I love shopping on Leavenworth Street. In an era of shopping malls and strip plazas, Leavenworth Street offers a chance to return to an earlier time, when cities’ shopping districts developed naturally, fueled by the independent businesses that opened their doors as neighbors. This kind of neighborhood shopping has somehow remained well-preserved on Leavenworth from its downtown beginnings to its midtown segue into Elmwood Park. Fittingly, the best shopping to be found on Leavenworth is vintage –whether it’s a kitschy ‘60s shift dress, an authentic Eames chair or a farmhouse table just like your grandparents, a trip down Leavenworth Street can reward you with previously untold treasures of the past.
Our tour of Leavenworth’s vintage finds begins at Weird Wild Stuff. Located at 4905 Leavenworth, Weird Wild Stuff definitely lives up to its name. A sign posted behind the counter reads, “Cool is when vintage meets modern,” and this eclectic retail shop represents with a selection of both truly vintage and new reproductions of yesteryear styles.
Weird Wild Stuff sells clothing for men and women, as well as a wide array of personal accessories and household items. All of the clothes in the store’s front room are for sale, while much of the vintage collection in the back is available for costume rental only. However, owner Robert Hollister says his partner and wife Ellie will sometimes part with a rental piece if the price is right.
Speaking of the right price, Weird Wild Stuff offers many unique or hard-to-find items at great prices. For example, where else in town can you score a pair of high-end Gothic or Cosplay platforms for $25? Or how about a pair of new vinyl boots ala Nancy Sinatra in any color of the rainbow for $40?
Their sunglass selection is also a standout, with most shades available for around $8. From Bootsy to Devo, practically any sunglass style of the ages is available, along with the random red mushroom-shaped lenses, and such.
Weird Wild Stuff certainly embraces the rock-n-roll lifestyle of the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s, and all the paraphernalia that goes with it. Like incense. And day-glo posters. Yeah, and all that other smoking hot gear you need. In fact, upon entering the door of Weird Wild Stuff, it’s hard to know if you have been transported to the set of “That 70’s Show,” or a college freshman’s Shangri-la of a dorm room.
Beyond their reputation for being a hippie supply shop, Weird Wild Stuff truly offers some interesting finds. Although it is not for sale, the store boasts one of the only functioning eight-track players in the city. Some of their great vintage pieces include skirt crinolines from the ‘50s, dresses from the ‘40s, a lovely ashtray collection, and of course, more noxious polyester than you can shake a two-fingered peace sign at.
Vintage bed sheet skirts are one of Weird Wild Stuff’s exclusive products. Made from vintage character sheets for children, these elastic-waist A-line skirts with lace trim are very fetch for the crowd who enjoys reliving their fondest childhood memories through fashion. The only problem is deciding between the “Star Wars,” Strawberry Shortcake, or Snow White and Seven Dwarfs designs of these locally made creations.
Other locally made products include hemp necklaces made by real, modern-day hippies and tie-dyes galore.
In addition to vintage clothing rentals, Weird Wild Stuff stocks an ample selection of new costume accessories. For example, they have the perfect afro wig to pair up with your new dashiki. If your are in the market for fishnets, a pair of bell-bottom trousers, or an Austin Powers “men are from Mars” necklace, Weird Wild Stuff is your stop.
So, whether you just got invited to a pimp-n-ho party, or you simply want to recall your junior high bedroom, circa 1979, Weird Wild Stuff helps you remember all that cool gear you might have otherwise forgotten.
Put your best dace forward this fall
Bathing suits will soon be packed away for another year, but beauty doesn’t take a holiday when summer winds down. Women everywhere will need to modify their daily beauty routines to keep pace with autumn’s changing demands, and the rapid approach of the holiday season.
Your fall beauty regimen should focus on caring for the basics of beauty – skin, smile and hair. Here are some tips to ensure you enter the cooler months looking your best.
Fall Skin Care
Fall is one of the most demanding seasons for your skin. Not only does bright sunshine persist in many areas of the country, the air turns dry and cool – conditions which can add up to damage and drying.
• Remember to moisturize daily, and consider replacing the lotion or gel-based moisturizer you used over the summer months with a cream-based product. Cream-based moisturizers do a better job of locking moisture into the skin.
• You’ll still need sunscreen, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors, but you can probably pack away the 50 SPF cream until next summer. Go with a lighter SPF. Many makeup lines now offer foundations that include UV protection.
• Stay hydrated. Make sure you get your recommended eight, 8-ounce glasses of water per day. If you live in a particularly dry climate, consider sleeping with a humidifier in your room. Not only will it help your skin, the humidifier can help relieve some respiratory symptoms brought on by dry weather.
Something to Smile About
Your smile is often the first impression someone has about you. “It’s easy to overlook the importance of taking care of your smile, especially as schedules get busier in the fall,” says Dr. Nancy Rosen, a New York City-based dentist whose clients include business executives, fashionistas and politicians.
• Before the holidays hit and you have time for little else other than shopping and entertaining, schedule a checkup with your dentist.
• White teeth can turn a nice smile into a show-stopper. Consider incorporating a teeth whitener into your everyday beauty routine. Crest Whitestrips Daily Whitening Plus Tartar Protection provides five-minute once a day whitening and protection from tartar and daily stain build-up. “These strips not only provide tartar protection, they’re a great way to whiten teeth daily.” Rosen says. “The strips are gentle enough to use every day, even for people who are sensitive to whitening.” They are available anywhere Crest products are sold; or log on to www.whitestrips.com for more information.
• The cool, dry air and crisp breezes of fall can lead to chapped lips. Use lip balm that contains UV protection to prevent chapped or sunburned lips. Avoid petroleum-based balms, as evidence has shown that petroleum can actually dry out your lips.
With a few simple enhancements to your daily routine, you can ensure your beauty regimen doesn’t fall behind this autumn.
– Courtesy of ARAcontent
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