On The Town: 3...2...1 (re)launch at Saks Troy

Arriving only 5 minutes late, the renewed Contemporary Department at Saks Fifth Avenue in Troy was already swimming with fashionistas sipping on champagne and grabbing a couple of light bites while walking through the store to enjoy the new view.

All of your favorite brands were on display including Elizabeth & James, Vince and Helmut Lange, along with new brand The Kooples, who sent a rep to the store for the special occasion. Once our flutes were full of bubbly, we made our way over to the runway for the show. It started with a dance team performing down the runway. They had impressive moves, and it was a great precursor to the fashion.

The fashion was outstanding, but I'm sure you already expected as much even if you weren't in attendance. Everything was springy, bright and already has me craving Spring dresses (I know, I know - Winter has only begun). Once the show was over, guests enjoyed more champagne and cocktails, more fashion and even a fashion sketch of themselves. If you're doing any holiday shopping at the Somerset Collection, make sure you stop by to see the new space!

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!

3...2...1 (re) Launch! | Thursday, December 10

While walking through Saks Fifth Avenue, it’s easy to fall in love with every article of clothing you see. We expect nothing less from the 3...2...1 Contemporary (re) Launch Fashion Show, this Thursday starting promptly at 6 p.m. Dress to impress as you watch Ready to Wear fashions strut down the runway, and chat with countless Fashionistas located throughout metro Detroit. The night wouldn’t be complete without champagne and cocktails while admiring the newly redesigned contemporary space. Grab the girls for a night of fashion, drinks, and fun! 

Saks Fifth Avenue is located at 2901 West Big Beaver Rd., in Troy.

Fratelli Leather Wine & Cheese Tasting | Thursday, December 10

Lucy & Ethel are the only pair that even come close to being as perfect as wine & cheese, and Fratelli Leather knew that when the Wine & Cheese Tasting night was announced. This Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m., get your palette ready to test your wine skills and experience delicious, aged cheeses. With the holidays right around the corner, what a perfect time to browse fine leather products for those you love as you sample wines and cheeses. 

Fratelli Leather Luxury Boutique is located at 303 E. Maple Rd., in Birmingham.

Belle Isle Holiday Stroll | Friday, December 11

Experience winter in Detroit’s wondrous land at the Belle Isle Holiday Stroll from 5:00 – 8:00p.m. Enjoy an evening stroll through the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, the Belle Isle Aquarium, and Dossin Great Lakes Museum! Stay warm with mulled cider, hot chocolate, and of course donuts and cookies! Kick off the winter season with winter-themed craft activities for the whole family as you are serenaded with gospel music from the Deep River Choir of the Boll Family YMCA’s YArts program. 

2015 Holiday Makers Market Fundraiser | Friday, December 11

Ponyride welcomes all family and friends from 6 to 10 p.m., for a sneak peek of the Holiday Makers Market. Fill up with food, drinks, and enjoy entertainment throughout all studios in the building. All proceeds from the evening will support Ponyride’s educational programming, and your contribution is tax deductible. After a great sneak peak of the local designers, makers, and products, come back on Saturday for the full Makers Market to start Christmas shopping.

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

Holiday Recess  | Saturday, December 12

Art and Music programs at schools have been rapidly disappearing, which is why Holiday Recess is a great event to attend being that it is a fundraiser for art supplies and music gear for Detroit Public High Schools. Entry to the event is $10 and includes light bites courtesy of Astro Coffee, Huron Room, and La Rondinella and drinks courtesy of Motor City Brewing Works. All attendees will be entered in a raffle to win prizes. A Group Art Exhibition and live performances by Red Pill, Valley Hush, and DJ Ryan Spencer will keep the party going from 6 to 10 p.m. If you don’t have any plans this weekend, come support a great cause and enjoy fun night out.

Detroit Pickle Factory is located at 2120 Bellevue St., in Detroit.


Danto Furniture Free Picture Day | Saturday, December 12 & Sunday, December 13
If you're looking for something a little more kid friendly to do this weekend, head down to Danta Furniture for a free picture day with Santa Claus. Browse the selection while the kids wait to get their photo taken with Santa. Pictures taken can be uploaded to your phone to post on social media right away and you get a choice of a 4x6, 5x7 or 8x10 glossy print.

Danto Furniture is located at 7701 W Vernor Hwy., in Detroit.

Russell Industrial Center Winter Open Studios | Saturday, December 12

It is time for Russell Industrial Center Open Studios, again! Come out for a winter open house to see what all the artists have been working on over the past few months, while doing some Christmas shopping. See live glass blowing demonstrations, shop great sales, and take in the talent of artists in the metro Detroit area. Browse the studios this Saturday from 4 to 10 p.m. to find one of a kind pieces for that perfect gift.

Russell Industrial Center is located at 1600 Clay St., in Detroit.

Oh, Shop It: Music-Influenced Clothing Brand Debuts First Men’s Winter Collection

First Class Committee, created by fashion designer Terrance Jones, who also happens to be a designer-in-residence at the DGG's Fashion Incubator, is making its debut in Detroit with a men's winter collection.

“The main reason why I created this clothing line is so the middle class could be able to express their sense of fashion just like the way the first class could, hence the name of the company,” says Jones. “Not only do I want people to be able to express themselves by wearing my clothes, I want them to be able to have the utmost confidence and live the first class lifestyle when they wear my clothes.”

Jones cuts out the middle man by designing and sewing all of the products himself, which allows him to sell First Class Committee at a more affordable price point, but keeps the quality of the product at the level of something that's a little more high end. Also, the in-house designing and sewing of the product allows the company to easily adapt to changing fashion trends and to keep his clothes unique.

“Living in cities such as Detroit, Houston, and Austin gave me an opportunity to be surrounded by all sorts of fashion that have been inspired by the music these cities have created. I took advantage of that and mixed all of my favorite styles into one to create my own style,” says Terrance Jones.

The men's winter collection consists of long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, and hoodies within the $45 to $80 price range, and is available for purchase at the official online store at www.firstclasscommittee.com.

On The Town: Saks Fifth Avenue Contemporary (Re)Launch

Saks Fifth Avenue is one of the largest high fashion retailers featuring high-quality and timeless pieces. By offering the finest quality men’s and women’s fashions, an extraordinary customer service mentality, and by providing a taste of elegance, Saks Fifth Avenue has taken the world by storm. Being that the customer market is always changing, Saks is keeping up with the trends by completely redesigning the Contemporary department, and are ready for its unveiling.

Saks Fifth Avenue Troy is having a party for its newly relaunched Contemporary department, and you're invited! Fashion shows and new departments don’t come around every day in metro Detroit, so put on this seasons best, and grab a couple of your most fashionable friends for a night of fashion. Saks Fifth Avenue, located in the Somerset Collection, is proud to reveal their newly designed contemporary space to all friends and family at this ribbon cutting ceremony followed by a fashion show. See fashions from Elizabeth & James, N by Nicholas, A.L.C., and ATM strut down the runway as you sip a signature cocktail to commemorate the event. Network with fellow fashion enthusiasts from the metro Detroit location as you enjoy light bites and appreciate the new space. 

Doors open at 6 p.m., with the show starting promptly at 6:30 p.m., so make sure you get there early to grab the best seats in the house! RSVP to this event at 248.614.3317.

Guest Blog: Style It Local with Emily Semroc

Name: Emily Semroc

Major: Apparel and Textile Design at MSU

Instagram: @emilysemroc

About Me: I am a fashion addicted senior at Michigan State University, studying Apparel and Textile Design. When I’m not slaving over a sewing machine for class, you will find me living out my other passion – singing. I am in an a cappella group on campus, which helps me express my creativity and extend my creative process. While studying and preparing for graduation, I have been interning for DGG as a blogger for Style Factory. 

Style It Local:

Green leather peplum jacket- Kohl’s

Tinsel Town Black Jean’s- Macy’s

Statement Necklace- Banana Republic

Black Riding Boots- Nordstrom

Style Inspiration:

I have always been inspired by the combination of feminine and hard textures. While you will typically see me donning an all black look, the occasional pop of a gem tone or rich color adds some flare to my wardrobe. Karl Lagerfeld said it best when he said, “one is never over-dressed or underdressed with a Little Black Dress”. Alexander McQueen has always been one of my biggest inspirations with his attention to detail, structure to his pieces, and the inspirational color palettes. Adding a thick, chunky necklace or a fun clutch, accessorizing has always been my favorite way to add excitement to any look.

Favorite Winter Accessory #1: Thigh high socks 

Favorite Winter Accessory #2: Chunky scarves

Oh, Shop It: Holiday Shopping Made Easy Thanks to Local Mall

We all love shopping, right? Walking around the mall, searching for the perfect top to go with that skirt you've been dying to wear, or maybe it's getting the right gift for that special some one in your life. Either way, it's something nice to do, but shopping during the holidays is everything but nice. The parking, the lines, the shuffling around people texting while walking -- it's too much. Luckily, Somerset is taking that pain away, and making holiday shopping a little more efficient.

Somerset is offering roadside pick up from now until Saturday, December 19. It's like online shopping, but quicker and without all of those delivery fees. All you have to do is call up one of your favorite (well, let's be honest, all of your favorite) stores at the Somerset Collection, place an order of exactly what you want to purchase, drive over to the level 1 deck valet on the north side of the mall, and voila! You have all of your holiday shopping done, and you didn't even have to leave your car.

For more information, call 248.816.3110. Somerset is located at 2800 W Big Beaver Rd., in Troy.

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 before the holiday, so if you’re itching to hit the town, these events will keep you busy!

#WeAreFoodLab - 3rd Annual FoodLab Celebration | Thursday, December 3

The incredible people that make up the FoodLab Network invite you to a night of awards and celebrations, this Thursday from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Gleaners Community Food Bank. Share tasty eats as you help to honor the wonderful members, partners, and extended FoodLab family that has made such a difference in our community. 

Gleaners Community Food Bank is located at 2131 Beaufait St., in Detroit.

Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village | Thursday, December 3

Put on your gloves, hats, and scarves to come out for a night of festive fun in Greenfield Village from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Enjoy a lantern-lit journey into a living snow globe with live music, skating, fireworks, and more winter wonders. The evening will be a magical night to remember as you stroll through the streets, stepping back in time. Horse drawn wagons, costumed presenters, and Santa will be in attendance at this holiday celebration and you surely don’t want to miss that.

The Henry Ford is located at 20900 Oakwood Blvd., in Dearborn.

Light Up the Aquarium | Friday, December 4

Who could turn down a night of bubbly, hors d’oeurves from Park Grill, Paul Carey Trio for entertainment, and a silent auction all to raise money for the 110-year-old Belle Isle Aquarium? Stroll the historic aquarium and conservatory, decked out to resemble the turn of the last century, with bell ringers and violinists. Ticket prices and levels can be found on the Belle Isle Conservancy website and should be purchased before the event to ensure your attendance. Extra tickets will be available at the door for $65. 

Belle Isle Aquarium is located at 300 River Pl Dr., in Detroit.

2015 Detroit Urban Craft Fair | Friday, December 4 and Saturday, December 5

The Detroit Urban Craft Fair is finally here! Change out of your warm pajamas for a two-day alternative craft fair, now in its tenth year. Browse over 100 handmade crafters and indie artists and find one-of-a kind items and the people that made them. Hours are 6:00 – 9:00p.m. on Friday and 10:00 a.m. – 8:00p.m. on Saturday. This isn’t any ordinary craft show, the venue is the Masonic Temple, which we have all grown to know and love. Start checking off your Christmas shopping list with personalized, handmade products at reasonable prices.

The Detroit Masonic Temple is located at 500 Temple St., in Detroit.

Noel Night | Saturday, December 5

Build Bazaar is partnering with Midtown Inc. and The Majestic Theatre for this year’s Noel Night, featuring over 50 vendors, music, live art, food, drinks, and more! From 5 to 10 p.m., come to Detroit’s Midtown District where over 70 institutions such as the DIA, Michigan Science Center, Detroit Historical Museum, Detroit Design Center, and Detroit Public Library will open their doors to the public free of charge. Spend this Cultural Center-wide holiday open house on a horse-drawn carriage, doing some holiday shopping, family crafts, and making memories. The night will come to a close with a very moving community sing-along on Woodward led by the Salvation Army Band. A free shuttle service is offered between participating venues, but bundle up to cover you from the cold Michigan winter. More information can be found at www.noelnight.org. 

The Majestic is located at 4120-4140 Woodward Ave., in Detroit.

William+Bonnie Spring/Summer 2016 Cycling Line Launch Party | Sunday, December 6

Detroit has many passionate cyclists and William+Bonnie is the perfect shop if that's what you're into. Finding a balance between style and safety, the S/S 2016 Cycling Line has created fashionable cycling outfits while still having aspects that are for safety, such as reflective trim. After spending months sourcing American made fabrics, and creating patterns, William+Bonnie are ready to unveil their new handcrafted collection that features moisture wicking and water resistant materials. Come see a sneak peak of this innovative line from 4 to 8 p.m. at Two James Distillery for cocktails, shopping, and socializing.

Two James Distillery is located at 2445 Michigan Ave., in Detroit.