In the Window: Anthropologie’s Spring 2011

The visual team at Anthropologie continues to amaze me every season.  I love to visit different Anthro stores to go shopping of course, but also to see the store layouts and visual displays.  Anthropologie has definitely hired the best of the best when it comes to the company’s visual displays.  The visual teams know how to think outside of the box, go beyond the window display and exceed the audience’s expectation. 

This Spring season the windows are colorful and whimsical and each silhouette exhibits a fusion of art and fashion.  This season, the windows are made up of clothespins, zippers, hangers and draped construction paper.  Each of these everyday items has been transformed to a point that you no longer see it for what it was, but it becomes something new and unexpected.  The creativity and craftsmanship that the visual teams exhibited on these projects are just spectacular.

Anthropologie’s window displays and store decor are always so creative and inspiring. I recently took pictures of a few displays in my local Anthropologie store that I wanted to share.

Here are some pictures from other stores around the country…courtesy of the Anthropologie Facebook page.  I thought my store’s display was pretty amazing, but all of these windows are equally stunning! 



Washington, DC

Charlotte, NC

Marlton, NJ

Skokie, IL

Fresh Picks to Follow: Elephants

TGIF! Boy, I have had a crazy week.  I can’t even really describe to you what work has been like this past week, but trust me it was stressful.  I’m very happy that I get to relax and recharge for another grueling work schedule next week.  Well, enough about my week…below is my Friday Fresh Picks focusing on ELEPHANTS. 

I started collecting elephants ever since I pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. during my junior year of college.  To me, elephants symbolize strength, wisdom, prosperity, good luck and prudence. They are also highly revered for their strength and power.

In some cultures, an elephant with a raised trunk is symbolic of good luck, and indicates that you will persevere and overcome any obstacles in your path. The uplifted trunk also represents high goals and the right foot forward represents forward movement. 

If you are an elephant collector, the elephants should be placed high upon a mantel, shelf or on an altar for recognition and should have their trunks facing upward, as if trumpeting the good news.  So for this week’s post, I bring to you a collection of elephants from various stores and websites in honor of my sorority. 

Enjoy your weekend ladies!

Ruffled Up

So the title of my post sums up my day earlier today and the past week.  My job has become very hectic and challenging since the beginning of last week.   My work days are starting earlier and earlier and my evenings are ending later than I would like.  Today, I wanted to try to make myself feel a little better so I pulled out this jacket for the first time.  I love the ruffles on this beauty; it’s the perfect statement piece.

Anthropologie – Terrace House Jacket
Ann Taylor Loft – Sleeveless Boatneck Sweater
The Limited – Lexie Fit Pants

Nine West – Black Ankle Boots

Did any of you ladies buy anything during Anthro’s sale today?  I’m trying to be good and refrain from shopping.  So, I’m sitting this one out.  I did a little too much damage last month and my wallet needs a break.   Check out Anthro's newest markdowns here.  Happy Shopping!

DIY: Knitting 101

I taught myself to knit in 2005 with the help of a couple knitting books and online videos.  I decided that I wanted to expand my blog and share my needlework with all of you.   I thought that this would be a fun way to let people know what I’m working on.  I enjoy using all sorts of knitting and sewing tools, patterns, and yarns.  I also enjoy the process of creating handmade items that create style, comfort, and warmth for both the home and individuals.

Unfortunately, I only know how to make scarves and baby blankets.  I currently consider myself a knitting novice.  Even though I started this hobby a few years ago, I stopped knitting for about 3 years when I went to graduate school.  I have started many projects, but I haven’t finished them.  My hope is to learn more difficult knitting techniques and finish the projects that I previously started.  I also hope to inspire other women to start a new craft.  I plan on letting you all know about some of the projects that I’m working on and then post my finished projects for you all to see.

I mentioned in one of my earlier posts that I was knitting a scarf for my sister as one of her Christmas presents.  However, I didn’t get it finished in time.  In fact, I’m kind of still working on it.  I’m using my last ball of yarn, so I should be able to post the finished product real soon.  In the meantime, here is a picture of what it’s supposed to look like.

Please check out the “Do It Yourself” page for video links if you are interested in learning how to knit.