MACstyle

Jazzing Up a Jewelry Display

noreply@blogger.com (Angeleigh Plitnikas) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 03:24:00 +0000

Some of the most difficult items to display are the smallest items. Jewelry can be tricky to display because it is easy for it to get lost among the other merchandise and it is a challenge to keep at eye level. Here are three quick and easy tricks to making your jewelry display sparkle.

1. Masking

When putting small merchandise in a large window, it can easily be swamped by negative space. In this case, the best way to eliminate the empty areas is to place some sort of mask against the window. This can be done by placing paint, paper, vinyl, or some other opaque substance covering the window, except for the area in which the jewelry sits. This brings the consumer's eye directly to what you are trying to show them.

2. Shutters

On many buildings today, shutters are used exclusively for decoration. However, in the case of jewelry display, the real deal is a great way to put these accessories front and center. Finding real shutters at a good price can be challenging, but they can be found used at consignment shops and online. Once you have found your shutters, you can leave them with the finish they have or paint/stain them to whatever color you want. Then, simply hang some earrings from the slats and stick some rings between them. This display is beautiful and is a fun way to recycle.

3. Screens

Door and window screens can be another fun way to recycle in your visual displays. Cut a piece of screen to the size of a large picture frame and nail or staple it in. The frame can then be hung on the wall or placed on a surface in a display. Then earrings can be stuck through the holes in the screen. In addition, if you put a piece of cork board behind the screen in the frame, it can be used to display other types of jewelry. Decorative push pins can be pushed through the screen into the cork to hand necklaces, bracelets, and rings from.

Picture credit: http://nyclovesnyc.blogspot.com/2008/12/cartier-christmas-holiday-window.html

A Room with a View

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Ent) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 18:09:00 +0000

This was another one of my favorite windows from my trip to NYC. I think it is classy and elegant. I love how they used to curtain to give the room an asymmetrical balance. They have the curtain and all of the picture frames on one side, and then most of the girls on the other to complement it. It feels like the girls are just hanging out in a room looking out onto the shoppers on the busy NY street. I even like the color scheme here, in other displays i have criticized the use of too much white, but here I think it works because the focus is on the clothes. I also think the white works because it is not a flat white wall, there are different textures and the floor is not also white.

Anthropologie Display

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Ent) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 17:07:00 +0000

I really enjoyed this window. I think it does a great job at showing off the products as well as the store’s image. I was an intern at the Anthropologie in Glen Mills last semester so I enjoyed taking the time to look at a different locations work. The fact that the pieces are all handmade and unique to the individual store really adds to the effectiveness of the display. I also really like how they separated the window from the store by using cloth banners and natural wood beams. I did think that the third window was a little bare, however. Compared to the other two it has less hanging pieces and only one dress form. I don’t know if the window is still in the installation process, but I thought it looked incomplete and slightly vacant.

South Moon Under

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Ent) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 17:01:00 +0000

After looking at tons of NYC windows displays, this one doesn’t quite seem to compare…but it is still effective and interesting! They captured many of the Spring styles such as back and white color schemes, peplum tops, and bright pops of colors. I like that they created the flowers (from what seems to be tissue paper) and I like the effective use of space. My only suggestion would be to do something with the plain white background. I think that by doing this, everything in the display will tie together better and will really pop. Maybe a colored banner or a banner with a graphic on it would do the trick. I think this window has the potential to be great with just a little push!

A NYC VM in Action

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Ent) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 16:52:00 +0000

While wandering the streets in awe of all the beautiful displays and clothing, we saw a Visual Merchandiser in action at Deisel. The man was applying a vinyl to the window, something we learned how to do in our visual merchandising class this semester. It was so cool to see someone actually working on a display! I wanted to ask him some questions about his work, but he was on his cell phone the whole time, plus I don't have the nerve!! Maybe next time!

The Making of Menswear

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Ent) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 16:44:00 +0000

Bergdorf Goodman's menswear display was whimsical and fun, I absolutely loved it! It shows forms making clothes for other forms. It is creative and cute while keeping a sophisticated feel at the same time. One of my favorite aspects of this display is the over sized sewing notions in each window. I also like the large pattern pieces hanging in the back! I think this is such a great idea and it came out beautifully.

Saks 5th Ave.

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Ent) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 16:34:00 +0000

Saks 5th Ave had very interesting, and different window displays. The windows in the front of the store showed wedding dresses and scenes that went along with the, while the side windows featured contemporary daytime clothes in a scene resembling a life-sized game of pick-up sticks. They are very interesting and the bank of windows really coordinate well with each other. I love how although each window uses the large sticks in the same way, they are all different! My only concern with this store’s display is that these windows do not coordinate with the wedding ones what-so-ever. While both concepts are great, it may have been more effective to keep the same theme in all the windows rather than splitting them in half.

Fine and Fun Jewelry Display

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Ent) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 16:24:00 +0000

The Lord and Taylor in NYC had a great bank of windows displaying their fine jewelry. They had two large windows that they masked to make 6 small ones. Each one showed a small mannequin holding a necklace or another piece of jewelry. It looked great, and I know it caught my eye! The colors in the background really made it stand out and tied them together into two groups. This is both a creative and fun way to display fine jewelry.

Children's Play

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Ent) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 16:11:00 +0000

On a recent trip to the mall I saw a window that really stood out. It was at Gap kids, and I thought the whole idea and the execution were right on point. From a technical standpoint, the display fills up the space effectively and it is very professionally done. On a creative note, I love how it looks like a children's play come to life. It looks home made, but in a good way. If I was shopping for children's clothes this would be one store I would definitely stop into. I wonder is the visuals team at Gap created this display in store or if corporate sent them the supplies and they just put them up. Either way it is a job well done!

Small Town V. Big City

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Ent) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 16:03:00 +0000

Some of the stores I saw in NYC are also located locally, which got me thinking; how different are the displays in NYC from the ones in our area? I chose to look at H&M for this. H&M has stores all over the world and is extremely popular with young adults.

These two windows are from the H&M in the Exton Square Mall. The first is not very interesting. The mannequins are all standing on the same level on a white floor in front of a white wall. And the graphic in the background is much to small for this large window. The Second Exton Mall window is much better! The children are standing on different lifts and have large kites to add interest to the display. The background is covered better with two large banners that more effectively set the scene.

These two H&M windows are from the 5th avenue store in NYC. I was surprised to see that the first one is not very different from the one in Exton. It is a combination of the two previous ones are the adult mannequins stand on lifts in front of a large graphic. Once again, the window is way to large for this display and the mannequins seem to drown among the white walls and floors. The second window is much, much better. The display takes up the whole window and the mannequins are not lost. I love the different level of platforms that they stand in! I think this display should be the one they recreate in their stores, not the plain white one.

Graduation Dos and Donts

noreply@blogger.com (Takudzwa Mupfumbu) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 06:45:00 +0000

Ladies graduation is approaching. Have you thought of what you are wearing or have you found anything to wear on this special occasion? Well I haven't found anything yet. I went on Macys.com to check if they have any graduation dresses and this is what they recommended. I totally disagree with most of the dresses they recommended for graduation. So ladies make sure you choose your dress right in time.

Perfect

Total Don't

Oh No!!

Parsi Jackson Goes Goth!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Takudzwa Mupfumbu) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 06:24:00 +0000

Recently Paris Jackson the daughter of Michael Jackson cut her hair, dyed it black, and is more in to black clothing. What happened to the cute, pretty, Paris? This looks like a child who had been caged for years and is trying to get out there and find her true self. As a kid she never got a chance to be who she wanted to be. She did not get a chance to just go crazy as child is supposed. All she needs is a normal teenage life and experimenting new things in life. I am not feeling this whole Goth look. I miss the old Paris.

How to Get Respect as a Woman

noreply@blogger.com (Takudzwa Mupfumbu) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 06:02:00 +0000

The most respected woman in the world, Queen Elizabeth. Have you ever wonder why people respect her so much? Well first of all she dresses like a lady. She carries herself like a lady. Women if you want to be treated like a lady dress like one and act like one and believe me you will be treated like royalty.

The Most Respected Woman

Who's Rockin The Cut?

noreply@blogger.com (Takudzwa Mupfumbu) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 05:24:00 +0000

I think Miley Cyrus is rockin this look. I feel like this style slims her face since she has more of a round face. As for Pink and Emily Sande I don't this look is really working out for them it just makes their faces longer. I put Miley on #1, Emily #2, Pink #3.

Who's Rockin this look?

J.T. style Evolution

noreply@blogger.com (Gloria Lopez) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:36:00 +0000

Do you recall that famous group of young men that drove us all crazy.....?? I am speaking about NSYNC of course. Justin Timberlakes music is not the only thing that has evolved through time, his style has too. His first looks included oversized tweed jackets with matching paisley velvet trousers. This was definitely a boy band style. His next memorable outfit matched along with Britney Spears. Can you say "Puppy love". They both coordinated with lots of denim. It was all about Tie-dyed Denim, bedazzled denim, denim studs, and just DENIM!!! He then decided to go for a sophisticated look during his performance at the MTV music awards. He wore and oversized suit with leather cuffs. He accessorized with a Fedora and sneakers. This would prove to be his signature look. In 2004 he was seen in a suit again. Of course he could not do with out his sneakers. Under his suit he wore a salmon shirt. The boy is not scared of color thats for sure. In 2007 we began to see a whole different site of J.T. he looked very sexy and very grown. He wore a Prada silver suit at the Grammys. He looked very modern and sophisticated. J.T. knows how to make a fashion statement for sure. He still believes in comfort and is casual. I feel that we will be seeing more of this grown Justin in the future.

Swimsuit Ready?

noreply@blogger.com (Gloria Lopez) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:22:00 +0000

Are you swimsuit ready for this summer? When you go out and purchase a swimsuit what exactly do you look for? Are you more interested in fit and comfort? Or do you prefer to shop for style? According to Instyle Magazine, " The best bathing suits aren't always practical". There are so many memorable swimsuits through the time periods that are remembered for their style, rather than their practicality. Some of these bathing suits would never have lasted in the water. Instyle Magazine compiled a list of the most memorable swimsuits.

1. Brigitte Bardot, The Girl in The Bikini 1952
2. Deborah Kerr, From here to Eternity 1953- bathing suit was sexy and structured. It included a wide waist-clinching belt.
3. Elizabeth Taylor, Suddenly, Last, Summer 1959-
4. Ursula Andress, Dr. No 1962

A Pop of Color

noreply@blogger.com (danielle palmisano) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:12:00 +0000

I wanted to create an image that would put me in the mood for summer. I first found a model image of a girl who looks like she's having fun and on the move. I then found an abstract color photo which I could then overlay over the model. I know I wanted more pops of color so I found a paint splatter image as well that will work.

I then created a layer with the paint splatter and the abstract color images over the model. I repeated the over lay two times to add more color. To get the look I wanted I need to change the blend mood to color burn which will give it the vivid, neon colors.

The image came out exactly how I was planning and it is definitely is getting me excited for summer!

Olivia Palermo: Girl of the Month

noreply@blogger.com (Gloria Lopez) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:06:00 +0000

For any of you who were addicted to the show "The City" on MTV, one of the celebrities named Olivia spoke to Glamour Magazine about her fashion Do's and the Fashion DONTS. They asked her several questions on her favorite trends of the season. One of the first things that she said to Glamour, was that she loves Neons at this moment. So Glamour Magazine continued to ask her what her tips were on wearing Neon. Not everyone is a fond of these bright and blinding colors, so she said just "do a pop of color". So you don't have to dress in neon from head to toe. Dress in the traditional black and pop it with a neon scarf or a neon hand bag. Olivia from the City said, " You have to balance it. I wouldn't do multicolor neon by any means, but maybe if its a neon green skirt, you can do it with a white shirt or a lighter off color. Nothing to out there." If you are scared of too much color try balancing like Olivia suggested. Glamour magazine also asked her about the fashion trend she cannot stand. She said she really does not care for the wedge sneakers that are a trend this season. She said, "I get it that it gives you a little bit of height, but we have great heels to wear." This is just a few suggestions and opinions that Olivia from "The City" had to offer with Glamour.

Paper Models

noreply@blogger.com (danielle palmisano) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 14:22:00 +0000

I found this city street image ( I love working with city backgrounds) and then this image of a model. I liked the model image because it is not a boring pose and it is different. I wanted to create some edge to this image.

I then dropped in this cool abstract design over the background, which I then lowered the opacity and changed it to black and white.

Finally I changes the model to black and white and then used the Paper effect. This effect can really give a cool feeling to the whole image and the white makes the model pop of the screen. I finally wanted to give it more dimension and repeated the model multiple times to add some fun and flare to the final image.

How Many Pairs of Black Heels Do you Have

noreply@blogger.com (Takudzwa Mupfumbu) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 05:09:00 +0000

This is my collection of black heels that I own not including the boots and flats. My mother once asked me why I have so many pairs of black shoes and not just one. I was wondering if I'm the only one with a lot of black shoes. How many pairs do have in your closet?

My 6 pairs of Black heels

"Zambia" Not the Country

noreply@blogger.com (Takudzwa Mupfumbu) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 05:01:00 +0000

In Zimbabwe and most African countries a "Zambia" is a long, wide cloth used for various purposes by women. As you can see below with the pictures I attached, a Zambia may be wrapped around the waist to make it a skirt. It is usually wrapped around the waist when women are working outside. Zambia may also be used to carry a baby on the back while working, or used as a head wrap. In the rural areas "country" women carry water in buckets on top of their heads. This may hurt a bit. To lessen the pain they will put a Zambia on their heads as a cushion, and then carry the bucket.

Zambia used as head wrap, cushion for the head, and also to carry the baby.

Zambia used as a skirt and head wrap

Zambia used as a head wrap

Are you afraid of prints?

noreply@blogger.com (Gloria Lopez) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 04:59:00 +0000

While working at a retail store I always have customers who cannot steer away from the black,grey, white, navy, and khaki colors. They say to me time and time

again, "Im just to afraid of color and pattern", or they say "my body does not do well in prints". I always look at them and say, "You just haven't found the appropriate print for you body". They look at me with a confused face, but the truth of the matter is that if they want to be trendy they must experiment with prints. They are so many different types of prints that can actually help you with your physical flaws. You can try a printed jumpsuit. Jumpsuits are very "in" right now and buying one with prints is perfect. For people who do not mind all eyes on them can try a matching blazer and trousers in a matching print. You can balance out the bold prints with a neutral and plain top. For those who are PRINT-APHOBIC i have the perfect solution for you. You can do a simple sheath dress and embellish it with a printed scarf. The scarf will then become the focal point of the outfit and it will not overwhelm you.

CD Cover

noreply@blogger.com (danielle palmisano) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 04:50:00 +0000

I came across a photo of this girl sitting in a white space with just her guitar. It made me think of a cover of a CD but it was really one dimension.

I knew it needed something different so I added an effect called Wind which basically sweeps the image form one side to the other. You can also change the width or strength of the wind. After adding that effect I added a lighting effect called Crystal and you can create a color overlay over the image first then precisely place the lighting where you want it and the strength and size of the lighting. I think this could make a really color album cover!

The new "low" Heels

noreply@blogger.com (Gloria Lopez) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 04:38:00 +0000

Something new that designers have been promoting in their shows are the new low heels. Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton placed low heels on their models ,which actually looked right. The pointy toe and sling back pumps were seen at both these shows. Other designers joined in the action. Some of the other designers using this shoes include Miu Miu and Dries Van Noten. Miu Miu used chunky crystal heels, but someone who really redesigned the high heel was Nicholas Kirkwood. He used a triangular stepped heel pump. Nicholas wanted to create a entirely new shoe, not just a version of the pointed toe heel. He still made it comfortable enough for women to walk on the pavement but kept in mind that women use heels for height and a little lift.

City Chic

noreply@blogger.com (danielle palmisano) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 04:29:00 +0000

I came across a model posing in this beautiful reed outfit and white and red socks. I wanted to place her on the side of the street and crete this very airy fresh photo. I started with my model and the city.

I think placed the model over the city layer and turned down the ocpacity. After that I cropped the image and used the sponge tool to lighten the whole image. I then needed some lighting. I choose a lighted effect that had the similar red in it as the red the model was wearing.