Wear It's At: Velvet for Any Occasion

Velvet used to be a material exclusive to the holidays, however, that's all changed. Velvet everything is one of the biggest trends for this fall and winter. You don't need to go all out, but we'll show you easy ways to add velvet to your outfits for any occasion.

1. Long Sleeve T-Shirt, $337, Orleans + Winder.

2. Rag & Bone Dre Aged Jeans, $188, Intermix.

3. Miu Miu Platform Block Heel, $975, Nordstrom.

4. The Birdy 34MM Gold Watch, $525, Shinola.

1. Topshop Neat Velvet Sweatshirt, $50, Nordstrom.

2. Go To Trouser, $198, Kit and Ace.

3.Adidas Superstar Sneakers, $80, Nordstrom.

4. Sayler Bag, $650, Julie Lindsay Handbags.

1. Topshop Lace Trim Velvet Slipdress, $68, Nordstrom.

2. Topshop Velvet Choker, $12, Nordstrom.

3. Blank NYC Denim and Leather Moto Jacket, $148, Athalia's Boutique.

4. Dolce Vita Chance Boots, $209, Styleshack.

5. Cool Hand Luke Clutch, $225, Julie Lindsay Handbags.

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.

Hour Best Dressed Fashion Show | Thursday, September 29
Come out to The Fillmore for Hour Detroit's Best Dressed fashion show, presented by The Somerset Collection and hosted by Amy Andrews of FOX 2. Celebrate with 2016 best dressed winners in style by sipping on yummy cocktails, eating delicious light bites and enjoying a runway show. Doors open at 6 p.m., and for tickets, click here.

The Fillmore is located at 2115 Woodward Ave., in Detroit.

Library at Night Tour | Thursday, September 29
Experience the Detroit Public Library's magnificent architecture and art underneath the stars at this awesome experience. This tour is a perfect date night, fun time with friends or just a wonderful visit to Detroit. You'll learn the hidden secrets, backstories and hidden nooks of the acclaimed main library. You decide how much your ticket will cost, but all proceeds will support the HYPE Teen Film Festival on October 15. This goes from 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets are available here.

The Detroit Public Library is located at 5201 Woodward Ave., in Detroit.

Director's Cut Talk: Alger Theater | Thursday, September 29
Get to know DIA Director Salvador Salort-Pons as he talks about his background, a brief history of the museum and what his plans are for the historic Alger Theater, where the talk will be taking place. You will have an opportunity to ask questions after the talk, and a reception will follow. The talk starts at 6 p.m. This event is free to the public.

Alger Theater is located at 16451 E Warren Ave., in Detroit.

Oktoberfest in the Park | Saturday, October 1 through Sunday, October 2
Come out to Atwater in the Park for a fun and free Oktoberfest celebration. There will be tappings from 4 to 6 p.m. and music, games and events all day long. You definitely don't want to miss any of the festivities at this two-day celebration.

Atwater in the Park is located at 1175 Lakepointe St., in Grosse Pointe Park.

Fall Flavor Weekends in Greenfield Village | Saturday, October 1 through Sunday, October 2
Celebrate and explore more than three centuries of America's food centuries during this fun-filled weekend at Greenfield Village. You'll be able to experience an abundance of harvest season flavors at the Saturday Local Roots Farmers Market (this is only from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), cooking demonstrations inside the historic homes and free samples of products. This is free for members, but non-members can purchase tickets here.

Greenfield Village is located at 20900 Oakwood Blvd., in Dearborn.

Hard Cider & Donuts | Sunday, October 2
Enjoy another round of hard cider and donuts at Michigan by the Bottle Tasting Room, but this time at the Royal Oak location! Donuts and cider will be available for purchase together or individually. Cider flavors include Verterra Winery Just Apple, Cherry Blush, Raspberry Rush, Blackberry Bliss, Sweet Peach Chaos Hard Ciders and the current on-tap Chateau de Leelanau cider.

Michigan by the Bottle Tasting Room is located at 29932 Woodward Ave., in Royal Oak.

SPARK 2016: Neiman Marcus, A Season of Shoes

DGG's inaugural fundraiser, SPARK, will be taking place October 13 from 7 to 10 p.m. at One Woodward in Detroit after FashionSpeak.  There will be a silent auction, high-energy raffle, a curated-fashion exhibit and music from DJ Thornstryker. Tickets and more information can be found here. One of the raffle items is brought to us by Neiman Marcus. It's called A Season of Shoes, and it's basically every fashionista's dream.

Source: Neiman Marcus

The winner of this will have an exclusive opportunity to go to Neiman Marcus once a month for three months to update their shoe collection with the latest styles, as well as enjoy some quality time with friends.

This will be valid from February to April 2017. In February, you and a guest will enjoy a gourmet lunch in the acclaimed Neiman Marcus Cafe. After lunch, you'll visit the Ladies Shoe Salon to select your first pair of shoes and step out in style. In March, you and a friend will get some pampering time. You will both enjoy a relaxing, one-hour spa facial, then you'll choose your second pair of shoes from the Ladies Shoe Salon. In April, you'll finish off the amazing experience with champagne and another pair of shoes. You and three friends will have a stylish afternoon with one of Neiman's resident style experts. You'll enjoy sweets and cocktails while taking front row to an interactive trend presentation featuring some of the season's hottest accessories. You will then select your third, and final, pair of shoes.

Source: Yelp

This is a glamorous experience that you definitely don't want to pass up. Make sure to come out to SPARK to get the chance to win this fabulous opportunity!

Source: Yelp

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.

Eastern Market After Dark | Thursday, September 22
Celebrate Detroit design as one of the country's oldest public markets, Eastern Market, turns into a creative district by night. More than 30 studios throughout the district will be open late, and sheds 2, 3, 4 and 5 will be open with interactive experiences, brand activations with Detroit's up-and-coming designers, designer spotlights, installations and parties. This will be taking place from 7 to 11 p.m. This is an official part of the Detroit Design Festival, taking place the 21 through the 25.

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

Detroit Design Ball | Thursday, September 22
Taking place in Shed 5 at Eastern Market from 5:30-10 p.m., come out for a special DDF night of entertainment honoring a new vision for Detroit urban renewal. Some of Detroit's most exciting artists, designers, performers, enterprise and community organizations will be here. There will even be the 6th annual DDF Independent Designer runway fashion show. For tickets, click here, and for more information on the events of the night, click here.

2016 AIA Detroit Celebration of Architecture | Thursday, September 22
Join the best of the best in Detroit architecture, with professionals to emerging creatives, for a special evening in Shed 3 at Eastern Market from 6 to 10 p.m. There will be an amazing cast of creatives, companies and supporters, along with a red carpet experience, awards gallery, award ceremony, celebration lounges and cocktails. Tickets are available here or at the door for $60.

Detroit City of Design Summit | Thursday, September 22 and Friday, September 23
This two-day summit, hosted by Detroit Creative Corridor Center and Creative Many, is especially for Detroit's design community and international partners to explore building a better city through design. This is a part of the Detroit Design Festival and will be taking place at Jam Handy. For tickets, click here.

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

DDF 2016 Light Up Livernois | Saturday, September 24
The third edition of Light Up Livernois returns to Detroit's Historic Avenue of Fashion. With a focus on how great urban design can drive the economic future of the neighborhood, programming will include open businesses, fashion vignettes, urban redevelopment plans, musical performances and small business highlights. This is something you definitely don't want to miss.

This will be at 7 Mile and Livernois, in Detroit.

Open Streets Detroit | Sunday, September 25
Open Streets is a national and international event that Detroit is joining for two free public outdoor events, the first being this weekend from noon to 5 p.m. The event will cover a four mile stretch of major roadway, connecting Michigan Ave. and Vernor Hwy. People will have the opportunity to bike, walk, jog, skate and more through the car-free street. Participants that make their way through the street park will also be able to sample fun workouts, with everything from hula hooping, kickboxing and yoga. All of this will be put on by local businesses community groups to promote health and wellness. For more information on the Open Streets Project, click here.

Dancing at the Detroit Yacht Club! A Peacock Room Pop-up | Sunday, September 25
Come out to the Detroit Yacht Club for some awesome vintage-inspired dancing. All skill levels are welcome, including beginner. At 2 p.m. there will be free dance lessons, and from 3 to 6 p.m., dance to the live sounds of the Big Band. It's $20 at the door, and there will be vintage-inspired shopping from the Peacock Room.

The Detroit Yacht Club is located at 1 Riverbank Rd., in Detroit.

Hard Cider & Donuts | Sunday, September 25
Enjoy a familiar fall tradition with Michigan by the Bottle Tasting Room with hard cider and fresh donuts. There will be hard cider and Love & Buttercream donuts available for purchase as a package or individually. Donut flavors include pumpkin spice, apple and cinnamon sugar, and ciders available will be Verterra Just Apple, Cherry Blush, Raspberry Rush, Blackberry Bliss and Sweet Peach Chaos Hard Ciders. No reservations are needed, and it's first come, first serve.

Michigan by the Bottle Tasting Room is located at 45645 Hayes Rd., in Shelby Township.

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 Alchemy Detroit

Alchemy Detroit Sip n' Shop | Thursday, September 15
At this awesome event, you'll meet the founder and designer of Alchemy Detroit, Shelley L. Van Riper, while shopping the hometown brand. You'll also enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks, and you could win an Alchemy tee. This will be taking place at LOLA RYAN and will be from 5 to 9 p.m.

LOLA RYAN is located at 550 Forest Ave. (inside Westchester Square Mall), in Plymouth.

After Dark: Superheroes and Comics | Thursday, September 15
Love superheroes and comics? Come out to the Michigan Science Center for an awesome event featuring a comic book pop-up shop and a heroes in the sky planetarium show. This is a 21+ event, and there will be a cash bar available. Tickets are $15 at the door and online, and doors open at 6 p.m.

The Michigan Science Center is located at 5020 John R St., in Detroit.

Parktoberfest! Downtown Detroit's Oktoberfest Celebration | Friday, September 16
The 2nd annual Parktoberfest is returning to Downtown Detroit at Campus Martius Park. This is a two day even featuring an impressive selection of craft and Oktoberfest beers, live performances, friendly competitions, a kids zone, pumpkin carving and more! For a full schedule and more information, click here.

Campus Martius Park is located at 800 Woodward Ave., in Detroit.

DIY Street Fair | Friday, September 16 through Sunday, September 18
The annual Ferndale DIY Street Fair is back for a fun-filled weekend! There will be craft beer, wine and cocktails, music, artists, creators, makers and crafters, food trucks, a kids zone and so much more. There is something for everyone. For more information, click here. This will be taking place on the east side of Woodward between East 9 Mile Rd and East Troy St behind WAB and The Emory.

Fall Fashion Pop-Up | Saturday, September 17
Join Styleshack, Robyn Coden from Dim Sum and Doughnuts and Blo Blow Dry Bar in Dowtown Birmingham for a one day only fall shopping and beauty event. All products are from amazing local boutiques. You'll be able to bring in gently worn clothing to donate to local charities and be entered to in a raffle.

This will be held at 135 N. Old Woodward Ave., in Birmingham.

The Lantern Fest: Detroit | Saturday, September 17
At The Lantern Fest, thousands of people join together with lanterns for an unforgettable experience. There will be music, dancing, s'mores, and of course, when the time is right, everyone will light the sky with their highest hopes, deepest regrets and biggest dreams.This will be taking place at the Auto City Speedway. For more information and tickets, click here.

Auto City Speedway is located at 10205 N. Saginaw Rd., in Clio.

The International Fuller Women Festival | Saturday, September 17
Come out to this free outdoor celebration of the vibrant, beautiful plus community at the Charles H. Wright Museum. There will be live performances, incredible vendors and resources to help you live a more fulfilled life. This is part of a full weekend of events. For more information, click here.

The Charles H. Wright Museum is located at 315 E. Warren Ave., in Detroit.

The Metro Detroit Guide to Fabric Stores

Have you wanted to shop local for fabrics in Metro Detroit but didn't know where to go? Look no further! We're providing you with a guide to local fabric stores in the area.

1. Fabric Warehouse, 24401 Hoover Rd., Warren

Source: Yelp

This family-owned fabric store offers over 700,000 yards of high quality fabrics, with everything from upholstery to drapery to fashion.They also keep an inventory of decorative trim in their 13,000 sq. ft. warehouse.

2. Discount Fabric Outlet, 250 E. 14 Mile Rd., Clawson

Source: Yelp

This fabric store is owned by the same family who owns Fabric Warehouse. They specialize in apparel fabrics and vinyl, and all fabrics are $2.99/yd. all day, every day.

3. Fabric Land Outlet Store, 32767 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak

Source: Facebook

This is one of Metro Detroit's newest fabric stores offering everything for all of your fabric needs. Also, all prices are marked down to closeout prices.

4. Habermas Fabrics, 905 S. Main St., Royal Oak

Source: Trip Advisor

Great for special occasion fabrics and notions, Haberman Fabric's is a great place to shop for your garment needs.


5. Fabric Affair, 4972 John R Rd., Troy

Source: Fabric Affair Website

Not only does this store offer a wide variety of fabrics, they also provide sewing equipment. They are also able to repair machines, give instruction and help with any problem you may have.

6. Decorative Stitch, 48814 Van Dyke, Shelby Township

Source: Facebook

After spending 35 years working for a communications firm, Mary Verstraete retired and opened Decorative Stitch. There are all kinds of fabrics, classes, repair services and even retreats.

7. The Material Girls, 1850 Grindley Park, Dearborn

Source: The Material Girls Website

Open since 2004, this fabric store offers unique fabrics with everything from Japanese and African Styles, to hand dyes and Provence. There are classes in-store, and you can even shop online.

8. Tyd Fabrics and Fashions, 15560 W 12 Mile Rd., Southfield

Source: Facebook

Tyd Fabrics and Fashions offers the largest variety of African fabrics from various African countries. They also specialize in wholesale and weddings.You can shop online with them as well.

  

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.

Our/Detroit Presents: Sabrina Nelson | Wednesday, September 7
Our/Detroit Vodka presents Sabrina Nelson, a fine artist, creator and teacher living and working in Detroit. You'll be able to enjoy cocktails and conversation with Sabrina, while experiencing her takeover in the tasting room, which lasts through September. For more information, click here.

Our/Detroit Vodka is located at 2545 Bagley St., in Detroit.

Drinks x Design: City of Design Celebration | Thursday, September 8
In celebration of Detroit's recent UNESCO City of Design designation, the Detroit Creative Corridor Center is hosting a special edition of Drinks x Design in the form of a design crawl. Start off with complimentary cocktails at the SKYY Vodka Bar on the second floor of the One Woodward Ave. building. Then you will embark on the design crawl, visiting some of Detroit's most exciting and iconic design studios while learning all about them. The event goes from 5:30 to 8 p.m. This is a part of the upcoming Detroit Design Festival, where you can find all of the events taking place listed here.

Plymouth Fall Festival | Friday, September 9 through Sunday, September 11
This event is fun family event where everyone will find something to do in Downtown Plymouth. There will be everything from a craft show to a car show to a carnival. You don't want to miss the latest and greatest in Plymouth. For more information, click here.

FALL 2016 Opening: Sanford Biggers, Matthew Angelo Harrison, It's Your Party | Friday, September 9
The opening of Sanford Biggers' and Matthew Angelo Harrison's is taking place at Detroit's Museum of Contemporary Art. From 6 to 7 p.m. there will be a members-only preview, at 6:15 p.m. there will be a talk with the curator, followed by the opening reception from 7 to 10 p.m. Members get in for free and all non-members pay $12 after 9 p.m. For more information on the exhibitions and artists, click here.

The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit is located at 4454 Woodward Ave., in Detroit.

Official 39th Annual Dally in the Alley Street Fair | Saturday, September 10
This annual street fair is a free celebration of life in the Cass Corridor benefiting the North Cass Community Union. There will be awesome music on five stages, amazing local food vendors, a kids fair and more. This goes all day from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and will take place in the North Cass Corridor.

Dally After Party | Saturday, September 10
Find the Gallery Bypass pop-up exhibition during Dally in the Alley at the corner of Hancock and 2nd Street, and then hang out and party with everyone. This will be taking place at the Tangent Gallery / Hastings Street Ballroom. Volunteers and performers get in for free, other than that there is a $5 charge. This goes from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., and for more information on performers, click here.

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

Finders Keepers Vintage Market | Sunday, September 11
Come out Woodhaven Civic Center Park for another round of the Finders Keepers Vintage Market! This vintage market is a pop-up style air market featuring vintage inspired home decor, upscale homemade items and so much more. You will without a doubt find something unique.

Woodhaven Civic Center Park is located in Trenton, Michigan.

Do It: Detroit Design Festival Returns this September!

Image from metrotimes.com

The 6th annual Detroit Design Festival returns with a citywide celebration of creativity from September 21 to September 25. This event brings together creatives and designers alike to celebrate Detroit's role as a global design capital. This year, the events and programs will focus on how design is shaping Detroit's future. Below is a list of everything going on each day:

Thursday, September 8
Drinks x Design: UNESCO City of Design Celebration, One Woodward Ave.
5:30 to 8 p.m. Celebrate Detroit's recent designation as a UNESCO City of Design with a special edition of Drinks x Design.

Wednesday, September 21
Leveraging Detroit's UNESCO Designation: Panel Discussion, University of Detroit Mercy | 4001 W. McNichols Rd.
6 to 8 p.m. The Detroit Design Festival will be kicking off with this panel discussion featuring international guests from the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

Thursday, September 22
Detroit City of Design Summit: Day 1, Jam Handy | 2900 E. Grand Blvd.
8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Detroit City of Design Summit is a two-day event convening for Detroit's design community and international partners to explore what it means to build a better city through design.

Performance Architecture by Alex Schweder, Michigan Theater | 603 E. Liberty St. in Ann Arbor
5:10 to 6 p.m. Award-winning international architect, Alex Schweder, will discuss the concept of performance architecture.

Eastern Market After Dark, Eastern Market | Info in Shed 2
7 to 11 p.m. Celebrate Detroit design as one of the oldest markets transforms into a creative district.

Friday, September 23
Detroit City of Design Summit: Day 2, Jam Handy | 2900 E. Grand Blvd.
8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Participants in day 2 will get to choose between an ideas challenge or a Detroit city of design tour.

Walkable Warren, Warren Ave. between Woodward and Second Ave.
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Through creative yet practical street art, Wayne State University seeks to re-imagine Warren Ave. as a safe, active and vibrant corridor.

Gary Simmons: Installation, 1301 Broadway St. #101 in Detroit
12 to 7 p.m. Walk into an immersive installation in which Gary Simmons wallpapers the entire space in layers of self-created musical posters.

The Future of Technology and Design in Detroit, LTU Detroit Center for Design + Technology | 4219 Woodward Ave.
9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Bringing together some of the best minds and creative ideas in the design and tech space, this workshop will explore the future of technology and design in Detroit.

Sensory Architecture: Installation by Sean Ahlquist, LTU Detroit Center for Design + Technology
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This installation demonstrates how sensory architecture can influence the future of autism and the magical opportunity for design to make an impact in peoples' lives.

Metabolism II: Presented by Cristin Richard, Grand On River | 5001 Grand River Ave.
6 to 10 p.m. This will be an intimate, one night exhibition utilizing performance, installation, sound and video.

Detroit Afrikan Funkestra, North End in Detroit
6 to 9 p.m. Join the Detroit Afrikan Institution for an event featuring Detroit's leading Afrofuturist music innovators, broadcasting live from an interstellar performance environment.

Saturday, September 24
Bus Shelter Design Project Kickoff, 19800 Plymouth Rd.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Addressing an important community need through design, Kef Parker's creative and artistically designed bus shelters are in the form of three large letters which collectively spell bus when viewed together.

Youth Day, Dequindre Cut
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Calling Detroit's next generation of design stars: Enjoy an afternoon of design education and exploration featuring special programming by the Henry Ford Learning Institute.

The Detroit Wine Stroll, Angelina's Bistro | 1565 Broadway St.
1 to 5 p.m. Check out several significant structures while enjoying a variety of wines.

Parducci Film Screening: The Man Who Made Detroit Beautiful, University of Detroit Mercy School of Architecture, 4001 W. McNichols Rd.
7 to 9 p.m. This documentary is the story of an Italian immigrant who became one of our country's top architectural sculptors and how he left his mark on Detroit.

Light Up Livernois, Livernois Ave. between 6 and Mile Rd.
5 to 10 p.m. A focus on how great urban design can drive the economic future of this neighborhood.

Sunday, September 25
Open Streets, 3.7 miles of Michigan Ave. and W. Vernor
12 to 5 p.m. In this first-time event, Michigan Ave. and Vernor Hwy. will be transformed into a giant street park as the road is temporarily blocked to car traffic.

Detroit Soup, Jam Handy | 2900 E. Grand Blvd.
5 to 8 p.m. Residents will pitch ideas for design-based interventions for their neighborhoods to the community over soup and salad, letting attendees vote for the best idea.

This will be a fun-filled weekend with lots to do and learn with opportunities available for everyone!