Holiday Windows: Holt Renfrew

Swan Song?

I love a good window display. They inspire and make me aspire. Unfortunately they are pretty rare, even living in NYC. Aside from Bergdorf's displays or Anthropologie at Rockerfeller Center and the occasional Saks display, I'm not too often impressed. Here in my hometown, I think Holt Renfrew hands down takes the prize. I love walking by the flagship store on Bloor Street and watching someone's fashion fantasies come to life.

A red bag Christmas tree? Sounds good to me

Deer men.

Penguin headed women.

My fave window included snowmen directing a choir of their fave designers as snowmen. I've identified a few...but not sure I got them all. Who can you spot? I see a Vivienne Westwood, Elsa Schiaperelli, Coco Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld, John Galliano, Sonia Rykiel, Alber Elbaz and even an Anna Wintour.

Holiday Message from Erin & Lani

In case you haven't noticed Lani being a little MIA this week, she's been on an amazing vacation to Vietnam! She won't be back until the New Year, and actually as you're reading this, I'm boarding a plane at 1:55pm today to head back to my hometown,Toronto, for the Holidays!

I'm gonna try to keep blogging while I'm away from the city but won't be able to be at sales in person until the New Year. Hope I can charge my batteries and be able to bring you more coverage in 2010! The past couple weeks between Holiday parties, events and life it's been a little tough to keep up as much as I would like!

Thanks again for all your support throughout 2009! We really couldn't have made it this far without you! Will miss you NYC but be back soon!

xoxo

Lace & Sequins: Meet Vivienne Tam

Want your chance to win 2 tickets to go to a fashion show at Bryant Park? What about meeting designer Vivienne Tam or a free gift bag? At the very least get a free cocktail while shopping Vivienne Tam's entire collection up to 60% off! Any store purchase will have you automatically entered to win 2 tickets to Vivienne's Fall 2010 Fashion Show at Bryant Park! Gift bags distributed to the first 30 customers!

Almost wish I wasn't going out of town :)

RSVP to events@viviennetam.com or (212)840-6470 x824

Reader Question: Top Holiday Sweaters

Question:
I love the holidays, and everything associated with them; Christmas cookies, hot cocoa, the old fashioned claymation rudolf movie, and particularly holiday sweaters! Now, I don't mean ones that have Christmas trees or Santa on them, but I'm thinking wooly sweaters that are holiday inspired (think something you'd wear at a ski lodge or log cabin)...Would love your help in finding the perfect holiday sweater that's not too pricey (and one that won't get me mocked by my friends and co-workers).

Response:
I love the holidays and I think that anything that can help you get in the Holiday spirit is great! Since it's been a warm winter the only time that I really have felt it's been the Holiday season so far has been at the the Windows 7/Saks window unveiling and yesterday night as I cooked while listening to that lovely Rudoph movie you mentioned!

There is something sort of fun to be said about the Ugly Holiday Sweater concept (think Bridget Jones) and the Ugly Sweater parties that they have inspired but if you want something a little less kitch and for real life, here are some of my fave options:

1. Topshop Knitted Stag Jumper $100. It's taking a Stag motif that could definitely be associated with reindeers and making it a simple silhouette that is more modern. Sort of reminiscent of the antlers on the Miike Snow album cover?

2. Anthropologie Juxtaposed Sweater Jacket $98. This sweater definitely reminds me of what I picture a cute elf wearing at in the North Pole but it's not costume-y and definitely wearable all winter long.

3. Ralph Lauren Blue Label Wool-Cashmere Intarsia Sweater $299. This one is a bit more of a splurge but this ones got it all! Reindeers, snowflakes, the works! I think thought that the classic color combination of Navy, White & Red plus the vintage feel keeps this classy. It is holiday but definitely more in the alpine/ski vibe.

4. 2890 by Arne & Carlos Boatneck Sweater $78. In a similar vein to the Ralph Lauren Blue Label sweater but for at a much more affordable price point is this limited edition sweater partnering independent designers with Urban Outfitters. Definitely got that Scandinavian feel going for it.

5. Forever 21 Fair Isle Cardigan $34.90. By far the most economical option, this one has a fun grandpa cardigan silhouette, still and alpine vibe but less identifiable holiday details.

6. American Eagle Fairisle Scoop Sweater $39.50. Cute, classic without breaking the bank! I like the grey, red combo the best.

Dear Readers,
Have you seen better/cuter? Please help if you have :)

Unveiled: Saks 5th Avenue Holiday Windows

It's official, the holiday season has somehow crept upon us! I feel like Halloween just passed but already candy canes are on shelves and the Rockerfeller tree has gone up!

So in keeping with the holiday spirit, I ran down to Saks 5th Avenue to check out the window unveiling ceremony sponsored in part by Windows 7. Special thanks to Jordana from Clutch 22 for the invite. I had never been to anything like this and it was a much bigger deal that I expected. They even temporarily closed down 5th Avenue so everyone could have a great view of the windows and had a fake snow machine making spirits bright!

I arrived to the amazing, inspiring voices of Staten Island's own PS22 Chorus if you haven't heard them check them out on youtube! Seriously warms your heart!

According to the press release:
This year the Saks Fifth Avenue holiday windows will be powered by Windows 7 to bring life the children’s book Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Flake with 3-D animations and interactive window displays. With dedicated PC lounge areas in-store, customers can check out chic Windows 7 PCs and share their holiday wishes with the world.

I literally ran across the street to get some shots of the windows before they were swarmed by the masses :) One random fun thing you can do, no matter where you live is have your tweets show up as part of the window displays by adding the #holidaywindows to your message.

Lani and I did have a chance to test out some Windows 7 PCs in the lounge on the 9th floor. I'm by no means super techie but it was fun to see what is offered nonetheless.

Some features I learned about Windows 7:
*is very customizable. You can make your computer feel like you by changing your computer's theme, color, sounds, desktop background, screen saver, font size, and user account picture. If you get bored easily, you can even make your background a slideshow that changes every once in a while!
*you're able to pin programs you use frequently to the task bar so they are always running and ready for you to use.
*you can easily snap 2 windows side by side when you need to see 2 things at once
*if you shake a window you need back and forth it will minimize all the rest
*viewing and organizing photos looks quite similar to the set up of Mac's iPhoto.
*you can easily save your fave TV shows without DVR

The Modern Witch Loves Lace, Silk & Spandex

Witches is a new line by Lauren Alexander, creator of LnA, and partner Gabby Applegate. LnA is a Sugar Rock Catwalk favorite for quality basics, so we were intrigued when we heard that Alexander was going to be launching a new collection.

Witches pulls in a lot of elements from goth and victorian dressing. In fact, the entire line is made of black lace, velvet, silk and spandex. And true to LnA style, the Holiday 09 collection includes standout leggings. My favorite pair is the half lace half solid pair (bottom right). Other standout pieces from the collection include the hooded cloak (pictured above).

This collection is fun in that it's dramatic and clearly inspired by the witches of fairy tales. Having Witches in my closet would be like dressing up everyday! The line will be available in stores late August, early September. Until then, you can preview the rest of the Holiday 09 collection on YouTube.