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~.