Winter Heat Wave

I know the East Coast is still recovering from winter storm Jonas, but here in Detroit, it's been in the 40s, the sun's been shining, and there hasn't been a flake of snow all week (knock on wood!).

So instead of my usual winter hibernating, I've been enjoying strolls along the Detroit Riverwalk and wearing heels instead of snow boots.

But seeing how it's only February, I'm sure there is many a snow day in our forecast, but in the meantime, I'll be taking advantage of these warmer days - and a temporary break from shapeless outerwear - by wearing light jackets and scarves instead of the usual tent-sized sleeping bag coats.

jacket: zara (similar)

boots: sam edelman

scarf: gap (similar)

bag: tj maxx (similar)

sunglasses: peacock room detroit

Happy Holidays!

Happy holidays from my family to yours!

Photos from the lovely Laila of Studio 11.11

A Professional Wardrobe With Personality

Next week I have the opportunity to speak about a modern woman’s working wardrobe at an Inform meeting. I started thinking about my own professional wardrobe (or at least my past professional wardrobe when I actually worked in an office) and I started brainstorming different ways to be office appropriate but still express your personal style and personalty.

My favorite way to do that (both in and out of the office) is with a pair of statement pants in an office appropriate cut. These pants could just as easily be paired with a button down and blazer for a more traditional office environment or paired with some flats and a sweater for a more casual workplace.

Other ways to add some flare to a modern work wardrobe? Through colors, textures, and accessories! Add a bright blouse with your pencil skirt. Pair a wool blazer with a silk cami. Elevate your favorite outfit with a statement necklace. Leave the boring clothes behind and show your personality in your work wardrobe!

How do you show your personal style while maintaining your professionalism in the work place?

sweater: j.crew factory (similar)

pants: j.crew factory (similar)

shoes: j.crew

bag: loeflerr randall via rent the runway

necklace: stella and dot

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!

Everybody Vs. Cancer

I'm going to get serious for a minute (if you follow me on Instagram, you probably already know why).

This past week has been extremely emotional and difficult for me. Two weeks ago I began experiencing constant pressure in my chest and shortness of breath. All too familiar symptoms. Cancer symptoms.

On Monday, I met with my radiologist to discuss a possible relapse. On Tuesday. I got poked and prodded and scanned. On Wednesday, I waited. I waited the longest 22 hours and 52 minutes of my life. I waited as each passing second felt like an eternity. As anyone who has had cancer and has then relapsed from cancer can attest, every single second feels like a torturous lifetime.

I was lucky. After spending my time in limbo panicking (because getting cancer for the third time in as many years does not typically yield positive outcomes) and attempting to not completely lose it, my scans came back clean. Three days before my 3rd year of clean scans.

So on October 3rd, I took a deep breath and celebrated making it to 3 years.

I'm not totally in the clear yet (medically, I'm not "cancer free" until year 5). Because of previous cancer treatments, I am still dealing with health issues every day. My thyroid remains out of control. My body doesn't properly absorb nutrients, meaning I am severely deficient in most of my vitamins regardless of how  much green juice I consume. My digestive system is in full on dysfunction mode. The pressure in my chest still needs to be addressed.

But all of that? I can deal with. Because all of that? Is not fucking cancer.

Life is crazy and unpredictable, so take a moment and appreciate it. And I promise on Wednesday, I'll be back to our regularly scheduled program, appreciating clothing and shoes and accessories.

tee: detroit vs. everybody

skirt: zara (similar here)

shoes: zara (similar here)

clutch: clare v. via willys detroit

Fash Bash Recap

If you follow me on Instagram, it's no surprise that the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is one of my favorite locations in the city. It not only hosts some of the best art in the world, but the architecture of the building is one of the best backdrops in town. It is also home to Kresge Court, my (not so secret) go-to meeting spot for coffee and cocktails.

It's also no surprise that I love fashion (duh).

So when the two worlds collide, what emerges is my favorite event of the year - Fash Bash. Partnering with Neiman Marcus, the museum fashion show/fundraiser/dance party, supports the DIA, helping to keep one of Detroit's culture gems the incredible asset that it is.

This year, I was lucky enough to receive a media pass for the Neiman Marcus fashion show, hosted inside the museum. Showcasing the best fall fashion has to offer, it had me craving for cooler temps and lots of layers.

(See more photos of the event, as well as the Neiman Marcus runway show, at the Detroit Free Press and MLive). 

Guests tend to get a little more creative with their looks, so I decided to forgo the usual cocktail dress in favor of this bright Diane Von Furstenburg jumpsuit. As I've mentioned before, when choosing an outfit for an event, I tend to lean towards the unique. Both the shape and color of this jumpsuit stood out in a sea of dresses and had me receiving compliments all night.

Thanks to the DIA for throwing another fantastic event in Detroit. Looking forward to the next!

Outfit photos taken by Nailah Ali of The Moda Intersection (be sure to check out her recap of the event). Hair & Makeup by Stephanie Ford-Umachi of Runway Meets Everyday.

jumpsuit: diane von furstenburg via rent the runway

clutch: clare v. via willys detroit

bracelets: rent the runway unlimited

necklace: stella and dot aida tassel necklace

ring: stella and dot rebel ring