Guest Blog: Indie City Guides: Portland by Charissa Faire

September 16, 2008

Today Charissa Faire, regular contributor to The Fabulist and writer behind Isn’t It Always a Surprise!, is sharing an Indie City Guide for the city of Portland, Oregon. Portland is a very indie friendly city and one I wished I lived in…if all my family & friends would move with me, that is. Charissa’s fabulous guide will run today, tomorrow and Thursday, so make sure to check back each day to read about the cool happenings in Portland.

If you are interested in writing an Indie City Guide or sharing what is indie happening about your city, then shoot me an email.

by guest contributor Charissa Faire

From the moment I first visited Portland, back in June of 2007, I realized that this is a place unlike anywhere else. A place with what must be THE MOST sidewalk chalk drawings of any city on the entire planet. A place where it is not at all unusual to find an interactive poster someone put together and hung on a telephone pole in honor of their love of the boardgame Candyland. A place where Spoon and The Decemberists and The Shins are played as the muzak in the local shopping malls and restaurants (all are are local bands).

I just moved to Portland from San Francisco about seven months ago, so I can’t provide the expertise that a true native could. And I’m a bit of a hermit, honestly, so I probably can’t even provide the expertise that another seven-month-long resident could. But what I CAN do is give you the perspective of a girl with fresh little eyes with stars in them seeing everything around her for the first time, before the city acquires the patina of familiarity and she starts to take it all for granted. So, I’ve assembled a short list of a few of the places in Portland that can inspire even a bona fide homebody like myself to venture out of her apartment and into the rain or — yes, it does happen here occasionally! — into the sunshine.

Clothing, Beauty, and Accessories

Portland has an incredible array of vintage, handmade, and just plain unusual clothing and accessories to choose from. First on my list is Gilt Vintage and Artisan Jewelry, a gorgeous two-story jewelry store with a selection of both vintage and locally handmade ornaments you won’t find anywhere else. The staff is helpful, the prices are reasonable, and most importantly, the pieces have stories behind them. A romantic sort of history for a very romantic sort of store.

GILT VINTAGE AND ARTISAN JEWELRY
720 NW 23rd Ave
Portland, OR 97210
(503) 226-0629‎

Next up is Sock Dreams. Can you imagine how excited I was when I saw my favorite online store for all things legwear has an actual physical location, and it’s right here in my city? Apparently they opened here in April of this year–just in time for my arrival! And with items not to be found anywhere in their online catalog, it’s worth a visit. After all, it’s essential to have a pair of socks or stockings for every possibility. You never know what might come up.

SOCK DREAMS
725 SE Powell Blvd
Portland, OR 97202
(503) 234-0885

One of the most well-known places for vintage clothing in Portland is the Red Light Clothing Exchange, a store that counts The Gossip’s Beth Ditto among its regular patrons. Racks upon racks of the cutest, most colorful little vintage dresses you’ve ever seen line the walls, along with a staggering array of vintage t-shirts, boots, high heels, roller skates (!!), polyester shirts, rainbow wigs, handbags, cowboy hats, pleather pantsuits…you name it, you’ll probably find it here.

RED LIGHT CLOTHING EXCHANGE

333 SW 10th Ave
Portland, OR 97205
(503) 294-0800

Not to be ignored, there’s another little vintage store nearby called Magpie that’s worth checking out. It has a large selection of very groovy outfits and accessories in an elegant setting, but this shop impressed me most with its beautiful, sparkly purses and costume jewelry. Magpies are known for their love of shiny objects, and so am I. It’s easy to see why I love this place. More…

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Guest Blog: Indie City Guides: Atlanta by Supercute Day#2

August 21, 2008

by guest contributors Supercute!

It’s Day #2 if the Atlanta Indie City Guide by the ladies behind Supercute! Supercute! is a collaboration of three independent artists: Lorigami, Lizerati & Becky of Glue&Glitter. Becky, Lori & Liz also joined forces to put together an Indie City Guide for their hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. Today, they are sharing Day #2 of their Guide—you can read Day #1 here.

If you are interested in writing an Indie City Guide or sharing what is indie happening about your city, then shoot me an email.

East Atlanta
East Atlanta is a great little corner of the city, mostly known for it’s Indie nightlife. With a handful of small clubs and some great little corner bars, this is where to go after dark.

E.A.R.L.

Probably one of it’s best known establishments is the E.A.R.L. . Bands are in the back room, which has a low stage and only holds about 300 people. There’s a really intimate environment here, great for the non-corporate indie bands they are so great at booking. The EARL is one of the last mid-sized venues in this city and is a must-stop for anyone truly into the Indie music scene. They’ve also got a great menu with a full bar, and they serve late. There are even a couple vegan dishes on the menu, in addition to one of the best burgers in the city, so there’s a little something for everyone.

E.A.R.L. / 488 Flat Shoals Ave SE / Atlanta, GA 30316 / (404) 522-3950

Echo Lounge
While we’re on the subject of music, another great Atlanta venue is re-opening soon in East Atlanta. Some people may remember the legendary Echo Lounge, which sadly closed it’s doors a number of years ago. Well, new owners have been busy bees reinventing that venue, and promise to reopen any day now, bringing back another mid-sized venue with great sound and a dedication to the Indie Music scene.

EastSide Lounge

Another of East Atlanta’s after-hours treasures is the legendary EastSide Lounge. Tucked away behind a wall of stainless steel is a fabulous little venue where you can grab a drink, view one of the ever-rotating art shows, then head upstairs to dance to some of Atlanta’s best indie DJ’s. The new owner has been a staunch supporter of the local art scene, opening his walls to rotating monthly shows for artists of all kinds. From graffiti to photography to metal sculpture, there’s always something going on here. Once a month you can even grab a drink and make your own art at Dr Sketchy’s Anti-Art School with a rotating cast of amazing live models.

EastSide Lounge / 485 Flat Shoals Ave SE / Atlanta, GA 30316 / (404) 521-9666

More…

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Guest Blog: Indie City Guides: Atlanta by Supercute Day#1

August 20, 2008

by guest contributor Supercute!

You’ve heard of Superbad? Well now, it’s time to learn about Supercute! Supercute! is a collaboration between three independent artists: Lorigami, Lizerati & Becky of Glue&Glitter. These super talented crafty girls joined forces to help promote their individual crafty endeavors and to promote the idea that a kinder, happier, sustainable world is possible with just a little optimism and a whole lot of cuteness.

In their spare time from promoting cute, Becky, Lori & Liz also teamed up to put together an Indie City Guide for their hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. Today, they are sharing the Poncey Highland area with you and tomorrow, they will share both East Atlanta and Decatur, GA. Enjoy! I know I sure want to take a trip to Atlanta after reading their Guide!

If you are interested in writing an Indie City Guide or sharing what is indie happening about your city, then shoot me an email.

Poncey Highlands
The Poncey Highland area is right in the middle of the city and one of the most walkable areas of town according to walkscore.com! Once you’re there, it’s just a few minutes on foot to lots of great independent bars, restaurants, shops and galleries.

Youngblood Gallery and Boutique

In 1997, Maggie and Kelly did an open call around the city for artists to show work at their house in the West End. They got a huge response and hosted art shows there for a couple years before getting a permanent space in Grant Park. In January of 2003, they opened their boutique and gallery! Ten years later, they’ve re-located to a great new spot right in the heart of the Poncey Highland area. Youngblood’s shop features art by independent artists and crafters. They also open a new exhibit in their gallery space on the first Saturday of each month.

Youngblood Gallery and Boutique / 636 N Highland Ave / Atlanta, GA 30306 / (404)254-4127

Atlanta Cupcake Factory

Jamie Fahey launched a specialty order cupcake company out of her kitchen in February of 2007, and it grew and grew! By July, she was ready to open a storefront in Highland Row where the public could try her amazing cupcakes, and we couldn’t be more happy that she did! They were voted Best of Atlanta by Atlanta Magazine this past December. You can pick up just one little cupcake or order in bulk, and these are no ordinary cupcakes! The Atlanta Cupcake Factory features cool, creative flavors like Chocolate Bailey’s, Brown Sugar Banana and Pumpkin Pie.

Atlanta Cupcake Factory / 624 N Highland Ave NE / Atlanta GA 30306 / (678)358-9195

Soul Vegetarian Restaurant

On the same block as Youngblood Gallery and The Atlanta Cupcake Factory, you’ll find Soul Vegetarian Restaurant. Their 100% vegan menu is full of amazing soul food like macaroni and cheese, eggless salad and collard greens. Vegan macaroni and cheese? Yes! And it’s so good! Even if you don’t eat vegan, this place is completely worth a visit! Appetizers are all around $2 or $3, and main dishes are between $6 and $10. If you can’t decide what to get, we recommend the eggless salad sandwich or the pocket gyro. Delicious!

Soul Vegetarian Restaurant / 652 N Highland Ave NE / Atlanta, GA 30306 / (404)875-4641

Vacation Gallery and Boutique

Vacation had their grand opening in May of this year with a party featuring music from Black Lips! This sweet little shop and gallery hosts shows for local artists with music from indie bands and DJs. The boutique is a great place to check out some great art and pick do a little shopping for some rad clothes and gifts. Treat yourself!

Vacation Gallery and Boutique / 674A N Highland Ave NE / Atlanta,GA 30306 / (404)875-4413

Beep Beep Gallery

OK, so Beep Beep gallery is actually closer to midtown, just west of the Poncey Highland area, but we would be remiss if we didn’t give them a mention here! Beep Beep opened in January of 2006, when James McConnell, Steven Rauber and Mark Basehore started hosting art openings out of their house. After just a few shows, they relocated to a storefront on Charles Allen Drive. The gallery has openings every month that feature an emerging local artist, and their store stocks local art, music and zines.

Beep Beep Gallery / 696 Charles Allen Dr / Atlanta GA 30308 / (404)429-3320

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Guest Blog: Indie City Guides: Austin by Jennifer Perkins

August 13, 2008

by guest contributor Jennifer Perkins

Austin sign from Texas to Mexico’s flickr photostream.

I am a born and raised Texas girl. There was a semester spent abroad in London and the occasional 6 week filming stint in Los Angeles, but beyond that my roots are firmly planted in the Lone Star State. I was raised in a pink Victorian house in a town called McKinney, 45 minutes north of Dallas. When it came time for college, it just so happened that South West Texas State University located in San Marcos, just outside of Austin, was the school in Texas where you needed the least amount of math to snag yourself a psychology degree. I was sold and packed my bags and headed south. I had been to visit Austin many of times before and knew that it was for me. I would take pilgrimages to Austin just to go record shopping, see bands and distribute my zine Scratch-n-Sniff. Moving to Austin was always something I knew would eventually happen. I’m a bit of a mamma’s girl so it was just far enough from home (4 hours) where I felt independent, but could still see my family regularly. After college, I moved up to Austin, married my college bus driver, started a record label, re-discovered my love of crafts, changed my zine’s name to Naughty Secretary Club and made it online rather than print and that pretty much brings us up to date.

Jennifer Perkins from Naughty Secretary Club.

Now for those that have never visited Austin, you might think to yourself: why Texas? Well until you have been to Austin you can never know. Most people think of cowboys and cactus, but Austin is lush with lots of rivers and swimming holes. You can’t throw a rock without hitting someone covered in tattoos and that plays in a band. The craft scene is incredible. The Tex Mex alone is worth the visit. In the last couple of years I have visited and hung out in Vancouver, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, London, San Francisco, Cincinnati, Berlin, Boston and more (I travel a lot) and I always look forward to coming back to Austin. Not just because home is where the heart is, but because Austin is badass. Sure I’m partial, but I have never met anyone who has traveled to Austin and not had a good time. If you are ever in my neck of the woods, let me get you started with a few suggestions.

MUSIC

If you love music as much as I do, then Austin in March is the place for you. Heard of a little festival called SXSW? Just last year I saw Santogold, The Kills, Two Live Crew, Spank Rock and more all for free. Did I mention the free drinks as well? Sure you can buy a ticket, but the locals know how to make the rounds at the free day shows and parties where people like Rachel Ray and Pitchfork sequester bars for their events, book huge bands and supply all the food and drink you can handle. If you are here in September stop by the Austin Craft Mafia booth at the Austin City Limits Festival. Not only is there shopping and food this year you can see bands like The Foo Fighters, N.E.R.D. , Tegan & Sara, Iron & Wine, Hot Chip, CSS and about 120 more bands.

The Austin Craft Mafia’s booth at last year’s Austin City Limits.

Be sure to do some record shopping while you are in town. Remember I used to make the trek all the way from Dallas to supplement by 7” addiction. Stop by Sound on Sound, End of an Ear or Austin’s most famous Waterloo Records.

If you are here anytime of the year you can find live music in almost any bar, restaurant and often times street corners. I have seen countless bands play at Emo’s and spent most of my college years cozied up to their bar. I have seen the likes of David Lee Roth and Loretta Lynn just down Red River from Emo’s at Stubbs BBQ. Yummy food and good music. Also on Red River is Beerland and Mohawk, both fun bars that will almost always have something going on that will tickle your ear drums.

Jennifer Perkins and friend enjoying some music and tasty drinks!

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Guest Blog: Indie City Guides: Nashville by Freshie & Zero #3

July 10, 2008

This is the 3rd installment of the Nashville Indie City Guide by Beth Lawrence of Freshie & Zero for the Indie Fixx Guest Blog. The 1st was posted on Tuesday and the 2nd on Wednesday.

Are you interested in writing an Indie City Guide or sharing what is indie happening about your city, then shoot me an email.

by guest contributor Beth Lawrence

The center of the creative spirit of the indie movement of Nashville may well be found in the area known as East Nashville. D.I.Y.’ers have been moving here for years – buying up crusty old houses and turning them into groovy dream homes, studios, galleries, and shops all to the delight of the neighborhood.

Head over to the Five Points Area for the center of all things East. Here you will find the champion of the ‘hood, Meg MacFadyen, the friendly proprietress of the Art & Invention Gallery and the Garage Mahal (Nashville’s only drive-through gallery). Together with her husband Bret, who has a large studio in the back of the gallery where he builds custom furniture and theatrical sets, they were among the first pioneers to open a shop in the previously run-down east side and the city is better for it! Not only do they carry wonderful art by local and regional artists, including moody & ethereal paintings by Duh Huynh, they also stock a wide selection of locally-made jewelry & gifts, including jewelry by Rowanne Designs, found art collages by Evie Coates and Julie Lee (who is also a local favorite singer/songwriter), baby clothes & kimonos by Tomo & Edie — in fact, 50% of their stock is locally made! They also hold various crafty workshops in the gallery on a rotating basis.

Photo from marianlblack at flickr.

Meg and Bret also started the Tomato Art Fest in 2003 – a costume friendly, “off-beat festival” celebrating the mighty tomato through art, games, food, and more. The gallery is completely transformed into an homage to the tomato through a mix of happy, beautiful, and some downright hilarious art and accessories. Last year, the festival drew around 10,000 visitors and was voted “Best Festival” in the 2007 Nashville Scene Reader’s Poll. It is a site to behold – nowhere else will you find adults dressed up as tomatoes and sipping beer and bloody mary’s – it is truly an event unique to Nashville!

Photo from osium at flickr.

Art & Invention Gallery
1106 Woodland Street
Nashville, TN 37206

Next door to the MacFadyen’s Art Gallery is their hot dog stand, I Dream of Weenie – “Nashville’s only full service weenerie”. The name says it all, and Meg’s husband Bret literally dreamt about it one night and then put his plan into action, constructing everything from the housing for the VW Bus that serves as its kitchen to it’s kitschy signs and planters. Alisa Martin is the head chef and the hot dogs are certainly more gourmet than what you’ll find at any other hot dog stand in town (even the buns are by local artisan bakery Provence).

Photo from marianlblack at flickr.

I Dream of Weenie
1108 Woodland Street
Nashville, TN 37206

While you’re there, you MUST make a visit to the Pied Piper Creamery – the only locally owned ice cream shop in town where owner Jenny Piper whips up her tasty creations sometimes based on what she finds at the local Farmer’s Market and the names (“Are you there, God? It’s me, Margarita”) are as cute as the ice cream is delicious. Be sure and try the “Some Like it Hot Chocolate” – a chocolate ice cream with a kick of cayenne pepper and cinnamon!

Pied Piper Creamery
114 S 11th St
Nashville, TN 37206

Guest Blog: Indie City Guides: Nashville by Freshie & Zero #2

July 09, 2008

This is the 2nd installment of the Nashville Indie City Guide by Beth Lawrence of Freshie & Zero for the Indie Fixx Guest Blog. The 1st was posted yesterday and the 3rd will run on Thursday.

Are you interested in writing an Indie City Guide or sharing what is indie happening about your city, then shoot me an email.

by guest contributor Beth Lawrence

Yesterday you learned all about the popular shopping district—-Hillsboro Village. Next, you’re going to head on over to Edgehill Village, an up-and coming Nashville nook, and visit Queen Bee – a place for exquisitely handmade paper & gifts. Open for just over a year, owner Vickie Young is always scouting out the best in indie & handmade goods and her shop is stocked with them! She carries Bunny Butt Apothecary, Rachel Austin, Art Goodies, and Freshie & Zero just to name a few! She also regularly hosts events in her store – including classes on card making and gift wrapping in addition to various designer trunk shows.

Queen Bee
1200 Villa Place Suite 110
Nashville, TN 37212

While in Edgehill Village, grab a bubble tea next door at Fat Straw, the only place in Nashville to get this exotic drink that’s finally hitting the states!

More in Edgehill:
Elle’s Marche des Fleurs
1201 Villa Place, Ste.100
Nashville, TN 37212

Urban Patio
1200 Villa Place, Suite 108
Nashville, TN 37212

Lucky Pup (the cutest dog store ever, complete with organic treats and handmade toys
1200 Villa Place, Suite 1206
Nashville, TN 37212

Another excellent off the beaten path shopping destination for unique finds is the 12th Ave South District – a cozy little street that’s bustling with locally owned boutiques!

Local Honey is a favorite among hipsters in the know. Owner Shea Steele carries a hand picked selection of vintage clothes along with clothing made from local designers. She opened the store three years ago in order to cater to her like-minded friends seeking a shop that promoted individuality and the d.i.y. mentality! Her lady customers prefer 60’s/70’s boho dresses in the summer and leather boots in the winter, while the gents go for vintage graphic t’s and plaid button-ups all year round. A few of the local labels that regularly bring her new merchandise are Ladybird by Lauren Taylor, Franki & Gigi by George Bray, Snack Mountain by Seth murray and Melissa Burnett, and her own line, White Rabbit. They also host in-store “new stock” parties in addition to concerts in the summer – visit their website for more info!

Local Honey
1207 Linden Ave
Nashville, TN 37212

On the corner of Linden & 12th lies Serendipity – one of the first boutiques in this area. They carry affordable fashion and fun accessories for the urban bohemian. Locally owned and going strong for 7 years – Serendipity is in a constant state of transformation, so you are always pleasantly surprised when you visit the store. Owners Ken & Julie Lutz love reinventing the store on a regular basis by trying new lines & new ideas to make their store better and to cater to their customer’s changing moods and styles. They carry a lot of natural fiber goods and an expansive selection of dresses in addition to a large selection of handmade jewelry.

Serendipity
2301 12th Ave S
Nashville, TN 37204

Across the street is The Grove Boutique, an unexpectedly chic & preppy clothing shop – much like a fabulous boutique at a beachside resort. Run by owner Lauren Peck and her mother Trish; the two of them strive to fill a niche in Nashville that was otherwise missing. Lauren fell in love with the retail and fashion industry while working at a modern, upscale clothing boutique in Franklin, Tennessee and after graduating from college and working for an L.A.-based designer, she decided Nashville was ready for her shop! She carries lines such as Rebecca Taylor, Plenty, French Connection, and Ben Sherman – all in the name of classy, classic fashion! And luckily for the men in town – she has a sizeable men’s section in the store, too.

The Grove Boutique
2222 12th Ave So,
Nashville, TN 37204

Up the street you will find Moda – the newest boutique to hit the area. Opened in January of 2008 by Meredith Fidler and Kindy Girdley, Moda is stocked with cute and girly lines such as Nelli, Zoa, Vanessa Montiel, Toast, and Red Engine. Need to knock ‘em dead? – here you will find a fabulous dress, jacket, and accessories to complete your look – all at a reasonable price! Their jewelry is fabulous, handmade and totally unique – including lines by local designers Larry Wilkes and Shayna Sabatini. Another cool accessory you’ll find here are made by Brooklyn-based Wrecords by Monkey – wrist cuffs and jewelry fashioned out of old vinyl records – what could be more Nashville than that?

Necklace by Vanessa Montiel.

Moda Boutique
2511 12th Ave S
Nashville, TN 37204

Also in the area is Two Elle – another new and more posh boutique for the post-collegiate yet still funky and casual male or female. In this cozy shop you will find Tarina Tarantino, Linda Farrow Vintage Sunglasses, Cynthia Rowley, Paper Denim & Cloth among other achingly hip lines that cater to the young and label-conscious crowd of Nashville. If I had all the money in the world, I would go crazy in this shop – each piece is unique and lovely and would be a nice addition to my hipster-dabbler wardrobe.