LNO

I hope it's alright to discuss a window I took part in creating :) We just finished this today and are all really happy with the results. We wanted to keep a "two classy ladies out for the night" type of theme. I was really pleased with the berry red backdrop- it makes the colors of the dresses pop and sets the mood for an expensive/nighttime type setting. Because of the backdrop doing that, it allows the dresses to be center stage and it's evident that they want your attention. With the border created inside of the window, we had to put the shoes propped up, and that was a nice touch I'm glad we were forced to do. It added to a sense of proportion and scale. 

Target

I had to run through Target the other day and noticed these cool displays in the juniors department. They were right smack dab in the middle of racks of clothing and it was so eye catching. Raised up much higher than eye level, they were like a mini runway. Though there was no "please do not touch" sign, it was as if they were in a glass box and looked really nice. 

The emphasis of repetition in similar silhouettes and fabrics is very smart and keeps the theme cohesive. I love that they chose maxi length and worked to incorporate some movement, as well.

Get A Clue

This window is located in Turner Hall at Illinois State University. I walk by it all the time to classes and am always gawking at how beautiful the dress is. This was put up by those associated with our historic costume collection and it couldn't look more professional. A lot of thought and detail went into this, I'm sure. The power of emphasis is readily apparent with the intense cranberry-red dress demanding your attention and keeping your eyes glued to it. 

Gigi Bottega

Gigi Bottega, Bloomington, IL

While leaving Reality Bites last night, I noticed Gigi Bottega had an awesome display going on and had to snap some pics. This is quite possibly one of the most exciting windows I've seen from the store and am proud to say it is from the town I live in. Something that I liked most, yet so simple, was that even around 9:30 pm they had the display lit up. I want to go back to see what they have going on after driving by last night!

I love how this window tells a story- the jet-setting girl traveling around in her Gigi Bottega fits. I think it's great how the props work seamlessly with the mannequins and provide different heights and depths for the eye to travel. There are also different pops of color dispersed through the outfits to create a level of symmetrical balance. Every design aspect is working so well together, creating a unified look. All in all, it's a really eye catching window that reminds me of those you find in Miami!

Charmed

Charmed Boutique, Pontiac, IL

Earlier this semester, we took a trip to Charmed Boutique in Pontiac, IL. Unique to the area, this shop is a gem to the town. (Which was very evident even from the window front.)
Hip and modern, the store displayed their fun merchandise in an inviting way. Everything was very strategic and showed off great use of design elements. The mannequins were placed symmetrically, and the pink poms led your eye from right the left, up and down. Rhythm and balance are this windows strong suit and I think she executed that well.

francesca's (College Hills Series)

Another exciting window front, here at francesca's. Lovely pastel hues are clearly their main focus, and just in time for Easter this weekend. It's cute, and the perfect symmetry works for them. The mirror adds a bit of interest and makes the window appear larger and less cluttered. Overall, a solid window with everything in scale, approximate symmetry, and clean lines.

The Loft (College Hills Series)

The Loft always knows how to tell a story about where their shopper is going and what she wants to wear. I like how they incorporate several different looks into one window. The displays are unbalanced, with varying visual weight on each side. This works to their advantage though, creating a sense of movement and flow around the window. With the model in the below picture *moving* to the right, it's okay that there is more visual weight to the left, because your anticipation of her taking her next step brings your eye to the right. It is a subtle way of moving passerby's attention around the large window, and taken in all the merchandise.

Soma (College Hills Series)

window front at Soma, Normal, IL

Effortless, simple, and informational, these windows tell the customer what they need to know. Everything is in scale to the size of the window and everything flows seamlessly. From the signage on the outside, to the mannequin, to the signage on the inside, passerby's eyes would be flittering about. And while the window's signage on the outside might be large and in charge, the focal point is the model showing off her assets in a smart looking set. One couldn't help but just let themselves in the door.

Bath and Bodyworks (College Hills Series)

store front at Bath and Bodyworks, Normal, IL

Okay, is this not the most alluring summer display? The emphasis on color is so refreshing and it stood out amongst a row of at least six stores with the beautiful warm hues. I took the pictures at an angle so you didn't just see a reflection of me, so it may be difficult to picture this, but the poster and Hawaii letters were so big and bold and visible even from afar. It was awesome how pronounced they were, yet perfectly in proportion to the window. Gotta love a display that uses all available space. Great job, Bath and Bodyworks, you make me want to shop!

window front at Gigi Bottega, Bloomington, IL

Gigi Bottega combines sleek sophistication and clean lines within their store and window fronts. Their displays are always easy to see and free of clutter, which one can appreciate. This window in particular is wonderfully springy, with a family of blues unifying the space and the clean white of the background letting the colors in the forefront pop.

With such a simple design, this window combines interest in asymmetrical visual weight, unified color palette, and decent sense of movement to create a solid, winning window display.

Churchill's Formal Wear (Downtown Bloomington Series)

window front at Churchill's Formal Wear, Bloomington, IL

This window in the front of Churchill's was so cool and incorporated the use of extended branches from the ceiling, which I loved. That combined with the string lights lining the window created this sense of a scene, a story. It was as if one was battling a brooding storm - or in this case, decision- of whether to chose the trendy tux, or the classic one. The colors of the tuxes and their lack of similarity was quite nice and they seemed to play off of each other, with the pink being the windows bright and eye catching emphasis. 

Specs Around Town (Downtown Bloomington series)

window front at Specs Around Town, Bloomington, IL

Specs Around Town is a unique, specialty eyewear boutique in downtown Bloomington, IL. Their creative approach to eye glasses has created a pretty steady cult following in central Illinois. That being said, I expect nothing less than a window full of color and pattern and creativity, much like this one.

I love the use of signage, playing a role to tell the story and sell the product at the same time. It takes most of the visual weight up of the left side of the window, and I'm really pleased with the asymmetrical results. Obviously the use of red was intended for Valentine's Day, and while we are much past that, it's extremely eye catching and creates great emphasis. This is definitely a window that would stop street walkers.

modkid (Downtown Bloomington Series)

window front at modkid, Bloomington, IL 

This window front is of local textile designer, Patty Young, of modkid. She creates darling and playful patterns and her window mirrors that. What you can't see within these pictures is a perfectly placed, long, white curtain that scales the length and width of the window, hung behind the mannequins. Such a simple thing creates the biggest difference, it's so much less distracting to not see the inside of the studio and also allows the clothes stand out.
Young's designs feature patterns most commonly used (and I believe intended) for children so her use of smaller mannequins is strategic and nonetheless, adorable. Being that they are smaller, her use of six is perfect for the size of the window, creating a positive sense of scale. And the staggering of placement creates great movement, the eye flows along the scene seamlessly. The selection of pieces the mannequins are dressed in seem to all go together, much like a mini collection. All in all, I think the colors, staggered heights, and background lighting mixed with the stark white of the curtain, create a sense of unity, one that lets her designs shine.

The Limited (Eastland Mall Series)

store front at The Limited, Bloomington, IL

The windows at The Limited are always minimal and I can appreciate that. They keep a simple idea in mind and typically get that idea across quite easily. Their new Ashton blouse is a working woman's dream and for those who want to hit work in style, The Limited has already curated multiple looks and ways for you to wear it.

I like that they brought in some elevation for the mannequins in the back to be able to be seen. It creates a nice flow for the eye to travel and brings in some height to put the mannequins more in scale with the window as a whole. The bright yet varying color palette adds interest to the scene and makes you turn your head and look. I wish they would bring in some poster, background image, or make shift wall to hide the background noise of the store, though. I think this could be more eye catching if they did that, but it's a nice, simple window that gives the consumer ideas and the invitation to enter the store.

PacSun (Eastland Mall Series)

window front at PacSun, Bloomington, IL

backside of window

The windows at PacSun look discombobulated in pictures but actually are pulled off quite well and look better in person. The store mantra isn't 'stiff and rigid' and their merchandising expresses that. Some product is hung on really cool, almost industrial-like pipes while others are folded into wooden boxes that mirror the fixtures within the store. It all flows and creates a sense of unity for the entire store. 

The way the product is hung is very asymmetrical but your eye flows from one thing to the next, taking it all in. There's great movement within the staggered display of each piece. My only wish is that they would move the entire thing forward so one could see the product clearer and more up close outside of the store. But all in all, the interest is there and the customer is made wanting to check out the new arrivals.

American Eagle (Eastland Mall Series)

(side) windows at American Eagle, Bloomington, IL

American Eagle is another store that always catches my attention with their store fronts and displays. They are located opposite Gap and also have side windows, which is what I snapped shots of today.

This window is a long one that is currently hooked by three mannequins on each side that creates a feeling of balance and also unity. I like that they are displaying something new -in this case, a new fragrance- and are giving shoppers a reason to come in and poke around. The colors all work together, the signature relaxed, American Eagle style is at play, and it's just an all around solid window that's drawing in the customer to see the latest styles they've got in stock.

Gap (Eastland Mall Series)

(side) windows at Gap, Bloomington, IL

So Gap is one of the lucky stores within our mall that got one of the best seats in the house. It is situated on a corner inside one of the entrances along an aisle, so there is not only a front, but also a side to the store that they get to advertise upon.

This display of their new jeans was on the side of the store and caught my attention as I was walking into the mall. I love the display of the jeans hanging alongside the mannequins wearing them, it really makes the product come alive. The window as a whole is wonderfully balanced with the text on the left and the mannequins on the right both equaling out the visual weight. I also feel like the text gives the window movement as my eye reads it and then feeds into the right and rests upon the mannequins. It's a really simple window with a clear motive- to get those shoppers in and get the jeans they've been dreaming of!

Garlic Press (Uptown Normal Series)

window from at Garlic Press, Normal, IL

inside window

I think this might have been the biggest disappointment. The Garlic Press is known for having some of the coolest, most unique items in town........ And, like, sad face. This is so underwhelming (and also another really great terrible picture of the outside window, sorry) so I took one from the inside so you could not only see what is going on, but the mess that is happening here. Why are there packing boxes in sight? Why are there only pre-lit trees and what looked like mugs sitting beneath them? I'm giving this store the benefit of the doubt. Maybe they were in the process of working on it and I came at a bad time, but I expected more from such an endearing shop.

Their saving grace! *applauding* This display within the store was truly impactful. Such great lines with the triangular outline of the manikin, lamp, and little gifties to the right. I mean, I want to pick from this table. I want to impulsively buy those tea cups, napkins, sweets, and Ina Garten cookbook because who wouldn't need all that?

The Pod (Uptown Normal Series)

window front at The Pod, Normal, IL

So this was a store I didn't know existed! Natalie, the owner is an artist and has pieces of her work for sale along with other locals. I'm pinching myself for not taking pics of them- hers were my personal favorite. Really vibrant and colorful, she was inspired by biology and science and stuff. I felt bad telling her the one I liked the most looked like an amoeba to which she told me that's basically what she was going for (in a broader sense), so then I didn't feel bad. She was super sweet and totally cool with letting me loiter while I warmed up, too, so that was great.

I have nothing bad to say about her window display, imagine that. The triangular flow framed by the snowflakes is so lovely. But the best part lies in all the little bits on the shelf. Talk about add-ons! The amount of different kinds of product- clothing, jewelry, ceramics, and then more specific items within those categories-  is what makes this window so great and sales related. Yayyyyy. A+, Natalie.

Apricot Lane (Uptown Normal Series)

window front at Apricot Lane, Normal, IL

Not surprisingly, Apricot Lane had some of the best window displays. I loved that they use the entire canvas. The whole window space is somehow taken up without looking ridiculous. The balance between snowflakes/wintery deco to merchandise is pretty perfect. My only complaint is the summery dress on the left in the first picture because, well, it's the middle of winter. Add a sweater and some boots, ya know? Also, thank you to the constructor of this building. Windows on the side of the building are game changing and wonderfully glare proof.

Fabulous Affairs (Uptown Normal Series)

window front at Fabulous Affairs, Normal, IL

First, I have to apologize for the terrible glare on most of these photos. My photography isn't exactly up to snuff and on top of that this afternoon wasn't a great time to try to get some great pics.

But this is Fabulous Affairs' front window from Uptown Normal, Illinois! An amazingly cutesy store with all kinds of stationery, jewelry, stuff for wedding planning, and a little bit of apothecary goods. That being said, their windows did the interior little justice. It was so cold while I was out snapping shots so I went inside most stores -this one included- and I'm glad I did because you wouldn't know from the lackluster window display how awesome their merchandise is! The window includes a low table with cake plates of varying heights on it, and hanging paper heart chains. I wouldn't advise they take anything away from what they have going on, only add to it. Don't get me wrong, less can be more, but it was difficult to see this and that was frustrating. More height so the plates are more visible above the pane would have been ideal, something on the plates to add interest, and the greenery or florals on the table instead of the floor would have been more eye catching.

See how cute the inside is? This triangular display of their Kate Spade goods was really charming and ~fabulous~.