A little birdie told me today that the stationery firm, Mrs. John L. Strong, is closing. I heard that they laid off all employees and are no longer shipping to their suppliers. I can't confirm this, so it's just rumour and conjecture... Have you heard anything?
Meg. Can you hang on while I get up off the floor?... ugh. okay. wait. what? noooooooooo! I would call Best and Co and ask the girls there but frankly, I think I will swoon instead. I will let you know when someone brings the smelling salts. Oh, oh dear. What's next?
ReplyDeleteI am on the floor as well. I just blogged about that line in my Mother's Day post and the importance of letter writing. What is the world coming to?
ReplyDeleteI am keeping my fingers crossed that the birdie was mistaken. That would be so sad.
ReplyDeleteWow, I haven't heard anything but I can't say I'm surprised if it's true.
ReplyDeleteOh no! I always wanted to get some of that fab stationary sometime in the future. So sad if it's true.
ReplyDeleteNope, haven't heard a thing. I'm not that gracious - I just bought some notecards off etsy! hehe
ReplyDeletewouldn't affect my life in the slightest if they did close. in theory, i love their stationary; in practice, it's just way too expensive to actually use- i'd be scared of making a mistake, and having to start my note over, thereby wasting the 50 bucks each little note card costs... ;-)
ReplyDeleteIf it is true, it is too bad. I do love the art of note writing and keep beautiful stationary on hand.
ReplyDeleteBlessings...
This is where you open your desk drawer and reach for the black bordered mourning stationery.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear that, however it is true some luxuries people cannot afford during these times. I have some beautiful, unique statonary that is nowhere near their costs. I would cry to think someone would receive a note and then toss it at some point.
ReplyDeleteYou just stuck a pin in one of my longest standing unrealized dreams. I came real close last Christmas, had the appt, picked the paper, picked the little fox in full sprint across the top, picked the type, got the price...gave my apologies and did the walk of shame...Welp, I'll never see Bobby Short in person and I'll never have a wardrobe of Mrs. John L. Strong. And, my Town and Country horoscope said the
ReplyDelete16th of May was going to be a GOOD day!
I hope that little birdie is wrong. I would like to think that stationery is still alive and well inspite of everything being communicated via email, Twitter, Blogging, texting, etc.
ReplyDeleteMrs. John L. Strong has changed owners a number of times over the years. So, if it's true it may only be temporary until yet another buyer comes along. Of course the archives and the name are worth a great deal and surely it wont be long before it's snatched up and revived in no time!
ReplyDeleteI was just on the website the other day and now it says it's "under construction." I think I might have to run to Barney's and see what I can get on sale!
ReplyDeleteHmmm... I just tried it, too. I got a 404 error.
ReplyDeleteI always admired Strongs stationery when Joy Lewis was the owner, as she had a great sense of style and taste, but felt that the brand really went downhill after she sold it. The styling became bland and predictable, and what--I have to ask--do candles and silver bric-a-brac have to do with engraved stationery? Whatever! For my money, the best stationery will always come from The Printery in Oyster Bay.
ReplyDeleteNo need to worry. All the high-end stationers use the exact same suppliers for paper, engraving, ink, etc. So, the premium you pay with Mrs. Strong is stricly for 1) the packaging, 2) the embossed crown, and 3) bragging rights. Check out http://nymag.com/weddings/listings/invitation/ for a list of stationers that can give you the same product and quality (if not better) at far more attractive pricing.
ReplyDeleteActually the above posting is incorrect. MJLS was in a small group of rarified engravers. Having said this, it is now official. I just received a press release about the close of the company.
ReplyDeleteOne more thing....the anonymous posting referring to the time of Joy Lewis's stewardship of the brand was spot on.
So sad, I’ve been using them for years and they’re great! As consolation for the bereft among you, recently I’ve also been using Bell’Invito, a letterpress firm in Dallas for my invitations and such (www.bellinvito.com). Their work is gorgeous and they are on the couture social scene. Hope this is just a rumor though.
ReplyDeleteI worked for Mrs. John L. Strong for about a year and a half while Nanette Brown was the owner. It was obvious to anyone with the eyes to see that this was bound to happen, sooner rather than later.
ReplyDelete