{Let’s go Shopping!} Do you know Michele Varian?

I have shopped at Michele Varian’s store for years. Quietly, I’d pop in, and take a stroll around – always taking copious mental notes of all that she had displayed in her spectacular shop on Crosby Street. I never had the chance to personally meet her – until recently.A few months ago, @MicheleVarian popped up on Twitter. Eventually, our Tweets led to the discovery that we both grew up in South Eastern Michigan. She was raised in Indian Village, one of the most beautiful parts of Detroit. I know. You’re thinking that beautiful and Detroit sounds like an oxy moron, right?
The homes in Indian Village are incredible works of craftsmanship. It’s the area of Detroit where the auto executives lived in Detroit’s “Motor City” hayday. From the woodwork, to the stain glass windows, and incredible Pewabic tile work, much of the area remains an exquisite example of early 20th century design. Given the beauty that Michele was surrounded by as a child, it’s no wonder that she took her fashion degree from Parsons and repurposed it. She now designs gorgeous home furnishings, and curates an incredible store full of home decor, glassware and tabletop accessories for us to enjoy.So maybe we bonded over similar upbringings? Michele has a rock star, irreverent, downtown edge to her, but she appreciates the fact that when I curse I say things like “Holy Toledo!” ~ and for that, I adore her! Since “meeting” on Twitter, we’ve gone out for cocktails, and spent the evening together at What’s New What’s Next. I’ll tell you what… Michele Varian is every bit as fantastic in person as her store is magnificently beautiful. At heart, we’re both creative Mid-Western gals who have chosen to live our adult lives in the Big Apple. Whatever it was that drew us together, I can’t be happier to know the face and design sensibility behind the store. What a joy it is to make a connection with her.
My aesthetic aligns so closely with Michele’s that it is hard not to want to take each piece home and incorporate it into my own home decor. If you’re reading my blog and like my style – there is no doubt that a trip to Michele Varian in Soho is on order. As you can see, she carries the most beautiful table top accessories, jewelry, amazing scatter pillows, and home accessories. If you’re not in New York City, you can shop online at Michele Varian. You can also visit her beautiful Tumblr page and follow Michele on Twitter.

Posted by Amy Beth Cupp Dragoo / ABCD Design Inspiration and Design and Good Find and Shopping and Uncategorized

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10 Responses to “{Let’s go Shopping!} Do you know Michele Varian?”

  1. sharon on 24 Sep 2010 at 11:19 am

    I actually just recently had the pleasure of meeting (in twitter time) the lovely Ms Varian and immediately fell in love with her tumbler page, video clip and shop. She’s on my list of place & people to visit when I am in New York In May 2011. Love all the pieces you’ve highlighted Amy … great taste, as always!

  2. ABCD on 24 Sep 2010 at 11:30 am

    Sharon ~ don’t forget, you can shop online as well! However, the shop really is a magical experience!
    xoxABCD

  3. susan on 24 Sep 2010 at 12:32 pm

    I have meet Michele(through twitter) thanks to you. She had a great clip on TV last week. Talented and beautiful. Her shop and style shows through. When I am in NYC next I will make sure to visit her shop in person.

  4. Tonia on 24 Sep 2010 at 3:52 pm

    I love that bar cart. I hope that you have a fab weekend. Yeah, Fall is here

  5. ABC Dragoo on 24 Sep 2010 at 4:30 pm

    @Tonia ~ I just got to the house in CT and the leaves have all but changed. I might think that the ‘peak’ color is going to be in the next week or so, early for us!

    That cart is available online, including all of the images I featured in this post.

    @Susan, thanks so much for chiming in. I am so glad I could introduce you to Michele on Twitter and now again on ABCD ~ she, no doubt has taste I admire. I hope you have the chance to see her shop on your next trip into the City. Speaking of which, you see I am in CT ~ I am about ready for that cocktail we were going to plan!

    xoxoABCD

  6. Caitlin on 24 Sep 2010 at 5:59 pm

    I met Michele at WNWN and wish I had known about it before leaving for SF. I’ll definitely be going to her store the next time I’m in NYC.

  7. ABC Dragoo on 24 Sep 2010 at 6:22 pm

    Oh Caitlin ~ you’ll flip. Her store is like a jewel box. Full of many delightful things. Next time you’re in town, we can meet there and arrange to have a cocktail (or 3!) with Michele herself. She is a delight.
    xoABCD

  8. Sarah @ Natural History (and Passementerie!) on 27 Sep 2010 at 11:48 am

    Absolutely, envy-makingly gorgeous – I adore those trays! They’re just beautiful (and that mini-setee is divine).

  9. make my day on 27 Sep 2010 at 9:22 pm

    Michele has a great sense of picking things that could ‘teeter on the edge’ but they make you want them because they are intriguing! The chicken citrus juicer and the trays are smashing! It shows that you can have design doesn’t have to be cool… it can be different and still look fabulous amongst more traditional pieces. I love this post!!! cheers kari

  10. ABCD on 28 Sep 2010 at 11:57 am

    @MakeMyDay

    You’re so right – there is certainly an edge to her style.
    I appreciate you popping by and commenting – seeing your logo – makes my day! :)

    xoABCD

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