I’m not entirely sure why they didn’t chose to leverage the score of local crafty badasses to help curate and would have been more impressed if they tried to rally with the likes of Atlanta’s Indie Craft Experience. Regardless, it should be a fun event and they’re bringing drinks, snacks and tunes!

RSVP to attend on their Facebook event.

Everyone knows about Black Friday and its younger cousin Cyber Monday. But this year, there’s a new (and hopefully permanent) post-Thanksgiving shopping day to add to the list, but this one supports the little guys that are often left out of the holiday retail extravaganza.

Initiated by American Express, Nov. 27 is the inaugural Small Business Saturday, where shoppers are encouraged to give back to the local mom-and-pop shops that give their neighborhoods character (and economic stability) by finding good deals on unique items that you might not find in traditional outlets. Even in an increasingly homogenized shopping climate, Atlanta still has plenty of independent businesses with many things to offer.

Here are just a few you might want to check out this holiday shopping weekend.

Richard’s Variety Store
A real blast from the past, Richard’s Variety Store is a family run operation that has been in business since 1951. Whether you visit the original Buckhead location or the newer Midtown shop, you’ll find everything from gag gifts and humorous greeting cards to retro toys and games. Go in with an open mind because even if you’re looking at something as seemingly mundane as spatulas or stationary, there’s likely going to be some sort of pop culture or party take on it. Plus, there just aren’t many places where you can find bacon watches, luchador key caps and Playmobil toys under the same roof.

Young Blood Gallery and Boutique
A true treasure in Atlanta’s indie arts scene, Young Blood features some of the most inventive shows from emerging artists in its back gallery, while offering arts, crafts, housewares, clothing and jewelry in its boutique. Young Blood specializes in independently made (and usually locally produced) creative wares ranging from wallets and pillows to art prints and greeting cards. Those stopping in on Small Business Saturday will also get to check out the Day of the Dead Show, featuring customized mini coffins from many local artists, during its final weekend.

Criminal Records
With its Tower Records-like atmosphere and assemblage of CDs, DVDs, records, magazines, collectible vinyl toys, comic books and other pieces of pop culture joy, Criminal Records is a hipster heaven year round. But on Small Business Saturday, There will be even more fun as Asshole Santa, an anti-holiday tradition, returns for pictures, insults and other holiday cheer. There will also be in-store performances by the Black Lips and Those Darlins, and plenty of cold PBR to go around.

Libertine
Just up the street from Criminal Records in the always-interesting Little Five Points community, Libertine lives up to its name with unique clothing, fashion accessories and cosmetics. From dresses, tutus, stockings and other fashion forward women’s wear to one-of-a-kind jewelry, cigarette cases and other accessories, you’re sure to find something unique for the black sheep in the family. There’s definitely a horror movie, rockabilly and lowbrow slant to most of what the Libertine stocks, which is what truly sets it apart from anything you’re likely to find at any mall store.

Plaza Theatre
Atlanta’s only remaining independently owned movie theater, the Plaza Theatre is a landmark for the local film and arts community. After shopping at Atlanta’s other small businesses, the Plaza is a great place to catch an art house film while enjoying some of the most reasonably priced concessions in town. On Small Business Saturday, the Plaza offers special matinee screenings of the award-winning documentary Waste Land and Genius Within: The Inner Life of Glenn Gould. There are also later screenings of the mind-altering sci-fi thriller Enter the Void and the historical drama A Film Unfinished.

Below are a few songs DaFC caught on video for those who weren’t able to skip out of work early.

Participting boutiques include The Bilthouse, Boogaloos, Evolve, Fickle Manor, Heliotrope, Jac, Kaleidoscope, Kelly’s Closet, Mooncake, Rockit, Soshoelite, and Squash Blossom.

It’s August and we are in the dead heat and humidity of summer! Freshen up your look this week at Nomatique Atlanta, August 7-8 from 10AM until 7PM at The Shops Around Lenox (3400 Around Lenox Rd). The event is open to the public and admission is free. Rack up.

The event will feature on-site guest portraits by Matt Odom (with Dixie Pin-Up at the VIP Pre-Sale), salon and beauty by Van Michael Salon, a garden lounge by Tokikata, an eco sculpture by TwoVital, another lounge by StaceAge and some tunage curated by Rhythm Entertainment and my favorite Rodd Summers. The space will also include an art exhibition by Art Department Gallery and David Rams.

Nomatique will host apparel and accessories from local boutiques and designers including:
Archive Agency, August Miller Designs, Bill Hallman Boutique, Beryl Blush Blonde, Beta Unit, Broke and Bougie, Demure, Drew Lewis, Fab’rik, Galerie, Ginger Howard Selections, Glamour Paws, Jedal Italian Fashion, June Shin, Kaz Style, K-la, Kelly’s Closet, Market, Mizzae, Moda404, Paper Doll, Pink Sky, Rhinoceros Boutique, Riejunio, Shakti Gem, StaceAge, Standard, The Bilthouse, Tootsies, Vitamin C Clothing, Wish

Score tons of designer brands at total steal discounts such as:
0039 Italy, 7 Diamonds, Alife, Alessandro Dell-Acqua, BBC, 7 For Mankind, Alternative Apparel, Ark & Co, Audrey 3+1, Blank, Bronx, Boulee, Carlos Santana, Chinese Laundry, Citizens of Humanity, Cold Method, Creative Recreation, Converse by John Varvatos, Corpus, Creative Recreation, D&G, Daftbird, Diesel, Diba, Hale Bob, Dolce Gabana, Ella Moss, Endovanera, English Laundry, Fender, Gant, G-Star, Henrik Viscov, Hudson, Ice Cream, Insight, Iron, J Brand, Jeffrey Campbell, Joe’s Jeans, John Varvatos, Joy Rich, Kill City, King Baby, Kooba, Ksubi, LA Rock, Lauren Conrad, Luichiny, Lush, Luluvia, Matiko, MHI, MIA, Miss Me, Nike, Nudie, PRPS, Paige, Perks and Mini, Paul Smith, Religion, Report, Rich & Skinny, Rock & Republic, Rojas, Sheri Bodel, Shirt by Shirt, Splendid, Stussy, Triple 5 Soul, True Religion, Wesc, William Rast, Wood Wood, Vitamin C, Yoko Devereaux

Tonight, Pabst Blue Ribbon is hosting the film “Blue Velvet” at 9:30PM at the Plaza Theatre.

ABC’s “The Bachelor” is casting in Buckhead today. Book your last minute nail appointments!

The Photo Cat bike race was held Saturday in Castleberry Hill to benefit Sopo Bicycle Co-Op. The photos may make you two-wheelers envious.

Tonight Whole Foods in Buckhead is holding a free wine tasting tonight at 7 PM. RSVP to alisha.bess@wholefoods.com.

MomoCon is throwing a Summer Gaming Festival this Saturday, June 27. Five bucks gets you 13 hours of board/card/RPG gaming and retro gaming.

Thursday, June 25 marks the 2nd Annual Alternative Car Show in Atlantic Station. The event is from 11-4PM in Central Park. Free hotdog lunches and Italian ices will be provided to registered commuters who are wearing the ASAP+ limited edition 2009 Fuel Nice t-shirt.

Today is another Gold Attic Vintage Trunk Show for the ladies at MINT Gallery. Stop by this Saturday afternoon between 1-6PM to check out the latest in their collection of fabulous vintage dresses, womens shoes and handbags. They will also have handmade vintage button jewelry by My Mom’s Basement, accessories by Hip Bouquet and $2 mimosas.

MINT Gallery is at 684 John Wesley Dobbs Ave. Unit B Atlanta, GA 30312.

The current issue of ReadyMade Magazine features Atlanta’s Poncey-Highland neighborhood! Check out the page digitally for it’s full glory and commentary on each location. Below is the list of local attractions and businesses included. I fully endorse and love all of these! I must also give a shout-out to Cafe Di Sol which has delicious food and the most fabulous fresh grapefruit rosewater martinis.

1. Atlanta Cupcake Factory
2. Jimmy Carter Library & Museum
3. Highland Inn
4. Highland Row Antiques
5. Majestic Diner
6. Manuel’s Tavern
7. Plaza Theatre
8. Soul Vegetarian
9. Vacation
10. Videodrome
11. Young Blood Gallery And Boutique

Decatur-based boutique and gallery, DressCodes, is going out of business. Up to 95% off all merchandise until their final day – Sunday, December 21. Great spot to hit for your holiday shopping this weekend!