Randolph St. Market THIS WEEKEND!!!

Come on out to the Randolph St. Market Spring Fling at Plumbers Hall (INDOORS this time) today and tomorrow to shop an amazing selection of handmade, vintage, and antique wares from Chicago's finest dealers. We'll be there with our colorful array of handmade AND vintage goodies so you'll have a chance to snag your favorite Apt528 items before they're gone.

Tickets are $10 at the door but you can still buy advanced tickets online for $8. Special discounts apply for students. The whole parking lot is open and FREE which means you can rent a pickup truck from Zipcar to carry home all of your purchases :) Not in a driving mood? Don't worry, Always Delivery will be there as always offering FREE delivery for those living downtown and affordable price options for everyone else (details here). And of course, there's plenty of food and drinks for all so you can recharge in between shopping conquests.

See you there!

Go Bazaar!

Sorry for the radio silence this past week.  We've been getting ready for the Vintage Bazaar!  If you're in the Chicago area on Sunday, stop by the Bazaar at the Congress Theater and shop dozens of awesome vintage dealers selling everything from clothing to nightstands all in one great location.  Visit the Apartment 528 booth on Rockwell St. to see retro housewares and furniture not yet available on our site.

To sweeten the deal, you can get your hair and makeup did at the mobile makeup and barbershop units, hear tunes spun by Chirp Independent Radio, get your picture taken with your new vintage goodies at the photobooth, and have delicious food and drinks from some of Chicago's yummiest.  for more details, visit the Vintage Bazaar website.

See you there!

Time Out, Randolph Street, and a Big Move

Don't hate me!  I know last week I was supposed to finish up The Big Move posts, but I got caught up!  First off, I had to get our apartment ready for our newest press...a House Call in Time Out Chicago!  We're so happy to be featured.  Unfortunately, we're still working on the two bedrooms so the pictures are only of the main house, but hopefully we'll have them ready to share soon.  The best part of the feature?  JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE is on the cover!!!  I have a mega crush on Justin and am not ashamed to say that I have a JT marionette doll form his NSync "Bye Bye Bye" days.  Just think, one day I could be in the same ROOM as Justin and we could talk about the Time Out piece!  For the full article or to see more pictures, click here.

Copyright Time Out Chicago

Copyright Time Out Chicago

After the House Call, it was time to get ready for the Randolph St. Market.  The weather was nice but the sun was burning a hole in our sides, especially when we got caught in the glare off the stainless tanker desk.  Lesson learned: always wear sunscreen.  I think my face will be peeling for months now and I'm starting to hate the smell of Aloe.  Thankfully, I had my mom and sisters in town all weekend to lend an extra hand.  Thanks to all who came out and shopped us.  We'll see you again at the Vintage Bazaar September 18th.

Now that things have quieted down and we're finally back to normal, I'll be around blogging, starting with this week's weekender featuring the DIY you've all been waiting for...concrete countertops!!

In the meantime, we're so behind on this year's Big Move series that I've decided to just skip it and move forward.  Next year I'll be ready, I promise!  So instead, take a look at some posts from the past couple of years to help you out with your big move!

Moving?  These past posts will help you out!

• The Big Move 2010 - all the tips you need no matter what stage of moving you're in
• Moving On Out - never lose your security deposit again!
• Time to Get Fixed - break something?  They'll help you fix it.
• Got Wood? - get your wood floors and furniture looking like new
• Apartment Security: Get it Done - make sure your new home is secure
• Apartment Security: The Little Things - don't forget these small ways to keep your apartment safe

Fun at the Vintage Bazaar!!

We had a blast at the Vintage Bazaar this past Saturday.  We met lots of awesome, interesting people and got to scope out the hip and fashionable of Chicago.  Thanks to Felix of Avoision for including us in his Bazaar roundup and for the video of our laserdiscs...as someone commented, laserdiscs are the new vinyl!

Random pics of our booth:

Jerome working the booth!

Some chairs from our new furniture selection.

Laserdiscs and storage containers...what else do you need?

We have no clue what this piece is.  People guessed everything from a nightstand to a large coffee table to a small dresser.  We just call them drawers!

All the kitchenware you could ever want!

For more pics of our booth, head over to our facebook page.

Now that the bazaar's over, we have tons of new stuff to finally add to the shop.  Hopefully everything will be up by this weekend if I can get my camera battery charged.  It has yet to be seen!

Thanks to all who came out to the Vintage Bazaar.  We can't wait to meet you again soon :)

We're going to the Vintage Bazaar! With Furniture!!

I have exciting news to share today.  Apartment 528 will be making its Chicago debut as a vendor at The Vintage Bazaar May 14th!  The bazaar is the brainchild of Katherine and Libby, two of the awesomest vintage seekers you'll ever meet.  I heard about The Vintage Bazaar last year while living in Boston and was a volunteer for the August bazaar right after our move to Chicago.  Now I'm super thrilled to be a vendor.

The bazaar is host to dozens of vintage shops peddling everything from retro garb to funky home pieces.  To keep your stomach full while you dig through vintage goodness, Goose Island will be providing the adult beverages and Bleeding Heart Bakery will bring the cavity-inducing treats.

Last year's bazaar.  They're expecting a few thousand people again so be there early to get all the good stuff.

What will Apartment 528 have at the bazaar?  Well, in addition to the great vintage items already available in the Apartment 528 Store, you'll also finds tons of stuff I've been holding back. 

More importantly, you'll also get to see our new furniture line.  That's right, Apartment 528's getting into the furniture business, just one of many exciting new ventures coming in the next few months!!!  As we get closer to the date of the bazaar, I'll post more pictures of the vintage finds you'll be able to purchase at the bazaar.  Keep your eyes peeled!

Follow The Vintage Bazaar on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/vintagebazaar

Boston Event Announcement

Just in time for Christmas, the creators of the South End Open Market have come up with a new shopping opportunity for us - the Prudential Center Artisian Market. Located inside of Boston's Prudential Center, the Market features dozens of talented vendors, including a few familiar faces from this summer's SOWA market.

The Prudential Market is open Sundays through December 21st from 12-6p. For more details, check out the Prudential Center Artisian Market website or the Prudential Center website.

See you there!

Event Updates!

Between looking for an apartment, my mom coming, moving, and Kris coming to stay with us, I've really slacked off on writing and keeping you updated on all the events that have taken place.

First there was the Brimfield Antique Show September 2-8. Brimfield (located in Brimfield, MA) is the largest outdoor antique show and is a great place to find authentic vintage pieces no matter what your taste. According to one of the sellers, the Hart of the Mart field is known for it's mid-century vendors - I think you know where I'll be! The show is held three times a year with September being the last show. The 2009 season opens May 12th.

I also forgot to tell you about the Boston Home Show this past weekend. If you're like me and missed it, try heading to the Suburban Boston Home Show September 26-28 at Shriners Auditorium. We went to the show last year. It's of course tailored to suburban homeowners so we found many of the products useless for us urban renters - when will I need to buy shingles? - but it was still neat to see some of the products and dream about what we could have when it's time to settle down. Check out the website for more info.

Here are dates for other home shows coming up:

September 19-21, 2008
Tucson Expo Center, Tucson, AZ

September 26-28, 2008
Gateway Center, Collinsville, IL

September 26-28, 2008
Grand Wayne Convention Center, Fort Wayne, IN

September 26-28, 2008
SCCC Sports & Exhibition Complex, Brentwood, NY

September 26-28, 2008
Shriners Auditorium, Wilmington, MA

October 3-5, 2008
Meadowlands Expo Center, Secaucus, NJ

October 3-5, 2008
XL Center formerly Hartford Civic Center, Hartford, CT

October 10-12, 2008
Metrolina Expo Center, Charlotte, NC

October 10-12, 2008
Sarasota Bradenton International Convention Center, Sarasota, FL

October 11-12, 2008
Pace University, Pleasantville, NY

October 17-19, 2008
Gold's Gym, Poughkeepsie, NY

October 24-26, 2008
Haborview Center, Clearwater, FL

October 24-26, 2008
MassMutual Center, Springfield, MA

October 24-26, 2008
Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Uniondale, NY

October 24-26, 2008
The Show Place Arena, Upper Marlboro, MD

October 24-26, 2008
Valley Forge Convention Center, King of Prussia, PA

October 31-November 2, 2008
New Jersey Convention and Expo Center in Raritan Center, Edison, NJ

October 31-November 2, 2008
The Lakeland Center, Lakeland, FL

October 31-November 2, 2008
The Showplace Exhibition Center, Richmond, VA

November 7-9, 2008
Central Florida Fairgrounds & Expo Park, Orlando, FL

To the Market!

No I haven't been slacking, the internet's been down. I guess that's what I get for stealing wireless from the neighbors!

I've been pretty productive though. I read some new design books for upcoming reviews and made it out to the Sowa Open Market in Boston's South End. The Market is full of local artists and vendors showcasing their merchandise. We found some great things: popcorn bowls made out of reshaped records; turned wood serving platters; funky purses and wallets; organic clothing; handmade breads; and amazing jewelry. You could do all of your Christmas shopping here if you wanted to!

The vendors change from week to week so there's always something new. Not all of the artists have business cards or websites but many offer mailing lists to keep you up to date on the latest happenings. I mangaged to grab a few cards...here are just a few of my favorites this week:

Vonica

purses, wallets, accessories

http://www.vonicadesigns.com/

I love the Chic Chick bag...it's SO cute :)

Bella Bags by Marcia

purses, totes, messenger bags, accessories

http://www.bellabagsbymarcia.com/

There's no such thing as too many purses!

Jolly Bike

hand-painted bikes

http://www.jollybike.com/

You've never seen a bike until you've seen one of these!!

Happy Earth Day

Last Saturday, I wrote about wood care products, several of which were made by the eco-masters over at Method. Now, thanks to a tip from an anonymous reader I have more news for Bostonians. Method has setup shop (temporarily) on Newbury Street.

The shop, located by the Hynes Convention subway stop, is open now through April 27th. Bring your old, toxic household cleaners to the Method shop and they'll properly dispose of them for you. They'll also give you some of their eco-alternatives to help you detox your home.


If you don't live in Boston or simply can't make it out to Newbury Street, you can go to the Method website and purchase a detox kit for $28. The detox kit includes french lavender all purpose cleaner, tub + tile spray, almond scented furniture polish (my fave!), a wood for good microfiber cloth, sea mineral hand wash, lemon ginger all floor cleaner, and pink grapefruit dish soap. With all of those great scents, what can go wrong?!

Another Earth Day treat - a Captain Planet marathon is playing on the Boomerang Channel today from 8am to 8pm. If you're a child of the 80's/90's, you'll love this. This is also a great time to get your kids into Captain Planet and his gang of Planeteers. It's not often that you find a TV show nowadays that actually has a message to it! Check out the amazon.com store to find Captain Planet on DVD. And remember, the power is YOURS!

Red Tag Sale

The Boston Design Center is holding a sample sale. The Center, which is usually trade only, is opening it's doors to the public this weekend. 30 showrooms are participating with items as much as 70% off! Keep in mind that these are DESIGNER items and many of them are pretty expensive. Even with a discount, don't expect to find Ikea prices, though I wouldn't be surprised if there were a few hidden gems.

Boston Design Center

One Design Center Place

Boston, MA 02210

http://www.bostondesign.com/

Saturday and Sunday 10/12-5p

$10 parking

$10 admission

ALL SALES FINAL

British Inspiration

First I showed you furniture made of airplane parts. Today, it's cars.

The folks over at UK company Mini Statement have created the hot-ticket item on every Mini lover's list - a Mini Desk.

Apparently, fans of the British automobile have decided personalizing the Cooper with stripes and designs isn't enough. I guess the only way to show your TRUE, undevoted love to the Mini is to buy a $4500 desk.

While the concept of a car as a workspace is pretty neat, I'm skeptical as to how practicle it is. Do you really want to pop the hood every time you need to grab a file? And why, out of all the cars, pick the Mini. If you're going to make a desk out of a car, why not go for something more powerful and dominating - not words I'd use to descripe the Cooper? Just think of how much fear you could instill on your coworks if you were looking down on them from the high and mighty seat of a Hummer desk.

On other news, make sure to check out the Addison Gallery of American Art's exhibit "Birth of Cool: California Art, Design and Culture at Midcentury." If you're a Mid-century love like me, this exhibit is sure to please. There will be funiture, art, music, design, and film.

Addison Gallery of American Art, Phillips Academy

180 Main Street

Andover, MA 01810-4161

978.749.4015

Hours:

Tuesday-Saturday 10-5

Sunday 1-5

Closed Mondays and national holidays

Now - April 13th

Super Weekend

Just when you thought Superbowl weekend couldn't get more exciting, the Suburban Boston Home Show stepped in! Starting today and running through Sunday, the expo promises to have the best products, ideas, and inspiration for your home.

I'll, of course, be there front and center and will bring back a detailed report of all the excitment on Monday.

Suburban Boston Spring Home Show
February 1, 2, 3, 2008
Friday 11am - 10pm
Saturday 10am - 10pm
Sunday 10am - 6pm

Shriner's Auditorium
99 Fordham Road
Wilmington, MA 01887

Adults: $9.00. Children under 16 are FREE.
*$2 off coupons can be found on the website and on the covers of the Boston Globe