Nail art is trendy and January is boring — two facts of life, people. Have Company, a local handmade goods store and small publication shop in Grand Rapids, is offering the most darling opportunity with nail paintings by artist Hillery Sproatt. Thursdays, from 4 to 7 p.m. ($20 for a full nail set), you can get mini artwork on your nails. Sproatt describes the nail paintings as "small artworks that transcend fashion; an affordable experience that is both intimate and lasting." She finds the process very intuitive and pays attention to detail, responding to a person's nail shape and color choice. It's the chance to "feel a little dressed up and playful—and people notice it." If you are into artists and the creative process and aren't afraid of bold style, this might just be the perfect Saturday pick-up to set the tone for the night. A fine arts graduate, Sproatt's work and drawings are very similar to her nail creations and attention to small bits and special moments. Contact the artist at
Mark your days with a little bit of glam from Blacklamb. Its calendar is a great way to ogle over models involved in the store's previous fashion shows and feel a little style inspiration. "We came away with these amazing photographs that we wanted to use in some way that you could look at all year long," said Manager Marissa Boswell. For $22, Blacklamb junkies can get a month-by-month play of Blacklamb jewelry paired with clothes from Goodwill. It's also a great reminder that there's something else out there—sort of an intersection between clothing and culture. "It's kind of our love letter to fashion and travel." Shot by Mitch Ranger, it's the only way to plan, schedule and dream your year away. ... P.S. I hear September is pretty smokin' hot.
Traveling saleswoman looks good on Gina VanGessel. The owner of Gina's Boutique has a nifty way to sneak some shopping time into busy schedules. It's called "Gina's on the Go" and it's a quick lunchtime (or right after work) shopping opportunity wherein Gina herself, much like a personal stylist, brings in racks of clothing, accessories and what she calls, "the best of the best." Enjoy the chance to shop with coworkers and other women in the office and receive 15 percent off. Guests can even e-mail special requests, such as styles and sizes they'd like to see. Parties can be booked year round, and Gina will even come to your house. "When I've done parties in the home, the hostess has the benefit of her closet to see if things work with something else." Gina's is taking shopping time back by coming to you and opening on Sundays as well. Make sure to check out the big sale at the end of January and to book a party at work—because the words 'Red Carpet Break Room' have a ring to it.
They are waving the men's vintage flag loudly over at Found, located in downtown Holland. An impressive collection of button-down shirts, flannels, cardigan sweaters and jackets are here along with accessories such as ties, bowties and cufflinks. All real vintage, the collection will be beefed up every week. Business partner Kristen Havemen is pushing the flannel because it's really "wearable—flannel is kind of like denim, it looks good on everyone and you can wear it lots of different ways." Preach, girl! Rummage through the oldie-but-goodies for some Lacoste cardigans that were some of the first menswear pieces sold—and to women! "They were buying them for themselves. At Found, we like to show you can mix and match things." This true vintage lot has that one-of-a-kind feel and is really good for layering. In this winter weather if you're not wearing at least three layers, you're doing it wrong and will most likely suffer from frostbite. If you've got a boy who needs some specialty clothing items, check Found's stash for the unique-yet-certainly-not-dated attire that in a word is "translatable."
