-WEEKEND WINDOWS-

 Banana Republic Rockefeller Center

Semantics sell... 

How much more enticing is 'a mouthful of silky decadence' than plain 'chocolate candy.' Similarly, 'generously proportioned' and 'fun sized' seem more palatable than "big" or "small." While attending a charity fundraiser Tuesday night, young philanthropists speak about giving to the 'poor' and 'marginalized.' The targeted generosity to those "less fortunate" is commendable, but what would make it more dignified? Sympathy or sharing? Are we equals or are there 'lesser'? Keep reading to see Banana Republic's Rock Center windows...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Dom Pattinson's Sipping Liberty [L] at Ted Baker, Soho (117 Wooster St)

Lady Liberty makes a meaningful mascot as art and fashion mingle in Soho's new Ted Baker Curated. Evidence of the link between the UK brand and its US locale, Sipping Liberty--a specially commissioned artwork by street artist Dom Pattinson--sits in the store window at 117 Wooster St. Ted Baker's new space will feature artwork from Pop International Galleries. Inside, bespoke wallpaper, commissioned paintings, unique furnishings, upholstered furniture and astutely accent the tailored clothing and accessories. Specialty items on offer include limited edition skateboards, surfboards and furniture. Keep reading for a look inside...

PICK, PLAY, PIRCH-ASE

 Tub as big as a mini pool in the Lower Lobby of Pirch, Soho

A full chicken roasts atop freshly grilled vegetables in Patio,while warm steam seeps into a corner shower two floors below in Sanctuary. Children wrestle an iPad to alternate operation of 40 different shower heads as newcomers order caffeinated beverages at Bliss. Elevating the try-then-buy experience, luxury home furnishings retailer Pirch opens in Soho this weekend. Dominating the corner of Broome and Lafayette Streets, the new flagship is Pirch's 9th store. Occupying 32,000 square feet of retail opportunity, Pirch NYC features over 30 interactive vignettes. Keep reading for a look inside...

THE "NEW" NAUTICA

 Candle holders (L + R) and vase (center) at the new Nautica Soho store

Sailor stripes strike ground in Soho as Nautica settles adjacent the Apple Store. Shying away from the "outlet experience," Nautica's newest showroom sports a digital "style bar" and custom tailoring services. Subtle hints of harbor heaven rest on wooden beams of natural oak, exemplifying the "essence of a boat and the architecture of the City" (source: Nautica press release).  Keep reading for a look inside...

RECYCLING, RECONSTRUCTING & REMNANTS

Remnants and items sold at Anthropologie (image from www.anthropologie.com)

Anthropology is the study of humanity and, by a slightly different spelling, one of the leading fashion and lifestyle retailers in the U.S. Offering a specially curated collection of wares and wears, Anthropologie shares with customers sophisticated style and a creative curiosity, all set in a spectacularly well-designed and distinctly different shopping environment. Sunday afternoon, I head to the Rockefeller Center store and gallery space for a peek at the latest merchandise and the exhibit "Remnants" by husband and wife team Barbara and Richard Keal.