It Trends: June's Style Board

Do It: The Art of Giving Recap

In case you missed it, last Thursday, May 26, the Art of Giving had its annual event at The Stand Gastro Bistro in Birmingham. Each year they benefit a different charity. This year it happened to be your's truly, DGG. It was truly an unforgettable and memorable night.

The event featured an amazing silent auction with items from Tigers and Red Wings tickets, to a vacation in Florida. There were also beautiful pieces of jewelry Darakjian Jewelers. Almost everything was sold, and all of the proceeds went to us. There were pieces from our designers-in-residence, as well as the paper dresses designed by Matt Richmond you may have seen on Fox 2 and channel 7.

A big hit was the Paint by Number, which was a painting of David Bowie. You could by a ticket and then you got to paint whichever square you wanted to. The painting turned out amazing, thanks to everyone that participated. There were also shirts available with the painting on it.

It was a great night with tons of laughter, smiles and amazing people. We just wanted to say a HUGE thank you to everyone that came out and supported us! We greatly appreciate every donation, that goes to help our programming stay alive to help Detroit's fashion community.

Do It: This Weekend's Style, Beauty and Fashion Events That are Not to Be Missed

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

ORT and the City | Thursday, May 19
ORT, one of the largest educational organizations in the world, will be hosting a fundraiser that includes a silent auction featuring unique designs of wearable and livable art designed by students from the College for Creative Studies. The unique pieces are inspired by "Detroit neighborhoods" and include clothing, accessories and furniture from the Somerset Collection. A strolling dinner will be provided via various food trucks, in addition to passed hors d'oeuvres, dessert and an open bar. There will also be a graffiti artist creating a masterpiece, which will be for sale that evening. Tickets start at $100 per person, or $55 for those under 30. The event will take place at Eastern Market and starts at 6:30 p.m. To secure tickets, please call 248-723-8860.

Eastern Market is located at 2934 Russell St., in Detroit.


FGI-Detroit Fashion Tribute Luncheon | Friday, May 20
Join the Fashion Group International of Detroit as they pay tribute to Detroit fashion legends Rosemary Bannon and Linda Dresner. The luncheon will be held at the Heathers Club in Bloomfield Hills and goes from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are available here, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Barbara Ann Kamanos Cancer Institute.

The Heathers Club is located at 900 Upper Scotsborough Way, in Bloomfield Hills.


The Vintage Market - Spring Market Day | Saturday, May 21
The Vintage Market is a vintage inspired, flea-market style, open-air shopping event featuring amazing local artisans, shops and small businesses. This time, it will be held at Elizabeth Park in Trenton, and goes all day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It's first market of its kind to come to the Downriver area. Everything from gypsy couture to kitchenware, as well as delicious local food, and admission is free!

Elizabeth Park is located at 4461 Elizabeth Dr., in Trenton.


Sugar Islands Ice Cream Soc(ial) | Sunday, May 22
Come down and have fun with alcohol-infused ice cream! Aloha Donnie will take you on a tour of the Sugar Islands, including some ice cream cookie sandwiches, a boozy root bear float, champagne and sorbet mimosas and possibly a popsicle or two. You will be exploring new flavor combinations and concepts. The event will be held at The Sugar House and stats at 5 p.m.

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


Walk Fashion Show Sunday | Sunday, May 22
Calling all Detroit fashion enthusiasts! The Walk Fashion Show is returning to Eastern Market for a special one day show. The 13th edition of the show will feature established, independent and emerging designers, as well as over 50 Metro Detroit business owners, offering clothing and jewelry, live entertainment, great food and more. For more details, head here. The event goes from 3 to 9 p.m.

Eastern Market is located at 2934 Russell St., in Detroit.

Oh, Shop It: Your Ultimate Swimsuit Destination

Image from Custom Swimwear

Swimsuit shopping can be quite daunting for some. It might be hard finding the perfect-fitting top or bottom, but have no fear: Custom Swimwear is the best place for you.

All swimsuits are custom fit, so you'll never have to worry about ill-fitting tops or bottoms again! Your confidence levels at the beach will skyrocket. Also, tops and bottoms are sold separately, which is perfect for those who vary in size from top to bottom.

Custom Swimwear is the perfect place for those women who can't find the perfect size in swimsuit tops and bottoms in a normal store. Some suits have cups that can fit D to DD sizes and others can fit F to KK sizes. Standard cups will fit A, B and C sizes. The swimsuits come in, of course, many fashionable sizes and colors.

The swimsuits are made locally in Michigan. For more information, head to their website here.

Local Designer Series: Local Designer Turns Her Dream Into a Reality

Local Designer Gabriella Gonzales finally was able to turn her dream of owning a designer business after she graduated college. Now, a designer-in-residence with the DGG Fashion Incubator, she has been able to grow her business more and more. Learn more about Gabriella and how starting a fashion business has been challenging but rewarding at the same time.

DGG: Tell us about yourself, Gabriella.

Gabriella Gonzalez: I have been designing for most of my life. I had the dream of being a designer business owner while in high school. At the tail end of college I started working on my business. Shortly after graduation I officially began my operation. Since then I have been learning the ropes of owning a fashion business. I take great pride in creating this company from the ground up.

DGG: Tell us about the Gabriella Gonzales line.

GG: When someone takes home a product of mine I want the customer to feel confident, and that the designs are an extension of their personality and themselves.

DGG: What is the Gabriella Gonzales design aesthetic?

GG: My designs have a classic and nostalgic feel, but also have a current look to it.

DGG: What has been the best and worst advice you have received since starting your company?

GG: When I think about the worst advice, I think about business articles that said don’t follow your passion. I don’t understand that reasoning. If we are to devote so much of our time and lives into something, we should be passionate about it. If there is no passion, what is the point of doing it at all? I have received a lot of good advice. One thing that sticks with me is that everyone we meet is for a reason. Business is more than an exchange of money. It is about the getting to know people.

DGG: What has been one hardship you have overcome since starting your line?

GG: When I first started my line I was still figuring out what kind of brand I wanted to portray. At the time, I liked many fashion themes and to narrow it down to one was a journey. Seeing how an outsider viewed my designs helped me realize what I was drawn to and what was true to me.

DGG: What are your goals for Gabriella Gonzales over the next year working at DGG's Fashion Incubator?

GG: My goal is that my company will grow with the help from the Incubator. When I started I wanted to have a more polished meeting place, and central location for my business, I wanted to be able to grow my team. I wanted to be mentored by professionals in my industry to help me move along the projects I wanted to do. With saying all this, I know my business has grown because all of these things have happened. I was able to see where I was on the right track and where I needed assistance. It is a great feeling to see my company’s need and being able to fulfill it in real ways. There are times as a startup owner that you may feel stuck and getting unstuck and moving forward is wonderful.

DGG: If you could dress anyone in your collection, who would it be and why?

GG: There are quite a few people I would like to dress in my collection. If I had to pick just two people, I would pick Gina Rodriguez and David Beckham. They encompass the look of the brand I am creating.

DGG: What is your favorite local boutique?

GG: My favorite local boutique is Gentlemen’s Consignment. They have a lot of neat resell finds for men and my very own bow tie designs! Gentlemen’s Consignment is in Royal Oak on Washington Street.

DGG: Describe your style.

GG: My style is similar to my brand. I tend to mix vintage tastes with current trends.

DGG: How do you take your coffee?

GG: I take my coffee with two creams and two sugars.

DGG: Tory Burch or Michael Kors?

GG: Tory Burch. I like both styles but I enjoyed learning about Tory Burch’s entrepreneurial journey and the blossoming of her brand.

DGG: Pants or skirts?

GG: It depends on the day and my mood. I am not biased to either. When I wear pants I am on the go and more business oriented. Days when I wear skirts I feel more laid-back, playful, and fancy. 

Pitch It: Shark Tank is Coming to Detroit!

A Shark Tank casting call is coming to Detroit to bring more diverse ideas and voices to the popular TV show. Those selected, you will be asked to do a very quick, but formal pitch (60 to 90 seconds) and then answer some questions. Entrepreneurs should bring their product to demonstrate, but it is not required to prepare a formal presentation.

Anyone interested must register here to attend. The casting call is happening from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, May 16 at Grand Circus in Downtown Detroit.

Good luck to all those who will be participating!

Do It: This Weekend's Style, Beauty and Fashion Events That are Not to Be Missed

This weekend is 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 Drinks x Desgin

May Drinks x Design: Interior Design | Thursday, May 12
Throughout May, Drinks x Design will be using the Detroit Institute of Arts to celebrate interior design in Detroit. From 5:30 to 8 p.m., different programs will take place in the Prentis Court, Kresge Court and Romanesque Gallery. Programming includes demonstrations and displays from some of Detroit's leading names in interior design. 21+ are welcome. Guests will receive one drink ticket, and then there will be a cash bar (credit cards accepted).

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

Women Who Wine: Detroit's Official Launch Soiree | Friday, May 13
Come enjoy a night of fun, good times, and of course, wine! The event will be kicking off and bring awareness to Women Who Wine: Detroit, a group created for phenomenal women who love to socialize, support the community, gain enrichment, network and enjoy wine. From 7 to 11 p.m., you will have the opportunity to enjoy live music, hors d'oeuvres and wine, in addition to networking, learning more about the group and signing up for membership. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Hashtag Lunchbag: Detroit's May meetup.

Metro Times Best of Detroit 2016 Party | Friday, May 13
The well-informed readers of the Metro Times are weighing in on the best of what the city has to offer. Come on down to Motor City Casino Hotel to celebrate the best Metro Detroit bars, restaurants, clubs, businesses, entertainment and more! The party kicks off at 7 p.m., and will continue inside the Motor City Casino SoundBoard with live music, dancing and specialty beverages. Make sure to dress to impress.

Motor City Casino is located at 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit.

Dress for Success: Ladies Clothing Swap | Saturday, May 14
Support Build Institute's entrepreneurial programs that directly impact and advance women's career opportunities by participating in one of the most fashionable fundraisers. There is a $20 cost (or $30 for VIP, which allows you an extra 10 minutes to shop before anyone else does, and a minimum of five items (clothing, shoes, and/or accessories) to participate. Volunteers will arrange all of the brought items into a makeshift store while guests indulge in food and beverages, beauty services and other fun activities donated by local businesses. Items must be currently fashionable, clean and either new or gently used. Any sizes are welcome and you may bring more than five items. All un-swapped items will be donated to Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit's Flip the Script Women's Service program. The event goes from 6 to 9 p.m.

Build Institute is located at 2701 Bagley Ave., Detroit.

Issue Release and One-Year Party | Saturday, May 14
Come to the Grand Circus Magazine Issue 3 release party at the brand new El Club in Mexicantown. This will be the first place to pick up the brand new issue, and you get the chance to hang out with collaborators and issue features. There will be DJ sets by Charles Trees and Conor Mendenhall. The event is all ages and make sure to click here to reserve your spot.

El Club is located at 4114 W Vernor Hwy., Detroit.

FashionSpeak 2016: Second Speaker Announced!

It's time to announce another topic and speaker for FashionSpeak this year, which will be presented by Taubman on Thursday, October 13 at One Woodward in Detroit: Amy Dietrich on "Determining and Developing Your Best Product."

Amy is a fashion and interior designer with more than 20 years of experience in New York City's garment industry under her belt. Amy nurtures fashion lines every step of the way from concept to the consumer. She's the go-to person when a brand needs a new and fresh direction.

Amy's work has been sold to many major U.S. retailers, including: Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Macy's and more than 5,000 specialty retailers across the country and Puerto Rico. Her designs have also been featured in many publications, including: Women's Wear Daily, InStyle, Marie Claire, Oprah, Real Simple, Glamour and Redbook.

Amy is excited to be back in her hometown to help and give expertise to Detroit's creative resurgence. Make sure to get your tickets for FashionSpeak here.

Wear It's At: A Transitional Jacket with an Explosive Name

Bomber jackets are the perfect transition piece for the spring and summer. With all of the different prints and colors available, it's super easy to find one that fits your style. You also don't need to worry about sweating up a storm since there are many light-weight options. Dress the jacket up or down, and for some style options, check out the outfits we've put together below. 

1. Silence + Noise Stays On Tour Satin Bomber Jacket, $159, Urban Outfitters.
2. Strappy Surplice Bodysuit, $16, Forever 21.
3. High-Rise Denim Shorts In Washed Black, $70, Madewell,.
4. Adelphie Bootie, Steve Madden, $100, DSW.
5. NO.7 Convertible Backpack, $498, Henri Bendel.

1. Top Shop Badged Bruce Bomber Jacket, $110, Nordstrom.
2. Sub Urban Riot Kale Tee, $39, Urban Outfitters.
3. Mid Rise Dark Blue Cropped Cuffed Jean Legging, $79.90, Express.
4. Miu Miu Metal Cap Toe Skate Sneaker, $495, Nordstrom.
5. Tiffany & Co., TF3052B, $360, Sunglass Hut.

1. Jacquard-Weave Pilot Jacket, HM, $67, H&M.
2. Cap Sleeve Pocket Tee,, $25, Gap.
3. Knit Midi Skirt,, $70, Bebe.
4. Tarrra, $140, Steve Madden.
5. Rebecca Minkoff Micro Moto Satchel, $195, Nordstrom.

Do It: This Weekend's Style, Beauty and Fashion Events That are Not to Be Missed

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

Mamacitas and Margaritas Ladies Night Out | Thursday, May 5
Come out and celebrate Cinco de Mayo the right way by enjoying refreshments, pampering services and shopping with a selection of handpicked artists from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Twisted Tavern and Red Door Night Club. The event will be benefiting Handbags of Hope, an organization dedicated to helping victims of domestic violence in the Metro Detroit area. They will be there accepting donations of new and gently used handbags filled with toiletries. There will also be a raffle of artwork, jewelry, apparel and gift items, where a portion of the proceeds will go to Handbags of Hope. There will be a nominal fee for the pampering services, but admission to get into the event is free.

Twisted Tavern is located at 22901 Woodward Ave., Ferndale.


The Fashion Massacre | Friday, May 6-Sunday, May 8
The Fashion Massacre is a fashion presentation that takes place once a year in Detroit. It is built upon self-expression and individuality. The event brings focus and attention to emerging designers in the Metro Detroit area. It brings together a unique showcase of underground fashion and art that will contribute to Detroit's driving force in the fashion industry. The presentation begins Friday, May 6 and will continue to Sunday, May 8. Each presentation will go from 8-10 p.m. and takes place at a different venue each day, starting at DNR Outdoor Adventure Center. For more information on venues, head here.

DNR Outdoor Adventure Center is located at 1801 Atwater St., Detroit.


Pre-Mother's Day Shop 'Til You Drop at Tricho Salon | Friday, May 6-Saturday, May 7
Come in and shop for a wide variety of women's clothing and accessories from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday. You can shop for your mom or even shop with your mom! You'll be able to find that unique and special Mother's Day gift. This event is hosted by the boutique, Lauren Elyse. Can't make it out? You can shop online here.

Tricho Salon is located at 400 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak.


Viero Bridal Trunk Show | Saturday, May 7
Joy Abendmode Bridal Boutique will be hosting a trunk show for the Viero Bridal line. The event will last from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Make sure to call 248-876-0833 to reserve your spot.

Joy Abendmode Bridal Boutique is located at 506 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak.


Mother's Day Sale | Saturday, May 7
Come in for light refreshments and mimosas while enjoying 20% off shoes, purses and jewelry at the Clawson and Roseville Hips Boutique locations. With a $40 purchase, you can also get a free scarf of your choosing while supplies last. The boutique will not be buying anything this day.

Oh, Shop It: Glam Gardens at Saks Fifth Avenue

Stopped by the Glam Garden party for soothing tea, fresh pastries, spring fashion and refreshing beauty products at Saks Fifth Avenue Troy. Once the tea was poured and scones were plated, we grabbed a seat to get the garden party started. 

Saks Fifth Avenue Stylist Manager Shelli Pacioni started things off to talk about the fashion, which was light, bright and easy to wear. For example, she brought out a great little Chanel button-down top paired with a Chanel tweed pencil mini that would be great for a spring day when you have to be at the office, but you also need to go to a backyard BBQ when you get out of work. Then, a chic Nicholas dress that could be worn however you'd like but Shelli suggested a denim jacket and flats for a more casual look, or pumps and a cardigan for a night out. Finally, she pulled out sleek white jeans and an off-the-shoulder top that could be accessorized with a great scarf to keep warm on those cool summer evenings.

The fashion was over and the beauty began with Will and Daniel who went over the benefits of a few different products recommended for the new season. Trish McEvoy Beta Hydroxy pads, the La Mer Reparative Lotion Armani Eye Serum, Cellcosmet and YSL Volupte lipstick were just a few suggested. It was all amazing. We got to try it, smell it, touch it, hold it--everything you want when looking at new beauty products. Personally, the Cellcosmet was my favorite. It's a gel activator that brightens, tightens and softens skin - I tried it on my face, and I literally felt my face tightening for the next hour after the tea party.

This was a great way to spend the morning, not only because we got to preview some great stuff, but also because I now know what to get the women in my life for Mother's Day! Two birds, one stone.

It Trends: May's Style Board