-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Bergdorf Goodman 58th St. windows // "Scavenger Hunt" window

New adventures--with a newborn in tow--serve as a perfect parallel to this window at Bergdorf Goodman. As 7 weeks of parenthood pass, a trickle of all things baby has taken residence in the apartment and a natural flow of feeding and changing emerges. Every day presents a new perspective and a shift in priorities. Through ups and downs, the approaching holidays remind me that there is much to be thankful for; this year cements a marked milestone in maturity. Keep reading to see more and stay tuned for a glimpse of NYC's hottest holiday windows...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Bergdorf Goodman, 58th and 5th windows

When stress creeps up, get grounded in the 'big picture.' Remind yourself that one mistake or situation doesn't define a lifetime of "you." Let the present pave the path to a promising future--Hang onto happiness. Lament and let go. Smile and step forward. The future is a second chance at today and every next day is a new beginning. Take note of this week's windows at Bergdorf's, where sunny vibes set the tone for a stress-free summer! Keep reading for more...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Prada at Bergdorf Goodman

Revisiting the slogan "Good design is good business," IBM, Apple and other top tier corporations swear by design's strategic value. Beyond creative conceptualization, augmented aesthetics are the ultimate drivers of success. "Design" broadens the horizon of inclusion--whether via a-gendered bathroom icons, handicap friendly-products (like this) or branded slogans that incite reaction from both supporters and opposers (like this). Most consumers are naturally woo-ed by "pretty" things; add an element of practicality and a well marketed message to create prime products. This week's windows at Bergdorf's continue the conversation Prada started all down Fifth Avenue--from the Prada Store to Saks and Bergdorf's! Keep reading to see more...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

 Junya Watanabe on 5 @Saks , Fifth Ave NYC

Unexpected breakthroughs potentially power the most rewarding successes. On Tuesday, I attended the viewing of Clavadista, a short film sponsored by Dove and Refinery29 around the "pursuit of pleasure." A twist on the theme "pleasure," Meredith Danluck presents the story of Ava Alvarez, a young femme who develops a secret passion for cliff diving, after years of watching her father and brother. When Alva takes the plunge, she experiences the associated trials and triumphs (won't spoil the end). What passions and pleasures do you pursue? While you think, keep reading to see this week's windows at Saks Fifth in NYC. Click here to watch the 30 minute short... 

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

"Peru" themed windows @bergdorfs

First world glamour patronizes ageless glory, as another birthday passes. "Adulthood" brims of unrelenting trials and unthinkable perks; this past weekend marks a milestone in heuristic nirvana. Beyond a credit card clone crisis, a stampede at the Global Citizen Festival and lost belongings, Libra-esque fortune procures an equally balanced fate. I confirmed adulthood with $8,000 worth of designer products (paid only a small fraction of cost), polished off one of every dessert on the menu at LRooM Cafe with 4 besties and seriously considered a $2.7MM NYC apartment. Despite a double decade of drama, life is finally good... mostly. And You? Have a look at Bergdorf's Peru-themed windows and start settling into Fall....

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

"Rom-Coms" (Romantic Comedies) typically follow a formula where a couple falls in love, a dramatic plot ensues (complete with conflict, miscommunication and/or unsavory characters) and a timely resolution results in a happily ever after. Add in a cultural component and comedic banter either cajoles or confuses the crowd. When Crazy Rich Asians released, there was a fleeting fear of overdone ethnocentricity and overly Chinese "cheese" factor. Surprisingly, it wasn't bad. In fact--as far as rom-coms go--it even passes as above standard; Hats off to the first Hollywood production with an all-Asian cast since Joy Luck Club (20+ years ago!). This week's windows at Moschino seemed fitting. Relationships are tough! Despite the labels, the judgement, the trials, there's always a final resolution... and an appropriating happiness... 

-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... 

-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...

-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...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

 Moschino, Soho NYC

The endless appeal of Hallmark Hall of Fame movies rides in a formulaic fairytale where individuals meet--happenstance--and fall in love. While the road to redemption is often wrought with drama (as required for storyline), the "happily ever after" never fails to tug at heart strings. Growing up awestruck by the allure of love, happiness, and chance meetings, I always wonder what the cards will bring next. While the road less traveled hasn't been easy, I'm saving hope in 'the future.' Here's to health and happiness in the months ahead... 

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

 Louis Vuitton, 5th Ave. and 57th St. windows

Not easily influenced by inspirational quips and chain-letter insights, recent reflection uncovers a realization that the hidden truths in mass-market messaging may actually be relatable. Entering the Dog Year, mantras prompting "You're always one decision away from a totally different life" or "You are the author of your story. If you're stuck on the same page, remember that at any moment, you have the power to write a new chapter" present new challenges. How's your story starting off his year? Keep reading to see this week's windows at LV...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Mulberry, Soho NYC

Off to an action-packed start to 2018, with daily adventures and a successful surgery; 1 week down of an unknown convalescence. As of now, my 'bikini-ready' bod has been replaced with bloat and bruise; mundane tasks have become major milestones. Funny how life intervenes, forcing the issue of healing and self-awareness. 2017 was spent "living Plan B" and to that end, I'm grateful to friends for their endless support and the readers of this blog for keeping me motivated! Cheers to an astounding 2018! In the mean time, have a look at Mulberry's Soho windows, laden with isolated contemplation as the holiday season draws to a close...  

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

 Holiday Windows @Kleinfeld

The spiral of sadness secures its share of survivors--cancer patients, Holocaust detainees, middle school bullying, forced slavery, domestic abuse. The Holiday season marks another milestone in logistical longevity and purposeful tenacity. Celebrate the reasons for this season with fervor, and in remembrance of those who have gone before their time. Take a moment to reflect and have a look at this week's windows at Kleinfeld Bridal...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Harney & Sons -- Always a solid windowscape! Rootstein mannequin and window dressing by Polar Buranasatit

At first glance, fashion is creative, clothes are necessary, style is impressionable and all (of the aforementioned) are representative of an individual or idea. Weighing the dichotomy between a designer's creative vision and the large-scale ills of fashion's forcible footprint, where lies the balance of trend vs. ethical, sustainable and affordable fashion? This week's windows at Harney & Sons showcases stylized sophistication--made from tea bags! Look inside for a detailed shot... 

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

 Gucci F/W 2017 windows on Fifth Ave.

Five letters manifest a movement founded on a premise of power--first the situation, then the silence, and now empowerment to come forward. The predatory prominence of Harvey Weinstein predicates an outpouring of #MeToo and a comraderie through comisery. Yet beyond the American entertainment industry, different views between men and women continue to fuel controversial conversation (See this article on foreign policy.com). This week's windows at Gucci seems to fit the mood. Keep reading to see the rest...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Spider's Parlor by Janet Nolan at Bloomingdale's 59th St.

Workplace wardrobe teeters on the edge of sartorial feat and fashion faux pas. For men, corporate America abides by the uniform of shirt + tie + pants, leaving little room to deviate beyond cut and color choices. For women, clothing combinations and cautious calibration moderate between trendy and conservative, creating a new class of 'corporate chic.' Sleek style spawns to combat workplace weariness. Take a look around this week--what do you see? Are you runway ready or struggling with style? Enjoy this week's windows  at Bloomingdale's, featuring installation art by Janet Nolan... 

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Wedding windows at Kleinfeld, NYC

Goals bridge a gap between "now" and "then," translating the cost of want into will. In practice, people become programmed to believe that Dreams materialize through futuristic aspirations of "If I do this, then..." scenarios. Unfortunately, the ends don't necessarily justify the means as unexpected (mis)fortune may meet even the purest of intentions. Life is unpredictable. Enjoy the journey. Love life in the "now." Keep reading to see more of this week's windows at Kleinfeld...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Guess which storefront? // Fifth Ave. NYC

Even after 3 decades, the quips that surface on account of race haven't ceased (and still cease to amaze). "I know you-- you're that actress"--No, but I'll take it as a compliment. "Are you related to Bruce Lee?" Ha!Wishful thinking! "Your English is so good!" I hope so; Born and raised in the US! Unbeknownst to some, subconscious bias is baked into the day-to-day. Selected to participate in a "Connect to Success" program at work, the premise of promoting "equality" and "diversity" in the workplace unfolds through a pairing of "minorities" with Management "Mentors" (most of whom happen to be white). The message straddled embarrassing and insulting, "This program exists to give you a leg up, because diverse staff are often overlooked because of the way they look or their cultural background." Yikes. Something to reflect on--Where do your subconscious biases lie?