Check out my latest and greatest Holiday store window display for Half Moon Books: a fireplace made of books.
I started with a composite “inspirational” image that I made in Photoshop and went from there. The fireplace frame and hearth are all made of books. The mantle and deer head are cardboard covered in pages from The Ugly Duckling story. And then I just packed out the display with books, books and more books! I went opposite of my usual minimalism for this edition.
Happy Holidays.
Introducing my newest window display installation for Half Moon Books in Kingston, NY. The title is “Let Them Read Books.” Very Marie Antoinette meets Vogue.
With the coming Fall / Back to School season upon us, I wanted to do something that I hadn’t ever done before. Whenever I finish a window I feel like I’ll never have another ideas and then here we are - a paper dress extravaganza. I actually got the idea from an episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race where the queens had to make garments out of one of Ru’s books. I thought yes, I have to do this, but a fashion piece is really out of my “architectural” comfort zone. But if you’re not challenging yourself, you’re not growing, correct?
So, I found these images as my inspiration. I fell in love with the paper pleating: I told myself, “I can do this!”
To make the paper gown I bought some fabric costume pieces to attach the paper too. Gotta love hot glue guns and spray mount - They’re magical. And of course I had to do a pair of pumps.
But then I had a huge predicament. I had build the dress offsite in one piece - how was I going to get it to the bookstore without damaging the design - walk her across town of course. I am a “put on a show” kinda girl after all. So, off we went.
Here’s some shots of the final installation. I added a chandelier for the full fancy vibe. I hope you love it as much as I do. Check out more of my displays at Half Moon Books here.
Sealed with a KISS... Inspired by Chicago's Magikist sign of lore, this collaboration with Buddy Valentine is a sweet kiss to Kingston NY (our new/old home now). Hey locals, can you find all the lips around town? Scavenger hunt alerts!!!!
Here’s the full SWAK Bike Rack collection:
#magikist #lips #magritte #surrealisam #bikerack #opositive #wallmural #painting #kiss #swak #mwah #art #installation #collaboration #inspiration
For my latest store window display I wanted to give the client (and the customers) something colorful and fun after a year of craziness and stress. It was also a priority to keep costs down.
I found some pictures hot air balloon launched, sky photo murals and tissue paper ball clusters that I thought were beautiful and used them as my inspiration. The owner had paper lanterns so the only prop we had to buy were the sky photo murals.
Even with my full knee replacement only 2 months old… Check out the wonder that was created.
My ispirado…
Check out this fun new design I did for Bop to Tottom in Kingston NY.
Kingston Neighborhoodie: Whether you’re an Uptown girl, a Downtown Dude or stuck in the Middle, chances are your fave Kingston neighborhood is represented in this new hoodie. Inspired by the NYC tee, this Bop to Tottom exclusive design showcases Uptown, The Stockade, Midtown, Broadway, Downtown and The Strand. Featuring our very own take on the West Side Story font, except in Kingston the Sharks and Jets are united. Printed in the Kingston, NY area. 100% cotton, black hoodie in unisex sizes SM-XL with front kangaroo pocket.
And you can even buy it online. But only if you live in the area as they’re only offering store pick-up at the moment.
I first met Karen from Bop to Tottom back in 2015 to talk about an e-commerce website for her Kingston NY shop. It wasn’t the right time but when the Covid 19 pandemic hit in early 2020 Karen decided it was time to take the plunge and make her beloved Bop to Tottom boutique an online / e-commerce destination.
I chose to pitch the Shopify e-commerce platform. I love their responsive product and their customer service is excellent. I was able to foster a good deal for a year account so we forged ahead.
My goal was deliver a neat and polished site. Classy, professional and easy to navigate but also ring true to her brand. I accomplished this with a fun and engaging homepage. You can learn about the 20 yr old shop but also add items to cart right away (why wait). A clear and focused About page with lots of photos is very important to me. Also a useful and well written FAQ page and Policy and Procedure pages are a must in my book.
Give it a spin and let me know that you think. boptotottom.com
Another new Holiday Store window display complete… This one for Kingston’s very own Bop to Tottom.
The client mentioned doing a window in all white (a fresh, calm feeling for this Covid Christmas), so I ran with that motif. But as usual, I wanted to use unconventional materials and play with light. I used florescence light fixture diffusers to distort the hanging light bulbs… Like a frosty window. I also used white corrugated roofing material for a “ski slope” backdrop for the dress forms.
Now, add some snowflakes, white wrapped boxes, Christmas lights and white ribbons and you’ve got yourself a wintry scene. I also wrapped the logs from last year’s display in white paper… Created such a cool effect and a lot quicker than painting them all.
Check out the new Fall window display I just completed at Bop to Tottom in Kingston’s Historic Uptown Stockade District.
My design was to create a retro-class room vibe… Since many students would be learning online and missing the IRL experience. The client wanted to save some money on this display so I figured out some inexpensive alternatives for this window update.
Inspired by the artist Cy Twombly and chalk scribbles, I created these simple chalkboard vertical banners of 1/4” lauan wood and chalkboard paint with fun chalk scribbles. Since face masks are now top sellers, I printed photos of the owner and staff at a large size and hung them on old cork boards that were in the basement of the store - added bonus for the classroom vibe. Then I used photo murals on the back and side walls for that high impact fall colors background.
Initially, I wanted to get vintage school desks and chairs as props but they were to expensive so I just used some furniture I had lying around. And voila… Instant store window display on a dime.
I took the day off from work to install the new Spring store windows at my fave Bop to Tottom… I guess I was in a bubble up until because this was the day when the Coronavirus Covid-19 hit home for me. I heard of toilet paper hording and social distancing for the first time ever. No sooner did I finish the window than Bop to Tottom had to close and I then I was laid off at my full time job.
Once this ends, there will be super fun and colorful store window Bop to Tottom to bring you some happy cheer. Even if you need a quick pick me up, drive by and enjoy this colorful tribute to Spring re-birth!
This too shall pass as we will get thru this… Alone together.
To see the entire window display, click here.
DREAMS COME TRUE. I’ve always wanted to do the windows at Kingston’s signature gift shop, Bop to Tottom. The windows are incredible. They’re a vintage style, foyer wrap around on the corner of N Front St and Wall St. It’s reminded me for so long of Fred Flare. Giving me that nostalgic rumble.
When I heard that Karen, the owner, wanted me to do this year’s holiday windows… I was sooo happy… Absolutely thrilled. We had a tight schedule but it was so fun. I had a blast with Karen and her team. And here’s what I made…
The motif is “Sex and the City get an AirBNB in Pheonicia for the Holiday.”
Let’s take a tour…
The front girls… Rita, Dolores and Simone… At their front door.
THE NORTH-FACING WINDOWS: This is loosely interpreted as “inside” the girls’ AirBNB in Phoenicia. I merchandised little rooms and wanted to pack with the windows with great gift merch… So, every time you looked at the windows, you’d discover something new.
Check out the stumps as product platforms.
THE SOUTH-FACING WINDOWS: This is loosely interpreted as “outside” the girl’s AirBNB. I used a winter photo mural and loads of trees to give it that forest vibe.
K.I.S.S. 3rd and final LIPS bike rack installed at the Post Office on Cornell in Kingston, NY… MWAH. ❤️🚲😘 #bikerack #postoffice #installationart #lips #swak #mwah #love @opositivefest @ Post Office-Kingston
Jennifer Donovan of Le Shag
Uptown Kingston’s recent renaissance would have been impossible without the pioneering efforts of Le Shag owner Jennifer Donovan. She claimed a stake in Kingston long before the boutiques and trendy restaurants arrived. Creating beautiful looks in her simple, industrial-style salon, Jen created a reputation for herself as “one to watch”. Not only is she one of my fave clients, she’s also my office neighbor and I was delighted that she took time for an interview. Okay, let’s meet Jen!
How did you first get into the hair industry?
As a junior in high school, I finished several of my credits early, leaving me with a half day of study hall. I watched a trade conference at Kingston High School and decided to go to Votec for the half day instead and earn both college credits for a business course at UCCC while simultaneously doing hours towards my cosmetology license. It was free and seemed like a great option! Of course, it was a new idea to most of my peers and especially my parents. But after some convincing, I got everyone on the same page - and there I was! Best choice I ever made for myself!
Is it true that hair Rock God Mark Ferraro was an early mentor of yours?
Yes! In Beauty School my teachers were constantly pushing me to do more. An opening came up at Mark Ferraro’s salon to be an assistant/shampoo girl. Ms Sangi said, “This is your job! You’ll fit right in!” It took some persuasion, but I finally met Mark. When I walked in I told him who I was and he said, “You’re hired!” I don’t think he even knew my last name.
I was psyched. He was known for his connections to Vidal Sassoon and for being the most expensive hair stylist in our area. I met Marc Jacobs, Robert Duffy, and Levon Helm within the first two weeks. You can imagine what I saw over the years! It was an incredible place. I had no idea I’d end up staying almost eight years. And now I’m so happy to be reunited with Mark at Le Shag.
What made you open your own salon?
Mark Ferraro! My first choice was always to partner with him. I enjoyed being the biz brains behind the craziness in this artistic world. I loved doing hair; but I also loved breaking new boundaries, helping other stylists become successful and giving the community what it wanted and loved.
When I left Mark, we still worked as a team: He was cutting; I was coloring. But eventually people wanted to have both services in the same place. So I added cutting to my services. Later, I added more stylists for when I did shows in NYC, on and Off Broadway, photoshoots, videos, etc. Le Shag has grown from a one-chair hair studio in a second-floor location to a ground floor storefront with ten chairs and multiple stylists who are all following careers like mine. And that doesn’t include additional locations in NYC and Woodstock.
What new and exciting things can we expect from Le Shag in the coming year?
This year the focus is on supporting my stylists and the new stylists joining the team. I want to help some of the eager “moms in training” and other superstars figure out what they need. We have some of our core staff opening other Le Shag Capsules this year. We also have great plans for our guests and the community. We’re adding more retail space, more makeup, and more stations for makeup artists who do weddings and film work.
This fall, we are launching our Academy. It will host Le Shag stylists and their continued education for styling, cuts, colors, etc. Maryanna Fitzgerald is heading the first training session. The Academy is an opportunity for some of our Le Shag Ambassadors to teach, while allowing more time with their kids or traveling for inspiration. The second part of the Academy is for advanced education. This section is a collection of colleagues from NYC who are professional hair and makeup artists working mostly on set and in editorial. Many of these colleagues are celebrity talent looking for an opportunity to get out of the city and put on their professors’ caps. Most of them have “Vogue” or Sports Illustrated” covers.
These courses offer limited seats for serious stylists who want a career in professional prepping. All Academy courses are tuition sales through Eventbrite (be sure to sign up via email!) It will be exciting to see who the Academy brings to the area. We are working on combining the Academy scheduling with Stockade Works programming as well. My dear friend, makeup artist Alice Lane, will join me this year as the curator of local products within the new retail space. She’s also helping scout fellow artists.
There is a lot going on at our Capsule at Glo Spa, which is now a medi-spa! We are adding more Capsules in the upcoming year as well. One is in LA! We haven’t officially announced that yet. Obviously, I always have some fun up my sleeve. A couple clients are debuting a few new fall series on Prime, Netflix, and Bravo: so I will have some new fun pics showing up on my Instagram stories shortly! I’ve promised to be better this year about posting. Make sure to follow us or hop on our website to sign up for newsletters (compliments of Pioneer) at LeShag.com to keep your finger on our pulse.
What’s your must have hair-care product?
I’m just changing to my “fall feels” and adding a little more weight on my products again… Weight and shine. My fave is EVO Dry Spray Wax!
What’s been the most exciting hair trend recently?
The kids love the Balayage! Free-hand hair painted highlights. Jessica Caprotti, who worked side by side with me for years, is now taking over that role at Le Shag! In fact, we are adding a painting studio for her and her new tribe of stylists this fall. She’s the queen of painting hair.
How have you seen Kingston change over the years?
We definitely were the only combo hair salon/art gallery/party spot here! In fact, it was mostly hair salons. All very successful ones at that: Dreamweavers and Rage. You’d walk down the street just yelling “Hi!” to everyone. It was a super friendly neighborhood scene. It’s exciting to see all the new blood coming into town now.
Nothing will beat my younger years though. I loved Uptown when I was little. I used to go with my family to shop at London’s for holiday outfits and to grab school supplies at Woolworths at the end of the 80s and into the 90s. I still remember a penguin Trapper Keeper I begged my grandmother for at Woolworths! There were mechanical horses on the sidewalks to keep us occupied while our parents shopped. It was so special to do Christmas shopping at Schneider’s Jewelers and pick up meats (and toys) at Schnellers.
At that time the Mohican Market was still a food market with fresh veggie and fruit carts pushed out onto the sidewalks regularly. The streets were always bustling; and there was a parking garage that, with a stamp you received while shopping, made parking FREE! Can you believe it? It was an amazing time. You’d have to stand aside during the holiday season to let people pass on the sidewalks. IBM was still here, and things were very different. I hope that something helps bring back some of that economy.
It’s so exciting to see so many new businesses pop up here and see so many young entrepreneurs get a start at having their own thing. It’s such a creative place and such an amazing atmosphere. I feel very fortunate to have been at the forefront of the changes, and I’m thrilled to see more and more.
When you’re not giving the world the best beach hair ever, what do you do for fun?
Now that I’m a mom, most of my fun revolves around watching the kids experience new things and doing silly mom things that most friends make fun of later. Like driving around town in my minivan, which Pugsly was so jealous of the other day. He probably will have one next now. Hahahaha, that’s right folks, I’m ALL IN mom style after hours. Of course, you won’t catch me giving out a mom-bob unless I’m certain it’d be ironic with your outfit.
What are some of your fave places to grab a bite in the area?
I love it all! How lucky are we with the eats in this area? Depending on if I’m mom for the night or if I’m pretending I’m not mom at all is how I choose my spot. During the day we mostly chow down at Outdated, Sissy’s, Lunch Box or Market Basket for some old school sandwich action. When I have to do a little more fancy for biz partners, we visit France, I mean Le Canard, Stella’s or Kovo. At night we love Boitson’s back deck; Crown now has some tasty treats; and Diego’s is always so fun, especially when DJ Ali Gruber is there!
In Woodstock we love to hit up Sylvia’s and Cucina. A&P has amazing pizzas at night and the Garden Cafe and Sunfrost always hit the spot for lunch. I’ll always miss my two fave places: Elephant and New World Cuisine. Both spots were my pregnancy craving homesteads. Maybe we could get them to do a pop-up café in our new retail space! You must help me with that, Chris!
Do you have any advice or someone wanting to start their own salon?
Join the Le Shag network; you won’t be disappointed. We will help you get your feet off the ground and support you all the way by meeting your goals, making new ones, and growing your business. I think the biggest thing is to NOT be afraid and don't be so competitive! There are enough heads for all of us. Bad mouthing other salons is not nice and is super OLD-SCHOOL and not in a good way. Everyone has a specialty; find yours and rock it.
Okay Jen… Time for the SPEED ROUND:
Fave Color: Rainbow
Fave Food: Caviar
Fave Book: Whiskey in a Teacup by Reese Witherspoon
Fave Song: “Crush” by Cigarettes After Sex
Fave Movie: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (tell Chevy Chase and Kara Eletto I’m still giving that shout out)
Book your hair appointment with Jen at Le Shag, 292C Fair St, Kingston, NY 12401
Time for a new store window display at Half Moon Books. For the fall 2018 installation, I wanted to do something like academia meets museum.
I created a plywood pedestal to feature key titles for the fall. I also wanted to highlight the ephemera (learned a new word) prints for sale in the store. I make a grid of clipboards to show the prints at different sizes. The grid keeps cohesiveness for the varied style prints. Postcards scattered at the base.
I also wanted that Museum of Natural History science vibe, so I included hanging magnifying paper to create interesting effects for the passerby. Enjoy and shop local!
Visit my complete Half Moon Books window display gallery here.
and an outtake of yours truly during construction…
Buddy Valentine and Chris Bick
Inspired by the "Swak" lips murals (see below) that I did with artist (and my husband) Buddy Valentine back in 2014 for the O+ Festival, I introduce the Lips Bike Rack in Kingston, NY.
It's been well over a year since we entered and WON O+'s bike rack design competition and the Lips Racks (3 total) have finally been produced and are being installed along Cornell Street in Midtown Kingston.
This one was installed today the Lace Mill. Another one will be installed at the Cornell Street Post Office later this summer and the 3rd and final one will be located at the corner of Cornell and Broadway once the complete street / bike path construction is completed in the Fall. Stay tuned and we love ya... MWAH
For the Winter 2018 Window Installation at Half Moon Books I wanted to do something colorful and fun to offset the grayness of Winter. I was watching an episode of Orange is the New Black and was mesmerized by the book display they made in Poussey's Library during the prisoner siege. That episode was my jumping off point for the latest in my Half Moon Books greatness.
Orange is the New Black from Netflix
Books hanging on strings
I wanted to use all different colored yarn and this display is a great way to sell the books right out of the window. It's pretty easy to switch out the books.
The side view is really fun. You can look at this from all angles and see something different.
One of my favorite details are the piles of extra yarn on the floor. It's the simple things.
Just finished installing the newest window display for Half Moon Books in Kingston, NY. I call this display... "My Roy G. Biv Soho Loft Vintage Book Fantasy." I've used the fake brick paneling before but have never painted it. Once it became white, it gave me that NYC loft vibe. Jessica and her team did a terrific job picking rainbow books. And a huge thanks to Ken for helping me build the shelving unit structure.
This picture really looks like it could be a window display for a hip store in a cool, artsy town... Wait, it is!!! And yeah, there's a little stump down there for realness.
I also designed and installed brand-new store window decals. They look great. And I picked some fun Christmas items from the thrift store for the museum pedestals.
And finally, the client didn't like how the glass display case showed thru to the back register area, so I found this funky polka paper to block it visually. I think it turned out great.
A huge thanks to Jessica and everyone at Half Moon Books for another successful display! Happy Holidays! xo, Chris
Just finished re-merchandising one of my fave clients store for Holiday... Petalos Florist in Uptown Kingston, NY.
The store is really tight and the client needed a slightly better layout for their work area behind the register. I centered the work table on their storage armoire and electrified the chandelier. I cleaned up the wrapping station to the left and added some display shelves above. I also got in the Christmas spirit and added pops of light all over... But not too much!
I'll add pics of the store window in a bit!
Hung some lights yesterday... A trio of Edison Bulbs on dangling pendant light fixtures to be exact! Thx @karinadresses for the opportunity. Now, can you find me and Buddy in the pic?💡👗🛍 #windowdisplay #windowshopping #display #dresses #dressshop #retail #karinadresses #kingstonny #uptown #storefront #storewindow #edisonbulb #pendantlights
Store window renovation this week... I installed a new plywood flooring with stain and hung a wood display grid from the ceiling so there's options in the future... And hanging things from the ceiling tiles just wasn't working anymore. Stay tuned for new installation to materialize! Thx Petalos Florist for the opportunity. 🍩💐📐🎉 #windowdisplay #retail #display #merchandising — at Petalos Floral Design.
