Located on Lake Drive, Diamond, and Cherry lies the neighborhood of East Hills. This mix of commercial and residential area provides great shopping, amazing places to eat, and diverse places to work and live.

Connie, the owner of Rock, Paper, Scissors (a consigment boutique), discussed with me how much she loves having her store in the Blackport Building (located on Diamond). Along with this consignment boutique in the building is a variety of different stores reflecting the diverse nature of the neighborhood itself. Connie said, "I remember this neighborhood was a little on the eerie side about 10-11 years ago. I love how it's completely transformed itself into this trendy neighborhood where you can spend your entire day!"

When you're out and about during Holly Jolly, don't forget to stop in this neighborhood for food, drinks, great shopping, and voting for the best window display!

Written by: Kristen Dunn

Imagine this: a brisk winter night, snow softly falling and dancing in the wind, wandering around downtown Grand Rapids with a warm latte in your hand, holiday music playing in the background, watching the ice skaters in Rosa Parks Circle, and gathering around to see the brightly lit windows decorated specifically with holiday merchandise.

Winter in Downtown Grand Rapids

The best part about this beautiful winter evening is that an event will be taking place in Grand Rapids encompassing all of these things for the city! In addition to the snow and ice-skating, there will be live musical entertainment and the first ever window decoration competition. Taking place during December 2 and 3, this event is so exciting that even Santa is coming early!

1946 Christmas Window Display

Window displays have been a huge part of retailing for generations and generations. They first became a vital part of merchandising after Marshall Field & Co. shifted their business from wholesale to retail and they needed some visual display for their merchandise to attract consumers; this was done through window displays most of the time. Over time window displays became a staple for stores, and in the twentieth century even big artists (Salvador Dalí and Andy Warhol) created window displays.

Anthropologie Window Displays

A successful window display makes it easier for the customer to located the desired merchandise and to self-select it, makes it possible for the shopper to accessorize and co-ordinate, and it highlights particular products at strategic locations for shoppers to see.

Manhattan Holiday Wear Display

Here are a few of my personal favorite window displays:

-Anthropologie: This store seriously knows what’s up in everything…literally everything.

\

-Lavin’s Windswept Display in Paris: I love this display, it shows quirkiness but still holds true to displaying the clothes and the look that Lanvin has established

-J Crew’s Ice Cream Display: This display is the best. It embodies ice cream (a favorite) along with jewelery (another favorite) and combines the two for a stunning effect that only JCREW could come up with.

Start getting your coats and hats together, because this event is going to come fast and you don't want to miss out! Stay tuned for the participating retailers and for more information on window displays!

The Apifera window installation for Selfridges Store

Written by: Kristen Dunn

Awhile back I discovered a fashion blog based out of Grand Rapids! Sidewalk Ready is a blog that not only encompasses current trends and classics, but it also showcase Kayley Heeringa’s (the founder) personality. Everything she pairs together is fashionable yet completely 'sidewalk ready'. This blog is a perfect example of how Grand Rapids's fashion scene is coming to life. I’ve absolutely loved following Kayley’s outfits and seeing what she’s going to do next!

Kayley was so kind enough to let me ask her a few (...okay so more than a few) questions about fashion, her blog, Grand Rapids, and the fashion scene!

-What's your favorite part of living in Grand Rapids?

I love living in Grand Rapids. I feel like I can get anywhere I want to go in the city within 15 minutes - so you get that small town feel, but we still have so many entertainment options! I love the family friendly side that Grand Rapids has always had, but the emerging youth culture is so welcome! Art Prize, concerts, downtown bars … all of these things have improved the quality of life for 20 somethings like myself!

-How do you feel the fashion scene is coming along in GR? Along the lines of small boutiques and larger retailers (such as the mall)?

The fashion scene is definitely improving. I love that people are starting to take notice of fashion and incorporating it into our city. I am so thankful to see boutiques opening in areas like downtown, east town, and Rockford. I am hoping that this continues and someday we can take pride in our boutique shopping districts!

In terms of large retailers, I am proud of the high caliber of stores that our local malls feature. We carry a lot of big names that I love to shop at, though there are a few that I am still waiting for! One of them, Anthropologie, will be open soon (yay!) and I am hoping that someday we will have an H&M and Urban Outfitters. Zara would be okay, too.

-Where do you see yourself, as a fashion blogger, in the upcoming fashion scene?

My blog is definitely targeted towards everyday people. My fashion aesthetic is all over the board so I really hope that most anyone reading my blog will see something that they like. I would love for Sidewalk Ready to be motivating to those women who gave up on personal style whether it be because they didn’t think they were good at fashion, didn’t have the time, the budget, etc. Because of this, I am striving to light a fire in normal women, especially those living in Grand Rapids! Fashion is fun and empowering and I want my readers to know that. I see myself as an source of encouragement for everyday women to participate in fashion and keep the accessible fashion industry booming!

-Why did you start a fashion blog?

I started my blog on a whim. I used to keep a Xanga in high school, which I suppose was more of an online journal … but I started to realize that I missed blogging. When considering starting back up, I wanted a topic. Fashion has always been fun for me. I love buying new clothes and putting together outfits. I feel a strong sense of accomplishment when I am wearing something that I love. I wanted to share this with other women to encourage them and give them ideas!

-Any favorite fall trends?

This fall, like most falls, I am loving slouchy sweaters. They are so comfortable and effortless, and when paired with a slim bottom, don’t look too sloppy. A few other things I am excited about include plaids in deep, rich colors, and leather accessories such as boots, jackets, and purses. Items with a vintage vibe are more than welcome into my closet this fall season as well. I’m so glad shows like “Mad Men” have brought some of these classic, timeless pieces back!

-What are your favorite designers? (cliché question...but hey I figure I'd ask)

As a fashion blogger this may come as a surprise, but I don’t really follow big designers. I prefer to look at styling in catalogs and celebrities when it comes to wardrobe inspiration. If I see an item I like on someone else, I will make a mental note and keep an eye out while shopping at stores in my price range. Most of my clothes are purchased from accessible retailers such as Gap, Banana Republic, J.Crew, and H&M.

-Do you find yourself, as a woman involved in fashion, following the trends or doing your own thing?

A combination! I wouldn’t necessarily say that my fashion is super trendy, but I do like to incorporate trends into what I wear. Something that has really helped me was to figure out what my personal style aesthetic is. I have come to realize that I love high quality, classic pieces, but to keep it fun and hip, I will throw in an unexpected, more fashion forward item as well. I will only buy things that I really love (or need), and I have found lately that the things that stand out to me are items that I feel are different and new … things that I haven’t seen a million times. Then I’ll take this item (say it’s a top) and pair it with my favorite classic jeans and BAM! I have a unique, but not over the top outfit.

-What is your favorite outfit you've ever worn?

This is a tough question for me to answer. I love so many different styles and I think that my “favorite outfit” probably changes based on which mood I’m in … but if I have to choose, I would say my dress from New Years Eve 2011 just because I made it myself. I felt that extra sense of accomplishment, alongside of loving what I’m wearing!

Visit Kayley's Blog: sidewalkready.com

Written by: Kristen Dunn

Photos provided by: Kayley Heeringa

Thank you Kayley for the wonderful interview and having such impeccable style!

In the hip East hills lies Sight Optical Boutique. The owner, Michael McConnell, realized a few years back that Grand Rapids deserved something different while he was working in the wholesale eyewear industry.  Throughout his travels working in this industry, Michael McConnell has seen every form of eyewear boutique possible, and he didn't want just an average boutique for the residents of this city. Thus Sight Optical Boutique was born!

Sight Optical Boutique is completely people oriented, not doctor oriented. This boutique is clean, modern, open, and streamline all with the perks of having an onsight optomotrist, so the customers get the doctor aspect as well as the fashion forward eyewear.

This hot accessory has been dotting the runways and will also be at the upcoming event, Style Battle! Look for Sight Optical Boutique at this fashion event, they won't be hard to miss!

Written by: Kristen Dunn

Photos from: Sight Optical Boutique

If you’re stuck for inspiration, go to Flashback. This vintage store has it all, from fur vests to 1960’s loafers. The owner, Peri Olson, searches through Grand Rapids for only the best vintage items to supply her eclectic store of clothes just for you, her shoppers. The greatness of this entire store is finding beauty in the recreation of clothing.

When walking into Flashback I instantly noticed how theatrical the store is. Each piece of clothing, artwork, and album of music are artistically placed in a way that you’re almost backstage in a theatre. It’s almost hard to choose what my favorite aspect to the store was: the music, the shoes, the dresses, the jewelry, or the environment. Everything in this store screams vintage, fun, and exciting.

In regards to Style Battle, Flashback is more than excited. It’s amazing that the entire process is out in the forefront so that the public is able to see every step. This year Flashback is coming out with a bang and putting an entirely new spin on things.

Written and photographed by: Kristen Dunn

Have you ever been walking downtown and saw someone wearing a really different jacket or unique pair of jeans, and wondered: "where the hell did they get that?"

Located on 28^th street in Grand Rapids, AK Rikks and AKA fuel both the men and women fashionistas in the city. From when I walked in the door and when I walked out, this store oozed creativity; it was like being in a working studio full of people, like me, who live and breathe fashion.

When talking to one of the employees, Matt, he said that he loved working in a massive space that allows so much inspiration. He said that the clothes that AK Rikks and AKA supply cater to the needs of people who look to stretch boundaries with new and upcoming styles.

In regards to Style Battle, AK Rikks absolutely loved last year’s competition. The ability to see the creativity happen right there before your eyes was the best part of this fashion event for this avant-garde team.

Written and Photographed by: Kristen Dunn

Located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids is the bright and cheery store, Lia Rose. This store is the epitome of cheery, from the yellow walls that accentuate the basic clothing to the bright colored accessories that add the perfect amount of flair.

Named after both of the owners’ mothers, Gina VanGessel (of Gina’s Boutique) and Rosa Piccione (of Rosa’s Closet) joined forces to bring Grand Rapids classic clothing with flair. When asked, one of the owners, Gina, discussed that for fall the trends she keeps spotting are: Aztec print, 70’s mod, the bright color red, and the basics. All of these items can be found at Lia Rose for great prices!

When I asked Gina about the upcoming event, Style Battle, she can’t wait for her and Rosa to be a team once again! Her favorite part to last year’s competition was the vibe that the room held. All of the best artists, hairstylists, models, and fashionistas bring their ‘A’ game and the end result is amazing.

As seen in Gina's Boutique

Written and Photographed by: Kristen Dunn

If you’re ever in Big Rapids, you’ll have to visit Fairman's…it’s not an option. Located in the town of Big Rapids, this store is on the corner of the bustling main shopping strip downtown. In the family owned Fairman building, this retailer has a clothing item for every woman from the ages of 18-80.

As fashion has evolved, so has Fairman's. Originally geared towards the working woman, this store has evolved into a trendy yet classic style; from tribal print to business suits, Fairman's has it all! The great customer service is something amazing at this store and this family owned business is confident every woman will find something they love.

Since this is Fairman's first time being involved in Style Battle, everyone is stoked to participate. Emily, one of the family owners, discussed that the Style Battle finished product will be absolutely amazing. This team can't wait to bring every style note they have for the competition.

Photos by: Fairman's Apparel

Written by: Kristen Dunn

If you’re looking for eclectic and rich detailed clothing, look no further. Pink Blvd. is located in the up and coming urban neighborhood, East Hills. This is a boutique that specializes in pink, not only as a color, but also as attitude. Their new fall clothing collection screamed European chic when I walked through the door. Pink Blvd. is one of the only stores in Grand Rapids to carry, Desigual, a line out of Barcelona, Spain. One of the owners, Debbie, described “Desigual” as a Power House of Color. As I wandered through the boutique, I found this to be completely true and absolutely loved it. But don’t worry; this line (and the rest of Pink Blvd.'s clothing) is versatile for not only the office but also a night on the town.

Pink Blvd. prides themselves on listening to their customers and following through with trusted advice on clothing and accessories The owners recognize that the fashion industry is constantly evolving, and it’s evident by their merchandise. Each season Pink Blvd. is spot on with the trends, yet still connected to the trendy and unique style of the store. Every article of clothing is bursting with rich color and style, and each accessory is quirky yet classy.

In terms of the upcoming event, Style Battle, Pink Blvd. is more than enthused. Debbie, one of the owners, said it was one of the best events of the year that the boutique participated in. They loved watching all of the fashionistas and artists come together from all over the area to participate in such an exciting event. The artists will perform at the peak of their talent, and the finished product will only be more astounding this year at Style Battle 2011!

Photographed and Written by: Kristen Dunn

Mad Men Season 3 Promotional Photos

If you haven’t become obsessed with Mad Men yet, it's time. Mad Men is a show set in the 1960’s, and is so accurate to the clothing, furniture, and accessories; AMC is only able to produce thirteen episodes a season. But that doesn’t mean the obsession has to stop there. This fall, the 1960’s are back in. Designers for their fall collections have been playing upon the feminine figure. This trend is so big that even Banana Republic has come out with a line featuring the show and the 1960's style.

   As seen above: Fall 2011, Ready to Wear: Aquilano.Rimondi, Azzaro, and Rochas

But how can you wear this trend in everyday life outside of the runway or the television?

Solution?

   As seen above: Emily (from Cupcakes and Cashmere) with cocktail jewelry and blocky colors, and Kelly (from The Glamourai) in a high waisted skirt that showcases her figure.

Wear a high waisted skirt with blocky colors, printed dresses that showcase your figure, large pearls or cocktail jewelry with a plain dress or cardigan, a tailored blazer with tall leather riding boots, a silk blouse with a cardigan buttoned up, and always top it off with bright lipstick. Have fun with it!

                As seen above: Banana Republic's new fall Mad Men line

Written by: Kristen Dunn

Style Battle welcomes the following DJ's to its 2011 fashion competition:

Haris Hotic (H-Bomb)

Haris Hotic (H-Bomb) was born in Yugoslavia in 1985. He moved to Germany in 1992 due to a civil war, and it was there that he discovered the magic of electronic music. The first song that inspired him was Westbam and Dr. Motte’s 1997 Loveparade Anthem “Sunshine”. Since that moment he got progressively more attracted to the music. He sat and watched the Loveparade and Mayday videos on TV, promising to himself that he would one day be in attendance at these events. His family moved to the United States in 1998 to start a new life. This opened a whole new world of opportunity for Haris musically, with the birthplace of electronic music, Detroit, and the yearly DEMF (Detroit Electronic Music Festival) only a few hours away. After attending his first big party, he decided that it was one of many more to come…

 (photo credit: Mikography)

Tom Carroll (DJ Zo)

Having had his childhood dream of becoming an airline pilot shattered from a battle with brain cancer, Dj  Zo (Tom Carroll) now attends GVSU studying information systems.  Zo sparked an interest in electronic music at an early age with the releases of Herbie Hancock’s “Rocket” and Newcleus’s “Jam on It”.  In high school, the interest grew further having had a German exchange student introduce him to techno.  After finishing flight school near Dallas, Texas, Zo worked as a flight instructor.  One of Zo’s flight students was a house DJ and he took him to Dallas venues where electronic music DJs performed.  After seeing Sasha and John Digweed during their Delta Heavy tour in Dallas, Zo’s passion for EDM (Electronic Dance Music) exploded.  Currently based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Dj Zo’s current sound ranges from soulful deep house through hypnotic tech house to energetic techno.

To hear samples of his music, click here: http://soundcloud.com/dj-zo

 (photo credit: Mikography)

Matt Perrin (Sylock)

Hailing from West Michigan area, Matthew Perrin, aka Sylock, has been involved with music ever since he was a child. His early influences consisted of 80's New Wave, Styx, Boston, Journey, Herbie Hancock, and many others.  As he progressed, Hip Hop and R n B became a mainstay for his appetite, finding influences in Beastie Boys, Zapp and Rodger, Tupac, Busta Rhymes, Wu-tang etc.  It wasn't until the later months of 1996 that Sylock heard jungle for the first time, Aphrodite's Bomber, opened the flood gates for what would define Sylock's personal musical disposition for over a decade and a half. Since then, Sylock has spent the greater part of a decade honing not only his abilities in the studio, but mastering the art of being a DJ as well. Teaming up with Lime Green Shirt in 2004 in order to offer quality EDM shows throughout Grand Rapids and its outlining regions, Sylock has championed much of Michigan and the surrounding states with his sound. "Never confine yourself to a single sound" is a credo by which Sylock performs, which is evident in the many styles represented throughout his mixes. Since joining Lime Green Shirt [LGS], Sylock has prevailed in his attempts to further the electronic music scene in his hometown of Grand Rapids, involving himself with groups such as the Grand Rapids Electronic Music Movement [GREMM] and running a slew of events in multiple venues across the city. Sylock has been the EDM buyer at Vertigo Music on Division since 2005, where he also hosts a DJ clinic for new and emerging DJs.

To hear samples of his music, click here: http://soundcloud.com/sylock