It Trends: September's Style Board

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.

Image from michigan.org

Official Stroh's Beer Tapping | Wednesday, August 31
The popular beer company Stroh's is making its triumphant return to Michigan this weekend. Restaurants and stores across the state will be selling a new beer by the company. To celebrate, come out to Ale Mary's Beer Hall to try this new beer on tap.

Ale Mary's Beer Hall is located at 316 S. Main St., in Royal Oak.

Arts, Beats & Eats | Friday, September 2 through Monday, September 5
The 19th annual Arts, Beats & Eats will be back in Downtown Royal Oak this Labor Day weekend. Come out to hear awesome bands and artists, see and buy amazing artwork and goods, and eat delicious local food and drinks. Hours from Friday through Sunday are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Monday they are 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. There is something for everyone and of all ages at this fun-filled event. For more information, click here.

Detroit Jazz Festival | Friday, September 2 through Monday, September 5
Want to spend your whole Labor Day weekend going to different festivals and fairs? Don't forget about the Detroit Jazz Festival in Hart Plaza! This is the world's largest free jazz festival, so it's something you certainly don't want to miss out on. There is a wide range of artists from established to up-and-coming musicians. For a full lineup, click here.

Hart Plaza is located at 1 Hart Plaza, in Detroit.

35th Annual Labor Day Craft Faire | Saturday, September 3 through Monday, September 5
Join Blake's Orchard in a fun fall celebration. Learn more about the farms, while seeing all of the attractions that are sure to be fun for everyone. There will be artist and local vendors, apple picking, a winery, workshops, a country style meal and much, much more. This is a free event that goes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day.

Blake's Orchard is located at 17985 Armada Center Rd., in Armada.

MotorCity Wine Presents Ron Trent | Sunday, September 4
MotorCity Wine is proud to welcome one of the originals of house music, Ron Trent. Since the '90s Trent has been at the forefront of Chicago Underground and continues to release hit after hit. There will be opening sets by Monty Luke (Black Catalogue) and Peter Croce (Rocksteady Disco). To purchase tickets, click here.

MotorCity Wine is located at 1949 Michigan Ave., in Detroit.

Oh, Shop It: Douglas & Co. Officially Opens in Detroit

Douglas & Co. has opened its first store in Detroit, located at 609 E. Milwaukee, and the grand opening was just as fabulous as it looks. The setting was an open yard with a bon fire pit, live music, refreshing drinks and a to-die-for store set up. I don't think anything could be more Douglas & Co. Detroit, and that's exactly why it was so great.

Launching in November 2014, husband and wife, Shane and Melissa Douglas, founded Douglas & Co. to celebrate the unique characteristics of individuals. The couple also became inspired by the behind the scenes and creation of handmade leather goods.

Inspired by the diversity of people, not only in Detroit but everywhere, the brand offers a limited run of products within a series -- only about 20-50. This commitment is to treat each product as a treasure and make everything even more unique, which customers will value for years to come. Each product comes with a certificate saying so.

Each part of the manufacturing process, including cutting, stitching and packaging, takes place locally. When designing, the couple is inspired by the beautiful places, designs and people of Detroit.

If weren't able to make it to the grand opening, head over to the store! You can purchase something made right here in the city that will last you a lifetime. Congrats, Shane & Melissa!

Oh, Shop It: Nordstrom Rack Opening Its Doors in Novi

Image from Nordstrom Rack

Nordstrom Rack, a popular discount retail chain, is opening its doors in Novi on Friday, August 26. The store will be located in West Oaks, on Novi Road across from Twelve Oaks Mall. This is the fifth Nordstrom Rack in Michigan with other locations in Troy, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor and Lake Orion.

Nordstrom Rack is a discount version of the department store Nordstrom, with most of its product coming from there at prices 30-70% off. This means great designer pieces for a fraction of the price. You can also shop online, unlike other discount stores such as Marshall's or TJ Maxx. Brands range from Kate Spade to Cole Haan to Nike.

Nordstrom Rack opened up their first store in the basement of a Nordstrom store in 1973 in Seattle. They make up about a fifth of Nordstrom's total sales and have made over $2.5 billion in sales since 2013. In 2017, Nordstrom Rack plans on opening stores in Canada which will begin its global expansion.

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.

Always Brewing Detroit's Third Birthday | Friday, August 26
Join Always Brewing Detroit as they celebrate their third year of being in business. It will be a singer-songwriter night with catering by Esto's Garage and, of course, coffee. It will be a night of celebration, music and yummy goodies that you won't want to miss. This event will go from 6 to 9 p.m.

Always Brewing Detroit is located at 19180 Grand River Ave., in Detroit.


Gypsi Dreamz 1 Year Anniversary Celebration | Saturday, August 27
Come celebrate the one year anniversary of the interior design boutique, Gypsi Dreamz! Shop and hang out from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Gypsi Dreamz is located at 31561 Harper Ave., in St. Clair Shores.


Detroit Burger Brawl 2016 | Saturday, August 27
Metro Detroit restaurants will be competing for the title of Burger Brawl 2016's champion at this awesome event. From 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., attendees will get the chance to sample burgers from all of the featured restaurants. You also get to vote for your favorites, and the top four will create a special burger for the celebrity judges. The focus of this event is to promote local restaurants and chefs, as well as the historic Eastern Market.

Eastern Market is located at 2934 Russell St., in Detroit.


DIYpsi Summer Festival | Saturday, August 27 and Sunday, August 28
Come out to Arbor Brewing Company Microbrewery for a spectacular summer send-off. There will be numerous vendors selling handmade goods, an awesome line up of indie music and fair foods with a gourmet twist. There will also be carnival games and a petting zoo. For more information, click here.


Cider Dayze 2016 | Saturday, August 27 and Sunday, August 28
Come out Blake's Orchard for the 2nd annual Cider Dayze, Michigan's premiere cider fest. There will be fun games from a silent disco to beer pong to corn hole. There will also be live music, and of course all the cider you can imagine. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

Blake's Orchard is located at 17985 Armada Center Rd., in Armada.

Oh, Shop It: A Hands-Free, Luxury Leather Bag

Ever thought you could have a beautiful, luxury leather bag that is hands free? Well now you can, thanks to Left-Handed Branded.

The Mula is the perfect everyday bag that will meet your needs and be entirely conventional. You can use it for groceries or work/school, and it works as a bike bag. The great thing is, is that it's unisex. Another important thing with this bag, is that it's extremely comfortable and provides high performance and durability. There are a few different options for any taste: black canvas, denim fabric, and brown and black leather.

Each bag is offered in a small, medium or large size, but the Kickstarter size is medium, suitable for men and women.

As of August 23, you can pledge your support to the Mula bag via Kickstarter. If you help back the bag, you can get many different early bird specials, as well as receiving the bag before anyone else! Make sure to get them before they're gone because they are not retail prices. Here's what you can get based on your donation:

• $5 - Sewn Postcard
• $35 - 35mm Limited Edition Ankle Strap
• $40 - Avocado Vegan Wallet
• $40 - Avocado Leather Wallet
• $49 - Limited Edition Ankle Strap and Bandana
• $169 - Denim Saddlebag *Limited Quantity Available - Early Bird
• $189 - Denim Saddlebag *Kickstarter Exclusive
• $220 - Canvas Saddlebag *Limited Quantity Available - Early Bird
• $250 - Canvas Saddlebag *Kickstarter Exclusive
• $500 - Leather Saddlebag *Limited Quantity Available - Early Bird
• $550 - The Mula Leather *Limited Quantity Available - Early Bird
• $595 - The Mula Leather *Kickstarter Exclusive (BEST DEAL - price is estimated to be $1,250)

You definitely don't want to miss out on these incredible deals, so donate today! For more information on Left-Handed Branded, click here, and for more information on the Mula and Kickstarter, click here.

Local Designer Series: A Versatile Designer Creates an Even More Versatile Product

Emma Dawda went from working in the automotive industry in Detroit to making her dream of designing into reality. Her brand, emma.do, creates versatile sweaters for any and every occasion. They're perfect for everything from chilly offices to spending the day at a Tigers game to brunching with your friends. Learn more about Emma and how she got her start.

DGG: Tell us about yourself, Emma.

Emma Dawda: I have been in a dedicated relationship with fashion and design since I was about three years old. My entire childhood was spent making outfits for my Barbies out of old scraps of fabric and setting new trends in the 2nd grade by wearing mismatched socks. I got a sewing machine for my 10th birthday and I never turned back. I am a true hands-on creative. The minute an idea pops in my head I have to rush and sketch it out and by then I'm already picking out fabrics and figuring out the process for sewing.  Starting my own creative business just felt natural to me. I love my home state of Michigan, and I feel so lucky that Detroit is finally getting the attention it deserves when it comes to the art and design scene here. I look forward to the days of people moving here for internships and careers in design!

DGG: Tell us about emma.do.

ED: emma.do is an effortless apparel brand offering cozy women's sweaters that can be easily layered and transformed.  With one quick twist you can turn a warm, oversized sweater into a chic and stylish scarf. Creating a versatile, yet fashionable piece was the main focus behind starting my own brand. I wanted something that was flattering, comfortable, and most of all, beautiful. emma.do has been around for less a year, but it has already grown from selling sweaters out of my trunk (yes, literally) to setting up shop in the beautiful Eastern Market on the weekends. I'm excited to see where it will be in another year.

DGG: What made you want to start this collection? Do you plan on expanding?

ED: emma.do was born out of pure frustration and the desire to have an outlet for creative expression. I was working in the automotive industry and feeling squashed of all of my creative abilities. I had always had an idea in the back of my mind for starting my own business, but it came to fruition one day when I was freezing at my desk under the A/C in the dead of summer. I was huddled under a gigantic blanket scarf trying to stay warm when I thought "Here's the problem that I need to solve!" I was fed up with keeping a ratty old cardigan at my desk to stay warm so when I got home that night I sewed my very first "emma.do". I wanted a simple design that could fit over any outfit without having to worry about how it would look. I mixed the look of a scarf with a shrug and came up with an oversized sweater that can be easily twisted into a scarf if you are throwing on a jacket or just want something cozy around your neck. This simple design can look professional and classic when worn at work, but can also look very laid-back and chic when layered with a white tee and distressed denim. One day I do hope to expand into more knitwear and apparel, but for now I'm happy focusing on growing my business as it is. Stay tuned though because you never know what I have up my sleeve!

DGG: What types of fabrics are emma.do's made out of? Can one purchase a few emma.do's for every season?

ED: The emma.do's are made out of multiple fabrics so that people can either choose one for every season, or pick a mid-weight knit to wear all year-round. I started with a lightweight cotton French terry and classic ponte knit and added boiled wool and fleece for the winter. I've tried to find fabrics that can be easily folded up so that you can keep one in your purse for times when the A/C kicks on unexpectedly. It's like a stylish safety blanket to keep with you at all times!

DGG: What's been the hardest part about starting a fashion business?

ED: The hardest part has definitely been finding good quality fabrics at a decent price. I am the type of shopper that always picks out the most expensive thing in the store, so I constantly have to reel myself in because I don't want to charge an absurd amount for one of my sweaters. Pricing items in the handmade industry is very tricky. You have to show your customers why it is worth spending a certain amount on your product when they might be able to go to Target and buy something similar for a quarter of the price. It takes a bit of handiwork and it's been a struggle, but I think there are more and more people out there who are excited to see what local crafters and artists are capable of doing and I think they are more willing to support them.

DGG: If some one came to you and told you they wanted to start their own fashion company, what advice (or warning) would you give to them?

ED: I would definitely tell someone who wanted to start their own fashion company to research everything as much as possible. Look into every resource you can find and read book after book on owning a business and being your own boss. I am still very new to all of this, and I'm learning new things everyday, but educating yourself on even the smallest things will help when issues arise. I would also tell them to get out there and talk with other small business owners. Visit Eastern Market on the weekends and find out what others have done to get to where they are. It's nice to see successful businesses doing what they love, but it is also important to notice the weak spots so you can make note of them when it's your turn to be in charge.

DGG: If you could dress anyone in your emma.do's, who would it be and why?

ED: The thing that I love about my emma.do's is that I would love to dress Meryl, Streep but also Gigi Hadid. I think Meryl would look gorgeous in a black boiled wool emma.do over a crisp white button down and tailored denim. With Gigi, she could throw on a casual grey knit emma.do over her Calvin Klein sports bra and high-waisted leggings for the gym and still look just as pulled together as Meryl. The design works for all ages, all styles, and all body types and that was exactly my goal when designing my emma.do's.

DGG: How do you keep your workspace?

ED: My workspace is partly clean and tidy and partly organized chaos. It is a little difficult to sew without ending up covered in bits of thread, but I try my best to keep my sewing space clean and pulled together because I work better when things are organized.  However, my fabric cutting space is definitely more chaotic but organized. Anyone who sews will agree with me when I say that sewing turns you into a fabric hoarder. There just isn't a way around it. I hate to throw out any leftover fabric even if it is just a little square of something because I might be able to do something with it! I try to keep all of that as organized as I can in boxes and clear bins, but after a while it just piles up and looks kind of messy.

DGG: How do you take your coffee?

ED: Just a bit of half and half preferably in hazelnut coffee, but if I'm treating myself at Starbucks or something, I get a skinny vanilla latte or a caramel macchiato.

DGG: Crew neck or V neck sweaters?

ED: Crewneck all day everyday. My go-to outfit has always been a crewneck sweater with a statement necklace, tailored ankle pants and a kitten-heel pump. Can't go wrong in my book!

DGG: Jenna Lyons or Sophia Amoruso?

ED: That's a tough one! I love them both so much. My two favorite #Girlbosses for sure. I'm going to cheat and say both because Sophia's drive and ambition cannot be ignored while Jenna's style and ability to revamp a brand entirely has made her a very inspirational corporate leader.