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

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

West Elm Presents A Night Out with Pink Pump | Thursday, March 31

Enjoy a Night Out With PINK PUMP benefitting yours truly (DGG!) and Award-Winning Interior Designer Barbara Johnson of Walls of Virtue from 5 to 8 p.m. at West Elm. Guests will be able to mix and mingle with the local fashion and interior design community while perusing Pink Pump's women's clothing and accessories and talk to Barbara Johnson about her projects. While networking and shopping, enjoy spirits and vegan bites provided by Platinum Chef Catering. Special guest Miss Waterford Gabrielle Graham, will be on site to chat and shop West Elm's Hot Spring specials with you. Please RSVP at PinkPumpEvents@gurupr.us. West Elm is located at 215 W Maple Rd., in Birmingham.

West Elm is located at 215 W. Maple Rd., in Birmingham.

Coffee and Conversation: Karen Dumas | Friday, April 1

Hang out, grab a cup of complimentary coffee and talk with Karen Dumas about the New Detroit, and how it’s shaping our future from 8 to 10 a.m. at Will Leather Goods. Karen Dumas is a communications professional, media personality, public speaker, and entrepreneur who was also the former Chief of Communications & External Affairs for Mayor Dave Bing. This event is free and open to the public.

Will Leather Goods is located at 4120 2^nd Ave., in Detroit.

First Class Committee Release Party: Spring/Summer 2016 Collection | Friday, April 1

First Class Committee, a men's streetwear brand that was started in Austin, TX and has recently moved to Detroit (the DGG Fashion Incubator, to be exact!), is having a Spring/Summer 2016 collection release party from 8 to 10 p.m. at Assemble sound. All artists are welcome to come mix and mingle at one of Detroit's hottest spots, while sipping on a specialty cocktail and watching the First Class Committee fashion show. Come out, support your local artist, network, and have a great night. 

Assemble Sound is located at 2300 17^th St., in Detroit.

2nd Annual Power Moves Networking Brunch | Saturday, April 2

Connect with women in entrepreneurship during the 2^nd Annual Power Moves Networking Brunch from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Garden Theater. This event aims to motivate, inspire, and provide professional guidance for all women looking to pave their career pathway. Start your morning off with a delicious and get a chance to win raffle gifts, browse awesome vendors and more. Learn from keynote speaker Crystal Cole, get your questions answered with a Power Panel Q&A and receive that extra push to get out of your comfort zone and climb that ladder of success. Tickets for the event are $40 and can be found on Eventbrite. 

The Garden Theater is located at 3929 Woodward Ave., Detroit.

5 Year Anniversary Party | Saturday, April 2

Stop by Hips Resale Boutique between 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to help celebrate its 5 year anniversary. Refreshments will be available all day, and guests will have the chance to win a bike, no purchase necessary, but the winner will be chosen at the event and must be present to win.

Hips Resale Boutique is located at 10 S Main St., in Clawson. 

Cafe 78 - oui BROKE | Sunday, April 3

The oui BROKE thrift shop will be set up at Cafe 78 this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Peruse the collection of items normally only available online.

Cafe 78 is located at 4454 Woodward Ave., in Detroit.

Do It: This Weekend’s Fashion, Beauty and Style Events that Are Not To Be Missed

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

DIOR and I: The Inspiration for Flower House | Wednesday, October 7

Christian Dior is one of the most recognized and respected designer’s in the Fashion World today. Come watch a film taking you behind the scenes to see the inside world of the Christian Dior fashion house. You will get the inside scoop about the first hate couture collection Raf Simons’ designed as the new artistic director. Inspiration can come in any form; learn what inspired Simons’ to create this beautiful collection at the Detroit Institute of Art. The film will start at 7:00pm. Please visit the website for more information.

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

Fall Open House | Wednesday, October 7

Morning Glory Coffee and Pastries is very excited to welcome everyone to its Fall Open house, this Wednesday. Stop by for savory appetizers, sweet treats, wine tastings, a raffle, and more. From 5 to 7 p.m., come experience a “go-to” coffee shop that resembles an old European pasty shop. Whether you want a nice cup of freshly brewed coffee and homemade pastry or a gourmet sandwich, Morning Glory has something for everyone. Everything you will be sampling and tasting is made in-house at this unique coffee shop, bakery, and restaurant.

Morning Glory Coffee & Pastries is located at 85 Kercheval, in Grosse Pointe.

Anna Sui: World of Anna Sui | Thursday, October 8

Stamps School of Art and Design has established the Penny W. Stamps Speaker Series, and this Thursday, the Institute of Humanities and the Detroit Creative Corridor Center (DC3) have partnered with the Penny W. Stamps Speaker Series to bring you Anna Sui: World of Anna Sui at the Michigan Theater. Starting at 5:10 p.m., learn about fashion design legend, Anna Sui, known globally for her bohemian and retro looks, who has designed everything from clothing, eyewear, and even fragrances. Her products are sold in freestanding stores around the world. As one of the “Top 5 Fashion Icons of the Decade,” we couldn’t be more excited to hear from the legend herself about her story, inspirations, and thoughts. 

The Michigan Theater is be located at 603 E. Liberty St., in Ann Arbor.

Toast of the Town | Thursday, October 8

TechTown presents its 2^nd annual fundraising event, Toast of the Town. Celebrate the entrepreneurs of Detroit by gathering community stakeholders and partners to highlight the amazing accomplishments of these entrepreneurs. Enjoy a strolling dinner with delicious cocktails, live entertainment, and opportunities to expand your professional network by meeting these fantastic entrepreneurs. If you would like to attend, please visit TechTown’s website as advanced registration is required for admission. Complimentary valet parking will be available and business attire is preferred. 

TechTown is located at 440 Burroughs St., in Detroit.

Michigan Craft Beer Stroll | Saturday, October 10

Michigan is known for it’s unbelievable craft beer selection, and we are lucky enough to have Royal Oak so close that we can appreciate these beers on a regular basis. The Michigan Craft Beer Stroll is a self-guided walking tour through Royal Oak’s top restaurants. As if we needed another reason to attend, a portion of the proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland and Macomb Counties. Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 the day of. This ticket will get you a sample of food and sample of beer at each participating restaurant. A complete list of all the locations is provided on the website but we will highlight a few for you. Ale Mary’s, BlackFinn Ameripub, Goodnite Gracie, Hamlin Corner, O’Tooles, Onyx, and many more will open their doors and fill up your glass. Check in will be at 11 am between Fifth Ave. and O’Toole’s.

Check in is located at 215 W. Fifth St., in Royal Oak.

Tracy Reese Meet & Greet | Saturday, October 10
Tracy Reese will be at Détroit Is The New Black for a meet and greet because Tracy Reese's fall collections have found a new home, right here in the city. Tracy Reese, Tracy Reese Black Label, Plenty by Tracy Reese and Plenty Dresses by Tracy Reese collections can be found at Détroit Is The New Black in Midtown. Shop the store, and make sure to stop by Détroit Is The New Black from 3 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 10 for the Tracy Reese Meet & Greet.

Détroit Is The New Black is located at 52 E Forest Ave., in Detroit.

oui BROKE @ MoCAD | Sunday, October 11

Online retailer oui BROKE features very chic streetwear apparel and accessories sure to make you reach for your wallets - I mean, just go to the website and check out those prices. This Sunday, oui BROKE will be live at Café 78 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for brunch, mimosas, contemporary art, and retail therapy. Bring your girlfriends for a day of yummy drinks, brunch goodness, and some great shopping.

Cafe 78 is located at 4454 Woodward Ave., in Detroit.

Industry Spotlight: Local Online Retailer Focuses on Chic and Affordable Street Style

Started by Justin Milsk and Alex Bricolas, oui BROKE, a local online retailer, provides fashion-forward, look-at-me pieces for city dwellers and fashion extremists. You can find anything from local brands like Detroit Is The New Black to street-wear brand Chistopher Lee Sauve. With a collection that is constantly being curated for the shoppers, you're able to get unique items in the comfort of your own home.

Photo by John Griffith

DGG: Tell us about yourselves, Alex and Justin.

Oui Broke: We are both Gemini’s who like to stay behind the scenes when it comes to work.

Alex Bricolas: Fashion education from the streets (the internet.) I am from Detroit born and raised. Retail slave since 19, dislikes Olsen twin haters, mini skirts with wedges, and brushing my hair. All I think about is going on voguerunway.com to view the new collections (while yelling at my computer, “OH MY GOD, DEAD.”) My main focus now is Oui Broke and the development of are new loungewear label. 

Justin Milske: I am a graduate from The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising with a degree in Visual Communications. Upon graduation I relocated to New York where I worked for V Magazine, in addition to various PR companies within the fashion market from LOOKBOOKS to Findings Showroom. Now back in Detroit my main priority is the development of Oui Broke all while bringing more garment manufacturing to this great city. 

Tells us the oui BROKE story.

OB: oui BROKE (ob) is an online retailer dedicated to providing tasteful, fashion forward, look-at-me pieces. A new purveyor of style targeted to city dwellers, fashion extremists, and all with an inner extravagance. Oui Broke sources compelling garments designed by great talent from all over the world. Keeping with a fresh, boisterous, and unconventional approach, we offer an array of clothing and accessories, striving to rid the nation of fast fashion. Oui Broke is the solution for the fabulous and undiscovered. A resistance against style culture that is ordinary, plain and ambiguous. We are consistently curating dynamic collections for our shoppers. 

Photo by John Griffith

DGG: What do you sell now, and what are you looking to include in your product selection in the future?

OB: Oui Broke specializes in sleek street-wear produced by independent designers from London, NY, Los Angeles, and Detroit. Some of the creators we currently sell are…

Christopher Lee Sauve gives nod to fashion and pop culture. He is a true artisan that captures bold and compelling designs. Graphic designer by trade, his fresh and relevant approach of distinctive garments evoke an in your face, cool vibe that is not for one who frequents the bland department store finds.

Detroit Is The New Black combines minimalism and high street to achieve the perfect balance of city chic. Founded by Roslyn Karamoko, all designed fabrications are sourced within greater Detroit.  The street-wear label is inspired by the rich history and resilience of the city while offering a neutral color story for a modern feel.

Lauren Stucky prides her vision on artistic freedom. Embodying individual style, Stucky designs are infused with a minimal hard edge while giving nod to luxurious rock. Injecting confidence and attitude into her designs, Lauren’s label captures a classic, cool persona.

Raphaela Tavarone is a Brazilian jeweler based in New York City whose work focuses on edgy handmade pieces that mix minimalistic lines with S&M and punk rock. With the use of various assortments of metals and materials each piece is crafted by hand in the United States. Giving jewelry a sparky edge RTavarone designs are for the aesthetically sleek and modern-day Madam.

TILLYandWILLIAM is an independent fashion collective created by designers Jessica Lapidos and Tom Barranca. The brand began as an experiment in gender-neutral clothing and has since grown to encompass a different approach to the design and manufacturing process. Focusing on necessity and comfort, TILLYandWILLIAM’s aesthetic blurs the line between form and casual.

For the future of Oui Broke, we are currently in the design process of creating are own affordable label. It will include an array of cool, sleek loungewear. All products will be designed in Detroit and produced in the United States. We will limit pieces available this Fall. 

DGG: You have some local products on your site, are you interested in taking on more local designers? If so, what are you looking for?

OB: At the moment we haven’t found any designers that fit the Oui Broke aesthetic. We are looking for curators with a fresh vision, a modern aesthetic, and whose price points are under $200 retail. 

DGG: What was the toughest part of establishing Oui Broke?

OB: The toughest part of establishing Oui Broke is coming across designers who have a strong sense of self and vision for the future of fashion all while maintaining moderate price points.  

Image from Oui Broke

DGG: What is the most valuable lessons you have learned going into this?

OB: Valuable lessons we have learned going into the business of fashion was adapting to the fast-paced work environment of the clothing industry. Other lessons learned was to stick true to your vision and if something doesn’t mesh cohesively, not being afraid to say no.

DGG: What are the three best pieces of advice you have received?

OB: 1. Don’t stretch yourself to thin. 

2. Less is more. 

3. Stick to what you’re good at.

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

OB: Brooke Candy! She blurs the lines between street and glam. Her badass persona evokes personal style, confidence, and individuality. #QWEEN

DGG: Describe your style.

OB: With working 24/7 we are all about comfort! Anything with an elastic waistband is key. Though you can never go wrong with a good leather piece. 

DGG: How do you take your coffee?

OB: We like our coffee to punch us in the face. Strong and never decaf.

DGG: Reason Clothing or SSUR©?

OB: Is Public School an option?

DGG: Nylon Magazine or Paper Magazine?

OB: Paper, never plastic. 

Image from Oui Broke