Lee & Birch Does Detroit

Last month, on one of Detroit’s rare warm winter days, I ran around downtown with the team from the Grand Rapids boutique, Lee and Birch.

After grabbing a much needed coffee at the Roasting Plant, we headed over to the Z Lot to check out the murals, the rooftop view, and The Belt Ally. We had a blast hitting up some of the "must see" spots around the city in some of the "must wear" fall pieces from Lee & Birch.

Check out a few of the shots from our day and stay tuned for more photos of our romp around the city. And thank you again to Lee & Birch for letting me be your tour guide for the day!

All clothes via Lee & Birch. Photos by the talented Leigh Ann Cobb. 

Willys Detroit

When we were kids, every year for our birthdays my dad would take me and my siblings to Toys R Us. For our present, we were allowed to pick out one item from the store. My brother and sister would rush down the aisles and immediately pick out their toys and the whole thing was over in 30 seconds. They were impulsive and knew what they wanted. When it came time for my birthday, I would slowly walk up and down every single aisle, pondering over the merits of this toy versus that toy - unable to commit until I had analyzed the value of every toy in the store. It was infuriating to my dad (and eventually resulted in him putting a time limit on the whole process).

But to me, the process of the search brought me as much joy as the toy itself.

So I took my time, basking in the wondrous joy of each item.

For me, shopping at Willys Detroit is no different.

Earlier this month, Willys (sister store of Shinola) invited me to collaborate with them for their first (of many, I hope) Style Slam event. Stylists and fashion bloggers from around the country were brought in to sip cocktails and play dress up with their merch. Tough job, right?

Part of the collaboration involved shopping for a look to showcase on the blog. I immediately reverted back to my 7 year old self. I walked all over the store, picking up and touching every piece in the store. Noticing each intricate detail. Trying on everything (including several of the menswear pieces) in order to find that perfect item.

After several separate trips to the store, I finally decided on this Clare V. tote (the very first item I noticed) and this alpaca Steven Alan coat (the last item I tried on before leaving the store).

And like when I was younger, the joy of browsing and daydreaming about every single piece in the store brought me as much joy as my final selection.

Well, almost as much joy.

coat: steven alan c/o willys detroit
top: loft
pants: blank denim
boots: nordstrom rack
bag: clare v. c/o willys detroit
watch: shinola

Want to get your hands on your own pieces from Willys? Check out their holiday sample sale, where select pieces are up to 80% off. And thanks again to Willys and Shinola for inviting me to spend days playing dress up in your store. And for not eventually putting a time limit on my indecisive decision making skills.

And also thank to Remy Roman for prancing around Detroit in the 50 mph hour winds and freezing rain to capture my Willys finds.

Tomboy

We all have uniforms that work for us. The outfits you repeatedly grab. The clothes that - when you're in a rush to get dressed - are your no-fail pieces. The clothes that work for you. The clothes you feel great in.

This is an example of that outfit.

For me, my no-fail outfit combination is a skinny pant, a slouchy top, heels, and a blazer. Some people think of this uniform dressing as boring. For me, it's practical. As much as I'd like to spend hours a week picking out new outfits, I don't have that kind of time. No one has that kind of time. So we have a uniform.

This is my uniform. What's yours?

tee: etsy

blazer: tj maxx (similar)

pants: blank denim

shoes: aldo (similar)

clutch: clare v. via willys detroit

watch: shinola

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?

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!