Life is Beautiful - Food, Art, Learning + Music in Downtown Las Vegas.
Letâs face it. The festival market is saturated, with no signs of slowing down. And while an event canât be everything to everyone, itâs the truly authentic concepts that connect to people emotionallyâthat will endure. The Life is Beautiful festival has attempted to do just that, and at only 3 years on the circuit, their creative, curated, future-forward vision is kinda killinâ it.
Nestled between the old-school flashy casino lights and the new Downtown Container Park, the festival stretches across more than a dozen blocks in Vegasâ historic downtown strip. Founder Rehan Choudhry aims to remind guests that "life is beautifulâ and we are are never alone (as inspired from his experiences with bullying growing up as a kid). Keeping thousands of folks dancing, inspired, smiling and well-fed in 103° temperatures is already a massive challenge; but to bring a deeper message to the festival space that extends beyond a 3-day weekend and into everyday life, is a mission. My experience at L.I.B. definitely shifted my expectations of what an event is capable of delivering to its audience.Â
Food, Art, Learning and of courseâMusic, comprise the 4 pillars of L.I.B. Each day was literally filled with something interesting around the clock, yet with no FOMO as the programming was well organized.
Local Vegas chef Kim Canteenwalla has participated since the festivalâs inception while more than a dozen U.S. chefs, such as Duff Goldman of Charm City Cakes and Adam Sobel of MINA Test Kitchen fame were also on-property hosting culinary watch + learn experiences. Ricky Gomez and Willy Shine were just a few master mixologists showcasing their delectable beverage-making-skills. And food trucks like Coolhaus, Cousinâs Maine Lobster and Strictly Vegan Jamaican Food were amongst the endless food choices on every cornerâfrom organic to vegan, gluten-free to meat onlyâpalette, covered! *note* I was so busy eating everything put in front of me I didnât manage to get any actual PHOTOS. Oops.
Art:Â the entire expanse of the downtown festival space was covered in pop-up art installations, art cars, street art, and a full-blown Art Motel.Â
Dozens of unique street art installations from the likes of Ruben Sanchez, Apex, D*Face, and Filthy Lurkerâspanning talent from all over the globe. Walking through the festival site was an incredible non-stop sensory assault of 3-D creations, trippy art cars, and wall after wall of bespoke street art made just for the L.I.B. crowd. Epic, to say the least. The Art Motel - an actual motel transformed into an interactive room-by-room art experience by dozens of individual artists, was the perfect sundown adventure.
Learning Series: hosted by the hilarious and mega-talented Jackie Tohn - the indoor, air-conditioned speaker series was a welcome reprieve from the sweltering heat outside. The talks were breaming with attendeesâand no, it wasnât just the ACâthe lineup of leaders, thinkers, innovators and creators was simply inspirational.  And for me, this was one of my personal fav takeaways from L.I.B.
Justin Baldoni perhaps best known for his role on Jane the Virgin, believes in creating change to the landscape of entertainment by creating content that is authentic, with a purpose. And, his company Wayfarer Entertainment is achieving this with their series âMy Last Days,â stories about people who are literally living their last days and facing death due to terminal illness, yet they have so much inspiration and hope to share.
Kina McCallister - The scientist and proclaimed âgeek-chicâ behind Stembox, a monthly science box subscription for young girls. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering + Math) is an area in which women are still a minority. And while Stembox is still in Kickstarter-mode, the early feedback is amazing, and itâs clear to see this subscription-model business concept is on its way to becoming what some have called âBirchboxâs super-smart little sister.â
Jon Rose - is a former pro-surfer, and founder of Waves for Water, a charity organization that provides access to a simple tool that anyone can use, anywhere, to create clean drinking water almost immediately. And, by putting the power in the hands of everyday people who want to make a change + have a passion for travel, the organization is much more effective, has scaled rapidly, and continues to help those in need while revolutionizing the charity model structure.
Music: The audience at L.I.B. is seriously diverse, all ages, shapes & sizes - a testament to the layered experience curated by organizers...but the artist lineup definitely has a lot to do with it.
Whether youâre into indie rock, dance music, hip-hop, or any number of genre-bending crossover stuff, the lineup did not disappoint. From Hozier, to Dan Deacon, BĂRNS to Duran Duran, Future Islands to Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros.Â
One of my personal favs, British duo Royal Blood, nailed it as usual. Hard, heavy, and seriously raw. I first witnessed these guys at SXSW 2 years ago and the grittiness is still there. I canât help but think of them as some sort of Soundgarden meets Rage Against the Machine Ă la Black Sabbath hybrid.Â
But, the man that took the cake? Stevie Wonder. Seriously. MIND. BLOWN. This legend has been on stage for more than 50 years and knows how to perform. Non-stop on the mic, one instrument to the next. Inspirational, to say the least. Â
And of course, Vegas hometown heroes Imagine Dragons blew the stage up on Saturday. Clearly inspired by the power of the supermoon that night and paying homage to a list of local friends, family, record shops and radio that have supported them since way back in the day.Â
Brands - Brands and festivals. They go hand in hand nowadays. On the festival-goer side, a great experience needs to fit into the atmosphere of the space, seamlessly. A place to chill (like, literally...itâs SUPER hot outside), relax, eat/drink or create something unique are the activations that will create a memory with a fan.Â
Being that L.I.B. is literally in the backyard of Zappos headquarters it came as no surprise to see them throw down hard in festival antics. From a crazy LED light installation on the side of their HQ building that pulsated into the night skyline, to an igloo-like (air-conditioned) Converse sneaker customization pop-up , snow cone giveaways and a make-your-own-fanny-pack-bar.Â
Nordstrom also hosted a welcome reprieve from the heat with their trio of trucks featuring screen-printed tote bag giveaways and a dress-up photo booth session in partnership with Topshop/Topman. And of course who doesnât like makeup/hair refresh station, to fix that sweaty face! Amen.
Pilgrim Surf + Supply - Wave-wear within city limits.
I never really pegged NYC as surfer-friendly, but after moving here 4 years ago and discovering The Rockaways, Fort Tilden, Jacob Riis and other beaches within an hour of city limits, I realized I was clearly misinformed.Â
1. Tools, not toys. The boards, man. They speak for themselves. Handcrafted quality that shines. Brands like Tim Stamps, Mandala, and Fineline.
2. Set amongst the rapidly developing Northside of Williamsburg, Pilgrim Surf + Supply is a wooden haven of brightness, plant-life and beautiful hues. From blankets to boards, wet-suits to books adorning the shelves + walls, you immediately get the sense that nature isnât too far from the city-limits. Founded by lifelong surfer and visual artist Chris Gentile, who has said that âMaybe what makes us different is that we're responding to where we are and who our customers are. I think thats goes for most retail really. At least it does for the stores I'm most inspired by.â Pilgrim just opened a new store in Tokyo, and their first location in Amagansett is still representinâ closer to shore.Â
3. The ethos of the Pilgrim brand is pretty simple: the focus is creative culture as a whole, surfing is just one piece of the puzzle. Featured music playlists on their website like âLittle Summer Mustacheâ and âSweater Musicâ are thoughtful, etherial and fuzzy. These mixes feel personal, like a mixtape from high-school days gone by, each track chosen with you in mind (and of course, the boogie).Â
4. The talented writer, Jamie Brisick joins forces with Pilgrim Radio with his âWrestling Elephantsâ stories. âWrestling Elephants is a blog, a podcast, and a forum for the exchange of ideas.â Each tale is beautifully raw and honest. Check out some recent chats with Kassia Meador and Steve Pezman.
5. Pilgrim Film. The brand is even diving into film production with their latest installment featuring Manuel âMannyâ Caro of Mandala Custom Shapes surfboards. These visual stories connect the makers + shapers to the broader community. Connecting the dots...
Dover Street Market - Installation feel, stunning design, âbeautifully chaotic.â
Kips Bay is a NYC âhood that doesnât exactly scream luxury shopping. Granted, itâs nestled near Madison Park + Gramercy Parkâbut itâs still off the beaten path of retail row shops, and yes, itâs on purpose.Â
COMME des GARĂONSÂ (the founding brand behind Dover Street Market) is no stranger to breaking ground in unconventional locations. Take Dover Street in London, where the first store opened in 2004. Not exactly Bond Street, but it works. Breaking convention is the point of this unique retail experience.
1. Inspired. Founder of COMME des GARĂONS, Rei Kawakubo designed the NYC location. âI want to create a kind of market where various creators from various fields gather together and encounter each other in an ongoing atmosphere of beautiful chaos: the mixing up and coming together of different kindred souls who all share a strong personal vision.â
2. Design + Display. The store environment has an art installation meets pop-up feel. And twice a year, all locations close their doors completely to undergo a âTachiagari,â which basically means âbeginningâ in Japanese. The closure is to allow for full transformation of the in-store environment. To re-invent. And so, the experience as a guest, is forever in-flux and exciting. âCreation has to change by its very nature. If it stays the same then itâs not creation,â President of COMME des GARĂONS.
3. So. Many. Choices. Set across 7 floors, this space has so much to see, dozens of brandsâyet the pieces come together to tell a story. A few of my favs; Prada, Supreme, Bleu de Paname, Rick Owens, Sibling, APC, Labour and Wait and Undercover. And of course staples from COMME des GARĂONS throughout.
4. Explore. Engaging display, rich design, heavy colors, little quirks and oddities are literally everywhere. Yes, itâs about the products for sale. But itâs more than that. The space is alive, and you want to observe. To touch it, to feel it.Â
5. Curated. The brands chosen to grace the shelves of Dover Street Market arenât random. Each has a significant point of view and voice. Â Itâs clearly about leading vs. following in the retail space, and the feeling I had when I left was anticipation. I want to go back. I want to see whatâs coming next.
STORY - POV of a Magazine. Changes like a Gallery. Sells like a Store.
Iâve been wanting to visit STORY, the retail concept space since, I first heard about it. I had the opportunity to hear founder Rachel Shechtman (who just made 2015 Crainâs 40 Under Forty list) speak on panels, and whatâs immediately apparent is her passion for retail. She took an industry that was evolving at breakneck speed in the digital space (social, e-commerce, and mobile) and recognized that brick + mortar wasnât getting quite enough love.
1. Curated + Always Evolving. STORY takes space to a new level. Just like a gallery, the products and brands featured are chosen thematically, but also because they play a role in the brand narrative. While many retailers operate via seasonal floor changes, STORY rotates new concepts in + out every 4-8 weeks. And itâs not just any old stuff. Weâre talking highly-curated themes that run from floor to ceiling, across every product on display. Past âstoriesâ have included Made in America, COOL, Well Being, Her Story and more.
2. Hands ON. Whatâs better than a shopping experience that allows YOU to touch + feel + create? Donald Robertson and Make Up For Ever have created a âlip barâ experience in which you get to mix your own beautiful gloss (photo below) which I got to try out myself! Or maybe you wanna make your own customized shirt from Bow & Drape with exclusive Donald Robertson patches?
3. Convo + Commerce. The staff at STORY are ĂŒber-knowledgable about each product, the creativity behind it, and the purpose it serves within the narrative. I felt welcomedâand that still goes a long way! And I mean, the things you can learn by simply having a convo. A quick chat with the staff, as well a simple walk around the store, helped me to discover some great new brands. Italian accessories brand, Essentâial was one of my favorite new finds.
4. Collaborative! This monthâs âStoryâ features the amazing talents of Donald Robertson a.k.a. the âWarhol of Instagramâ. Donât let his suburban style Dad âthingâ fool you: heâs got skills for days. Creator, illustrator, designer, maker, thinker and maybe most of allâcollaborator! Heâs locked arms with Warby Parker, Bergdorf Goodman, Holt Renfrew...you get the picture. @Drawbertson #FOLLOWYOURART
5. Lots. Of. STUFF. STORY makes every square inch count, without overloading your senses. Need an iPhone case by Izzi Gadgets designed by Donald Robertson? Done. Chasing Paper peel + stick wallpaper with Donald Robertson signature âkissesâ? Boom. Or maybe itâs the new book by Robertson, âMitford at the Fashion Zooâ featuring that fabulous giraffe, Mitford. Did I mention most items are EXCLUSIVE to STORY? Gifts for you, and ok, ok...fine! For other people too. ;)
American Two Shot - Created + curated by two best friends...
American Two Shot has a flourishing e-commerce site and one gorgeous little shop on Grand Street, just on the border between Soho and Little Italy. Itâs hip, itâs unique, and it feels like a place where you simply want to hang out.Â
1. Real People - Founders Stephanie Krasnoff and Olivia Wolfe were besties back in 7th grade. Friendship is the foundation of ATS and the vibe of the store is a homage to their friendship. The staff here are warm, the kind of folk that you genuinely want to talk to and itâs this connection that keeps me coming back!
2. Cafe Integral - Come to ATS for the clothes, stay for the coffee. Cafe Integral, the brainchild of Cesar Vega, brings Nicaraguan beans and espresso blends like Honeyed Maracaturra with their in-house caffeine counter. And if you donât know Cesar Vega, his story is pretty incredible. Read here.
3. Quirky Gifts - It ainât all about you, you know. I love the greeting cards by Ashkahn, and the fun little key-chains with phrases right fit for any door, like âKeys to the Crib.âÂ
4. Fa-fa-fa-FASHION! - The mix of pieces at ATS includes everything from rare + bizarre vintage finds to designers on the verge like Nanushka + Samantha Pleet, and staples from Two Shotâs own label and standards like Lazy Oaf.
5. City of Friends - And of course, the brand has their own blog dedicated to supporting art, design, ideas, and creativity of people making it happen. Friends, potential friends, and perhaps more than friends? Either way, itâs a great read and full of goodness.
Rickyâs - A New York beauty institution with a true cult following.
Rickyâs - "Cult followingâ is thrown around a lot these days but In the case of Rickyâs itâs a title thatâs been earned and maintained.Â
1. This brand laid itâs foundation (pun intended) back in 1989's Greenwich Village. Their core audience at the time was club kids, the punk scene, and drag queens (RuPaul was an early fan). A supporter of the LGBT community since way-back-when, itâs no surprise they became THE place to buy novelty wigs and fake eyelashes. And their motto, âLooking Good, Feeling Goodâ is empowering so duh.
2. As Rickyâs has evolved, so has the landscape. Sephora, Duane Reade, Walgreensâthey all offer beauty products galore, and even beauty services in most locations. Rickyâs is different. Edgier...I mean, where else can you buy Manic Panic, Red Cherry lashes, Tangle Teezer, a GHD blowdryer, Archipelago candles, Butter London nail polish and one of THE largest selections of NYX cosmetics around? Oh, AND get a manicure and a blowout? (at key locations) The point is, when I come here...I shop-multi-task.
3. Order online, pick up at the store. Boom.
4. Instaglam Store. Rickyâs has some serious Instagram love. And so do MANY of their brands. So why not open a store dedicated to the biggest sellerâs on Instagram? Itâs called # (yep, hashtag) and it also serves as a brand incubator for new products! *photos below
5. Halloween. Since itâs inception, Rickyâs has been the quirky go-to for all things Halloween and as the witchinâ season approaches shops become veritable costume one-stops. Stay tuned, their Halloween site is soon re-launching!
Fishs Eddy - A New York City staple for all things entertaining.
Iâm an avid collector of vintage anything. Especially when it comes to dishes, bakeware, and things you put on the table in front of guests. You know, those quirky pieces for entertaining + whatnot. Fishs Eddy takes you straight to Grandmaâs cupboards (with a twist)!Â
1. Visual. Overload. Seriously. From the ceiling to the floor, this shop is outfitted with displays that are twisted, fun, and make you gaze + graze forever. I could spend all day in here. *Check out the displays below. Store display and design that makes your eyes melt.
2. Did I mention that it belongs to us, NYC? Twenty-five years and countinâ - The Fishs Eddy story includes a chance encounter with a burned barn and some wheelinâ and dealinâ with a man in overalls. Read here. Point is, this is the ONLY Fishs Eddy store. Take that rest of the world!
3. Gifts for days. New York swag that doesnât suck (for once)âincluding things like Brooklynese S+P shakers and the NYC Tap glasses. And then thereâs the Intervention-ware...so good.
4. Vintage reproductions of the finest order (they even use original molds!) for Jadeite, speckled spoons, and robin-egg cake stands. Real-deal vintage items, and partnerships such as the Amy Sedaris âI Like Youâ collection, or Todd Oldham âPaper Dolls.â - Oh, and itâs Made in America.
5. Â And if Hilary Clinton is on your radar this presidential election...theyâve got you covered. Well, tea/coffee coverage that is.
Made in the good olâ U.S. of A since 2008. Their first U.S. store in Soho; the brand originated in a dorm room by creative director Michael Saiger is now available in 40 states and 36 countries.Â
1. Hand-crafted - The video says it all...and with over 30 craftsman/women these pieces made of gold, silver, leather, rose gold, rope and moreâare stunning, and truly stand-out.
2. Wear ANYWHERE - Durable, because it should be. Made to wear in the sea, the shower, and everywhere else. Made with the highest quality grade leather and military standard rope, expect these pieces to last, because thatâs how it should be.
3. The store is exactly what Iâd hoped for - inviting, airy and sunny yet this Soho space is still a bit raw with itâs whitewashed brick, steel, glass cases and wooden floors. More than jewelry, this brand has evolved to a true lifestyle experience. Oh, and word on the street is a possible new location in Abott Kinney in Venice...?
4. Wash that dirty soul with soaps on a rope (below) and with names like âSeymour Buttsâ and âAnita Bath,â Bart Simpson himself might even consider taking a bath!
5. Tea Chai Te bar - No browsing experience would be complete without a warm brew in your hand by this Portland-based tea brandâas seen on Portlandia (season 3). Black, green, and herbal, yerba mate, and even some yum kombucha on tap. And a great lilâ bench outside to sip + people watch.
Rebecca Minkoff - This luxury brand is at the top...
of their game in consumer experience and design. This brother-sister built brand kicked things off with the cheeky âMABâ (morning after) bag and their NYC flagship does not disappoint.
1. Stylish as hell. Bags created with your tiny tech gadgets in mind, bracelets that charge your phone, silver leather vests - need I say more?
2. The store of the future. Period. Walk in, touch the interactive magic mirror - order an espresso or perhaps a glass of bubbly, and youâre off! Browse looks then choose items for your fitting room experience. It helps when Ebay is your development partner (oh yeah, and Uri Minkoff comes from a tech background).
3. Lookinâ good. Why itâs taken retail this long to get it right is beyond me...but Rebecca Minkoff has NAILED the fitting room conundrum that so many of us dread...THE LIGHTING! Perhaps youâre feeling like a âBrooklyn Morning,â (which for me basically means sunglasses and a strong latte), or maybe youâre feeling like a shade of âHudson River Sunsetâ? And come on, anything was a step up from ridiculous florescent lighting but this is: other. level.
4. The experience. Every item in the store is RFID tagged. Upon entering the fitting room, the interactive mirror in the room knows which items youâve chosen. With the touch of a finger simply select different colors, sizes and items to be hand-delivered within minutes to your room! No more sticking your head out of the curtain, desperately looking for a sales associate. A stylist is notified immediately and brings you the selections.Â
5. The data-n-stuff. This intuitive experience is great for consumers, but of course the brand is mining a ton of data related to what products you like best, as well as what you pair them with. And it allows you to save your preferences (as in, what have I purchased before, that might go with this new item Iâm thinking about?) The future isnât coming, folks. Itâs here...
Saks Fifth Avenue - Truly a New York experience...
Far more than simply âshopping,â built in the 1890âČs this store is extraordinary and continues to evolve with the changing tide.Â
1. New store transformations are underway! Just take a peek at some of the new architecture now in place (below). Vaulted wooden ceilings, and alluringly distinctive designer sections are a new approach to their interior store design; which brings a warmth and slowness-of-pace that sets the tone for the entire experience. Oh, and Brookfield Place is also on the horizon.
2. Saks Now - Until I lived in New York, Iâd always imagined Saks in black and white. Ladies who lunch in white gloves and shop for new hats, pearls and dresses lined in Tulle. They may have a history of grandeur, but make no mistake - this brand is now. With endless store exclusives (#SaksExclusive) like the new AlaĂŻa perfume, boutiques openings like Manolo Blahnik, store events, and their stellar Personal Shopping Experience...Itâs a van. And it comes to your house (yep, youâre welcome).Â
3. Service - Shopping in the presence of so many beautiful (and often unobtainable) things can easily be intimidating, yet every time I visit this store I feel included and as if I am genuinely invited. Staff are always engaging and this time I met the amazing Michelle at Trish McEvoy and had great chats with Mac and Moschino ambassadors.Â
4. That Little Black + White Bag. Letâs face it - itâs a statement piece. When you leave the store feeling special, the feeling literally travels with you. That cursive logo (designed by Tom Carnese 1973) says it all.Â
5. The holiday windows. The unveil, the showcase, the glamour. Stay tuned, the holiday 2015 dates have yet to be announced, but if last yearâs awards are any precedent, then get your best mittens ready for this winter unveil.Â
Chicago Athletic Association Hotel -Â Prepare yourself...
to have your breath, quite literally, taken away. This beauty of a hotel has been around the block a time or two, and now sheâs got a whole new coat of paint. Get ready...
1. Design - Absolutely STUNNING. Built in the 1890âČs (designed by Henry Ives Cobb) this Venetian Gothic design harkens to days of decadence-gone-by, with beautiful original elements still in placeâmixed with just the right amount of shiny newness. Thereâs even a hint of Cub-ness due in part to founding member A.G. Spaulding.
2. History - Me Tarzan, you Jane. Yep...the OG Tarzan (and 5 time Olympic gold medalist) used to kick it here. Along with many an old-school Chi-town gangsters, politicians, millionaires, the 1st professional football playerâeven elephants used to call this spot home back in the day.
3. Game on! - Since the beginning, the club has been home to carefully crafted cocktails and competitions. With speakeasy-era billiards, bocce ball + shuffleboard itâs a great place for âworking lunchesâ and if you crush your colleague in the process? All in a days work.
4. Delicious - No but, seriously. I love food. Actually...I love GOOD food and head chef Peter Coenen of the Cherry Circle Room does not disappoint. I had the fortune of tasting a Farro Parmesan âRisottoâ laced with yum springtime veggies. Other. Level. (see photo below).
5. Experience the experience. Roof top views and devilish details (thanks to the mysterious brainpower of the team behind Land and Sea Dept.). The echo of Chicagoan strength can be heard in every room. One fine space indeed.
Delicious Farro ârisottoâ at Cherry Circle restaurant (above) + Cherry Circle (below).
Original stunning fireplaces on 2nd floor -big enough to stand inside! (below)
Land and Sea Dept. teeeeeny details (above + below).
Aptly named; since the founding partners wanted to invite consumers to witness the gorgeous process behind the scent profiles. With only a few physical stores and counters globally, theirs is truly a coveted sensory experience. And to smell this good, itâs worth the journey.
1. The smells! I can attest, the scents are so beautifully crafted and evolve with your bodyâs own pheromones to create an aura of smell that literally make people stop you and ask âwhat is that perfume youâre wearing?â Oh, and every bottle comes personalized with your name on it featuring your unique scent compound (great for gifts too!)
2. Vegan. Cruelty-free and 100% Vegan. Yes, it can be done.
3. City Exclusives. Every September Le Labo releases city âexclusivesâ to show love for the cities they operate in! These are rare, and come only once a year. And, as the brand puts it, âas a reminder that some beautiful things in life are hard to get!â - And therefore, each city only sells itâs scent. Here we go NYC!
4. Community of Craft - every product in the Le Labo line has been handcrafted by men + women around the globe. From the frames and florescent sign on the walls to their bottles and candles. Everything is connected...
5. Their Nolita store is small, but inviting. The staff were incredibly helpful, and the best part? You can take your time, breathe in, and take samples with you to decide what works for you. Theyâre not going anywhere...Wabi-Sabi as their founders say.
thatâs rapidly growing itâs âtechnical innovationâ story in the U.S market (and beyond). The message is simple, really. Do good, make nice things, and connect with your local community.Â
1. With their âTechnical Cashmereâ line, no more trips to the dry cleaner (!?) And I have to say...the fabric feels lush!
2. An ever-evolving space is one that many brands aspire to, but few are nimble enough to pull off. âThe Wallâ connects local artists with the community by giving them a platform to be discovered in-store. And The Wall online connects these artists to a global community.
3. âThe Listâ - is a little pamphlet of fun. Pocket-sized for your mini-adventure. Curated by K+A staff, featuring local Nolita favorite places like Gasoline Alley Coffee.
4. The store is fitted with lighting fixtures and other pieces by local artists/designers such as the beautiful wooden âKongâ table by Uhuru Design from Brooklyn.
5. For those of you without a shop nearby, watch out for the  âCopper Studioâ- (their Airstream traveling from city to city) for a chance to touch + feel these comfy Tâs and luxurious fabrics.Â
TOMSÂ -Â Yep. They make shoes (and plenty more these days).Â
Best known for their âOne For Oneâ charity biz-model. Their new concept store in Nolita is a hybrid of coffee shop meets community hang-out meets commerce (and give-back).Â
1. Sunglasses, shoes, backpacks and caffeine. Each one is a chance to give. Clean drinking water for that bag-o-beans? Done.
2. Gorgeous garden patio in back. Enclosed AND a fireplace. Green spaces in the city are rare as a taxi willing to stop for you at 4 PM. Nice one, TOMS.Â
3. Hang out. Engage. Create. Craft nights + yoga? Itâs the old-school coffee house community concept of yesterday, with some upgrades.Â
4. Free book swap. Yep. Bring one of yours, take one of theirs. I spied some pretty killer new titles. Including Modern Romance by the Treat. Yo. Self. guy himself.
But this healthy grab + go food concept is other level (Youâre WELCOME). Snap is the real deal, making it happen in TX since 2010, theyâve expanded to the northern U.S. with 5 new stores in Chicago, and coming soon to Philly and Boston.
1. Fresh, healthy, takeaway. Like the name says, BOOM. Or rather, Snap!
2. Knowledgable staff. Paleo? No problem. Portion control? Done. Vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian + good olâ carnivore options. Like Mediterranean Spaghetti Squash or Kale + Watermelon snack. The point is: Itâs fast, healthy, and ready to go wherever youâre going.
3. Loyalty rewards program. And a â21 Day Commitâ concept to help you reach your health-goals.
4. Cold press juices. This location didnât have their juicing set up yet, but Iâve been lucky enough to try them in other locations. In a word: mesmerizing.Â
5. More stores on the horizon. New funding. Did I mention Brooklyn please?
Under Armour - This is true retail âexperienceâ...
Not just another pretty store. Under Armour Chicago has amped it up at this Magnificent Mile location. Weâre talking more than 30k sq. feet of space to get your movement ON.
1. Energy. Like, immediately. And not in some annoying bass-in-your-face-loud-to-be-loud kinda way.  Under Armour is all about movement. The minute you walk through the doors you feel it. And the music and audio quality in the store makes it work. (The security guard was even singing along when I walked in).
2. Staff enthusiasm seems authentic and yes, it mattersâŠThey seem to love the store and the brand. It shows. Theyâre talking with customers, sharing insight into product lines and making everyone feel welcome in their house.
3. WaitâŠthey have fishing gear now? Duh.
4. Serious visual wows. This store is fitted with a giant round screen above head as you enter the store, a huge 3-D cube above the escalators, and additional screens throughout the store all featuring UA commercials and branded content.
5. And of course, I canât not mention their womenâs line. It fits. It looks great. It works. I Will What I Want.
This is their first U.S. store. Full of oddities and random magical things to clutter your cupboards and drawers. Clever, useful + darling little oddities that you can use, gift, and entertain guests with.Â
Danish. Not the crusty-pastry kind. The country. âNuff said. This country keeps winning at design + fabulousness.
Bright patterns, bold colors and oooooh âshiny!â moments for days. Trust me.
Travel-ready festival seats. Everyone needs them.Â
If Ikea, Fred Flare + Muji had a love-child.
Brightly lit shop. Excellent taste in tunes, Nina Simone âBaltimoreâ was playing overhead. Perfectly suited. I spent waaaay too much money but managed to cover all of my homegood needs and a few friendsâ birthdays while at it.
