10 Questions for Alice "Hope" Kim

While in Omaha I had the chance to intern for one of the magazine industry's finest, Alice Kim. A 15 year alumna, Alice has worked for some of the top magazines including a long running as InStyle's go-to accessories maven. After her 10th year at InStyle she decided to take a chance and follow a lifelong passion for the city of Omaha, Nebraska. Constantly encountering the city during her life through different acquaintances and startling coincidental outlets she packed up her New York apartment and headed to the quintessential Midwestern state of Nebraska.

Alice's boutique brainchild "Trocadero" was born appropriately and purposefully in 2007, the year of the golden pig, which in Chinese folklore promises a prosperous and wealthy life. Trocadero is filled with Alice's top picks which mirror her refined editor's taste. Brands featured include LAMB, Brian Atwood, Marvis, Kara Ross, MZ Wallace, Giuseppe Zanotti, and the iconic Kidrobot to just name a few. Items are hand selected and offer Omaha a chance at accessories and gifts that might otherwise seem worlds away.

I digested incredible amounts of information pertaining to the brands, boutique, and business from Alice and was delighted to sit down with her to ask a few questions of my own:

CC What is your middle name?
AK Hojung

CC What do you wish was your middle name?
AK I like my middle name - it's my Korean name. But if I had to choose another "H" - it would be Hannah or Hope.

CC What were your parents constantly finding you doing growing up?
AK Beating up other kids in my neighborhood. Really, I used to scratch, kick, and hit!

CC Best advice you followed?
AK Follow your heart.

CC Five things you miss about New York?
AK 1. Sushi of Gari, my favorite restaurant in the world! Gari's omakase is the best thing to eat bar none.
2. The U.S. open tennis matches every August/September. Best athletic event to watch live outdoors, in the sun, all day and night.
3. Fire Island - Point O'Woods. My friends have a place there - you have to have a family and children to have a house. No cars, just boardwalks and lots of bicycles. Perfect summertime retreat.
4. Walking everywhere and anywhere.
5. That unmistakable and incomparable energy that IS New York as well as calling it my home.

CC Favorite encounter in Omaha?
AK When the little kids of my customers come into the store and hug me around my legs.

CC Your best skill?
AK My memory - its like an elephant's!

CC Favorite "hated" trend?
AK Leggings - I can't live without them.

CC Three characteristics of originality?
AK 1. Confidence
2. Personal Style
3. Wit

CC What would you like to see more of in magazines?
AK I want to see great accessories and ones that normally found at massive and cheap stores. Aspirational and inspirational - I can see the trends and then search for cheaper alternatives on my own instead of seeing Target, Forever 21, Old Navy items on the pages and layouts.

To come see what all the fuss is about visit:
1208 1/2 Howard Street in the Old Market of Omaha
or http://www.shoptrocadero.com/ if Trocadero still seems worlds away

Iowa State Fair

While in Omaha I was able to pick the activity for one weekend, the following is what I chose:


Those damn carnies tantalized me with their food on a stick, butter cow, butterfly room, and a seemingly grandiose reputation. However what I ended up with was heartburn, a malnourished bovine, a large man encased in butterflies, and the shame of knowing I have joined the select few who have consumed a deep fried oreo. Touché Iowa, Touché.

What more could you need?

Than a store that supplies BOTH lingerie and wind chimes.

You might have a different answer but I can assure you that it is nothing.

Cheese Post

*As I evolve so does my blog, and if my recent stint in the center of America proved anything it was that I am doing just that....evolving. Therefore my blog is delivering a new take on street fashion, one more in tune with the people within the clothes and not the wardrobe displayed on the person. I believe fashion is not about how hipster, punk, mainstream, hip-hop, or trendy you look, it is how well you translate your personality to those around you. Show me your ink, your grandfather's belt, your misused scarf, or your worn in combat boots and I'll get to know you for you...not your brand new Tiffany's bracelet.*

*cheesy declaration

Any who I have a camera full of pictures (and a recently found camera cord) so prepare for rapid posts to somehow make up for the severe withdraw the past few summer months.

Retraction

Not long ago I posted this post:

http://courtcloth.blogspot.com/2009/06/goodbye-appalachia.html

O wait that was two posts ago. Damn I have been bad about that whole "posting new posts idea" that is required with any blog.

Needless to say this summer has been a very thought-provoking three months filled with deep thoughts, revelations, and some ideas about the direction that I wish to take Court Cloth. Coupled with these thoughts has been a month long internship at Trocadero, friendships with the artistic locals and a talented young designer named Jennie Mason, and the decision to stay in Athens, Ohio for both my education and the future of Court Cloth. I swear posts would have already been added but I seem to have forgotten the importance of a camera cord in the process of uploading pictures to the internet. Therefore stay tuned because Saturday I return to both my home and my abandoned cord.

Click here to see my intern page and visit Trocadero's blog!

Rapscillion by Samantha Pleet

Queen of the modern jumper has partnered with Urban Outfitters to create a simply marvelous and affordable line.

This structured jumper that comes in peach (as shown), black, and blue is my favorite. Mmm I might be making my routine stop by UO sooner then I thought....



Click here to see the rest of the line.

Goodbye Appalachia

Court cloth is officially leaving Ohio University. I have had a great year writing and stalking the students and residents of Athens but it is time to move on to a larger mecca. This summer is going to be spent searching for inspiration in all elements, mediums, and forms. June-September might be a hodgepodge of unfamiliar, but soon Court Cloth will return to one cohesive piece.

Thank you for putting up with my mess!

xoxo
Courtcloth.

ps.
while waiting check out www.lookbook.nu,
my new and ultimate form of wardrobe
inspiration and complete envy.

Do As The Professors Do

It has been far too cold to think about stealing people off the street let alone make the necessary steps to actually do so. However this doesn't mean that I haven't been looking for superb sub-zero fashion. One of my favorites so far is being worn by an unlikely bunch, the great male professors of Ohio University. A casual suit worn contrastingly and harmoniously tucked into a pair of well-constructed rain boots. Already today I have spotted one of these well-fashioned men in Perks, as well as right outside of Baker sporting this interesting and scholarly combination. I hope to get a sample of one soon but for now I have to let a mental image suffice while I chatter my teeth.

So do as your fashionable elder professors do and go the classic rain boot way. Frankly I'm sick of the day-glo patterns and would like to see some old-school equestrian styles roaming these ice laden streets.

SPLURGE-ISH

Hunter Olive Green Riding Rain Boots

$140 @ Shoes.com

SAVE-ISH

Delias Multi-Colored Riding Rain Boots

On Sale for $45 @ Delias.com

CHEAP-ISH

Generic Women's Riding Rain Boots

A Mere $20 at ..... Walmart.com

They look IDENTICAL to these Equestrian Rain Boots found at none other than Urban Outfitters. So save yourself the dough and shop at the place you never thought you would go.

A Blog Is Only As Good As Its Header

... and although I adore the simplicity of the name "Court Cloth," the simplicity of the way its being displayed has made me dreary.  I am often found  judging a book by its cover (or a person by their attire),  therefore how hypocritical of me to have such a lackadaisical header to my blog of ideas into the world of the ornate.  Any ideas on how the name Court Cloth can be more than just a title?

Here are some headers (and coordinating blogs) that I absolutely adore:

 Dooce

The Stitch Society

FaceHunter

The Midwasteland

Copenhagen Street Style

The Streets Walker

Style Bubble

^^ added a few more and I have some ideas.

Thoughts on Court

I've been sitting in a *Nameless* tanning salon on Court waiting for my friend to finish toasting her skin for approximately 20 minutes. Within these 1,200 seconds I have seen about 15-20 collegiate girls walk in and out. Every single one of them (and when I say every single one, I mean excluding not one girl) was happily sporting her own "unique" pair of Uggs. Eight to ten were wearing a lovely chestnut color, five-ish were sporting the dark brown, and the rest were devoted to black. O wait! Lets re-tally the count and add two more to the chestnut category. Some slipped passed me while I was writing the past four to five sentences.

Lets guesstimate that an average pair of Uggs costs between $130- $160. Now lets take the lump some of money and apply it to something stylish.

Here we have a beautiful pair of Militia Booties found on Modcloth.com with both Chestnut and Mocha worked into the boot. Now you don't have to choose!

Militia Booties $127.99

And here for those few of you devoted to black, a soft leather pair of Buckle Boots from Urban Outfitters.

Buckle Boot $98

Each under $160. Each making a difference in my daily near-drownings in a sea of Uggs.

POST EDIT

I just found this website. It made me laugh.

http://www.igotuggs.com---the name explains itself.

Mixed Patterns on South Court

Robin White

Senior Political Science Major

I did a double take and immediately grabbed Robin after seeing her gorgeous coat whisk past me on South Court. After my eyes were able to move from her coat and digest the rest of her look, I was able to see the other intricate patterns that she had incorporated effortlessly into her ensemble. These completely different patterns are quirky yet unexpectedly pleasing to the eye. Robin was a refreshing winter look in a sea full of down and sweats.

Baker Center, tiered dress and boots

Toshiko Kobayashi

Sophomore Journalism Major

I may or may not have cornered Toshiko in the bathroom when I saw what she was wearing along with her new stylishly choppy cut. However I decided to keep her and Court Cloth's dignity intact and photograph her just in front of the large windows towards the back of the building. Toshiko's outfit perfectly described her laid back spunk with an eclectic grouping of muted colors. I was hoping her backpack was purchased in a store native to Japan (where she spent her excessively long six week break) but she just happened to pick it up at one of my all time favorite stops. Urban Outfitters of course.... I knew we connected immediately for a reason.

Simply Unforgivable

Merry Christmas from Court Cloth!

It has been far too long since I've last posted, unforgivably long. So long that unfortunately Halloween (without ANY Athens Halloween posts), Thanksgiving, and nearly Christmas (oops!) have come and gone. I promise that my laziness (or lack of inspiration) will never reach that extent again.

So in better spirits here are some books I was more than happy to receive this year for Christmas...

"Eccentric Glamour"

By Simon Doonan (Creative Director of Barney's New York)

I cannot wait to start reading this novel by the renown Creative Director of Barney's New York. I have been trying to find the time to read this book since I read a rave review in Nylon.

"Fashion Illustration by Fashion Designers"

By Laird Borrelli

This is a collection of fashion illustrations from world famous designers such as Christian Lacroix, Betsey Johnson, and even Karl Lagerfeld. Ah! I have already looked through the diverse and beautiful illustrations at least three times.

South Court, high waist jeans

Nicki Yowell

Senior Magazine Journalism Major

College Green, moccasin envy

Kelsey Hayhow

Freshman Latin Major

I was smitten with Kelsey's knee-high moccasins the moment I saw her relaxing with her computer on College Green.  Incorporated with her free-flowing salmon dress and extra long scarf, her ensemble seemed to represent that of a relaxed but incredibly dressed gypsy.  This outfit is simple, comfortable, and creatively balanced. 

President Street, high waist skirt

Cynthia Robinson

Sophomore English/French Major

Court Street, knit cap

Austin Young

Junior Political Science and Spanish Double Major

Court and Union, mixing business with casual

Aaron Yeager

Sophomore Journalism Major

I ran into Aaron as he was registering students to vote.  Not many could pull off a sweater-vest/multicolored sneaker combination, but Aaron does it with ease finishing off the look with super skinny jeans and a striped collared shirt.  This kid is definitely achieving the business on the top/ party on the bottom.

College Green, fall tones

Jane Mitchell

Sophomore Photojournalism Major

Risa Seidman

Sophomore Journalism Major

Anna Edwards

Junior Informational Graphics and Page Design Major

I ran into these three fashionable girls on South Court, but thought that College Green might be a more scenic setting for a mini-photo shoot.  I love the sweaters, muted colors, sheer black tights, and dainty flats.  Pulled together they create a stylish and uniquely simple outfit. I ran out of time for coffee before class (almost a sin but figured it was worth it).

East Mulberry Street, sundown

Alena Tobin

Sophomore Magazine Journalism Major

Previously seen wearing black liquid leggings, I was not the least surprised when I learned that Alena was also an ardent supporter of The Sartorialist.  I was immediately struck by her feminized tuxedo jacket and shiny box-ish boots which come so easily together to create the perfect monotone palette. It is easy to view Alena's confident style and disposition.

South Green, just rolled out of bed

Chris Dodd

Freshman Philosophy Major

Mary Forfia 

Freshman Social Work Major

I ran into Chris and Mary on South Green.  I stopped immediately to ask if I could take their pictures.  Each had such an unique style.  I was enamored by Chris's plaid tweed jacket and knit cap which contrasted each other just as well as they matched.  I also was attracted to Mary's red hip bag which seemed to tie her whole look together. Just rolled out of bed.... well that seems to work pretty damn good.

South Green, sunny afternoon

Libby Cunningham

Undeclared Sophomore

and

Jaclyn Clifford

Sophomore Philosophy major

Thrown together without a thought, however thrown together impeccably.  The wide belt gives shape to the oversized plaid.

Young Photographer

Chip Koch

Freshman Photography Major

He reminded me exactly of a friend. Maybe his black Ray-Bans, ripped slip-ons, tight dark wash jeans, and casually fashionable drag will do the same for you.

East Green, warm colors

Arielle Rogers

Sophomore Performance Theatre Major

A Day for Hats

Peter Brown

Freshman Secondary Education For Integrated Social Studies Major

Dan Manis

Freshman Education Major

There's something about a cap that just ties an outfit together.

Baker Center Columns, 80's vibe

Unfortunately this photograph does not do Calla Bonanno, a sophomore Communications major with an appropriately original name, justice.  I first noticed Calla in one of my classes earlier this week and have hailed her ensemble choices for the entirety of the week.  It was only today that I remembered my camera and therefore had the tools to capture a tangible picture (rather then just a mental one).  Her bright gold headband and studded bracelet (not completely visible in the photograph) complete the off-the-shoulder look

Washington Green, collegiate attire

Ben Stewart, a freshman Classics major, attracted me instantly with his casually held attache case.  I seem to be one who is uncommonly attracted to brown leather bags and this one seemed to be no different in calling my name from across the courtyard.  Ben's newsboy cap compliments the brown case perfectly and adds the perfect professional air to the laid back t-shirt and jeans.

On Court, More then willing to comply

I met/barraged Katharine Perko, a graduate English major, while heading down Court Street.  With all information written down, I had realized I had left the most important part of my camera (the battery) at home.  Luckily Katharine was more then willing to meet me at Perks for an impromptu shoot.  Meeting her previously, I had failed to see the simple tattoo inked on her upper left arm.  What better way for a Cleveland native to show her true love for Ohio.

An Athens Fashion Blog

Dreams of Chicago, a reality in Athens.  Once disappointed in my unfortunate location I began searching the streets for solace.  What I found was surprising.  Fashion in the Appalachia? Students with inspiring and original style roamed the streets, frequented the small shops, sat nonchalantly in parks.   Inspired by the fashion blogs covering many of the known fashion metropolises such as New York, London, Milan, and Copenhagen I decided to create one. One reserved especially for the unconventionally fashionable college town of Athens, Ohio.  Here it is, observe, read, comment, see someone you might know, and keep on being fashionable.