18 Comments
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Jasmine Chong's avatar

“I could make this… but… I won’t”

Real. Me every time I go to brunch lol

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Maria Polansky's avatar

Guys, I hate to be the Debbie Downer because I love the idea of barter buddies, but be wary of custom fees if/when you're sending things internationally. I'm Canadian but have family in the UK and Ireland. We've experimented with sending care parcels to each other and the customs fees ended up being more than the cost of all the items and the shipping. Not saying it's a bad idea overall, but don't be like me. Do your research before heading to the post office.

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lexi's avatar

finally getting my coveted molehill cameo huge day for me

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Danielle's avatar

This post was actually heartwarming and I wasn’t expecting that, as much as I love Viv’s writing. I don’t have a large group of friends l; I mostly hang out with my kids and spouse, but I so so crave community. The act of kindness of mailing a bagel and then the image of Viv returning that kindness by choosing something *just right* from her local shop was a warm and fuzzy moment I didn’t know I needed.

Also wow that jade bean necklace does seem made for spring! It feels ethereal, somehow.

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Sheila (of Ephemera)'s avatar

No mention of the Andres Courreges jacket! It's gorgeous! I had a piece of Vivienne Tam, a luscious hot pink brocade skirt with chrysanthemums in pink, white and yellow. I proxy shop for a group of friends sometimes, but it's only local and I would not ever shop for someone I don't personally know. I'm just cautious...

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The Sensory Alcove's avatar

Love all the Berkeley love 💛

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Grace's avatar

I wish that bagel and bean necklace were mine right now 🤤

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Carm's avatar

This was delightful to read. I’m so happy you got those bagels! I’m in east coast and if I ever move away I’m sorely going to miss new york bagels too😭

Also those lilac sunnies are something I never knew I needed until now

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lexi's avatar

also baby cafe boston location here i come

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Viv Chen's avatar

spring chicken time baby!

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Jenny Clark's avatar

I love these little roundups! You’re inspiring me to start logging my months 🥰

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ateliertovar's avatar

I had a vivienne tam buddha mesh skirt in 1999 (gift from a family friend!) & it haunts me that I purged it in high school! I recently found two pieces of hers to add to the collection & I want more, I have a rare jpg mesh skirt to o& can’t wait to wear them in warmer temps!

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Viv Chen's avatar

omg that print is SO COVETED! what prints do you have right now?

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ateliertovar's avatar

I have the shorter red with purple multiple buddhas skirt (good deal on posh!) & found the maxi kuan yin buddha dress with cap sleeves for an ok price 🙈

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Viv Chen's avatar

the maxi kuan yin is on my wishlist!!

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Alice Lambert's avatar

Damn those California tomatoes look so good compared to the mush we get in Berlin 🍅

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wendy mayo's avatar

Commenting here because I can’t on the piece itself - please put the Berkeley Bowl piece in front of the paywall for all to access. The world deserves to read this exquisite piece of spot-on observant writing.

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Viv Chen's avatar

hi wendy - the best bits are always behind the paywall. if you value my work, i hope you'll consider supporting with a paid subscription when you are ready.

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