Category: Shopping
Posted by Kara Morrison on Sat, Sep 20, 2008 at 9:52 PMCollege students get a discount at Birch Run outlets
If you haven't been to the Prime Outlets at Birch Run lately, you may be surprised to see several new stores. Under Armour Factory House, Chico's, Clarks Bostonian Outlet and Doodle Dog Bakery have all opened at the center. Next month, a new Restoration Hardware Clearance is expected to open as well.
Now through Sept. 30, college students, faculty and staff have an additional incentive to make the trip to the 145 outlet shops. Those who show a valid college I.D. at the Guest Services Center will receive a guide to special discounts at 38 participating stores, including Aeropostale, J. Crew Factory Store, Nike Factory Store, Old Navy and Tommy Hilfiger.
Prime Outlets-Birch Run is located at exit 136 on I-75. Other popular stores include Pottery Barn Outlet, Banana Republic Factory Store, Coach Factory and American Eagle Outfitters. Visit the center's Web site for more information.
Category: Shopping
Posted by Kara Morrison on Sat, Sep 20, 2008 at 1:17 PMEverything is $6.98 at Steve & Barry's Eastland Center store
Fans of Sarah Jessica Parker's Bitten collection and Stephon Marbury's Starbury brand should check out Steve & Barry's at Eastland Center in Harper Woods this weekend. The store is closing Sept. 24th as part of the company's reorganization plan following bankruptcy. EVERYTHING at the Steve & Barry's Eastland Center store has been marked down to $6.98 or less. Most other Steve & Barry's stores in Metro Detroit will remain open.
Category: Television
Posted by Kara Morrison on Thu, Sep 18, 2008 at 2:28 AMJoe Faris finally heads home on "Project Runway"
Fans of Metro Detroiter Joe Faris were a little sad tonight to see their favorite "Project Runway" contestant go home. But that he did after trying to dress a recent college grad for the work world.
Tonight's big winner was Jerell Scott, who managed the biggest transformation of the night. I personally thought Korto's outfit was more flattering on her "model," but Jerell definitely created a look his client and the judges (including guest judge Cynthia Rowley) loved.
The night was a bit rough for Leanne Marshall and for Suede (Stephen Whitney Baum), whose 80s jacket with flared sleeves could have been his ticket home. Instead, judges faulted Joe for making a cliche pinstripe suit that lacked any wow factor. Menswear is in, but his look wasn't enough of a new take. Still, Faris had a great run on the show, making it to the top six designers and even to Bryant Park, where last week he presented a collection to the best in the industry. Not a bad ending at all! Good luck, Joe!
Category: Television
Posted by Kara Morrison on Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 5:10 PMJoe Faris among the six "Project Runway" designers at Fashion Week
Whatever happens on the show, "Project Runway's" remaining six designers were all big winners this week when they ended up in the tents at Bryant Park, showing at New York Fashion Week.
Because the finale won't air until next month, all six remaining designers were able to show their collections on Friday. Otherwise, viewers would known who the top three designers are. Overall, I did think the collections were a little less stellar than previous seasons. Season Four winner Christian Siriano also showed a new collection at Fashion Week that reminded us why he won last year.
For a sneak peak at the collections, visit Blogging Project Runway. After browsing, my prediction for a winner would have to be Korto. Faris showed some more sophisticated work than he did on the show, and I loved the ball gown with the leather corset, but otherwise I didn't completely relate to the woman he was dressing. The cropped leather corsets were a little too Stella for me. But overall, it was fun to see their efforts.
Category: Television
Posted by Kara Morrison on Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 2:22 AMJoe Faris makes the top six on "Project Runway"
Metro Detroiter Joe Faris had a good night on "Project Runway." In this episode, the remaining eight designers were paired with the eight eliminated designers and asked to make an avant garde look based on their zodiac signs. Faris was paired with Daniel, and I thought the two of them created the night's best look. However, a panel of former "Project Runway" winners and contestants thought Jerell Scott's creation was better. He was the night's big winner with a silhouette that was really interesting, and a fabric choice that was puzzling.
The night couldn't have been worse for Blayne Walsh and Terri Stevens. Blayne, paired with Stella, created another diapered look that the judges agreed was a terrible joke. Terri chose cheap fabric and ultimately was sent home for a bad attitude. She and her partner Keith Bryce both acted like babies. The judges were quick to point out you can't work in fashion if you can't get along with people who work with/for you.
The luckiest designer of the night was Kenley Collins, who created a outfit best described as a parody of the wicked stepsisters in Cinderella. The plaid dress with balloon sleeves, a leather corset and a floral skirt was among the worst things we've seen yet on this season of "Project Runway." And I must say, there have been an awful lot of misses on this Fifth Season.
Old Navy puts baby gear, fall favorites on sale
I took a quick stroll through Old Navy today and found some cute temptations, including a faux leather quilted tote in some fun colors for $34.50 and a sleeveless rugby-inspired dress for $26.50.
If you're in need of good baby gifts or baby clothes, check out Old Navy's "Big Style for Baby & Toddler Baby Sale" now through Sept. 18. Many baby and toddler styles are 40 percent off the original price.
Category: Shopping
Posted by Kara Morrison on Fri, Sep 5, 2008 at 2:00 PMGreenPan on sale at Macys.com
I found out about Martha Stewart's GreenPan while writing an Earth Day story last year, and I have to say I love the one I bought for myself. Instead of Teflon that can flake off, it has a ceramic-based non-stick surface that's a dream to cook with and to clean. The GreenPans are on sale at Macys.com right now during the Macy's one-day sale that ends tomorrow, Sept. 6. I haven't checked to see if they're on sale in stores, also, but they typically match their online prices. An 11-inch GreenPan fry pan is now $29.99 (was $34.99).
Category: Television
Posted by Kara Morrison on Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 3:41 AMStella says goodbye on "Project Runway"
To be brief, Stella Zotis finally got called on her taste level and construction and had to go home tonight, while Leanne won another "Project Runway" challenge. Who knew the shy designer would rise to be such a stand-out! In Tim Gunn's blog, he credited Metro Detroiter Joe Faris for having some good ideas that simply didn't come together. Only eight designers are left!
Category: Shopping
Posted by Kara Morrison on Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 4:46 PMFlair Boutique opens Rochester store
Fans of Flair Boutique in Royal Oak can rejoice. Owner Sandhya Huchingson is opening a second location. Thursday, Sept. 4, marks the store's grand opening at 431 Main St. in downtown Rochester. The opening party runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and promises music and refreshments. For those who aren't familiar with the charming store, it offers new, vintage and handmade men's and women's clothing and jewelry. Fans of Handmade Detroit artists will also recognize merchandise by local artists.
Category: Fashion
Posted by Kara Morrison on Tue, Sep 2, 2008 at 9:07 PMMost Michigan Steve & Barry's stores to stay open
If you've wondered what will happen to the many local Steve & Barry's stores now that the company is undergoing financial restructuring following bankruptcy, we finally have some news. Most of the stores will stay open!
Of all the local stores, only Steve & Barry's at Eastland Center in Harper Woods will be closing. That store is currently having a store-closing sale, but no word on its final closing date.
The rest of the stores will remain open, including Steve & Barry's at Fairlane Town Center in Dearborn, Frenchtown Mall in Monroe, Lakeside Mall in Sterling Heights, Macomb Mall in Roseville, Oakland Mall in Troy, Port Huron Outlet Center in Kimball Township, Summit North in Waterford and the University of Michigan Steve & Barry's in Ann Arbor.
What this really means to local fashionistas is that Sarah Jessica Parker's cute sportswear remains available for under $10 at local Steve & Barry's stores.
