The Target Trap

Never go to Target without a list. Just don't do it. You show up needing a tube of toothpaste and a pair of flip flops (because it's getting nice outside and your puppy decided to chew all of your sandals) and end up with this laundry list:

• Toothpaste (Yay! I remembered what I needed without a list)
• Flip Flops (Again, success!)
• Balsamic Vinegar (In a stroke of genius, recalled I had used the last of it the night before. Another item I actually needed)
• Tide To Go Pen (Ummm, a coworker told me it worked wonders. Why I was in the laundry aisle and noticed it is, however, a mystery)
• Oxy Clean stain spray (No excuse, a complete impulse buy. I stain a lot of clothes)
  
• 3 Bags of polished glass rock thingies to go in my new vase
• Some candles and candle trays (Hey! SALE!)
• A new digital camera (I have NO self control)
• A bottle of wine (Always justified. 'Nuff said)
• Spinach (At least it's healthy...)
• The realization that I should not be trusted with a car, a credit card, and a chance to enter Target without a time limit

Stay strong. Bring a list.

Ah, Product Display!

So, it is one of my secret dreams to one day be in charge of product display and window display for some big, prominent, awesome retail shop. (I guess it's not really a secret dream anymore, is it)?

I have done a lot of photographic studies of window displays in my day. I've done windows in my hometown of Denver, Colorado. I took some awesome shots in Venice (where they do very cool things with window display) as well as Rome, NYC, London and Paris. Yep, I'm a lucky girl to have been to all of these places.

Well, I was thinking that my love for window display and beautiful product placement should take a place in my new blog. So here's a list of some of my favorite shops that ALWAYS have beautiful displays:

• I have to start out with Anthropologie. They are so creative and make me want to buy everything in the entire store just on the basis of display. So, they go first.
• Michael C. Fina has the most beautiful basement level. I adore the way they display all of their tableware and home decor. It is hardly believable that the floor is underground! I also love the jewelry upstairs, but home decor is more my thing... so I have to focus on the basement.
  
• Tallulah Jones - a teeny boutique in Uptown Denver. I love their eclectic mixture of household items, baby toys and clothes, jewelry &ct. They mix it all up together for an overwhelming and fun shopping experience. It's like being in an awesome vintage store where nothing smells or looks musty!
• REI in downtown Denver. An old train depot turned into an outdoor store complete with climbing wall, faux mountain streams, Starbucks, and exposed brick and iron?! Yes, please.
• Nordstrom! Yeah, I basically can't overlook the killer shoe department, wide aisles, clean, simple display and varying department themes. It's pretty amazing.

That's all for now. Yay for product display!

I Love MC Fina!

Hello there!

I just started this blog and the idea that made me do so was that I really love Michael C. Fina and especially their selection of tableware. I got to thinking that I should start up a blog about all of the stores I love. I tend to think I am pretty good at spotting awesome retailers, and MC Fina is definitely one.

I am not getting married yet, but when I do I know that my bridal registry will be with MC Fina. My best friend is getting married in a few months and I told her about their amazing selection of china and crystal... too bad she is really down to earth so I think she decided to go with something less designer.

Well, MC Fina is probably my favorite store for designer tableware that I have found to date. They also have an AMAZING assortment of designer jewelry upstairs. Since I don't live in NYC, I will have to resort to "window shopping" online until my next trip east.