Oh, Shop It: Canadian Retailer Brings Store to Detroit

image from www.chron.com

Kit and Ace, an upscale Canada-based retailer known for its technical apparel, has opened a flagship in Detroit. Located at 1449 Woodward Avenue in a historic Albert Kahn building, it is in the heart of Downtown.

This is the second Kit and Ace store to open in Detroit, which originally opened a small t-shirt store last year to build brand awareness before opening the flagship just last month. The store was founded in Vancouver, British Columbia in 2014 by Shannon and J.J. Wilson, the wife and son of Lululemon founder Chip Wilson.

The brand is trying to market its signature fabric, which is washable cashmere. There is everything from dresses and t-shirts, to jewelry and swimwear. The clothing is mainly aimed toward 20 to 30-year-old men and women and athletes. These clothes are for everyday life outside of the gym.

Kit and Ace is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

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.

Oh, Shop It: KENDALL + KYLIE Kollection Available at Neimans

The  KENDALL + KYLIE collection has launched at Neiman Marcus and is in stores now. This collection is exclusive to Neimans as part of the #OnlyatNM program. 

"Neiman Marcus is delighted that Kendall and Kylie created exclusive pieces for our #OnlyatNM program,” said Neiman Marcus Senior Vice President, GMM, Lisa Kazor. "The sophisticated, feminine designs will appeal to a great range of our customers." 

The sisters have created nine pieces inspired by their current closet bringing shoppers one step closer to their aesthetic, taste profile and personal style. Kendal and Kylie have brought a modern twist to black silk jumpsuits, leather shorts and other closet favorites.

“The collection is sophisticated, clean and beautifully tailored,” said Kendall Jenner. “We wanted to widen our range of customers by introducing a more premium clothing line. We incorporated a lot of sophisticated and versatile pieces that were simple yet chic.”

This collection comes just in time for festival season. Visit Neiman Marcus Troy to view the whole collection. Happy shopping.

Oh, Shop It: Bedrock Beauty to Sell Its Last Remaining Accessories During the Holiday Season

Photo Credit: Reel Clever Films

Bespoke leather luxury handbag company Bedrock Beauty is preparing to sell completely out of its current stock to make way for its rebranded merchandise. The brand has revamped its style of one-of-a-kind, unique leather goods to reinforce its positioning and identity as a luxury brand.

We are excited for our rebranding an re-launch, and are so grateful for all of the support we’ve had from those our supporters, coaches, mentors and fans who have been so instrumental in helping us reach this stage in our business," said T. Michael, designer and artisan of Bedrock Beauty.

Being that the relaunch will be in 2016, this holiday season will be the last opportunity to purchase some of the items in Bedrock Beauty’s existing collection, including the BB Signatures Series II. What better way to show someone you love him or her than with a hand-stitched leather luxury that won't be seen anywhere else. Visit www.bedrockbeauty.com to see the wide range in beautiful products and learn more about this local company.

Photo Credit: Reel Clever Films

Photo Credit: Reel Clever Films

Photo Credit: Reel Clever Films

Photo Credit: Reel Clever Films

Photo Credit: Reel Clever Films

Oh, Shop It: Local Boutique to Carry National Blogger-Turn-Designer Collection

Image from Cupcakes & Cashmere

Local boutique Meghan Marion has recently announced that the Cupcakes and Cashmere collection will be available for browsing and purchasing at the store starting this December. It's every fashion bloggers dream. I think the only thing that would be better is if Man Repeller started designing and selling clothes - am I right?

"We are so excited to announce that starting this December we will carry a new line called Cupcakes and Cashmere," said Meghan, owner of Meghan Marion. "The line is so beautiful and I know everyone is going to love it - check out the blog!"

Image from Cupcakes & Cashmere

For those of you who don't know, Cupcakes and Cashmere was started by Emily Schuman in 2008 as a lifestyle blog covering everything from fashion and beauty to food and interior design. Her aesthetic is girly with a bit of edge, and everything posted pleases the eye. That same aesthetic can be found in her collection.

The Cupcakes and Cashmere line has over 60 pieces that will be rolled out in three delivery phases, and the high-quality material and refined tailoring has created universally wearable pieces. It's a L.A. minimalist vibe full of lightweight coats, breezy dresses and mix-and-match separates. The prices of the collection range from $80 to $180.

For more information about this collection, head over to www.cupcakesandcashmere.com. Meghan Marion is located at 405 S. Main St., in Royal Oak.

Image from Cupcakes & Cashmere

Image from Cupcakes & Cashmere

Oh, Shop It: H&M to Open at Troy Mall

Image from H&M

Sweater weather is almost upon us, which means shopping for booties, long-sleeved layering shirts and blanket sweaters should commence, and metro Detroiters have another place to do all of that. H&M is coming to Oakland Mall in Troy (finally!), and it’s BIG.

Image from H&M

The always fashionable fast-fashion favorite is set to open its 20,000-square-foot retail store this fall, and it will offer its full range of clothing and accessories. Men, women, kids and plus-size women will all be able to shop the retailer’s wares, and this particular store will also feature exercise and maternity clothing.

Image from H&M

For more information about H&M, visit www.hm.com; and keep your eye out for the grand opening this fall! Oakland Mall is located at 412 W 14 Mile Rd., in Troy.

Oh, Shop It: John Varvatos Opens Its First Midwest Retail Store

The John Varvatos press preview happened last night, and it was magical. Housed in the historic brownstone on Woodward Avenue, walking up to the store was like being transported to New York City. The building is beautiful and is owned and managed by Bedrock Real Estate Services; the storefront is minimalistic, yet it made a statement, and it complimented the rest of the brownstone perfectly. 

The store’s interior design takes inspirations from Varvatos’ store on the Bowery in NYC, which was formerly CBGBs, the seminal birthplace of the American punk movement, and it rocked. It’s 4,600 square feet on two levels and it offers a full product breadth of menswear including footwear, bags, belts, eyewear, limited edition watches and men’s fragrances.

“It’s with honor, passion, and pride that I open my newest store in my home town of Detroit,” said Varvatos. “This is a dream come true. Going back to my roots, where all my influences started, brings back so many great memories. I look forward to being a small part of building the future of this great city. Get on the Detroit train. It’s going to be a magical ride…”

The grand opening of the store is today, so head downtown, do a little shopping and stop by one of your favorite Detroit restaurants for a bite to eat. Pro tip: Whright & Company is just above John Varvatos, and the smells alone will lead you upstairs for good eats and a couple of cocktails.

On The Town: Michigan Fashion Industry’s Hidden Gem

Fabric Warehouse looks exactly how it sounds; it’s a 7,800-square-foot warehouse chock-full of rows upon rows of different types of textiles for many uses. The business has been around and in the same family for more than 50 years, starting with a location in Detroit, then moving around to a couple of different locations and most recently, settling at 10 Mile and Hoover in Warren.

The warehouse is separated with fashion textiles and decorative trims on one side and upholstery and drapery on the other. Everything is reasonably priced with very low minimums (one yard) and is of only the best quality. Bradley Foltyn, the owner and operator of the warehouse, stated that he doesn’t buy fabric by seasons; it’s based on what’s available to him – and when he puts it out on the floor it usually goes pretty quickly.

And the prices are low.

Product turnover may happen more often at Fabric Warehouse than someplace like Jo-Ann Fabric, but they do display about 5% of stocked fabric on the website. Both fabric samples and yards of fabric can be purchased online. More information can be found at www.fabricwarehouseonline.com or by calling 586.756.2117.

Fabric Warehouse is located at 24401 Hoover Rd., in Warren.