Shop Local Rochester: { Forget the Mall } 1-Stop-Spots for The Holidays!

• • Gifts, Myths

{ “Look at that doggy in the window,” He’s real! Thread in the South Wedge. }

YOUR

#roc the holiday

ONE STOP

#shoplocalroc

SPOTS

{ Loud. Smelly. Crowded. Over Priced. Parking. … I don’t like the mall. Still, the 1 most common myth associated with #ShopLocal is this – It’s not a 1-stop-spot. Untrue! The proximity of diverse shops + merchants found while shopping local rivals any “convenience” the mall offers. Take this Holiday Bazaar + this South Wedge main drag as proof. }

The Yards Holiday Bazaar

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local convenience

50-52 Public Market Way (above Cure at the Public Market – Facebook)

No to the Mall: What is so “convenient” about shopping at the mall??

  1. Parking – excessively far.
  2. Finding your Car – a chore.
  3. Stores + Food – at opposite ends of 4 different wings.
  4. Loud Nosies – It’s loud, and some stores really smell!
  5. People – Inherent traffic laws of “left + right” seem not apply.

Yes to Shop Local: Shopping Local maximizes convenience while creating experience.

  1. Parking – Never more than 1 { 2 at most } city blocks away.
  2. Finding your Car – glance at street name + intersection: voila.
  3. Stores + Food – all in a row, and { as with bazaars } all in the same space!
  4. No Loud Nosies – played-out music + smells do not dominate the air waves.
  5. People – Joyfully + contently peruse shops and stands in merriment + harmony.
Hedonist ice cream shop has art for you to buy! { Madelyn Neva }

Hedonist ice cream shop has art for you to buy! { Madelyn Neva }

make your holiday light

SHOP

SHOP LOCAL ROCHESTER CONTEST

  1. Shop Local
  2. Photograph your purchase
  3. Post { Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter } + Hashtag – #shoplocalroc
Abode has endless gifting options.

Abode with endless gifting options.

top 3 reasons for 1-stop-spots

“small businesses work really hard to find really unique things,” -Ann Duckett, owner of The Little Bleu Cheese Shop

LBCS also sells local art + has tons of ideas for gifts!

LBCS also sells local art + has tons of ideas for gifts!

The South Wedge

One of the friendliest neighborhoods in Rochester, with some of the friendliest, most gracious merchants in tow.

This past weekend I stopped by Abode, Little Bleu Cheese Shop, + Hedonist Artisan Chocolates, all near the corner of Gregory + South. This is why 1-Stop-Spots like The South Wedge make Holiday Shopping better:

  1. Unique Gifts
  2. Hand Selected Quality
  3. Friendly, Amenable Service
  4. { BONUS: All of these businesses are women owned! }
95% vintage - 5% looks vintage. Abode.

95% vintage – 5% looks vintage. Abode.

ABODE | 289 Gregory Street Rochester, NY 14620 | FACEBOOK

Love Anthropologie? Me too … But. It’s at the mall, + the prices are exorbitantly high. { No way am I decorating my home with decor that exceeds my clothing/make-up/wine budget. } Enter Abode, owned + operated by Ariane Krenichyn + Amanda DeFisher, 2 women with a passion for design, a taste for mid-century, and an eye for local + vintage. At Abode, you will find:

{ BONUS: Find vintage pieces on Etsy! }

More versatile than an LBD. It's LBCS.

More versatile than an LBD. It’s LBCS.

THE LITTLE BLEU CHEESE SHOP | 684 South Avenue Rochester, NY 14620 | FACEBOOK

“We simply love cheese,” reads The LBCS tag-line. And I simply love Ann. Owner Ann Duckett selects handcrafted, artisan cheeses from around NYS, the US, + the world to bring us and Rochester the very best. And she does so with love. Every single time I have ever brought LBCS cheeses to a party, a friend’s, a holiday occasion, or as a gift – that parchment packet of goodness has turned each occasion into a gracious celebration. At LBCS, you will find:

  • impeccable cheeses { that take your breath away } + the opportunity to sample
  • more gifts! locally handcrafted cutting blocks + granite blocks + mustards to Brooklyn made pickles to cookbooks and a myriad of unending accoutrements
  • convenience – LBCS is happy to deliver! { the beauty of buying from small businesses }

“At The Little Bleu Cheese Shop, we really get to know our cheese makers,” –Ann Duckett, owner of LBCS

Truffles + Clusters are just the beginning.

Truffles + Clusters are just the beginning.

HEDONIST ARTISAN CHOCOLATES | 672 South Avenue Rochester, NY 14620 | FACEBOOK

Ice cream, sorbet, + chocolate to be, exact. Let’s be clear – this isn’t just any sweets shop. This is down-and-dirty gourmet. With almost a decade in the South Wedge, I wouldn’t expect anything less. Truly, Hedonist Artisan Chocolates, owned by Jennifer, lives up to the jovial + rascal-like implications of its name. … Food allergies, you say? Hedonist offers options, including dairy free! At Hedonist, you will find:

{ BONUS: All chocolates in-store last at least until Christmas. Hedonist delivers. And there’s a Goat Cheese Collection! }

A feast for the eyes. South Wedge window displays. { Hedonist. }

A feast for the eyes. South Wedge window displays. { Hedonist. }

This, your last weekend before Hanukkah ends + Christmas begins. Get your 1-Stop-Shopping done + look good, feel good doing it. #Roc the holiday and #ShopLocal!

#happyholidays

#shoplocal

XO.

Shop Local Rochester: You Can Shop { Local } Online!

• • Myths

{ EvenOdd Creative Margo Clutch. Made from reclaimed bike inner tubes. … That’s what I have! }

SHOP

{ LOCAL }

ONLINE

#shoplocalroc

{ So many of our favorite local shopping spots feature websites + therefore, plenty of opportunity to browse at home (or at work!) + shop online. Best thing to do – hop online + see for yourself! To invoke imagination into those of us who disbelieve, please take a look at the following. }

Chances are most of your fav #ShopLocal haunts have websites you can purchase from. Today – I’m going to highlight a few that indiscriminately cater to men + to women … okay, and 1 specifically to women.

Lanyard_group_tags

EvenOdd military grade Lanyard with reclaimed bike inner tube.

EVENODD CREATIVE

WHO: Ashley + Eliza, 2 graphic designers doing recycled, right. { Check out this article in (585) by Sydney Bell! }

WHAT: Upcycled, Handcrafted dopeness in the Form of:

WHERE: The Hungerford Building { check out First Fridays! } | Instagram | Online

{ Last day to order online is Wednesday, Dec 17th! }

WHY: EvenOdd captures every single thing it means to be a Rochesterian + adds a slice of succotash on the side. { That’s a good thing. }

  • one-of-a-kind
  • upcycled
  • refurbished
  • custom
  • genuine
  • unique
  • affordable
  • fucking real deal

bonus:
follow Benson { shop French bull dog } on Instagram!

{ And pet him when you go inside. PS – When I ordered online at EvenOdd, I picked-up in shop + it was a breeze! }

1975

WHO: Erich Lehman – visionary, Wall\Therapy curator, art afficiando, working stiff, Roc enhancer + creative

WHAT: Art Gallery featuring seriously good art, many local artists, enchanting installations, + incredible events

WHERE: Super Close By | Online

WHY: 1975 Gallery supports the art movement that makes Rochester unique + the artists who live + work here. Additional reasons include:

  • it’s art
  • it’s an investment
  • it’s a piece of Rochester
  • it’s very good art
  • pieces range from all price points, sizes, + tastes

bonus:
find promo code + other 1975 holiday purchasing tips here

{ Tip: It’s an incredibly personal gift! Give the gift someone wouldn’t normally give him or herself. If you know someone loves a certain artist or a certain piece, chances are … you can find it at 1975. }

EOC151_002

EvenOdd utility pouch with inside detail.

GO BUY ROCHESTER

WHO: EquaTEK Interactive, Inc. Initiative

WHAT: An online marketplace solely dedicated “to make shopping local easy,”. { See! You can shop online + shop local. } Items include:

WHERE: Online! | { learn more on their Blog }

WHY: When talking #ShopLocal, you’ll often hear me refer to the “multiplier effect.” This means, “every dollar spent with a locally-owned merchant has three times the impact of a dollar spent at a big box store.” Every single time I quote or cite the Multiplier Effect, it comes straight from GBR! Also …

bonus:
interested merchants can join GBR here

KURVIE KULTURE

WHO: Latiffany Anderson, owner. Kurvie Kulture is a movement about embracing, empowering, + evolving

WHAT: This online fashion boutique { also shoppable via Instagram! } carries a variety of sizes + specializes in plus sized fashion from women. From:

WHERE: Online | Instagram!

WHY: “Embrace Your Kurves, Empower Yourself, Evolove your Life.” Oh, and the …

  • high fashion
  • high quality
  • on trend
  • versatility
  • diversity + options
  • you’re killing it every time

I cannot speak highly enough for what KurvieKulture does for women + for fashion. And here we have it right in Rochester, NY.

bonus:
Enter the Shop Local Rochester Contest!
{ post a screen shot of your purchase + #shoplocalroc }

Porter Window

EvenOdd Porter Foldover Bag. … Why yes, I would love one.

Shopping Local is easy. It’s also fun, affordable, and { let’s face it } way better than all the other gifts you can buy. A slew of days until Hanukkah ends + Christmas begins. #Roc the holiday + #ShopLocal!!

#shoponline

#shoplocalroc

XO.

Shop Local Rochester: Gifts for Friends { And for You! }

• • Gifts, Myths

{ Give great gifts. And make them look great! Gift box from Sweet Poison Cupcake. }

SAVE MONEY

one for you

SHOP LOCAL

{ one for me, too. }

LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD

#shoplocalroc

{ Between sales, festivals + shows, dope merch, and increased exposure to quality stores + boutiques … shopping local for the holidays is hard! … On your conscience. When shopping local, I say: grab 1 for your family or friend + (at least) 1 for you, too. With these 3 spots – you can. }

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Bath + Body – from The Alternative Fair!

{ Compliments of Shandi Rine. }

Pssst. Did you know there’s a secret to buying the best gifts? It’s the Won’t-Buy-It-For-Myself factor. And it’s powerful! Check it:

  • Ever see something while shopping for yourself + think – YES. But you never buy it.
  • Even better, you say – That’d be a perfect gift for me! { You know you have. }

The It Factor. That’s exactly what these boutiques + artisan have and are. The pieces + items that your family + friends always want, but never buy. Think about it:

  • You find a $20 necklace but don’t want to shell-out the fancy cocktail money? You say – Maybe next time.
  • You gravitate toward seasonal accessories + think – I love it! But what if I don’t wear it next year?
  • What about the piece that enhances your surroundings? – It’s not something I need, you say.

ssshh:
this is what makes a gift giver great!

IMG_0022

#ShopLocal. Cardigan – Peppermint. Tank – Second Storie. Jewelry – Fahsye, The Knotty Owl, Erica Bello.

The It Factor is the Won’t-Buy-It-For-Myself factor. And that’s what makes a gift giver great! When you can identify that 1 gift a friend really loves, but would never buy herself – buy it. Trickiest thing? Not buying one for yourself, too!

fear not!
guilt-free shopping

At these 3 #ShopLocal spots in #Roc – you will find It factor gifts. Great thing? They’re so affordable … you buy something for you, too! { Guilt. Free. }

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Prismatic Gardens by Sigriet Ferrer.

Gifts for Friends { And for You! }

Prismatic Gardens. Owned by Sigriet Ferrer. Sold at Peppermint, pop-up shops, + online at Etsy!

WHY I LOVE

  • I kill plants. { Eek! } These are EASY to care for.
  • I’m bad at decorating. { Yikes. } These are GORGEOUS.
  • I dig the vibe. { Yes. } Prismatic Gardens says – “A natural synergy within elements.”

WHY FRIENDS LOVE

  • They want plants. { But won’t buy them. }
  • THEY COME WITH DINOSAURS! { Enchanting + one-of-a-kind. }
  • It’s not another bamboo plant. { Be original. }

WHY YOU LOVE

  • They’re flipping adorable. { Look at those little buds. }
  • Sir Rocha Says – You can hang rings on them! { Double-duty. }
  • LOW MAINTENANCE. { Mine doesn’t even ever have to be watered! }
IMG_0078

My Collection. Box + Cupcake ring are handmade!

Sweet Poison Cupcake. Owned by Tempest Paige. Handmade goods! Store at Village Gate + Etsy.

WHY I LOVE

  • I love sweets { but can’t always eat them } … and these are sweets you wear!
  • I’m way into shades. { Who isn’t? } Every shape, size, + color.
  • I only wear color { wait for it } in my accessories – SPC got color.

WHY FRIENDS LOVE

  • Everything is kawaii! { It’s super freakin’ cute. }
  • HANDMADE. { An entire table of handmade accessories! }
  • You know that statement purse?? { Sweet Poison Cupcake has them. }

WHY YOU LOVE

  • Need a lil’ edge? { Try on a dress or a T. }
  • BRIGHT LIPSTICK. { KleanColor – have some fun! }
  • Bling. { Pizzas, French Fries, Keys + Lockets … oh my. }
IMG_9888

Roll On bracelets are Fair Trade + support women.

Peppermint. Owned by designer Tanvi Asher. Peppermint Line. Local + artisan jewelry and accessories. 

WHY I LOVE

  • Down the street. { Ya’ heard. } I could live there.
  • Peppermint Line { True Boutique } designed by Tanvi + made in NYC.
  • Features local artisans { Truth } from Rochester, across the US, + around the world.

WHY FRIENDS LOVE

  • JEWELRY. { Earrings, Necklaces, Bracelets – for under $20. }
  • ROC Items. { Magnets, Ornaments, Necklaces, Rings, Bracelets, Earrings. }
  • Scarves, purses, gloves. { Every last thing a woman’s heart desires. }

WHY YOU LOVE

  • Shop with a Cause. { Fair Trade bracelets support working women. }
  • THERE’S A SHOE ROOM. { With insane good–well-priced–shoes. The walls are sunshine yellow. }
  • Affordable Quality. { Even the super nice things. }
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#ROC the Holiday like these guys.

{ Prismatic Gardens Facebook. To see the one I bought: Check It. }

#roc the holiday

Who’s buying 1 for a friend + another 1 for you?? This Girl! … And I bet you will too. { Go for the It factor. } ♥.

#shoplocalroc.

XO.

Shop Local Rochester: Park + Shop.

• • Myths

{ Metro Justice Alternative Fair! }

WHERE

ARE WE

GOING TO 

#shoplocalroc

PARK??

{ I want to hear everyone’s Shop Local Black Friday + Small Business Saturday stories!! I’ll be perfectly honest … I did not make it out for either! And that’s okay, because #ShopLocalRoc is really about shopping local all times of year … Oh, and there’s 3.5 weeks until Christmas, for those who count. }

parking meme

http://www.quickmeme.com/meme/365vle

Look familiar?? My parking lot anxiety begins:

  • before I leave for the mall
  • once I get there + see the mall parking lot
  • and once I circle three times before re-remembering how much I dislike the mall

{ I said it. }

#parklocal

Top 3 reasons Parking Local is super simple, non-threatening, + friendly.

  1. Familiar Places
  2. Quick Walk
  3. Promise you Won’t Have to Parallel

I’ll be real – I enjoy a good parallel. { I also have an incredibly tiny car. } But, you don’t have to parallel park do when driving to your fav local store. Let’s talk:

  1. Familiar Places – Did you know the next 2 weekends there are Fairs, Craft Festivals, + Bazaars?! Many of these are hosted in the most familiar spots to us, including: churches, museums, + Village Gate. Parking spaces?? Yes. Over-crowding? … Not as bad as the mall.
  2. Quick Walk – Which brings us to #2. Even if spaces, like Village Gate, feel over-crowded: a friendly and nearby side street awaits your arrival. Trickiest part?? Read the signs correctly. (They’re phrased in-the-negative, so use those brain reasoning skills … and use the other parkers as a guide!)

In fact, the best part about #ShopLocal means … not driving at all! If you or a friend lives close, grab the bike or your fav walking shoes + enjoy a late-fall stroll.

3.  Promise you Won’t Have to Parallel – Here’s a tip in case you do { lower your passenger-side       side-window so you can see the curb – works like a charm! }. But, truly, unless you’re intent on                 getting the primo spot that no one else can { which, granted, is tempting } you won’t have to                     parallel. Drive to the next side-street. Your walk is still shorter { and probably less windy! } than the           mall or big plaza.

#ShopLocalRoc:
#Roc the holiday the next 2 weekends

1. Metro Justice: Alternative Fair – First Unitarian Church of Rochester { S. Winton near East Ave! }

  • Saturday + Sunday, December, 5th + 6th

2. Genesee Center for the Arts + Education: WinterCraft – GCAE { Monroe Ave near Oxford + the Inner Loop! }

  • Saturday, Dec 6th: 12PM-3PM

3. Rochester Brainery: Holiday Brainery Bazaar presented by Yelp Shops Local! – Village Gate { Between University + Main (Circle St.)! }

  • Saturday + Sunday, December 13th + 14th

Look Good, Feel Good:
I cannot wait to see you there!

And remember: Enter the Shop Local Rochester Contest!

  1. Shop Local
  2. Take a Pic
  3. Hashtag #shoplocalroc + share on Instagram or Facebook!

#shoplocal

#shoplocalroc

XO.