Shop Local: Will Leather Goods

Tomboy Market is gone. And the only thing that remains is the original floors and a painted white sign of it's existence on the outside of the building. In it's place is a 9,000 square foot leather goods playground, complete with a teepe, coffee station, and attached art gallery.

Yesterday I had the chance to check out the new Will Leather Goods shop before it officially opens to the public this Wednesday. I'm not going to lie - I didn't expect much. Like most, I had mixed feelings about the closing of a local market for a luxury shop. And despite watching the progress - both in person and on Instagram - as they transformed the (somewhat questionably) beloved Tomboy Supermarket, I had zero expectations for the end result.

I was blown away.

The space is like a bohemian cowboy dreamland. In each corner is another treasure waiting to be discovered. Not just leather bags like I was expecting, but belts, shoes, furniture, home goods, bikes, hats, yoga bags and yoga straps. As I walked through the store, I learned that each piece - whether it be the leather or the fabric - had a story behind it (as well as a lifetime guarantee).

I had the pleasure of meeting the owner, Will Adler, and his passion – as well as the passion of his team – is palpable. Originally from Detroit and now residing in Oregon, he travels all over the world finding materials for his products. It's obvious that the brand prides itself on supporting artisans across the globe and is evident in each crafted good.

I spent an hour in the space and didn't want to leave. The coffee, strong wifi, and accommodating staff didn't help. Somehow they turned a large warehouse into an incredibly warm and inviting space, encouraging you to linger just a little bit longer.

After much success in the 7 other locations, it seemed like it was about time for Will to expand his shop to his hometown of Detroit.

Tomboy, we'll miss you, but welcome home, Will.

Thanks Will Leather Goods for inviting me to check out the preview event and I can't wait for the rest of you to shop the store in person! Let me know what you think!

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Guys

I don't know about you guys, but my holiday shopping is in full force. With only two and a half weeks left until Christmas, I'm trying to finish up my list, while also avoiding any trips to the mall.

Holiday season plus the mall equals my worst nightmare.

So for my gift guide for the gentlemen in your life, I've focused on items you can buy without stepping foot inside a mall (or even leaving your couch if you're a real homebody like myself).

Cheers for free shipping!

1. Tequila Shooters: For the entertainer.
2. MLB Washer Toss: For the sports fan.
3. Camp Blanket: For the outdoorsman.
4. Foodie Dice: For the chef.
5. Travel Book: For the traveler (bonus points if you throw in a plane ticket).
6. Power Charger: For the tech addict.
7. Grooming Kit: For the well groomed.
8. Espresso Maker: For the caffeine addict.

Outfit Post: Dressed Down Cocktail

You ever have one of those days where you pick out a perfectly acceptable outfit, like a classic LBD, and rather than let it be, you decide to add a striped tee and instead of looking classy and sophisticated, you end up looking like you’re wearing a jumper from when you were seven?

That's totally what happened to this outfit.

But in my defense, it was 10 degrees outside and that extra layer made all the difference for a night on the town.

Besides, I hear thirty is the new seven.

dress: j.crew (old, similar here)

striped shirt: h&m (old, similar here)

shoes: aldo (old, similar here)

clutch: clare v. via willys detroit

watch: shinola detroit

studded cuff: asos (old, similar here)

sunglasses: forever21 (similar here)

Outfit Post: His & Her Tees

The perfect tee should be a staple in any closet. Whether it's a plain white fitted tee, a striped tee, or an overly worn vintage tee, it's a necessity for everyone's wardrobe. For me, how a t-shirt feels is just as important as how it looks and fits (which is why I'm constantly stealing B's perfectly broken in shirts).

A friend of mine recently opened the shop Christopher and Sofee Phaze which hits the perfect tee trifecta: it feels good, it looks good, and it allows me to shop locally. Specializing in clothing that makes you feel confident while being comfortable, the store will grow in phases - beginning with tee shirts like the ones I'm wearing here - and expanding to hoodies, bags, and other clothing and accessory items.

I was originally planning on doing a post only on the women's tee, but the reality is, I've been living in B's tee since he got it. Because that's what happens when you find the perfect shirt - you steal it from your husband and wear it as your own.

Sorry B.

men's tee: c/o christopher and sofee phaze

women's tee: c/o christopher and sofee phaze

blazer: theory via tj maxx (similar here)

pants: zara

heels: old (similar here)

sunglasses: le specs

Willys Detroit

There’s a new retail shop in town and it is good. Really good.

Thanks to Shinola’s sister store - Willys Detroit - shopping in Detroit just got a whole lot better. Consisting of clothing, accessories, home goods, and apothecary items, the multi-brand shop houses four anchor brands - Filson, Steven Alan, Clare V., and Mollusk - as well as features a series of rotating American made items from brands across the country.

Like the retail space, the craftsmanship of the items are beautiful in their simplicity. From buttery leather totes to perfectly worn t-shirts, I’d imagine most of the pieces will look just as good (if not better) after years of wear. While the store offers a variety of price points, the majority of the items are luxury pieces worthy of the investment.

I've already started a mental wish list (basically the entire store) and may or may not have already pulled the trigger on one amazing piece (which will be styled in my next post). I couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Willys to the neighborhood, but I have serious concerns about how this store is going to effect my household budget…

Check out the new kid on the block Mon-Fri: 10am-7pm, Saturdays: 10am-6pm, and Sundays: 11am-5pm.

 

Have you had the chance to check out Willys Detroit? What's your take on the shop?