-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

 Louis Vuitton 5th Ave. 

Food is a mainstay for survival...and a handy doorstop for "Hangry." Evolving from basics to a true appreciation for the aesthetic of edibles, social media has changed the way we approach food. The battle of flavor-vs-function is fascinating, with an increasing challenge to step up curb appeal. As motivation for improving cooking skills, I've started to document my epicurean experiments; follow along on instagram @mademydinner ... Fun Times ahead! In the meanwhile, enjoy this week's windows at Louis Vuitton... 

MANOLO BLAHNIK: THE ART OF SHOES @ THE BATA SHOE MUSEUM

Manolo Blahnik: The Art of Shoes at the Bata Shoe Museum, Toronto

Growing up on a banana plantation in the Canary Islands, isolation cultivates a rich imagination and a habit of dressing pets (including a dog, a monkey and wild lizards). Manolo Blahnik--the infamous creator of Sex-and-the-City worthy chaussures--started crafting at a young age. A childhood of pretty-ing pets, paired with exposure to history, literature, art and architecture inspires a half century's worth of elegance and experimentation. Now on view at Toronto's Bata Shoe Museum, Manolo Blahnik: The Art of Shoes showcases the spirit and span of Blahnik's creative genius--from classic to conceptually creative. Keep reading for more...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

 Poodle Power! Windows @Bergdorfs 57th St. and 5th Ave, NYC

Emotion overrides autopilot from time to time, offering a mixed bag of surprises. Despite difficulties, don't let the positive get lost in the passage of life. Buying into the idea that "everything happens for a reason," build your own 'happily ever after'... and look forward to discovering all the reasons leading that that success. Have a Happy Wednesday and enjoy this week's windows from Bergdorf Goodman. Did you know that Poodles are the second most intelligent dog breed? 

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

"Saks Saves Summer" -- The windows @Saks Fifth Ave., Fifth Ave. NY

I don't remember what it was like to be 25--or even what I was doing 25 days ago. What I can relay is the difference in mindset, abridged circumstances and the journey to maturity, from then to today. 25 was a conflicted age for a now-neutral place in history. With a hard re-set, change has become the catalyst of confidence in 2018. Looking at this week's windows at Saks... take a minute to ponder... Who do you surround yourself with? Who has "saved" you from the trials and tears, and lifted you back into the light? Keep reading to see the spread at Saks....

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Choices Choices... at Harney & Sons, Soho, NYC

Messages on "living life to the fullest" are on trend for summer (and pride month). Coach brings to NYC its Life Coach popup and assorted ateliers market their merchandise with inspirational quotes and quips--spotlighting strength, inclusion and success. This week's windows at Harney & Sons carry the conversation. Foster freedom and let love loose. In the mean time, have a look at this week around NYC...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Gucci windows at 55th and 5th with dynamic video in the background

Both Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain were "successful" public figures with signature empires and adoring fans. What happened? While suicide remains a deeply personal decision--unintelligible to most, I understand the premise of deep-rooted hurt; I've been there. Watching The Staircase this weekend, the subject of the mini-series, Michael Peterson declares, "I can't share my experience for the last 8 years with anybody-they wouldn't understand it. They have no way of knowing what that means. I could say, 'well.... I was in prison for 8 years.' People could say, 'oh.... that must have been terrible.'  It was.... No matter what I tell you can make you understand that or realize that. And so therefore, your world is very different from everybody else's world..." This week's windows at Gucci project support and solidarity; be reminded that someone you know may be suffering in silence. Take a minute to text someone a hearty hello; it may change their world... 

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Photos by Leila Jeffreys (in association with Olsen Gruin Gallery) in the windows of Bergdorf Goodman, 58th St

Self expression is an anomaly, strengthened by empowerment and dimmed by doubt. Despite the deluge of self help services, sometimes absolution is as easy as an open mind. Art is therapeutic, illustrative, provoking; try it as a medium of communication this week! Leila Jeffreys bird photos in the windows at Bergdorf's closes out NYC x Design this week. Keep reading for a peek inside at a look at sights over the past 2 weeks... 

-WEEKEND WINDOWS-

'Untitled' Installation by Hannah Levy at Bergdorf Goodman 5th Ave. NYC

Design influences, inspires, incites. In pursuit of a creative career some 20 years ago, the thrill of creating, educating and visually articulating... boasted promise. While, "art" signifies a piece of work meant to invoke a feeling or thought (sometimes confusion!), "design" prompts a creative conceptualization and communication process; there's something unduly satisfying in translating ambiguity into tangible, relatable reality. In honor of NYC x Design (May 11-23), have a look at the window installations at Bergdorfs featuring installations by Hanna Levy, Hayden Dunham and Lena Henke...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Mulberry, Soho, NYC

Some days, I miss simplicity. Other days, I embrace the complexity of life's challenges that goad me to think outside the box. Life hasn't been easy. It hasn't been terrible. It's just been slightly abnormal and measurably uncomfortable. When "Living Plan B" becomes BAU, you learn to embrace change and roll with the punches while furnishing a "forever ok" facade. It's taxing, but certainly a respectable lesson in strength and endurance. I don't think I'm a "better" person because of it--definitely a bolder one. That said, enjoy the Windows at Mulberry, Soho this Wednesday and come back for a peek at the MET's Heavenly Bodies exhibit later this week... 

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

 Windows at ETRO, Soho NYC

One of my best friends passed recently. Figured that I'd share the remarks I presented at her memorial this past weekend:

As we travel through life, there are people that we're naturally drawn to, be it their well-spoken words, common interests, a fancy flair of fashion or just the way they smile. These people join our network, a few enter our inner circle, and the lucky ones secure a spot as a best friend, spouse or lifelong companion. Keep reading for more...