City Guide 2019: The Metro Detroit Shops That Locals Are Loving

Fashion and beauty enthusiasts are sure to uncover new and unexpected finds
shopping
Jen Lorenz, Ferndale

It is a fan camper. And her name’s Fanny. This summer, she will be seven years old.

Shops in this region have an eye for the offbeat — with offerings that include a mix of things new and vintage, imported and local, but stylish through and through. Take Jen Style Vintage, owned by Dearborn resident Jen Lorenz, who had been selling her collection of vintage clothing at local markets for years.

Lorenz always struggled to unpack and re-pack her car with her pieces before and after every event.

“There were these fashion campers popping up,” she says, “and I was like, ‘I want to do that.’ ” Lorenz has been operating her business out of an air stream ever since.

In metro Detroit, almost every store boasts this kind of specialized approach. Each assuming a personality that only metro Detroit-born businesses can.

From indie and cruelty-free cosmetics sold at Ann Arbor’s Vosenna, to handmade denim aprons at Detroit Denim, the retail scene offers something special for everyone. Here, a shopper’s guide to the area.

—Lakshmi Varanasi


Shopping Destinations to Add to Your To-Do List

shopping
Photograph courtesy of Thistle & Bess

Thistle & Bess

Specializing in handcrafted pieces, the charming shop sells a careful curation of home, fashion, and beauty items. 222 N. Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor; 734-369-6092; thistleandbess.com

Carhartt

This fifth-generation company has been producing durable men’s and women’s workwear since 1889 and recently announced a partnership with the Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center to further Detroit’s emerging apparel industry. 5800 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-831-1274; carhartt.com

Detroit Denim

This outfitter crafts handmade, premium denim apparel —including jeans, skirts, and even aprons — for men and women of all sizes. 2987 Franklin St., Detroit; 313-626-9216; detroitdenim.com

Fab’rik

When it opens later this summer, the stylish boutique will focus on high fashion without the high price tag. 123 W. Maple, Birmingham; 404-816-6221; fabrikstyle.com

Ferndale Vintage Fashion Market

A bi-annual market offering some of the most unique vintage pieces in metro Detroit. The Rustbelt Market, 22801 Woodward Ave.; Detroit; 810-441-0956; rustbeltmarket.com

Ferne Boutique

Opening its Detroit location in 2018, this boutique is big on supporting locally owned accessories brands. New styles arrive daily, so something different is always waiting inside. 1228 Griswold St., Detroit; 313-285-8427; ferneboutique.com

John Varvatos

Head to the contemporary menswear designer’s store for everything from tailored jackets to stylish leather shoes. 1500 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-437-8095; johnvarvatos.com

Moon River Soap Company

Every hand-poured bar of Moon River soap is made with a nourishing mix of olive oil, botanicals, and pure essential oils. 339 E. St., Rochester; 248-930-9467; moonriversoap.com

State and Liberty

A breakthrough in menswear, this new clothier sells professional dress shirts that are moisture-wicking, lightweight, and suited for men with an athletic build. 212 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; stateandliberty.com

Studio 9 Salon Mobile Hair and Makeup Studio

Complete with styling chairs, mirrors, professional lighting, and up to six of Studio 9’s licensed cosmetologists, the mobile salon is convenient for weddings and other events that require the full glam. 37717 Mound Rd., Sterling Heights; 596-274-9996; studio9salon.com

Vanelslander Cashmere

This Detroit-based company sells luxurious yet comfortable cashmere accessories and clothing pieces from the lobby of the Siren Hotel. 1509 Broadway St., Detroit; 313-277-4736

Vosenna

A beauty retailer that focuses on indie cosmetics, skincare, and haircare that are not tested on animals and made in the U.S. An online shop is also available. 2386 E. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor; 734-929-4356; vosenna.com

Xenophora

Founded by Detroit native, Karissma Yve, who taught herself how to make jewelry, this local brand sells silver jewelry and objects inspired by “the curiosities of the ancient world and visions of the future.” 4719 16th St., No. 1, Detroit; 313-284-1844; By appointment only; xenaphoraobjects.com