L Stop Budget

  • Simone's Bar
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  • Rail Bar
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  • Big Star

There are times you are so broke; you have to make some tough decisions. Go out to drink/eat or have cab money. Well Broke Chicagoans…here is a list of some of my favorite bars that are A) affordable and B) steps away from an L stop.  You are welcome.

Top 5 spots in no particular order.

The Rail Bar & Grill
4709 N. Damen Ave. | 773-878-9400
Brown Line: Damen

Simone’s Bar
960 W. 18th St. | 312-666-8601
Pink Line: 18th Street

Township
2200 N. California Ave. | 773-384-1865
Blue Line: California

Longman & Eagle
2657 N. Kedzie Ave. | 773-276-7110
Blue Line: Logan Square

Big Star
1531 N Damen Ave |773-235-4039
Blue Line: Damen

With Love;
A.

P.s. I like to go the extra mile for you guys. Here are couple cool deals around town that are worthy of word of mouth– even though these spots are couple more steps away from any L Stop.

Cheap Events for Today

Crabbby Kim’s Tuesday Specials
$3 Coronas
$3.50 Chicken Tacos
Crabbby Kim’s || 3655 N Western

$1 Well drinks and PBR
Berlin Nightclub || 954 W. Belmont

1/2 price Wine Bottles
1/2 Price Wine Bottles
Every Tuesday
Cuna || 1113 W Belmont Ave

50 Cent Boneless Wings
All varieties of wings are only 50 cents on Monday and Tuesday!
Wing Stop || 3326 N Western

$1 tacos
With purchase of one drink.
Caoba Mexican Grill || 1619 N Damen Ave

With A Little Help From My Friends!

BL 2013 Ad Campaign

Good Afternoon Everyone!

It has been a hot minute since BL was updated. What can I say, I had an extremely busy spring. There were several projects that were carefully planned out, executed and still failed. But that is life. I had the honor and privilege to work with some of my talented friends a month ago on an amazing photoshoot. Broke Livin needed a facelift and I needed some new pictures that were not taken a million years ago. I partnered up with Alexander Gouletas of Alexander Gouletas Photography, Michonne Proulx and Mike Montalban.

To do things that you love with people that you not only respect but also care about is a complete win in my book. Not to get all emotional on all of you but sometimes life can be a true B*tch that kicks your ass while you are already down. Money makes the world go round but friends and family definitely make it a lot easier when you got no mullahhh!

This summer I will showcase more talented artists, entrepreneurs and a whole lot more of interesting finds.

One of the many people I definitely want to highlight is the talented D’Ivoire Johnson (a full interview is coming up soon). She is the designer behind these amazing bags that I was able to use for BL’s spring shoot. The details, design, quality and most of all the versatile use of her bags are just some of the reasons why D’Ivoire will be a household name.

Stick around folks. It will be a hot summer.

With Love

~A.

  • Ahlam Hassan
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Under $50 Summer Treats

Photographer: Alexander Gouletas

Photographer: Alexander Gouletas

Here is a little snapshot of some of our favorite summer items. All items are now under $50. You can treat yourself to a lil something something without  tapping into rent money.  No need to shy away from bold prints and bright colors. You can rock some vivid lipsticks, statement necklaces, and yes you can color block with neon colors as well.  If none of these trends are your jam you can go the romantic route and snag yourself some maxi dresses.

2012 Summer Items

2012 Summer Items by brokelivin featuring river island


River island
$28 - riverisland.com

Highwaisted jean shorts
$16 - owntherunway.com

Leather handbag
dhgate.com

2012 Broke LIvin Must Haves

Jane Norman body con dress
$47 - janenorman.co.uk

Top
amazon.com

H m
$16 - hm.com

River island
$34 - riverisland.com

Oasis flat shoes
$47 - oasis-stores.com

Beach tote
macys.com

Maxi Flower Power

Black dress
ladyvlondon.com

Influence dresses with belt
$16 - thehut.com

Skinny leg jeans
$36 - missguided.co.uk

Flats sandals
modcloth.com

Bow headband
etsy.com

Party sunglasses
makemechic.com

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year
Happy New Year Broke Livin Readers!

We ended 2012 on an amazing note. 31 Artists shared their work, passion & most important their plans for the future with us. It gave me some much needed inspiration to create something every day and keep on pushing even when the hurdles become a daily struggle. Broke Livin will go through some changes in 2013. A weekly sitcom is being cooked up and an incredible collaboration of 12 Designers to create a full collection that will be of course very budget friendly. A Big Thank You goes to everyone who supported Broke Livin!

Now let’s get down to business.  I am in the process of putting together an incredible cast & crew for a new sitcom! Details will be available soon. If you live in Chicago please message me immediately ahlam@brokelivin.com. Production will start early spring.

Eric Matyash–On Super Bowl, Haute Couture & Rebranding Their Label!

Portrait 2011
BL: What project are you working on now?
EM: We have recently finished our 1st collection since rebranding from “MEM Couture” into “Eric Matyash“. Right now we are occupied with a few styling-related projects and some style consulting as well. In February 2013 we are traveling to New Orleans, taking part of an event related to the Super Bowl, showing our most recent collection “La Métamorphose”. We have recently been invited to show our work many places worldwide, from London and Paris, to New York and Dubai, but as young and independent designers we are unfortunately not able to cover so many expenses related to every single project. Hopefully someday we will…

BL: What is your favorite place to work on a project?
EM: Design projects we work on usually consist of several stages. At some points, especially creative parts, location is not the most important thing. You can get inspired anywhere. You absorb the world around you. A good cup of tea/coffee always helps! Of course the production part requires enough space and equipment. Our current working space is far from an ideal one and definitely far to small, however we have managed to create some interesting designs there. An ideal one would be located in a spacious loft in Paris, equipped with large tables, at least a dozen of tailor’s dummies and a model living there 24/7. Oh, and a sofa for our greyhound and borzoi!

BL: If you had an unlimited budget what kind of project would you like to work on?
EM: An unlimited budget is an all-time dream, so let’s dream! We hope one day we will be able to create our own conceptual collections every season, showing our vision of beauty and selling it well. It would be great to focus on couture only, as it is all about perfection – both creatively and technically. But nowadays the prêt-à-porter dominates the world of fashion. Our wish and a long-term plan is to live and work in one of the capitals of fashion. Honestly, Paris has always been a #1 on our list. Oh, a good stage costume design project from time to time would be an absolute pleasure!


BL
: What under-appreciated artist or work do you think people should know about?
EM: Josipa Lisac. She is an extraordinary Croatian musician and a highly appreciated artist in countries of the former Yugoslavia, but probably almost unknown worldwide. Her voice, appearance and music are completely one of a kind. Google her! Speaking of fashion – you can find so many creative young fashion designers everywhere in the world. For example, our favorites in Serbia: Ivana Pilja, Marko Mitanovski and Ana Ljubinkovic.

BL: What’s the first thing you think about when you embark on a new project?
EM: We almost think and work as one. We love the same kind of aesthetics and have similar vision on projects. The first question we ask ourselves when we start a new project is: “What is the story we wish to present?

BL: 2012 is almost over what are some of your favorite highlights as an artist/group?
EM: The most important highlight of this year is our rebranding. In 2004 we showed our 1st collection and named our label MEM couture. A few years ago we felt that name started to limit us in some ways… We did not wish the name would shut our work in a particular frame and stick any kind of label onto it. We do not wish to be limited with the type of fashion we create. Sometimes you get privileged to work on couture designs, but sometimes you enjoy producing ready-to-wear. Therefore a word “couture” as a part of our  name was not the best idea. After never-ending brainstormings we decided we wish our name would be personalized, unique and without unnecessary ballast. “Eric Matyash” was born on 17th of September 2012. Furthermore, our new collection, the 1st one after rebranding, got inspired by changes in our work and our lives. The end is also a new beginning. La Métamorphose!

BL: What makes your work stand out?
EM: When working on a project of our own we never try to please anyone or fit into a particular frame. We follow our instinct and remain loyal to our philosophy – storytelling.

BL: Give us one fact about yourself that will surprise people?
EM: Even though we both are devoted to fashion Matyash studied international relations in politics and gave up as he missed creativity, while Eric thought he would become a specialist on bagpipes and Celtic music.

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Thierry Roger–On Couture Gowns & His Signature Line!

Thierry Roger
BL
: What project are you working on now?
TR: I am working on a new line of ready to wear “signature” pieces available online as well as a new concept for this spring season.

BL: What is your favorite place to work on a project?
TR: My sewing studio, I feel very comfortable there. It can be really messy but nobody sees it….lol.

BL: If you had an unlimited budget what kind of project would you like to work on?
TR: An amazing “Haute Couture” gown for a red carpet event, maybe the Oscars….or a complete collection 30 looks or so….

BL: What under-appreciated artist or work do you think people should know about?
TR:  The actual workers who create and assemble that outfit you buy from a big name designer, they are the invisible talent.

BL: What’s the first thing you think about when you embark on a new project?
TR: Will people like it and relate to it ?

BL: 2012 is almost over what are some of your favorite highlights as an artist/group?
TR: 2012 was a great year; as I met many very talented people in the Fashion industry and had the opportunity to do some great collaborations.

BL: What makes your work stand out?
TR: I try to stay true to my French roots and be classic in an ocean of avant garde and edgy designers. I always felt that Classic is Timeless.

BL: Give us one fact about yourself that will surprise people?
TR:  I have a “low height” vertigo….lol.

  • Thierry Roger
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Beth Vandal–Success Through Trial And Error!

Beth Vandal

BL: What project are you working on now?
BV: Right now I am in the process of recording my Album. I’m really excited to hear my songs go from  raw acoustic songs, to more involved songs with drums, bass, and harmony’s.

BL: What is your favorite place to work on a project?
BV: My favorite place to work on any project is on my couch, in my living room. That is where all of my songs have been written so far.

BL: If you had an unlimited budget what kind of project would you like to work on?
BV: I would be doing exactly what I am now. Writing, and recording music, just on a bigger level. I would also have a larger collection of music videos, both covers and originals. And I’m sure I would be touring the US and Europe. Hitting up everywhere I could.

BL: What’s the first thing you think about when you embark on a new project?
BV: The first thing I think about when writing a song is nothing. I clear my mind and allow whatever my subconscious is hoarding, climb on out in a song. It takes its own course and I build music on a mere thought. Sometimes I will be playing my guitar and singing, not even sure what it is I’m trying to say yet. But that doesn’t mean I don’t write songs about things that I consciously think about either. I do that also. My songs come straight from the core of me.

BL: 2012 is almost over what are some of your favorite highlights as an artist?
BV: I would have to say my favorite highlight this year would be winning the RAWARTISTS Musician of the year award. This year I put more time into writing, recording, and performing and my award came a lot faster than expected. Because I just started writing my own originals again at the beginning this year I was honored to have won such an award.  I had so much inspiration, I couldn’t stop myself from producing and endless amount of songs if I tried. Every time I sat down, my guitar would be in my hand and a new song was erupting. Another highlight is the gratification of making my own music videos for Youtube. I’ve have had so much fun so far, I can’t wait to make more quirky videos. Making new fans and meeting other artist through it all.

BL: What makes your work stand out?
BV: Some of my songs are sad but in a “I’m not going to let this defeat me attitude”. I also have a sense of humor in my songs as well. I love to laugh, it is my favorite thing to do. So I like to share that with my audience. I feel like we can all have a great time together in a positive way. Even if its someone in another country or state that hears a song of mine, or a video on the internet, I know that I made them smile or related to them in some way. I have a style of my own. I may find inspiration in other artists, but I always love to hear people say, “I have never really heard anything like this before.” That lets me know I’m on the right track.

BL: Give us one fact about yourself that will surprise people?
BV: I was a contestant on a show called Nickelodeon “GUTS” when I was a kid.

Gill Sotu–A Life Of Poetry!

Gill Sotu

BLWhat project are you working on now?
GS: Currently I’m working on 3 different projects.  A CD called MOVEMENT, a book of poetry, lyrics, and essays (untitled), and the re-launch of my open mic event Train of Thought.  All due out in spring 2013

BL: What is your favorite place to work on a project?
GS: On the road.  I love to create and think on projects while I’m driving.  It’s where I am most at peace.

BL: If you had an unlimited budget what kind of project would you like to work on?
GS: I would create a multi-media cultural center for different events in San Diego.

30 Artists in 30 Days Interview with Gill Sotu on Vimeo.

BL: What under-appreciated artist or work do you think people should know about?
GS: Kevin Sandbloom – Soul singer out of LA, tremendously talented and extremely underrated.  He was on my last album and will be on the new one.

BL: What’s the first thing you think about when you embark on a new project?
GS: Whether it be a song, poem, or an entire album I always ask at the beginning and ending of a piece, “in one sentence, what is it you are trying to say with this?”

BL: 2012 is almost over what are some of your favorite highlights as an artist/group?
GS: 2012 San Diego Raw Performer of the Year. Opening for Grammy Nominated pop star Sheila E.   Official poet of San Diego Fashion Week.  2012 Winner of San Diego City’s Anti-Littering Spoken Word Campaign.

BL: What makes your work stand out?
GS: I think my work brings different demographics together.  When I tell my story through my art people are able to see themselves and feel connected to me and those bars, I do in schools and churches as well.

BL: Give us one fact about yourself that will surprise people?
GS: I’m an undercover nerd.

Donny Smutz–On Creating Something Everyday!

Donny Smutz
BL: What project are you working on now?
DS: A holiday stop motion animation short.

BL: What is your favorite place to work on a project?
DS: Where hot tea, Radiohead, decent lighting, and me being alone exists.

BL: If you had an unlimited budget what kind of project would you like to work on?
DS: Actually, what I’m doing now which is shooting film, painting on canvas, animating, storytelling, directing. Eventually all this will lead to featured films. Only then we can talk budget. Interesting enough, the most genius of work tends to blossom out of the most barren of ideal resources.

BL: What under-appreciated artist or work do you think people should know about?
DS: When I lived in Nashville, I became friends with artist, Casey Pierce. I’ve admired his work since the day I saw his work hanging in Fido.

BL: What’s the first thing you think about when you embark on a new project?
DS: I walk away from it. Only when I’m out floating in the world for a few days/weeks, will the project or vision really hit me on what I need to do, how to do it, and how long I think it will take me. It has to have an solid impact. Will make people move. Think. Question or admire. If it doesn’t do that, I’m not doing it.

BL: 2012 is almost over what are some of your favorite highlights as an artist?
DS: Waking up knowing I am creating every day. If I’m not doing that, I’m wasting space. No time for television boys and girls– go make something.

BL: What makes your work stand out?
DS: I don’t want it to stand out. I want it to quietly burrow itself into the back of your brain, sear itself just under your cerebrum, and only when you wake up in the middle of the night will you realize just how powerful my paintings are.

BL: Give us one fact about yourself that will surprise people?
DS: After years of a monochromatic wardrobe, I recently purchased a purple plaid custom dress shirt, here in Chicago. Soon after, I realized why I have a monochromatic wardrobe.

Utopic Holiday Video from Utopic on Vimeo.

Frank Freppon–On Street & Fashion Photography!

Frank Freppon
BL: What project are you working on now?
FF: The project I’m working on at the moment consists of casting people in the street in order to shoot fashion pictures with them.

BL: What is your favorite place to work on a project?
FF: I do not have a favorite place for taking pictures. Places are very important for the basic message of a photograph, though. Each series and every single picture needs to have a special background which pushes the meaning forward

BL: If you had an unlimited budget what kind of project would you like to work on?
FF: It isn’t all about the money. Sure, I could put the unlimited budget in a bigger team but will that get me better pictures? I don’t think so. You don’t see the money that was spent on taking pictures, you only see the meaning they convey. And the only thing you need for a good photo shoot is a creative atmosphere for your team so they can work at their best.

BL: What under-appreciated artist or work do you think people should know about?
FF: The work of an artist is difficult to measure. Both for the people who see the work, as well as for the artist himself. It’s no financial product or machine that is all about facts and figures.

BL: What is the first thing you think about when you embark on a new project?
FF: Every project starts with extensive research to find out what I like and also which way I don’t it want to go.

BL: 2012 is almost over what are some of your favorite highlights as an artist/group?
FF: Every day contains a lot of highlights; you only have to open your eyes and your heart… Over the entire year there have been so many nice things that I could not pick out only one.

BL: What makes your work stand out?
FF: I like bringing two things together in a picture: the personality of my models and the light in its different ways. Both parts should be melting together and become something that is more than just the sum of its parts.

BL: Give us one fact about yourself that will surprise people?
FF: Sorry, I’m still thinking …

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