just got the CB2 catalog today.  of course, my mind is always thinking of how items could be used in a retail situation (can’t decorate the house- it’s just been done) as i fantasize about my next store.  until then – i shall share my ideas with you.  i’ve edited my selections to items under $20.  there are some really cool shelves and i LOVE the acrylic stuff - but they exceed my limit for the post.

1.  tree ring holder - cute, simple way to display a couple of rings and only $7.95.  more interesting than those little “fingers” you find in the jewelry display catalogs.

2.  whirly hanging candle holder:  um YES!  how cute would these be clustered in an area and holding small, precious things?  like bracelets or baby socks or a little card?  it would certainly draw attention.  or even a colorful scarf balled up – a different color in each ball.  super fun.  and only $3.95/each.

3.  ada hanging vase: i’m thinking hang a grouping of these on a wall and add some fun branches with lots of twigs.  then hang necklaces and bracelets and even earrings from them.  it would be very sweet.

4.  cuarto platters:  fill with dried lentilsl, peas, rice – whatever color works best with your decor – and then lay jewelry on top.  the look will be sleek and sophisticated.  and they’re very affordable at $1.95 – $14.95.

5.  dot wall hook:  nice punch of color for hanging the usual:  umbrellas, hats, scarves, handled bags, etc.  i like the modern sensibility with the whimsical color.  $19.95

i get so giddy when i walk into a Container Store.  it makes we want to organize!  and oh how nice it is to be organized with little drawers and baskets and files and…containers!  especially when they’re in fun colors and styles.  and even MORE so on sale.

the entire store is 25% off.  yes – the entire store.  if you ever wanted to get newly organized – now is the time.  enter “cluttercrew” at checkout if shopping online.

here’s a few of my favorites for boutiques:

1.  acrylic jewelry display – just lovely and simple so the jewelry can shine!  and the bracelet is only $9.99 during the sale.

2.  pivoting jewelry display - cute on the check out counter – fill with inexpensive items like lipgloss – or $10 rings and fun little brooches.

3.  large tint stacking drawer - great for storing extra size t-shirts and sweaters in your back room.  you can organize by designer/style, etc.

4.  brocade metal accessories – your store is a store – but it’s also your office.  no reason why your office organization shouldn’t be tres chic!  check out the whole range of items – so cute!  (these would also be cute as displays in a stationery store)

5.  mini magnetic strip - could be really cute in a dressing room to post photos and pics from magazines…or just as a place behind the counter for your personal use.  i love these.

happy shopping!  not sure when the sale ends….but have a  happy 4th of July everyone!  may your sales go off the hook  like pretty fireworks…

i like eclectic and retro.  i think they make a good combo (especially when mixed with modern).

i’ve sleuthed out a few amazing display items for you – but act quickly – they’re all one of a kind!

1.  mushroom jewelry display (from CraftyTreasures vintage)

so cute.  i’d put lots of gold or colorful baubles on this.  it seems an appropriate display for your more whimsical earrings.

2.  vintage card holder  (from Modish Vintage)

adorable vintage mail holder would be a precious way to display greeting/note cards or other items attached to cards.

3.  vintage ceramic swan (also from Modish Vintage)

i’m picturing a fancy little clutch nestled into the swan.  it would be irresistible!

4.  flapper hat stand (from Appel Jar)

this is so adorable!  imagine a chic little cloche tilted on her head.  you’d sell the hat – no problem (and everyone would want to buy the stand as well!).

5.  glossy yellow sconces (from Renaissance Vintage)

yummy!  i’d take these and hang handbags or a pretty scarf on them!  even a long, chunky necklace could enjoy the spotlight.  and – they can paint them another color if you like (but the yellow  – come on!  is so delish!)

Enjoy these finds – i will be doing more sleuthing soon.  what decor items would you like to see?  please comment!

**if you see broken images it’s ‘cos the item is long gone….sorry, charlie!

when i first opened ooma – i was low, low budge.  i even made my own mannequins!  they were giant “paper dolls” fashioned after the various body types of my friends.  although adorable – i finally realized that 2-dimensional forms don’t show clothes that well.

my window displays – though fun – left something to be desired.  they generally included some seasonally appropriate backdrop, mannequins and tables for accessories.

once i saw the magic of what a professional could do – my windows went up in “ooh.. ahhh” factor a thousand-fold.  people looked forward to my windows and often came in just to give kudos. 

once again – we have some tips from Carlo Casareo about a particular Spring/Summer window he created for me at ooma:

PROJECT WINDOW: Botanical Blast!

For this summer project window, I will introduce you to the most basic and simple method of framing a store window. This method allows you to properly scale and size the window to a suitable viewing size making the product(s) more precious, more desirable, and more unique (not to mention – easy to change).

Tip #1-NEOMarker™ is water-base neon color marker, writes on nearly anything but easily removes with most window cleaner. They are available on Amazon.com or NeoPlex.

Please follow the instructions on the marker and run a test on the glass surface before proceeding to the actual design. Be comfortable using the angles of the marker tips/points.

Tip #2 - Simple drawings/illustrations you can easily copy. For this project, I used drawings inspired by an old bandanna scarf and I just added few vines and leaves to fill extra areas.

Tip #3 - Measure the height and the scale of the merchandise to be presented. Make sure that there’s enough frame opening to have an opportunity to change the merchandise display.

If you’re working with a big window, it’s safe to focus on the larger details of the design and work your way to the smaller features.

From the inside of window, start from the corner areas – that way it will be easier to add details when necessary (depending on the desired design). Have a piece of wet cloth (or face towel) handy for the few “oops” in case the marker bleeds.

Check your work progress regularly from the outside of the store window. Ask yourself:

-          Are you distributing all colors evenly throughout the window frame? (depending on the desired design)

-          Is the frame opening suitable to the height and scale of the merchandise to be presented?

Another option is to spread the design into the inside wall or ceiling of the store window, however, NEOMarker™ is not user friendly on semi-gloss painted walls so please double check.

Clean the area and focus the lighting before placing the merchandise in the window.

By using water-base markers, it should be evident that all it takes is some imagination and free-style drawings to make frames for window(s). The idea is to frame – to showcase your merchandise as art.

do you have a window that wows?  email me – we’d love to showcase your boutique!

opening my boutique was a wonderful way to express my creativity.  creating the layout and design, choosing and arranging the fixtures, all the merchandising….it was my dream come true.  my windows – though fun – were not the most creative.  enter Carlo Casareo – then a student at the Academy of Art – who became my Chief Window Designer for many years.

Not only does he do freelance work for local san francisco boutiques – but he has extensive visual merchandising experience for Banana Republic and now works at the Fine Arts Musems of San Francisco.

I’ve asked him to impart his wisdom and ideas – and am honored that he has agreed to be our first Guest Blogger!  without further ado – here are his opening comments about creating Windows that Wow!

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GREAT EXPECTATIONS:
The main purpose of any store window is to showcase store merchandise at their very best. Image is everything when it comes to window display strategies; I’m a firm believer of “Visual Display Presentations” that’s why it is very important for store owners to dress their window(s) as it is the front face of their store. Window displays is one of the best ways of promoting/selling your merchandise – not only it’s entertaining but it also encourages shoppers to enter your store, remember: You show in order to sell.

WINDOW FOCUS:
There are many ways of conceptualizing store window display, my main rule of thumb is to know your store’s vision and target customers first and the “image” you would like people to know you as (i.e. clever, young, smart, trendy, sophisticated, fun to be with, and so on).

WINDOW FORMULA:
Store display budget may be set big or small but like Andy Warhol once said “Art is what you can get away with”, if your store budget is small (which is usually the case – and it should be) it is always a good thing to be resourceful and learn how to be creative with the materials you may already have or simply finding/using existing merchandise assortment to convey a story. It’s safe to start with a small budget because it’s also wise to re-use and recycle!

 And it’s my duty to guide you with some tips and advice on how to best manage your window formula without punching a hole in your pocket.  Window displays should not be complicated – please don’t go plain and simple – but keep your window interesting and presentable.  

WINDOW SPARKS:
Brainstorming for window display concepts is done without limititations, just make sure it’s seasonally appropriate and plan accordingly (i.e.  Sales, tie-in events such as Valentine’s Day, school prom, holidays, and other store promotions).

I always like to start brainstorming with colors, (trust me – it is the biggest motivation for shopping). My creative sparks mostly come from modern artwork, lifestyles, photographs, floral arrangements, quotable quotes, graffiti, poems, nature, funny jokes, fond memories, and yes, even a trip to the Home Depot store is usually an inspirational force. Sometimes, emotions can be a powerful inspiration, I once did a Valentine’s window based on that “Sex and the City” episode when Carrie Bradshaw saw this pretty pair of shoes inside a window display and instantly gasped and said “Hello Loverrr!”

Conceptualizing is fun! Keep all your ideas in one file as they may come in handy in the future. Again, keep in mind that you’re doing this for your customers/shoppers and my guidance will only serve as a useful tool to learn how to better improve your store window(s), better educate your target customers with the end purpose of making a sale.

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**stay tuned on Friday for a glimpse of Carlo’s magic!