I don’t know about you….but for me the book is always better than the movie! There’s just something about having that book in my hands, casting my own characters (me in the lead??), and imagining my own scenes and sequel that is just so much more….well...creative! Then when I’ve finished reading my book I can put

it on my bookshelf and and even if I never look at it again (other than to dust it) I remember it lovingly.  It becomes part of my very own story – from childhood on.  So how about this idea….how about if someone turns these books from my memories into beautiful, equisitly hand-crafted handbags?  Now I can carry my favorite titles with me as a form of self expression…a conversation starter….or just plain fun.  These are great, one-of-a-kind gift ideas too. And they are all hand made from original hardcover books that we cullef from our own library and found at yard sales, flea markets, etc.  The point is they were destined for the dustbin before being “rebounded”.  The original  covers and spines are preserved and then beautiful, high-quality fabric is used to create the flange and interior.  Each book is completely unique and takes  about 10 hours to make.  Our current collection includes titles by Jane Austin, The Bobbsey Twins, Love Story and more.

Tags: Accessories, Art of Cloth, Cashmere Sweaters, Charles van Sandwyk, Children's Books, Chris Triola Sweaters, Emmelle, Ernestine Ruben, Gift Ideas, Gifts, Handbags, Illustrated books, ipearl, Kinross Cashmere, Lafayette 148 New York, Magaschoni, Nina McLemore, Rebound Books, Tom and Linda Platt, Yansi Fugel, Yeohlee, Zelda

‘Tis a week before Christmas and all through our house, every creature is stirring, including our mouse.

Our staff is all bustling with ribbons of red, and ideas for great gifts taking shape in their heads.

There are sweaters of cashmere and gloves lined with wool, and dresses that shimmer with sequins and tulle.

There are cozy fleece cardies for grandmas and moms, and for babies wee caps with colored pompoms.

For teachers and aunties there are lovely note cards, with tulips and seashells and botanical visage.

For Sis, who is chic, there are narrow leg jeans, and handbags from Paris and numerous things.

And even for Dad who is last but not least, there are stuffers for stockings and things made of fleece.

There are games that will challenge his thinking and skill, and tabletop pinball to give him a thrill.

There are chocolates and candles and sea glass and things, and a board game for ladies with a naughty girl’s theme.

So head to our house where it’s cozy and bright, we’re open from 10 until 6 every night.

Except Thursdays of course when we’re open ’til 9, for late shoppers who still have great gifts they must find.

On Sundays we’re here from noon until 5, in case that’s the day you choose to arrive.

But whether it’s morning, or noon time, or night, we’re here to assist you with gifts that are right

For those whom you love and hold close to your heart,

It’s at Merrick’s your holiday shopping should start.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Merrick’s!

When long-time customer, “Merrick’s Woman”, and well known Princetonian Peggy Hughes asked Merrick’s to decorate a guitar in a 1960′s theme to help raise money at McCarter Theater’s Gala Benefit and silent auction, we’re betting our bell bottoms that she was expecting a gentle flower child sort of design. After all, we are a “ladies’ apparel store” are we not?

Well yes, we are, but we’re also the generation of ladies that burned our “you know what’s” and demanded equality for women in the workplace and in the home. So true to our nature, we boldly emblazoned our guitar with the lyrics from Steppenwolf’s iconoclastic hit tune “Born to be Wild”.

The theme of the song reflects the importance of individuality and self expression (a Merrick’s fashion mantra), as well as the desire to grab life with two hands and live it to its fullest.

“Yeah Darlin’ go and make it happen
Take the world in a love embrace”

Merrick’s applauds women of every age who reflect this passion in their daily lives as mothers, wives, sisters and friends.

Merrick’s own Nesrin Avci designed and decorated the guitar for the McCarter Theater benefit gala. Nesrin is a multi-talented artist, designer, costume designer and clothing maker who we are truly blessed to have on staff as one of our seamstresses.

“Born to be Wild” will be one of fifty guitars decorated by area artists that will be used as centerpieces during the dinner and then sold by silent auction at the dessert reception at McCarter on Saturday May 4th. All proceeds will benefit McCarter’s artistic and educational programs.

p.s. – Attending the Gala and wondering what to wear? We’ve got a wonderful assortment of colorful skirts, tanks, tops and blouses that will have you flashing back to the 60′s in no time at all!

You’re going to love Yansi’s latest fashion-forward comfort wear! Luxurious, washable, packable, wearable pieces that you can mix and match to take you right through to fall!

So mark your calendars now for Friday, Saturday & Sunday – April 20, 21 & 22nd. This is an event you won’t want to miss.

For a sneak preview of the Collection (in sizes 0-16), click here!