"XPRESS XMAS"

This Express is located at Chicago Ridge Mall.  I love love loved their holiday window!  It was so bright and inviting and they used the whole space so perfectly.  With Christmas shoppers slightly confused about what to buy with all the millions of choices, this window will tell me this is it!  They incorporated Christmas colors and patterns.  They also put a fun Christmas tree between the two mannequins.  Next to the Christmas tree stood gold gifts that had folded clothes in them!  I've never seen this and I thought it was too cute and gave the customer a good idea of what to buy for there daughter, niece, or friend!  With all the holiday clothes, colors, and props this window was so united and perfect for the season.

"THINGS REMEMBERED"

Things Remembered is located at Chicago Ridge Mall.  This shop appeals to anyone who wants something to "remember" for the rest of there life.  The sign says it all 'Custom engraving right here.'  This store is very special and the all white setting adheres to that fine jewelry feeling.    They used up the space perfectly to the size of the window with a huge picture sign, wall art, and a hanging trio of jewelry and souvenirs.  The only comment I would make is to maybe put a black backdrop since the items are so small and intricate and everything is very white; adding a contrasting color would make everything more visible and appealing. 

"21 MEN"

This Forever 21 was at Chicago Ridge Mall.  I really loved the men's sections so much!  It looked so organized and everything was color coordinated.  Most men don't really consider winter clothing too fashionable, however this changes it up for men and gives them a sophisticated and trendy winter look!  I love the scarfs and layering on the mannequins.  I also love how they featured key clothing on the racks that include new November colors.  You can see into the store and get a feel of the unique clothing they have to offer.  It is proportioned very well and altogether united with repeating patterns and interesting colors.  A+ Forever 21!

"CHOOSE CHARLOTTE"

This Charlotte Russe is located in Chicago Ridge Mall.   I love the clothes they featured on the mannequins from the tribal leggings to the oversized sweaters! It definitely caught my attention on top of the huge sale signs.  They featured just the right amount of mannequins for the window size.  Everything is well proportioned and united.   They could have added a more wow factor, but overall I really liked the clothing choices the best!  Love Charlotte Russe!

"EARLY BIRD"

This Aeropostale is located at Chicago Ridge Mall.  This window stood out to me because of the "Early Black Friday" sale with everything being 50% off!  It clearly states in huge font so customers run inside to get these deals.   The whole store is separated male and female.  They connected the car with both windows and it was really cool.  It is very proportioned and set the mood not only for the winter and holidays but upcoming black Friday sales also.  Customers feel like they are walking into a great deal without the obnoxious crowd of people and long lines. 

"CHICAGO LOOK"

This is the Chicago Locker Room in Chicago Ridge Mall.  This store invites families that are big on sports or someone who loves to represent there Chicago teams!  They have a HUGE selection from clothing to hats to bags and key chains.  They show this through the display window of a typical family going to a Chicago game decked out with Bears gear.  They have everything they need for a perfect day out.  I like how they made the display a family setting and showed the variety of merchandise the store has to offer.  I also like that you can see back into the store at other Chicago sports teams besides the Bears.   The only criticism I have is to fill up the whole window so it appears more proportioned.   Maybe hang some things and add some signage so there is not so much clear space. 

"PUMPKIN SPICE"

This Bath & Body Works is located in North Riverside Mall.  The window display was small yet effective.  The signage pops out at you with words like "NEW" and "TODAY ONLY!" It sends off a clear message and mood that's just right for the season.  They make use of the whole window with a big poster as a backdrop and showing a variety of new merchandise without looking cluttered.  It is organized and designed just right.  With everything unified and proportioned, I needed to check out these new candles!

"MOD MAN"

The Modern Man is located at North Riverside Mall.  This window display caught my attention because the large selection of suits displayed.  You can see more in the store because there is no backdrop which is great!  Overall, if your a man looking for a suit, you can find a variety of styles and colors here!  The display gives off a clear theme of a modern business man-- very sharp and up to date.  However, It looks a bit much to me.  Since the theme and message is a clean cut/sharp man, I think it would have made a much better impression with four or five main suits on display.  I did not appreciate how some had heads, some did not, and one was just the stomach lying on the floor (weird).  Room for improvement could have been making the mannequins proportioned to the window and in scale, using the same type of mannequin, and last but not least adding signage!  This would have made this store from a B to an A+.  All together, I like how there are a variety of suits displayed and it catches ones attention; but in my opinion it could have been a lot more effective.  Good job!

"BE AN ICON"

This Express is located at North Riverside Mall.  This window is very simple yet memorable.  The average woman can re-invent there look with the "iconic modern" styled clothing found at Express.  They used a bold and confident older woman in the city photographed large on the right side of the window.  On the left side there is two mannequins that demand attention even in all black!  This display is balanced, proportioned, and all around edgy!  An independent working woman to a young adult exploring the city could appreciate these looks and be drawn into the store.  They use contrasting colors of black and white making it sharp and easy to look at.  Overall, great job!

"HOUSE OF HOOPS"

This is House of Hoops by Footlocker.  This store captures every design principle and forces everyone to look and see inside!  I have never seen anything like this store in my life.  They really understand how to appeal to a customer and draw them in their store.  They not only promote the game and their brand but also a lifestyle.  They used clear glass with no backdrop so customers can see perfectly into the store. They put a basketball hoop inside and props that make you feel like your in a game!  The walk in section is completely open on top of basketball court.  The clothes all show repetition of colors and unity.  They emphasized and made the hole store one big basketball game.  Any sports fan would appreciate this and think its the coolest thing ever!  Amazing!

"INTRO TO EVA"

This New York & Company is found at North Riverside Mall.  Being honest, every New York & company I have ever walked passed at the mall NEVER brought me into the store.  This one is definitely a different story.  Eva Mendes is absolutely gorgeous and her style is playful yet sophisticated.  The enlarged photo in the center includes Eva Mendes in her line which draws my attention immediately.  Then I look at the mannequins which has two balanced on each side.  It says on the signage "Introducing Eva Mendes at New York & Company," so it is fairly new.  With her line being completely new and customers being unaware, this window captures her brand to a T.   The message is clear with the unity of color and style.  There are black and white contrasting colors making this display easy on the eye.  Altogether, I love this window and I have a new feeling towards this store!  A+

"UP ALL NIGHT"

This store is Charlotte Russe located at North Riverside Mall.  This was one of the most appealing windows I seen at this mall that immediately drew my attention.  They really understand there target market because when young adults go shopping here it is mostly to get "going out" clothing--the theme of this large window display.  "Up all night"  captures my attention and makes me want to buy all of their merchandise.  I love the enlarged photograph of the two woman having fun and looking trendy rocking leathers!  The signage is so cute and the bubbles promoting current sales also draws in a young woman who wants to look good while saving a buck!  There's three mannequins on each side of the photograph creating balance.  The window is so large and they utilized the hole space perfectly.

"CREW COLLAGE"

This PINK store is located at North Riverside Mall.  I thought this window was adorable!  It is very unique because I have never seen photographs in a collage in a display window.  Seeing the crew necks on the model makes me want to go in the store and buy one!  She's having fun and looks great in it, which will attract any customer.  There is unity throughout the even pictures and blue tones.  I absolutely love this.  The only thing I can say needs improvement would maybe be the color of the sign just because it blends in with the background and may be hard for some people to read.  However, for me I did like how they stayed consistent with the baby blues!

"MODERN MOM"

This Motherhood maternity store is located at North Riverside Mall.   I enjoyed the combination of signage, to the enlarged photo, to hanging jeans!  All together it is very united and puts an obvious focal point on jeans.  Pregnant woman/moms might feel uncomfortable or don't think they will be able to fit into a nice pair of jeans.  It definitely catches ones attention and would make one feel otherwise.  With the signage stating "FREE" --draws customers attention.  You can see a peak into the store however, the photo gives it some kind of blocking to create a good theme that is relatable to mothers!  The photo even states "Modern mom wears the pant" which will get any mom into the store to feel young again and still take part in the fashion scene. 

"ACCESSORIZE ME"

Francesca's is located in Bloomington, Illinois at College Hills.  From the color of the walls to the light fixtures to the merchandise, without walking in the store I understand there brand.  Francesca's sells a very unique look with trendy clothing!  They promote a lifestyle through there window display and show there customers how to wear there unique pieces with other combinations they offer.   The lighting is perfect and the merchandise and mannequins are all proportioned to the window.  However, with all the props, accessories, merchandise, and fixtures there is not really a focal point and you don't really know where to draw your eyes too.  However, I get that they were just trying to show there customer how to accessories there clothing.  Overall, I love the clothing and the store, so check it out whenever you are in the area!

"TASTEFUL WOMAN"

 

The Loft is located in Bloomington, Illinois at College Hills.  This was one of the big windows that stood out to me because of the amount of merchandise/mannequins that are being used throughout this window.   They used the hole space and without making it too uniform, created some stepping stools for a couple mannequins to spice things up and make for a proportioned window!  I like that they used new winter colors that are tasteful for the adult woman.   Another exciting principle they used is no backdrop, so customers walking along can not only see what they have displayed but get a feel of the store and its atmosphere.  Although there are so many mannequins they avoided overly doing it and adding millions of accessories and props so that customers can see into the store and want to come inside and see more they have to offer! 

"FIRST SNOW"

This J.Jill is located in Bloomington, Illinois at the Shoppes of College Hills.  I really enjoyed this window because it creates a realistic setting and story that we encounter every year... The first snow fall!  That is when we know we need to start buying warm cozy clothes and bring out the hot chocolate!  The signage was an A+.  What I especially loved was the bare trees in the background and warm oversized sweaters.  Being freezing outside, I wanted to run in the store to buy one and throw it on!  This window is great because not only are they selling there merchandise they are reminded there customer what time of year is right around the corner and creating that cozy setting we all wish to be in during the winter time!  Great job!

"HOLIDAY FEELING"

Chico's is located in Bloomington, Illinois at the Shoppes of College Hills.   Chico's really evoked the sense of holiday feeling with its glamorous colors and decorative ornaments.  The garments are sophisticated and classy with glitzy elements!  There is great balance and proportion with the windows.  There is one mannequin in each column so it is not too busy and your eyes travel smoothly from one mannequin to the next.  With the Holidays coming up, Chico's use of black and gold with glitter and class makes for the perfect woman during the holiday season.

"GEAR UP FOR SWEATER WEATHER"

This American Eagle is located at Eastland Mall in Bloomington, IL.  These are one of the better windows I have seen!  They embody their brand and capture the theme and message to a T.  They grab peoples attention with SALE signage and a theme relatable to EVERYONE this time of year.  They use repetition with there flannel shirts and rhythm and balance with seven shirts in a row.  The background of one of the big windows is a mountain theme which is not only beautiful but draws ones attention.  They stayed consistent with their brand and theme and they understand their target market completely.  Not only will a teenager be attracted to the up to date clothing here but the parent's will also appreciate the SALE signage and keeping their children warm through the winter time!  Altogether great job!