Wear It's At: Temperley London at LFW

Easy glamour is the exact way to describe Temperley London's fall/winter 2015 collection. The colors were mostly neutral with pops of bright colors and metallics, and this particular look stood out from the rest, begging to be duplicated. Gray and yellow are always fun colors to pair together, and the challenge of finding garments available now to recreate this look was exciting. What has been put together doesn't have the bohemian vibe that Temperley London's look does - the shorter hemlines tend to do that - but the new look works, and that's all that matters.

1. Temperley London Fall/Winter 2015

2. Beaded Kimono $129, H&M, metro Detroit locations.

3. Lysa Asymmetrical Flounce Lace Dress $268, BCBG, metro Detroit locations.

4. Topshop Longline Open Front Cardigan $80, Nordstrom, metro Detroit locations.

5. Kelly & Kate Dandy Fabric Loafer $45, DSW, metro Detroit locations.

Local Designer Series: brightlytwisted Maintains Originality in a Manufactured World

brightlytwisted is a mix of contemporary women’s clothing, accessories and home décor, and everything is dyed by hand. It started in a basement of a former educator and since then has gained momentum. Tammy Bourque-Stemas joined brightlytwisted in 2006 and began to grow into a national brand, finding homes in retailers including Neiman Marcus, Free People and Intermix, among others. Tammy has let us in on brightlytwisted’s story, so get out pen and a pad of paper to take some notes.

DG3: Tell us about brightlytwisted.

Tammy Bourque-Stemas: My husband and business partner Greg started hand- dying t shirts and selling them, first at flea markets, and next at art fairs as summer employment once the school year ended. Greg and I were both Montessori educators, and that is where we met. Ten years ago, I began selling Greg's wears and later learned to dye, in addition to expanding past shirts into trending women's apparel. Six years ago, while at a Vegas market, I happened to be wearing one of our scarves, which got the attention of a sales rep who introduced us to the wholesale business. Three months later, we had a Nordstrom’s account and we've been designing and dying ever since. We work with two talented local artists and one in training, which makes a total of five dyers. Between the office and support staff there are a total of eight of us and we currently work with four independent regional sales reps. 

DG3: What's the process of hand-dyeing a scarf?

TBS: We import white scarves in varying sizes and fabrications from China. Scarf designs are manipulated into designs and bound with rubber bands and bottled dyed. Once they have sat in baths of complimentary dyes, they get rinsed, washed, dried and pressed. Our signature charm is attached and it's then ready to be selected for orders. 

DG3: Do you also sew all of the products you sell or does that happen at a manufacturer off-site and then you dye the garments?

TBS: Several independent seamstresses currently sew our apparel locally. We have worked with local and Los Angeles factories as well, and will venture into importing "whites" from China.  

DG3: Do you sell nationally and internationally? And do you get any business from music festivals, as the brightlytwisted aesthetic looks like it would be great for festival-wear.

TBS: We sell to over 300 boutiques around the country. We will begin exporting brightlytwisted in Canada and Mexico in the next six months. We recently sold our scarves and tote bags directly to South by Southwest in Austin. 

DG3: How did you get into stores like Free People and Intermix? Any tips or tricks would be very helpful for our local designers!

TBS: Industry sales reps traditionally have the contacts with buyers, particularly with prominent department stores. Choosing a sales rep for your line should be a slow and careful process, as this person becomes the face of your company. Working with independent sales reps in the fashion industry does not eliminate the need for internal sales. Choose a sales rep with brands that complement your own line and request a list of stores to which they currently sell. Be diligent and speak with the other brands and store buyers that they represent. You will need to work closely with them, so it's important that they are liked-minded. 

DG3: What's the best and worst advice you have ever received while working with brightlytwisted?

TBS: The best – know your numbers and focus on your margins; I can't stress this enough. And, not all sales are good sales.

The worst – hire a national sales rep. It's imperative to remain heavily involved in sales. Keep your hands in sales always. 

DG3: If you could have any celebrity wardrobe, whose would it be and why?

TBS: I'm not easily influenced by celebrity style rather I follow the work of women I admire. I tend to dress "down" and while I prefer to follow what others are doing or how they're contributing to betterment of our world, I like Jennifer Aniston’s simple, clean look and I'm a big fan of Emma stone. We create one-of-a-kind pieces to encourage women (people) to develop their own style. We don't pretend to dictate what others should wear. Each scarf has its own look and can speak to a variety of ages and styles. Our demographics are really broad. 

DG3: How do you take your coffee? 

TBS: Black and hot! But sure enjoy a strong, and very hot latte.

DG3: Free People or Lucky Brand?

TBS: I'm a big fan of authentic boutiques with unusual items that you can't find readily. 

DG3: Hobo bags or backpacks?

TBS: My favorite bag – hands down – is a hill tribe bag made from women’s ceremonial gowns from Thailand and Peru. 

Wear It's At: Public School at NYFW

Another brand that made its way down New York Fashion Week's runway was Public School, and we couldn't get enough. Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne have killed it in the past couple of seasons and fall/winter 2015 is no exception. Everything was layered perfectly, street-style ready and it looked warm (probably the most important part of winter dressing). Considering it's going to get up to a balmy 16 degrees today, this look would be perfect for running to and from meetings and staying warm and chich while doing it. Just grab a pair of thick, wool tights or leggings to put under the asymmetrical maxi skirt, and you're set.

1. Public School Fall/Winter 2015

2. INC Color-Blocked Single Breasted Walker Coat $195, Macys, metro Detroit locations.

3. Topshop Funnel Neck Cocoon Sweater $58, Nordstrom, metro Detroit locations.

4. Asymmetric Skirt $15, H&M, metro Detroit locations.

5. Lace-Up Combat Boot $38, Forever 21, metro Detroit locations.

Do It: This Weekend’s Fashion, Beauty and Style Events that Are Not To Be Missed

This weekend is chock-full of fun and fashionable things to do, so if you’re itching to hit the town, these events will keep you busy!

Women-Owned Business Plan Competition Public Information Workshop | Wednesday, February 25

Learn about the Women-Owned Business Plan competition and get technical support and resources at the workshop from 6 to 8 p.m. Anyone who enters the competition is in the running for a $2,500 regional prize and a $2,500 national prize. For more information, visit Detroit Deltas.

Detroit Deltas is located at 24760 W. 7 Mile Rd., in Detroit.

Hollywood in Detroit | Thursday, February 26

Get the movie-star treatment and take a walk down the red carpet before viewing the Oscar-nominated short films at the Detroit Film Theatre. Once you have taken in all that you can from the films, grab the free shuttle over to the Detroit Historical Museum for an exclusive after party featuring food, drinks and live entertainment.

The Detroit Film Theatre is located at 5200 Woodward Ave., in Detroit.

Mac & Brews | Thursday, February 26

Come sample and enjoy Detroit’s best Mac n’ Cheese, craft brews and other comfort food from 7:30 to 11 p.m. at the Royal Oak Farmers Market. Over 20 local restaurants and 20 breweries will be on hand to serve up the best comfort food and a few cold ones to go along with it. Tickets for the event at $50 for general admission that will give you 10 craft beer samples and $65 for VIP that will give you 15 craft beer samples. Additional sample tickets are available for purchase at the event. For more information, visit Mac & Brews.

Royal Oak Farmers Market is located at 316 E. 11 Mile Rd., in Royal Oak.

Entrepreneur’s Meet and Greet! | Friday, February 27

Find synergy and make connections at The Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation’s Entrepreneur’s Meet and Greet. TCEI is one of Detroit’s newest places for enhancing entrepreneurial performance and catch up with who’s doing what and in what space. This event is great for meeting up with old colleagues or creating partnerships with new business owners. Admission is free, but you must register to attend. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/entrepreneurs-meet-and-greet-tickets-15753384798

TCEI is located at 2^ND Ave., in Detroit.

LiveWorkDetroit! | Friday, February 27

Get the inside scoop on what’s going on in Detroit from people who live work and play in the city from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Majestic Theatre. Keynote speaker, Jason Hall of Detroit Bike City/Slow Roll, will talk about how to make it happen in the city of Detroit, followed by an inside tour with the Detroit Experience Factory, dinner and a panel discussion. Networking will be happening all afternoon, so don’t forget your business cards!

Majestic Theatre is located at 4120 Woodward Ave., in Detroit.

2015 Cirque | Saturday, February 28

Join the Founders Junior Council for drinks, dancing and debauchery at the annual masked celebration at 8:30 p.m. at the Detroit Institute of Arts. This year’s post-prohibition theme transports guests from Detroit’s wintry streets to a sultry 1930’s speakeasy with live music and entertainment, cocktails and late night bites. Also, you’ll want to dress your best for the event’s masquerade competition. The winner will receive a handcrafted prize from Epiphany Glass. Event proceeds go to the FJC. Tickets are $125 at the door and include valet parking; masked formal attire is required.

Detroit Institute of Arts is located at 5200 Woodward Ave., in Detroit.

Wear It's At: Elizabeth and James at NYFW

It's fashion week season, which means frequent conversation at the DG3 office of what we loved, hated and why we felt the way we did. It's easy to have a favorite collection and to write all about how you think the styling worked with the different garments, and how the hair and makeup complimented the line perfectly, but you know what they say about opinions.

When sitting down to write about a collection I liked at the Fall/Winter 2015 fashion week, all I could think about is trying to replicate what I saw on the screen and wearing it while it's still cold. So, I'm starting out with one of the looks from the Elizabeth and James collection. It's simple and warm, and because I want to wear it now (while it's still cold), I've come up with an outfit that can be bought as soon as I'm finished with the work day. (And, it's a lot more affordable than going out and buying Elizabeth and James!)

1. Elizabeth and James Fall/Winter 2015

2. Sunday Best Sebold Sweater $65, Aritzia, 248.458.0955.

3. Olivia & Vivian V Neck Rib Detail Maxi Cardigan, $68, Nordstrom, metro Detroit locations.

4. Crackled Leather Belt $25, Gap, metro Detroit locations.

5. Slim Fit Pants $20, H&M, metro Detroit locations.

6. Studded Faux Leather Weekender $37, Forever 21, metro Detroit locations.

Oh, Shop It: Independent Textiles Business Comes to the Rescue for Upholstry and Vintage Fashion Fixes

Independent textile company William + Bonnie located is located in Hamtramck and focuses on fixing furniture upholstery and vintage clothing repair. The idea sounds so simple, yet they remain pretty mysterious, so when we found out they are having an event this Wednesday (mark your calendars!), we had to find out more.

DG3: How did you get into textiles?  

Sarah Ayers: I actually studied art history and archaeology so I come from a curatorial background. After working in NYC galleries and museums for years I wanted a change and the jump from the art world to textiles was a logical transition – the emphasis on texture, color and aesthetics along with the construction and lines appealed to my appreciation for art in all of its forms.

DG3: How did William + Bonnie get its start, and where did the name come from?

SA: The name actually comes from my Dad's name William, and my Aunt's name Bonnie. I've always wanted to have my own business and loved the idea of tradition and craftsmanship – what better way to capture a solid foundation and tradition than to pay homage to the ones that helped create mine.

DG3: Is everything a custom order or do you have stock available?

SA: Everything I do is custom. One of the favorite parts of my job is the fact that each piece will have a story for its owner and is completely personalized. There's a real romanticism in the idea that a garment or piece of furniture will become part of their memory's landscape.  

DG3: I see on your website that you are featured out Houzz! Love that site. How did that come about?  

SA: Truth be told, I'm not sure. I just kept updating my portfolio and getting reviews, and the next thing I know...

DG3: What do you want to see for William + Bonnie in the next few years?

SA: This summer I am launching fully custom vintage inspired cycling wear, so I would really like to expand on custom vintage inspired pieces. Since I have an affinity for vintage in general, I find that a lot of women (myself included) love the style, but can't find a vintage garment that fits properly. Drawing on my collection of vintage patterns, I am hoping to offer custom pieces in the fabric selection and measurements of each client. Every woman deserves at least one dress that was made for her. Most vintage pieces were homemade, and there is something to say about the timelessness and craftsmanship of a well-constructed, custom garment.

DG3: How do you take your coffee?
SA: Black.  

DG3: If you could have any celebrity wardrobe, whose would it be and why?  

SA: If I were a man I would say John Waters. His pieces are always well tailored with a dash of individuality. I am a sucker for details and there is always an element of his outfit that is sometimes subtle, but changes the entire look. As it is, I would say Audrey Hepburn – always classy, or Marlene Deitrich – glamorous, feminine and tough wrapped into one.  

DG3: Restoration Hardware or Pottery Barn?  

SA: Tough one. Honestly, I don't think I own anything from either of them, but aesthetically I am going with Restoration Hardware.

DG3: Lost and Found Vintage or Chi Chi and the Greek?  

SA: I'm going off the rack with this one and am going to say Tekla in Hamtramck and not just because I do garment work there. Tekla just opened over Labor Day and specializes in men, women and homewares pre-1980's - my weakness.