52nd City: Buying & Selling

STL Style in NYT

I know this piece has been floating around for more than a week - a virtual forever in blogging terms - but it's just come to me, thanks to a reader.

The Vines brothers of STL Style were recently featured in the New York Times, discussing their STL-centric shirts, which, it seems, are part of a national trend of city-based designs. Good for them.

The link.

Where's the thermal?

I need the long-sleeved, winter-ready version of this.

C'mon, KSHE. Embrace your heritage.

Ben Franklin's Holiday Delights

The Ben Franklin store in Webster Groves is ordinarily a sea of tranquility. No matter what sundry you've gone in for - a ball of twine, a stapler, a notepad - you generally notice that the Old Orchard business is usually pretty... sparse. At least in terms of actual commerce. Maybe it's the fact that a sprawling five-and-dime has elements you don't normally see; between the muted, 20-year-old paint job, the quiet Muzak and the quirky layout, you can almost remember going to places like this back in the 1970s or '80s.

Earlier today, the place was strange: there were people there. Customers. Employees. The usual walk-in-select-pay-walk-out vibe was broken. Even after spending time in the store's unusually huge frame section, the trip had extra minutes added on by... what?... a line. A line at the check-out. Wow.

It's Christmas time, it's shopping season.

You might not have known this, or believed this. But it's true. Try Ben Franklin in Webster Groves. You'll see.

Loop's Streetside: Gone on 12/24

The sad trend continues, as another legendary record store goes under. Passed along by a friend of a friend:

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For those of you for whom this was THE source for music (before Vintage Vinyl, of course) I thought you may want to know that Streetside Records in the Loop is closing its doors forever effective Dec. 24th.

Streetside Records on Delmar, the venerable record store that for 30 years was one of the finest locally owned record stores before being bought out by the corporate behemoth, Trans World, is apparently closing its doors for good after Christmas Eve, to be replaced by a couple shitty chain restaurants. Just what the Loop needs, right?

Playback STL (www.playbackstl.com) plans to have a musings and remembrances spot on their site. It should be up by 12/22 if not sooner.

Local Harvest: Open House, Tonight

Yesterday evening, I happened into Local Harvest Grocery in a tofu run and, upon hitting the door, realized that I had arrived during the Holiday Open House. Thus, free, locally-produced food and drink was had. Deee-lightful surprise!

I'd even meant to write up the word about this event, but had forgotten, despite the flyer sitting next to my computing machine. Applying the better-late-than-never axiom, the event will happen again tonight, from 5-8 p.m., with the same amenities applying.

It's a charming store. And can we mention that the business is a Kick-Ass Award winner for 2007? Info on the venue, for those who've been late to the party: localharvestgrocery.com.

T-Shirt for Sale

I'm still not entirely sure how the hell Woot.com works, but I'm assured it's a legitimate enterprise, with some local roots. Again, I'm not disparaging the Woots, just having a bit of trouble figuring out a website that sells... things... for just a day. It's too clever, is what it is!

Well, our friend Barbara Cliffe is selling gear there today. As in right now, as I'm blogging after midnight. Here's a note from Barb, and know that a click-through to the shirt's page yields a whole lot more info:

Dearest friends and loved ones,

Starting at midnight (7/30/07), you can buy my new, freshly designed
t-shirt for only $10 at: http://www.shirt.woot.com/

The shirt's called, "This here is my unicorn huntin' gun", and well, that should just about explain it. Buy one and look pretty!

Thanks,
Barbara

Day 1 Business, Year 1 Business

Various folks we know are celebrating on Friday. In one case, it's the birth of a new business. In the other, a one-year anniversary will be cited.

The newbie is Local Harvest Grocery, located at 3148 Morganford. Founded by Patrick Horine and Shannon "Maddie" Earnest, the micro-grocery will have a heavy emphasis on local and organic foods, as the name would suggest. The opening is set for this Friday; hours are set for 8 a.m.-7 p.m. on Fridays, with the full list of hours available at the website: www.localharvestgrocery.com. We'll also note that this business won't just be a nice option for South City shoppers, it'll be a nice boost for a business district in need of some daytime operators.

Speaking of folks doing good for their neighborhood, Bevin Fahey-Vornberg and David Early are celebrating the one-year anniversary of Snowfalke/City Stock with an art opening tomorrow. Here're the details, compliments of David:

SNOWFLAKE/CITYSTOCK is turning ONE year old! Friday June 8 we will celebrate our first birthday from 6-9pm.

Current Exhibit: David Linneweh - Paintings, Prints also featured: fine mid-century furniture from our collection.

David Linneweh paints and prints simplified suburban landscapes that are somewhat banal, embarrassingly ordinary, and utterly, hypnotically compelling. His work has been selected to appear in New American
Paintings, MFA Edition 2007.

SNOWFLAKE/CITYSTOCK
3156 Cherokee Street
St. Louis, Missouri 63118
www.snowflakecitystock.com

Byron Kerman on Apop

I'd been kicking around the idea of writing up a blip on Apop Records, only to find an e-mail this morning from Byron Kerman, which summed up pretty much everything I'd have to say about this wunnerful place. Here's Byron's e-mail:

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Hey, I have a new favorite store in St. Louis, and I want to encourage y'all to check it out. It is called APOP RECORDS and as soon as I walked in I knew it was the sort of headquarters for all things cult that makes me drool. They have:

-obscure vinyl, CDs & cassettes--in fact, they have a lot of cassettes
-obscure VHS & DVD, especially horror
-'zines! Yes, despite the apparent superiority of the internet, 'zines are still alive & well--'zines on grindhouse movies, art, personal journals, angry youth, punk rock and so on
-bigger-budget magazines, also on fringe topics
-obscure books, including plenty on mind control, drugs, anarchy, crime,
Loompanics how-to titles on not necessarily legal subjects and all manner of
fringe stuff

In short, this is St. Louis' new clearinghouse for weirdness, specializing in a lot of stuff you would otherwise have to mail-order to get, at best.

Similar stores might include Quimby's in Chicago and the late Amok bookstore in L.A., if you're familiar--I love(d) those stores, too.

(And I sure do miss punk record/magazine store Tensionhead, also on Cherokee, which closed not so long ago, along with the late, lamented Whiz Bam Video, Twentieth Century Ephemera, All-Around Collectibles, Decades of Toys, Bijou Video, Comics Universe, Silver Screen poster shop and many other great shops in the area that are no longer.)

APOP is at: 2831 Cherokee between Grand & Jefferson

their web site:
http://www.apoprecords.com

Give them some of your cash so they will stick around for a long time.

And yes, if you are getting this e-mail because we're on the same list, I
realize it belongs in the "shameless commerce" division, and I'm sorry, but
too many wonderful stores such as those listed above closed too soon. Make a
special trip to this place, even if you live nowhere near it, and you'll see what I mean. People who love oddball culture need to know about this store.

Have fun,

-byron k.

Firecracker's For Sale

Next Saturday, the first Saturday of April, the Firecracker Press will be opening its studio doors for a special 12-5 p.m. sale of posters, which have apparently been building up over the winter, with the FP creating a whole slew of new designs for area clubs and other interested parties, enough, in fact, to where the posters are now taking over the shop and Eric Woods and John Vogl have little enough room to work that they'll be offering the pieces at special, spring prices next Saturday, the first Saturday of April.

Typo: R.I.P.

After a quick run-in with co-proprietor Tim Rakel earlier this evening, it appears that Typo, the internet-free coffeeshop at the corner of Compton and Cherokee, is no longer. The venue had been attached to the Tin Ceiling Theatre, both rooms was the core of the old Way Out Club. The business, open even last weekend, has poured its last cup, so for those who made their way to quirky space, don't go looking for a last sit in the comfy couches.

Tension Head: R.I.P.

On a weekend in which I spent a chunk of both time than money on records - with visits to Vintage Vinyl, Record Exchange and the Czech Center's STL Record Show - I was foiled on one attempt.

Dropping by the tiny storefront that housed Cherokee's Tension Head, I noticed some partly-drawn blinds and a complete lack of stock in the magazine section. That, of course, boded ill for the rest of the store, which was 90% empty, based on a peep through the front glass.

We enjoyed Sherri Ford's attempts at bringing a "boutique-style" record store to the block, her commitment to the punk/metal scene and her consistent advocacy for the block. Maybe the wrong concept at the wrong time in the wrong stretch of street... who can say?

We pause to remember one of our past distributors, then, and wish Ford well in her next business endeavour. As well as hoping an interesting concept finds its way into the little space T.H. called home.

Record Show: Sunday

Great deals on cheap vinyl. Even better people-watching. An occaisional "Pretzels, fifty cents... beer... soda pop," announced over the PA.

The five-times-annually St. Louis Record and CD Show runs this Sunday at the American Czech Center, 4690 Lansdowne @ Kingshighway, from roughly 10 a.m.-4 p.m. A mere $2.50 at the door, $1.50 with one of the timeless green cards you can spot around town.

A classic STL gathering, this.

Soulard turns into... THAT Soulard

Earlier today, I made my weekly pilgrammage to the center of my food needs, Soulard Farmer's Market. But it was in the minutes before arriving at the chilly destination that I noticed Soulard slipping into that familiar, February look. Houses were festooned in purple, green and yellow bunting. Rows of trashcans and portable hygenic units lined certain, key intersections. Parking lots were sacrificed for already-constructed, eventually-heated tents.

And, everywhere, 45-year-olds in jester caps marched around, clutching their Taste of Soulard maps.

Whether you find this Mardi Gras season a time of wild celebration or a time of great lamentation, the boozin' spirit is already beginning to cloak the neighborhood. Those looking to catch a beer at one of their favorite spots should be warned that the tourists have already breached the walls. Little Soulard Market Park has been turned into a wiener-dog racecourse. And, one week from now, most of the Soulard vendors will be anywhere but the market.

See you at the stalls on Friday, instead. A man can't live on hurricanes alone.

Last Call for Sequined Bandit Masks

A bummer for those of us who dig small local businesses, though a boon for thrifty types who would like to get in some early Mardi Gras shopping: per the New Line Yahoo! List: Saint Louis Carnival Supply is closing, with all the trappings of Carnival - beads, glittery diamond masks, dyed feather boas et cetera - marked to move. Driving down Broadway, past meat-packing warehouses and motorcycle repair shops, it has been a cheerful little landmark, like when you're walking down Broadway in June and see rain-tarnished Mardi Gras beads hanging off the fence around Nooter Boilerworks. If you need ticket-tumblers, mylar baloons, tiaras, hula-girl skirts, amusing hats, well, now is the time to get them...

Shop Local: Holiday Gift Ideas

Okay, so last weekend I was able to check a lot of folks off of my gift list, thanks to the Independent Art Market. I do have 2-3 more things to get. I’m trying to shop as local as I can. Here are some ideas…

1. A chapbook from Observable Books. I couldn’t pick a favorite. You won’t be able to either. So buy all three. They are only $8 a pop and the design is snazzy. Small in size (stocking stuffer!), big on impression (poetry with a wallop!). While you are on the site, you can donate just an extra dollar to the Observable Books Holiday Fund Drive and support the Observable Books Poetry series.

2. I always find extra special gifts at Mezzanine Wearables, 389 North Euclid Avenue, in the CWE. They carry clothing and accessories from emerging designers and things that smell awfully nice. The owners are super cool. They’ve opened a men’s shop down the street—haven’t checked that out yet.

3. When a gift card to [insert big box store of choice here] seems just a little too impersonal consider a gift certificate to a St. Louis Originals local independent restaurant.

4. Every January I try to take a 1-2 night retreat. I reflect on the past year and make goals for the next year. Not to get all Oprah on you—but it really has helped me stay focused on my priorities. I don’t have time to go somewhere far away—so staying nearby is just the ticket. Dwell 912 offers a modern urban retreat. Treat someone you love to a zen-out weekend.

5. SKIF still makes the best looking and most interesting sweaters in town and Nina Ganci’s studio shop on Marconi is always a fun place to shop. Completely snuggable holiday bargains can be found in a low pressure atmosphere.

6. I know I don’t have to remind you to shop at Left Bank, Subterranean, or Dunaway Books. But I am. And I do want to recommend a book I just finished—The Best Food Writing of 2005. A little elf hinted that I may be getting the 2006 edition for Christmas. This series, edited by Holly Hughes, is a must have for the literate foodie on your shopping list. There wasn’t a dud in the bunch—really outstanding, passionate, and fun writing.

7. And of course many people on my list are getting 52nd City magazines. You too, can easily wow your friends or family with a holiday pack of magazines—get all three print issues from 2006 for just $15. Or better yet, 2007 gift subscriptions are just $40. And what to carry all the literary booty in? Well, a sturdy and stylish 52nd City tote bag, of course. Check out our Café Press store for more 52nd City gear.

Good Luck!

Shopping the way it ought to be

Let me get all sappy for a second. For over twenty years I’ve gone Christmas shopping the first weekend of December with my mom, three aunts, and two cousins. We gather together in St. Louis from across the Midwest and tear up the town. For me, the camaraderie of this event is way more important than the actual shopping. We laugh and cry more than we buy, but I haven’t missed a shopping weekend with my family yet.

I also never miss an Independent Art Market, and one takes place this weekend at Shaw’s Gallery. This is where I really seriously shop for the holiday season. I’ve bought pottery, stationery, and cookies for in-laws, a silk-screened t-shirt for my brother, jewelry for friends, and I confess—I’ve treated myself to some pretty swank silk-screened tea towels. If you prefer high-quality, hand-made, unique, affordable gifts, there is no better place to drop your hard earned dollars than with local hard-working artists.

And to enhance your shopping experience, this year the Art Market team is offering a sake, sushi and fashion cocktail reception, a broad range of musical performances, poetry readings organized by Observable Books, and a variety show organized by 52nd City. (Yes that’s us—we’ve attended Art Markets of the past, so we were delighted to be invited to be a part of it this year’s event.)

The Independent Art Market proves that holiday shopping can be fun.
Get out of the malls and into the galleries this season!

What: Independent Art Market
Where: Shaw’s Gallery, 2 blocks east of the Botanical Garden (4065 Shaw Blvd. 63110)
When: Friday (6pm-midnight), Saturday (noon to midnight), and Sunday (noon-6pm)
Schedule of Events
Participating Artists

Toys and Martinis

I've seen the Malt Shop toysellers at Soulard Market a few times over the summer and fall, never stopping to take in their wares since, well, I don't really need any more toys in my life, at the moment. But some of you may. A friend passes along a note that Malt Shop will have a sale upcoming at Molly's, the longtime Soulard hippie hang that's become a yuppie drink emporium a couple years back. Could be interesting. And if you can't make it... of course! They're on Myspace.

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Don’t miss Malt Shop Toy Co.’s TOYSTOCK 2006!

MOLLY’S in Soulard (9th & Geyer) UPSTAIRS!
SUNDAY DECEMBER 3rd
1-5 pm

FREE STYLEE STOCKING w/$10 purchase (while supplies last)

This is the Malt Shop’s last event planned for 2006. It will be a great way to “stock up” on toys, see old friends, make new ones, and have some drink specials! I really hope you all can make it and PLEASE TELL YOUR FRIENDS…

I really hope to see you all come out…This event it’ll make for a fun drunken Sunday afternoon with plenty of toys to go around. If I haven’t seen you in a while, please stop by and say hello… I miss you!

Be sure to check out www.myspace.com/maltshoptoys.

Much thanks and peace,

Howard Schwartz

Malt Shop Toy Co.

Sub Books Opening Arts Space

Subterranean Books is opening - at least for now - a space for local atists to sell their works. We'll attach a portion of an e-mail from Subterranean, but interested parties can get the full scoop by sending an e-mail request to info @ subbooks.com. By the way, if you've not been to the space a while, they're still transitioning out of the used books business and are heavily investing in new books. Got some nice bargains on a few used titles recently, while being quite impressed by the new stock. Anyway, here's the arts info:

"We are putting out a call for artists/DIYers/crafters and others who might be interested in placing their wares in a retail environment this holiday season. We think such a set-up could benefit everyone. We are able to offer the artisans prime retail space during the busy busy holiday season. And the Loop is very busy in December. We think our customers will respond well to having unique locally made (mostly) products from which to choose for their gift-giving (as well as our fabulous selection of books). For us, it is much more affordable to stock this brand-new retail area with consignment items than it is to have to pay for a lot of inventory up-front. Here’s the background of how the consignment space came about, and it may be more than you need to know. We have had a terribly cluttered 'office' area in the loft portion of the east half of the shop for the last 6 years, with great intentions to clear it out. It has finally happened as we have moved the office into an upstairs apartment. We’re not exactly sure how we’re going to use the newly freed up space in the long term, but for the short term we would like to offer it as a consignment area for local crafters/DIY/artisans etc… We may keep that area as a consignment space in the future, depending on how well it does in this experimental period."

The Last Hurrah of Rock Star Rags

One of my most striking memories from last winter was a two day trash bag stuffing marathon at Rock Star Rags. If I recall correctly, the total take for our family was six full Hefties-allowing me to sit out our weekly thrift store trips for several months.

This unusual shopping experience was previously written about here at 52nd City. Shortly thereafter, it was reported that RSR would be closing this late summer or early fall. The grief in the hipster, emo, punk, artist and plain ol' broke communities is understandable and real.

As with all disappointments, there is a silver lining to the closing of this incredible clothing and costume resource. For the next three weekends, Rock Star Rags will be open to the public and trash bags are provided! Be there the next three Saturdays and Sundays through the first weekend in October. Hours are 10 am to 3 pm.

On Saturday, should you see someone hunched over a blue barrel and using a vintage hankie from Japan to dab her weeping eyes, well, that'll be me. Just keep shopping, I'll collect myself in good time.

Rock Star Rags
2820 North Ninth Street
Corner of Ninth and St. Louis Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63147

At the Car Wash

The ride's a little ragged and requires some sprucing up before it rolls another mile. (This is assuming you can't just park it outside your bar and send an eager kid out there to spit-shine it for you, as some readers here may.)

Well, if you have some time, the South Grand Detail Clinic was a package deal last Friday. There was car washing, people watching, and some of the greatest soft-sells I've fallen for in a long time.

The technicians were, in appearance, one of the most intimidating lot these eyes have rested upon. Ever. They were built, braided, tattoed and there was more than one grill gleamin'.

So I was somewhat flummoxed by the absolute courtesy with which I was treated. After I requested the wash and vac special, the technician told me, "I'll put a spray on wax for you just 5.00 more." Oh! Isn't that thoughtful and generous. A bit later he gently offered this information, "Some people like us to put some freshener inside, you know, to make it smell real good." Okay, I want that, too!

Several employees expressed concern that I was sitting outside in the hot sun and wouldn't I be more comfortable in the air-conditioned waiting room? Would I like to change the channel on the television? Progress updates were frequent and appreciated, particularly since I started to get squirmy after about 40 minutes of waiting.

The vehicle looked nice outside and was immaculate on the inside. It's possible that cough syrup was used to "freshen" the interior as the overpowering, cherry-y scent drove me to roll down the windows on a 100 degree day.

No Wi-Fi as I'd heard, and 20 bucks for a car wash isn't something I'd do too often. Still, I was glad to have tried it out and if I ever need to impress someone with the cleanliness of my wheels, I'm going there.

Here's the dirt:

South Grand Detail Clinic and Window Tinting
3740 South Grand St.
St. Louis, MO 63118
314.776.6545 or 314.776.1441

Plain Jane Tries to Buy a Sofa

A friend of mine has a great couch. Soft, big, easy to clean, throw pillows, the works. I wanted one just like it and was pleased to learn that posession of said couch required just a few minutes drive to a store called Good Works, located in the Loop.

Wearing my ususal uniform of jeans and a t-shirt, I traipsed down Delmar and into the store, wallet in hand.

I'm a Rambo-type, decisive shopper. I go in, make my move and get out as quickly as possible. Buying a previously identified piece of furniture shouldn't have taken me any longer than the time necessary to fill out delivery information and swipe my Visa.

Not so.

I was blatantly ignored by three sales associates on a none-too-busy afternoon. Funny, though. When the Hollister and Abercrombie set hit the doors, the sales floor seemed to be a-buzz with helpfulness.

I was willing to wait it out a little bit and even found a bed that struck my fancy. Finally, when I was the only customer remaining in the store, I approached a clerk with a rather tentative, "Excuse me." She didn't even stop moving away while sneering, "Do you have a question?" Gone, she was, by the time I recovered sufficiently to answer in the affirmative. The Trio of Aloofness huddled behind the desk, no doubt lamenting a total absence of sales from the mall-clad, and recently departed, H&M group.

I also left, but in a cloud of indignation. I was there to buy! I didn't just stumble in, killing time while the rest of my party was trying to buy "urban hipster" clothes at Rag-O-Rama!

Their website states:

We Are Under Construction

Thanks, and we look forward to seeing you!
The Good Works Staff

Riiight.

Good Works, bad attitude. Really unfortunate about the couch (and bed).

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle? ReStore!

Finally. I'm moving out of south county and into our fair city of St. Louis. One of my goals for the new digs is to use as much recycled material as possible. Some fellow urban dwellers directed me to a great rehabbing resource called the ReStore.

Here's the lowdown, courtesy of the Habitat for Humanity St Louis site.

The ReStore Mission
Our mission is to provide financial support for the St. Louis affiliate of Habitat for Humanity. We enable people to purchase building materials at substantial savings, and serve as an outlet for reusable but otherwise discarded items.

The ReStore Vision
Our vision encompasses a large view of building materials and their role in alleviating poverty housing. The United States has been blessed with a plethora of resources. The volume of home improvement material that is thrown away in this country is staggering. We hope to be the "destination shop" for anyone needing building materials, but especially for those who are attempting to rehabilitate deteriorating housing stock.

Last week's initial shopping trip yielded a full set of solid wood kitchen cabinets in excellent condition, a European style stainless steel double sink, four gallons of acrylic paint and some small harware items.

Grand total? One hundred and seventy five bucks.

I felt guilty paying so little - like I was swindling dedicated volunteers and their worthy cause. I suspect though, as the renovation continues, I'll get over it pretty quickly.

The ReStore
Habitat for Humanity St. Louis
3763 Forest Park Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri 63108
(314) 531-4155
www.habitatstl.org/restore/

Open Tuesday-Saturday 9-4

Or Nekkid, If You Prefer

Having entered adulthood in the late 1980’s, I consider myself a recovering consumer. Apparently, I need to work my program a little harder because I still covet expensive makeup and fancy bath products. In true St. Louis tradition, I “know a guy” who makes outstanding soaps.

The guy is actually a genteel lady named Morgan Naas and what began with a library book and a need for holiday gift solutions only 18 months ago has developed into a loyal customer following and upcoming vendor dates at the new Tower Grove Farmer’s Market.

Here are 5 good reasons to try Morgan’s Naked Soaps:

The products are made locally. And by locally, I mean she mixes small batches in the basement of her Shaw home and then cooks and molds the soap loaves upstairs in her kitchen.

Instead of synthetic fragrances, only natural essential oils are used for scent and spices provide any color present.

Each bar is hand cut and you pay by the total weight of the soap- about 1.00-1.10 per ounce for bars that range anywhere from 3 to 8 ounces.

There are 10-12 different varieties to choose from including lavender, patchouli and African oil soaps. Also in the works are bars for baby and one with insect repelling properties.

Naked Soaps are vegan, containing absolutely no animal products and are never tested on animals.

Everybody holla, south side has a soap diva! A web site is in development (www.moenaas.com) or you can drop her an email at monaas@swbell.net. For more information call 314.238.6141.

The Craigslist Shuffle

I love St. Louis Craigslist. Flat out, no questions, done deal love it. I’ve hired ace employees from it and sold my Cabbage Patch doll collection on it. An aside to you freaks around town who post your photos in the adult section- I check that out too, I recognize you and now I know some of your, um, peccadilloes. Gross.

Until last night, I’d never purchased anything from Craigslist but felt what I can only describe as mania when I spotted the exact twin loft bed and desk combination I’ve been eyeing at the local furniture store for months. It was less than half price and the seller listed the flaws as “some crayon marks on the desk top.” I could actually feel a pulse hammering away at the side of my neck and ran to the supply cabinet to make certain there was a full box of Magic Erasers on hand. With flying fingers I typed, I’ll take it! I’ll take it!

I stumbled my way through downtown Lemay, slapped 2 Bens in the seller’s hand and loaded the components with a strength and speed I didn’t know my body possessed. All in the literal and figurative dark.

Only after unloading it at home in the light of the living room did I notice the marker. Crayons on the desktop, yes – but also marker all over the frame of the bed. Efforts with the aforementioned Magic Eraser were futile and a desperate attempt to work in some WD-40 yielded even less a result. It wasn’t a twin. It was full-sized and rendered the mattress to be used obsolete.

Perhaps this is an opportunity. Maybe I should paint it like the Venice Café van or in Tom Dykas truck style. What if I could find an image of Mother Theresa in the scuffmarks left behind by some steel wool and elbow grease and then sell the relic to some poor sucker on Craigslist?

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.

It's Easy, Being Green

If one makes enough purchases at the Soulard Farmer’s Market, it quickly becomes clear which vendors sell legitimate produce and which purveyors routinely pawn strawberries that will be wearing fur coats the next day.

I shop at the first outdoor stall on the most downtown side of the market. I like it because the cute little guy who works it makes eyes at me and I’ve never purchased less than absolutely fresh produce from him. Sweet plums and juicy citrus are found here.

My other favorite vendor does not flirt with me and has the disadvantage of being lumped anonymously in the northeast corridor. He is also challenged with having a certain unremarkable look. Denim jacket, bushy mustache and weatherworn face like most of the men hawking termaters down there. It matters not, as this generic dude has what I want most: avocados. He sells them in a plastic bag lined little wooden bucket and I usually get 7-10 soft ones for just a few bucks.

My main man Carlos, an authentic Mexican-American (with an accent and everything!) schooled me on guacamole making. The recipe, one bushel o’ avocados and a bag of gold tortilla chips is all I need to get through the weekend. Blender and tequila optional.

As mentioned previously, there are those from whom I wouldn't buy an onion. I consider knowing who to avoid a perk to urban living and leave patronage of those sellers to chain grocery store shoppers who know no better.

TC Buys a Hat and Other Stories

In order to house my gigantic brain, I've been blessed with an oversized jug. This means that the simple act of purchasing, say, a ballcap for those days when my rug just won't cooperate is a chore, indeed. There's no single shop along the lines of, oh, "Melonhead's House of Hats," a place where a cantalopue head can do the in-out shopping bit. Carving out some valuable perusing time today, I found myself at three urban fashion emporia, the types of places known to sell a lid, or two.

Spectrum's: This Cherokee Street everything-goes-shop has been praised on these "pages" before, what with the store's curious selection of hip-hop fashions, bongs and porno. The hat selection, though, isn't the most expansive in town. Sad. This visit, though, predicted a sight that would be seen repeatedly as today's outing progressed: a new trend in t-shirt design is the wedding of a cereal pitch character with "blunt" imagery of Mary Jane. So everyone from Cap'n Crunch to the Trix Rabbit to the Snap, Crackle and Pop boys are now fronting 3X t-shirts, featuring these classic American cereal pitchmen in various states of being wacked outta their gourds. By summer, we'll all be sporting these tops, I'm certain. I'm gonna hold out for a way-baked Booberry.

Levin's: I've been passing Levin's for no less than 15 years, the shop located on the corner of 14th and Washington, next to the late, great Hungry Buddha. This is an old-school clothing store, with piles of pants stacked chest-high. It's also a place with a decent collection of sale hats, which meant my purchasing a fine KC Royals top for a resonable $18. Now, what's truly remarkable is that Levin's stocks clothing - shirts, pants, sundries - in sizes up to 10X. It's a place for the prosperous gent, the bountiful fellow, the big ol' dude. In fact, the store was being shopped by a collection of chaps that made me feel svelte, a fact that was much appreciated. Oh, my. Big clothes, people. BIG CLOTHES are sold here! Whoa! (Ah, thanks to an observant reader. I went to Levin's, not Levine's, which is on the same block. Zounds.)

Gus' Fashions: The venerable Gus' is on the move across the street, with much of the stock already outta the shop. What's left is a curious assortment of varied gear, including some pants, some shirts, some shoes. And some real odds'n'ends For example, a plethora of Rams replica shirts from the disgraced likes of Jason Sehorn and Tommy Polley. (Need your Grant Wistrom fix? This is your place for his jersey. No Jamie Martin's, though.) The Converse selection, though, needs to be witnessed to fully appreciate. Hundreds of Chuck Taylor's are on-sale, two pairs for 30 bones. There are a healthy variety of lows and highs, in a bunch of colors, including faux graf and camo styles.

A fun day of shopping. Yay!

Buying at Borders (and the end of the world)

It's halfway across town in the Brentwood/Richmond Heights Buyoplex, but I often finding myself guiltily leafing through the stacks of magazines at Borders, to me, the best mag stand in town, right now. With all due respect to my favorite indies, the simple variety of the magazine section there is worth the extra trip. Remarkably, the space is undergoing a makeover, with an expansion into the neighboring storefront. (Was this the former Orbis? And what is Orbis, exactly?) The window sheets promise "more" for the consumer, as if that's possible.

Now, the reason for this posting isn't to shill for the national book chain. Instead, it's to send some attention to the magazine "Tastes Like Chicken," which focuses a longish interview with two STL expats: actress Jenna Fischer ("Lost," "The Office") and screenwriter/author James Gunn ("Scooby-Doo" among his former credits, "The Toy Collector" the latter). The piece centers on the release of the pair's film "LolliLove," which was an indie hit last year and is enjoying a bit of DVD distribution. Well, good luck to them!

And while we don't normally talk about national (or, heck, international) topics here, a flier on the car upon departure, noted "MASS SUICIDE," with a two-sheet religious tract noting that religious prophet Tony Alamo is calling for some great changes upcoming. "Any time now, a worldquake and a series of prophesied catastrophes will shockingly awaken the entire global population to a horrible, God-sent, unparalleled nighmare." Etc. That would seemingly affect St. Louis, as well, so we pass along Mr. Alamo's thoughts in a nutshell.

Rock Star Rags: Clothes by the Pound

If you've not been to Rock Star Rags, tucked away in (big) corner of a sprawling warehouse just off of North Broadway, you're missing out on one of St. Louis more unique shopping experiences. First, you select your vintage wear from giant tubs, rifling through the wearables with a sharp eye and sharp elbow, since you need to occasionally jockey with another clothing cheapskate. You drop the stuff in your trashbag; they'll provide one, or bring your own. And then you check out by placing your score on a giant industrial scale, with your price rung up by the sheer weight of your trash sack. It's a simple process and a beautiful thing.

Word's getting around that this weekend, one of RSR's every-so-often sales will be taking place, with very specific hours. As I'm in need of a new line of spring Fat Guy Gear, I'll be in there, greedily eyeing the XLs, while gangly, smart-ass youths next to me listen to Death Cab for Cutie b-side collections on their iPods. (It could happen. It will happen.)

Anyway, the details:

Rock Star Rags Warehouse Sale
Saturday and Sunday, February 4th and 5th
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
$1.50 per pound, we accept cash-VISA-MC

Rock Star Rags
2820 North Ninth Street
Corner of Ninth and St. Louis Ave.
St. Louis MO 63147
314-621-0318
email: rockstarrags @ sbcglobal.net

To The Market...

I go to Soulard Market most every Saturday. But not just to shop. I just need to be around all the people and colors and smells and sounds to be happy for the rest of the week. It's a market, though, so I end up buying stuff. Usually, I end up buying too much; I find antique asparagus in the back of my fridge way more often than I'd like. When I had a dead backyard (hyper dogs and all shade; I could've had a rodeo back there and no one would have noticed) I experimented with compost, though once I had to borrow a shovel to dig a four-foot-deep hole to bury some that had gone horribly awry. I keep intending to get a real worm bin, or start a tidy little compost bin where all the wizened asparagus can go to die. But knowing full well that may be months from now, I was really pleased to find this link. Maybe it's a no-duh revelation for everyone else, but I was really happy to find it - I am telling myself that knowing what sorts of apples and herbs will be there come Saturday will help. I can make a list! And bring our nifty wire shopping cart, the kind that grannies use when they take their groceries home on the Bi-State. And not allow asparagus spears to die in vain.