Buyer's Top Sale Picks, Part Two

Since tomorrow's the last day of the "Extra Pretty" sale and so many things from the previous list have sold out now, I thought I would share some more not-to-be-missed deals on my favorite styles in-store.As people are traveling more and the weather gets wackier, adaptable clothing options are more and more appealing. If you're like me, always searching for a way to integrate your Summer and Winter wardrobes, the Rylan Scarf Sweater is just the sort of piece you need. It is made of a lightweight and stretchy mercerized cotton (that wee bit of sheen keeps it looking "neat") and is high on the cool-factor with it's long drapey cowlneck scarf, but can work well with a variety of styles. I can see it over wispy floral dresses, or with wool trousers and an overcoat. This one is an easy fit but I like the look best when sizing up. Originally $187.00, Extra Pretty price $104.72.I'm almost afraid to bring this one to your attention, because we only have 2 left in the store and I've grown very attached to them. Sometimes we have little funerals here to bid adieu to beloved friends like the Fleur Wood Vera Dress, so if you become the lucky new owner of one of these, please love it and adore it as much as I do! This is another style that I think works well year round. It's not going to keep you warm in the dead of Winter or anything but the color makes it perfectly adaptable to the shorter days of the year. Add some tights, a scarf and jacket, and voila! Of course it is also a perfectly lovely Summer dress as exhibited by Zooey Deschanel when she wore it on the cover of Lucky Magazine. Originally $338.00, with Extra Pretty price $189.28.
The Bon Ton Blouse has been one of my favorites of the season. I think the red deco-inspired print is so sweet and the styling on this piece is very 1920's Paris with a touch of Bohemia by way of Morocco. It's a pullover style with unique seaming detail edged in the prettiest white crochet trim. As special as it is, I think this one should be worn for everyday with a pair of jeans. Originally $215.00, with Extra Pretty discount $85.60.
This is a new Tucker style for SS 08 and I'm continually amazed by how Gaby Basora is constantly able to dream up these super-flattering, unfussy, feminine, yet simple styles. The Cami Dress has tiny straps and the front and back are gathered onto them like a drawstring which allows you to adjust the amount of coverage. Shows off the back and décolleté beautifully making you look like a ballet dancer. Plus, I think if you wear this one over a slim black turtleneck, with a cardigan and some simple heels, you will look like a super cool 70s librarian. Originally $298.00, with Sale Price $119.20.Rudsak always hits the nail on the head. The leathers are always just as they should be--truly luxurious feeling, with a rich sheen, never a cheap shine, substantial and soft. The style details are always cool and well-thought out too, rather than superfluous. Here we have a beautifully executed short trench with a very flattering cut, removable Obi-style leather belt, and removable leather sleeves for versatility. Originally $413.00, with discount $231.36.
If Le Train Bleu had it's own line of clothing, I hope it would be very akin to Eskell, with a combination of unique prints, vintage detailing, and modern simplicity. A perfect example: The Savon Dress. There is a beautiful silk "charm" print at the shoulders, 2 rows of pearl buttons down the front, and the dress is black, something you'll get a lot of wear out of, but in an usual gauzy type of fabric. Originally $312.00, Extra Pretty price $174.40.

**Happy Shopping --the Extra Pretty Sale ends tomorrow!**

Buyer's Top Summer Sale Picks

It's super sale time here at Le Train Bleu and on top of already reduced prices on all Summer stock, we are currently running a site-wide 20% discount, bringing some prices as low as 90% off. Holy smokes! It's a good time to get some crazy good deals on warm-weather gear, and the discount it also good on new Fall merchandise, but just for a limited time.

I thought I'd share some of my favorite things with you. It's true I'm the buyer for Le Train Bleu, but this doesn't mean I love all the styles equally. I do my best to buy a range of styles to satisfy all the diverse Le Train Bleu shoppers, but here today I give you my totally biased and partisan opinion. You can contact me at buyer@letrainbleu.com any time for the same brutally honest opinion.

I begin with some toppers which, if you live in the Northern Hemisphere, are a near year-round necessity. These are all lightweight options which will serve you well in Spring and Fall. They all have incredibly sleek and flattering cuts and unique details.

The Cirque de Nuit coat shown above is my number one favorite and one that will appeal to the girl with a soft spot for vintage styling and feminine silhouettes. The nipped waist lends an hourglass shape and the unique belled sleeves have a way of giving you a long and lanky look. Plus, that jacquard dot pattern evokes a theatrical vibe. Originally $308, this one is currently $123.20, which to me is a no-brainer.
The Paquerette Coat will have you looking sleek and gamine. The proportions on this one are very slimming with a youthful quality. I like to think of a Jean Seberg character wearing this thrown on like a cardigan over something spare and minimal. It's made of a sateen but don't be worried--the fabric is very matte and can work great for daytime and casual looks, though it does clean up well when the occasion arrives. Originally $250, current price $100.
First, let me warn you that this one is not for everybody. Wearing a tux-styled jacket like the Lili Marlene will attract a certain amount of attention. It will ward off guys who wear too much hair gel--in fact you will almost magically become invisible to them. Instead, you will be asked what you thought of the latest Werner Herzog movie. People will tell you that you remind them a little of Tilda Swinton in Orlando, which is partly cause you look that cool, and partly due to the elongated proportions and back pleat of this style which make it resemble an English riding jacket. I previously wrote about the iconoclasts who have donned the tux jacket before and if you read that entry you will see that when wearing this jacket you must be prepared to feel a bit, well, iconic. Was $237.00, on sale for $189.60.

We don't carry a lot of denim at Le Train Bleu but even the girl who emphatically "doesn't wear jeans," succumbs at times. And luckily, once in a blue moon, a denim line comes along that is special and cool enough to standout from the throngs. The 18th Amendment line from Australia fits the bill, and The Bacall jeans above are chic enough to wear to "work" (if you work in a place that requires a certain amount of polish). The high-waisted styles are great for lengthening the leg, but if you have a shorter waist you can go with Bergman or Garlands which have slightly lower rises, but still provide the same benefit. Originally $231.00, sale price is $92.40.
Every season we have certain stand-out styles and these Yumi Kim dresses would have to be our top-sellers of the Summer. We have just a few left in both the pink and navy--nab one to wear now and for something to look forward to next Summer. They are lightweight and flattering, keeping you looking pulled together in the hottest weather. Originally $204.00, with discount $113.60.
While playing favorites here, I'll let you know that I have a real soft spot for Tucker, the line by Gaby Basora. Her clothes always make me feel like a cool grown up and they often have a late 70's vibe that's right up my alley. The Tie Front top is one of her new "bodies" which is just silly fashion speak for styles. Like the smocked styles that launched the line, it is loose-fitting and versatile. At once casual, and dressy. The Helen's Patio Print is my choice for Summer, but the Egypt Desert Ride version would be a great year-round top which could be layered over a lean turtleneck in the colder months. Originally $249.00, sale price $99.60.
Admittedly I am not wearing these, because I'm chicken to show a lot of leg, but I admire the girl who would work these shorts. I think they look so cool with just a white t-shirt and a pair of flat sandals. For you fellow scaredy cats, we can get a similar look with the Humanoid Plus Fours, but we miss out on that retro satin fabric.
In my book, you can't go wrong with the Esme Sweater from Ulla Johnson which manages to be cozy and homespun but also clean and sophisticated. I think the curved cable neckline is such a pretty detail and the way the sleeves flare slightly is graceful and flattering. This is another great one to nab now because it will work well year-round. Very timeless.