A Year Of The Fashionable Windows Of Max Mara: Chicago 2016

January 16, 2017 ~ Kristin ~ Leave a comment

Fashionable Windows & The City Scene: Max Mara/Chicago

A year of the fashionable windows of Max Mara from behind my lens. Chicago. The Magnificent Mile. Michigan Avenue and the stylish and changing windows of fashion. Max Mara style. For one who over the last 3+ years has photographed every month the fashionable windows of Chicago, Max Mara stands out to be one of the highlights from behind my lens. Striking mannequins posed in changing Max Mara style. Sheer delight for one who loves fashion. Above fashion itself, Max Mara, located on the corner of E. Delaware and Michigan Avenue, offers windows that are key in reflecting the city that I love. Look closer and you will see the distinctive architecture of the John Hancock Building and the iconic silhouette of the Fourth Presbyterian Church. A look back at a compilation of images I have shared on this blog in my City Inspirations of Chicago over the year…

Fashion In A City: Max Mara 2016 — Max Mara: February 2016

Max Mara: June 2016 — Max Mara: April 2016

Max Mara: May 2016 — Max Mara: April 2016

Max Mara: July 2016 — Max Mara: June 2016

Max Mara: August 2016 — Max Mara: July 2016

As the famous saying goes…“Fashion changes. Style endures”. Onward, from behind the lens in capturing yet another year of Max Mara. Style will endure from behind the glass panes of visual merchandising to the world that passes by. Behind the lens of a camera, they are merely images that freeze a moment in time. Fashionable time. Changing fashion. Enduring style. The art of fashion and the love of photographing fashion, onward. With Max Mara style….

Onward,

Kristin

For The Love Of Fashion & A City Reflected: Max Mara 2016/Chicago

City Inspirations: Fashionable Windows Of Chicago In December

December 10, 2016December 10, 2016 ~ Kristin ~ 1 Comment

From the Windows Of Chicago: Fashion In December

Chicago in December. Magical. Although my early December trek through the Windy City was not in the full swing and frenzy of the mass of Holiday shoppers as it would be in late December, the streets were certainly filled with those pondering or embarking upon their Christmas and Holiday lists. The holiday season in the great city of Chicago. Excitement always fills the air when one ventures onto the streets of any city. Yet the holidays seem to bring a different festive spirit that is fueled by the festooned buildings and lighted trees bedecked in holiday greens with twinkling lights…city wonderment, indeed…

Bedecked With Holiday Greens & Lights: The Chicago Tribune Building, Michigan Avenue

The embellishment of crimson red and boughs of pine against the backdrop of Chicago was a stunning view to behold. For certain, I adore this city in all seasons.

Oh, how I love and adore this city and the color red…

Of the fashion that filled the windows through the city and on the Magnificent Mile? Delightful. Some more festive than others, but each a representational of holiday flare and style. Fashion and its season’s presented in a visual compilation from behind my lens…

I begin with Holiday fantasy behind the windows of Neiman Marcus…Cheers to the mannequin and the artistry of visual merchandising! “A little bit of fantasy…”, indeed…

Fantasy & Fashion: Neiman Marcus Elegance

Holiday Elegance Behind The Windows Of Neiman Marcus

Enticing Windows Of Holiday Appeal: Neiman Marcus

Louis Vuitton...Holiday Style — Louis Vuitton…Holiday Style

Prada: Holiday Delights Of Fashionable Appeal

Macy's State Street: Homage To Chicago — Macy’s State Street: Homage To Chicago

From The Windows Of Burberry... — From The Windows Of Burberry…

Salvatore Ferragamo: Red & Gold Delights

“Land Of 1,000 Delights”….Magic Behind Saks Fifth Avenue

Golden Delights: Saks Fifth Avenue's Holiday Style — Golden Delights: Saks Fifth Avenue’s Holiday Style

Golden Palms Behind Tommy Bahama — Golden Palms, Comfort & Holiday Style

A word about the windows of Max Mara. Typically my favorite windows. Yet unexpected was the abstract Holiday window in unexpected hues. Regardless, Holiday-esque it certainly alludes to. And of the white and black topped hats? A love behind my lens, for certain…

Perhaps beyond the Holiday visual, a visual conjured up of an escape to warmer temperatures behind the windows of Chanel on Michigan Avenue…

Tod's Circus: Defining Visual Of Style — Tod’s Circus: Defining Visual Of Style

Fashion Captured From Behind My Lens...In Black & White — Fashion Captured From Behind My Lens…In Black & White

From behind the lens my eye will never tire to seek and capture a mere visual of the artistry of fashion and its windows that seek to beckon those that pass by. Onward to another year of capturing fashion and a city ahead. For one who has photographed the fashionable windows of Chicago every single month for over 3 years…onward!

Inspiration and fashion, Onward, indeed…

Onward,

Kristin

“Photography can only represent the present. Once photographed, the subject becomes part of the past”- Berenice Abbott

Reflected: Fashion & The Photographer's Selfie — Myself Captured in Reflection: Fashion & The Photographer’s Selfie.

City Inspirations: Fashionable Windows Of Chicago In November

November 19, 2016November 19, 2016 ~ Kristin ~ 2 Comments

Chicago. Fashionable inspirations behind the windows of fashion. To photograph a city and its windows shortly after a World Series win by the great Chicago Cubs was memorable. After a city celebration and massively attended parade for our World Series champs, the city took on a camaraderie that was moving. The excitement in the air penetrated all those that walked the streets while strutting with Cubs blue, white and red attire. Beyond that, the storefronts proclaimed victory and acknowledgement for the team that Chicago has stood by relentlessly. Faithful for the red, blue and white. An iconic moment in time, indeed….Onward, Chicago Cubs!

A City In Celebration: Chicago & The Chicago Cubs/”Fly The W”

Fashion’s windows showcased the winning team with a fashionable nod to the Cubs. “Make some noise”, Chicago did. And the “W” flag? “Fly The W” was everywhere. This moment in time will be marked in my memories as a unique moment to be in Chicago…

Neiman Marcus: “Make Some Noise”/ A Nod To The Chicago Cubs World Series

Celebration Bus Post World Series Celebration Parade: Tourists On Michigan Avenue

Of the windows of fashion in November, hints of the holiday’s arrival filled the storefronts. Layers of warmth and fur lined appeal paired with Fall and Winter’s accessories on stylish display. November brings the Autumnal season to a brisk end as the leaves drop and the bare trees will soon be filled with twinkling holiday lights. The holiday’s are upon us. A compilation of fashion’s presentations from behind the large glass panes awaits. From behind the lens of my camera, onward…

Fall's Neutral Fashionable Appeal On Oak Street — Fall’s Neutral Fashionable Appeal On Oak Street

Accessories & Embellishments: Michael Kors

Black & White Fashionable Delight Behind Barney's — Black & White Fashionable Delight Behind Barney’s

Window Appeal: Max Mara In Layers Of Fashionable Style

Details Of Fashionable Winter Style: Max Mara

Fashionable Winter Forecast Behind Max Mara

Sequins & Tulle: Party Ready Behind Marc Jacobs

Visual Delights Of Fashionable Appeal: Gucci

Fashionable Windows: Sax Fifth Avenue & Oscar De La Renta

Sax Fifth Avenue: Mannequin Styling/Oscar De La Renta

Fashionable Display Behind Fashion's Windows — Fashionable Display Behind Fashion’s Windows

Saturated In Holiday Red: Macy's/State Street — Saturated In Holiday Red: Macy’s/State Street

Fashionable Impressions On The City Street: Michigan Avenue

Consider with appreciation the fashionable world, in a moment in time, that surrounds. For certain, inspiration in the visual styling and fashionable statements will endure to gain my appreciation from behind the lens. Season’s change and the windows of fashion embark to entice us with changing style. Timeless or trends, appreciation from the shutter of my camera, always….

Holiday’s Onward,

Kristin

Caught In A Fashionable Reflection: — Caught in a fashionable reflection: “Selfie”

City Inspirations: Fashionable Windows Of Chicago In October

October 30, 2016October 30, 2016 ~ Kristin ~ Leave a comment

Chicago's Fashionable Windows In October — Chicago’s Fashionable Windows In October

Chicago. Perhaps it can be said that a city in Autumn holds magical appeal. Yet like New York City, Chicago maintains appeal no matter the season. Seasonless. The great winds aside, I am continually lured to this city. Always with a fashionable intent and always with an architectural intent. Visual appreciation. Marry them together and I find continual delight. On a day that was unseasonably moderate, leaves had begun to turn colors and breezes blew that carried me onward with my camera in hand. Continually seeking inspiration and continually finding it within the city streets and behind the thick glass panes of fashion’s windows. Yes, fashion. And a nod to the iconic architecture and riverway that meanders through this great city off Lake Michigan. Never do I tire of the scene set before me. Energized by it enduringly.

Typically my trek by train to the great Windy City finds me amidst the crowds of passerby’s on the concrete pavement of the city streets. Each with a unique destination. This trip, however, brought me to viewpoints from high above Michigan Avenue and beyond. Thus, a visual nod to the stunning view below. Chicago delights, indeed…

Viewpoint From Above Chicago River: The Bridges Of Chicago & Lake Michigan

Of course, fashion is found on the city streets. Visuals of fashion’s advertisement statements add to the city scene. Always changing like the seasons…

Fashionable Statements On Michigan Avenue: Stuart Weitzman

And of the windows of fashion in October? A mixed myriad of Autumnal inspiration, for certain. Layers have made their way to the mannequins that line the city streets. Fashionable proclamations of cooler temperatures ahead. So, in appreciation of the artistry of the windows set before us, a collection of images from behind my lens awaits…fashionable appeal, indeed….

Coach: A New York Subway “Car” Behind The Window’s Of Chicago

Orange & Black Hues Of Fashionable Delight: Hugo Boss

Fashionable Details Behind Glass: Hugo Boss

Zara: Fashionable Impact Of Autumnal Appeal

Max Mara's Stylish Camel Hues With A Sporty Appeal — Max Mara’s Stylish Camel Hues With A Sporty Appeal

All That Shimmers With Camel Hued Layers: Max Mara

Second Looks: Favorite Windows Of Fashionable Max Mara

Last Look: Max Mara Style On Michigan Avenue

Makers House Statues: Chicago Burberry/Michigan Avenue

Bottega Veneta: Fashion's Architectural Window Into Chicago — Bottega Veneta: Fashion’s Architectural Window Into Chicago

Carolina Herrera: Floral Swirls In Skirted Delight Behind The Windows Of Sax Fifth Avenue

Fashionable Fall Behind Fashion's Windows/Chicago — Fashionable Fall Behind Fashion’s Windows/Chicago

Tweed & Autumnal Appeal: Banana Republic

“Walk This Way”: Stylized Mannequins Of Visual Interest/ H&M

Timeless Tiffany's: Marketing Launch Behind Michigan Avenue's Tiffany & Co. — Timeless Tiffany’s: Marketing Launch Behind Michigan Avenue’s Tiffany & Co.

Consider the world of fashion from the changing windows off the city streets. Visual merchandising and visual appeal that is set before us. Certainly, I am beckoned to see what awaits each month and present a mere essence of the fashionable world from Chicago. Certainly I will continue on this quest. From behind the lens, always…

Onward,

Kristin

Lastly, the October sunset over Chicago…from behind my lens… City Love, Onward.

City Inspirations: Fashionable Windows Of Chicago In August

August 28, 2016August 30, 2016 ~ Kristin ~ Leave a comment

Chicago. On a day that was unusually cooler, given a recent streak of high temperatures, I boarded the train for the Windy City of Chicago. My monthly visual quest for fashionable inspiration. The Fall-like weather that settled in paired with the layer of clouds that hung overhead (which would soon disperse)and certainly brought forth further Fall Fashion excitement. August. The end of Summer and the slow progression towards layers with cooler days and nights that are ahead. And so it was. Another journey to the fashionable streets of Chicago. Camera in hand. From State Street to Michigan Avenue to Oak Street & the Gold Coast. Fashion’s changing force visually presented. Inspiration abounds for those that seek visual appreciation and for those that seek fashionable impulse. Fashion’s appreciation, indeed.

Yet beyond the display that awaits behind the glass panes of fashion is a visual appreciation of the city that surrounds. Chicago and its architecture continue to remain a draw from behind the lens of my camera…Appreciation of a city, indeed….

And of the fashionable statements that visual merchandising designers present behind the windows of fashion? Onward into finding inspiration, as always…

Gray & Black Hues Of Timeless Appeal: Tom Ford

Tom Ford's Striking Autumnal Appeal — Tom Ford’s Striking Autumnal Appeal

Visuals Of Fashionable Appeal: Accessories Of High Style Behind Tom Ford

Tom Ford's Layered Classic Delights — Tom Ford’s Layered Classic Delights

Flowing Elegance Of Rose & Hued Beauty: Max Mara

Elegance & Timelessness In The Details: Max Mara

Elegance: Flowing, Sequined & Ribboned Delight: Max Mara

Blue Hues Of Fashionable Appeal Behind Max Mara

Hues Of Autumn In Max Mara's Fashionable Visual — Hues Of Autumn In Max Mara’s Fashionable Visual

Burberry: Fall's Approach On Display — Burberry: Fall’s Approach On Display

Autumn and Style: Burberry's Windows Of Fashion — Autumn and Style: Burberry’s Windows Of Fashion

Autumn's Layers & Color Behind Herme — Autumn’s Layers & Color Behind Herme

Chicago In August p 30.png

Jill Sander: Classic Appeal and Neutral Hues

Chicago In August p 31

Fashion On The City Streets: Chanel's Chance — Fashion On The City Streets: Chanel’s Chance

Reflections. Part of the appeal….

Consider the world of fashion. The changing world of fashion from behind the windows that line the city streets. Visuals to inspire. Visuals to appreciate. There is an art form that lies behind the reflective panes of glass. Details to appreciate. As always, a constant focus from behind my lens. Summer’s end approaches. Fall lies before us. Fashion, onward, indeed…

Onward,

Kristin

"Selfie": Reflections Off Fashion's Windows In Chicago — “Selfie”: Reflections Off Fashion’s Windows In Chicago

City Inspirations: Fashionable Windows Of Chicago In July

July 24, 2016 ~ Kristin ~ Leave a comment

Chicago in July. Fashion’s appeal reigned amidst the wave of heat that blasted upon those of us that ventured out onto the city streets. With a heat index of 105 degrees, I ventured from the train onto the streets of Chicago with enthusiasm (paired with several venti iced coffee’s in which the ice melted in minutes). City love awaited and fashionable inspiration beckoned me from behind my lens. Capturing the Summertime fashionable appeal paired with pre-Fall proclamations from the windows of fashion merchandising was my goal. For those that follow these monthly fashionable posts of Chicago, perhaps you have come to expect its arrival onto the pages of this blog. A constant for me. As fashion is always changing and the seasons along with it, one constant is my appreciation for the artistry presented behind the heavy glass panes of fashion . Changing appeal with seasonal inspirations. On the cusp of Autumnal impact in fashion, it is my hope to provide a visual appreciation of the fashion that awaited…from behind my lens….

Of course, a view of this stellar city (albeit, from my iPhone)….

Onward in appreciation of fashion…from behind my lens…

I must add that the windows of Chanel won me over immediately. Incredible visual artistry that offered unexpected impact. Full size images that delighted. Chanel always delights and of the many images of Chanel windows that I have captured over the years, this visual above ranks at the top. Cheers to the visual artists behind Chanel!

Chanel: Early Fall Interpretations Of Stylish Display

Spotted & Feline Inspired: Stella McCartney/Sax Fifth Avenue

Mannequins Of Stylish Display: Neiman Marcus

Solar System Appeal: Fashionable Louis Vuitton

Carolina Herrera's Emerald Green Delight & Fashion's End Of Summer Proclamations — Carolina Herrera’s Emerald Green Delight & Fashion’s End Of Summer Proclamations

Fashion's Windows Of Style In Chicago — Fashion’s Windows Of Style In Chicago

Madewell/Chicago: Summer's Fashionable Appeal — Madewell/Chicago: Summer’s Fashionable Appeal

Max Mara: Fall Inspirations From The Windows Of Macy's/State Street — Max Mara: Fall Inspirations From The Windows Of Macy’s/State Street

Fashionable Appeal Behind Windows Of Style

Neutral Style & Spotted Appeal: Max Mara

Summer Fashion Classic: Anne Taylor Loft/Michigan Avenue

Coach: The Iconic Coach Tag in Enormous Visual Form

Consider in appreciation the windows of fashion that surround you. The artistry of fashion’s marketing and the seasonal changes are sure to bring forth a nod of appreciation. I will always be behind the lens with the hopes of capturing an essence of fashion from the city streets of Chicago. Onward in that, indeed…

Onward,

Kristin

Stella McCartney: Fashionable Mannequin Impact

PS: Appreciating fashion’s windows also brings appreciation to the city reflected in the image. And of course, often, the photographer themselves. Selfie, onward.

Selfie: Reflections Off The Windows Fashion/Louis Vuitton

Winter White: Wedding Blooms Of White Delight

January 17, 2016January 17, 2016 ~ Kristin ~ Leave a comment

Winter White: Wedded In Floral Bliss Of White

The Winter wedding. At a time where snow flakes dance and the world is layered in frozen snow, visions of a Winter white wedding bedecked in blooms of hues of white evoke a pureness of the season itself.

It is interesting to note that the term “White Wedding” refers to a traditional formal or semi-formal wedding originating in Britain. The term itself “originates from the white colour of the wedding dress, which first became popular with Victorian era elites after Queen Victoria wore a white lace dress at her wedding”. Of course the term would evolve to cover the Western wedding traditions (Fashion’s Iconic Dress Of White: The Wedding Dress). The color of white represents purity in its neutrality. Perhaps a sign of a fresh beginning. How befitting, as a New Year and Winter and its effects settle in, to layer a wedding in white blooms. Whether massed in a wedding bouquet with natural elements of Winter, a boutonnière gracing a groom’s lapel or bedecking tables of celebration, blooms of white in the Winter are stunning and striking in their own simplicity and sophistication. Of course, flowers of white and various hues therein are elegant during any season. Yet Winter is white. Visions of white and a Winter wedding are dreamy combinations, for certain. Beautiful and lovely, a visual appreciation of pure white delight…..

Whites & Pastel Flowers Of Sweet Appeal: Winter Weddings

Crisp Elegance Of Winter White: Wedding Flowers In Hues Of White

Sophistication of White: Winter Flowers Of Pure White Hues

Wedding Bouquets bedecked With Winter White Appeal

Black And White: Elegance And Sophistication of Winter White Blooms

WInter's Celebration In Floral Delight Of White — WInter’s Celebration In Floral Delight Of White

Sweet Elegance Of Wedded Appeal In White

Consider the elegance and simplicity of blooms of white. Pure beauty of neutral appeal. Forever a classic visual when paired with a bride swathed in white. Timeless with enduring appeal. Winter white delights, indeed…

Onward,

Kristin

“Simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication”
-Leonardo di Vinci

A Year Of City Inspirations: The Fashionable Windows Of Chicago, 2015

December 27, 2015December 27, 2015 ~ Kristin ~ Leave a comment

September, October, November & December 2015

Another year from behind the lens…

Another year of fashionable appeal of the timeless, ever changing world of fashion and its whimsy appeal brought forth by the intriguing and inspiring world of window display. Fashion window display. Although a retrospect of the year in photographs and compilations is not new to me (for I have ventured into the city of Chicago, with the sole purpose of photographing fashion’s changing settings, for two years now) the year 2015 in fashion deserves a visual review. Prior to the fashionable windows of 2014 it was a yearly visual appreciation of city inspirations. My love for the city has not paled. Yet my appreciation for the windows of fashion has deepened. Always have I been lured to the windows that mesmerize. Windows that flaunt a visual. Whether in elegant simplicity or in flamboyant and colorful display, fashion beckons me. From behind the lens, I have aimed my lens to capture the essence of the changing fashionable scene. Within the compilations I have sought to express the magic and changing world therein. Behind the lens. Behind the windows of fashion.

For those that wish to take a closer look at the photographic compilations beyond what is presented here, of each month of city scenes behind the windows of fashion, merely search “City Inspirations”. The compilations of a month-by-month visual will hopefully provide you with fashionable inspiration and appreciation throughout the year wherever you reside.

Of course, a closer view at a mere representation of each month …

May you be inspired to look closer to the fashionable surrounds that exist around you. For me it is a continual visual of appreciation of the artistry and the magic of fashion merchandising and the evolution of fashion’s change. Inspiring, indeed. I will continue my photographic quest to share the fashionable inspiration from the windows of fashion. Chicago and beyond.

And as for the New Year ahead that awaits us? Perhaps the words I stated in 2014 deserve repeating:

“Edit and frame your view. Life is constantly moving forward. Move with it with appreciation. Focus on what surrounds you. May your eyes be wide and your interest piqued….always.” -Kristin

Onward. In appreciation. Onward. In inspiration.

As always….Onward,

Kristin

Natural & Fruited Holiday Appeal: The “della Robbia” Wreaths & Swags Of Colonial Williamsburg

December 22, 2015December 22, 2015 ~ Kristin ~ 1 Comment

Festoons Of Natural Delights: Colonial Williamsburg Holiday Wreaths

The holidays always bring forth bursts of color. But perhaps the natural colors of nature laden upon the wreaths of green found upon the historic streets of Colonial Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia, offer hues of vibrant bounty. What is referred to as “A living-history museum and private foundation presenting part of a historic district in the city of Williamsburg, Virginia”, the historic streets offer a walk through yesteryear and a visual delight to the eyes to behold when swagged and bedecked in Holiday style. Williamsburg style. The festive and natural Holiday wreaths of Colonial Williamsburg seem to inspire a simplicity of elegance. Wreaths and swags reminiscent of yesteryear. The wreaths that grace the historic structures of Colonial Williamsburg are bedecked with all things natural such as festoons of fruit, flowers, boughs of holly, fans of apples, oranges and pomegranates and other natural embellishments of visual delight.

Elements of nature found in the borders and decorative motifs of these wreaths of evergreens hold distinctive and enduring appeal. Historically, the swags of fruited appeal that have decorated America’s front doors and exterior spaces is linked to the beginning of the 20th century. Paired with the significance of Christmas and the Colonial Revival, it is believed that these fruited decorations harkened back to the decorative styles of the eighteenth century. Yet the custom of affixing fruits, vegetables, dried flowers, herbs, and other natural details to evergreen wreaths, swags, and roping has often been referred to as “Colonial Williamsburg Door Decorations”. A practice that was adopted and adapted by Colonial Williamsburg had popularized the fruited and bedecked natural appeal of holiday greens. Designs fashioned from boxwood and magnolia greenery paired with imports by the colonists of pineapples, lemons and oranges from the West Indies, would have longstanding impact on the celebration of Christmas within the Southern state of Virginia and beyond. The mere cause of admiration of these fruit laden wreaths and swags have drawn throngs to view their annual natural display. On a recent holiday in Virginia, I too, was drawn. From behind the lens I was struck with admiration and appreciation at the simplicity of bounties of nature in grand display of elegance and artistic display from nature’s gifts itself.

“Of late years, besides the staple wreaths of plain greens to which we have long been accustomed, the holiday’s emblems have blossomed forth,–or perhaps we should say fruited forth,–with richness of color produced by the use of either natural or artificial fruit as an embellishment. This idea was undoubtedly suggested by the gorgeous Italian carvings and terra cottas of the Renaissance…”
-1926, House Beautiful

The quote from the 1926 magazine issue of House Beautiful is said refer to the fifteenth-century Italian sculptor from Forence, Italy, Luca della Robbia (Luca della Robbia (1399/1400–1482) who became “synonymous with fruit and foliage swags on glazed terracotta roundels”.

Lucca della Robbia (1399/1400-1482) Italian Sculptor

Of note, during the 1700‘s Sculptor Grinling Gibbons also produced festoons of fruit and flowers on architectural detailed wood carvings and decorative motifs for English cathedrals and English royalty. Yet it is “della Robbia” that is given the credit for the emulation of fresh fruit laden wreaths that inspired and were popularized in the mid 1930’s within the rich history of Colonial Williamsburg.

Grinling Gibbons (1648-1721) Dutch-British Sculptor & Wood Carver

In the early years of the Colonial Williamsburg restoration, visuals of these fruited swags and wreaths would spread across the country through images in decorating magazines. Thousands of visitors, fascinated by the imaginative and natural decorations, continue to pay homage every year to the idyllic setting festooned in greens and natural delights of holiday beauty. Interesting, it was 1936 when Colonial Williamsburg first decorated for Christmas. At that time it is said to have been merely the simple greenery of plain wreaths with running cedar (a low growing evergreen) that would adorn the the Governor’s Palace and the Raleigh Tavern. Yet the embellishment of fruited appeal would embark upon the green decorations with longstanding impact. Credit is given to a “Mrs. Louise Fisher”, responsible for the decoration of Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg, who is said to have brought pictoral examples from the Library of Congress of English and American decoration styles to guide her in her feat. By 1939 the “della Robbia” wreaths of Mrs. Louise Fischer had deemed the phrase the “Williamsburg Christmas look” and the embellished wreaths of natural appeal was forever launched. What would soon become a serious contest within Colonial Williamsburg, complete with blue ribbons affixed to the houses of five to ten winners, would become the “Christmas Decorations Tour” in 1969. The contest continues. Decades of fruited and natural appeal, indeed.

With appreciation from behind my lens….a visual of natural delight in festive appeal….

Colonial Williamsburg Holiday Traditions: Fruited & Natural Appeal

Colonial Williamsburg: Fruited Holiday Appeal

Evergreens & Nature's Delights: The Wreaths Of Colonial Williamsburg — Evergreens & Nature’s Delights: The Wreaths Of Colonial Williamsburg

Nature's Embellishments In Festoons Of Holiday Style — Nature’s Embellishments In Festoons Of Holiday Style

Colonial Williamsburg: Natural Delights In Holiday Embellishments

Holiday Emblems Of Colonial Williamsburg: Bedecked Greens

Fruitful Holiday Appeal: The Wreaths Of Colonial Williamsburg

Evergreen Wreaths & Swags Of Timeless and Natural Appeal

Embellished Greens With Fruit Laden Appeal: Colonial Williamsburg

Swags Of Evergreen & Natural Fruited Delights: Adornment Of Colonial Williamsburg

Elegant & Artistic Display: The Wreaths Of Colonial Williamsburg

Holiday Decoration Of Colonial Williamsburg

Embellished With Nature In Colorful, Artistic Array: Colonial Williamsburg Wreaths

Williamsburg Wreaths: Embellishments Of Timeless Appeal

Consider with appreciation the festive wreaths and swags of enduring appeal. Graced with fruit and other natural elements, such as holly berries, seed pods, pepper berries, eucalyptus, pine cones, magnolia leaves and other wonders of nature, the decorations offer a visual appreciation of the blessings of nature. Upon the historic structures of Southern architecture and charm, the visuals have impacted since.

And of myself strolling the streets of Colonial Williamsburg yearning to capture the essence of the visuals of exuberant and festive holiday style embellishing this historic setting? Enamored. With a love for history and architecture paired with an appreciation of the natural and elegant delights that bedecked the surfaces of this quaint historic town, my camera continued to frame and capture. Yet the visuals I set before you, from behind my lens, reflect only a sampling and a mere moment in time within the seasonal surrounds of Colonial Williamsburg. Captivating in the moment, indeed…

Onward,

Kristin

Myself, 2014/Williamsburg, Virginia — Myself, 2014/Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

City Inspirations: Fashionable Windows Of Chicago In November

November 29, 2015December 12, 2015 ~ Kristin ~ Leave a comment

Chicago in November. On a bright but cold November morning, one in which the temperature I ventured out into hovered around 10 degrees, I headed by train into the city of Chicago. The day after 13.5 inches of snow had settled onto the town of Woodstock from which I departed, the journey into Chicago was also layered in the hue of white. The snow that had laden heavy upon the tree branches glistened like shining dust of sparkling diamonds. Shimmering and twinkling. The blue sky became a backdrop to the snowy Winter wonderland scene…

November Snowfall: Train Window View — Blurred: Moving Train & November Snowfall

The sound of the train moving on the tracks harkened to a daylight version of Polar Express. Magic surrounded. Crystalized snow blowing past with the force and speed of the train was stunning to watch. Alas, when one lives within the great Midwest, expecting the unexpected serves one well. Changing seasons. Each moment one in which to be appreciated. Although the city was clear of snow on its streets, it was a chilly world that surrounded as I forged onward in seeking inspiration from behind the lens. Inspiration is seasonless. It is not bound by changing weather patterns. It is constant. If only we look closer…

So, prepared with layers of warmth, onward I walked. And looking closer behind the fashionable windows of Chicago?
A Holiday mix of visuals that delighted. Indeed, the Holiday’s are upon us. The windows told a tale of Holiday reverie and the attire that one adorns in the celebration of memorable moments ahead. Timeless classics of tried-and-true fashionable appeal paired with whimsy. Fashion’s inspiration, indeed…

November's Fashionable Windows — November’s Fashionable Windows: Max Mara & Gucci

Holiday Glamour Behind The Windows Of Ralph Lauren

Burberry's: Holiday Delights Of Charming & Fashionable Appeal — Burberry’s: Holiday Delights Of Charming & Fashionable Appeal

Fashion's Whimsy Of Holiday: Burberry's — Fashion’s Whimsy Of Holiday: Burberry’s

Fashion's Classics In Black And White — Fashion’s Classics In Black And White

Fashion's Classics: Sequins & Neutrals — Fashion’s Classics: Sequins & Neutrals

Winter's Sherpa Warmth & Suede: Fashionable Distinction Behind The Windows Of Fashion — Winter’s Sherpa Warmth & Suede: Fashionable Distinction Behind The Windows Of Fashion

Neiman Marcus: Holiday Glitz And Glamour

Plumage Of Vivid & Fashionable Appeal: Neiman Marcus

Holiday Delights Of Visual Appeal: Neiman Marcus

Fashionable Inspiration On The City Streets: Chicago

Consider the fashionable windows that surround. Visual delights that promote a season. That promote an ideal. That provide whimsy and fantasy or the elegance of grand display. Fashion’s merchandizing captured from behind the lens. Details in which to pause and appreciate. The world of fashion itself is constant. Like life itself, change is inevitable. The mere images I capture are moments in time of fashion. Fashion changes. In agreement with the words of Coco Chanel…

“Fashion fades, only style remains the same”
-Coco Chanel

Style. Remember that it is our personal style that we carry throughout the year. Throughout time. That style, unique to you, can find inspiration in what surrounds. In appreciation. Fashion’s inspirations from the behind the fashionable windows of Chicago, indeed…

Onward,

Kristin

My "Selfie": Mirrored Reflections From The Window of Ralph Lauren — My “Selfie”: Mirrored Reflections From The Window of Ralph Lauren

House Appeal

Inspirations and ponderings to living a beautiful life….

Travel

A Year Of The Fashionable Windows Of Max Mara: Chicago 2016

City Inspirations: Fashionable Windows Of Chicago In December

City Inspirations: Fashionable Windows Of Chicago In November

City Inspirations: Fashionable Windows Of Chicago In October

City Inspirations: Fashionable Windows Of Chicago In August

City Inspirations: Fashionable Windows Of Chicago In July

Winter White: Wedding Blooms Of White Delight

A Year Of City Inspirations: The Fashionable Windows Of Chicago, 2015

Natural & Fruited Holiday Appeal: The “della Robbia” Wreaths & Swags Of Colonial Williamsburg

City Inspirations: Fashionable Windows Of Chicago In November