Giant snowflake made from recycled clear plastic spoons at Anthropologie in Memphis.
One of the very best things about this time of year is enjoying retailers' holiday displays. The creativity that is put into the visuals is always festive and celebrates fashion as its highest art form. There is no doubt in my mind that fashion is art and holiday windows rarely disappoint. Lingering in front of these windows or seeing how retailers display their goods inside their stores always makes my brain melt and really gets me in the mood for the holidays.
One thing I will say about Memphis is that our visual-arts community blends seamlessly with our fashion movers-and-shakers to create enticing window displays. There is of course the seemingly immortal mannequin in front of Flashback that is seasonally dressed in Santa gear and the remaining mannequins in the window are ready for their holiday party to begin as they appear to be dancing amongst tiny vintage ceramic Christmas trees, decked in their holiday gold lame. The brilliant design team at Anthropologie in Saddle Creek has brought woodland charm indoors as they have made snowballs out of clear plastic spoons and are selling all kinds of animal-themed ornaments. James Davis brings designer fashion to the forefront as mannequins are dressed to the nines in their holiday Missoni and Armani and festooned with wrapped presents galore. It makes me want to buy EVERYTHING in sight!
Greg in front of enormous Christmas lights at Rockefeller Center in NYC
Greg in front of enormous Christmas lights at Rockefeller Center in NYC
I was lucky enough to spend a date weekend in New York with my husband — a treat from him to celebrate my Big 4-0. It goes without saying that this time of year in New York is beyond spectacular and its holiday visuals are stimulating to say the least. The massive amount of creativity that goes into these art forms is sure to scare the Grinch out of anyone. It is no wonder that New York is the city that never sleeps — holiday lights stay lit up and wrapped around trees and criss-crossed over buildings all night long. The windows at Bergdorf Goodman's are enchanted forest themed while Barney's celebrates Gaga's Workshop — a project with Lady Gaga in which 25 percent of the sales from her workshop will benefit her Born This Way Foundation "dedicated to empower youth and inspire bravery." The entire front of the Saks building was covered in holiday lights that were constantly blinking and pulsating to shoppers' delights.
Staggering sapphire and diamond necklace at Cartier in NYC
Staggering sapphire and diamond necklace at Cartier in NYC
The windows at Cartier were simple by comparison but ever more enticing with the staggering jewelry on display set in rotating Cartier gift boxes. Crowds stood in front of the windows just to watch what delectable bauble was wrapped up in the signature red leather boxes. All of this was complemented by gigantic Nutcrackers lining Fifth Avenue mixed in with all of the street vendors with their hot dog and falafel carts lit up like the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Pure Magic.
Just remember that in this holiday spirit, retailers are trying their best to entice shoppers — so continue to buy local! Santa is watching and so is the "other" Big Man. Happy Holidays and don't forget to look good!
