If the words free beauty school drop-in don’t make your heart aflutter, you’re dead inside. The Grand Rapids Public Library’s Summer Reads program promises a time of beauty to promote the book The Life List by Lori Nelson Spielman. The local Michigan author’s book features a woman who, in order to receive her inheritance money from her mother (who happened to be the head of a large cosmetics company), must accomplish everything on a life aspirations list made when she was 14. Partnering with the Douglas J Aveda Institute, readers of the book and beauty buffs can register for a time slot and receive an evening of styling with makeup applications, mini-manicures and hair styling (curling or braiding of hair). The event is held Aug. 12, from 6 to 7 p.m. or stop in later at the 7 to 8 p.m. timeslot. Pre-register at grpl.org/register.
One of my good friends has this cute habit of saying people and things are “darling,” and that’s truly the only word to describe Duffield Lane, a new loungewear company based out of East Grand Rapids. I suppose simple, classic and versatile work too, as pieces are meant to take you from lounging in bed to the beach or brunch with your girlfriends. Born from a search for respectable and stylish loungewear, Designer and Owner Jamie Loeks Duffield set out to make what she couldn’t find. “I started with the concept of sleepwear and it evolved from there,” Duffield said of the line that now features beachwear and items to be worn outside the house. “I’m trying to create the in-between that’s also really flattering and really comfortable—high end—something you’d want to wear and won’t be embarrassed to be seen in.” The Duffield Lane style is defined by classic lines, super soft and stretchy fabric and classic, preppy and nautical elements with navy and white as main color themes and a pop of a pinkish coral hue thrown in for fun. “The clothing can be described as nautical. I was on the sailing team in college. I’m drawn to that nautical, preppy style and navy and white is the most classic color combo. It’s crisp and looks good on everybody.” Duffield Lane can be found at Leigh’s in Grand Rapids, Muriel’s in Holland and online at duffieldlane.com. Expect the fall line to be cleanly classic with black and camel-colored trim on items. Testimonial: I own the cheery Coral Dottie Tank that can be paired with pajama pants or with shorts for the beach. Nothing feels as good as knowing your clothes can do triple duty for numerous moments in your life and at every turn keep up with you in comfort and loads of style smarts.
If you love Lee and Birch you should know they’ve moved. Follow them over to their new home in Grand Rapids’ Uptown neighborhood at 759 Wealthy Street. Nearby shops include Wealthy at Charles, Fusion Salon and the Jeffrey Richard Salon all right across the street. Now located in a historic building, the boutique that offers the latest fashions for women from top brands and designers better serves customers with free, convenient parking and an outdoor special events space. “We have a garage door that opens up so we can expand on nice days and roll some racks outside,” says owner Nikki Gillette. My advice to you: 1. Stop in and check out the new line of dresses from Veronica M, denim and cropped shorts among the new crisp, bright and airy store design. 2. Make sure you stand in front of the massive jewelry wall with rustic hooks for the pretty factor. 3. Remember to hit them up mid-August for sidewalk sale bounty.
Bat your lashes with the best of them with help from Siren & Proper Lash Lounge and Brow Bar. It’s Cheeky Strut’s younger, smaller, sassier little cousin bestowing quality lashes and brow-shaping to the beauties that demand it. The highly trained staff can help you reduce your morning routine while increasing sexy simplicity and timeless beauty. “No matter your style or age, lashes and nice eyebrows that frame your face—well, that never goes out of style,” said Christina Lynn, owner and lash artist. Both she and co-owner Kaite Lyn Christoffersen help you play up your eyes to be “bold, daring and classic and timeless—to represent both sides of beauty.” From the Fresh set of lashes beginner style to the middle of the road Fox set (a very full, bold mascara look) to the intense Faux set that’s “thick, thick, thick,” there’s a lash extension set for everyone. “You work with a client’s eye shape and that’s where the artistry comes in.” Look them up on Facebook and call the salon at (616) 427-5394 for a new, seductive stare.
