favor-“ette”: herb lester associates

Wow, it’s been a while since I shared a favor-“ette” with you – I’ve been so consumed with new projects and series that I’ve let a few of my initial projects gather some dust.

So, without further ado……

Herb Lester Associates!

I absolutely adore all things vintage – especially graphics, books and artwork from the 50’s and 60’s (see my Pinterest board for more). Wantist (another favor-“ette”) recently featured this company on their site, and I swear I have never clicked “order” so quickly in my life.

I’m in love with these maps.

Yes, I said maps.

But these are not your typical tourist-y guides. These are little works of art – beautifully drawn, with whimsical illustrations, and printed on high quality paper (no laminated plastic here).

Even better? They are the furthest thing from run of the mill compilations of the same old/same old you’d expect to find in similar publications. Here are just a few examples of the types of guides they offer:

Truly Greenwich Village: “places to find strong coffee and even stronger drinks, charred pizza and hot jam sessions, crime novels and rare cookery books, and a game of chess any time you want it.”

And How to Find Old L.A.: “This is the ideal companion for visitors to Los Angeles who are looking for the city glimpsed in old movies and TV shows. The 39 entries encompass both the glamour and the demi-monde: here are glittering 1920s movie palaces, down-and-dirty bars, ballrooms, diners and pizza joints.”

And my very favorite, Where the Sidewalk Ends…How To Find Old New York: “a guide to the grubby, thrilling New York of old, a city of short tempers and impromptu conversations with strangers.”

photos courtesy of Herb Lester Associates

These totally fall into that category of gift that I’m always looking for – affordable, beautifully made, well-designed and (most importantly) a bit unusual. These would be perfect for a friend who is re-locating, a traveler looking for that “something different”, or a college graduate who wants to see the “other” sights of a city.

I dare you to click over there and not order at least one of these charming guides. Go on………

And have a great weekend!

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