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.

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?