Shopping in East Cleveland

Janez Ambrozic popped out of his mother's womb with a camera in his hand. By the age of nine, he had built his own dark room and learned how to develop film. But rather than hide behind the camera, he stepped out and became the subject, filling his college years with modeling gigs for Banana Republic, J.Crew, and Abercrombie. This early success prompted a move to Los Angeles, where he pursued a career as a professional model and actor. While he was striking poses, he observed professional photographers and directors at work, and being in their company soon inspired him to return to his first love.

Today, Janez crafts bold images with masterful lighting techniques that he picked up from California's catwalks, soundstages, and Rembrandt impersonators. Though his skill has garnered the attention of magazines, he chooses the rugged path of the freelancer, which gives him the liberty to snap portraits, chronicle weddings, and concoct sultry boudoir photos at will. When he isn't practicing his trade, he teaches others the art of photography during workshops and private sessions.

Whether you born and raised inside city limits or came to adopt Cleveland as the place you call home, CLE Clothing Co. provides custom apparel designed to help you show off your civic pride. Items are printed locally on American Apparel jersey tees, sporting Browns, Indians, and Cavs logos that bearers can proudly flaunt at games or run up a flagpole when the mayor comes for tea. Many designs also tip their hats to the city’s roots in rock-‘n’-roll history or pay homage to local hot spots, and can emblazon everything from T-shirts and hoodies to caps, bags, buttons, and girls’ briefs.

Winds of Change carries a number of designer fashion brands, including the Bohemian bliss of Free People, the pin-up inspirations of Betsy Johnson, and the sophisticated stylings of Eva Franco. Although your Groupon can only be used in-store, look on their site to get an idea of what they offer. Use your Groupon toward a pair of 80%20 Ruby knee boots ($89) or a ruffled Ella Moss top ($89). Top off your favorite dress with a boyfriend sports jacket ($98) and a vintage red bird ring ($69). Create an ensemble that will leave butlers impressed by the apparel piled up in your armoire, right next to your fashion rifle.

Since 1950, Gale’s Garden Center has spruced up local gardens with a variety of greenery, garden tools, and lawn décor. Every spring, their nursery overflows with locally grown yellow forsythia shrubs and pale pink weeping cherry trees. After entering, you can find helpful staff members scattered among the hydrangeas and fruit trees; they're ready to answer any questions about spring gardening for cool-weather plants. The store strives to stay up to date with the latest gardening wares. Organic lawn-care products keep lawns lush without using harsh toxins, and native plants become low-maintenance housing for birds, butterflies, and migratory lawn gnomes.