Chic Shoppes

  This morning felt like Christmas. Now, I know Christmas is still a couple of weeks away, but I was so excited about the Winter issue of Lonny coming out today that I felt like a child anxious to open her gifts on Christmas morning. What would this beautiful package contain? So far, Lonny has not missed a step. The styling and photography are beautiful and inspiring, as are the interiors they have featured.

Two of my favorite features in this edition were the stories on Kate Spade’s flagship Fifth Avenue store and J.Crew’s Women’s store on the Upper East Side. The styling of both really resonated with me and proves how important visual merchandising can be for a brand.

The Kate Spade store sells a lifestyle, a personality. It is quirky, festive, and has a charming vintage, preppy vibe, like the clothes. The store’s décor illustrates these points perfectly. It’s fun and bold and makes you yearn for a piece of it.

The Flagship J.Crew store on the Upper East Side of Manhattan opened its doors in September of 2008, it’s purpose: to house the limited edition Women’s Collection. Taking a cue from Creative Director, Jenna Lyons’ own home, the store is visually stunning. “She drew inspiration from old Manhattan, segued with today’s downtown influences.” The combination of reclaimed floors in a refined herringbone pattern, huge, gilded mirrors, vintage lighting fixtures, and abstract art is divine and sets the perfect stage for the collection. The space feels completely soothing and chic. It is an oasis from the hurried pace of New York.

Personally, I love the design of both stores. My mood would most likely dictate which one appealed to me the most at any given moment. Does one of the stores appeal to you more than the other? Be sure to read the latest issue of Lonny for the full story on both of these gorgeous retail spaces.

Image Credit: Patrick Cline for Lonny Magazine