The Desiderata Soubriquet in Lapis Nugget Acrylic (starting at $240) is the third iteration of Zebra G flexible nib fountain pen that I’ve tried from Desiderata. Each version I’ve tested as been iterative of the previous, with improvements and modifications to the filling system as well as making the pens more aesthetically appealing. The Soubriquet…
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Giveaway: Post Pen Show Bonanza
Last week, Jesi, Laura and I cleaned up at the Chicago Pen Show, now it’s your turn. One lucky reader has the chance to win a whole pile of swag from some of our favorite shops and vendors. The giveaway package includes three bottles of fountain pen ink, a notebook, stickers, our special edition Chicag-o-ring…

Link Love: Chewie is my Co-Pilot
This weekend, with it being May the Fourth be with You, we also mourned the passing of Peter Mayhew, the actor who portrayed Chewbacca in the original Star Wars films. Laura spent the weekend being my personal Chewbacca, keeping me entertained and full of snacks as we drove back and forth from Chicago, avoiding any…

Chicago Pen Show 2019 Recap
Turns out, this is my fourth year attending the Chicago Pen Show and my first year as a vendor. The previous three years, I’ve worked as a helper for Vanness Pen Shop. This year, I had the table next to them and Laura and Matt Armstrong (you might remember him as the legendary Pen Habit)…
Link Love: Virtual Travel Edition
As you are reading this, Laura and I are ensconced enrobed (?) in boxes and nestled into the fine interior of my beloved 10-year-old MINI Cooper on our way to the Chicago Pen Show. Ms. Jesi Coles will be joining us via United Airlines on Thursday. You will find Laura behind the Vanness Pen Shop…

Fountain Pen Review: Hinze American Graffiti with Custom Clip
I have been waiting to do this review for WAY TOO long. Hinze Pens are such a unique and under-recognized pen maker on the scene right now. Jim Hinze is creating oversized acrylic/resin pens in amazing colors, some even include diamond dust for a stunning effect. The larger pens are made to be comfortable for…
Fashionable Friday: Pirate Treasures
I was inspired in equal parts by the new Montegrappa Mini Mule and the May Allure’s Most Wanted Beauty Products article (I read the article in the paper edition but you can enjoy it digitally too). Alexander McQueen Treasures Print Scarf $495.43AUD ($347.74US) (via Cettire) Montegrappa Fortuna Mini Copper Mule Fountain Pen MSRP $350 (coming…