STYLE SNAPS : TIS THE SEASON...

Stacks of floral packs at Fendi, Fifth Ave., NYC

With the sunset of Black Friday and onset of Cyber Monday, the season of holiday shopping is in full swing. What will you be buying this year? More importantly, what will you be celebrating? 

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Yeti Story feature in the windows of Saks Fifth Avenue, 49th St. at 5th Ave.

Reportedly first sighted in the 50's, an amicable white Yeti was long rumored to live in the high haunches of Saks Fifth Avenue. At the hands of Michael Beirut, the rumors took shape in 2011 when Saks commissioned a plush likeness of the famed fantasy. This holiday season, Saks' winter windows narrate a heartwarming tale of strength and snowflakes, featuring Yattoy the Yeti and his friends and family. [More photos after the jump!]

CHANCE + COUTURE + CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

My Desk...My Phone…My Luck has Turned!

A 2-minute email break between back-to-back meetings Thursday yielded an unusually unique opportunity. I was invited back to the Brooklyn Museum for a second time in 2 months--to see Nana, to experience Gaultier and to (potentially) meet a high profile Mystery Guest! A judgement call was at hand; should I muster up the courage to ask my boss about leaving work or miss an unconfirmed meeting with an unnamed fashion industry celeb? It was a toss up, and chance won out. 

LIVE ART @ ANTHROPOLOGIE

Live Art Pop-Up at Anthropologie, Chelsea Market; London Audrey by Ashley Longshore 

Tucked in an aromatic back corner, world renowned painter Ashley Longshore blends acrylics as comfortably as her paintings blend into the post-modernist milieu of Anthropologie, Chelsea Market. Spanning the length of an entire sunset, Longshore paints in-store, under the watchful eye of an enquiring public. Works from her signature Audrey Hepburn series serve as a suitable backdrop to the collection of travel bags, pouches and hat boxes that bear their likeness.     

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Tiffany's Fifth Ave. windows replicates the Upper East side skyline

Snow and silent silhouettes embrace the exquisite jewels of Tiffany's Fifth Ave. Wreaths, white facades and wrapped presents make the Upper East side skyline especially festive, in classic Tiffany style. All is calm Christmas Eve as Santa makes his rounds. What are YOU wishing for this holiday season?    

STYLE SNAPS : THE HOLIDAYS ARE COMING!

 Bergdorf Goodman is getting ready to unveil its holiday windows Tuesday, November 19

With Thanksgiving a mere 10 days away, major retailers ramp up for the holidays with seasonal savings, special events and stunning store windows. Among the Fifth Ave. (and off Fifth) favorites, Tiffany's, Lord & Taylor and Henri Bendel are already showing off their seasonal storefronts. Tuesday (11/19), Bloomingdales and Bergdorf Goodman will each reveal their showcases. Wednesday, Barney's will steal the spotlight. Rounding out the pack, Saks Fifth Avenue will present the story of its magical Yeti with a light show on November 25th. Keep reading for a sneak peek of the progress at Bergdorf's! 

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS: ROCK IN FASHION-

John Varvatos' new publication, Rock in Fashion, fills the windows of his Soho store

At first glance, the stacks of red-spined hardcover books and rock 'n roll photographs crowding John Varvatos' Soho store windows silently protest its somber-suited mannequins. Prodding a smile, the black and white photo of Syd Barrett on the ROCK IN FASHION cover draws me into Varvatos' Soho store to pry a peek at his newly released volume. High ceilings and familiar faces (in frames, of course) balance the grungy, yet aptly tailored shirts, suits and shoes scattered throughout Varvatos' spartan Soho store. Where else can Lou Reed, The White Stripes, and Mick Jagger hang amidst mod metro menswear? Who's your favorite rockstar?

GAGA + ARTPOP POP UP

Lady Gaga costumes on display

Starting Monday, Alexander McQueen's recently vacated Meatpacking space plays host to Lady Gaga's 3-day ARTPOP pop-up. Regularly connecting with her fans and wowing the world with chic (and unique) costumes, it's only natural for Lady Gaga's camp to erect a shrine to promote her new album. Despite the interactive elements and props for purchase, I'm a bit disappointed--I left, wanting a little more, done a little better. I guess art is subjective and, according to Gaga's banner phrase, "My Artpop could mean anything." 

BOFFO PRESENTS MICHAEL BASTIAN + BITTERTANG

The centerpiece of the main room featuring Michael Bastian shoes and George Frost jewelry 

Surrounded by a mound of hay and walls of wax, BOFFO presents Building Fashion 2013 featuring Bittertang and Michael Bastian. A bit off the beaten path, design farm (yes farm!) Bittertang has crafted a 2-room lair furnished with Little Red-Ridinghood-esque oddities at 15th Street's SuperPier 59. Patterned off painter Andrew Wyeth's melancholy fields, the 3-week pop-up is the 11th in a series of creative crossroads where culture, clothes and customized curiosity meet. From November 1st to 21st, the public is welcome to partake in the experience and purchase the goods. 

POPPPING UP IN SOHO : DAILY CANDY HOLIDAY BAZAAR

DailyCandy presents Sugarfina, Friday evening

Kicking off the holiday season, Daily Candy's weekend pop-up is skillfully stocked with a of smörgasbord of indie vendor favorites. Friday evening, champagne gummi-bears, Cuba Libre gummies and martini olive almonds were piled and passed during "happy hour" with Rosie O'Neill, founder of Sugarfina. From sweets to short skirts and a vendor roster of 30--from Matt Bernson and Chasing Paper to Yosh and Jung Lee--there's certainly something for everyone (even kids, pets and plushes!). Swing by Soho Saturday or Sunday for special events and sensational shopping! [More Info: Here]