Buy Nearby Campaign - Detroit Guide

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Shop Local.

By shopping locally, you are not only supporting small, independent businesses, but you are also putting money back into your local economy instead of throwing it at big box retailers (who, let's face it, probably don't need anymore money). And if you live in a place like Detroit, those dollars are vital to the growth of the city.

To encourage you to visit your neighborhood retailers, I've teamed up with the Michigan Retailers Association for their Buy Nearby campaign. I'll be sharing some of my favorite places to shop local - and then you can participate in a social media contest highlighting you own favorite Michigan retailers for a chance to win a $500 discover gift card!

Check out a few of my favorite places to shop (and if you're looking for more ideas on where to shop in Detroit, shoot me a message or comment below - I've got lots more recommendations!).

Best Selection of Party Dresses: The Peacock Room
Have a garden party coming up? A black tie event? A Date night? The Peacock Room is your spot. The selection of dresses have a nod to the past - think 1950s Elizabeth Taylor and 1960s Audrey Hepburn - yet are contemporary enough for the modern woman. Owner Rachel Lutz also prides herself on the range of sizes she carries - from a 00 to 24. And if your'e just looking to glam up your LBD? The shop has an incredible array of accessories as well.

Best Shop for Gifts: Nest and City Bird (which conveniently are located next door to each other):
Whether you're headed to a birthday party or a housewarming party (or let's face it, just shopping for yourself), these next two stores have you covered. Both Nest and City Bird have a mixture of housewares, gifts, and accessories, including many Michigan-made products. It's my go-to spot when I'm in need of a quick gift or card.

Best Treasure Hunting: Eldorado General Store:
Be prepared to spend some serious time in Eldorado. Around every nook and cranny is a new treasure waiting to be discovered. Owner Erin Gavle travels all over the country sourcing the best vintage pieces to bring back to her curated shop in Detroit. In addition to the totally amazing vintage finds, she also sells a variety of items from local creators - like Goldeluxe jewelry, Wolf Moon mixers, and Detroit Rose candles. In need of a disco ball for your holiday soirée? Eldorado has you covered there too.

Best Contemporary Shopping: Detroit is the New Black:
What started as a t-shirt line popping up at Eastern Market has become so much more. Now in it's new central location in the heart of downtown, DITNB is showcasing not just tees, but unique designs by owner Rosalyn Karamoko, as well as a rotating selection of designers and artists (like party dresses by Detroit native Tracy Reese, leather goods from Douglas & Co, Hats from Will Leather Goods, and more). The industrial space also showcases the work of artists, with pieces displayed throughout the store (currently on display is Detroit artist, Leon Dickey).

To encourage all of you to shop local and "buy nearby," the Michigan Retailers Association is giving you a chance to win a gift during their Buy Nearby weekend. All you have to do is post a photo of you supporting your favorite local retailer to social media using the #ibuynearby hashtag during the weekend of October 1-2 and you could win a $500 discover gift card! And it doesn't have to be limited to your favorite boutique - feel free to choose your go-to restaurant, hair salon, bar, coffee shop, etc.

Follow along and tag your photos on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Good luck!

This post is sponsored by the Michigan Retailers Association, but all thoughts are my own. And thank you for supporting local businesses!

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!

Style It Local

Last week I was asked by the Detroit Garment Group to be a guest blogger for their Style it Local series. They asked me to put together a head to toe look from all Michigan stores. Wanting to avoid chains and larger department stores, I decided to highlight stores only within the city of Detroit (where I live, work, play, and shop).

Check out the feature as well as my inspiration for this look and fall style tips on the DGG’s blog!

Dress: Kit and Ace

Sweater: Frida

Shoes: Thrift on the Ave.

Clutch: Clare V. via Willys Detroit

Watch: Shinola

Sunglasses: The Peacock Room

Necklace: Eldorado General Store