, spice trade and the largest cloth fairs in Europe. It has also been said that Thibaud de Champagne brought back the rose flower from Damascus and introduced it here, so Provins might be a very romantic spot to boot.

Tour Cesar (Caesar's Tower) was built in the beginning of the 12th century (maybe even 1100) as a symbol of the Counts of Champagne's power. Once used as a lookout tower, it was also a prison and a money mint. The views from the top of the tower is nice, offering a 360 degree view of Provins. The steps leading to the tower are very narrow.

Trip to France (#10)

2009-10-06T04:32:00.000-07:00

*Warning: This entry somewhat of a rant!*

LOL. It's Noon and I just woke up. Yes, I went to bed at 1am, but still; that's a great night's sleep, don't you think? My husband has always warned me about how fatigue can sneek up on you and even land you in the hospital if you're not careful. And not necessarily physical fatigue, but fatigue from "the light bulb being on all of the time" as he likes to say. He's probably right.

So now that I'm awake, I can tell you about my day yesterday. It'll be short and sweet because it was very very quiet. =) Because everything is closed on Sundays and Mondays, there really wasn't much to do anyway...and that was just fine by me.

There is a little construction going on downstairs in one of the bedrooms, so Astrid and Gino were managing that. After a lovely lunch (I would have to start an entirely new blog to tell you about the food that Astrid prepares for us everyday), James and I went outside and walked the grounds, took some really up close and personal pictures of some of the sheep (only to find out the memory card wasn't in the camera), and then drove in to town. The name of the town is Couloummiers. I snapped pictures of some pretty houses (the leaves are changing) on our way to town, a beautiful big flower pot (they line the streets of the town), and some greeting cards that were outside of a store. And it got me to thinking (again).

Why can't 17th Street look like this? Why aren't there street signs that identify 17th Street as a shopping district? Why aren't there twinkling lights in the beautiful trees at holiday time? Why doesn't someone care for the trees by using cute little mini fences to protect them from trash and fertilizer for them to thrive? Why can't I leave merchandise outside the front of my store? (Because someone will steal it, that's why.) Doesn't anyone care?

When I first opened oo la la!, I remember being disappointed that none of the other merchants really seemed to care about the trash on the street and the sidewalk or the potential beauty that could be displayed on this lovely little block. (There was, for a short time, an older Chinese gentleman that the owners of the building paid to sweep in front of the building, but he has since passed on.) So instead of fretting about it, I took it upon myself to sweep (like a crazy lady) in front of my store (including the gutters), in front of the tattoo shop next door (they're guys; they aren't doing it) and in front of the entrance to the main building on the other side of me. And I'm not talking about that fake sweeping either; I mean getting down and dirty and sweeping the dirt out of the cracks, the cigarette butts (yuk!) off the sidewalk, scraping gum off of the sidewalk with a razor, and using hot soapy water to clean up the drink spills. I don't play.

I am happy to say the Security Ambassadors now sweep the little block on 17th street every morning. I think someone either got tired of me complaining about how we deserve a clean street or they finally figured it out on their own. Doesn't matter to me; as long as it got done. Now, if only folks would stop spitting (gross!) and using our street as a trash can by dropping dirty baby diapers, old McDonald's food wrappers, liquor bottles and beer cans, etc., then I'd be happy. But it takes the locals to demand respect for a neighborhood. People are less likely to soil their surroundings if the surroundings are clean and the merchants demand cleanliness. Presentation is everything. (And don't get me started on the folks who hang out waiting for their friends to come out of the Pot Club; that's another story entirely.)

I'm going to get off of my soapbox now and go downstairs and get something good to eat. Time to turn off the lightbulb.

Trip to France (#9)

2009-10-05T05:53:00.000-07:00

I woke up and it was raining. Absolutely wonderful! This is how the French countryside stays so green. It's like a movie...only better.

I remember when I first moved from Los Angeles to the Bay Area. I was sooo cold. And I didn't know how to layer and I only had cute fashion boots (I love suede!) and not boots for the rain. I moved back to LA for a couple of years and got confused. I really didn't need any of my new coats or sweaters or boots or gloves or scarves. I kinda missed the cooler weather. Because I get hot flashes now, I can only tolerate the heat if there is sand and the sea involved. Somehow, I manage to ignore the flashes when I'm on the beach. Imagine that.

Yesterday, we went to Provins, an old village not too far from here. I'm too lazy to post the pictures right now, but I will. I did manage to put them on Facebook, but this blog is where I'm going to start doing all of my posting of photos for my customers.

Today, a friend of Gino's is coming to show us some property. Wouldn't it be grand to have a French country home? I don't care if it's a shack, to be honest. LOL. It would be nice to have a quiet retreat away from everything. Le Shack Francais.

If we're not too lazy, we're also going to work on getting me a permanent residency card while we're here; it's a pain to deal with the French Embassy in San Francisco. Being married to a Frenchie (my word) has its benefits. Then I think I'll change my name to Thérèse. And then when we go to Gino's house on the Italian coast next year (Gino's Italian) for our 10 year anniversary (yay!), I'll change my name to Sophia. LOL. (Just kidding, Mom.)

Gino's fun to listen to. He's Italian and his French has that Italian sing-song quality to it. LOL. I love it. He knows a teeny bit of English, but not enough for a conversation. Astrid sounds EXACTLY likes James' mom did; but alas, they're sisters, so it makes sense. They have 4 cats that roam the grounds: Maurice, Daphne, Chloe and Gucci. Miles would fit right in although I don't know if he would understand the cats when they meow to him in French. Perhaps I should start teaching him now.
I'm too relaxed to type anymore. I think I work alot. James does too. It's nice to actually do nothing for a change.

Trip to France (#8)

2009-10-04T17:20:00.000-07:00

So we arrived at Aunt Astrid & Uncle Gino's house yesterday and it feels good to be in the country. On the way here, as I mentioned, we stopped at the outlets, but I didn't buy anything. I don't think I was in the mood to shop. (Wait. Did I just type that?) Besides, everything costs so much.

Below you will find a pictorial of the road to our home away from home. It has been a few years since we've been here. It's a lovely compound with a ridiculous amount of land, a home that is magnificent and peaceful, and someplace I never tire of visiting. It is a converted barn with thick walls and the essence of love is in these walls. You'll see what I mean as you scroll down.

It's almost 3am, so it's time for me to pack it in. I'll post the pictures from our day trip (to Provins - not Provence) at some point tomorrow. Thanks for being a part of the journey...

The road to Aunt Astrid & Uncle Gino's...

Driving along and taking it all in...

Checking out what's on the side of the road. We're almost there...

Smiling at the welcoming trees...

Drove through the gates past the front (rental) house and looking at the house in the distance...

Getting closer...

Is Uncle Gino in there?

A nice view of the front of the house...

My bedroom window...

The view (to the left) out of my bedroom window...

A straight ahead view out of my bedroom window...

A view out of the bathroom window...

Aunt Astrid & me...

Uncle Gino and me...

Bonjour...

Everyone is in the back of the house...

It's a beautiful day to be outside...

Astrid's garden...

One of the garages...

The view from the house towards the front gate...

Trip to France (#7)

2009-10-04T15:15:00.000-07:00

Thursday, 2 October 2009
Wow. I don't even know where to start. I guess the beginning is good.
When I first planned this trip, I planned to go to THE wholesale area of Paris which is called Le Sentier. Of course, I told you already that I happened upon another wholesale area that I knew nothing about and was able to find some very cute stuff. Ummmm...but then I went to Le Sentier today. Man o man. I experienced a shortness of breath and needed to sit down and have a beer. Wow. Blocks and blocks and blocks of fab fashion; and not just any old fashion; but Parisian fashion. Sigh. I was in heaven.
I have shopped in Garment District of Los Angeles and found cute stuff. I have shopped in the Garment District of New York and found even cuter stuff. But man o man, nothing beats Paris. Wow (again). I mean, I have some wicked stuff in my closet from shopping for myself in Paris and Milan over the years, but to be in the Garment District is a WHOLE NOTHER MOTHER (can't remember where I heard that before - but it fits). I want to stay here forever. No joke.
So when we got off of the Metro at St. Denis, we went the wrong way at first. No biggie. But let me just say that there was an entirely different demographic than where we are staying. I asked my husband what was going on and what the ladies I saw were doing...and he's so doggone polite...he said they're just "entrepreneurs." (Giggling.) FYI: Prostitution is not illegal in France, although being a pimp is. I saw tons of wig stores and nail salons that were PACKED (like sardines) and also doubled as braid places. I bet I could've gotten my dreads done, but I had fashion on the brain, so it was a no go. Lots more Brown people: African, Morrocan, Asian, etc. It was neat and quite a spectacle.
3 blocks in the other direction and you're in High Fashion Land. Go figure.

Friday, October 3

Ummmmm. Surely this is heaven. To make a long story short, yesterday, I went to my first fashion trade show in Paris (it is called Premiere Classe and they were celebrating 20 years). It was at Tulieres Garden, and yes it's as pretty as the picture. If you haven't had a chance to check out my Facebook page to sneak a peek at the photos I've taken, then I'll be sure to show them to you when I get back. They certainly tell the story. Not only were there 3 tents of accessories and Prêt-à-Porter (ready to wear), across the street at the Westin, there was even more! Vera Wang (!) had a suite!
After the shows, James and I hung out at Place Vendôme and Rue Saint-Honoré where we window shopped. Yes, window shopped. This is like the Beverly Hills (times 100) of Paris. I intentionally did not go into Miu Miu because I saw some boots in the store window with my name on them. "I have boots. I have boots." I kept telling myself. Wow.
So we took the Metro back home (and this lady told me how much she loved my hair...I was wearing a pretty peacock feather) and as tired as we were, we went to Leon's and had mussels for our last night in Le Marais. How I will miss this apartment and the clean streets (they wash them down EVERY DAY (take note, Oakland!) and the hot churros made to order and the rude stares and the friendly faces and the unique boutiques and the elevator that says it's for 3 people, but only fits 2.

(Above) Making a silly face, but wearing a beautiful peacock feather.

Saturday, October 4
While it is Saturday morning here, you are all probably asleep or just getting in from a wild night (LOL). My husband just got back from picking up the rental car. The deposit was 1600 Euro; okay, that's approximately $2500US for a deposit. AND, he had to pay for the rental in advance as well! I will not use profane language in this space to express myself. But, dang.

Anyway, we're off to the country for the second part of our journey and I am sooooo excited because my husband's family is fantastique! We're going to stop at the outlets - La Vallée Village Outlet Shopping - so I can see what I can see and buy what I can buy. But I already have two stuffed duffel bags of stuff for the store, so I have no idea where anything I might buy will go at this point. Uh, I'll work it out.
Well, let me go finish packing. It's time to goooooo!

A bientôt!
Your local shop girl,
Tracey

Trip to France (#6)

2009-10-01T15:14:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday night, James and I went to The Avenue des Champs-Élysées. We tend to get out and stroll at night because we are up until the wee hours of the morning (it's almost 1am now!). Anyway, I'm not much of a picture taker, but I wish I had my camera because Louis Vuitton had some shoes in their window that were extremely avant garde. Couture can be very unusual sometimes. I did buy myself a unique white blouse that was overpriced, but hey, I'm on vacay, right?
Last night, we took the Metro to a part of France that is just east of Paris called La Defense. Neither James nor I had ever been there and were really surprised when we came up from the train station to see really modern and sleek skyscrapers with colorful neon and unique sculptures. It's a business district with lots of people that were just getting off of work...and of course, hanging out at the cafes that were all around. But La Defense is nothing like (old) Paris in the least. I'm glad we went.
We went to La Defense to hear a new friend of mine sing (that's her below). Interesting story: I sent out an email to a group of entertainment girls in LA I belong to and she was the only one that responded. Ends up she is here in Paris staying...AROUND THE CORNER from where I'm staying. Isn't that nuts? Out of all the places in Paris, I can see her place out of my bedroom window. Anyway, we exchanged a bunch of emails and she's a singer, so we went to hear her sing. She is actually from Alameda and lives in LA; do you believe it? The world is crazy small.

I picked up the rest of my stuff from the garment district today. I didn't have enough hands to bring it all back with me the day I purchased it. Looks like I'm going to have to buy a duffle bag (or two) to get this stuff home. Shipping it is WAY too much. I hope they don't ding me for the extra baggage.
On Friday, I'm going to a tradeshow that is directly connected to all of the stuff going on at Paris Fashion Week. I bought some kind of Premiere Class Pass, so we'll see what that gets me. I'm pretty excited; I've never been to Fashion Week before.
On Saturday, we leave our apartment to go to the country, where we will stay with James' family. We're renting a car. I love his family so much; they are my family too. =) We'll stop at the Champagne region and go to Versailles as well. They're only 30 minutes outside of Paris.
Even though this is a holiday, I've been getting alot of work done, setting up meetings, putting irons in the fire, etc. and I'm pleased to say that my camp program (CampCaribe) is coming along quiet nicely. It didn't hurt that Oprah's Angel Network has published my stories. I'm extremely happy about this. I'm going to Hawaii in November (to Kona, specifically) to check out the campgrounds there too for another project: CampHawaii. After that, I'm staying put until February. I've been giving it some thought and really don't think I'm going to put together a Shopping Trip to Paris after all. I don't think I'm cut out to be a tour guide. I'm too laid back when I travel. But the next time I go, I'll be sure to let you know in case you want to come along. I will give you a map, teach you enough French to get you food and to the bathroom, and help you find a hotel. After that, you're on your own. I hope that doesn't sound mean. I certainly don't mean it that way. I'm sure there's something I'm missing telling you, but I'll remember and tell you later. It's time for me to get off the computer. Besides, my champagne glass is empty. LOL.

A bientôt!
Your local shop girl,
Tracey

Trip to France (#5)

2009-09-28T15:13:00.000-07:00

Today was a work day; and the first day since we've been here that I got out before 2pm. Jet lag is no joke. When I said I was over it, I was mistaken. LOL. My husband and I still both wake up in the middle of the night; just for less time now.

Last night, we strolled. Paris is that kind of place. The French have a word for a person who strolls: Le flâneur. That would be me. (Hopefully, I can stroll off a few pounds.)

Everything is pretty quiet on Sundays and Mondays. That's one thing I have always liked about it here. 4 day work weeks and long vacations; 6 weeks on the average. Yep. 6 weeks. Normally busy streets in Paris empty out in July and August, when most locals take their annual holiday. Shops and businesses are often deserted for a month, sometimes longer. Now you know where I get it from. LOL.

There is a Jewish synagogue in the same block I'm in and because it is Yom Kippur, there is a lot of activity. I grew up in a Jewish community in Los Angeles, so it's not unique to me. What IS unique, however, is that there are 5 policemen providing security. I asked my husband why and he said the French (generally speaking) do not like Jewish people. Who knew?
Speaking of Jewish people, when we were in New York, we walked through a big neighborhood that was made up entirely of Orthodox Jews. I found it fascinating that the women had shaved heads and wore wigs. Culture and religion never cease to amaze me.

Back to Paris.

So I think I mentioned I found a wholesale area by accident last week and that's where I went today. I didn't get tons of stuff because of the exchange rate, but I did manage to find some cute things I think you'll like. If not, I'll wear everything. LOL. I still have some really nice pieces coming in this Fall/Winter that I ordered from MAGIC last month; some of which have that same European edge. Plus, I don't have to worry about exchange rates, VATs, duty fees, etc. Sigh.

I hope everyone is well. =)

A bientôt!
Your local shop girl,
Tracey

Trip to France (#4)

2009-09-26T15:12:00.000-07:00

Not too much to report really.
I'm not the picture taking type, but my cousin Ivy asked me to take some pictures, so I did and I posted them on my Facebook page. (Now that I've started this blog, there are pictures here as well.)
Today is the first day that I really feel normal and rested. The jet lag is finally gone.
We walked around our neighborhood tonight and since it's Saturday night, lots of people were out and about. I saw a bunch of boutiques that remind me of my store and of course, I saw tons of cute stuff. While walking around, we happened upon a wholesale neighborhood that I knew nothing about; so I'll go back on Monday morning since it's within walking distance. I'm also going shopping at Galeries Lafayette on Monday (for myself) because they're closed on Sundays. It's a huge store complex with lots of wonderful stuff; I'm convinced you would love it! I had moules et frites (mussels & fries) for dinner. There's a French place in San Francisco that my husband and I go to and get the same thing; but, of course, this was WAY better. Last night, my husband cooked us dinner and burned his fingers in the process. He's okay though. I like eating in; particularly if I don't have to cook. LOL. I'm sure I'll have more to report after a full day on Monday.
Until then...
A bientôt!
Your local shop girl,
Tracey

Trip to France (#3)

2009-09-24T15:10:00.000-07:00

I'm not really sure where to start. But I will start by saying that I found out why there was that stinky smell I referred to near our hotel in New York. My husband and I were killing time before our flight and decided to take the A train (isn't that song? LOL) to Williamsburg (the "new SOHO" in Brooklyn) for lunch and we passed The New York Department of Sanitation (hah!) about a block away from the hotel. Pee-yew!

The flight to Paris was actually pretty comfortable. IcelandAir is similar to JetBlue in that you get your very own personal video screen and more leg room. Even the seats went back a little further than normal. The flight attendants reminded me of flight attendants from back in the day with their really cute suits and hats and welcoming smiles. I've noticed that it's only when I fly internationally that I see this type of customer service and sharp outfits. I also learned how to says "Thanks" in Icelandic from my seatmate. It's "Takk." (Don't laugh; I like learning stuff.)

Ohhh...and this is interesting. There was a woman that mistakenly sat in my row. As she was moving, she told me that this was her first flight since she was in THAT PLANE that landed in the Hudson River. OMG. She was brave. Oh yeah, and she told me she had loads of Xanax, so she slept for the flight. LOL. Whatever works.

We were an hour or so early, so we walked around the airport in Iceland, which I might add, is really very sleek and modern looking (including the bathroom). Yes, I did get my husband a cap that says "Iceland" on it...LOL...and I saw an extremely unique wool dress kinda looking thing, but when I did the money conversion, it cost too much considering I hadn't even made it to France yet. I did see a cute warm up jacket that I might get on the way back though.

Okay, so we're here in Paris and I'm telling you, I feel right at home. I'm a bonified Francophile; always have been, always will be. And boy oh boy...you should see this apartment. I must've done something good.

(Above) View from our 8th floor penthouse apartment in Le Marais

First of all, the gentleman that owns it is some big time (former) actor and (current) director in both Belgium and France. Since we rented his apartment from an agency, we didn't think we would meet the owner, but he was here when we arrived. Interesting guy. The apartment is big (by French standards) although the elevator only holds 3 people. 3 small people. (I was instantly claustraphobic.) I won't go in to any detail about the apartment (I'll just take pictures and bring them back), but there is a terrace and....we're in a penthouse apartment that overlooks the city. This is like some stuff from the movies. I'm telling you; I must've done something good.

Of course, we woke up in the middle of the night (jet lag) bright eyed and bushy tailed as everyone else in the City slept. So what else could we do except drink champagne (me) and red wine (James) and eat Camembert cheese and baguette and smile a lot. I'm still smiling.

We couldn't get a WiFi connection at first, but today when we woke up (5pm local time), James hooked us up to a phone line and - voila! - here I am typing to you. =)

I checked my email...and just like the last time I was away (in Vegas)...I got an email from Oprah's Angel Network telling me they published another story I wrote about being bullied (and name calling). Do you believe it??!?!? It's actually the preface to a book I'm writing called Talking White: 14 Ways to Cope with Thoughtless Remarks for kids that need a way to cope with being bullied for "talking White." I don't know what to say. Looks like you have to be close to 50 years old for your dreams to start coming true. (Check out Oprah's Angel Network (registration required) and type - OneBrownGirl - in the search box to see my stories.)

Back to Paris.

So James is currently out wandering the streets of Paris while I sit here in this fun apartment returning emails and pretending I'm actually French. LOL. Oh yeah, and I'm sipping champagne with Cassis (I expect a hot flash at any minute)...and the Cassis is less than $5 here and more than $20 in the US.

In the hour or so we were waiting to get in to this apartment, we roamed the neighborhood (we're in the Marais for those of you that have been here) and I see stores that look like mine (okay, my store looks like theirs) and one of the stores I went in had 3 items that I have sold in my store. Because it is so expensive for Americans to shop here, European buyers go to the States to shop. And since there are European designers in the States, it's cheaper for everyone. Crazy, isn't it?

I could go on and on...but I should save something for later...n'est-ce pas?

A bientôt!
Your local shop girl,
Tracey

Trip to France (#2)

2009-09-21T15:06:00.000-07:00

My luggage weighed 53.4 pounds, so I took out a pair of boots (2.4 pounds!) and my toiletries and threw them in my husband's suitcase. Problem solved. Those 3.4 pounds would have cost me $50 otherwise. Sheesh.

I've always liked flying JetBlue. More legroom & your own personal tv. TV makes the flight go faster.

Turbulence is no fun.

I don't know what the smell is, but it's stinky outside (I'm at a hotel near JFK).

Because of cutbacks, there is no room service. You have to call down your order and then go downstairs, get your order, and then bring it up on a tray if you want to eat in your room.

My husband left our entire travel folder at home. Good thing everything is on the computer.

We're flying to Iceland and then to Paris on Iceland Air. I want a baseball cap (we get one for my husband everytime we go somewhere) that says Iceland on it.

Thank you for your emails (you know who you are). There are some really nice people in this world. =)

I miss Miles already (my cat).

A bientôt!
Your local shop girl,
Tracey

Trip to France (#1)

2009-09-20T15:03:00.000-07:00

My husband and I are on our way to the airport in a few hours and I got this brilliant/silly idea (you can decide) to stay in touch with my customers (who I will miss) while we're away. (Awwww.)
Here are a few random facts:
We're staying overnight in NYC because I hate long flights.
I have packed one suitcase for almost 4 weeks and it is still under 50 pounds (I think).
My cat seems to sense that we're going to be gone. I wish he could morph into a person and go with us. I bet he would be really handsome.
We're staying in an apartment in Paris and not a hotel.
I'm taking my laptop. Can't leave home without it.
The exchange rate is freaking me out and I wonder how much I'll actually be able to buy for the store that has good value. Paris is always painfully expensive.
I'm looking forward to seeing my husband's family again. They don't speak English and when there's a French word I don't know, I just pantomime.
BONUS: I will be in Paris during Fashion Week and I didn't know that when I booked the trip.
It's nice to have someone (Courtney) to take care of everything while I'm away. (It only took 2 years.)
I won't take it personally if you unsubscribe from this list. =)
A bientôt!
Your local shop girl,
Tracey