First and foremost - I wanted to share an article I read in last week’s New York Times Magazine, Jane Jacobs vs Marc Jacobs written by Adam Davidson. The author takes a trip back to his childhood neighborhood of Greenwich Village, NY which used to be full of mom and pop stores and affordable housing. All that has drastically changed over the last 15 years. These days Greenwich Village is a mecca of high-end shopping, really hard to get into restaurants, and of course Magnolia Bakery with its round the block lines. But what happened to all those mom and pop stores? The answer is pretty obvious, but the article is really more about the shops that stuck around through the years and the mystery of how they managed such a feat. Many said they simply gave up on the idea of making a huge profit but instead are content breaking even and enjoying their life’s work. The last sentence of the article sums it up nicely:
“There are still some passionate people with exciting ideas who are making really bad – but entirely satisfying – business decisions.”
A few other things:
~ A case for not making your bed (I never do) from House of Earnest
~ Finally got my new iPhone ( a little bit obsessed with Siri – one night I asked her to look up “Blue Plate restaurant on Montana” and she replied “Sorry, I can not look up restaurants in Bosnia”) obviously need a new snazzy case – I’ve been looking at this one (pictured), this one and this one. Thoughts?
~ A few of my absolute favorite Resort 213 collections : ALC (pictured), Rag & Bone and The Row (the colors are just stunning)
~ How awesome are the bags from Alphabet Bags ?! <—-get it??
Also, a tiny announcement – this weekend I’ll be working on a much needed blog “facelift” so check back on Monday for a few fun changes! Bon Weekend everybody!
i love the layout of your images here. and if i could get away with those yellow pant, i would. have a nice weekend!
Really inspiring round-up of images, I especially love that sketch of Greenwich Village. As far as iphone cases go, I like the Fifi one the most. But the Kate Spade case is a close second. And I have an alphabet bag! I have one with a giant E on it and it’s surprisingly durable and well made. I’ve carried it on and off for years without the slightest problem (I do put it through the wash every once in a while; natural canvas tends to attract a ton of dirt!). Have a great weekend and thanks for the fun reading material!
i can’t beleive how much the village and Soho have changed… great article! hope you’re having a great weekend!
Hm, it seems that Greenwich Village got gentrified. For better or worse, at least some of the smaller shops were able to stick it out and stay. The same thing happened to the Mission District in San Francisco right before I left. Though, I think they have managed to keep the area pretty free of big brands. Interesting article and food for thought.
Now I’m totally rethinking this idea. Dust mites are no bueno!
Oh, no. I make my bed every day. It’s just part of my morning routine to help me kick start the day and feel productive.
Love the Lapin case, and the changes you made to the site! Very nice.
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