Colorful drama in Black and White @ Kate Spade

We are loving Kate Spade's year of color for it's cohesive message carried from product through store display and beyond.

July marked their black and white month and the stores really shown in high drama. From the sculpted wigs to the high gloss black props, the stores were a cool welcome in the hot summer.

Black & white is on trend for fall and Kate Spade certainly got it right with their entire window and in-store presentation!

Attack of the Little Wooden People

We have noticed little mannikens popping up everywhere this year! Seen moonlighting at Hermes, working promotions at EuroShop or dancing at H&M, we've spotted these little people being used in a variety of creative ways.

Where have you spotted them?

The CDW Fan Club Grows

This is baby Katherine, our newest CDW fan, all the way from Guatemala! She looks so cute here in her CDW Merchants branded onsie and we sure appreciate her support.

Send us a picture of your latest creation in their CDW threads and we'll include them here. Thanks Katherine for being the newest mini-member of our fan club!

Antique Props tell story at RRL & Co.

We couldn't help but be inspired by the Bleecker Street RRL & Co window. The whole RRL & Co concept is based on pieces that are vintage or vintage inspired, a rugged departure from the preppy chic of traditional Ralph Lauren. Several vintage props such as motorcycles, clocks, hat boxes and ladders set the tone of the windows and drew one into the store.

We love how they use props to tell their story. Usually crowded together in their small windows they make one want to venture in to see more.

Plus they often reuse them - so we'll keep an eye out for their next iteration. Stop by Bleecker street and have a look for yourself.

The Periodic Table Meets Style @JCrew

JCrew is putting a fashion spin on the periodic table. Their window campaign features mannequins placed in front of a periodic table where a few elements are swapped for featured items of the season. What a clever spin on the periodic table! While we can't quite remember chemistry class and the accuracy of the table, the interpretation is a creative idea and just in time for the all too familiar Back to School season. Who knew shopping and science could work together so well?

What's behind the curtain at retail?

Most of us think of curtains in the traditional sense with drapes of fabric used to give shade to our windows. In visual merchandising the use of a "curtain" can be widely interpreted and help lend excitement to a store window.

Here are a number of ways stores create a "draped window" - ranging from the traditional curtain to much looser uses of the word. Whether it's to tie in a color or pattern as The Gap has done to highlight it's gingham collection or to add visual interest as seen here with a beaded curtains at Sears Kardashian shop in shop.

Curtains, traditional or in alternative forms, are an effective and simple tool to add dimension to a visual presentation.

Total Brand Messaging @ BirchBox

We are huge fans of Birchbox. For those that don't know, this is a monthly subscription service that sends beauty samples to it's members for them to test.

Aside from the smart idea of allowing people to test new products, that they may later buy, the branding and marketing of this company makes it really fun.

Beginning with the monthly pink box that arrives at your door - the packaging is well chosen and changes often depending on their partnerships or special promotions. Attention is paid in the all details; from the box, to the tissue & ribbon and even the marketing inserts describing the enclosed products and samples.

Each month it's fun to wait and see what surprises await! Now that's good branding.

More Color Blocking with Club Monaco

Similar to Ann Taylor earlier this week, we spotted color blocking at Club Monaco.

The theme is understated but has a subtle impact, especially in person. For the back walls of their store windows they layered sheets of art paper in a range of neutrals with a pop of brown. It was a pleasing backdrop for their early fall looks shown on their stylish mannequins.

Let's see where this trend will show up next.

Color blocking at Ann Taylor

We've seen it on the runway and all over fashion magazines, so it was only a matter of time till color blocking manifested itself to a window campaign.

Ann Taylor got the trend right by injecting neutrals with brights and staying minimal. This campaign was translated from their website and incorporated solid color banners, mannequin bases and risers blocked with bright colored clings.

They were able to take a trend right idea and present a simple minimalistic presentation that made a bold statement.

Now I'm ready to start color blocking, how about you?

Gift branding of Stella & Dot

I recently attended a Stella & Dot Trunk Show and went to support my friend who was the hostess. I ended up buying a necklace and got a pleasant surprise when it arrived as the packing was terrific.

At first glance, my inconspicuous purchase seemed like most postal packages but upon opening it was a fully branded detailed presentation inside.

Here's a company that thinks through all aspects of its model and branding including the inside of the box, the air pillow, the inside box and sleeve and the notes card and enclosed thank you. It made it fun to receive -Great job Stella & Dot! All the elements made me one impressed customer. (PS - I loved what I bought too!)