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A Tally of Two Cities

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paris versus new york book

Despite my lack of coffee table, I am all for stocking up on fun coffee table books. Right now, I am loving Vahram Muratyan’s Paris versus New York: The Complete Series of Two Cities, inspired by his blog of the same name. You all know how much I adore Boston and London, yet NYC and Pari will always have special places in my heart as well. Muratyan’s charming prints depicting the two most loved cities are so simple, yet so clever. This new Penguin deluxe edition featured 35 brand new illustrations, and I don’t think I will ever get sick of flipping through it.

new york i love youvahram muratyan

paris drinks

Paris versus New York: The Complete Series of Two Cities
By Vahram Muratyan
Penguin Books, 2012

 

Reveal

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Last month I had the wonderful opportunity to attend The Massachusetts College of Art and Design’s student fashion show: MassArt REVEAL. What a fun experience, especially since I was heavily involved in my college’s Fashion Society and fashion show once upon a time. The models [and designers] rocked it at the new Revere Hotel’s Space 57, where I got to sit front row with the sweetest Zoe of Fashion is Freedom! [I’m so spoiled.]

There are some seriously talented designers roaming around MassArt, and I’m so glad I got the chance to see such beautiful and unique designs so intimately. You can view more photos from the show on my Flickr!

Viv Pickle Handbags

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When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be:
A ballerina
A chef
A dolphin trainer
A writer
Kate Spade.

Courtesy of TheFamilyGroove.com

No, but seriously.  I was collecting knock-off Kate Spades from Canal Street in Chinatown way before I even should have known what designer handbags were.  I thought her purses were the most beautiful things, and that she was the classiest of ladies.

And I’m not going to lie, a tiny part of 12-year-old Emily still would like maybe end up in accessory design one day.  But for now, until my talents are discovered, I’ll stick with Viv Pickle.

Viv Pickle (Yes, how cute is that name) is a handbag design studio in Philadelphia (though you can email them your orders from anywhere).  Creating a pickle is as easy as a-b-c… or s-f-d: pick your shape, your fabric (outer and lining), and your details (zippers, pockets, straps, etc.).

Visiting Viv Pickle when I was younger growing up outside Philly made me feel like my dreams of becoming a purse designer were actually coming true.  But ten years later, I still love it there!

Here are some of my favorite shapes…

 

Small Baguette—Bon Bon—Mama Saber

and my favorite fabrics…

 

Bird Song—B&W Leopard—Luca

But for the full list of options, click here. And if you’re in the Philadelphia area, consider hosting your very own Pickle Party!

Viv Pickle
21 N. 3rd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Have any of you ever made anything at a custom design studio?