Hour Detroit Best Dressed Party

Every year, Hour Detroit magazine celebrates the most stylish metro Detroiters with their annual Best Dressed Fashion Show party. Honoring the best dressed nominees, the event showcases not only the city's fashionable elite, but also the most anticipated fall fashions. The runway show was put on by The Somerset Collection and we saw lots of layering, amazing texture (like metallics, velvet, and fur), and some incredible holiday party looks.

And even though the weather tried to rain on our parade (with torrential downpours flooding the streets of Detroit), there was an amazing turnout of fabulously dressed guests, who didn't let a little shower stop them from bringing their style A-game. Most people stuck to the traditional cocktail attire, but there was definitely a more creative, "anything goes" vibe from many of the attendees.

For the event - which promotes the best of Detroit fashion - I wanted to be sure to wear something that was actually from Detroit (and also happened to be the colors of the Detroit Tigers). I decided to go with this mock turtleneck dress from one of my favorite local shops, The Peacock Room, but added a little edge to the otherwise sweet dress with a studded belt, sleeveless trench and booties.

Thanks to Hour Detroit for putting on a great event and highlighting some of Detroit's finest dressers! Check out the full list of all the nominees in their September issue.

dress: peacock room

vest: old ann taylor (similar ethical version here)

booties: gilt

clutch: vintage

cuff: nomad collective

Dîner en Blanc Detroit

It began in Paris, where most great ideas begin. It was started by one man, as a way to reconnect with lost friends, and has since spread to thousands of people all over the world. This past Sunday, Dîner en Blanc - the secret, flash mob style dinner party - descended on Detroit for it’s sixth consecutive year.

The evening is all about community, al fresco dining, and of course, a little bit of secrecy.

Dressed in white formal attire, hundreds of guests met up in the revealed location of Palmer Park, bringing with them tables, chairs, linens, centerpieces (everything from small candles to elaborate 3 feet floral arrangements), and of course all the food and libations to consume throughout the night. It's a lot of work (carrying all those tables and chairs isn't easy), but definitely worth the effort. And as in years past, it was a whimsical evening full of laughter and good company.

A special thank you to Andy Didorosi for snapping photos all night and I hope to see you all at next year's Dîner en Blanc!

dress: nha khanh

shoes: m. gemi

necklace: clyde's rebirth

ring: kendra scott

What to Wear: Gold Rush Gala

I know I just wrote a What to Wear post, but not only is there another amazing event coming up, but it supports an incredible cause that is near to my heart.

On September 9th, Camp Casey, a nonprofit horseback riding program for children with cancer and rare blood disorders, will be throwing a fundraiser gala at the Roostertail in Detroit. All proceeds from ticket sales, and the activities at the event, will go directly to the 2017 programming season. That programming includes Horsey house Calls, their signature program that takes a horse to a child’s home and surprises them for the day.

As a woman who was diagnosed with cancer at 28, I can attest how difficult that journey can be. I can’t imagine how much worse that is for a child, as well as his or her parents and loved ones. What Camp Casey does is bring a little (or a lot of) joy to a kid and their family during a physically and emotionally tough time.  This is definitely a cause worth supporting.

The gale is black tie optional and everyone is encouraged to wear gold in support of Childhood Cancer Awareness month. There will be dancing, live music, a silent auction, dessert auction and more. Time to break out your best fancy attire and support a great organization.

If you need help with options on what to wear, I’ve picked several of my favorite dresses from Rent the Runway that will have you feeling glamorous all night long.

To learn more about Camp Casey and read about all their different programs, check out their website. To attend the Gold Rush Gala event, buy your ticket here. I hope to see you all on the dance floor!

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 

1 / 2 / 3 / 4

What to Wear: Fash Bash 2016

It’s no surprise I like getting dressed up and attending fashion events around Detroit. If it’s in Detroit and related to fashion, I’m there. And luckily for me - and all you other Detroiters - there is a steady stream of style events happening in the motor city.

But none compete with the DIA’s Fash Bash.

Where Detroit and Fashion (with a capital “F”) collide, Fash Bash highlights the best of fall fashion while raising funds for the Detroit Institute of Arts - all while showcasing the best personal style Metro Detroit has to offer.

Not sure what to wear to such an event? Take your cues from the art world. Go bold. Get creative. Think outside the box. I’ve given several examples of dresses below (some to buy, others to rent for the occasion), but be sure to take your outfit one step further. Pair your LBD with a vintage statement necklace. Wear the crazy shoes. Proudly showcase your personal style. This is no event to play it safe.

If you are interested in attending the Neiman Marcus Art of Fashion runway show on August 11th, you better purchase your tickets fast as they are almost completely sold out. More interested in just mingling and sipping cocktails with the city’s best dressed, purchase tickets for the Lincoln Black Label After Party, which includes a night of dancing under the stars.

Grab your tickets. Grab your dancing shoes. And I’ll see you on the steps of the DIA.

Little Black Dress (or Jumpsuit):

You can never go wrong in an LBD. Or the modern twist, the little black jumpsuit. Use it as the backdrop to showcase your best accessories. 

1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Midnight Blues:

The hue looks good on everybody. Look for unique shapes and cut outs to maximize interest.

1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Blush Tones:

If you lean towards the feminine, think pale pinks and whites to highlight your style (and your summer tan).

1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Graphic Prints: 

Don't shy away from bold prints. Use them to stand out!

1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Upcoming Detroit Events

'Tis the season to be jolly. And fancy. And festive.

I love this time of the year - the time of the year when the cold doesn't bother me and twinkle lights line the streets downtown. It's also the time of some of the best events in the city. Hello, holiday dressing.

Check out some of my favorite upcoming Detroit events.

Rainn Fashion on Common Ground Charity Runway and Trunk Show (November 7)

Come see some incredible local fashion talent and support two amazing non-profits. Win-win. 

From the website: 

"The Detroit Fashion Event is benefiting the Rape Abuse Incest National Network RAINN

and the local Common Ground Hope Centers of Michigan.

Walk the Red Carpet to enjoy a night of elegance, local fashion, style, art, silent auction, adult beverages 21+, and appetizers!

Emcee/Co Hosts: Jason Colthop WDIV Channel 4 News  & Sherlyn Fox Ms AWB United States 2015

Featuring Local Fashion & Accessory Designers, Artist, Vendors, and Talent"

Vintage Christmas Ornament Sale (November 7)

You had me at Vintage Christmas Ornaments. 

From the website: 

"A treasure trove of nearly 1,000 vintage glass Christmas ornaments, lights, and garland will be offered for sale. Most date c1900's-1960's, all colors and shapes. Handpainted and handcrafted in Germany, Poland, Italy, Japan and the US. Get your holiday shopping off to an early, easy start."

Ferndale Vintage Fashion Market (November 13-15)

Come shop for all your festive holiday outfits!

From the website: 

"Shop with 15+ fab vintage apparel vendors for 3 days only in the event space at The Rust Belt Market."

DIA Gala (November 14)

Support the DIA and dance the night away one of the museum's best events!

From the website:

"There are few events as eagerly anticipated as the DIA's annual fundraising gala, and this year is no exception. On Saturday, Nov. 14, the DIA will host “heART of Our City,” celebrating the museum’s role in Detroit’s cultural community. Join us for the Spirit Late Night party, featuring cocktails, delicious desserts by Bacco Ristorante and dancing in Prentis Court.”

Walk Fashion Show (November 14)

Check out the best local fashion Detroit has to offer!

From the website:

"Walk Fashion + Catwalk are bringing you the latest in Fashion. Designers from all over the world are coming to rock the runway. Special guest host Detroits own Evrod Cassimy from channel 4 News. You dont want to miss this EPIC Fashion Event."

Noel Night (December 5)

Sing carols, sip cocoa, and explore Midtown's best retailers and restaurants!

From the website:

“The 43rd annual Noel Night will take place on Saturday, December 5th, from 5:00-10:00 p.m. in Detroit’s Midtown District. Over 70 institutions, including the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Michigan Science Center, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Detroit Public Library, will open their doors to the public free of charge during this Cultural Center-wide holiday open house. Activities include horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday shopping, family craft activities and performances by over 200 area music, theatre, and dance groups, and other special performances. The evening’s festivities culminate with a community sing-along on Woodward Avenue led by the Salvation Army Band—a long-standing Noel Night tradition.”

Detroit Historical Society Ball (December 5)

Get fancy and explore the Packard Plant!

From the website:

“The Detroit Historical Society is thrilled to announce that the 2015 Ball will take place at the historic Packard Plant, Building 22. The Society is will be the FIRST to hold a major black tie event in this newly renovated space!”

What events are you excited to attend this holiday season?

FashionSpeak 2015 Recap

I'm a big fan of fashion events. I'm a really big fan of fashion events that include furthering my education in the field. The type of events where you can not only network with other industry insiders, but also learn from the industry's experts.

FashionSpeak is just that type of event. The one day conference is the only conference that brings together all of the area's style experts and fashion connoisseurs. Comprised of 5 panel presentations on 5 separate topics, there's something for everyone, whether you're a student (shoutout to the 45 Central Michigan University fashion students who attended) or a longtime business owner. There's also a lot of really amazing fashion eye candy.

After last year's stellar turnout and thoughtful lineup of speakers, my expectations were high. I was especially excited to see Roslyn of Detroit is the New Black (I'm admittedly a huge fan of both Roslyn and the brand and own this, this, and this from her shop). She shared her story from intern to buyer to shop keeper and had everyone taking notes. Designer Kevan Hall - who has dressed everyone from red carpet celebrities to Michelle Obama - also gave a phenomenal interview. Honest, bold, and full of wisdom (check my Twitter feed for some of my favorite quotes of his), he inspired the entire room to be persistent and tenacious and start knocking doors down to achieve your dreams.

Check out all the details from the day below and be sure to attend next year's event!

hustling

Some of the best dressed guests: Bruna of Style Mile, C'erra of Anthony Neil Brand, Lex of That Chic Lex, and a CMU student

CMU students. I definitely did not dress this well in college.

Thanks Bruna for snapping pics of me during the event!

top: j.crew (similar)

pants: shopbop

sleeveless coat: ann taylor (similar)

shoes: nordstrom (similar)

watch: shinola

bracelet: stella and dot renegade cluster

Hour Detroit Best Dressed Party

Nothing gets you in the mood for fall fashion like a runway show and a room full of Detroit’s best dressed.

Last week I attended the Hour Detroit Best Dressed Fashion Show party at the Fillmore Theater, honoring the best style of metro Detroit. In addition to the usual models, the fashion show - put on by Neiman Marcus and The Somerset Collection - included the best dressed winners walking the runway, showcasing the best of this season's fall fashion.

And if my two favorite things colliding - Detroit and fashion - aren't enough for you, the evening started and ended at the historic Whitney. Complete with champagne toasts and the most perfect indian summer patio weather, you couldn't have asked for a better venue to bookend the evening.

Both my hubby and tribe of lady friends joined me for the night (thanks to my friend Jay of Christopher & Sofee Phaze who was one of the event's sponsors and was super generous to hook us up with tickets). We had a blast people watching, imbibing in delicious cocktails, and creating our fall fashion wish lists.

Check out the full list of this year's best dressed, and to all the people over at Hour, if you're looking for next year's nominees, I'm available (*jumping up and down with hands raised*).

dress: parker via rent the runway unlimited

bag: zac zac posen via rent the runway unlimited

shoes: zara (similar here)

belt: old, similar here

ear cuff: lord and taylor