Money Can't Buy You Happiness...

...but the citizens of downtown Birmingham might beg to differ.  This is a town of affluence- as can be seen by the designer diaper bags carried by moms in the park, the price listings on the real estate market, The Townsend Hotel (aka the go-to spot for any and all celebrities staying in Oakland County), and the price tag on… well, just about anything in any store on Main Street.  There’s a big contrast here between the obvious locals and the casual shoppers from out-of-town.  But that’s not to say they’re not any less important- economically or fashionably.  Like a migrating flock of birds, these outsiders play their part in downtown Birmingham perhaps without even realizing their effect.

One trend that I found prominent- that even surpassed county limits on its quest for fashion dominance- was playful back cut-outs.  They’re the perfect combination of form and function- the small flash of skin is slightly mischievous without coming off as over-revealing, while also providing ventilation in the stifling summer weather.  But unlike in Ann Arbor, the trend was translated into a bolder statement- paired with neon, cut in a more interesting pattern, placed in a more unique spot on the garment, etc.

But there were also a greater number of casual statements to be found- my favorite of which being high-waisted cut-off shorts.  They made a much bigger impact than their common low-cut, cuffed counterparts that I had to stop and take a second look.  Wearers of the trend love that they’re enabled to wear cropped shirts without necessarily revealing more skin, and that the shorts have a really cool vintage feel (as a matter of fact, lots of girls look for such shorts specifically in stores like The Salvation Army, because such styles aren’t uncommon there and available for next to nothing).

Also spotted, as predicted, was the maxidress.  Formerly relegated to strictly tropic wear, this flattering style has recently crossed over into city and suburban settings alike.  Stores offer countless varieties of the dress and, since it looks good on virtually any body type, shoppers can’t seem to get enough!  And when paired with a statement shoe (or, let’s be real, anything paired with a good shoe) it can be the simplest formula of chic known to woman.

To keep it brief: the women of Birmingham certainly know how to dress themselves.  From the accessories at The Pink Pump to the shoes of Tender, downtown hosts every store needed to create a head-to-toe look.  Next week I’ll be back with a new city and perhaps a few purchases of my own.  Until then, readers, keep it classy :)

My favorite look of the day