• jackson, johnston & roe •

"Though brilliantly sunny, Saturday morning was overcoat weather again, not just topcoat weather, as it had been all week and as everyone hoped it would stay for the big weekend--the weekend of the Yale game."
- J.D. Salinger, Franny and Zooey

Afternoon Match Blouse

I don't know why exactly but jackson, johnston, and roe's collection makes me think of Franny Glass. It might be the fact that they named the above style the "Afternoon Match Blouse" which reminded me of the opening of Franny and Zooey, but I kinda think it's more than that. I think there's something unintentionally youthful in the designs like a precocious young woman who's more serious than her year's warrant, dressed-up, "feminine" but still wearing her hair in the same ponytail she's worn all through highschool. She's a girl who spends a lot of time in libraries but doesn't yet know how to cook anything more elaborate than a grilled cheese sandwich.

Perrine Blouse

Thursday Blouse with Library Skirt

Sara Moffat, Teo Griscom and Riley Salyards assumed their grandfathers’ names for their womenswear line jackson, johnston and roe. The childhood friends draw from each of their distinctive artistic disciplines to create small handsome collections made in New York City. With an emphasis on fine fabrics, construction and detail, the line continues to be classic and versatile.
See more of the jackson, johnston, and roe collection online at Le Train Bleu.

.:RONEN CHEN;.

"I wanted to present a figure that is delicate, urban and rough, all at the same time, " says Ronen Chen.

The name may be new to you but Ronen Chen is an Israeli designer with a refined, minimalist sensibility that has garnered him a huge following around the globe. He now has 9 concept stores under his own name and is sold in over 50 stores worldwide. Incorporating origami-like folds and pleats in his simple paired down garments, his collection is sophisticated and clean, recalling the Japanese designers of the 80's and the Belgians of the 90's. Offering up clothes that are cool but eminently "wearable" which to me just means that you will never look silly in his designs, nor like you're trying to hard. It also means that these are peices that are timeless enough to wear for years and years. People will notice the subtle details and the beautiful natural fabrics, and most importantly you.
His designs are created through draping which lends them their incredibly flattering fit (he even makes his studio employees try everything on so he can examine the fit on real people before settling on any design).
The Fall collection is now in store at Le Train Bleu.

Loving liaMolly

liaMolly is a sweater collection deeply rooted in the culture of knitting, far away from fashion, if you define fashion as something that comes and goes like the seasons.

The sweaters are as natural as the designers can make them without living in another century. They aspire to humanize fashion and elevate comfort clothes to the sublime - buttery yarns, heirloom accents, and tailoring; not trendy, beautiful. They want their sweaters to be affordable, to be sold in small boutiques so people can shop locally and grow their own economy.

After Hurricane Katrina, the liaMolly creators chose to move back to New Orleans and to family because they felt it was the only thing they could do. After obsessing over how they could help from afar they finally decided that they could best help by being among. By living, eating and voting from below sea level, as they say. They are inspired by New Orleanian's will to rebuild their homes, restart businesses, and continue on with life even better than before. New Orleans is a city that is self mending.

liaMolly is organic if "organic" means "living or working together to make something whole- something greater than one....."

We are so pleased to be able to offer this lovely collection at Le Train Bleu and feel that it is a company off to a great start which would be expected for a line named for two special little girls.

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.

All in the Details #2

The first installment seemed to be a hit so I thought I'd take a few more detail shots. If you're ever in need of additional photos of anything on the website feel free to email us at info@letrainbleu.com, we're happy to oblige.

Delicate white-on-white screen print on the objets trouves Madame Tirocchi Dress
Angie pointed out that they remind her of sand dollars, sea anemone or some other aquatic creature and I can't agree more. Perfect for a beach wedding!


Curious to know what the black baroque print on the 12th Street All The Pretty Horses Dress looks like? Mystery solved.


Delicate lace and smocking detail on the by Francine Crepe de Chine Blouse


Tiny flowers and pleats on the Fleurs Top from APC

All in the Details

I thought a few things in the shop could use some detail photos, here they are for your viewing pleasure!

Tassels and miniature pom-pon on the Development Bon Ton Blouse


Pretty "fan" pleat on the cuff on the Plastic Island Paquerette Coat


Pin-tucks and tiny shell buttons on the Ulla Johnson Iris Blouse



Intricate beading on the By Francine Bouquet Beaded Flapper Top


AMAZING lace detail on the Thurley Featherston Dress

Pretty Pretty!

Just a couple shots of the beautiful new arrangement from our talented floral artist Shannon!

New Store

A selection of our favorite apothecary items.

I've been wanting to post about our new digs but have been so busy with all the new Spring arrivals that I haven't found time until now. This is just a sneak peek, but I thought you all might enjoy a few pics. We still have the same sort of neo-nouveau vibe, but while the new store was dark, moody, and cavernous, the new location is flooded with light and airy.

The orange circus lights around the windows have followed us.

Our store mascot Dutch resting on the fainting couch by the fireplace after a hard morning of meeting and greeting.

By Francine

By Francine combines details stemming from vintage and modern silhouettes to create an item based collection that any girl would want to wear. “I really wanted to create a designer collection that is well priced. Quality fashion should not be un-affordable,” says By Francine designer and founder Francine Simmons. By Francine is a collection that refuses the notion that clothes are merely seasonal, and instead, aspires to create timeless lines, with unparalleled construction, high grade materials, and meticulous attention to styling.

Close-up of Eskell print

I noticed that it's a little hard to see the print on the Eskell Geneva Ruff Blouse, so here's a close up of the awesome arrow print.

Our new plant

Here at Le Train Bleu, we have a soft spot for our plants--we have several in the store and two beautiful palm-tree planters out front. But when our talented flower girl extraordinaire, Shannon Covington, dropped this off our little hearts went all aflutter. Look at the crazy gourd! Look at the explosion of little flowers! Totally an exquisite feast for the eyes. If you're in Portland and need something as fantastic: smcalerney@gmail.com


Here are two more photos of some of our other little plants. We try very hard to not over water them.