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.

Photo c/o Red Bull House of Art Facebook Event

Sustainable Fashion: An Exhibition and Panel | Thursday, July 27
William & Bonnie is hosting a sustainable fashion exhibition and panel featuring local designers who utilize ethical design practices in their collections. You can check out more details on this event in our previous post here. This event is from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Detroit Center for Design and Technology.

The Detroit Center for Design and Technology is located at 4219 Woodward Ave., in Detroit.

Great Lakes Food, Art & Music Festival 2017 | Friday, July 28 through Sunday, July 30
The Great Lakes Food, Art and Music Festival is a weekend full of good food, beautiful art and exciting music. Happening at Campus Martius Park, there will be free entry all weekend, and the festival is for all ages. All music is free, and there will be tons of entertainment, including a kids zone, food, art, and music for any and all tastes! To see a full music lineup, click here.

Campus Martius Park is located in Detroit.

Red Bull House of Art Resident Artists Exhibition | Friday, July 28
From 7 to 10 p.m., come out to the Red Bull House of Art for the opening of their resident artists exhibition. This free event features new work from Jose Mertz, Felicia Forte and Steve Kim created during their three month residency.

The Red Bull House of Art is located at 1551 Winder St., in Detroit.

Mo Pop Festival 2017 | Saturday, July 29 through Sunday, July 30
Featuring Foster the People, alt-J, Run the Jewels, Tyler, the Creator, Solange, Phantogram, Vance Joy and many, many more amazing performers, Mo Pop Festival is going down all weekend at West Riverfront Park. For tickets and to see the rest of the lineup, click here.

West Riverfront Park is located at 1801 W. Jefferson Ave., in Detroit.

North End Collective Block Party | Saturday, July 29
The North End Collective will be hosting a block party from 3 to 6 p.m. with tons of food, music and shopping! There will be live music by DJ Rhonda Welsh, and mini chicken and waffles provided by New Center Eatery. The Traveling Pants will have their fashion truck outside the store, and inside the store there will be demonstrations, including Bath Savvy talking about the natural ingredients she uses, Purple Love is creating custom handmade jewelry, and United Front is providing fit consultations. You can reserve your spot for this free event here.

The North End Collective is located at 6513 Woodward Ave., in Detroit.

An Exhibition of Wearable Sculptures by Stargazer | Saturday, July 29
From 7 to 10 p.m. at Popps Packing, celebrate the wearable sculptures created by Levon Milross AKA Stargazer. The unique collection features futuristic garments, headpieces and more, which will be sure to dazzle you and your imagination. The show runs through August 26, and you can visit the gallery on Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m. or by appointment.

Popps Packing is located at 12138 Saint Aubin St., in Hamtramck.

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.

Photo c/o Wild Beasts Wild Wine Facebook

48th Annual Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair | Thursday, July 20 through Sunday, July 23
The heart of Ann Arbor will be filled with tons of art all weekend. There will be 375 exhibiting artist booths, art demonstrations and special guests, including the Carr Center Artist-in-Training program. The fair stretches from Downtown Ann Arbor to the campus of University of Michigan. Thursday through Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday hours are noon to 6 p.m. For more information, click here.

Wild Beasts Wild Wine | Friday, July 21
From 6 to 10 p.m. at the Detroit Zoo, sample wine from more than 40 local and national wineries and vineyards while enjoying all the zoo has to offer. There will also be live music and zookeeper talks. Tickets are $45 in advance and $50 at the door, which includes admission to the zoo and 10 wine-tasting tickets. There are also designated driver ticket for $30, which includes zoo admission and unlimited soft drinks. You can purchase all tickets here.

The Detroit Zoo is located at 8450 W 10 Mile Rd., in Royal Oak.

Friday Night Live: Carmen Lundy | Friday, July 21
Vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and composer Carmen Lundy will be performing music from her latest album, Code Noir, at the DIA's Detroit Film Theatre from 7 to 9 p.m. The album brings together her love of jazz, blues, Brazilian samba, African rhythms and pop. She'll be joined by Patrice Rushen on piano, Ben Williams on bass, Jeff Parker on guitar, Kendrick Scott on drums and Elisabeth Oei on vocals. This event is free.

The DIA is located at 5200 Woodward Ave., in Detroit.

Shelby Flea Market | Saturday, July 22
From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. come out to Whispering Woods Park for art, crafts, homemade goods and tons of other good stuff! This will be like any typical flea market so there will be a variety of items for all different types of people. This is also a free event!

Whispering Woods Park is located at 11000 21 Mile Rd., in Shelby Charter Township.

Barre in the Park | Sunday, July 23
The Daily Method - Birmingham Barre Studio will be hosting a free 45 minute barre class in Booth Park from 11 to 11:45 a.m. Make sure to also check out everything else Birmingham has to offer, like the Birmingham Farmer's Market, before or after class. Please bring your own mat and water.

Booth Park is located at 210 Harmon St., in Birmingham.

Gabriel Hall Pop-Up Experience | Sunday, July 23
Gabriel Hall is hosting their next pop-up event from 6 to 9 p.m.at Nancy Whiskey! There will be tons of food, featuring New Orleans' favorite sandwich -- the Po'Boy. You can choose from shredded chicken, fried catfish or fried green tomato. Be sure to add a side of voodoo fries and check out DJ Skeez on the patio.

Nancy Whiskey is located at 2644 Harrison St., in Detroit.

Do It: Sustainable Fashion Exhibition and Panel

William + Bonnie, a cut and sew workroom located in Hamtramck, is hosting a one night event on July 27 all about sustainable fashion. This includes a fashion show with four local designers who utilize ethical and sustainable design practices in their collections. Following the fashion show, there will be a panel discussion.

Photo c/o Facebook event

The designers that will be featured in the fashion show are Anjali Purohit of Studio Variously, Leslie Ann Pilling of Blank-itti-Blank, Abigail Rist of Haute Cloth, and Nabeela Najjar of Seamstressbee.

The speakers that will be on the panel are Shermane Fouche of Apparel Pattern Services, Anjali Purohit, and Erin Wetzel of Orleans + Winder.

This event is from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and will be held at the LTU Detroit Center for Design and Technology, which is located at 4219 Woodward Ave., in Detroit. This is a free event but donations are encouraged.

By Alex Donlin

Knowledge is Power: The Basics of Starting a Boutique

credit: iprachenko/iStock/GettyImages

If you're looking to open your own clothing store, chances are you've already had experience working in retail for a small or large store. You're knowledgable in the day-to-day processes and procedures, you know all about the current fashion trends and what brings in foot traffic, and you're ready to do it on your terms. 

Skills and experience, however, aren’t the only things that will make a boutique successful. Learning the basic needs of opening and running a boutique is also necessary. A basic knowledge can be a good advantage when it comes to sales.  Here are some of the basics that entrepreneurs should know before opening, running and growing a boutique.

Researching and Planning

Researching and planning can be more fun than boring. This will solidify your goals and dreams for the boutique, and it's a great tool that will help entrepreneurs when tracking the things needed for the boutique. 

There are times that people tend to forget things, so it is important for an entrepreneur to keep track of everything, especially the little details. After researching and planning, an entrepreneur will already have a good vision on what road the boutique will take including the target market, merchandise planning, and store aesthetic. 

Business Plan. This plan must be on the priority list of every entrepreneur. The business plan serves as the record of the plans, strategies, and goals. It is the first key to success. The business plan should include information regarding the financial aspects and operational procedures of the boutique. 

Marketing Plan. There is a lot of competition in the clothing industry, and it is important that startups have a detailed marketing plan that will aid in bringing customers to the boutique properly. It is wise to list the possible marketing strategies that will work for the boutique, and must include the expected amount of expenses for the marketing strategies.

The Right Location

Location, location, location. Choosing a location can be exciting, but is going to be a lot of work figuring out where exactly your customers are going to shop. Is your location home-based? Maybe your'e doing strictly online sales. Or maybe you'd rather go a mobile or brick-and-mortar site. All are important to consider for the success of your boutique.

About the Funding

It is common for startup entrepreneurs to think twice before opening a boutique or business because they lack money necessary to get started. Some entrepreneurs get denied by banks, especially when they are asking for loans. Even if the business has been successfully set up, funding can still be a little tough. 

Bootstrapping, crowdfunding, small business loans, angel investors and venture capital is a great help. There are various ways, and entrepreneurs should just know what fits them or what method they can use considering their financial situation.

Stocking the Right Merchandise

After researching, planning, and funding, it's time for operation. For better operations, the shelves and racks of the boutique should never be empty, so shoppers always have something to look through.

Always stay on top of the latest trends, but make sure you are picking what works best for your customer and prioritize those items on displays. Make sure to consider the season and display the appropriate clothing items. Installing good lighting and a decent fitting room is important, too. Create an inviting and homey vibe by painting neutral colors on the wall.

Author Bio

Stephanie Wheatly is a fashion blogger and an entrepreneur who focuses on business and fashion. Before changing her career, she worked as a legal researcher who enjoys researching about business changes and trends. When she is free, Stephanie usually spends time at home where she can write and relax at her pace.

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.

Photo c/o Michigan Lavender Festival Facebook

Concert of Colors: Detroit's 25th Annual Diversity Festival | Wednesday, July 12 through Sunday, July 16
The Concert of Colors is a FREE celebration of the amazing music in Detroit and the many ethnicities and cultures that are present in Southeast Michigan. All performances are free and open to the public, and will on or near Woodward Avenue in Midtown. For a full schedule and where the performances are, click here.

Wine Tasting at The Whitney | Thursday, July 13
Join Neighborhood SEEN Magazine and Styleshack to celebrate summer with a wine tasting at The Whitney! For $15 you get the wine tasting, hors d'ouevres and live music from Escaping Pavements. This is a 21+ only event. Get your tickets here.

The Whitney is located at 4421 Woodward Ave., in Detroit.

Farm to Fashion Fundraiser and Silent Auction | Thursday, July 13
In hopes of purchasing the perfect new location, William + Bonnie is hosting a fundraiser and silent auction. This will be held at Orleans + Winder from 6 to 8 p.m. You can find out more information on this event from our previous post, here.

Orleans + Winder is located at 2501 Russell St. Suite 200, in Detroit.

2017 Michigan Lavender Festival | Friday, July 14 through Sunday, July 16
Blake Farms is hosting their annual Michigan Lavender Festival all weekend! This is a total Made-in-Michigan event, which features over 175 Michigan artists, craftspeople and local area farms. There will be lavender workshops, wellness classes, a gourmet lunch, wagon rides to tour the farm and orchards, and so much more. Admission is $7 for adults and kids under 12 are free. The ticket prices includes seats to all classes.

Blake Farms is located at 17985 Armada Center Rd., in Armada.

Forever 21 Grand Re-Opening at Somerset Collection | Saturday, July 15
Celebrate the grand re-opening of Forever 21 at the Somerset Collection from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The first 200 customers in line will receive a free Forever 21 gift card valued from $10 to $210, so make sure you're not fashionably late.

Somerset Collection is located at 2800 W. Big Beaver Rd., in Troy.

1st Annual Detroit Festival of Books | Sunday, July 16
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the first annual Detroit Festival of Books will be taking place at Shed 5 in Eastern Market! This is the first ever used and rare books festival in the city of Detroit, and it's totally free and open to the public. All vendors will be able to keep 100% of their profits.

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

2017 Detroit Latin Festival | Sunday, July 16
From noon to 7 p.m. enjoy live performances from across Latin America, DJs, family fun, food, games, shopping and so much more! For more information on the festival and the entertainment line up, click here.

The festival will be held at 3041 Vernor Hwy., in Detroit.

Oh, Shop It: Owner of Peacock Room to Open New Store in Fisher Building

The owner of popular Midtown clothing stores the Peacock Room and Frida will be opening a third store in August in the Fisher Building.

Photo c/o Detroit Free Press, Romain Blanquart

The name of the new store is Yama, named after Detroit architect Minoru Yamasaki, who designed the original World Trade Center. The store will feature edgy, contemporary clothing for women. You can expect lots of clean lines and asymmetrical accents.

"I had no plans of any physical expansion,'' said Rachel Lutz, the owner of the stores, in a Detroit Free Press article. "The Fisher Building approached me. How can you say no to the Fisher Building? ... It's just magnificent architecture. I really wanted to send a statement that I believe in the future of New Center and the North End."

The Peacock Room, opened in 2013, has more of a vintage appeal, while Frida, opened in 2014, is more of a bohemian edge. Lutz's stores sell clothing in sizes 00-26, making them appealing to women all over Metro Detroit.

Stay tuned for more updates on Yama.

By Alex Donlin

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.

American Polish Festival and Craft Show | Friday, July 7
Celebrate Polish heritage at the 37th Annual American Polish Festival and Craft Show. Sample homemade food, the best polish music line up and the original Pole Dancer Beer. This festival is a family friendly event that you won't want to miss.

The American-Polish Century Club is located at 33204 Maple Lane Dr., in Sterling Heights.


DSO at Ford House | Friday, July 7 and Saturday, July 8
Celebrate the summer with a Grosse Pointe tradition taking place during two magical evenings on the lakeside lawn of the enchanting Ford House estate. Aram Demirjian conducts the Detroit Symphony Orchestra with your favorite Hollywood hits on Friday, and an evening of Symphonic Enchantment on Saturday. Both nights end with a grand finale fireworks show accompanied by DSO. The entire grounds will be open to guests to walk through, picnics are allowed, and food and beverages are available for purchase. Tickets are available at www.dso.org/summer, and general admission is $20 for adults and $12 for children. Grounds open at 6 p.m. with the concert beginning at 8 p.m. and fireworks capping off the evening around 9:30 p.m.

The Edsel & Eleanor Ford House is located at 1100 Lake Shore Rd., in Grosse Pointe Shores.


Sky Over Champagne | Saturday, July 8
TH Muller Galleri is please to present Sky Over Champagne by photographer Boswell, happening from 7 to 10 p.m. Enjoy a collection of Parisian and Detroit street scenes, fashion and portraits featured in black and white, and displayed in many formats including paper, metal and canvas. Meet and enjoy a drink with the man himself while browsing an incredibly real and gritty collection that is a feast for the eyes.

TH Muller Galleri is located at 2987 Franklin St., in Detroit.


Chicago Taste Fest | Saturday, July 8
Experience Chicago through your tastebuds at the Chicago Taste Fest happening from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Detroit. For $65, a bus will take you from 8 Mile and Woodward all the way to Taste Fest in the windy city. Tickets can be purchased here.


Ponyride Market | Saturday, July 8
Building upon the successful annual Holiday Makers Market, the Ponyride Market will continue its Summer Series from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. starting on Saturday, July 8 and continuing on the second Saturday of each month. The markets will be located at Ponyride and will feature a rotating cast of vendors with vintage, salvage and handmade goods, plus artisan food and drinks.

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

Do It: William & Bonnie Fundraiser and Silent Auction

William & Bonnie is hosting a fundraiser and silent auction on July 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. to help them raise money for a new location and new projects!

Photo c/o event Facebook

This event is to help William & Bonnie purchase a new space that would allow them to bring a variety of small-scale, sustainable practices to the Detroit textile and fashion industries. They are also planning on planting a garden of beets and berries to use as fabric dye and coordinating textile compost. There would also be community events and workshops surrounding the behind-the-scenes of the textile industry.

William & Bonnie is halfway to their goal and have already been approved for 75% of project implementation costs! Come out and support a unique part of Detroit's textile industry with this amazing event while also picking up some new goods.

The event will be taking place at Orleans + Winder, which is located at 2501 Russell St. #200 in Detroit. You can find out more information about their Farm to Fashion plans here.

By Alex Donlin