-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Screaming Mimi's 240 W 14th St.

Just another day? or Just another excuse to celebrate? Coincidentally, Valentine's Day falls on Ash Wednesday this year. For those who acknowledge either (or both) occasion, annual rituals ensue. Beyond pink hearts and ashen crosses, St. Valentine serves as a martyr for one's predilect "love" of God or Man. Whatever stage you may be, search your soul and savor the symbolism. Stop to Smile, because somewhere along the way, some one once-loved or still loves you :)...  

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Marco & Maria; Jewelry by Cheryl King and Shoes by Emmy London at Kleinfeld Bridal, NYC

This past weekend, Netflix brought me Andrew Rossi's The First Monday in May. Reminiscent of a prior calling, I relate (on a smaller scale) to the angst of condensed timelines and apogee of anticipation, as the documentary recounts the making of the MET Museum's China Through the Looking Glass exhibit and opening gala. To summarize success: marvelous parties rely on meticulous planning. Organized like a high profile wedding, exclusivity and exquisiteness officiate a marriage of couture and celebrity. This week's windows at Kleinfeld Bridal seem fitting, post documentary. Keep reading for a look inside...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

 Tiffany's, Fifth Ave.

Beautiful brides (and Bridezillas) become "wives" at the height of summer wedding season. This week, wireform wedding inspiration fills the windows at Tiffany's Fifth Ave., showcasing popular NYC proposal sites and related jewelry. Do you dream of the day, or remember the moment when? Keep reading to have a look at this week's windows...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Dolce & Gabbana Fifth Ave.

A bright light in a desert laden with endless sand and an occasional cacti is the picture perfect representation of an existential moment. Post passing, I've considered conceptual concoctions of "then what?" Time's article Beyond Death: The Science of the Afterlife prompts me to ponder the premise of life after life. This week's windows at Dolce & Gabbana illustrate the balance between the 'light in the desert' and the figurative lush greenness and white robes that the afterlife promises. Keep reading to see more....

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

 Polo Ralph Lauren, Fifth Avenue

Dedicating a day to detox from a frantic first quarter, I head uptown to the Met Museum (Manus x Machina post forthcoming). Though feeling genuinely guilty for initiating an interim interlude, a day away gives me the chance to think and thank. In waiting for public transit (allowing time to write this Wednesday Window post), I weigh whether the overtime investment is worthwhile. Opportunity cost outlines the year I spent working, wincing and writing, showing the grass isn't greener on the other side--just a different shade. My conclusion? I work for the 'smartest guy in the room' and despite sidebars and 'special projects,' I am surrounded by a tight team, whose faults and flaws aside, present abounding elements of aspiration. A lifestyle of lackadaisical latitude isn't fully satisfying, nor an accumulation of constant chaos. My goal within the next quarter is to secure self-sustainability, somehow. Keep reading to see the laid-back looks at Polo, Ralph Lauren this week...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

 Isabel Marant, Soho NYC

"Misery loves company," as so evidenced by the instant bond between patients in the waiting room, commuters on the train and fans of a losing team. Time spent together, albeit in solitude, validates a quintessential need for empathy. This week's windows at Isabel Marant, Soho illustrates individuality, despite being 'one among the dozen.' In all you do, be reminded that your actions reflect who you are and form the foundation of what you become a part of.   

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Louis Vuitton Fifth Ave.  

With age comes an affluent appreciation of time and increasingly affordable indulgences. Experience starts setting standards of 'success' and fancy food becomes one of many flavors of 'fun.' The course towards 'content' creates a caution to consciously curb catastrophe; life laments laziness. This week, revisit the bucket list--what have you crossed off so far? While contemplating, take a look at this week's windows at Louis Vuitton...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Bergdorf Goodman, 5th Ave. between 57th and 58th Streets

In a cyclical turn of perennial precedence, the rebirth of one-hit wearables is imminent. Who will be the next designer of the decade? Signaling a diminishing return on daylight savings, stylists spawn striking statement silhouettes for Fall. This week's windows at Bergdorf Goodman fall prey to prehistoric predators and prim attire. Keep reading to see more dresses + dinos...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Opening Ceremony, Howard St., Soho, NYC

Survival is a decisive game of "Would you rather..." Would you rather meat or vegetables? Would you rather lose sight or mobility? Would you rather stay or go? While the lesser of most evils may grant immediate satisfaction, a more practical option may present preferable opportunity. When patience prevails, perhaps the turtle gets the carrot after all... Happy Wednesday! Have a look at this week's windows...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Spincycle at Barney's New York 24/7,  Maison Margiela (L), Fendi and Balenciaga (R)

Fired-up following a full day of intense meetings, I remind myself that perspective is key to keeping calm. As situations shift, adopting a neutral attitude invites serenity. Over at Barney's New York, Creative Director Dennis Freeman has created a kaleidoscopic display with colorful shoes, bold bags and Funhouse mirrors. Aptly entitled "Spincycle" the rotating pedestals combined with both static and stretching scenery create a symmetrically progressive geometry. Keep reading to see more morphing magic... 

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Polo Ralph Lauren on 5th Ave. 

Despite the touts  of "equality" at the tip of political tongues and at the top of activists' agendas, I raise a toast to "men" this week. To begin, new and notable brands present collections at Men's Fashion Week in London. By Wednesday, saucy sneakers, stylists and show-goers thin out as Fashion Week concludes. The week ends with Father's Day on Sunday. This weeks' windows at Polo Ralph Lauren nudge and nod at the dads and dudes in our lives. Thanks for life, dad! Keep reading to see more RL windows set in assorted man-centric spaces...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

"From Here to Anywhere" Kleinfeld Bridal, NYC 20th Street #storiesby37 #Kleinfeldwindows

Peering into pixels of picturesque perfection, the premise of personal reflection becomes painstakingly profound. Progress replaces purpose when posturing for success; petty primping and priming prevail. The mannequins in the windows of Kleinfeld pack for Paris and beyond, preparing to embrace both a physical and psychological paradise. From here to anywhere, where to? 

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Chanel gals at the cemetery

Fauntleroy, Plastic Beach and Gay Ponies Dancing in the Snow eclipse Essie's Ballet Slippers in my new springtime polish regimen. Created by Dineh Mohair, founder of 90's brand Hard Candy (since acquired by LVMH), Smith & Cult is the new kid on the cosmetics block. Defiantly devious, yet sharp and sophisticated, the suite of Smith & Cult nail colors lend to the duality of human nature--submissive and subversive sides. This week, glamorous gals in front of big black gates fill the windows of Chanel's Soho store, straddling the line between edginess and elegance. Colorful hues against somber silhouettes reveal rebellion while perfect pleats and textbook tailoring project the traditional sense of Chanel's style branding. These ladies embody the essence of Smith & Cult's  provocative polishes! Keep reading to see all of this Wednesday's windows...   

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Senses fill the windows at Bergdorf Goodman, 58th St and 5th Ave. 

Emotions emphasize physical experience as sight baits touch and smell stimulates taste. Feelings eclipse the soul as daydreams triumph over reality. This week, the windows of Bergdorf Goodman unite sense and style in picturesque presentation. Keep reading to see them all...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

 Calaypso St. Barth

Slightly foggy and stylishly flirty, the mannequins in the windows of Calypso St. Barth shed their second skin to show off bare arms and soft, springy looks. Spring break season is around the Corner! Will you be staying put or straying away to paradise? Stay tuned to see where I'm headed (not for Spring break per se--just to get away). In the meantime, have a look at this week's windows... 

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

 PERSONAL UNiVERSEs, a Fashion Week art "intervention" for Bergdorf Goodman by Eva Petric in the 5th Ave. windows

Once stored in solitude, bits of vintage lace sprout surreptitiously in Bergdorf Goodman's 5th Avenue windows this week. A specially commissioned Fashion Week installation, Personal Universes is an "art intervention" by Eva Petric, and a progression of the artist's Hematoma series. Playing off the idea of clothing as second skin, old, given and purchased lace is conjoined in interconnected webs and serves as the backdrop for a selection of styles from distinct designer's Spring collections. The installation will be on view until March 8th; keep reading to see the different displays ...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Fendi, Madison Ave. between 57th and 58th Streets 

Virtual weightlessness removes any inhibition of letting go; seizing a carefree moment (responsibly) starts a cycle towards swelling success. Parachutes, purses and perceptions of paradise have landed in windows of Fendi, as their Spring/Summer 2015 campaign soaks up the spotlight of Madison Avenue. While flights of fancy delight the curious onlooker, black and not-quite-winter-white silouettes allude to the seasonal anticipation of warmer weather ahead. Keep reading to view all of this week's windows!

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

The Cool Girls parading Parisienne chic at Chanel, Soho

In the wake of the week's activity in Paris, the mannequins in Chanel's Soho store promote a sense of style and solidarity, draped in red, white and blue. Carrying Chanel bags in place of "Je Suis Charlie" signs, these ladies have already proclaimed their allegiance to a certain type of acceptance. Where do you stand on freedom of speech? Figuratively and literally--join the 'identity' by downloading the "Je Suis Charlie" ap here. Keep reading to see the rest of this week's windows... 

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Bergdorf Goodman, 57th Street windows with Aurora Borealis in the background; This season, feathery ballgowns are en vogue!

NYC's chilly climate and petty precipitation vicariously transports me back to adventures at Laugarvatn Fontana (March, 2012). Immersed in VISKA (a boiling outdoor mineral spring) during a harrowing hailstorm, the simultaneous hot and cold sensations are strikingly surreal. While Aurora Borealis was absent from the atmosphere that day, Iceland and its natural glory made for great memories! This week, Bergdorf's 57th Street windows encapsulate a moment in time--the nostalgia of being in Iceland, the surplus of seasonal sales and frigid, fur-trim weather. Keep reading to view them all...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Anthropology Rockefeller Center and 54 other stores auction off the handmade birds in their holiday windows to benefit the Nature Conservancy

Another year circles around; New Year's Eve returns with a resurgence of rhetorical ruminating. In annual reflection, what can be counted as success and what will lead to new opportunities? Leading up to 2015, Anthropologie continues its charitable affiliation by auctioning the handmade birds in its holiday window displays. From December 29th to 31st, the public can bid on the winter birds featured in the windows of 55 stores--proceeds will benefit the Nature Conservancy. View details here and keep reading for a look at the Anthropologie Rockefeller Center windows...