I hate shopping. Well, I hate being around sales people, and other people, and… well usually I know what I want and I go right for the thing.
Sometimes I experience something wonderful, like at Saks or at Rubenstein’s . Any high-end place that does it right by giving me samples and champagne. But really, anytime I go to a big chain store or even the grocery store, I want out! I certainly don’t want to cook a huge holiday meal for more than 6 people. Isn’t that what a caterer is for?
I don’t understand people who line up at electronics stores and whatnot when the sale prices are not really that great, or gear up like it is an exciting outing. A holiday tradition? Yesh!
So I thought I’d throw together a list on my friends who make or sell cool stuff and places I buy from. I’m sure I’ve missed a lot, but this is a good broad list of everything from music to jewelry to neckties to art.
Stick it to the man this season. Keep it independent!
Susan Danko (tiny art and some big art too, starting at $30!)
Edith Lebeau (original paintings and portrait commissions)
Hyperclash (clothing, lifestyle gifts, and art)
Blood Milk Jewels (I need more of this stuff)
WolfChild (cool graphic tees)
The Cotton Candy Machine (books, prints, toys, and original art)
Maybe Mars (Chinese psych rock and the most punk thing going on)
SassyFrass (upcycled jewelry)
Tim Frick Guitars (because a custom guitar sounds awesome)
RTD Design Collective (classes, jewelry, accessories and more)
Dionysus Records (exotica, garage rock, and punk reissues)
Derf Backderf (graphic novels you’ll dig)
Marianne Angeli Rodriguez (art things for your walls)
Camille Rose Garcia (the fairy tale books, yes)
Beessential Personal Care Products (I like the shampoo)
Bent Crayon (curated source for psych, electronic, experimental releases)
Babooshka Boutique (for the goth girl in your life)
Cyberoptix (for the dapper man in your life)
LittleRobot (amazing art prints)
The Brilliant Magpie (prints and tiny originals for only $5 !)
Scottesque (been saving up for one of these tartans, I’ve had my eyes on them for like, 6 months)
Now that was easy. Go on, have a drink!
Arty Farty 