-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

The laid-back ladies of Alice and Olivia on Greene St., Soho NYC

At 34, I'm easing into the zone of 'middle aged.' College acquaintances have converted into decades-long camaraderie. 'Like' has transitioned into life-long 'love' among friends. Intuition undermines impulse and coffee has risen in the ranks as a beverage of choice. In loaded reflection of 'want' vs. 'reality' as applied to the age-old queries of "when I grow up," I realize I'm still guessing on, grasping at, gaining from and --most of all--grateful for the mundane moments, lessons learned and opportunities still to come. I'm still wanting and growing and 'being'... and very much considering "what I want to be when I grow up..." Happy Wednesday and have a look at this week's windows from Greene St., Soho...

-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-

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-

Harney & Sons Teas in Soho, NYC glams up their window with an angelic mannequin

Tea parties are much more enjoyable as an adult. These days, a pot of fragrant jasmine (green tea), a couple friends and a comfortably chic caftan set the stage for a relaxing escape from the daily grind. Over at Harney & Sons, Soho, glitter and glamour pave the way for a celestial tea ceremony in the store window. Visitors who step inside can sample an eclectic variety of traditional and unique teas. Chocolate Mint, Tower of London, African Autumn and White Christmas--the choices are endless (oh--and the scones are to die for!)! Definitely one of my top 5 tea spots in NYC--have you been? Happy Wednesday and keep reading for more Wednesday Windows...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

"Love is in the mail" at Kleinfeld, 20th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues

The passing of Oscar de la Renta perpetuates a steady sunset of "classic" designers I grew up admiring. A heartfelt, handwritten letter from CEO Alex de la Renta and stepdaughter Eliza Bolen explains, "He died exactly as he lived: with tremendous grace, great dignity and very much on his own terms." This week's windows at Kleinfeld remind me of Oscar, his visionary bridalwear and ballgowns, and his legacy of dressing women for celebration and new beginnings. Keep reading for a closer look...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Kleinfeld Bridal Salon 20th St. between 6th and 7th Avenues; Claire Pettibone dress

Cravings for candy corn have since been superseded by tendencies towards kale and couscous. Likewise, fried foods are dropping from my daily menu, only to be substituted by garden greens and fresh fruit. Tastes transform, priorities change. One discernible difference between the uninhibited 20s and the mellowing out thirties is the concept of the "ideal wedding." Where once a pure white, floor length ball gown was expected to be paired with an abundant audience, an alter and a banquet hall reception, the desire for all things grandiose has been modified 10 years later, now that I'm in the planning stages. 

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

 Lord & Taylor summer windows at 38th St. and 5th Ave.

It's prime time to share in the sun-sponsored festivities of Summer. Take a break; savor the sunlight with lazy days at the beach, laps in the pool or lounging in the sun… Let's get relaxin'! The mannequins at Lord and Taylor are stylishly set for the summer music scene with festive fabrics and carefree caftans. How about you?

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

The windows at Bergdorf Goodman on 5th Ave (between 57th and 58th) take on an equestrian theme

Illusion is powerful, leaving just enough room to supplement the framework of suggestion. Where would I be if…? What is the best way to…? When should I…?  All the 'what if' wonderings countered by 'what is' happenings displace dire certainty. This week, Bergdorf's life-like mannequins entertain the imagination with heroines and horses. When troubles abound, take the time to tame tousled thoughts and forge forward with fantastic fervor!   

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

 Club Monaco on 5th Ave at 20th St. in the Flatiron district

"Art" substitutes practical utilitarianism for subjective beauty. In fashion, art reincarnates as couture, taking the form of billowy ballgowns, exquisite elegance and unlimited luxury.There's been a strong showing of artistic style in fast fashion lately; I'm buying into the hand-stitched embellishments, textured prints and non-traditional colors. This week, Club Monaco's Fifth Ave. store pairs sun-friendly summer wear with rope art, converting functional materials into reprioritized aesthetic masterpieces.

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Banana Republic Rockefeller Center… Sometimes, it's nice to have some "alone time"

Treking through the sands of time, survival puts a practical spin on far-fetched dreams and desires. "Today" begins with routines, schedules and obligations. "Tomorrow" becomes a depot of deferred doings. Though time stands still some days... weeks, months and years move forward with relentless vigor. Stop and stare at the scenery. Smile silently at strangers. Step back to see the big picture. Time spent alone, with friends or with someone special becomes all the more meaningful, in hindsight. Memories cannot be rewound or repeated; Cherish every moment...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Beauty + Beachwear are featured on realistic looking mannequins in the windows of Saks Fifth Avenue

Summer is skulking around the bend, teasing with tropical temperatures but being suppressed by the seasonal sway. Interest in funnel cake, Hampton's houses and busy boardwalks have finally surpassed the floral finale of spring. Memorial day has come and gone, signaling the start of swimwear season. Saks Fifth Avenue's mannequins are ready to showcase their beach readiness with bold color. Will you be sporting a one or two-piece this summer? 

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Saks Fifth Avenue's windows showcase the Alexander McQueen SS'14 collection and Studio Jobs' wallpaper

Favorites are hard to come by--whether choosing between friends, foods or fashion brands. This week, Saks Fifth Avenue's windows feature my favorite designer of all time. Though Alexander McQueen's aesthetic is now posthumously orchestrated through Sarah Burton, his footprint on the design world remains markedly appreciated by students and admirers. The patriotic checker graphic and other iconic styles from the Spring/Summer '14 collection are displayed alongside monochrome Studio Jobs wallpaper, highlighting the ICFF (International Contemporary Furniture Fair) at the Javits Center from May 17th to the 20th.

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

 Prada, 5th Avenue

With age comes an inherent bias towards responsibility and a tendency towards polarized priorities. A rickety sense of success brings renewed rigor to planning and partitioning (between work, life, and creativity). This week's windows showcase seasonal style and the tactical transformation between workwear, streetwear and beachwear. Take a look!...   

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Coach flagship store, 57th St. and Madison Ave. 

The treacherous task of finding a fitting Mother's day memento leads me down Madison Ave., where a sea of C's fill the windows at Coach's midtown flagship. The distinct display deserves a double take with the bold coloring on faux floral. Along with its Spring product launch, Coach unveils its #MYFIRSTCOACH Mother's Day ad campaign featuring selfies of 'mom and me.' Let us know if you've posted a photo!

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

 'A Flight of Fantasy' 2014 Earth Day windows, Anthropologie Rockefeller Center

A weekend away is spent in Seattle and Vancouver, admiring the tulips and cherry blossoms in full bloom this time of year. Following the migration path of the monarch butterflies, my overnight flight lands in NYC bright and early on Earth Day. Though it's now a day past, I feel it fitting to celebrate the marvels of Mother Earth. This year, Anthropologie's window theme 'A Flight of Fantasy' pays tribute to the plight of the Monarch butterfly.

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Screaming Mimi's Vintage Clothing on Lafayette St.

Visible invisibility is as intricate an affliction as pairing black pants with brown shoes. Faux Pas? Fashion Statement? Feeling of the Moment? Though wildly different, both Screaming Mimi's and Bergdorf's windows showcase the situational camouflage of standing out while blending in. My week at work is turning into a lapse of endless evenings; some days I can't decide whether standing out or standing in would provide a better outcome... 

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS

Springtime has landed at Ralph Lauren Kids, Madison Ave. (at 71st St.) 

Winter break and wretched weather set the stage for a resort-style escape. Ralph Lauren's Madison Ave. flagship transports a taste of Bermuda to New York in its kid's store windows. Pastel hued houses, swimming shorts and sunny beach scenes warm up weary wills in Manhattan's melting metropolis. With flurries in the forecast, a few glimpses of short sleeves and summer style are a welcome wonder this endless winter.

STYLE SNAPS : ON HOLIDAY

 Anya Hindmarch SS14 Collection at Anya Hindmarch Madison Ave. (between 68th and 69th sts.)

With an extended weekend, the snowy streets and chilly climate have spurred a mood of action-packed adventure. Originally a toss up between staying snowbound & cozying up to an Agatha Christie mystery or hitting the ski slopes of the ice coast, the prospect of sipping bottomless boiled beverages in bed prevails. Alternating between pages of The Mousetrap and (work-related) technical manifestos, a relaxing pause from the general public is in order. Cheers to a much appreciated stretch of R&R… Many Thanks, Mr. President! (additional picture after the jump)

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Moncler on Spring St., Soho NYC

Sun, moon and stars align to introduce a slew of sleepy days and sinister nights. As clocks fall back, darkness shrouds the onset of sleeping bag jackets, fleece-lined hoodies and woolen stockings. Set in Soho, Moncler's windows showcase an assembly of planetary bliss--complete with a space-traveller garbed in goggles, gloves and fur-lined intergalactic egg. Where would you go in a spaceship?

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Bergdorf Goodman pays tribute to Diana Vreeland

Back when personnel puffed Pall Malls at the office, Diana Vreeland edited Harper's Bazaar and advised Jacqueline Kennedy about style. Outraged after two and a half decades of being passed over for promotion, Vreeland quit her post and joined Vogue. Soon, memos and daily dictation became the preferred mode of communication between editor-in-chief Vreeland and her staff. This week's windows at Bergdorf Goodman celebrates Rizzoli's new publication, Diana Vreeland Memos: The Vogue Years (edited by grandson Alexander Vreeland).