RED Holiday Shopping Guide

Well, it’s that time of year again – the holiday shopping season (or the annual cutthroat free-for-all, as some might call it) is upon us! Are you tired of getting Dad the same old tie, or getting Mom her usual knock-off gemstone earrings? Why not step out of the box this year and check out some local RED businesses to find gifts for your loved ones that are both unique and economical!

Stop by A Step Apart clothing store on Park Ave to browse unique fashions and accessories. A Step Apart’s styles closely follow today’s trends, yet do so with the addition of an urban flair. Does your sister have a thing for funky jewelry? Does your Mom need a new (less Mary Poppins-esque) handbag? Do you want to take a break from shopping for others and reward yourself for being so generous? Then A Step Apart is the place for you!

Wondering what you could possibly buy for your crazy poet aunt? Is Dad’s expanding tie collection causing him to look into larger houses? Break the cycle, and hit up Greenwood Books on East Ave to find new and antique books – from classics to cookbooks to travel books to children’s books, Greenwood Books carries the kind of obscure treasures that you wouldn’t find at Barnes and Noble. A book from here would make the perfect thoughtful holiday gift.

Are you dreading going home at the thought of being deafened 24/7 by your 16-year-old brother who has “decided to start a band”? Well, you probably have to get some earplugs to solve that problem, but if you’re wondering what to get him as a gift, look no further than Lakeshore Record Exchange, located on Park Ave! Here you can find CDs, music magazines, vintage records, and all sorts of fun collectable items. Oh no! Did you realize you spent all your money on your sister, your mom, your crazy aunt, and your dad?? No problem! Lakeshore Record Exchange also buys used CDs, DVDs, and VHS tapes, so clean out your media collection and get some cash so you can buy your little rockstar-in-the-making brother the gift he deserves.

Sayonara

It's time to pass the torch. It's been real. But, my time at the U of R has expired.

Keep on exploring the city of Rochester, please, I urge you. Take advantage of your time here. Because in reality it's short and sweet. Before you know it, you'll be out in the wild world.

xo

Red Hottie

In Crafty Company

To put it gently, aside from that brief popsicle stick frame stint at sleep-away camp, I am not crafty. However that's not to say that I don't appreciate the artistic inclinations of others. Come on, I am nuts for anything artsy handmade.

It figures that I'm obsessed with Craft Company No. 6 an folk art shop located at 785 University Ave in The Neighborhood of the Arts. It occupies the space of a fabulous spruced up firehouse bedazzled with whimsical jewelry, artwork, and housewares. There's even a thermos in front filled with warm mulled cider.

All during my dorm days, I've dreamed of decorating my humble cinder block walls with the likes of Craft Company No. 6 masterpieces. The dream lives on. It's up to you.

Stay Calm and Curry On

In the whole wide world my weaknesses are few and far between: designer shades, shaggy dogs, gossip blogs, and obviously Indian buffets. What I would give to pile a plate (or three) high with chicken vindaloo, chana masala, paneer palak, basmati rice, and to finish the whole thing off with a bowl of rice pudding!

Lucky for us, the newest addition to the RED family, A Taste of India, located at 3047 West Henrietta Road serves up a mean (i.e. delicious) all-you-can-eat buffet Monday nights and every day of the week for lunch. Drop by for dinner the rest of the week to order whatever your little heart desires from the menu.

Mucho Gusto

Truth be told: Rochester and Italy are not one of the same. Where are the gondola's? How about the Sistine Chapel? Have you caught sight of any of those world class fashion houses lately? Okay, okay enough cynicism. There just so happens to be a slice of Italy that has endured this garbage plate haven, Gusto, located at 277 Alexander Street. 

The menu is the love child of good food and comfort which in terms of offerings means plenty of: pizza, pasta, paninis, soups, salads, and without a doubt, dessert. Furthermore, even gluten-free offerings abound. Stop by on a Tuesday evening  for conversational Italian classes, the perfect accompaniment to any cannoli. Side note confession: Gusto gelato is the stuff dreams are made of. 

Tying Up Some Loose Ends

And I am back from outer space... 

  Face it, summer is fading along with your sun-kissed glow and your right to wear white (bee tee dubs it’s a cardinal rule.)  So it’s back to classes, back to books, back to teachers' dirty looks. Why don’t you just cry me a freakin’ Genesee river?

However, even if you aren’t gung-ho about easing into the whole swing of things, aka forsaking class and homework in exchange for a romp in GVP and a night out on the town, you might as well dress the part. Thank heavens, Thread has got your back. This boutique located at 654 South Avenue, in the artsy South Wedge, has a knack for showcasing independent designers on both the local and national scale. It’s a meeting-ground of the trendy and the hipster sensibility. It’s a funky monkey.

Sew, what are you waiting for?