Detroit Garment Group Ambassador Council

Detroit Garment Group has established the DGG Ambassador Council to complement and support its valued mission of cultivating education and economic development opportunities for Michigan's fashion community, as well as cut and sew manufacturers of all industries. Since 2012, the nonprofit has been dedicated to educating and retaining fashion talent by spearheading initiatives such as FashionSpeak, an annual conference that focuses on the business of fashion, the DGG Fashion Incubator, which provides designers with the workspace and resources to build collections while building their businesses, and the Industrial Sewing Certificate Program, in partnership with Henry Ford College, Grand Rapids Community College, Lansing Community College, St. Clair County Community College and Michigan Works.

“We’re looking forward to working with this great group of young professionals. They are singularly focused on the goal of encouraging community involvement with the Detroit Garment Group,” says Barbara Biess, DGG Board Member and FashionSpeak Chair. “This group will be a key asset in organizing a variety of fundraisers and social events to further DGG’s mission to expand the cut and sew industry in Michigan.”

Detroit Garment Group has named nine young, influential and passionate community members to join in its mission:


• Katie West, Chair, Independent Event Planner
• Jonathan Martone, Vice Chair, Senior Attorney at Clark Hill and Co-Founder of The Versatile Warrior
• Tatiana Grant, Secretary, Owner and Founder of Infused PR
• Lauren Major, Treasurer, Buyer at Harry Major Machine
• Jamie Martone, Attorney at Dickinson Wright PLLC and Managing Director of The Versatile Warrior
• Jenna Angott, Physician Assistant at University of Michigan in General Thoracic Surgery
• Lauren Kirsch, Independent Wholesale Representative
• Ashley Dano, Sales/Marketing Manager at Danto Furniture
• Cayce Kosch, Senior Account Executive at Siren PR

In addition to event planning, the DGGAC will be charged with establishing relationships with the next generation of fashion enthusiasts, encouraging them not only to participate, but also give back to Michigan’s fashion community.

"I am very excited and honored to be a part of such a talented and diverse group of individuals, all of whom have an undeniable passion and unique experiences and perspectives in the fields of fashion, art and design,” says Jonathan Martone, Senior Attorney at Clark Hill and Co-Founder of The Versatile Warrior. “The opportunity to work with the Detroit Garment Group to further its impressive reach and vision in the development and promotion of the fashion and design industry in Detroit and throughout the state will be of great value not only to the council members, but more importantly to burgeoning newcomers in these areas of interest."

For more information about the DGG Ambassador Council, visit DGG’s website at www.detroitgarmentgroup.org or contact Lindsey Alexander lindsey@detroitgarmentgroup.org.

Local Designer Series: Local Designer Wears Many Different Hats on Path to Success

Local designer, Deanna Zapico of Designs by Deanna Zapico has done it all. From styling, to on-set costume design and custom gowns, she's used her creativity and sewing skills to her advantage to make a professionally fulfilling life for herself. If you are a local designer or fashion industry professional feeling down, this inspiring interview will should give you the motivation to keep on keeping' on! 

DGG: Tell us about yourself, Deanna.
Deanna Zapico: I've had a very unconventional and creative childhood with my mother as a commercial artist and my father, a classical musician. This couldn't help but influence me. I graduated from the College for Creative Studies majoring in Advertising Design in Detroit. I've been sewing since age 5 learning from both of my grandmothers and my mother, and I created my first wedding gown for my cousin at the age 20! I am engaged to be married this June to a wonderful man, Frank Arvan. Of course, I’m making my own gown. I also sing in my Father’s Chorale that he’s directed for close to 40 years. (He’s 84)

I was an advertising art director for about 12 years, working an average of 55 hours a week, then left the agency life to spend more time with my 2 sons, Ian and Andre. I have been designing custom gowns since my first gown at age 20, so it was natural for me to continue designing and sewing gowns from my home studio. I divorced in 2008, (a financially difficult year for most) I created a website for my business, www.customweddinggown.com and continued creating custom gowns and sewing and styling for television commercials from contacts I had made in advertising. Fortunately for me, 2008 the film industry came to MI due to Governor Granholm's tax incentives, and I was picked up almost immediately to sew and creative costumes with some huge talents.

DGG: Tell us about Designs by Deanna Zapico.
DZ: Along with designing and creating custom gowns, sewing and styling for TV commercials, and repairing gowns for a dry cleaner, I’ve also worked on over two-dozen films. I had the pleasure of working with academy award winning costume designers and sewn for many famous actors, from George Clooney, Ben Affleck and Henry Cavil to Rosie O’Donnell, Whitney Houston and Amy Adams, the list goes on. My latest big film was "Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice," which comes out this March. Other bigger movies include "Up In the Air," "Sparkle," "Real Steel" and "Scream 4."
 

If all this wasn't enough to keep me busy, in 2014, I was chosen to compete in a Detroit Garment Group/ Detroit Institute of Arts fashion design contest, Beyond the Armor, which was special exhibit at the DIA featuring the lifestyle of the ancient Samurai as inspiration. For this I created an evening gown with a leather armor bustier and a long red silk dupioni skirt on which I designed and hand painted a Japanese dragon that completely wrapped around the flared bottom. I loved creating this one!!

DGG: How do you want to be remembered?
DZ: I would love to be remembered first as a wonderful mom and partner, and then an extremely versatile and talented designer who has been able to persevere through difficult times.

DGG: What was the toughest hurdle you overcame in your career?
DZ: My toughest hurdle so far, and I emphasize so far, had to be making enough money to live on after my divorce and literally continuously balancing 4 part time jobs. Creating custom gowns for private clients, sewing and styling for TV commercials, repairing gowns for Janet Davis Drycleaners and creating and sewing costumes for Hollywood. I don’t regret how hard I’ve worked; only not spending enough time with my younger son, Andre. I’ve learned how to wear many hats and juggle many skills over the last 8 years. I’m sure I will face more tough hurdles as the film industry winds down and I continue to grow and balance my other skills.

DGG: If you could give budding fashion designers three pieces of advice, what would it be?
DZ:
1) Be persistent!! Don’t give up on an idea if life throws you some difficulties.
2) If things don’t turn out the way you’ve planned, ask yourself what can I learn from this diversion? (And that’s all it is, a diversion) Who can I meet that may open new doors to help further my goals?
3) Be prepared to have many different jobs until you can support yourself on designing alone!!

DGG: Where do you see your company in 5 years?
DZ: I would like to expand by designing and manufacturing a vintage inspired collection of simpler wedding gowns that I would make available for purchase on my website.

DGG: If you could dress anyone in the world in your designs, who would it by and why?
DZ: Amal Clooney, both gorgeous and smart. And because the fashion publications can’t wait to see what she has on next. And Sophia Loren or Princess Diana. While they’re no longer with us, I choose Sophia for her gorgeous, sexy full figure and Diana for all of all the attention her wardrobe has received and is still receiving.

DGG: Describe your style. 
DZ: Sensual and refined.

DGG: How do you take your coffee?
DZ: I usually order a skinny, sugar free caramel latte at Starbucks.

DGG: Custom design or stock design 
DZ: I love creating custom gowns! (Realizing, of course, that I have yet to create a line.)

DGG: Gucci or Versace?
DZ: Alexander McQueen - Sensual and refined - but Versace for its flamboyant colors and sexiness, and also because the Versace family is from Calabria, Italy where my mother’s family comes from. Gucci for its classic designs.

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!

Image from MOCAD Teen Council

Build Next: Cutting Through Commercial Real Estate Red Tape | Thursday, February 25
Build Graduates and the community interested in growing their business can learn the how-to's of commercial real estate in this month's class. Build has partnered with Michael L. Lamb of Lamb Legal & Consulting Services to get into the topic of locating and securing commercial real ester. Attendees of the workshop will learn about zoning and variance approvals, drafting and negotiating leases, new construction, renovation and foreclosure, and possible financing and mortgage challenges. Tickets for the event are $30 for Build Grads and $45 for the public, and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Build Institute is located at 2701 Bagley St., in Detroit.


Second Annual Seeds, Snacks and Six Packs | Thursday, February 25
NEXTGen Detroit and Repair The World: Detroit have partnered to engage in the second annual seed packing event for Keep Growing Detroit. This will be a night of do-gooders having fun, learning, sipping on delicious craft beer and meeting new people. Keep Growing Detroit provides farmers, community and family gardeners with seeds to promote healthy living. To register for the event, please visit jewishdetroit.org/event/seeds-snacks-and-6-packs.

The event is located at 2701 Bagley St., in Detroit.


Cranbrook Contemporaries Launch Party | Friday, February 26
Cranbrook Comtemporaries is a group of Young Professionals who advocate for art, design, craft and culture, and membership is open. If you're interested in broadening your engagement with the arts community through social and education programs and grabbing a complimentary drink, consider joining. The first informational meet up is from 6 to 8 p.m. at Nora Modern, and is free to attend. To register for the event, please visit Eventbrite.

Nora is located at 4240 Cass Ave., in Detroit.


Library Street Collective Presents | Saturday, February 27
The Library Street Collective specializes in cutting edge modern and contemporary fine art, and this weekend, they are putting on a group exhibition from 7 to 9 p.m. The exhibition will feature Adrian Falkner, Cleon Peterson, Hacer, Mars 1, Ryan McGinness, Shepard Fairy and more. The exhibition will be on display from February 27  to April 15, so if you if you miss out this weekend, you still have time.

Library Street Collective is located at 1260 Library St., in Detroit.


Habitat Detroit's Red Carpet Bash | Saturday, February 27
Starting at 6 p.m., walk the red carpet, enjoy a strolling dinner, bid on silent auction items, dance to live music and have fun to benefit Habitat for Humanity Detroit. The 5th Annual Red Carpet Event, happening at the Fillmore Detroit, will feature special guests Alicia Smith, Jill Ford, Gary Peters and Lauren Sanders among others. Tickets for the event at $75 for general admission and $125 for VIP. For more information or to purchase a ticket, please visit www.redcarpetbashdetroit.com.


Fillmore Detroit 2115 Woodward Ave., in Detroit.


D-Artist Studio with Tiff Massey | Saturday, February 27
The MOCAD Teen Council presents D-Artist Studio with Tiff Massey for an intimate discussion about her artistic practice, influence and more at MOCAD. Tiff Massey is a Detroit-based jeweler, sculptor and designer whose works are an observation of class, race and contemporary culture. All ages are welcome with a suggested donation of $5.

MOCAD is located at 4454 Woodward Ave., in Detroit.


Sunday's at Cafe 78: Nothing Elegant and SOUQ & See Why Vintage | Sunday, February 28
Immerse yourself in a sumptuous brunch of beats, art and shopping. Anthology coffee drinks and a menu of seasonal food specialties curated by James Beard Award-nominated chef Marc Djozlija. DJ Lady Fantastic and DJ Amy Dreamcatcher will be playing tunes while you guests books, accessories, and handmade goods from SOUQ.

Cafe 78 is located at 4454 Woodward Ave., in Detroit.

Wear It's At: Get It Poplin

The white, poplin shirt is a classic piece, a closet staple, a go-to -- but sometimes you need to spice it up a bit. Lately, we've seen (and tried) a ton of online tutorials styling a button down to achieve a new look, but if you'd rather get something new before experimenting on your own, try one of these looks we've put together below.

1. Tibi Satin Poplin Tie Shirt, $295, Saks Fifth Avenue
2. Skirt with Fringe, $60, H&M
3. Kate Spade Evening Bells Lipstick Carley, $398, Kate Spade
4. Nine West The Unfrgetabl Lace-Up Dress Sandals, $90, Macy's

5. Black Rivet Stand Collar Faux Leather Cycle Jacket with Fringe Sleeves, $250, Wilsons Leather
6. Cynthia Steffe Maya Belted Poplin Fit ad Flare Shirtdress, $178, Nordstrom
7. Auxiliary Bega Satchel Bag, $398, Aritzia
8. Unelilian Pump $110, Aldo

9. Alexis Hanne Off-the-Shoulder Poplin Top 385 NM
10. Burning Rays Statement Necklace, $28, Forever 21
11. Medium Wash Skinny Ankle Jean, $110, Banana Republic
12. Mini Bucket Bag in Painted Petal Leather $118, J. Crew
13. Billy Ella Odiel Booties, $228, Anthropologie

Industry Spotlight: Company Aims to Make Fashion More Accessible to the Industry

Chelsea VonMach and Aferdita Rakipi - do these names ring a bell? Well, the should because they were both speakers are DGG's very first FashionSpeak. The funny thing about that is they didn't know of each other until the day of the event. Since then, they have partnered together to take Chelsea's brain-child MODASearch™ to the next level. Read about the start up below, and the importance of networking.

Image Courtesy of MODASearch™

DGG: Tell us about yourselves, Aferdita and Chelsea.

Aferdita Rakipi: I had always had a love affair with travel, different languages and cultures thus I majored in History and minored in French. Naturally, that landed me in the fashion world. NOT.  After a world wind of roads less traveled from my time in politics to technologies, I then of course landed in fashion. My experiences from living aboard and working in different fields gave me a unique perspective from fashion to everyday life. A coffee break in NYC is not the same as a coffee break in Milan, and there is beauty in both.

Chelsea VonMach: Well, I grew up in the greater Detroit area where, unfortunately at the time, there weren’t too many options like ‘The Detroit Garment Group’ to help cultivate and nurture my magpie nature for anything sparkly, texturized, and unique. I’ve always been fascinated and inspired by the world of fashion and after attending Michigan State University for a year, I realized that the only way I was going to be able to discover for myself if I had what it took to create a career for myself in the industry was for me to jump outside my comfort zone and explore what that meant. This lead me begging my parents to give me their blessing to move out to California and attend The Fashion Institute of Design Merchandising. It wasn’t an easy battle, but after some convincing, I found myself on the west coast actually pursuing my dream! I interned like crazy, and upon graduation from FIDM, accepted my first real paying job as a stylist assistant on the remake of the television show ‘Melrose Place.’ For the past 7 years, I’ve worked on several network television shows and feature films and have assisted for some of the top stylists and costumes designers in the industry including celebrity stylist, Rachel Zoe and Mad Men Costume Designer, Janie Bryant. It’s been an amazing journey and I’ve learned a lot, and am excited to finally be booking head stylist jobs on my own to take my career to the next level. However, I never just wanted to be a fashion stylist/costume designer, I wanted to do something innovative in my industry, which I’ve been able to do with  MODASearch™.

DGG: Tell us about MODASearch™.

AR: This was Chelsea’s and her business partner’s brainchild. We were both speakers at the first FashionSpeak and we just got to talking about our experiences. I mean a real honest conversation not how fabulous it all is, but the real work that goes into it everyday.

CVM: The idea for MODASearch actually came about at my family friend, Laura’s (my now business partner) dinner table after expressing to her my frustration regarding how much of my work day was being wasted trying to find clothes and accessories for my jobs. I expressed to her how I wished there was a simple directory or a kind of ‘Yellow Pages’ of information where I could access information quickly at my fingertips and know where to go to find what I needed without having to drive all over Los Angeles, which if you’ve ever been in LA traffic during most parts of the day, can be a nightmare. Laura then suggested that we could come up with a database containing all the info and create a website where stylists like me could avoid the stress and headaches of research and racing the clock for last minute photo shoots. We immediately started working on it and shortly thereafter, as Aferdita mentioned, I had the privilege of speaking at the first FashionSpeak, where I met Aferdita and had some real talk about working in the industry. Laura and I were looking for a PR maven and someone who would really invest, believe, and evolve MODASearch™, and Aferdita had all of those qualities.

DGG: Is MODASearch™ only for people in California? Or can anyone anywhere use it?

AR:  The beauty of MODASearch™ is that it is a universal tool. Everyone can use it. The features and benefits of becoming a MODASearch™ user is that each member enriches the site. All can use the Modatags, Modagalleries and request samples. In our current launch, major cities have access to other services which we will continually incorporate throughout all areas of MODASearch™ .

CVM: Aferdita said it perfectly. ☺

Image Courtesy of MODASearch™

DGG: I know this is early, but what are your plans for the future? Where do you see MODASearch™ in 5-10 years?

CVM: Ahhh MODASearch™ has so much growing to do! We are starting it off super simple and basic, because it’s a tool, but I see it evolving into an online magazine for people behind the scenes, a shopping guide for major cities and the go-to database in the fashion industry.

AR: We see MODASearch™ very much as an essential component to the fashion industry.

DGG: So far, what has been your most frequently asked question, and how do you answer it?

AR: Many ask “How did you come up with Modasearch™?” When Chelsea introduced me to the site, I was excited to learn of its creation since both she and I had similar experiences in the fashion world but on opposite ends of the industry spectrum. I was thrown into the business and a tool like MODASearch™ would have made my life vastly simpler. After working in the industry for over ten years, I feel MODASearch™ is still needed in organizing calendars, looks, samples, and essential in training new hires and interns. It is especially vital when new people are joining the team - half the work and history is one location.

CVM: Mostly it’s, ‘Where did the idea for MODASearch™ come from?’ and ‘How did you make it happen?’ The simple answer is that it was literally out of pure necessity. I felt like I was wasting so much time researching and running around trying to identify the names and contact info of showrooms and costume houses to find the best garments and accessories for the jobs I was working. I knew there had to be a better and quicker way to access the numerous resources needed for stylists like myself to efficiently find what they need for shoots. Thankfully, Laura was able to take all this information I had collected over the years and effectively organize it into one user-friendly database, which we today proudly call ‘MODASearch™.’ During its creation and development, I’ve been effectively able to beta test it for all my jobs and give Laura the feedback necessary to refine the site to not only meet our expectations as to its functionality, but also for our desire to have it evolve into a  showcase for stylists to present the newest and hottest trends in the industry.

DGG: What are three pieces advice you would give to budding fashion entrepreneurs?

AR: As much as we are all artistic in some way, this is still a business. It takes hard work, commitment and time. More importantly, surround yourself with people and be in work environments that enrich you and not take away from your energy. Mind you, we will all have those not-so-great days, but my philosophy is to be in an environment where I am not stifled but always learning. My team was key, be it working late on a project or knowing that it was a NYC egg-and-cheese kind of morning.

CVM: It’s definitely hard work, commitment, and time, but my best advice

to any budding entrepreneur would be to simply follow your heart. Take on new 

opportunities, fall down, make mistakes, and enjoy the journey. I could easily go on 

and on about my story and how I got to where I am, but it’s mostly about taking 

chances, risks, and putting one foot in front of the other to CREATE your own path 

to accessing your dreams.

Image Courtesy of MODASearch™

DGG: How important is networking in fashion? And what are good tips for people who may not be so confident to go out and network on their own?

AR:  Networking is very important especially for those behind the scenes. It takes a village to make things run and never ever neglect the receptionists, assistants or interns. These are your gatekeepers.  Never worry about not feeling 100% confident, we have all been there. Today, we are equipped with more information via social media. If all else fails, just ask someone about their latest instagram post that will get them talking (@modasearch). 

CVM: It is so so so so important to network in this industry. I am one of the shyest people and being in this industry has pushed me out of my comfort zone to really reach out and create relationships with my peers. I love this quote on confidence by Into the Gloss creator Emily Weiss on confidence, “Confidence is overrated—it can be faked, whereas freedom is fearlessness. Freedom is being more or less okay with wherever you’re at, at any given point in your life or your day or your hour, be it really sucky or really great or somewhere in between (and there are a lot of in betweens.)”.

DGG: If you could have any one person or company use MODASearch™, who would it be and why?

AR: This is a tough one as we see MODASearch™ used  across the board from Fashion schools to showrooms to on set tv/film styling teams. This is very much geared to professionals where we have vetted them with credentials and experience in our directory.

CVM: A fashion student, intern, assistant, Rachel Zoe, even Anna Wintour. I see a wide spectrum of users. We are making the fashion world accessible. 

Image Courtesy of MODASearch™

DGG: How do you take your coffee?

AR: Plenty of it. Hot with milk or cream no sugar.

CVM: Ice Coffee with cream. Vanilla Latte’s with almond milk. Vanilla Coffee with hemp milk. I always order something different, keeps things interesting.

DGG: Carine Roitfeld or Emmanuelle Alt?

AR: Why choose?

CVM: I love them both… Can’t choose.

DGG: Vogue or Harper's Bazaar?

AR: We of course welcome both.

CVM: Can I choose Vogue Nippon, instead?

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!

Image from FJC

Christian Birky on Ethics: CreativeMornings/Detroit | Friday, February 19

CreativeMornings/Detroit theme for February is ethics, and the speaker for the event will be Christian Birky. Christian Birky, founder of t-shirt company called Lazlo, uses Lazlo American-grown cotton for Lazlo's t-shirts and employs former inmate industrial sewers is very familiar with ethics. At this month CreativeMornings/Detroit, Christian will talk about the importance of an ethical business, supporting other businesses and the challenges he has faced trying to do all of that. Admission is free but registration is a must, so visit www.creativemornings.com; doors will open at 8:30 a.m. and the talk will start at 9 a.m.

Ponyride is located at 1401 Vermont St., in Detroit.

DXF 10 Year Birthday Party | Friday, February 19

Detroit Experience Factory is throwing itself a birthday party celebrating 10 years of business. Stop by Friday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. to join DXF in celebration at the Welcome Center with delicious snacks and refreshments. The team will also have a special announcement at 4 p.m., so you won't want it.

Detroit Experience Factory is located at 123 Monroe St., in Detroit 

Cirque: Black and White Masquerade Gala | Saturday, February 20

DIA’s Founders Junior Council is hosting Cirque, an annual masked gala. The theme for the this years annual masked event is black and white, which is inspirited from Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball that took place at the famous New York Plaza Hotel. Tickets are $125 in advance, which includes valet parking and lots of entertainment. If you don’t purchase your tickets in advance, it’s not to late, you can get them at the door for $150. The attire for the gala is masked formal black and white, and masks are encouraged. The gala starts at 8 p.m., and tickets are available at www.tickets.dia.org.

DIA’s Founders Junior Council is located at 5200 Woodward Ave., in Detroit

Wear It's At: NYFW Street Style

New York Fashion Week is well underway, and while we are loving everything on the runways, we also can't stop swooning over the street style. If you can't attend fashion week and get that coveted street style photo, why not make Detroit your street style runway? We have a few outfit ideas that are sure to get everyone pulling out their phones and snapping pictures.

1. Banded Cap Sleeve Crop Top, $89, Bebe
2. Wide-Leg Split Cropped Pants, $98, White House Black Market
3. Robinson Large Zip tote, $595, Tory Burch
4. UIYCIA Boot, $90, Aldo
5. Textured-Weave Jacket, $49, H&M
6. SEE 5352, $99, See Birmingham

1. Stretch Skirt, $14, H&M
2. The Ankle Skinny Raw-Edge Jean, $98, 7 For Mankind, Saks Fifth Avenue
3. Cape Jacket In Wool Melton, $250, J Crew 
4. Court Calf Hair Ankle Sandal, $97, Vince Camuto, Nordstrom 
5. On the Rock Crystal Collar, $98, Henri Bendel

1. Minimal Moto, $49, WhoWhatWear, Target 
2. V-Neck Jumpsuit, $34, H&M
3. Saint Laurent Monogram Snake-Embossed Leather Blogger Pouch, $995, Saks Fifth Avenue 
4. The Heist Pump, $365, Sturat Weitzmen

Oh, Shop It: Spring is in the Air (Despite the Snow)

New York Fashion Week is upon us, and while we may not be soaking up the fashion making its way down the runway (well, in person at least -- thank goodness for live streams!), we did get our fashion fix courtesy of Neiman Marcus Troy. The night started out with specialty cocktails by Two James Spirits, delicious light bites and mingling with other fashionistas and fashionistos.

What's in for spring? For the ladies, it's bare shoulders, lace, confident reds and wide-leg pants. For the dudes, you can expect distressed denim, bold jackets, the new bomber and military influences. The show started with bold reds, moved into off-the-shoulder for the ladies and bomber jackets for the guys, then shifted into full-on denim looks and finished up with lace.

It was perfect, exciting and super springy - which is exactly what we all need about now. See our runway looks below!

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!

Image from Brix

VLNTNSDYMRKT 4 | Friday, February 12

Pot & Box is hosting the 4th annual indie valentine’s market from 6 to 10 p.m. at Jam Handy, and it's packed full with local handmade items that are perfect for your whomever your Valentine(s) is this year. While browsing through unique, local items at the market, enjoy live music, cocktails served up by Nick Drinks and dinner cooked by Katoi. The event is free and open to the public, for more information, www.vlntnsdaymrket.com.

Jam Handy is located at 2900 East Grand Blvd., in Detroit.

PLAYGROUND Presents: Patrick Ethen | Friday, February 12

PLAYGROUND DETROIT presents Patrick Ethen's first solo exhibition from 6 to 9 p.m. at PLAYGROUND DETROIT. Patrick Ethen is an artist and designer whose work has been seen as large installation sculptures at Detroit’s world famous music festival, Movement. Patrick Ethen's work reflects vision: light, motion and music, with using light, motion and music it stimulates the eye. For more information, visit www.patrickethen.com.

PLAYGROUND DETROIT is located at 1535 6^th St., in Detroit.

2016 - Annual Downtown Detroit "Meridian Winter Blast" | Friday, February 12 through Sunday, February 14

The Annual Downtown Detroit Meridian Winter Blast even is back from Friday to Sunday this weekend at Campus Martius. Free ice skating, cool ice sculptures, marshmallow roasting, a giant ice slide and other types of entertainment will be happening all weekend. Over 50 acts will be performing on two different stages placed around the event, and make sure you come hungry because a Taste of Detroit food tent will have local restaurants, stores and artisans on hand for you to grab a snack. This is a family-friendly event, so bring the little ones to play in the special kids zone complete with a warming station. For more information, head over to the official Meridian Winter Blast website, www.winterblast.com.

   

Wine and Chocolate Pairing | Saturday, February 13

Can you think of a better combination then wine and chocolate? No, we couldn't either. Celebrate Valentine's Day with your best girlfriends or that special some one with a wine and dessert pairing of your dreams at Brix. White, dark, and milk chocolate desserts will be paired with different wines, so while you enjoy the pairing, don't forget to take notes! Tickets are $28 but limited, so head over to Eventbrite to get yours today.

Brix is located at 7968 Kercheval Ave., in Detroit.

Open City Detroit - Location, Location, Location | Monday, February 15

Open City is a forum to bring small business together, whether they are just getting started or already established. This month's discussion will focus on locating commercial space for your business and cutting through the red tape. Lisa Berden, Senior Attorney at Miller Canfield; Steve Ogden, Director of Real Estate Development for Bedrock Real Estate Services; and James Feagin, Outreach Manager for Motor City Match are the featured panelists for the evening with KiKi Louya of The Farmer's Hand moderating the evening. The event is free, and open to the public.   

Cliff Bells is located at 2030 Park Ave., in Detroit.

Oh, Shop It: Reality TV Star Opens Bridal Boutique in Detroit

Image from www.beautifulbridalwithkeasha.com

There is a new bridal boutique in town, and Keasha Rigsby and Vallery Hyduk have partnered together to open it. Rigsby's name and face my be familiar to you as she has been on must-see TV shows like Say Yes To the Dress and Keasha's Perfect Dress. The Brooklyn native moved to Detroit to open her high-end bridal boutique Beautiful Bridal adjacent to the Ren Cen.

"It is my goal to make every one of my brides not only look beautiful on the outside, but feel their inner beauty radiating wildly," said Rigsby in a statement written on her website. "It's what I love about my chosen profession - those moments of pure joy in that magic moment of ultimate complete beauty when the bride's breath is taken away at the sight of herself in the mirror and everyone in her entourage comes to tears."

Utilizing her knowledge and expertise, Rigsby, will be able to find the dress of your dream by appointment or with a try-on party, which is great for girlfriends who are getting married around the same time. Also, the main floor of the mansion that houses Beautiful Bridal is open for events - capacity for events is 150 for a strolling dinner and 70 seated. Images of the beautiful interiors are available on the website.

Beautiful Bridal is located 2921 E. Jefferson Ave., in Detroit.

Oh, Shop It: Olivia Palermo Collection Available at Nordstrom

Everyone's favorite TV antagonist, Olivia Palermo, is at it again. She collaborated with Nordstrom's in-house line Chelsea28 to create a collection fit for the streets of fashion week. The collection includes leather skirts, long military vests, silk camisoles, denim and wide-leg trousers. Staples with a twist is what we'll call it, and it's fabulous.

"The whole collection is all about proportions," Palermo said in an interview with Fashionista. "We [ladies] have to be realistic about not always wearing heels — with all of these silhouettes and hemlines, you can wear flats, too."

For those of you don't know Palermo, she is most well known for MTV reality show spin off of "The Hills". Since then, she's collaborated with Westward Leaning, Aquazzura and BaubleBar, has had several high-profile modelings gigs and can now add a Nordstrom line to her list of accomplishments.

Olivia Palerma + Chelsea28 is available at your local Nordstrom, so start styling your most fashion-week worthy, street-style outfit today.

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!

Image from The Blu Kitchen

Sugar House Sour Beer Club | Thursday, February 4 

The Sugar House is putting on a beer tasting for everyone to come out and enjoy. Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales, Leelanau Brewing, Evil Twin, and Brewery Omer Vander Ghinste are just a few of the many breweries that will be featured from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. All beers will be available in 4 oz. pours and by the bottle.

The Sugar House is located at 2130 Michigan Ave., in Detroit.

IDEA's Frozen Heart Masquerade Ball | Friday, February 5 

Ignite Detroit Entertainment Agency is having a masquerade ball at Tangent Gallery that you don’t want to miss. There will be three stages and one big dance floor to dance the night away. Dress it impress with your best ball gown or tux, and your chicest mask. Over 15 performances will be happening throughout the night, with the doors opening at 8 p.m. and the show starting at 9 p.m. Tickets are available at the door for $15, cash only.

Tangent Gallery / Hastings Street Ballroom is located at 715 E Milwaukee St., in Detroit.

Macaron Mini Pop-Up | Saturday, February 6

The Blu Kitchen is having a pop-up shop at the Detroit Marshmallow Co., and will have an assortment of macaron's to satisfy that sweet tooth. From 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., stop by and pick out some macarons that start at just $2.50 each. It's a great way to treat yourself with something you wouldn't normally eat.

The Detroit Marshmallow Co. is located at 17215 Mack Ave., in Detroit