The Motor City will transform into Fashion City this Thursday and Friday thanks to Fashion In Detroit,  a two day showcase of 12 designers that will bring in the who's who of style in the D.  The executive committee, which includes the likes of Karen Buscemi (editor of StyleLine magazine) and Joe Farris (Project Runway finalist), has been building anticipation for weeks as they work to bring to life an event that hopefully puts Detroit on the fashion world's radar.

The full lineup of designers can be found here, and features two shows by Joe Farris and a show by Betsey Johnson.  Detroit natives Femilia Couture are lined up right before Betsey and I recommend you check them out.  I was at one of their preview shows a few weeks ago and was impressed by some of their pieces.

It's not too late to buy tickets, but you'll have to take the day off work as the event runs from 1-6 both days.  If you can't get away, there's an option to fork out $50 to attend the After Glow on Friday night.  Order your tickets here before they sell out.

I'll (tragically) already be in Chicago for the Gals' Guide Summit, but for everyone that is sticking around I'd love to hear how it went!

When Hollywood’s big time Blockbusters are looking anything but appealing, take a chance on some of the indie and foreign gems that play in select theatres.  The Detroit area has quite a few and I patron them frequently. 

DFT @ the DIA 

Often playing older art films, the Detroit Film Theatre also mixes in a few newer productions at the lovely theatre at the Detroit Institute of Arts. They typically run through the weekends and if you’re ambitious, you can squeeze in a visit to the DIA while you’re at it.   The theatre was built in the late 1920’s and is a site to see itself.  If you have time, make a stop before the showing at the equally stunning Crystal Gallery upstairs and treat yourself to a snack and beverage.  To learn more and see an upcoming listing of their features, click here.

Tip: There is parking in the lot across John R, but you can usually snag free parking on evenings and weekends in any of the metered spots that surround the block that the DIA is situated in.

Main Art & Maple Art

Both of these theatres are operated by Landmark Theatres and are known for playing an eclectic variety of films.  The Maple Art is located in Bloomfield Hills and the Main Art is located on the corner of 11 & Main right in the heart of downtown Royal Oak.  The Main Art also hosts a series of midnight showings, Midnight Movie Madness, that extends from summer through part of fall.  Featuring classic old school films like The Shining, Labyrinth, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles it's a great excuse to stay up late.   Features and showtimes can be found here.

Looking to go somewhere new for dinner?  Check out the restaurants participating in Troy Restaurant Week!  I know it's a little last minute, but you can still squeeze in reservations for tomorrow night at some of Troy's finest restaurants and pay $30 for a three-course meal (excluding drinks, tip, and tax).  Check out participating restaurants here and look through their menus for this wonderful deal. 

(Note: There's also a $15 lunch special at a few of the restaurants if you can't make it for dinner!)

Then, mark your calendars for the week of September 18th - 27th, when Detroit hosts its own Restaurant Week.  Participating restaurants will be posted soon on their site, along with menus that feature three-course meals for $27 or less (excluding drinks, tip, and tax).  Some locations will also be offering specially-priced beverages.  Check out some places you've never been to or always wanted try.  You might find a new favorite :)

If you live in the Detroit area, you know that every summer on the third Saturday in August, classic cars and 50’/60’s era nostalgia take over a 16 mile stretch of Woodward Avenue.   I’m obviously talking about the Woodward Dream Cruise.  Going on its 15th year, the Dream Cruise happens next Saturday (8/15) and is sure to draw a crowd as always.  If you live near Woodward, you’ve probably been getting a preview of what’s to come.  Participants get so pumped to show off their cars that they start cruising weeks ahead of time.

You can learn more about the history of the Dream Cruise here, but I’ll give you a few tips if you plan on attending.

-       Cost to attend is free, but bring money for parking, merch, and refreshments.

-       Parking is by far the most stressful part of the entire afternoon.  Thankfully a list of parking lots is available for out-of-towners.  If you live in or around Woodward want to check things out, I recommend walking or riding your bike.

-       If you’re a classic car enthusiast or just want some interesting photos, don’t forget to bring your camera.  Between the hot rods and the people watching, you’re sure to get some great shots.

-       Bring comfy shoes – there’s lots of walking to do. 

-       Planning to stick around for a while? Bring some lawn chairs and a cooler.  (Remember that the event is alcohol-free.)

Air pollution and noise pollution from thousands of cars isn’t exactly your thing? You could opt to attend the Green Cruise this weekend instead.  Put on by the Sierra Club, this Saturday’s anti-Dream Cruise features bikes rides, bike decoration, a parade to celebrate green transit, and lots of other fun filled eco-friendly activities.  It’ll all be going down in Ferndale from 8AM to 3PM.   Be sure to stop by the Arts and Scraps table.  They’re one of my favorite organizations that lets kids (young and old) create new art out of recycled scraps of paper, cd cases, industrial materials, and any other random item you can think of.

Looking to avoid the entire Woodward-related spectacle both weekends?  Start by NOT going near Woodward period. Seriously, avoid it like the plague.  You’ll get stuck going 5 miles per hour and want to pull your hair out.  Instead, take side streets and ONLY cross Woodward at major mile roads.  If you commute to work or live in the area – map out an alternate route for yourself beforehand to avoid traffic.  If you can walk or take your bike instead of driving, even better.  If you want to stay away from the whole thing, take your own cruise up north or west Michigan – you can’t beat it this time of year!

Following up with last month’s post about buying vintage, I wanted to let all you Detroit-area gals know about the Royal Oak Antique & Garage Sale that’s happening this weekend.  I went last year and found GREAT stuff.  It's a whole parking garage full of treasures from over 200 different vendors. So grab your friends, cash and see what you can find (only $2 for admission).  There’s also a food court set up on 6^th St. – but I’d recommend checking out some of the restaurants in the area if you’ve never been downtown to Royal Oak before. Pronto is a block away and is one of my favorites. Their Farmer's Market sandwich is amazing! You can try to find parking in the residential streets in the area or the structure between 4^th and 2^nd St., right off Washington Ave.  Happy hunting :)