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!