BIG NEWS: MICHELE VARIAN HAS OPENED AT 27 HOWARD STREET (Crosby Street intersection, just 1 1/2 blocks south of our old location). The new space is gorgeous and much, much bigger, but I’ve taken great pains to make it just as intimate and interesting as the old space. Please come and visit if you’re in NYC!Tumblr (3.0; @michelevarian)http://michelevarianblog.com/<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m4va6ngiLR1qzy5r4o1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p><p class="MsoNormal">Last night I had the special treat of listening to Iris Apfel talk about her life with Dara Caponigro, editor in Chief of Veranda Magazine. The event is part of “The Best of” lecture series hosted by Sotheby’s and Hearst Design Group. Mrs. Apfel referred to herself as “a sponge collecting information and experiences until someone comes along and wrings her out.” Regarding her story telling.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Reasons I personally love Mrs. Apfel:</p> <p class="MsoNormal">She’s an icon of style all her own. There is no debating whether or not she follows the trends. She could care less. She likes what she likes. Period. She could care less whether or not something has perceived status.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">She seems to always be dressed in compete regalia. I have my moments, but I spend my days off in my robe (it is fabulous), which I have been known to sleep in. Iris probably wears a boa to bed and then has a costume change midway through the night.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">She reminds me of my mother and my mother’s mother. (She wore cat eye reading glasses on a variety of colorful and beautiful chains around her neck)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">She has been into my shop and seemed to be thrilled by it. Swoon.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Fun Facts:</p> <p class="MsoNormal">For all of you who think things have changed a lot in your lifetime, Iris remembers living in Queens and taking a ferry to 96^th Street in Manhattan and then waiting for a horse drawn carriage to take her downtown. She referred to Queens as another country since you could only get there by boat. There were no bridges yet!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Her first boss, Elsie De Wolfe, gave a felt jacket she bought at Sears “off the peg” to Maximilian to be made in fur – 1 in mink, 1 in sable, etc…all from a jacket bougth at Sears.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">She was the first woman to wear jeans. She got it into her head that they would look really great with a turban and gold hoop earrings. She went to the Army Navy store to buy the jeans and they thought she was crazy. Once she found the jeans, she went looking for the gold earrings, but stopped into a bookstore and spent all her money on books. She figured it was probably for the best, “Better to buy things to fill your head than to put on your head.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Should have patented it: Carl’s sample bag of textiles became so heavy that he had wheels added to the bottom of it.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">She’s been married for 65 years and in case you were wondering Mr. Apfel is equally stylish. Her marriage advice – find humor in everything.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Her Story:</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Best of all, Mrs. Apfel said that she never had a plan. Because she was her own person with her own style, she kept being offered opportunities. The way Old World Weavers started was almost an accident. She was working on an interior design project, and couldn’t find the fabric she wanted. She had been working with a very talented weaver who brought his hand-looms over from Europe and asked if he could do a custom design for her. The pattern was such a big hit, that the weaver asked if she would like to be his partner. He would do the weaving, she would<span>  </span>do the designing and her husband, Carl who worked in advertising would do the sales. Her husband was reluctant to leave a secure job for a new venture, but changed his mind when on the same day designer Dorothy Draper AND a big retail store asked to purchase the textiles Iris had designed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 90, she’s still designing – tons! She now sells on HSN, has a line of handbags being produced by YOOX, designed a pair of drugstore “readers” by Eyebobs, which became so popular Neiman Marcus began selling them, designed a line of make-up for MAC, which had to be reissued because of high demand, and the list goes on…</p></p>http://michelevarianblog.com/post/24126010839http://michelevarianblog.com/post/24126010839Thu, 31 May 2012 08:40:52 -0400Iris ApfelfashiondesigninspirationVerandaSotheby's<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m46cd4DoO51qzy5r4o1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Michele Varian is celebrating the 1 year Anniversary of moving/expanding to new digs. We are having a sale to Thank You for your support. the sale is 15% off <a href="http://www.michelevarian.com" target="_blank">www.michelevarian.com</a> and at our store: Michele Varian, 27 Howard St, NYC, NY in Soho for 2 days only and ends tomorrow, Friday at midnight. Enter code MVBBQ2012 (Because I wish we were having a BBQ, it’s so beautiful outside!) at check out or mention it at our store. This sale is not being advertised. It is especially for our followers and customers to say Thank You!</p>http://michelevarianblog.com/post/23232093485http://michelevarianblog.com/post/23232093485Thu, 17 May 2012 11:58:16 -0400Michele VarianSale<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m454jc9LA51qzy5r4o1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>I gave one of these rings to my hubby, Brad. He likes a little bit of subtle bling that is still manly.</p>http://michelevarianblog.com/post/23196091403http://michelevarianblog.com/post/23196091403Wed, 16 May 2012 20:11:36 -0400jewelrymen'sringssilver<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m44y0clH1g1qzy5r4o1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><div> <p>How perfect are these simple gold bans? We have these rings in men’s sizes, because father’s day is coming. Or maybe your the brave kind of girl who’s not afraid to pop the question!</p> </div>http://michelevarianblog.com/post/23186001745http://michelevarianblog.com/post/23186001745Wed, 16 May 2012 17:50:36 -0400jewelryringsgoldmen'swedding bandQuotes for Mother&#8217;s Day: Grandma Varian, &#8221; Common sense is not very common.&#8221;http://michelevarianblog.com/post/22921634648http://michelevarianblog.com/post/22921634648Sat, 12 May 2012 16:09:16 -0400mothers dayquotesVarian<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m17eypXvKe1qzy5r4o1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Just In: New rings for men, Presidential even:</p> <p>Link Ring $125;  Abe Lincoln Signet Ring $150</p>http://michelevarianblog.com/post/20223514377http://michelevarianblog.com/post/20223514377Sat, 31 Mar 2012 09:52:06 -0400jewelryringssterlingsilverabelincolnpresidentfence<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m1ayz4iENo1qbbss8o1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>customer shot:</p> <p><a class="tumblr_blog" href="http://albertochan.tumblr.com/post/19743731702/what-a-cute-little-shop-interiordesign-design" target="_blank">albertochan</a>:</p> <blockquote> <p>What a cute little shop! 😍 #interiordesign #design #decor #vintage @michelevarian (Taken with <a href="http://instagr.am" target="_blank">Instagram</a> at Michele Varian)</p> </blockquote>http://michelevarianblog.com/post/19891129805http://michelevarianblog.com/post/19891129805Sun, 25 Mar 2012 09:45:19 -0400Michele Varian27 Howard Ststripestoysfireplace<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m1cheeYGzZ1qbbss8o1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Look at the lovely shots from inside the store that customers have taken. I’ve found a bunch</p> <p><a class="tumblr_blog" href="http://albertochan.tumblr.com/post/19784672905/i-feel-like-you-would-like-these-lol-eriyamage" target="_blank">albertochan</a>:</p> <blockquote> <p>I feel like you would like these lol @eriyamage (Taken with <a href="http://instagr.am" target="_blank">Instagram</a> at Michele Varian)</p> </blockquote>http://michelevarianblog.com/post/19891080237http://michelevarianblog.com/post/19891080237Sun, 25 Mar 2012 09:43:43 -0400Michele Varian27 Howard Stowlcatbearbunnyfox<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m1ekz3vm4L1qzy5r4o1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><div> <p>I thought revisiting this trend video I did for LXTV was a good idea. I had fun talking about the elements of the Victorian Industrial Trend. It was filmed before we moved the store to 27 Howard St. Our new space still has some of the industrial gear that was used when the space was a metal works.</p> </div>http://michelevarianblog.com/post/19847217392http://michelevarianblog.com/post/19847217392Sat, 24 Mar 2012 15:05:38 -0400MicheleLXTVdesigntrendvictorianindustrial<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m18u99DBsB1qzy5r4o1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p><span>Just In: </span>If you’re a Man, Talk the Talk, Walk The Walk:</p> <p><span>Shoe Brush $35<br/></span></p> <p><span>With a nod to 1950’s Americana, Izola made the ultimate shoe brush that doubles as a decorative item and unique gift idea.  The brush features an attractive wooden handle with exposed grain and all natural boars’ hair bristles.  With detail in mind, they dyed the bristles to spell the word “shine” and packaged the brush in a retro box that exclaims, “Talk the talk and walk the walk.”</span></p> <p>Soaps: $24 set of 3</p> <div> <p>These handcrafted authentic soaps are designed in the style of fine 18th century toiletries.  This old world triple milled recipe is an all-vegetable base with the moisturizing benefit of olive oil.</p> <p>This is an environmentally sensitive soap made with vegetable oils and is free of animal testing.  Raw materials are domestically sourced. We print with soy based inks on post consumer recycled paper.  Made with Organic Oatmeal.</p> <p>The ingredients in Izola’s milled soaps are: olive oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, essential oils and a vegetable soap base.  Each set contains three bars of soap.</p> <p>Guest Toothbrushes $16/Set of 4</p> <p>These toothbrushes are made from sustainable bamboo and nylon bristles.  They come in four different box sets, each containing a year’s supply of brushes designed with exceptional attention to detail.  Izola’s popular “Guest” set is an essential for any guest bathroom and takes care of your overnight visitors when they are in need. </p> </div>http://michelevarianblog.com/post/19844230002http://michelevarianblog.com/post/19844230002Sat, 24 Mar 2012 14:08:00 -0400sustamengiftgroomwoodnaturalcamp<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m18u9rOdlz1qzy5r4o1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Who would think there are soaps that Men can love. Perfect for evey grooming kit:</p> <p>Soap Dishes $24; Apothecary Soaps $15</p> <p><span>Handcrafted authentic soaps in the style of fine 18th century toiletries.   This old world triple milled recipe is an all-vegetable base with the moisturizing benefit of olive oil.</span></p> <p>This is an environmentally sensitive soap made with vegetable oils and is free of animal testing.  Raw materials are domestically sourced. Izola prints with soy based inks on post consumer recycled paper.  Made with Organic Oatmeal.</p> <p>The ingredients in our milled soaps are: olive oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, essential oils and a vegetable soap base.  Each soap weighs 6 oz.</p>http://michelevarianblog.com/post/19844054165http://michelevarianblog.com/post/19844054165Sat, 24 Mar 2012 14:04:37 -0400sustainableIzolaanchorarrowbarbermengift<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m18uebwYdi1qzy5r4o1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p><span>Made from 100% vegetable wax </span><span>Izola candles are made in the USA from renewable resources.<span>  </span>The wax is hand-poured into eight-ounce recycled, colored glass containers that have a rustic, weathered, and charming design quality.<span>  </span>In keeping good faith with our old-world, utilitarian ethics, these candles are built to last and maintain their fragrance through 40 hours of burning time. $45 each <span></span><span></span><span><br/></span></span></p>http://michelevarianblog.com/post/19843945027http://michelevarianblog.com/post/19843945027Sat, 24 Mar 2012 14:02:30 -0400candlesgiftsmansustaIzola<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lzrjq3zRTg1qzy5r4o1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Feel old school making your own silent films with this crank camera. Get ready to have your world turned upside down for just $80! The LomoKino, Lomography’s very own 35mm movie camera, is set to revolutionize the analogue landscape forever. Forget about the rules and direct your own stunning short films – with this handy camera, all you need is a 35mm roll and your creativity!</p> <p>Available <a href="http://www.michelevarian.com" target="_blank">online</a> and at our store Michele Varian, 27 Howard St, NYC (Soho at Crosby)</p>http://michelevarianblog.com/post/18230540188http://michelevarianblog.com/post/18230540188Fri, 24 Feb 2012 23:07:26 -0500Lomokinovideocamera35mmmovie maker<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lzrjg2b8sO1qzy5r4o1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>If you hadn’t noticed the Sardina series of cameras are based upon Sardine Cans. This one looks like it just took a swim in Mediterranean Blue and Gold Waves.</p> <p>$180 Ready for some luxurious analogue splurge? La Sardina Czar Metal Edition camera is our humble sardine can-inspired snapshooter dressed in shimmering brass coat and elegant blue details. Together with the powerful Fritz the Blitz flash, they’ll indulge you in thrill-soaked wide-angled adventures</p> <p>Available at <a href="http://www.michelevarian.com" target="_blank">michelevarian.com</a> or at Michele Varian, 27 Howard St, Soho, NYC</p>http://michelevarianblog.com/post/18128753080http://michelevarianblog.com/post/18128753080Thu, 23 Feb 2012 09:09:26 -0500Lomographydesigncamerasardine canphotographyMichele Varian<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lzi0al91IK1qzy5r4o1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>I confess, I bought this camera for the store because I want to be photographed using this camera for the ultimate camp photo shoot.</p> <p>La Sardinia Cubic $109 Designed with geometric shapes forming an artsy pattern, La Sardina Cubic Pattern Edition Camera & Flash is a sure knockout! The wide angle lens and multiple exposure capabilities that La Sardina is known for remain intact, as well as the easy rewind dial. Comes with the super powerful Fritz the Blitz Flash!</p> <p>Available at <a href="http://www.michelevarian.com" target="_blank">michelevarian.com</a> or at Michele Varian, 27 Howard St, Soho, NYC</p>http://michelevarianblog.com/post/18128682242http://michelevarianblog.com/post/18128682242Thu, 23 Feb 2012 09:06:43 -0500lomographyMichele Variancameraphotographygraphicdesign35mm<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lzhzz3oEgo1qzy5r4o1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>We’re going retro and mod at the same time. We’ve just gotten in this floral print 35mm camera as one of a series.</p> <p>Diana Camera - $109 In honour of Japan’s Golden Week, we present 3 special edition cameras – all beautiful, calming and capable of giving you breath-taking photographs.<br/><br/> The Diana Mini JIYU boasts delicate charm with its floral design and clean colours, symbolizing cherishing freedom. It uses 35mm film that can be processed anywhere and can produce either square or half-frame photos with the flip of a switch.</p> <p>Available at <a href="http://www.michelevarian.com" target="_blank">michelevarian.com</a> or at Michele Varian, 27 Howard St, Soho, NYC</p>http://michelevarianblog.com/post/18128601318http://michelevarianblog.com/post/18128601318Thu, 23 Feb 2012 09:03:29 -050035mmLomoMichele VariancameradesignretroLomography<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lzhymk8uU11qzy5r4o1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>It’s been a long time since I could say, “I’m really loving pearls.” For ages I’ve associated them with pristine debutantes, but not these. These look as though they’ve just been plucked from an oyster and the sea, complete with a carbuncle like setting. I’ve aslo discovered that I have a sick addiction to grey pearls, like the pair on the right.</p> <p>New 14k + Freshwater Pearls Handmade in NYC $352</p> <p>Available on our <a href="http://www.michelevarian.com" target="_blank">website</a> and store: Michele Varian, 27 Howard St, NYC, NY (Soho)</p>http://michelevarianblog.com/post/18008361844http://michelevarianblog.com/post/18008361844Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:40:06 -0500Michele Varianjewelrypearlsearringsgreygoldsilver<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lzhyf6ojmD1qzy5r4o1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>In case you didn’t get everything you wanted for Valentine’s Day, here are some lovely, dainty rings and earrings with a light touch and organic appeal. They’re the perfect pieces for wearing everyday.</p> <p>New Gold + Diamonds $210-$525 Handmade in NYC</p> <p>Available on our <a href="http://www.michelevarian.com" target="_blank">website</a> and in our store, Michele Varian, 27 Howard St, NYC, NY (Soho)</p>http://michelevarianblog.com/post/18008237215http://michelevarianblog.com/post/18008237215Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:34:44 -0500Michele Varianjewelrygolddiamondsearringsrings<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lzan2mjqjk1qzy5r4o1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Last, but not least page from the Elle Decor story: our gold chestnut box, along with a stack of Penguin Classics beautifully designed cloth covered reissues of some of my favorite literature. Again, paired with pieces from our neighbors at DeVera.</p> <p>chestnut box and books on our <a href="http://michelevarian.com" target="_blank">website</a> and at our store.</p> <p>Elle Decor - March 2012</p>http://michelevarianblog.com/post/17763802578http://michelevarianblog.com/post/17763802578Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:19:13 -0500michele VarianElle Decorbookspenguin classicsdesign<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lzan1yrwHg1qzy5r4o1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>More from @elledecor with globes, ships and our black metal sphere. Such a stunning photo shoot. We can’t seem to keep our globes in stock right now, otherwise, I would tell you to come and get them.</p> <p>Elle Decor - March 2012</p>http://michelevarianblog.com/post/17763702831http://michelevarianblog.com/post/17763702831Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:15:00 -0500Elle DecorMichele Variansphereglobeblackshipdesign