I found this (these?) cool stacked cup at Foster’s in Philadelphia (and on shopfosters.com).

“The stacked cup design gives the appearance that you’re working on your third espresso. With three handles, the cup is easy to hold, especially when you’re shaking from all of that caffeine.”

Saw this Conceal Shelf in Foster’s in Philadelphia for $10.50.

“Utilizing a unique hinge, the shelf itself becomes completely hidden when books are stacked. We’ve filled our Conceal Shelves with vintage obscurities from thrift stores, but even trashy beach reads can obtain a new level of respect.”

The Museum of Sex in NYC has an eccentric gift shop (honestly, how could it be anything but?). Sex books, magnets, and (er) other gifts have to be very well designed to not be considered trashy. The Museum of Sex does an excellent job of this, from its (very forward) origami, to its classy book covers, to a magnet of the Museum’s favorite phrase: “Please do not touch, lick, stroke or mount the exhibits.” (If you’re not too shy you can shop online at mosexstore.com.)

(I know, not a Philly post, though two more slightly Philly-related posts will come!)

I’m so excited about my upcoming visit to the Frida Kahlo exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art (it’s there until May 18th, and it’s the exhibit’s only stop in the northeast!) that I’m devoting a few blog entries to Frida Kahlo fashion, merchandise, & general Frida-love. I have mixed feelings about a plague of merchandise created in honor of someone as cool as Frida. (Would Frida, communist at heart, would’ve even liked such a thing?) But, on the other hand, as far as branding goes, I would rather have FRIDA written on my shirt than ABERCROMBIE.

1. Frida Kahlo “Reflections” Sticky Notes (Unemployed Philosophers Guild, $6)
2. Frida Kahlo on Baby One Piece (babywit.com, $20)
3. Frida’s Garden Fabric (fridafashions.com, $12/yd)
4. Frida Stamps (2001 issue stamps, but can be purchased here)
5. Frida Kahlo converse (one of three styles, only available at Converse Mexico)
6. Frida Tequila (THIS might be an example of shameless branding of Frida’s image for the creation of unneeded material goods, but I’m not sure where to draw the line? Is Frida Kahlo converse any better? Is it better because the shoes are really cute whereas the Tequila, being unwearable, is a regular item re-packacaged and then branded with her image? Discuss.)
7. Frida Kahlo Finger Puppet & Magnet (Unemployed Philosphers Guild, $6)

Vavolo makes a bunch of “Freshly Baked USB” drives, including chocolate, strawberry, and green tea (um, what?) frosted donuts. (I think if you’re going to get a usb drive, it mightaswell be cute.)