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 Beer and Wine Fest Facebook

StorySLAM with Shinola + The Moth | Thursday, August 3
From 7 to 10 p.m. Marble Bar is hosting StorySLAM with Shinola and The Moth! This StorySLAM will be all about finding your way to making a difference. Prepare a five minute story about creating change, together. This could be about how you hosted a bake sale for charity or helped a friend move. Seating isn't guaranteed and is on a first-come, first-serve basis, so make sure to get their early!

Marble Bar is located at 1501 Holden St., in Detroit.

D-Cyphered Community Opening Party | Thursday, August 3
The DIA is celebrating the opening of their new exhibit, "D-Cyphered: Portraits by Jenny Risher". From 8 to 11 p.m., experience music from Detroit's own Nick Speed, meet some of the hip hop artists featured in the exhibit, and enjoy light snacks, a cash bar and the chance to see the exhibition before it opens to the public. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here.

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

9th Annual Buy Michigan Now Festival | Friday, August 4 through Sunday, August 6
The Buy Michigan Now Festival is entering its ninth year in Downtown Northville! All weekend come out for tasty treats, a beer and wine garden, street vendors, live music and children's activities - which all highlight Michigan-based businesses and Michigan-made products. Admission and parking are free for the festival. For more information, click here.

Detroit Beer & Wine Fest 2017 | Friday, August 4
Experience 100+ delicious wines and beers from 40+ breweries and wineries at the historic Grand Circus Park from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. - all while celebrating Detroit. For $50 you'll get 15 drink tickets. a commemorative pint glass and a keepsake photo. There are also VIP tickets available for $65, which gets you into the festival an hour early and five extra drink tickets. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

Grand Circus Park is located at 1601 Woodward Ave., in Detroit.

2017 Great Lakes VegBash | Saturday, August 5
From noon to 10 p.m., the Washtenaw County Fairgrounds will be home to an incredible amount of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free food, entertainment on three stages, artists and crafters, Great Lakes regional food entrepreneurs, health and wellness products and services, pet products, and so much more! Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the event, and there is free parking. For more information, click here.

Washtenaw County Fairgrounds are located at 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd., in Ann Arbor.

Wear It's At: Bringing Winter Whites Into Spring

White boots may seem rather impractical, especially when the weather is extremely unpredictable. However, that shouldn't stop you from dressing cute and trendy. White boots are the perfect transition shoe for spring since they'll still keep your feet warm while being on trend with the white.

1. Lysse Suede Blazer, $149, Sundance Shoes.

2. Velvet by Graham & Spencer White Blouse, $138, GuysNGals.

3. The Bacari Bootie, $535, Stuart Weitzman.

4. Current/Elliott 'The High Waist Stiletto' Jeans, $184, Nordstrom.

5. Sole Society 'Karlie' Bucket Bag, $65, Nordstrom.

1. n. Philanthropy 'Mika' Lace-up Sweatshirt, $168, GuysNGals.
2. Dani Pant, $395, Found Objects.
3. 'Rival' Bootie, $130, Steve Madden.
4. Slim Crossbody Bag, $295, Shinola.
5. Gold Initial Necklace, $26, GuysNGals.

1. Arline Dress, $338, GuysNGals.

2. Chloe 'Drew' Small Crossbody Bag, $1,850, Saks Fifth Avenue.

3. Nine West 'Pickens' Sandal, $99, DSW.

4. Crystal Choker, $68, Styleshack.

5. Coin Edge Cuff Bracelet, $350, Shinola.

Wear It's At: Wide Leg Pants for Day and Night

Wide leg pants have been all the rage lately -- and for good reason. They're comfortable but also extremely flattering. Check out our outfit ideas to wear wide leg pants during the day, night, to work and everything in between.

1. Parker 'Yasmin' Blouse, $168, GuysNGals.

2. Black Concrete Bar Necklace, $57, Koonyai Studio.

3. Gianvito Rossi 'Janis' Suede Lace-up Heels, $795, Neiman Marcus.

4. The Row 'Rista' Side-Zip Wide Leg Pants, $345, Neiman Marcus.

1. Cocktails, Sunsets and Love Tee, $62, Styleshack.

2. JADEtribe Square Multicolor Basket, $156, SHE Stores.

3. Christian Louboutin 'So Kate' Pointy Pumps, $675, Nordstrom.

4. Cinq a Sept 'Casablanca' Wide Leg Draped Trouser, $197, GuysNGals.

1. Lillian Cashmere Crew Sweater, $395, Found Objects.

2. Kennon Pant by Shaina Mote, $328, Orleans + Winder.

3. Sole Society 'Karlie' Faux Leather Bucket Bag, $64.95, Nordstrom.

4. Vince 'Varin' Sneaker, $295, Sundance Shoes.

5. Lug Cuff Bracelet, $390, Shinola.

Wear It's At: Valentine's Day

With Valentine's Day next week, it's time to start thinking of the stylish outfit you'll be wearing. Regardless of what your plans are, we have you covered with outfit ideas!

1. Long Geometric Earrings, $35, Koonyai Studio.

2. Denim Shirt, $30, H&M.

3. Current Elliott Sugar Destroy Jeans, $194, SHE Stores.

4. Saint Laurent Suede Bow d'Orsay Pumps, $795, Neiman Marcus.

5. PVC Love Clutch, $56, GuysNGals.

1. HART Dress, $495, Found Objects.

2. Slim Crossbody Bag, $295, Shinola.

3. Linear Ring, $62, Goldeluxe.

4. Herringbone Earrings with Black Bead, $35, ELLA Designs.

5. Vince Camuto 'Bodell' Lace-up Pump, $77, StyleShack.

1. Francis Dress, $395, Found Objects.

2. Coin Edge Cuff Bracelet, $350, Shinola.

3. Solana Two-Tone Clutch, $150, Styleshack.

4. Gianvito Rossi 'Janis' High Suede Lace-up Sandal, $795, Neiman Marcus.

Wear It's At: Comfortable, Chic Outfits for Layers

When the cold weather hits, layering is essential. Whether you have chunky knit sweaters, cashmere capes or a great down vest--these outfits can be paired with almost anything you already have in your closet and are already perfect for layers.

1. Classic Turtleneck, $200, Orleans + Winder.

2. Jeffrey Campbell 'Cromwell' Cutout Western Boot, $175, Sundance Shoes.

3. The Birdy 34MM Watch, $525, Shinola.

4. Signature Leather Everyday Tote, $250, Will Leather Goods.

5. Blank NYC Moto Pants, $128, Athalia's Boutique.

1. Sandrine Rose Embroidered Denim Shirt, $298, Found Objects.

2. Stuart Weitzman 'Nudistsong' Sandal, $398, Nordstrom.

3. Street Level Reversible Tote and Wristlet, $55, Styleshack.

4. Mid-Rise Harper Trouser, $25, Old Navy.

1. Tribal Long Blazer, $150, Elizabeths Head to Toe.

2. Kendall + Kylie Compact Knit Overlap Pencil Skirt, $158, Neiman Marcus.

3. Kendall + Kylie Eston Cutout Sandal, $140, Styleshack. OR

4. Genie Flats, $148, Kate Spade.

5. Chantaco Bucket Bag, $175, Lacoste.

6. Fitted 2-Way Layering Tank, $8, Old Navy.

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.

Wear It's At: Fun and Festive for the Fourth

Independence Day is all about showing your patriotic pride, but you don’t have to look like a walking cliché - save the stars and stripes for the flags! Keep your look clean and simple with just a spark of the traditional colors. Our versatile looks for the fourth are great for a backyard barbecue, a day at the lake, or a fireworks show in the city.

1. Relaxed high/low straw hat $34, Urban Outfitters, metro Detroit locations.
2. Shinola The Runwell 36mm Triple Wrap Leather Strap Watch $575, Shinola, 313.285.2390.
3. Birkenstock ‘Gizeh' Birko-Flor™ Thong $95, Nordstrom, metro Detroit locations.

4. AEO Stud Shapes 6-Pack $13, American Eagle Outfitters, metro Detroit locations.

5. Sleeveless Tie Blouse $18, H&M, metro Detroit locations.

6. Embroidered Sunburst Pull-On Short $70, Jcrew, metro Detroit locations.

7. Nylon Tote $60, Banana Republic, metro Detroit locations.

8. Denim Jacket in Tyler Wash $128, J. Crew, metro Detroit locations.
9. AEO Leather Wrap Bracelet $10, American Eagle Outfitters, metro Detroit locations.

10. 'Austin' Leather Slingback Wedge Platform Sandal $130, Nordstrom, metro Detroit locations.
11. Skylar Sunglasses $18, Urban Outfitters, metro Detroit locations.

12. Silk Embroidered V-neck Tunic Dress $178, Madewell, metro Detroit locations.

13. Structured Straw Tote $148, Anthropologie, metro Detroit locations.

Father's Day Gift Guide: Something for Everyone

Dad’s day is just around the corner, and for those of you who have been putting off buying a gift because dad’s are hard to shop for, we are here to help! Whether your dad spends his weekends at the golf course or likes to create specialty cocktails after work, we have created a list of items that includes something for everyone.

1.  The Seven Laws of the Golf Swing $30, Golfsmith, metro Detroit locations.

A useful book for the dad who loves to golf (and needs to work on his swing!).

2. Shinola Leather Paperweight $45, Shinola, 313.285.2390.

Perfect for unrolled blue prints or piles of papers, this Shinola paperweight looks good and gets the job done.

3. CBGB Graphic T-Shirt $98, John Varvatos, 313.437.8095.

If your dad likes to rock, this JV CBGB shirt will give him the edge he craves.

4. MakersKit Classic Cocktail Kit $36, West Elm, 248.593.8200.

Whether it's an Old Fashioned or a Sidecar, this cocktail set will be all of the help your dad needs for a relaxing drink after a stressful workday.

5. Douglas and Co. Detroit, Signature Bifold $125, Nora Modern, 313.831.4845.

A simple wallet from a local company will make any dad happy, and he'll think of you every time he takes it out -- definitely not a bad thing!

6. Quark Micro Quadricopter $40, Brookstone, metro Detroit locations.

What dad wouldn’t want to play around with a quadricopter?

7. Michigan Pint Glasses $10 each, City Bird, 313.831.9146.

Is your dad into local, craft beers? A set of Michigan pint glasses are great to enjoy it in.

8. The Fathers Day Winston Set Limited Edition $40 Nordstrom, metro Detroit locations.

Some dads have to wake up every morning and shave, and they should do so in style and luxury.

Mother's Day Gift Guide: Gifts for Glamorous Women

Mother’s Day shopping shouldn’t be hard. Just ask the mom in your life how they would treat themselves, and go with that. If your mom is someone who wants to be surprised, we've come up with a few options that will do the trick.

1. Six-pack Sampler $36, Old World Olive Press, 248.792.2192.

This six-pack sampler has three different types of extra virgin olive oils and three different balsamic vinegars, and it's perfect for the foodie in your life.

2. Mom Idiom Bangle – Engraved $58, Kate Spade, 248.458.2025.

Mom always said so, and you can remind her of that with this sweet cuff from Kate Spade.

3. Large Soft Linen Journal $20, Shinola, 313.285.2390.

For the mom who is forever writing stuff down, a great notebook makes for a great gift. Pair it with an elegant pen, and she’ll think of you every time she opens it.

4. Snap Minimalist Wallet Series XII $42, Douglas & Co. Detroit, Nora, 313.831.4845

For the more business-orientated mom, this is a great local find that can even be used as a business card holder.

5. Spa Nordstrom, $However-Much-You-Want, Nordstrom, metro Detroit locations.

This gift is great for every type of mom because all moms need a spa day. Pick one up at your local Nordstrom so she can be pampered - if anyone deserves that, it's mom!

A Letter from DG3’s President: You Don’t Know Shit About Shinola – It’s the beginning of fashion manufacturing in Detroit

If there is one thing I’ve learned in my lifetime, it’s that you can’t please everyone.

And based on the comments generated from online news stories, there are some people who will never be pleased.

I like to think that a proper education would help to enlighten some of these commenters, who would come to see the one-sidedness of their pissy remarks, but if you’ve ever read any of those comment threads, you know as well as I do that trying to change someone’s one-sided thinking just leads to more pissiness. And more pissiness.

And more pissiness.

Because when people have opinions, they don’t want to be told that their wrong. Even if they are.

Take the subject of Shinola. For every positive article generated about the company, praising the quality of its products, the jobs the company has created, the positive light they have shined on Detroit, there is a negative story, focused on the number of products actually made in the city, and pointing out that the average Detroit resident could never afford to own a watch. Or a bicycle. Or a leather iPad cover.

In fact, there is almost a sense of pride in condemning this company. Whatever for? Several months ago, a reporter for a national magazine that I will not name here interviewed me for a story regarding Shinola along with the manufacturing of apparel and other fashion-related items in Detroit. That reporter fished and fished and fished, working so hard to get me to take that bite and unleash on Shinola. She was practically generating my answers for me. However, I didn’t have anything negative to say about the company. Imagine her disappointment! I remember saying to her, “Any company that comes into town, creates jobs and gets people talking about Detroit in a positive ways is ok in my book.”

Needless to say, she didn’t print any of my comments.

But that’s the thing. They ARE doing all those wonderful things. Who cares exactly how many watch parts are made outside the state? They keep growing and adding more workers and adding more items that they are actually manufacturing right here. Everything can’t be 100% from the get go, right? And who cares if the founder actually did use Detroit as a marketing tactic? I’m pretty sure the proof will show that the city is benefitting from it. And who cares if the average Detroit resident can’t afford their products? Are we saying Detroit is not allowed to have high-end stores or high-end restaurants or high-end hotels because the average resident can’t afford it? Having all these high-end places will only bring more money into the city. Money that can afford more police officers and fire trucks and demolished abandoned houses. We want to find all kinds of ways to pour money back into the city. Shinola is a part of that. I never hear anyone say that the London Chop House shouldn’t be in Detroit because the average resident can’t afford to eat there, so why get up in Shinola’s business?

There is an even bigger question to be considered: Are any of the bitchers and whiners adding anything positive to Detroit? (How many guesses do you need?)

Just as John Varvatos will bring more national designers’ boutiques to the city, Shinola’s presence and marketing campaigns will bring more retail to the city. This will bring more shoppers to the city. And more tourists to the city. And more opportunities to the city.

Their manufacturing efforts will bring more fashion manufacturing to the city. Something we could desperately use that would provide many jobs of many levels to a variety of Detroiters. And again, improve the city’s economy. DG3 has received dozens of phone calls from companies around the country (and Canada!), who are more than familiar with Shinola’s success and want a piece of that Motor-City pie by manufacturing their own apparel lines in Detroit. I welcome them all. (With a giant-sized fork.) Because when the world begins to recognize Detroit’s value, we win.

The picture is big, my friends. And it can’t be summarized in one pissy comment.

Or a whole thread.

A Letter from DG3's President: Elle Magazine Phoned It in with Recent Detroit Fashion Shoot

The September issue of Elle magazine included a fashion shoot photographed around the city of Detroit, featuring model Carolyn Murphy (who also appeared in Shinola’s campaign and is now the company’s Women’s Design Director), under the guise of our shifting economic landscape, and our endeavor to make a comeback.  I say guise because, while the intro paragraph of the fashion editorial certainly made it sound like the Elle folks saw the incredible changes happening in the city, specifically in the downtown and Midtown areas, the photos tell a completely different story.

The 11 pages of photos had two obvious focuses: the dilapidated Michigan Central Station – the once glorious and now common ruin-porn image used in negative press about Detroit – which was shown not once, but twice, and tons and tons of graffiti. Does the graffiti make for interesting backgrounds? No doubt. If the location theme was cool graffiti, the bulk of the editorial would have been a success. But that wasn’t the theme.

The majority of the images, with the exception of the obvious Michigan Central Station, show absolutely no sense of place. We only know where they are when they bother to note it in the credits on the page. And within the graffiti-backdrop images, we see cracked cement, overgrown grass, stickered-over traffic signs, empty streets, rusted-out light posts and colorless skies. Save for the presence of young people clad in black riding by on Shinola bikes – a too-easy prop placement – the city looks empty. Dead.

As long as Elle was bringing its crew to the city, would it have been too difficult to put together an inventory list of the many exciting, vibrant backdrops that tell the positive story of Detroit’s comeback? (Once again, that WAS the theme.) The beauty of Belle Isle. The jaw-dropping magnificence of the Guardian Building. The installation of the M1 Rail. The hustle and bustle of Midtown. The glory of the DIA. The excitement of Comerica Park. The colorfulness (and yumminess) of Mexican Town. The hip, cool vibe of Corktown. I could go on and on and on.

Elle, you sold us short. Does Detroit still have issues? Yep. Tons. But we can’t discount what is happening. How it’s changing. Sure, it’s going to take time for more and more of the city to experience what is happening in downtown and the surrounding areas. But we’re making progress. And that’s what this fashion shoot was supposed to be about.  

Willys Detroit: Meet the Designers of Edith A. Miller

On September 17, Willys Detroit held a Meet the Designer event with designers Nancy Gibson and Jenn Murray of the classic Americana brand Edith A. Miller. This American-made clothing line is a super laid-back collection comprised of casual tanks, striped crewneck t-shirts with contrast banding that trims the neckline, and cool-girl t-shirt dresses with different types of stripes in two different places on the dress. It’s a J. Crew lovers dream – as is the rest of Willys.

Nancy, a former Wall Street maven, and Jenn, a former designer rep at The News showroom in New York, ran into each other at a party in 2009 wearing the same vintage striped Robert P. Miller t-shirt. They immediately bonded, began to research Robert P. Miller and found that their favorite shirts were made at an old knitting mill in Pennsylvania. The two decided to start their own line and produce it in the same mill. Their t-shirts are vintage inspired, made of 100% American cotton and can be worn with anything.

Willys Detroit is located at 441 W. Canfield St. in Midtown Detroit near their sister store Shinola. For more information about this brand or any other brands at Willys Detroit, go to www.willydetroit.com.