A Cinderella Story

Most might accredit it to stereotype, but it seems a universal truth that woman love shoes.  there are probably lots of well thought-out theories as to why this is, but i have a humble one of my own- shoes are equalizers.  no matter what your body type, personal style, or age (to a certain extent), shoes can flatter and show off any woman's style equally well.  you don't have to look like a supermodel to wear the shoes that are in-vogue, and you can wear a bold piece without the giant statement of a stand-out garment.  a different shoe can change an outfit entirely, maximizing your wardrobe possibilities.

And in the Metro-Detroit area, the go-to place for shoes has got to be The Somerset Collection.  It's not only (in my opinion) the mall with the greatest range of high-end to bargain stores in Southeast Michigan, it's also a shoe lovers haven.

The first place I always head when on the hunt for footwear are the farthest points East and West.  At these far ends are the department stores Macy's and Nordstrom, respectively.  Both offer large selections of every kind of shoe imaginable, and generally with some great deals lurking amongst the designer collections.  No matter what season you're shopping in, a guarantee you that Macy's has some sort of mega shoe sale going on.  Don't skip over the intimidating racks just because they're crowded with people and fairly unorganized- scour all the sizes for misplaced gems at a fraction of their original cost.

A few of the fearsome, awe-inspiring sale racks of Macy's shoe department

Don't step on my blue suede shoes

A more harmless incarnation of the stud trend, done in rhinstones

On the other end of the spectrum are the specialty shoe stores.  These can be a bit more expensive (despite having small promotions of their own now and again) but also have a more on-trend selection and require a lot less effort to shop in.  Aldo is probably the most popular store in this category, though Steve Madden (which is conveniently located directly across from Aldo) is a close second.  Both offer popular styles- from sky-high platforms and over-the-knee boots to flat boyish brogues and skimpy sandals- in various colors and materials.  Prominent in my recent trip were jewel toned suedes and neutral patent leather.  And studs!  Everything was studded and spiked, which may seem like a really scary trend best left to goths, but it's actually surprisingly wearable when paired with more conservative or girly outfits.  I personally like to look for studs with a neutral color, as opposed to the harshness of black, and for ones that are more pyradmid-shaped than full out dangerous.

Overall though, I cannot stress enough the amazing potential shoe shopping to be done at Somerset.  Even most of their regular boutiques carry footwear in addition to clothing, and a dizzying array of options to choose from.  Let's not forget the prices are pretty amazing to boot (pun somewhat intented.)

Well, you've probably had enough of my chatter for one post... but you're going to have to get used to it because my busy schedule has ruined my timing and now it's about to be raining posts!  Until tomorrow, keep it classy :)

Seeing Double

This past week got a bit hectic (especially the weekend, eesh, don't get me started...) so expect a Who What Wear Double Feature this week!  Coming up?  Later today you'll get a taste of downtown Royal Oak (yes, I know another downtown area... but I can't help it, that's just where all the best little-known shops and everyday fashionistas are) and then this weekend I'll be heading to Somerset Mall with one goal in mind- shoes, shoes, and more shoes!  Until then, readers, as always... keep it classy :)

Fashion Destination: Twelve Oaks Mall

Twelve Oaks Mall may not officially be considered as the mecca of fashionistas of the Novi area, but from the turnout that can be seen meandering it's three levels, even on a gorgeous, mild, sunny evening... it may as well be.  This mall is everything a mall should aspire to be- expansive, well-rounded (not only do you have your pick of eateries and stores, but also a fantastic range from super bargains to high-end), and easy to navigate.  Shoppers flock from near and far (it’s over a thirty-minute drive for myself, but very much worth it in my opinion) to sample it’s wares.  Plus, it has a more varied selection than your average shopping center.  Twelve Oaks has one of the handful of Delia*s stores in the country, since it’s normally accessed through catalog and their web site.  They even have shops I’ve never even heard of outside this mall- including Love Culture, which is like a slightly gaudier Forever 21, and Francesca’s Collections, which is vaguely reminiscent of Anthropology, if you removed the generally absurd price tags.

 

 

 

But beyond the shops- though, truly, Twelve Oaks does have one of the greatest selections in southeast Michigan- there’s a style this mall has that’s all it’s own.  Maybe it’s because, unlike the downtown areas I’ve been frequenting for other blog posts and shopping excursions, people have the comfort of constant air conditioning, making their outfit choices less subject to Mother Nature.  Whatever the reason, there’s a definite shift in what the most common styles were elsewhere.  Here the looks seemed to be looking toward the future.  As in, the fall season- when most people regularly break out the skinny jeans, blouses, autumnal tones, and all around preppier pieces.  The cool thing here though was that I got to see them paired with classically summer accessories- bohemian sandals, messy buns and braided updos, neon jewelry and Aztec- and Navajo-inspired prints.  It’s like catching an early glimpse of that glorious phase between seasons when you can make certain combinations in your wardrobe that normally wouldn’t work.

 

 

A trend-conscious shopper in Love Culture

We also get this effect from the mannequins, which are conveniently already armed with upcoming trends and pieces fit for cooler weather.  Pairing one piece normally reserved for summer with another that seems strictly fall is the easiest way to achieve that perfect between-season balance.  I think one of the aspects I noticed most in this mall was their carefully calculated notion of fit.  Nearly every outfit I saw did a great job of playing with proportions- either by pairing a looser top with a more fitted or revealing bottom, or vice versa.  And accessories played a big role as well- Fossil was crowded with sunglass shoppers, playful jewelry was spotted on nearly every worker in the most popular boutiques, and many a customer was spotted toting smaller shopping bags, just the right size for some accents for their favorite looks.  Overall, I’d say Novi was one of my favorite stops so far.  Can’t wait to see what next week has in store for me!  Until then, readers, keep it classy :)

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

Preview: Birmingham

This week I'll be headed to the notoriously posh area of downtown Birmingham, where the only thing more upscale than the shoppers are the stores themselves.  Favorites include bohemian chain boutique Anthropologie, as well as the choice denim outfitter of the area, Caruso Caruso.  Both are favorites of shoppers both young and old, and Caruso Caruso even carries menswear.  Downtown Birmingham is also host to various jewelry and accessory stores, along with popular pampering spots such as Red Salon.

Store fronts of Caruso Caruso, Anthropologie, and Red Salon

 As for my street style predictions?  I'm anticipating maxidresses galore, designer sunglasses, flowing silhouettes and lots of variations on the sheer trend.  Because there's nothing like a little excess wealth to convince people to try out the latest and greatest fads.  I'll check back in tomorrow with the full report.  Until then, keep it classy :)

Urban Flair in A-Squared

Hello hello!  For my first post and my first city, I decided to go big with popular college town, Ann Arbor.  I've always loved Ann Arbor for it's artsy nature and perfect balance of city life and suburban ease.  The fashion downtown reflects this, even in the blazing heat of the summer sun.

Clockwise from top: A vintage store, Urban Outfitters mannequins, American Apparel's window display, more looks at UO.

The most popular stores by far are international franchises Urban Outfitters and American Apparel- the latter a bit controversial with their racy ads and overpriced, American-made goods but also known for creating comfy, colorful basics, while the former has been keeping hipsters clothed since before the term even hit pop culture.  In addition to these is the national chain boutique Pitaya, which showcases a plethora of flowing, synthetic blouses and trendy dresses.  Also in the area are a few vintage and second-hand stores- overlooked by all except the budget-conscious and most dedicated vintage fanatics on the hunt for hidden gems- and a handful of locally-owned shops whose wares range from designer goods (as can be seen by the Marc by Marc Jacobs iPad case proudly displayed in one front window) to University of Michigan themed clothing.

I did my part to help the economy, partaking in a bit of consumerism (something tells me that my choice of blog theme will result in more spending... we'll see how I resist the temptation from week to week!), but it was almost hard to do with the various well-dressed shoppers that surrounded me.   Urban Outfitters was definitely one of the most crowded shopping destinations, and not simply because it's air conditioning was a relief from the nearly 100-degree weather.  This girl in particular caught my attention.

A perfect example of an easy, chic summer outfit.  Skirts and dresses seem to outnumber shorts 2-to-1, most likely for the same reason I favor them- they're not only easier to slip on in the morning, but also keep you from feeling confined by tight-fitting fabric.  This is especially a relief on days where not sweating is not an option.  Hers is a flattering a-line in a fun pop of color, kept casual by pairing it with neutrals.  The cross-shoulder bag is not only practical but very on-trend.

My favorite look of the day was, by-far, this girl I spotted on the sidewalk.  Her dress is absolutely perfect- a color that can be worn with anything (and by anyone, for that matter) and a classic shape, contrasted by the playful cutouts that make a subtle, fashion-forward statement.  While the outfit as a whole is relatively simple, all of it's elements come together in a very striking look.  I also love the bright kelly green of her jacket, which is perfect because it adds a new focal point for when the back cutouts are covered.

Overall though, I'd have to say I couldn't have wished for a better place to start my blog!  Ann Arbor has a very defined look, especially amongst the college-aged women who flock to clean lines, flattering silhouettes, bohemian details, and a surprise shot of color.  These girls seem to have their style down to a t, and I can't wait to see what next week's city has in store for me!  Until then, keep it classy :)

Two more great examples of the quintessential cool Ann Arbor look.