You Wish You Worked Here: Shoppist Boss Emily Goulet’s Awesome Office

Image by Lauren McGrath.

We’re serving up some serious office envy in our new series, where we take you inside the city’s most covet-worthy jobs. From fashion-focused careers to just plain gorgeous desk setups, take a peek inside the glam life of Philly’s corporate elite. Our first subject is none other than Shoppist Editor Emily Goulet, whose office is something out of Devil Wears Prada (minus the bad energy), plus charming details that are somehow quirky and chic at the same time. How does she do it? We caught up with her between meetings to find out  –  and snapped some pics for your ogling pleasure. PS: We promise, this wasn’t styled for blog purposes. Yep, it really always looks like this. Le sigh.

Image by Lauren McGrath.

My little corner nook is where people come and crash if they need a break. That papasan chair is from college! It’s been through a lot. I love my Jonathan Adler initial pillow—it was given to me as a gift by Dallas Shaw, an incredible local fashion illustrator. My inspiration wall constantly changes—I can’t read a magazine without tearing out pages, either for photography, styling, design or content ideas. (Or sometimes just because it’s pretty.)

I used to cover home design, and I’m still always inspired by how people style their spaces. I miss peeking into people’s houses! I adore my Cynthia Rowley mug; it was passed down to me by a former Philly Mag editor, who I think got it from Joy Cho, the insanely cool woman (and former Philly girl!) behind Oh Joy!.

Image by Lauren McGrath.

Image by Lauren McGrath.

I keep a few pairs of shoes in my office at all times, in  case I want to switch out during the day. And when I’m not wearing them, they’re pretty to look at. I love that little painted apple container; it was a gift from a local designer, Mariel Rojo, who also happened to make my most favorite kimono/robe ever. Valentino shoes.

Colette, my hot pink alligator, makes everyone smile. She’s from Occasionette on East Passyunk. And I adore my YSL coloring book, though I still haven’t actually colored in it.

Image by Lauren McGrath.

I hang sweet thank-you notes from some of my favorite people I’ve worked with—shop owners and designers—on my bulletin board. They make me smile. My wishbone necklace is by a Philly designer, J. Rudy Lewis. The fashion illustration is by a great local designer, Megan Swansen.

Image by Lauren McGrath.

I’m a crazy organizer, and I like to surround myself with things I find beautiful. Instead of boring Staples pencil holders, I keep my pens and pencils stashed in vintage milk glass vases. They also make great bracelet holders for when I need to de-accessorize in order to type.

Image by Lauren McGrath.

When I was little, I used to type stories on an old typewriter and dream of being a writer. This isn’t the same one I used, but I love it  —  it was a gift from my mom, who is the best vintage shopper probably ever. Alexander Wang booties.

Image by Lauren McGrath.

I keep a rolling rack in my office to hang coats or other layers when I’m not wearing them, but I also keep some of my favorite pieces here, too, like my gold sequined coat I found at Sazz Vintage in Old City. I just like to look at it, and if I have a last-minute event or party to attend after work, I can throw it on for a instant outfit upgrade. 3.1 Phillip Lim Vest from Knit Wit, Rittenhouse.

Image by Lauren McGrath.

I like matching desk goodies, preferably gold. I keep my business cards in a vintage cigarette holder from Vintage in Doylestown. Tom Binns safety pin earrings, Tombinnsdesign.com; Christian Lacroix notebook, Paper Source, Rittenhouse; John Wind bracelet, Joan Shepp. 

Image by Lauren McGrath.

I have some of my favorite things framed and hanging in my office: illustrations by talented local artist Melissa Noucas of The Atelier, a drawing of me by Alex Stadler, the owner of Stadler-Kahn on Sansom Street and one of the most fun-loving and creative people I know, and a sweet love note from my husband.

Image by Lauren McGrath.

Emily in her office, wearing a fringed mini-dress as a skirt.

Image by Lauren McGrath.