Do It: Sustainable Fashion Exhibition and Panel

William + Bonnie, a cut and sew workroom located in Hamtramck, is hosting a one night event on July 27 all about sustainable fashion. This includes a fashion show with four local designers who utilize ethical and sustainable design practices in their collections. Following the fashion show, there will be a panel discussion.

Photo c/o Facebook event

The designers that will be featured in the fashion show are Anjali Purohit of Studio Variously, Leslie Ann Pilling of Blank-itti-Blank, Abigail Rist of Haute Cloth, and Nabeela Najjar of Seamstressbee.

The speakers that will be on the panel are Shermane Fouche of Apparel Pattern Services, Anjali Purohit, and Erin Wetzel of Orleans + Winder.

This event is from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and will be held at the LTU Detroit Center for Design and Technology, which is located at 4219 Woodward Ave., in Detroit. This is a free event but donations are encouraged.

By Alex Donlin

Knowledge is Power: The Basics of Starting a Boutique

credit: iprachenko/iStock/GettyImages

If you're looking to open your own clothing store, chances are you've already had experience working in retail for a small or large store. You're knowledgable in the day-to-day processes and procedures, you know all about the current fashion trends and what brings in foot traffic, and you're ready to do it on your terms. 

Skills and experience, however, aren’t the only things that will make a boutique successful. Learning the basic needs of opening and running a boutique is also necessary. A basic knowledge can be a good advantage when it comes to sales.  Here are some of the basics that entrepreneurs should know before opening, running and growing a boutique.

Researching and Planning

Researching and planning can be more fun than boring. This will solidify your goals and dreams for the boutique, and it's a great tool that will help entrepreneurs when tracking the things needed for the boutique. 

There are times that people tend to forget things, so it is important for an entrepreneur to keep track of everything, especially the little details. After researching and planning, an entrepreneur will already have a good vision on what road the boutique will take including the target market, merchandise planning, and store aesthetic. 

Business Plan. This plan must be on the priority list of every entrepreneur. The business plan serves as the record of the plans, strategies, and goals. It is the first key to success. The business plan should include information regarding the financial aspects and operational procedures of the boutique. 

Marketing Plan. There is a lot of competition in the clothing industry, and it is important that startups have a detailed marketing plan that will aid in bringing customers to the boutique properly. It is wise to list the possible marketing strategies that will work for the boutique, and must include the expected amount of expenses for the marketing strategies.

The Right Location

Location, location, location. Choosing a location can be exciting, but is going to be a lot of work figuring out where exactly your customers are going to shop. Is your location home-based? Maybe your'e doing strictly online sales. Or maybe you'd rather go a mobile or brick-and-mortar site. All are important to consider for the success of your boutique.

About the Funding

It is common for startup entrepreneurs to think twice before opening a boutique or business because they lack money necessary to get started. Some entrepreneurs get denied by banks, especially when they are asking for loans. Even if the business has been successfully set up, funding can still be a little tough. 

Bootstrapping, crowdfunding, small business loans, angel investors and venture capital is a great help. There are various ways, and entrepreneurs should just know what fits them or what method they can use considering their financial situation.

Stocking the Right Merchandise

After researching, planning, and funding, it's time for operation. For better operations, the shelves and racks of the boutique should never be empty, so shoppers always have something to look through.

Always stay on top of the latest trends, but make sure you are picking what works best for your customer and prioritize those items on displays. Make sure to consider the season and display the appropriate clothing items. Installing good lighting and a decent fitting room is important, too. Create an inviting and homey vibe by painting neutral colors on the wall.

Author Bio

Stephanie Wheatly is a fashion blogger and an entrepreneur who focuses on business and fashion. Before changing her career, she worked as a legal researcher who enjoys researching about business changes and trends. When she is free, Stephanie usually spends time at home where she can write and relax at her pace.

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 Michigan Lavender Festival Facebook

Concert of Colors: Detroit's 25th Annual Diversity Festival | Wednesday, July 12 through Sunday, July 16
The Concert of Colors is a FREE celebration of the amazing music in Detroit and the many ethnicities and cultures that are present in Southeast Michigan. All performances are free and open to the public, and will on or near Woodward Avenue in Midtown. For a full schedule and where the performances are, click here.

Wine Tasting at The Whitney | Thursday, July 13
Join Neighborhood SEEN Magazine and Styleshack to celebrate summer with a wine tasting at The Whitney! For $15 you get the wine tasting, hors d'ouevres and live music from Escaping Pavements. This is a 21+ only event. Get your tickets here.

The Whitney is located at 4421 Woodward Ave., in Detroit.

Farm to Fashion Fundraiser and Silent Auction | Thursday, July 13
In hopes of purchasing the perfect new location, William + Bonnie is hosting a fundraiser and silent auction. This will be held at Orleans + Winder from 6 to 8 p.m. You can find out more information on this event from our previous post, here.

Orleans + Winder is located at 2501 Russell St. Suite 200, in Detroit.

2017 Michigan Lavender Festival | Friday, July 14 through Sunday, July 16
Blake Farms is hosting their annual Michigan Lavender Festival all weekend! This is a total Made-in-Michigan event, which features over 175 Michigan artists, craftspeople and local area farms. There will be lavender workshops, wellness classes, a gourmet lunch, wagon rides to tour the farm and orchards, and so much more. Admission is $7 for adults and kids under 12 are free. The ticket prices includes seats to all classes.

Blake Farms is located at 17985 Armada Center Rd., in Armada.

Forever 21 Grand Re-Opening at Somerset Collection | Saturday, July 15
Celebrate the grand re-opening of Forever 21 at the Somerset Collection from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The first 200 customers in line will receive a free Forever 21 gift card valued from $10 to $210, so make sure you're not fashionably late.

Somerset Collection is located at 2800 W. Big Beaver Rd., in Troy.

1st Annual Detroit Festival of Books | Sunday, July 16
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the first annual Detroit Festival of Books will be taking place at Shed 5 in Eastern Market! This is the first ever used and rare books festival in the city of Detroit, and it's totally free and open to the public. All vendors will be able to keep 100% of their profits.

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

2017 Detroit Latin Festival | Sunday, July 16
From noon to 7 p.m. enjoy live performances from across Latin America, DJs, family fun, food, games, shopping and so much more! For more information on the festival and the entertainment line up, click here.

The festival will be held at 3041 Vernor Hwy., in Detroit.

Oh, Shop It: Owner of Peacock Room to Open New Store in Fisher Building

The owner of popular Midtown clothing stores the Peacock Room and Frida will be opening a third store in August in the Fisher Building.

Photo c/o Detroit Free Press, Romain Blanquart

The name of the new store is Yama, named after Detroit architect Minoru Yamasaki, who designed the original World Trade Center. The store will feature edgy, contemporary clothing for women. You can expect lots of clean lines and asymmetrical accents.

"I had no plans of any physical expansion,'' said Rachel Lutz, the owner of the stores, in a Detroit Free Press article. "The Fisher Building approached me. How can you say no to the Fisher Building? ... It's just magnificent architecture. I really wanted to send a statement that I believe in the future of New Center and the North End."

The Peacock Room, opened in 2013, has more of a vintage appeal, while Frida, opened in 2014, is more of a bohemian edge. Lutz's stores sell clothing in sizes 00-26, making them appealing to women all over Metro Detroit.

Stay tuned for more updates on Yama.

By Alex Donlin

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.

American Polish Festival and Craft Show | Friday, July 7
Celebrate Polish heritage at the 37th Annual American Polish Festival and Craft Show. Sample homemade food, the best polish music line up and the original Pole Dancer Beer. This festival is a family friendly event that you won't want to miss.

The American-Polish Century Club is located at 33204 Maple Lane Dr., in Sterling Heights.


DSO at Ford House | Friday, July 7 and Saturday, July 8
Celebrate the summer with a Grosse Pointe tradition taking place during two magical evenings on the lakeside lawn of the enchanting Ford House estate. Aram Demirjian conducts the Detroit Symphony Orchestra with your favorite Hollywood hits on Friday, and an evening of Symphonic Enchantment on Saturday. Both nights end with a grand finale fireworks show accompanied by DSO. The entire grounds will be open to guests to walk through, picnics are allowed, and food and beverages are available for purchase. Tickets are available at www.dso.org/summer, and general admission is $20 for adults and $12 for children. Grounds open at 6 p.m. with the concert beginning at 8 p.m. and fireworks capping off the evening around 9:30 p.m.

The Edsel & Eleanor Ford House is located at 1100 Lake Shore Rd., in Grosse Pointe Shores.


Sky Over Champagne | Saturday, July 8
TH Muller Galleri is please to present Sky Over Champagne by photographer Boswell, happening from 7 to 10 p.m. Enjoy a collection of Parisian and Detroit street scenes, fashion and portraits featured in black and white, and displayed in many formats including paper, metal and canvas. Meet and enjoy a drink with the man himself while browsing an incredibly real and gritty collection that is a feast for the eyes.

TH Muller Galleri is located at 2987 Franklin St., in Detroit.


Chicago Taste Fest | Saturday, July 8
Experience Chicago through your tastebuds at the Chicago Taste Fest happening from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Detroit. For $65, a bus will take you from 8 Mile and Woodward all the way to Taste Fest in the windy city. Tickets can be purchased here.


Ponyride Market | Saturday, July 8
Building upon the successful annual Holiday Makers Market, the Ponyride Market will continue its Summer Series from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. starting on Saturday, July 8 and continuing on the second Saturday of each month. The markets will be located at Ponyride and will feature a rotating cast of vendors with vintage, salvage and handmade goods, plus artisan food and drinks.

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

Do It: William & Bonnie Fundraiser and Silent Auction

William & Bonnie is hosting a fundraiser and silent auction on July 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. to help them raise money for a new location and new projects!

Photo c/o event Facebook

This event is to help William & Bonnie purchase a new space that would allow them to bring a variety of small-scale, sustainable practices to the Detroit textile and fashion industries. They are also planning on planting a garden of beets and berries to use as fabric dye and coordinating textile compost. There would also be community events and workshops surrounding the behind-the-scenes of the textile industry.

William & Bonnie is halfway to their goal and have already been approved for 75% of project implementation costs! Come out and support a unique part of Detroit's textile industry with this amazing event while also picking up some new goods.

The event will be taking place at Orleans + Winder, which is located at 2501 Russell St. #200 in Detroit. You can find out more information about their Farm to Fashion plans here.

By Alex Donlin

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 Thrift World Facebook

Thrift World | Thursday, June 29
From 6 to 11 p.m., enjoy BBQ food, drinks, music, and of course, all the vintage clothes your heart desires. There will be women's and men's high-end vintage wear, unique thrifted finds, era-specific items, vintage sports and street wear, accessories, brand new Simplified Clothing, and more! This is definitely a shopping event you don't want to miss.

This event is located at 1480 Gratiot Ave., in Detroit.

Night at the Museum: Intro to European Modern Art | Friday, June 30
The DIA is hosting an event to bring together young professionals in an art-enthused setting for "A Night in the Museum." This quarterly event increases awareness of exhibits/programs at the DIA and creates a culture of new art enthusiasts in Metro Detroit. The first installment of this mixer gives an introduction to European Modern Art by curator Jill Shaw. There will also be live music by blues singer Thornetta Davis and a cash bar in the Kresge Court. This is a free event from 6 to 10 p.m., but make sure to register here.

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

Michigan Rib Fest 2017 | Friday, June 30 through Sunday, July 2
All weekend, everyone is welcome to come out and enjoy the best BBQ from across the state in Downtown Royal Oak! Aside from BBQ and other food, there will be multiple stages for music, a kids zone and yummy drinks. There will be a $3 entry fee, and for more information, click here.

Drop-In Indigo Dye Workshop | Saturday, July 1
A Wool Story is hosting a pop-up workshop at Eldorado General Store from 2 to 5 p.m. to learn all about Indigo dyeing and Japanese shibori techniques. Cotton bandanas will be provided, but feel free to bring your own white shirts or light colored garments. You'll also bring home instructions to recreate the designs in your own home. It's $40 and there is no limit to how many people can come.

Eldorado General Store is located at 1700 Michigan Ave., in Detroit.

Uptown Toast | Saturday, July 1
The monthly wine social "Uptown Toast" is back at the Livernois "Pop Up" Shop from 4 to 8 p.m. for great wines and great times. Sample wines from around the world and shop from great artisan vendors. You can also explore all the Livernois has to offer.

Livernois "Pop Up" Shop is located at 19410 Livernois Ave., in Detroit.

Eastern Market Bike Tour | Saturday, July 1
From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., explore Detroit on a bike ride starting at the RiverWalk, then to the Dequindre Cut, and then through Eastern Market. This tour will include information on the area's history and current development plans. You'll also get the chance to see the district's magnificent murals and do some shopping. Depending on time, the tour will also stop in Lafayette Park on the way back, which is home to the largest grouping of Mies van der Rohe buildings in the world. This tour is $30, or $40 with a bike rental, and you can purchase tickets and see the rest of the tour schedule here. The tour will start and finish at Wheelhouse Detroit Bike Shop.

Wheelhouse Detroit Bike Shop is located at 1340 Atwater St., in Detroit.

La La Land | Sunday, July 2
So Long Sunday will be closing out its bicentennial themed "City of Stars" season with a showing of the Oscar and Golden Globe-winning film, La La Land, starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. The movie starts at 10 p.m. at the Rackham Stage.

Rackham Stage is located at 915 E. Washington St., in Ann Arbor.