empty esprit. on Flickr.
Esprit was such an iconic brand in the 80s, so it’s kind of sad seeing that all their US stores are closing (if they haven’t already). The brand started in the early 70s in the back of a station wagon in California, and by the 80s, the brand’s stencil effect logo was widely recognized. Esprit was also a pioneer - before they had their own stores, they created stores within department stores, creating a fully branded experience - something that is still incorporated today with many fashion brands.
Taken with Hipstamatic
Hornbecker Lens, US1776 Film
filene’s basesment going out of business. on Flickr.
When I found out that Filene’s Basement was going out of business, I was a bit sad. I kind of liked it a lot better than TJ Maxx or Marshall’s because there seemed to be better organization and merchandise there. I used to go to the one in Fresh Meadows, Queens all the time, but in recent years, I’ve been going to their Union Square location. Yesterday, around Union Square, a bunch of sign holders were advertising going out of business specials, like this one, which is advertising $39 wedding dresses. Filene’s Basement was known for their annual bridal sale which would have would-be brides lining up for days just to get a bargain on their dress.
real simple pop up store, bryant park. on Flickr.
Real Simple Magazine has a pop-up store over in Bryant Park overlooking the ice skating rink. Good thing I ventured over there last night, since it was closing at the end of the night. It was definitely worth a look, even though I didn’t get anything. There was a DJ spinning, a makeover station from L’Oreal, goods from Vera Bradley and The North Face, tons of books and gadgets.
Pop-up stores have become kind of a given in the city - lots of great promo tie-ins mixed in with a great branded shopping experience can totally make customers true-blue believers & loyalists.
when you are away. on Flickr.
I was in the Meatpacking District this week for a small corporate photo shoot, and on the way back I saw this chair in the window of Anthropologie at Chelsea Market. The saying on the chair made me think of my friend Jen who passed away a few weeks ago.
north pole garden party. bergdorf goodman holiday window. on Flickr.
The Bergdorf Goodman holiday windows are usually the best, giving such incredible attention to detail and always utilizing a unique theme. This year, the theme is “Carnival of the Animals” and this is a detail of the “North Pole Garden Party” window.
detail of gaga’s boudoir. barney’s. on Flickr.
The window entitled “Gaga’s Boudoir” is comprised entirely of hair - some of which are based on former hairstyles and wigs of Gaga. Here’s a detail.
gaga’s crystal cave. barney’s windows. on Flickr.
Last night, I decided to go see the rest of the holiday windows. The most hyped up of them all was Lady Gaga’s “Gaga’s Workshop” for Barney’s. The windows were echoes of many elements in her visual image(s) that she’s been using since “Born This Way” came out earlier this year. I didn’t go to the pop-up store within Barney’s, but honestly, I don’t feel like I’m missing much.
This window was titled “Gaga’s Crystal Cave,” evoking a lot of the mermaid imagery that she’s been using - particularly for the “You And I” video.
macy’s window. on Flickr.
I’ve never been much of a holiday in the city type of person. As a native New Yorker, I’ve grown jaded and loathe trampling over tourists as they infiltrate our streets, marveling at the sights. This always seems to be magnified during the holiday season. Streets are crowded, people walk slower - it’s a pain!
Last year, for the first time since I can remember, I decided to check out the holiday windows. One of my friends is a visual display artist and it gave me a new appreciation for the art - plus, I always considered Rhoda from the show of the same name someone I looked up to.
My good friend actually worked on these amazing windows at Macy’s this year, and right now, he’s going through a very rough time. Last week, I was compelled to head over to Herald Square and check out his work & marveled at the artistry involved in their windows.
sign of the times. west village. on Flickr.
Walk through any commercial district in the city and you’ll find a ton of stores that are vacant or going out of business. “For rent” signs are very common, as business owners can’t afford the cost-prohibitive rents that Bloomberg’s New York can’t demand. Here is a store I passed on Bleecker Street in the West Village the other day which is selling everything, including fixtures.
My name is 
