published in VenusZine.com on 7/07/08
Multi-talented craftster and feminist Craig Hunter is a busy dude. Having just moved across country from Houston, Hunter has found a niche within the Brooklyn indie community as his DIY Web site Cubist Literature continues to grow. His interest in women’s literature has fostered the progression of the site, which began as a solo music project and has since evolved into clothing, crafts, and blogging. Hunter talks here about his site, his heroes and how Le Tigre got away with his favorite sunglasses.
What are you currently doing with your bad self?
NOT birdwatching, I can tell you that. That's what I wanted to do when I was five years old. Instead, I run Cubist Literature (or C.Lit, if yr nasty), mostly designing t-shirts these days. Basically, it is a means of expressing myself creatively and artistically — and it also happens to be my full-time job!
Where did the name Cubist Literature come from?
The name came to me while I was home alone on a Saturday night, drinking whiskey and doing homework. I was reading Gertrude Stein for a literature by women course I was taking, and I started reading up on her and found that her style was called “cubist literature.” Think cubist art but made up with words. I felt akin to that name for some reason and that it would be an appropriate name for my solo music project. Gertrude Stein's work is definitely amazing and quite an experience. It's a bit intense and insane, too. That's why I like it.
On your site, you talk a bit about your heroes. Who are they and why are they your heroes?
My heroes are all women!: Miranda July, Kathleen Hanna, Kim Gordon, and Debbie Stoller. I have met Debbie Stoller, Kim Gordon (twice), and Kathleen Hanna — but that’s a story spanning two days and a pair of stolen sunglasses. I still haven't met Miranda July. One day, I hope.
Back up. What is this story about Kathleen Hanna and stolen sunglasses?
So, it was my first time seeing Le Tigre and because I was REALLY excited, I wanted to see both their Texas shows. At the Austin show I was up close at the front and I had been wearing these cool sunglasses. But because it was inside at a show and dark, I had them in my hand, waving them around, dancing to the music. Johanna Fateman was near me for some reason and saw me holding my glasses high up in the air, so she came closer and instead of touching my hand (which is what I thought she was going to do), she grabbed my sunglasses and put them on.
I didn't get upset, because I thought they'd just give them back after the show. During the last song, I ran outside and waited out back so that I could intercept and get my glasses back. But that didn't go down. Instead, JD used the sunglasses as a disguise to run back and forth between the tour buses.
Those thieves! What happened next?
OK, fast forward to the next day in Houston. I went to talk to a roadie about these STOLEN sunglasses (and plus I said I'd really like to meet Le Tigre, especially Kathleen Hanna, because their work and music meant a lot to me). The roadie said normally she'd see if she could get me on the tour bus to meet them, but they were busy getting dressed and ready for their set.
When Le Tigre got on stage that evening, the first thing I saw — I was in the front row again, of course — was Kathleen wearing my sunglasses! And after the first song, I yelled out (not angrily, though), "Hey, y'all stole my sunglasses!" And Kathleen came up and yelled back, smiling, "Nu-uh! You gave them to us!" And so that taunting with sunglasses went on the whole set.
I was determined to meet them this day, so during the second to last song, my sister Windy and I ran out to the side of the venue to wait for them. It took a little bit, but before long I saw the women exit the building and Kathleen said, "Oh, there he is. We found him."
She and Johanna came over to us and said, "Oh my God, you GAVE us these sunglasses! We didn't steal them from you." And by that time, I didn't even care about the glasses anymore. I was just too excited to meet Kathleen, so I said, "Forget about the glasses. You can keep them. I just have to tell you how much you guys mean to me and have influenced me." And we talked and Kathleen had heard from the roadie that I'd started a women's issues group at my small Catholic university and thought that was awesome.
So, did you ever get the sunglasses back?
Le Tigre mention the incident in their blog, but they got the end of the story wrong: they said I made them give the sunglasses back. Lies! I don't own them anymore.
—
Read the article here.
Jul 28, 2008
Jul 3, 2008
Reader of the Week: Jane Hanna
published in VenusZine.com on 6/30/08
In between marketing for alternative weekly newspaper Chicago Reader, ponying with her dance troupe, the Janes, and rocking out with her band, Vamplifier, Jane Hanna finds little time for anything else. The self-proclaimed “train wreck” takes a moment out of her busy schedule to talk about partying, cheeky mini skirts, and finding a niche for her band’s eclectic sound.
What does being a special events and promotions coordinator entail? What percentage of this profession involves partying?
I'm basically the entire marketing department and street team for the newspaper, with the help of my trusty assistant. We have a booth at most of the music festivals and other cool summer events around town, so I get to hang out at those for free. I organize things like the huge bash we threw at Martyrs' back in May 2008 to celebrate our first-ever “Best of Chicago Readers Poll.” But I'm usually too busy being obsessive about the details to actually party at my own parties. I sacrifice my enjoyment so that the guests can enjoy a smoothly run evening. Noble of me, isn't it?
How long have you been involved in the Chicago go-go's group, the Janes? What do you usually do at one of your shows?
I've only been dancing with the Janes for a few months. I got hooked on the go-go aerobics classes at The Flamenco Arts Center (taught by the leader of the Janes), which are so much better than going to the gym. But I have this terrible addiction to the stage, so the gals were nice enough to let me join the performance troupe once they realized I was probably going to start showing up at their gigs in costume anyway!
We do authentic ‘60s-style choreography to songs of the era and perform all over town at benefit shows, festivals, and special events. Sometimes bands will hire us to add a little something to their stage show and we'll improv a set. You really can't go wrong when a bunch of girls with white boots and big hair run up onstage. It just does something to people — they go crazy when we start ponying.
How many inches above the knee does your skirt have to be to participate?
The costumes are retro and cheeky, but nothing naughty sticks out. Although, at my very first gig, I had to borrow a dress from another Jane so I'd match the group, and she's a bit shorter than me (I'm the tallest Jane). Let's just say that the fringe hanging off the bottom hem was about a millimeter away from turning things into adult entertainment.
Tell me about your band, Vamplifier.
I play keyboards and sing some, but I'll be throwing in some guitar once I get a little further in my lessons. We have an eclectic sound, with a lot of different influences. Basically if David Bowie and Marc Bolan had been hanging around Stax Records, and Television walked in with the Clash and they all started jamming to the Doors, it'd be weird and loud. But kinda cool? Let's call us psychedelic, trashy, post-punk, garage pop. PTP-PGP. That sounds good. We're putting out a self-produced EP called Knife Techniques later this summer.
How do you balance your job, your go-go troupe, and your band in addition to your social life?
I don't, actually. I'm kind of a train wreck. But I'm happy. My boyfriend calms me down, my dog cracks me up, and I wouldn't know what to do with myself if I was any less over-booked.
Where can readers learn more about your projects?
Where else but MySpace? You can find the Janes schedule and booking info at myspace.com/thejanesgogo and Vamplifier's show info and CDs at myspace.com/vamplifier. You can also read the Reader online at chicagoreader.com.
Read the article here.
In between marketing for alternative weekly newspaper Chicago Reader, ponying with her dance troupe, the Janes, and rocking out with her band, Vamplifier, Jane Hanna finds little time for anything else. The self-proclaimed “train wreck” takes a moment out of her busy schedule to talk about partying, cheeky mini skirts, and finding a niche for her band’s eclectic sound.
What does being a special events and promotions coordinator entail? What percentage of this profession involves partying?
I'm basically the entire marketing department and street team for the newspaper, with the help of my trusty assistant. We have a booth at most of the music festivals and other cool summer events around town, so I get to hang out at those for free. I organize things like the huge bash we threw at Martyrs' back in May 2008 to celebrate our first-ever “Best of Chicago Readers Poll.” But I'm usually too busy being obsessive about the details to actually party at my own parties. I sacrifice my enjoyment so that the guests can enjoy a smoothly run evening. Noble of me, isn't it?
How long have you been involved in the Chicago go-go's group, the Janes? What do you usually do at one of your shows?
I've only been dancing with the Janes for a few months. I got hooked on the go-go aerobics classes at The Flamenco Arts Center (taught by the leader of the Janes), which are so much better than going to the gym. But I have this terrible addiction to the stage, so the gals were nice enough to let me join the performance troupe once they realized I was probably going to start showing up at their gigs in costume anyway!
We do authentic ‘60s-style choreography to songs of the era and perform all over town at benefit shows, festivals, and special events. Sometimes bands will hire us to add a little something to their stage show and we'll improv a set. You really can't go wrong when a bunch of girls with white boots and big hair run up onstage. It just does something to people — they go crazy when we start ponying.
How many inches above the knee does your skirt have to be to participate?
The costumes are retro and cheeky, but nothing naughty sticks out. Although, at my very first gig, I had to borrow a dress from another Jane so I'd match the group, and she's a bit shorter than me (I'm the tallest Jane). Let's just say that the fringe hanging off the bottom hem was about a millimeter away from turning things into adult entertainment.
Tell me about your band, Vamplifier.
I play keyboards and sing some, but I'll be throwing in some guitar once I get a little further in my lessons. We have an eclectic sound, with a lot of different influences. Basically if David Bowie and Marc Bolan had been hanging around Stax Records, and Television walked in with the Clash and they all started jamming to the Doors, it'd be weird and loud. But kinda cool? Let's call us psychedelic, trashy, post-punk, garage pop. PTP-PGP. That sounds good. We're putting out a self-produced EP called Knife Techniques later this summer.
How do you balance your job, your go-go troupe, and your band in addition to your social life?
I don't, actually. I'm kind of a train wreck. But I'm happy. My boyfriend calms me down, my dog cracks me up, and I wouldn't know what to do with myself if I was any less over-booked.
Where can readers learn more about your projects?
Where else but MySpace? You can find the Janes schedule and booking info at myspace.com/thejanesgogo and Vamplifier's show info and CDs at myspace.com/vamplifier. You can also read the Reader online at chicagoreader.com.
Read the article here.
Jun 27, 2008
Indiegrrl conference strives to teach women about the music industry
published in VenusZine.com on 06/26/08
Whether you’re an aspiring musician or a seasoned professional, the First Annual 2008 Indiegrrl Women in the Arts Conference is a two-day, two-night rockin’ retreat for those looking to network, get on board with current trends in the music industry, and receive feedback from respected professionals in the trade.
The conference takes place August 21–24 at the Spencer Penn Center in Spencer, Virginia, featuring songwriting and performance critique rooms, showcase performances from members of Rockin’ Moms, Songsalive, and Females on Fire. The conference also features seminars on music industry issues in addition to workshops such as alternative guitar tunings with Gibson-endorsed solo guitarist Vicki Genfan and learning to book a tour with Robin Hinnant of Onlinegigs.
Indiegrrl organizer Vicki Blankenship says the event is intended to strengthen entrepreneurial skills and educate musicians within the indie community.
The conference kicks off with a buffet-style banquet featuring two keynote speakers: musician-actress Bonnie Bramlett and Molly Neuman, former Bratmobile member and current Donnas’ manager. “I’m planning on speaking about my path in the music business and the constant theme of independence and how it has been enhanced by my passion for women’s issues,” Neuman says. “I’m very excited about the opportunity to speak to women. I hope to share my commitment to women’s activism and independence in music.”
A full pass gains you access to all workshops, panels, the exhibit hall, and live performances and are $100 if purchased by July 31 or $125 at the door. Tickets for the Thursday night banquet with Bramlett and Neuman are an additional $30 and limited to 300 seats. Or if you just want to check out showcasing artists, general admission is only $10.
Banquet and conference tickets are available online at indiegrrl.com/2008conference.html.
—
For more information on 2008 Indiegrrl Women in the Arts Conference, check out indiegrrl.com/2008conference.html
Read the article here.
Whether you’re an aspiring musician or a seasoned professional, the First Annual 2008 Indiegrrl Women in the Arts Conference is a two-day, two-night rockin’ retreat for those looking to network, get on board with current trends in the music industry, and receive feedback from respected professionals in the trade.
The conference takes place August 21–24 at the Spencer Penn Center in Spencer, Virginia, featuring songwriting and performance critique rooms, showcase performances from members of Rockin’ Moms, Songsalive, and Females on Fire. The conference also features seminars on music industry issues in addition to workshops such as alternative guitar tunings with Gibson-endorsed solo guitarist Vicki Genfan and learning to book a tour with Robin Hinnant of Onlinegigs.
Indiegrrl organizer Vicki Blankenship says the event is intended to strengthen entrepreneurial skills and educate musicians within the indie community.
The conference kicks off with a buffet-style banquet featuring two keynote speakers: musician-actress Bonnie Bramlett and Molly Neuman, former Bratmobile member and current Donnas’ manager. “I’m planning on speaking about my path in the music business and the constant theme of independence and how it has been enhanced by my passion for women’s issues,” Neuman says. “I’m very excited about the opportunity to speak to women. I hope to share my commitment to women’s activism and independence in music.”
A full pass gains you access to all workshops, panels, the exhibit hall, and live performances and are $100 if purchased by July 31 or $125 at the door. Tickets for the Thursday night banquet with Bramlett and Neuman are an additional $30 and limited to 300 seats. Or if you just want to check out showcasing artists, general admission is only $10.
Banquet and conference tickets are available online at indiegrrl.com/2008conference.html.
—
For more information on 2008 Indiegrrl Women in the Arts Conference, check out indiegrrl.com/2008conference.html
Read the article here.
Carly Fisher loves embroidery cards from Sublime Stitching
published in VenusZine.com on 06/27/08
My family is notorious for sending cards for everything: holidays, thank you notes, thank you notes for thank you notes, "Thinking of you" cards, "Do you need any money? We worry constantly!" cards, etc. During a time when sending an e-card is cheaper and faster, receiving a letter that doesn't require payment is often more thoughtful—however, who needs the wasted paper? Sublime Stitching takes a utilitarian approach to a thoughtful card with their new embroidery cards that feature six 5" x 7" postcards in three adorable themes: Chinatown, Gnomes & Fairies, and Forest Friends. Each pattern comes on two cards for sharing patterns without parting with your favorites.
Read the article here.
My family is notorious for sending cards for everything: holidays, thank you notes, thank you notes for thank you notes, "Thinking of you" cards, "Do you need any money? We worry constantly!" cards, etc. During a time when sending an e-card is cheaper and faster, receiving a letter that doesn't require payment is often more thoughtful—however, who needs the wasted paper? Sublime Stitching takes a utilitarian approach to a thoughtful card with their new embroidery cards that feature six 5" x 7" postcards in three adorable themes: Chinatown, Gnomes & Fairies, and Forest Friends. Each pattern comes on two cards for sharing patterns without parting with your favorites.
Read the article here.
Reader of the Week: Melanie Barrows
published in VenusZine.com on 06/23/08
From Virginia to San Diego, Melanie Barrows has finally settled in the mid-coast and found a home at Chicago’s Second City as house manager. The improv comedy house launched the careers of dozens of skilled actors and comedians, including John Belushi, Billy Murray, Amy Sedaris, Steven Colbert, Tina Fey, and Steve Carell. Barrows talks here about her perilous journey to the Midwest, Second City’s most washed-up cast member, and her eclectic after-hours hobbies.
Okay, so who are you? How did you get here? Did you remember to bring your wallet?
I came to this slowly warming metropolis by driving my little red car in the midst of the winter through the most horrendous snowstorm ever! My wallet — well, that was not so full when I got here — but I still have it and it looks a lot better these days.
Who is Second City’s most washed-up cast member?
Wow, that question could probably lose me my job and then some. So my answer is: I don't believe Second City would have anyone washed up on their cast! They have a really good set of people on both the stages here — and a good group of women are working the shows now too. I especially like a couple of them, one in particular being Shelly Gossman on the main stage. Her precision onstage with improvisation is right on the money, and she can roll with the best of them!
On your MySpace page, you say that you "like sound of the glockenspiel, banjo, and melodica." What is your problem with "mainstream" instruments?
I have no problems with "mainstream" instruments per se; I just really love those instruments. I have been trying to teach myself to play the long-neck banjo, but it is a bit hard and I cannot seem to find anyone to sit down and teach me. The melodica is just a weird and awesome instrument — I mean, it’s a piano you play with the power of your wind! The glockenspiel is just a good word, and you can transport that damn thing with you anywhere!
Will you draw me a funny picture?
I will draw you a funny picture if you send me a picture of someone to draw! I will include some photos of my silly drawings, just to appease you though!
Read the article here.
From Virginia to San Diego, Melanie Barrows has finally settled in the mid-coast and found a home at Chicago’s Second City as house manager. The improv comedy house launched the careers of dozens of skilled actors and comedians, including John Belushi, Billy Murray, Amy Sedaris, Steven Colbert, Tina Fey, and Steve Carell. Barrows talks here about her perilous journey to the Midwest, Second City’s most washed-up cast member, and her eclectic after-hours hobbies.
Okay, so who are you? How did you get here? Did you remember to bring your wallet?
I came to this slowly warming metropolis by driving my little red car in the midst of the winter through the most horrendous snowstorm ever! My wallet — well, that was not so full when I got here — but I still have it and it looks a lot better these days.
Who is Second City’s most washed-up cast member?
Wow, that question could probably lose me my job and then some. So my answer is: I don't believe Second City would have anyone washed up on their cast! They have a really good set of people on both the stages here — and a good group of women are working the shows now too. I especially like a couple of them, one in particular being Shelly Gossman on the main stage. Her precision onstage with improvisation is right on the money, and she can roll with the best of them!
On your MySpace page, you say that you "like sound of the glockenspiel, banjo, and melodica." What is your problem with "mainstream" instruments?
I have no problems with "mainstream" instruments per se; I just really love those instruments. I have been trying to teach myself to play the long-neck banjo, but it is a bit hard and I cannot seem to find anyone to sit down and teach me. The melodica is just a weird and awesome instrument — I mean, it’s a piano you play with the power of your wind! The glockenspiel is just a good word, and you can transport that damn thing with you anywhere!
Will you draw me a funny picture?
I will draw you a funny picture if you send me a picture of someone to draw! I will include some photos of my silly drawings, just to appease you though!
Read the article here.
Reader of the Week: Kay Barrett
published in VenusZine.com on 06/17/08
Tell me about your current involvement in Filipina/o American politics. How does that tie in with your work with LGBTQ issues?
I'm dedicated to performance and facilitating workshops that entail LGBTQ, racism, and immigrant rights. Working with various organizations, we try to coalesce these aspects. I'm a believer of Audre Lorde's, "There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives."
Like many QPOC (Queer People of Color), I had to struggle with being queer/trans, of color, an immigrant, low income, etc. all at once from an early age. It was only later that I discovered that the Philippines have a vital radical political history, but also a vibrant LGBTQ, anti-U.S. imperialism movement. LGBTQ people are affected in every facet of any community—Latin, Caribbean, first nations, and in my case, Filipino—although, there's denial about LGBTQ people in the Filipino solidarity communities here in the U.S. People want you to put in the sweat, but not talk about straight privilege, much like white feminism alienating experiences from women of color. Being Pinay and queer are intrinsic to my spirit—you can't separate that.
Being that poetry is your forte, how do you prepare for an open-mic night?
For the last few years, I have been performing solo and ensemble work nationally with Mango Tribe at theaters, universities, community organizations, etc., which demands a lot from me in a wonderful way. Since I am terrible at memorization (and always have been), I'm usually the nervous one who is mumbling to hirself behind the stage. Performances and workshops run all year, airport to airport, sometimes for special events like APIA (Asian/Pacific Islander American) heritage month or Pride Month, but mostly out of the basic need for APIA queer experiences to be told.
You seem to be involved in a lot of different projects and causes (Awesome!). But do you ever feel like you spread yourself thin with too many projects? How do you find the time to work with your LGBTQ caucus, Mango Tribe, open mics and having your work published (am I missing some other projects?!)?
Too many projects? Nahhh NEVER! Spread myself thin? Well, yes. All the time. It keeps me going and helps me build with powerful and fly people who believe in art for social change. I was born a busy kid. I've always enjoyed being an educator and working with youth too, but being on stage isn't enough work—I feel we can always do more.
My recent projects include: a contribution to 'Kicked Out' Anthology by Homofactus Press, a one queer show in the works, and a documentary about me entitled, Bring Your Fierce by Say It Loud Productions. Don't get me wrong; I am such a homebody. I like to grill, read, and kick it with my lovely partner and my handsome puppy. I make the time.
Read the article here.
Tell me about your current involvement in Filipina/o American politics. How does that tie in with your work with LGBTQ issues?
I'm dedicated to performance and facilitating workshops that entail LGBTQ, racism, and immigrant rights. Working with various organizations, we try to coalesce these aspects. I'm a believer of Audre Lorde's, "There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives."
Like many QPOC (Queer People of Color), I had to struggle with being queer/trans, of color, an immigrant, low income, etc. all at once from an early age. It was only later that I discovered that the Philippines have a vital radical political history, but also a vibrant LGBTQ, anti-U.S. imperialism movement. LGBTQ people are affected in every facet of any community—Latin, Caribbean, first nations, and in my case, Filipino—although, there's denial about LGBTQ people in the Filipino solidarity communities here in the U.S. People want you to put in the sweat, but not talk about straight privilege, much like white feminism alienating experiences from women of color. Being Pinay and queer are intrinsic to my spirit—you can't separate that.
Being that poetry is your forte, how do you prepare for an open-mic night?
For the last few years, I have been performing solo and ensemble work nationally with Mango Tribe at theaters, universities, community organizations, etc., which demands a lot from me in a wonderful way. Since I am terrible at memorization (and always have been), I'm usually the nervous one who is mumbling to hirself behind the stage. Performances and workshops run all year, airport to airport, sometimes for special events like APIA (Asian/Pacific Islander American) heritage month or Pride Month, but mostly out of the basic need for APIA queer experiences to be told.
You seem to be involved in a lot of different projects and causes (Awesome!). But do you ever feel like you spread yourself thin with too many projects? How do you find the time to work with your LGBTQ caucus, Mango Tribe, open mics and having your work published (am I missing some other projects?!)?
Too many projects? Nahhh NEVER! Spread myself thin? Well, yes. All the time. It keeps me going and helps me build with powerful and fly people who believe in art for social change. I was born a busy kid. I've always enjoyed being an educator and working with youth too, but being on stage isn't enough work—I feel we can always do more.
My recent projects include: a contribution to 'Kicked Out' Anthology by Homofactus Press, a one queer show in the works, and a documentary about me entitled, Bring Your Fierce by Say It Loud Productions. Don't get me wrong; I am such a homebody. I like to grill, read, and kick it with my lovely partner and my handsome puppy. I make the time.
Read the article here.
Dirt cheap digs: how to spruce up your place on a budget
published in VenusZine.com on 06/03/08
Before and after: $15 yard sale fix up (Photo by Carly Fisher)
No matter how many times you’ve decorated, cleaned, or rearranged the furniture, it seems there’s always something missing in that quest to make a house a home. But when you’re changing the interior of your living room faster than you can pay the credit card bills, sometimes you have to get financially crafty. Venus Zine shares some tips to help you walk away with twice the items for half the price.
Hit up Craigslist
I know, I know, I’m beating a dead horse by advising people to use Craigslist, but I can't stress how convenient it is to find furnishings — sometimes brand-new, brand-name items — for half price. Before making a trip to another chain department store, check out Craigslist’s "free," "garage sales," and "furniture" categories. Much like the personals section, a lot of what’s listed is crap, but with patience, you could walk away with, say, a brand-new Brita faucet filter and replacement cartridge for $10 or two Ikea area rugs for the price of one (I did).
Take a walk
While Craigslist and online syndicates of your local paper serve as useful tools for locating garage sales, don’t forget that not everyone is computer savvy. Sometimes a simple walk around the block helps you find a treasure. You might discover an additional five garage sales or notice a cool desk someone has left out on the curb for garbage pickup. Besides, you might as well walk off any lingering seasonal depression.
As with most garage sales, going early is best if you plan on competing with other bargain hunters, so rise and shine to get moving around 10 a.m. when most sales start — Saturdays are often better than Sundays for finding the most sales. Find out what day your local garbage pickup is and take a stroll the afternoon or evening before for any last minute throw-aways.
Estate and moving sales
Estate and moving sales are the best for turning someone else's house into your own. As opposed to buying a $5 whisk at the store, you might find a whisk and four other items for the same price. Plus, the “everything must go” mentality gives you more bargaining power because sellers would rather make a couple bucks less than kick it to the curb. On the other hand, while you could very well come across antiques and original artwork, the prices for these items are often hit or miss — particularly if the sale is run by a professional company.
Local newspapers and estatesales.net are good sources for sales in your area in addition to finding out the names of local professional estate sale companies. Many of these companies let you to subscribe to mailing lists for press releases on upcoming sales.
Dollar stores
I bet you pass several dollar stores a day without stepping into one. Though the discount stores carry a lot of random stuff, you can often score all sorts of household accessories such as kitchenware, shower curtains, and closet organizers.
Can’t fit art into you budget but sick of looking at bare walls? The dollar store often has a selection of funky picture frames perfect for sticking in a collage or some cut-outs from the latest issue of Venus Zine (ahem). While my mother, a dollar-store regular, weened me on national discount havens such as Dollar Tree and Dollar General, a great way to find the best dollar stores in your area is checking out reviews on yelp.com.
Liquidation warehouses
Most urban areas have liquidation warehouses because, in addition to high business turnover, there is a lot of pressure within the hospitality market to keep up with the latest decorating trends. Make their trash becomes your gently used room fixture.
Chicago’s Cooper Used Hotel Furniture has complete rooms from national four- and five-star hotels such as the Mirage in Las Vegas or Hotel Allegro in Chicago, according to Marian Miles, the office manager. Find steals like a complete 12-piece bedroom set from $299 to $599. In Los Angeles, Hotel Surplus Outlet liquidates high-end antique-looking items from swanky stays like Casa Del Mar, The Beverly Hills Hotel, and The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. Buying in bulk might help you negotiate a better deal, so if you don’t need 20 chairs, try going with a group of friends and split the bounty.
If your city doesn’t have a liquidation warehouse, online outlets such as overstock.com and nationalwholesaleliquidators.com often have half-priced, brand-new items — sometimes with free shipping. Plus, user ratings allow you to gauge how well the item will hold up. If you have a competitive streak, liquidation.com has an eBay-esque bidding forum. Miles says Cooper’s is currently updating the company’s Web site so customers can shop at cooperhotelliquidation.com.
The waiting game
Fallen in love with a coffee table from Crate and Barrel but don’t have the dough to get them now? If you can hold out, you could save up to 70% by waiting until the latest trends become last season’s overstock and are sent to the clearance section and outlet stores for companies such as crateandbarrel.com/outlet, urbanoutfitters.com, westelm.com, and anthropologie.com to name a few.
While shopping online is convenient, rummaging on foot gives you the advantage of checking out multiple bargain bins at once at outlet malls, while also getting a healthy amount of exercise. outletbound.com/usa50.html is a great tool for finding outlet malls in your area.
Patience is key
Just like sifting through items at the local thrift store (also a great place to find dirt-cheap digs), you might not find what you want or need on the first try. Go with the mindset to have fun, and if you happen to land the perfect end table in the process, consider it an added bonus.
Read the article here.
Before and after: $15 yard sale fix up (Photo by Carly Fisher)
No matter how many times you’ve decorated, cleaned, or rearranged the furniture, it seems there’s always something missing in that quest to make a house a home. But when you’re changing the interior of your living room faster than you can pay the credit card bills, sometimes you have to get financially crafty. Venus Zine shares some tips to help you walk away with twice the items for half the price.
Hit up Craigslist
I know, I know, I’m beating a dead horse by advising people to use Craigslist, but I can't stress how convenient it is to find furnishings — sometimes brand-new, brand-name items — for half price. Before making a trip to another chain department store, check out Craigslist’s "free," "garage sales," and "furniture" categories. Much like the personals section, a lot of what’s listed is crap, but with patience, you could walk away with, say, a brand-new Brita faucet filter and replacement cartridge for $10 or two Ikea area rugs for the price of one (I did).
Take a walk
While Craigslist and online syndicates of your local paper serve as useful tools for locating garage sales, don’t forget that not everyone is computer savvy. Sometimes a simple walk around the block helps you find a treasure. You might discover an additional five garage sales or notice a cool desk someone has left out on the curb for garbage pickup. Besides, you might as well walk off any lingering seasonal depression.
As with most garage sales, going early is best if you plan on competing with other bargain hunters, so rise and shine to get moving around 10 a.m. when most sales start — Saturdays are often better than Sundays for finding the most sales. Find out what day your local garbage pickup is and take a stroll the afternoon or evening before for any last minute throw-aways.
Estate and moving sales
Estate and moving sales are the best for turning someone else's house into your own. As opposed to buying a $5 whisk at the store, you might find a whisk and four other items for the same price. Plus, the “everything must go” mentality gives you more bargaining power because sellers would rather make a couple bucks less than kick it to the curb. On the other hand, while you could very well come across antiques and original artwork, the prices for these items are often hit or miss — particularly if the sale is run by a professional company.
Local newspapers and estatesales.net are good sources for sales in your area in addition to finding out the names of local professional estate sale companies. Many of these companies let you to subscribe to mailing lists for press releases on upcoming sales.
Dollar stores
I bet you pass several dollar stores a day without stepping into one. Though the discount stores carry a lot of random stuff, you can often score all sorts of household accessories such as kitchenware, shower curtains, and closet organizers.
Can’t fit art into you budget but sick of looking at bare walls? The dollar store often has a selection of funky picture frames perfect for sticking in a collage or some cut-outs from the latest issue of Venus Zine (ahem). While my mother, a dollar-store regular, weened me on national discount havens such as Dollar Tree and Dollar General, a great way to find the best dollar stores in your area is checking out reviews on yelp.com.
Liquidation warehouses
Most urban areas have liquidation warehouses because, in addition to high business turnover, there is a lot of pressure within the hospitality market to keep up with the latest decorating trends. Make their trash becomes your gently used room fixture.
Chicago’s Cooper Used Hotel Furniture has complete rooms from national four- and five-star hotels such as the Mirage in Las Vegas or Hotel Allegro in Chicago, according to Marian Miles, the office manager. Find steals like a complete 12-piece bedroom set from $299 to $599. In Los Angeles, Hotel Surplus Outlet liquidates high-end antique-looking items from swanky stays like Casa Del Mar, The Beverly Hills Hotel, and The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. Buying in bulk might help you negotiate a better deal, so if you don’t need 20 chairs, try going with a group of friends and split the bounty.
If your city doesn’t have a liquidation warehouse, online outlets such as overstock.com and nationalwholesaleliquidators.com often have half-priced, brand-new items — sometimes with free shipping. Plus, user ratings allow you to gauge how well the item will hold up. If you have a competitive streak, liquidation.com has an eBay-esque bidding forum. Miles says Cooper’s is currently updating the company’s Web site so customers can shop at cooperhotelliquidation.com.
The waiting game
Fallen in love with a coffee table from Crate and Barrel but don’t have the dough to get them now? If you can hold out, you could save up to 70% by waiting until the latest trends become last season’s overstock and are sent to the clearance section and outlet stores for companies such as crateandbarrel.com/outlet, urbanoutfitters.com, westelm.com, and anthropologie.com to name a few.
While shopping online is convenient, rummaging on foot gives you the advantage of checking out multiple bargain bins at once at outlet malls, while also getting a healthy amount of exercise. outletbound.com/usa50.html is a great tool for finding outlet malls in your area.
Patience is key
Just like sifting through items at the local thrift store (also a great place to find dirt-cheap digs), you might not find what you want or need on the first try. Go with the mindset to have fun, and if you happen to land the perfect end table in the process, consider it an added bonus.
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