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!

Spring Fling Art & Handcrafted Market | Friday, March 18

Just in time for spring, come out to the Spring Fling & Handcrafted Market featuring over 75 top artists from Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Wisconsin. This is one of the longest running and most renowned art and craft markets in Michigan, and it's the perfect place to get your Easter gifts, spring décor, apparel, jewelry, food, and much more. Admission is $3, and 12 years of age and under gets in free. There will be free parking and door prizes. For more information head over to www.hcspringfling.com/home.html.

Northville Community Center is located 303 W Main St., in Northville.

Dance! Opening Party | Saturday, March 19

Dance the night away and celebrate the opening of "Dance! American Art 1830-1960” at the DIA. Enjoy performances by the Detroit Square Dance Society and Hardcore Detroit. The Detroit Square Dance Society and Anne McCallum's set dancers will perform southern-style square dances and Irish set dancing. Also, enjoy appetizers, with a cash bar while you view the exhibition before it opens to the public. Tickets are $20 and available at www.tickets.dia.org.

Detroit Institute of Art is located 5200 Woodward Ave., in Detroit.

Marche du Nain Rouge Pre-Party & History Presentation | Sunday, March 20

Catherine Cangany, author and University of Notre Dame professor will have a history presentation about life in early Detroit at Hopcat - Detroit. Cangany is one of a trio of young historians who are finally providing a new portrait of one of colonial America’s most fascinating places, Detroit! Doors open at 11 a.m., and the history presentation starts at 11:30 a.m. with Q&A at 12 p.m. Don't worry, you won't be kept too much longer as the parade starts at 12:45 p.m. Cash bar and food will be available. Reservations are required, for more information head over to meetup.com.

Hopcat- Detroit is located 4265 Woodward Ave., in Detroit.

Marche du Nain Rouge - Episode 7 | Sunday March 20

All are invited to join the Marche, a parade made up of the citizens of Detroit. Come masked or fully costumed; groups are encouraged to join the fun with DIY chariots. There will be a cash prize for the best Detroit neighborhood float. It is no cost for the event, just come out and have a great time. Marche du Nain Rouge proper begins at 1 p.m. in the parking lot of Traffic Jam & Snug, 511 W. Canfield St.

Marche du Nain Rouge will be located Second Avenue and Canfield - Midtown Detroit.

Guest Blog: Style It Local with Deanna Stepp of The Styled Life

Name: Deanna Stepp, VP of Marketing at The Styled Life

Website: www.thestyledlife.com

Insta: @thestyledlifeco

Facebook: The Styled Life

About me:

I have always been fascinated with art. My favorites types are fashion (especially handbags & shoes), interior design and painting. When I was in high school growing up in Iowa, kids used to scoff at some of my clothing pairings, only for me to observe them wearing the same things in a couple if months; I chalk that up to the beginning of my trendsetting. I never have a go to store, price point or brand. I Iove to mix bargain statement pieces with designer basics.

I spent my early-to-mid-20’s in Chicago, starting my fashion career at Marshall Field’s (now Macy’s). I was captivated and worked in the jewelry department, then honed my beauty skills working for names such as Paula Dorff, Clinique and Dior. My husband and I moved to Michigan in 2006 where I worked as the Senor Executive Merchandise Manager for all non-apparel merchandise at Macy’s Somerset Collection.

I also taught post-graduate level courses about inventory and purchasing at the Art institute of Michigan, Novi. I settled in as the Director of Fashion Marketing and Management in 2011, working with young fashion students to cultivate and grow the Detroit fashion community and careers. 

I was fortunate enough last year to meet my business partners, Matt Yessian and Courtney Miarka of THE STYLED LIFE. They brought this genius idea to my attention on how you can have access to your closet from downloading all of the items to a website. You can style your own outfits or have professionals do it for you.  We instantly connected and have been helping people “never wonder what to wear” ever since. It’s a dream to use my business acumen and passion for fashion in a company that is revolutionary, hip and user friendly. I cannot wait to see what 2016 has in store for us.

Style it Local: 

Leggings:  American Apparel, Royal Oak

Turtleneck: Vintage

Vest: Forever 21, Great Lakes Mall

Shoes: Fendi, Saks 5^TH Ave, Somerset Collection

Bag: Fendi, Saks 5^TH Ave, Somerset Collection

Style Inspiration:

Reworking old pieces into new. I make it a challenge because I hate to throw things away. THE STYLED LIFE site helps me create these looks. Have as many pairs of shoes as you want, the more shoes you have, the more you can rotate them and they last longer. Effortless beauty. People who don’t look too buttoned up or uncomfortable. Feeling good in your clothes and skin is the most important thing. People who just go for it; you can pair anything you want together- no magazine or person has to tell you how to dress!

Favorite Cold-Weather Accessory #1: A log and warm coat. I like this one from BCBG Generation. Its got a short and long zipper to wear 2 ways. Other features are sleeve mitts, an elongated turtle neck and awesome hood. 

Favorite Cold-Weather Accessory #2: A hat that I can wear my glasses with and a ponytail. All three are my weekend accessories in the winter. This one is an athletic type, with a hole in back for my ponytail to thread through. 

Industry Spotlight: Industrial Sewing

We've talked to so much about the Industrial Program, we thought it would be great to interview some one who has been through it and gotten a job in production sewing. Jaclyn, who was one of the program's first students, took the time to answer a few questions about what it's like to be an industrial sewer, and tips for anyone looking to learn this skilled trade.

DGG: Tell us about your job as an industrial sewer.

Jaclyn: I was previously responsible for the stitching on Shinola's leather watch bands at the factory in Detroit. Besides producing enough straps to fulfill the daily quota, I spent a lot of time reworking/resewing/saving otherwise rejected pieces. Part of my creative responsibility was figuring out ways to be more efficient while maintaining a high quality standard, including working with 1-2mm tolerances, needle and thread limitations, and varieties of leather. I also operated up to 2 automatic sewing machines at a time.

DGG: What made you want to learn how to sew?

J: I taught myself how to mend my own clothes by hand, so machine sewing was a natural and desired progression. When I found out about Henry Ford M-TEC’s industrial sewing program, I had the reaction to enroll right away. I also always admired the skilled ladies who participated in/made/wore their own clothes for art and charity; The Uniform Project (2009) [http://www.theuniformproject.com/] and Project Makeshift (2009) [http://makeshiftproject.blogspot.com/]

DGG: What has been your favorite thing to sew?

J: So far, I enjoy working with heavy duty materials.

DGG: For people interested in a career as a production sewer, what would be the three most important things you would tell them?

J: 
1) Master top and bottom thread tension.
2) Experiment with different materials, thread weights, and needle sizes; this helped inform my problem solving process.
3) Use the metric system for measurements, it's easier and more precise.

DGG: Do you do any at-home sewing now that you are a trained sewer?

J: Mostly clothing repair.

DGG: What does your sewing space look like at work? 

J: I try to keep my space as organized as possible so I can find my tools right when I need them. Most sewing machines have their own storage compartment under the table. Regarding mobility at my previous employer, there was a lot of back and forth between quality control at the end of the line and the stations before and after my sewing area. We collaborated on issues we were having with different straps and shared a lot of tips, tricks, and techniques with each other.

DGG: Describe your style.

J: I maintain a minimal wardrobe. A goal of mine is to be able to make my own clothes so I can eventually teach others how to do it themselves, too.

DGG: Vinyl or leather?

J: Both!

DGG: Straight stitch or Zigzag stitch?

J: I work primarily with a straight stitch, but I totally dig the variables of a zigzag. 

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!

Image From MetroParent

Free Art & Architecture Walking Tour | Friday, March 11
Detroit has so much to offer, from history, great architecture, and vibrant art all around us. Come walk the streets of Downtown Detroit with Detroit Experience Factory and PureDetroit to learn about all of those things. The walking tour will be one-hour, and guests will walk through The Belt, inside Campus Martius, Spirit of Detroit, and to end the tour you’ll stop by the PureDetroit shop inside the beautiful Guardian Building. The whole event is free thanks to Bank of America and donations. 

Detroit Experience Factory is located at 123 Monroe St., in Detroit.


Social Sushi Saturdays | Saturday, March 12
Every Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m., find delicious sushi prepared by the Social Sushi team. This Saturday, head down to Our/vodka Detroit where you can eat sushi and do a little locally crafted vodka tasting. Bring a friend, eat some sushi and enjoy unique vodka drink creations by the team. Anyone is welcome to eat sushi, but the vodka tasting room is only open to those 21+.

Our/detroit Vodka is located at 2545 Bagley St., in Detroit.

Bag It & Bowl It for Build | Saturday, March 12

Calling all Cornhole and Bowling players and fans, come together for a good the Bag It & Bowl fundraiser to support Build Institute. This is the first combined Cornhole & Bowling tournament in Detroit. The fundraiser will benefit the Build mission to provide aspiring Detroit entrepreneurs with tools, and resources to own their own business. Along with the game there will be a silent auction, music, cash bar, prizes, and tons of fun. To buy tickets, head over to Eventbrite.

The majestic is located at 4120-4140 Woodward Ave, Detroit

CorkTown Saint Patrick's Day Parade | Sunday, March 13

Its that time of the year again, celebrate Irish heritage at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade will include marching and pipe & drum bands, color guard units, floats, clowns, novelty groups and marching units. This is a family-friendly event, so it is something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Since this is a festive event, dress in your Irish colors and remember greener the better. 

The Saint Patrick's Day Parade is located on Michigan Ave from 6^th-14^th St., in Detroit.    

Wear It's At: Stylish Seventy's Suede

If you're a boho babe -- and even if you're not -- you're going to love this trend. Mixing a seventy's suede dress, jacket or skirt into your wardrobe will update any look. You can take this trend and style it to your liking, but if you're unsure how you can incorporate it into your wardrobe, take a look-see at what we've come up with below.

1. Beritt Faux-Suede Dress, $228, BCBG
2. Circus by Sam Edelman Howell Over The Knee, $79, DSW
3. Friedline, $50, Adlo
4. Hinge Faux Leather Trim Wool Felt Panama Hat, $38, Nordstrom

1. A-Line Skirt, $24, HM
2. Christophe Sauvat Printed Ruffle Shirt, $248, Intermix
3. Faux Suede Lace-Up Flats, $24, Forever 21
4. 50 Round Metal, $150, Ray-Ban

1. Suede Jacket, $149, HM
2. TopShop Moto “Elton” Oversize Denim Shirt, $65, Nordstrom
3. Ripped Heartbreaker Jeans, $89, Bebe
4. Rebecca Minkoff Astor Saddle Bag, $325, Saks Fifth Avenue 

Frame Your Face Presents the Art of Giving (And You're Invited!)

The Art of Giving, presented by Frame Your Face is in its 7th year, and Detroit Garment Group has been lucky enough to be chosen as the beneficiaries for this year's event. The evening will start and end at the incredibly chic Stand Gastro Bistro in Birmingham on Thursday, May 26.

The evening will be comprised of fashion, art and fun - exactly what every fashionable evening entails. Guests will be able to browse auction items and take part in live-action paint play with the coveted paint-by-numbers pop-art canvas.

All proceeds for the event will go directly to DGG and help us to continue to run all of our programming, which you can learn about on our website, if you don't already know. Tickets for Art of Giving will be available on April 15 at www.detroitgarmentgroup.org, so stay tuned!

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!

Pitch Camp: How to Win Millions for Your Business Without Giving up Equity | Wednesday, March 2

Learn how to pitch your business to investors with local entrepreneur, Gwen Jimmere  CEO and founder of Naturalicious and Co-Founder of Pitch Proof. In this seminar, guests will learn the difference between pitching for equity and pitching for prize money, the critical elements of winning pitch and how to ensure you come out on top even if you don't win. Jimmere is a frequent keynote speaker for business workshops, and is well-versed in the topic as she is the first black woman to hold a U.S. patent for natural hair care products, and sells those products in stores like Whole Foods.  Tickets for the workshop are $30 and can be found on Eventbrite. 

Bamboo Detroit is located at 1442 Brush St., in Detroit.

Hollywood in Detroit | Thursday, March 3 

Detroit Passport to the Art is bringing a little Hollywood glam to Detroit with Hollywood in Detroit. 

Put on your best gown and tux and head down to the Detroit Film Theatre as attendees will be making their way down the red carpet to show off to the paparazzi. A best-dressed competition will take place, so that's one more reason to to look your best. Once the red carpet shenanigans are over, enjoy the viewing of Oscar-nominated short films while enjoying delicious food and drinks. Once the screening is over, the night still has some Hollywood life left in it. Guests will be shuttled over to the Detroit Historical Museum for nightcap after party. Tickets for the event are $29 and available www.dp2a.org.

Detroit Film Theatre is located at 5200 Woodward Ave., in Detroit.

Ingrid Lafleur and Rola Nashef | Thursday, March 

Curator, artist, and founder of AFROTOPIA Ingrid LaFleur will be hosting Rola Nashef at the Cranbrook Art Museum for a discussion on the importance of maintaining an artistic practice with a global landscape with a focus on Detroit. This lecture is free to art members and students with identification, and normal museum admission will be charged to the public. Parking is available at Cranbrook Art Museum.

Cranbrook Art Museum is located at 39221 Woodward Ave., in Bloomfield Hills.

Public Thrift | Saturday, March 5

Public Thrift is on a mission to raise money for Detroit Public Schools, by hosting its first pop up shop. Shop vintage items, new clothing items, household decor, furniture, local art and more, while sipping on cocktails from the bar and snacking on light bites. All of the money raised will go directly to Detroit Public Schools. Get out of the house, do a little shopping, and give back to the community. 

PJ’s Lager House is located 1254 Michigan Ave., in Detroit.