Best of Detroit 2011
Photo: Marvin Shaouni
Showtime Clothing's Dan Tartarian at the mercy of the Derby Girls.
The Real Deals - Readers' Choice
Our readers pick what's top when it comes to shops
Published: April 27, 2011
Best Indie Women's Clothing in Wayne County
Best Indie Men's Clothing in Wayne County
Showtime
5708 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-875-9280; showtimedetroit.com
Whether it's clothes, shoes, jewelry or accessories, this Midtown mainstay provides something funky, classic, sexy, one-of-a-kind or style-making for your wardrobe. Accommodating tastes from punk to rock, funk to rap and whatever other sound Motown shoppers seek, Showtime can outfit customers for daytime and nighttime escapades. Mounds of color, sparkle, texture and the requisite black beg you to paw through them in this place.
Best Indie Women's Clothing in Oakland County
Best Indie Men's Clothing in Oakland County
Incognito
323 S. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-548-2980; incognitoinc.com
As any fashion conscious it-girl (or -guy!) knows, Incognito has been dressing southeast Michigan's hip and cool for decades. The inventory is inspired by the now-classic style of killer sounds — think 1980s punk rock England — but updated for 21st century trends. Incognito may not have "office casual," but who cares? The store helps you project a "life is badass and so am I" attitude, whether you wear those flashy boots or bod-hugging mini every day or just on special outings.
Best Indie Women's Clothing in Macomb County
Best Indie Men's Clothing in Macomb County
Kohl's
kohls.com
When convenience, wide selection of quality clothes, and economical prices matter, Kohl's fits the bill. Whether it's flouncy spring dresses, fun ties, staples like jeans and dress slacks or basics like socks and underwear, this department store offers it. And then, it has everything to complete you: perfume, purses, sports teamwear, pajamas and watches. All without breaking the budget.
Best Indie Women's Clothing in Washtenaw County - Tie
Orchid Lane
419 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-662-6446; orchidlaneonline.net
Poshh
535 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-222-9600; poshh.com
The fashionistas of Washtenaw never choose style over substance, instead opting for both, as with these two A2 boutiques. For 25 years, the family-owned Orchid Lane has worked at establishing a global fair trade community. The clothing, jewelry and housewares inventory reflects the mission: ethnic print skirts and scarves coupled with stylish cocktail dresses and handcrafted natural gemstone jewelry, for example. The decade-old Poshh features well-established designers, but also introduces new creative stylists too. Along with the racks of special-occasion dresses, you'll also find plenty of jeans and T-shirts for everyday dress-up.
Best Vintage Clothing in Wayne County
V-Male Detroit Vintage
23902 Van Born Rd., Dearborn Heights; 313-VINTAGE; v-maledetroitvintage.com
This small shop offers racks jam-packed with vintage gems from the '50s through the '70s — poodle skirts, tie-dyed jumpsuits, frilly formals, western shirts — you name it, they've probably got it. V-Male is also a favorite stop of Detroit's burlesque beauties thanks to its collection of new and vintage lingerie, from fishnet stockings and leopard-print bras to gold girdles and ruffled panties. Costume jewelry, hair accessories, pinup art, hair pomades, tiki mugs and footwear also line the shelves — inventory is updated often, so frequent visits are a must.
Best Vintage Clothing in Oakland County
Lost & Found
510 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak; 248-548-6154; lostandfoundvintage.com
This downtown Royal Oak store has become a bit of a pilgrimage destination for hardcore vintage shoppers. But newcomers to such stylings should not be shy. The three floors of clothing, saved from even more decades, offer organization that even a first-timer can navigate. Consider it a treasure hunt, searching for a dress or scarf from a bygone era that you can then resurrect on modern-day southeast Michigan streets. If you still feel lost, rely on the incredibly savvy and helpful staff to find you the perfect piece. The price range ensures that you can spend as little as you'd like on everyday duds or as much as you can blow on some high fashion treat.
Best Thrift Shop
Best Vintage Clothing in Macomb County
Salvation Army
salvationarmyusa.org
It's the breadth and the depth that make the Salvation Army a perpetual readers' pick in this category. In the past, the numerous locations have been recognized for the endless variety of merchandise, including household goods, toys and electronics. But this year, the vintage clothes get special notice. With some of the best prices in the resale market, the Salvation Army is a dependable shopping destination whether you're looking for something specific or browsing for what bargain you might score. Plus, profits from the stores fund the agency's rehab centers and residential housing facilities.
Best Vintage Clothing in Washtenaw County
The Getup Vintage
215 S. State St. Ann Arbor; 734-327-4300; thegetup.com
If the mod, super graphic-style font of the store's name doesn't give it away, a peek at the merchandise will. The Getup has decades of duds, mostly one-of-a-kind items, so buy it when you see it. The owner's passion for fashion is evidenced by the high quality of the threads spread throughout the store, and her frequent pilgrimages to find the perfect garments results in a constantly new and exciting selection. It may be easier to find that perfect wardrobe addition once you find the store: head in Mr. Greek's and up the stairs to the Getup.
> Email Metro Times readers
To comment you must first create a profile and sign-in with a verified DISQUS account or social network ID. Sign up here.
Comments in violation of the rules will be denied, and repeat violators will be banned. Please help police the community by flagging offensive comments for our moderators to review. By posting a comment, you agree to our full terms and conditions. Click here to read terms and conditions.

Full Feed