Best of Metromix Detroit 2012Local Boutique
Quite simply there is a tremendous amount of variety when it comes to shopping, galleries and cool little boutiques sprinkled all around the metro Detroit area. No need to wax poetic on the city's economy and how important -- and cool -- it is to shop around and support these top spots and any and all places that are locally owned. It's good for you and the city. Do it. If you think we left out a deserving nominee, let us hear about it!
And the winner is…
Noir Leather
124 W. Fourth St.
Royal Oak, MI 48067Neighborhood: Downtown Royal Oak
Royal Oak’s dirty little secret edged out Detroit’s City Bird by just a handful of votes. Noir Leather has been feeding fetishes for the past 25 years. Consider it a one stop punk-rock shop for everything from latex to leather, corsets to thigh highs. The fun doesn’t stop there; pick up hard-to-find books, magazines and DVDs or other adult novelties.
Nominees
Leon and Lulu
96 W. Fourteen Mile
Clawson, MI 48017"An independently owned lifestyle destination" is how owner Mary Liz Curtin describes Leon and Lulu. What you will find in this former roller rink is furniture, home decor, jewelry, soaps and more. The furniture is arranged into vignettes along the perimeter of the store, as if you've walked into a well designed dollhouse. Behind these "walls" is a jackpot of accessories for the home, humans and pets. Adding to the charm is the coffee bar where the staff happily serves free java and popcorn. Doubly charming is how the store preserves the heritage of the Ambassador Roller Rink, the previous occupant of the building for 64 years. Roller skates and skating memorabilia is seamlessly displayed adding a fun quirkiness to an already amazing shopping experience.
City Bird
460 W. Canfield
Detroit, MI 48201Unique items available at this shop include designer candles, colorful serving pieces, soaps imprinted with a city of Detroit map and festive pillows by a local artist. Most things are priced under $25. Smallish and located in the bottom unit of Canfield Lofts, the Bureau is welcoming and fun without being silly.
Caruso Caruso
166 W. Maple
Birmingham, MI 48009Neighborhood: Downtown Birmingham
If you're looking for premium denim, Caruso Caruso offers more than 60 brands of jeans for men, women and children. From Rock & Republic and Seven, to Nudie and Joe's, you'll find most every cut, color, style and brand here.
Lost & Found Vintage
510 S. Washington
Royal Oak, MI 48067Neighborhood: Downtown Royal Oak
Hipsters who want a blast from the past will hit the jackpot at this store with its three neat and tidy levels of affordable vintage men's and women's clothing - including some Army surplus - as well as accessories and shoes. The store moved from a smaller store on 11 Mile in Royal Oak.
Don't miss the summer dresses. The store has a great stock of dresses from the 1960s and before, including lots from the 1940s. You'll also find some really cool vintage aprons and western wear. Women will do best here if they are below a Size 14 or 16, though there are a few larger-size garments.
Last year's winner
Leon and Lulu
96 W. Fourteen Mile
Clawson, MI 48017"An independently owned lifestyle destination" is how owner Mary Liz Curtin describes Leon and Lulu. What you will find in this former roller rink is furniture, home decor, jewelry, soaps and more. The furniture is arranged into vignettes along the perimeter of the store, as if you've walked into a well designed dollhouse. Behind these "walls" is a jackpot of accessories for the home, humans and pets. Adding to the charm is the coffee bar where the staff happily serves free java and popcorn. Doubly charming is how the store preserves the heritage of the Ambassador Roller Rink, the previous occupant of the building for 64 years. Roller skates and skating memorabilia is seamlessly displayed adding a fun quirkiness to an already amazing shopping experience. --Becky Schutter
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What other people are saying...
wallygator - January 25, 2012 at 3:20 PM
The ones that saved Royal Oak.
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