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Best of Detroit 2012

Real Deal - Reader's Choice

Reader's choice of retail in Metro Detroit

By MT Staff

Published: April 25, 2012

Best Indie Women's Clothing, Wayne County

 

Best Indie Men's Clothing, Wayne County

Showtime

5708 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-875-9280; showtimedetroit.com

For nearly 25 years, this Midtown staple and perennial winner has supplied threads to Detroit's musicians, performers and entertainers — and the scenesters who follow in their wake. But it's not all leather and lace — although there's plenty of that — the store's racks also come stocked with fashions suitable for any style other than run-of-the-mill. Owner Dan Tatarian is a fierce champion of all things local — from bands to stores — and advocated for shoppers to avoid chains long before that mantra became trendy. Stop into the store and he'll be more than willing to help outfit you in an eye-popping getup, while supplying entertaining banter free o' charge. 

Best Indie Women's Clothing, Oakland County

 

Best Indie Men's Clothing, Oakland County

Incognito

323 S. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-548-2980; 

incognitoinc.com

Another MT readers' fave, Incognito provides rock-inspired wear for the fearless trendsetter. Even if less daring fashionistas choose to avoid leopard-print, body-hugging jeans, there are still plenty of choice pieces to choose from, including the Brit-inspired men's fashions of Ben Sherman and the Detroit-centric goodies of Made in Detroit and Aptemal Apparel. Incognito also offers an extensive selection of eyewear, as well as an entire separate room devoted to footwear, featuring the latest drool-worthy styles in stilettos, pumps, sandals, boots, flats, etc. for both men and women. It's so beautiful you'll want to cry, then max out your credit cards.

Best Indie Women's Clothing, Macomb County

 

Best Vintage Clothing, Macomb County

Best Thrift Shop

Salvation Army

salvationarmyusa.org

When all else fails, try the Salvation Army. This stalwart thrift shop supplies everything from furniture and appliances to books and bric-a-brac (and apparently much of the clothing needs of Macomb County) at everyday low prices. It's a haven for those who need to stock a new apartment on the cheap, for those low on dough and for those who just can't say no to other people's junk.

Best Indie Women's Clothing, 

Washtenaw County

TIE

Orchid Lane

419 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-662-6446; orchidlaneonline.com

Mix

128 & 130 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti; 734-961-8704 mixnewandused.com

Flirty sundress, flowing wrap skirts and colorful tops are mainstays at Orchid Lane, which sells women's clothing, home decor and natural gemstone jewelry as part of its mission to help establish a fair trade global community. Along with its own clothing line, the store also sells high-end brands and imports goods from international fair trade co-operatives, boasting a large selection of items priced at $15 or less. Ypsi's Mix lives up to its name by offering an eclectic and affordable mix of new and vintage women's clothing. The store also stocks vintage jewelry and antiques, with a friendly staff to help shoppers navigate the ample inventory.

Best Vintage Clothing, Wayne County

Rachel's Place

2124 Pine St., Detroit; 313-964-9008

It seems as though beautiful vintage clothing covers every inch of the old brownstone that Rachel's Place calls home. The North Corktown shop caters to the fashion-savvy with its knockout selection of high-quality men's and women's clothing, in all sizes and from all eras. Casual skirts, elegant cocktail dresses, racks of heels, retro blazers, vintage denim, elbow-length gloves, scarves, handbags, hats, jewelry ... the list goes on and on. The budget-conscious will appreciate the affordable prices, trendsetters will appreciate the quality and selection, and everyone will appreciate the service of the ever-smiling proprietor Rachel Leggs, whose boundless enthusiasm never fails to rub off on shoppers. 

Best Vintage Clothing, Oakland County

Lost & Found

510 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak; 248-548-6154; lostandfoundvintage.com

Every vintage lover should know this downtown Royal Oak shop, which features three levels of one-of-a-kind wearables from every decade of the 20th century. The friendly staff is always willing to help shoppers dig through the racks to locate the perfect '70s jumpsuit, '50s housedress or retro Girl Scout uniform (they have them; what you do with them is your business). Prices can be utterly affordable, but be prepared to blow the bank on a must-have couture piece. Along with its impressive selection, Lost & Found also boasts a large number of plus-sized offerings, a notable collection of T-shirts and boots, and collectible records and accessories.

Best Vintage Clothing, Washtenaw County

The Getup Vintage

215 S. State St., Ann Arbor; 734-327-4300; thegetup.com

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