Sorry about the lag time, but shit happens (and by “shit” I mean the holidays).  Click here and see if you can find your beautiful face or what you missed by not being there.  There’s always next time.

Happy New Year’s motherfuckers!!!

Now you’ve got the tree, the mistletoe, a menorah, a few cards, an itchy sweater and some hot buttered rum…but what’s left? PRESENTS! Now I know everyone is looking to stretch their dollar as much as possible this year, so I’ve decided to make you all a 2008 Broke Ass Shopping Guide! Here are some things that might make shit a little easier on your wallet this year:

·     Storeroom (Bush at Fillmore) This place is couture for cheapies. The idea of the store design is a “pop-up department store” offering high end, elegant brands for 50% off or more. The store is decked out in an all cardboard design that is super awesome. There are books from Chronicle that are over half off, as well as those “Shoplifter” totes from CITIZEN (the same CITIZEN that seemed unbearably expensive at first but are totally a steal at $18!).  And if you’re looking for something more intimate, they have elegant adult toys by Jimmyjane for the fraction of the cost! Also, check out the sign that they usually have at Fillmore/Bush or the Yelp totes they have stacked up inside – there is an extra 10% coupon hidden in one of these two places!

Citizen's Shoplifter Bag

·     Ice Skating! [Union Square or Ferry Plaza.] Now, I know its corny and totally cheesy, but what is more hilarious then seeing your friend eat shit on the ice in the middle of Union Square? Yeah, nothing. So both of you get your money’s worth. Plus, if you go during the week before 6pm, its only $8! [$12 if you need to rent skates, and $13 if you need hockey skates? What cheapskate needs hockey skates?!] Anyway, this is a guaranteed good time and you could grab a slice at Blondies on Powell or a cheap, delicious hoagie at Mastrelli’s in the Ferry Building if you’re at the Embarcadero.

·     Crafty and need a cute idea? Head over to Polk-A-Dot Stationers (Polk and Washington). They specialize in vintage, dead stock anything and if you’re into the smell of paper, typewriters and more cute things than you can shake a stick at, this is your place. Last time I was here, I heard the lady that runs the place is going out of business, so you’re bound to get a good deal. They have vintage cards from the early twentieth century, handmade jewelry, old toy charms from the 50’s [to make your own!] as well as a slew of other things that can be valuable in DIY Christmas gifts!

·     The Seventh Heart (Market at Page) is all you need for anyone wanting clothes this year.  They already have Levi’s, some deadstock, for around $40 a piece, and the entire store is 20% off! They feature some other brands like Alternative Apparel and American Apparel, as well as quirky, local brands that are bound to knock your socks off. Everything is really cheap and the customer service is always super winning. I’d recommend this place to anyone hoping to look good on a budget. 

·     Marc by Marc Jacobs (Fillmore at Sacramento) What more is there to say that hasn’t already been said? Marc is one of the few designers in couture world that is down with making shit affordable for us commonfolk. He has t-shirts, jewelry, rainboots [which are amazing, I might add], wallets, purses – you name it – for a bargain. Its great design and a great product for a fraction of what it might cost you for one of those dresses. The employees here are always happy to help, and will wrap anything you buy! You’ll look like you spent hella skrilla in no time!

·     Divisadero Corridor ( Divis from Haight to McAllister) Lower Haight is always cooking with the freshest of the fresh, but places on Divis like CC Rider, Enlightenment and Still Life will never let you down. Check out all of these small businesses for unique, one of a kind shit that won’t break the bank or end the season.

STILL LIFE

That’s it for now, but I’ll have some more tips for you soon.

- Monica the Intern

Also, make sure to grab Broke-Ass Stuart’s Guide to Living Cheaply in New York City.  You can find it on Amazon and Powell’s Books

This will hopefully be the first in a series of Broke-Ass Concerts.  Imeem.com and myself have teamed up to bring you the “Keys to the City” Party where four of the West Coast’s most talented indie hip-hop artists, Blu, U-N-I, Richie Cunning, and Fashawn, will all be on stage at the Independent in a single night! It’s gonna be epic! If you’re not familiar with them yet, make sure to go here and listen to their music and download some for free. I think you’ll dig it.

The super cool Julia Wertz, creator of Fart Party, interviewed me for this article.  If you’re in New York, grab a copy of NY Press and check out your boy on page 26.  Other wise just go here:   NY Press Article

If you can’t wait until the release party to get your grubby little hands on the book, just click on the links below and order from any of these fine retailers:

Independent:

Powells Books

Corporate:

Amazon

Barnes and Nobel

Also, to celebrate publication of Broke-Ass Stuart’s Guide to Living Cheaply in New York City join me and my friends at The Delancey in NY’s Lower East Side on Thursday, December 4.  The madness starts at 8pm. 

The $1 (one dollar!?!) cover gets you amazing drink specials throughout the night - $3 PBRs All Night, 2-4-1 Well Drinks 8:30-9:30, and more!!! Plus FREE snacks from restaurants featured in the book, and FREE BEER from Sixpoint Brewery (while supplies last.) 

Not to mention live sets from Kelli Rudick, Beyondo, Thought, and Crooked Looks–as well as music from DJ Saucey. The whole evening will be documented by NYC’s finest photographers - TONE and Darren Gantt.

Who says living it up can’t also be living cheaply?