Style It Local: CMU Fashion Student Talks Fashion & Career Pathways

Name: Macey Ronquillo

Major & School: Fashion Merchandising at Central Michigan University (sophomore)

Website: www.chiclyinkedd.wordpress.com

Instagram: @MaceyRonquillo

About Me: I am a sophomore at Central Michigan University, and I grew up in Oakland county Michigan. I love fashion and I am so thankful my parents are giving me the opportunity to follow a career in what I feel passionate about! When it comes to the fashion industry, I see big things coming to Michigan. I want to experience working in fashion in cities like New York or Los Angeles, but I eventually want to come back to Michigan to pursue a career because I am so proud of where I come from!

Style It Local:

Sweater – Urban Outfitters

Leggings – Lululemon

Jacket – Kit and Ace

Shoes – Sorel 

Sunglasses – Ray-Ban

Style Inspiration: My biggest style inspiration comes from the girls in my classes and sorority, as well as the girls I see on social media. I am glued to my phone (especially Instagram), and I like keeping up with my favorite celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian and Jessie James Decker. They are both so causual but stylish all of the time. I believe I am a hippy at heart, so I like vintage styles that have a 2017 twist. 

Favorite Item in Your Closet: My favorite item in my closet is surely any sort of chunky knit sweater especially this time of year. All four seasons though, definitely a black or white bralette they make layering so fun and you don’t have to wear a real bra (yay!!).

Go-To Garment: My washed out black jeans that have a tear at each of the knees. I wear them to class with short booties and when I go out on the weekend I pair them with a chunky or strappy heel. 

Oh, Shop It: The Neiman Marcus Consolidation Sale is Back

Photo Credit: DGG

It's happening again! We, in partnership with Neiman Marcus Somerset Collection, invite you to join us for the Exclusive Consolidation Sale Preview Event! Hurry in to Neiman Marcus for a special preview event to shop the entire Consolidation assortment throughout the store and save up to 70% off original prices. 

Not only will guests enjoy an exclusive preview of great shopping, but consolidation cocktails and Michigan craft beers will be on hand to fuel your shopping experience on Thursday, January 19 from 5 to 9 p.m.

Don't forget to grab you DGG Shopping Card when you arrive at the Big Beaver valet entrance, as a portion of those sales will go to help DGG continue its mission. RSVP to Public Relations at 248.816.3409 or rsvptroy@neimanmarcus.com.

*All Sales final. Selected merchandise only. No adjustments for prior purchases. Merchandise at Last Call, online and stores not included.

On The Town: If I Must Exhibition & Fall Trend Preview

Last night was a two-for with local photographer Boswell Hardwick's If I Must exhibition and Neiman Marcus' Fall Trend Preview. The looks, as well as the photographs, were so chic. 

For the fall, expect to see (and want to purchase) bold golds and metallics, fall florals, velvet EVERYTHING, chokers, adorned shoes and dramatic eyes. For the fellas, you will see a lot of browns (from camel to whiskey), velvet, 70s swagger, attitude tees and statement top coats. As you can see in the photos below, the oh so fabulous team at Neiman Marcus styled all of these trends perfectly; I almost died when I saw that metallic skirt. 

I'd say it's worth it to take a walk through the store and look at the mannequins--there really aren't better dressed mannequins around town. Also, if you haven't seen Boswell's work head over to Neiman Marcus this weekend! It will be on display until Sunday. See, two great excused for you to pop into Neiman Marcus this weekend. You're welcome.

Do It: Fash Bash Recap

Fash Bash is always the biggest fashion night in Detroit, and this year did not disappoint. Because of the potential rain (and heat), the party was moved inside, which offered guests a few more rooms to grab a drink, dance and chat with friends. The show was outstanding, but I'm sure you knew we were going to say that. Ken Dewey and the Neiman Marcus crew KNOW how to put on a fashion show. Once the show ended, the real fun began with delicious drinks, little tacos and hot dogs and a popcorn wall that was as good as it sounds.

If you missed the party, we've got some pictures below to get you in the mood.

Industry Spotlight: International Design Consultant Locates in Michigan

DGG: Tell us about yourself, Anjali.

Anjali Purohit: Born and raised in India, I have pursued my higher studies in Accessory Design from National Institute of Fashion Technology, New Delhi, India and Masters in Showroom Design from Nuova Academia Di Belle Arti, Milan, Italy. Michigan is home to me now.

With over 10 years in the fashion design industry, I have worked with international design teams, factories, suppliers, and varied artisan clusters. Multicultural exposure and design education has played a huge role in shaping myself as a creative professional. 

DGG: Tell us about being a design consultant. How can local designers benefit from your services?

AP: As an entrepreneur and designer myself, I understand that budget, cost, production constraints go hand in hand with creative possibilities. I contribute to various facets of design, product and business development for other designers/labels/businesses. As each brand or business has specific needs, I choose to work in a customized format.

Sourcing fabrics, developing customized textiles (artisanal), prints & embellishments, production co-ordination, product development, sourcing/buying/planning merchandise, art direction, branding & market research, planning of seasonal collections, trend research, developing educational design modules are some of the services. I provide to start up / established designers & businesses in product categories like clothing, fashion & home accessories (leather, jewelry, textiles).

The format of payment can be on project basis for example. It does vary as per the requirement of the client & scope of work involved. One can reach me at onewindow@gmail.com for any inquiries. 

DGG: Do you prefer designing/buying for home or clothing?

AP: Currently, I have a stronger affinity for designing accessories (home + fashion).

DGG: For those getting into design or the fashion industry, what would be your biggest piece of advice?

AP: Design / Fashion education that combines industry exposure is a great value add to start of. 

DGG: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

AP: Continue learning & contribute by working with design teams, artists & artisans globally.

DGG: What are you most inspired by? 

AP: Visual Culture. 

DGG: Describe your style. 

AP: Comfort & color lead the way for me personally. 

DGG: West Elm or Crate & Barrel? 

AP: West Elm. 

DGG: Blazers or sweaters? 

AP: Blazers. 

So You Want To Start A Business: The DGG Fashion Incubator

As you all know, we have a Fashion Incubator at TechTown for serious Michigan-based fashion entrepreneurs at high-skill levels to create collections, with access to industrial machinery and design software, plus monthly educational workshops and mentors for guidance in areas crucial to the success of a fashion brand. This is not for everyone. This is for the doers. This is for the designer who has replaced that title with entrepreneur.  This is for some one who can take resources and utilize them to the fullest extent. This is for those who work hard and dream big. This is for the person who doesn't believe in luck and doesn't make excuses. This is for those who need their brand to succeed as much as they need to breathe.

Because Michigan fashion students don't graduate, stay in the state and get a job at a design house to learn how a business is run, they typically start a business being an expert in their craft but not an expert in business. The greatest need for Detroit's fashion community is business-related education. These designers graduate only knowing how to work for others, but not themselves, and they can design well, but don't know what it takes to become an entrepreneur. The DGG Fashion Incubator, which can host up to ten designers at a time, will give the Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIR) the resources overcome all of those barriers, so they can succeed at creating their own brand and in the fashion industry.

Resources for the EIRs include mentorship and business workshops. Our mentors include: Michelle Roberts for fashion business, Rita Hillmen for small business, Deanna Swisher for legal, Pamela Hartman for finance, Marcy Cyburt for sales, Carlotta Tutt Holloway for marketing, Karen MacDonald-Basile for public relations, Rebecca Moore for software and Christian Birky for sustainability. Our workshops are aimed around the theme, "So You Want To Start a Business." Our remaining workshops are: July 19, Creating a Lookbook/Line Sheet, August 16, Going to Tradeshows and Working with Buyers, September 20, Understanding Your Manufacturing Cycle and October 18, Raising Awareness for Your Brand. Past workshops have been Financing Your Business: What to Expect When You're Investing, Supply Chain Sourcing and Creating Your Tech Pack.

We are opening up the EIR program year-round, if there are any vacancies. To apply, you don't need to have a clothing company, your company just needs to be fashion related. This is a great opportunity because there aren't many places in Detroit where you can pay $250/month to rent a space that gives you mentorship, free workshops, sewing machines and design software to help grow your business.

For more information, head here.

Wear It's At: Not Your Typical Red, White & Blue

Fourth of July comes around once a year. With that being sad, it's the best time to break out a fashionable red, white and blue outfit. You don't have to drape an American flag around you to get the point across. The key is to mix and match the different colors in a cute but chic way.

1. Topshop Striped Denim Crop Top, $45, Nordstrom.

2. Frayed Denim Pencil Skirt, $11, Romwe.

3. Stan Smith Leather Sneakers, $117, Adidas.

4. Ruby Woo Lipstick, $17, MAC.

5. Chloe 'Drew' Leather Crossbody Bag, $1,850, Nordstrom.

1. SEA Crochet Mini Dress, $658, Net-a-Porter.
2. Steve Madden 'Werkit' Gladiator Sandal, $60, Nordstrom.
3. Michael Kors Jet Set Large Crossbody, $92, Macy's.
4. Classic Aviators with Colored Lenses, $120, Ray Ban.
5. Scalloped Lace Choker, $28, Humble Chic.

1. Off-the-Shoulder Cotton Blend Top, $185, Madewell.
2. Bi-Stretch Shorts, $52, Lands' End.
3. Jimmy Choo Kaytrin Platform Suede Heel, $895, Neiman Marcus.
4. Rebecca Minkoff 'Love' Patchwork Leather Crossbody Bag, $325, Nordstrom.

Wear It's At: Pleated, Please!

The pleated skirt trend has been around for a while, but the pleated midi skirt trend is the most perfect piece to help you transition from spring to summer. It's breezy, can be worn on the beach and in the office, and is a great closet staple. Check out how we styled this trend below.

Outfit 1

1. Contemporary Pleated Skirt, $23, Forever 21.
2. Barcelona Cami, $40, Express.
3. Carissa Layer Necklace, $40, Anthropologie.
4. Clare V Leopard Haircalf Fold Over Clutch, $275, Intermix.
5. Eryde, $110, Aldo.

Outfit 2

1. Satin Skirt, $50, H&M. 
2. TopShop Ruffle Off the Shoulder Bodysuit, $35, Nordstrom.
3. Rebeckka, $100, Steve Madden.
4. 1969 Denim Jacket, $70, Gap.
5. Quay Zig Cat-Eye Sunglasses, $55, Urban Outfitters.

Outfit 3

1. TopShop Stripe Pleat Midi Skirt, $100, Nordstrom.
2. Sub Urban Riot Weekend Warriors Tee, $34, Urban Outfitters.
3. Eleete, $80, Steve Madden.
4. Dalia Large Leather Backpack, $428, Michael Kors.
5. Chrysler Metal Bracelet, $78, Henri Bendel.

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.

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.

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.