Brit Chic December Tee Shirt Sale

Brit Chic Designs December Sale

Mens and Womens Tee Shirts $20
(all made in the USA)


Direct Sales only please call 248 219 8187 to order

Fashion Find of the Week - Estate Sale Shopping

Hello Mates

One of my favorite pastimes of late has been Estate Sale shopping.  Not only can you find some unique items but also have fun checking out everyday peoples' homes in the Metro Detroit area.  

Some people have Estate sales because they are moving or when an elderly family member passes away.  What always amazes me is the amount of stuff some of these people hoard in their homes for many many years.

Well all that being said, last week I stumbled upon a beautiful turquoise necklace which only cost $3.  Its great paired with a brown, black or blue outfit and is long enough to wear over a blouse or sweater. (see picture below)

Must be short this week as I am preparing for several vendor events in November and December and have a new knit line that will be for sale at these events as follows:

The Royal Oak High School Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair

Saturday November 20th 2010

Ferndale Recreation Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Show

Saturday December 4th 2010

Cheerio for now.

Jan

Fashion Finds of the Week - 808 Resale Boutique in Clawson

Hi Mates

In my quest to find interesting low cost fashion I visited another Resale store, this time in Clawson.  808 Boutique is located on 14 Mile Road between Main and Crooks.  Michelle and Carman, best friends, had been wanting to open a store for some time and finally a year ago they bit the bullet and opened 888.

808 is packed to the gills with stuff and includes racks full of vintage clothing.  They also sell new handmade items created by local artists which include jewlry, purses and knitted hats and scarves.

During my visit to the store I found 3 really cool items which all happened to create one outfit for the amazing price of $30.  See the items below.  A cool vintage 70s shirt with long pointed collar and an interesting print of golds and browns; a fur affect gold jacket which appears really shining under the light and a pair of suede wedge heel boots.  They had actually just come in and Carman bought them out to show me.  It was love at first sight.

Anyways you must check out this store if you have not already done so.  The girls are fun and friendly.  They are even looking to expand in the not too distant but vow to remain loyal to their Clawson roots.

Cheerio for now.

Jan

Brit Chic Fashion Finds of the Week - That Girl Resale

Hi Mates

I am introducing a new feature to my blog this week, Brit Chic Fashion Finds. I am great believer, in these days of struggling Michigan business, to support local stores, especially the small boutiques in many of the fantastic local downtown areas that South East Michigan has to offer.

On a beautiful Fall day this week I visited one of my favorite spots, downtown Royal Oak. I strolled along S Washington and stumbled across That Girl Resale store which is located kitty corner to the OCC campus. The store opened earlier this year and is already proving to be a popular place.

As you enter the store you are welcomed by the extremely friendly staff and then your eyes feast upon the racks of dresses, shirts, tops and skirts all organized by size.

As you pass the sales desk on the left and the very laid back chic changing area on the right you enter another room loaded with shoes, bags, jackets and belts.

Here is where I found one of the Fashion Finds of the Week. A J Crew three quarter sleeve lightweight jacket which has an almost tarten look to it in navy, orange, mustard and green. It is a perfect choice for a Fall day and looks great over a tank or long sleeve thin top. I matched it with skinny black jeans and brown cowboy style boots. The jacket cost only $16 and was probably between $100-150 new. (see pic below).

Secondly by the sales desk I discovered a bin full of bangels which were, wait for it, 25 cents each. So I purchased a selection of colored and silver which will just about go with any outfit, plus I love they way they sound as you move. (see pics below).

I encourage you to visit the That Girl resale store located at 738 S Washington Avenue, downtown Royal Oak. Visit their website at www.thatgirlresale.com

Well stay tuned for the next edition of Brit Chic Fashion Finds. Happy local shopping.

Cheerio Jan

Happy Fall from Brit Chic Designs

Hi Mates

Its been a while since I have written here. We had a very success time at the Ferndale DIY Funky Art Fair which ran from 17-19 of September. It was a great event with many people in attendance. We can't wait until next year.

Leading up to year end I wanted to let you all know of some upcoming holiday events that Brit Chic will be a part of.

The Royal Oak High School Arts & Crafts Fair will be held on Saturday November 20th from 10am - 4 pm at the Royal Oak High School Campus at 426 E La Salle Avenue.

Ferndale Recreation are hosting their Annual Holiday Show Place Arts and Crafts Show on Saturday December 4th from 9 am - 3 pm at the Gerry Kulick Community Center 1201 Livernois Avenue.

Hope to see you there.

Cheerio for now.

Jan

Brit Chic Shirts Now Available at Sole Sisters in Ann Arbor

Hello Mates

Its been a while since I have blogged. Its been a busy summer as I just moved house and hosted my Dad's wedding on my deck. Good times!

Anyways now getting back to business and wanted to let you all know that Brit Chic Girl shirts are now available at Sole Sisters in Ann Arbor. Tamara Fowler, the owner of the store just relocated from S Fourth Avenue to Liberty Street (see article below).

http://www.annarbor.com/business-review/ann-arbors-sole-sisters-shoe-store-moves-to-liberty-street/

Fall is approaching fast but hoping to attend some vendor events, so will keep you all posted.

Cheerio

Jan

Brit Chic Fashion show raises funds for Dress for Success Michigan

Royal Oak, Mich./June 28, 2010 – British transplant Jan Thompson, a metropolitan Detroit fashion designer, held her first fashion show to formally introduce her Brit Chic Designs line of apparel and accessories May 26 at the Black Lotus Brewery in Clawson, Mich. A promotional video of the event is available for viewing at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGCItPXDTdU

The event also introduced the partnership of Brit Chic Designs and Dress for Success Michigan. Proceeds from the raffle and a portion of the sale of beverages raised $640 for the charity. In addition to this Accessories and Hosiery were also donated by attendees. This is just the first of many events that will feature the partnership of the two groups. Dates and details will follow in the coming months.

Thompson’s line includes Brit Chic Girl and Brit Bloke t-shirts for women and men, Brit Chic military tees and two new custom messenger bags that debuted at the May 26 event. The bags are handmade in Clawson and the apparel is printed in Royal Oak. The line is available at local boutiques including Incognito in Royal Oak, Sole Sisters in Rochester and Triple Thread in Clawson, as well as online at britchicdesigns.com.

WHO: Brit Chic Designs of Royal Oak, a fashion line designed and produced in southeast Michigan by British transplant Jan Thompson

Dress for Success Michigan, a non profit organization that strives to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

http://www.dressforsuccess.org/affiliate.aspx?pageid=1&sisid=41

WHAT: Brit Chic Design’s debut fashion show which raised funds to benefit Dress for Success Michigan

WHEN: May 26, 2010.

WHERE: Black Lotus Brewery, 1 East Fourteen Mile Road, Clawson, Mich., 248.577.2132

CONTACT: Jan Thompson, Brit Chic Designs founder, jan@britchicdesigns.com or 248.219.8187

Brit Chic Fashion Show in 5 Days

Hi Mates

Well the Fashion Show is in 5 days time. Its hectic around here getting the last minute arrangements in place.

Its going to be an exciting show and we hope that with your support we can raise a decent amount of money for Dress for Success.

There will be 7 models and I am excited to say that my hairdresser, Sara Celina at Red in Birmingham, voted the top stylist by Fox 2, is going to create some fabulous dos for the show.

Also Elizabeth from Elizabeth's Head to Toe in Birmingham will be enhancing their glamor with some edgy eye popping make up.

Don't forget to text Britchic to 411669 to win a tee shirt. Must be present at the show to win.

Also bring your donations of new hosiery and used accessories to the show.

Thanks. Look forward to seeing you all there.

Cheerio for now.

Jan

Brit Chic Press Release

Royal Oak entrepreneur launches Brit Chic fashion line with May 26 benefit fashion show

Royal Oak entrepreneur launches Brit Chic fashion line with May 26 benefit fashion show at Black Lotus in Clawson. Free event includes runway show of locally produced apparel and handmade messenger bags designed by British expat Jan Thompson.

locally produced apparel and handmade messenger bags designed by British ex-pat Jan Thompson

Royal Oak, Mich./May 11, 2010 – British transplant Jan Thompson, a metropolitan Detroit fashion designer, will formally introduce her Brit Chic Designs line of apparel and accessories with a May 26 benefit fashion show at the Black Lotus Brewery in Clawson, Mich., from 7 to 9 p.m.

The Royal Oak resident founded the company to celebrate her British heritage and to help grow and diversify the economy in her adopted home state.
“I’ve lived on three continents and traveled the world, and I’m fascinated by differences between cultures, especially in fashion and design. It’s helped me develop an eye for fun, stylish clothing and accessories, and it prompted me to start this brand,” Thompson says.
Thompson’s line includes Brit Chic Girl and Brit Bloke t-shirts for women and men, Brit Chic military tees and two new custom messenger bags that will debut at the May 26 event. The bags are handmade in Clawson and the apparel is printed in Royal Oak. The line is available at local boutiques including Incognito in Royal Oak, Sole Sisters in Rochester and Triple Thread in Clawson, as well as online at britchicdesigns.com.

WHO: Brit Chic Designs of Royal Oak, a fashion line designed and produced in southeast Michigan by British transplant Jan Thompson

WHAT: Brit Chic Design’s debut fashion show – including a brief runway show, live modeling, light refreshments and raffle prizes – to benefit Dress for Success Michigan

WHEN: Wed., May 26, 7-9 p.m.

WHERE: Black Lotus Brewery, 1 East Fourteen Mile Road, Clawson, Mich., 248.577.2132

DETAILS: No charge. All ages welcome. Brit Chic merchandise and items from Black Lotus’ menu and bar available for purchase. A portion of the night’s proceeds from beverage and merchandise sales will go to the nonprofit Dress for Success Michigan, which provides career clothing for disadvantaged women. Donations of new hosiery and accessories for Dress for Success will be collected at the event.

EVENT CONTACT: Jan Thompson, Brit Chic Designs founder, jan@britchicdesigns.com or 248.219.8187
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About Brit Chic Designs: a fashion apparel and accessory brand that strives to combine British Fashion with American Manufacture. Jan Thompson, founder, created the company in honor of her British heritage and life as an expat.

The Countdown to Brit Chic Designs Fashion Show Begins

Hi Everybody

It's less than 3 weeks until the Brit Chic Designs Fashion on May 26th from 7-9 pm at the Black Lotus Brewing Company in downtown Clawson.

Bring your friends and family and join us for an evening of Brit hip fashion, fun and socializing. Black Lotus does have a family atmosphere so under 18s are welcome. Light refreshments will be provided and fantastic locally brewed wine and beer will be available for purchase. There is no admission fee.

The event will benefit the Michigan branch of Dress for Success. This charity promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in their work and life. Dress for Success was founded in New York City in 1997 and is an international not-for-profit organization offering services designed to help their clients find jobs and remain employed. Each client receives one suit when she has a job interview and can return for a second suit or separates once she finds work. There will be a donation station where you can bring any accessories or hosiery items that you think would be appropriate for business attire.

Text britchic to 411669 to enter to win a free tee shirt (must be present at the event). Visit www.britchicdesigns.com for regular updates to products and events.

I look forward to seeing you all on May 26th.

Cheerio

Jan

IMAGINE Fashion Show 2010

Hi Everyone

There is another great Fashion event taking place next week in Metro Detroit. This will be an exciting event and showcases local talent.

The International Academy of Design Technology’s 2010 IMAGINE Fashion Show will take place us at the Fox Theatre on Wednesday, April 28 at 7:30pm. A great lineup of student and established designers are scheduled to present in the following categories: After 5, Wearable Art, Paper Designs, Little Black Dress, Sportswear, Detroit Inspired, and Alumni.

There will be a performance by “The Contours, featuring Sylvester Potts,” and Charles Pugh (Detroit City Council President and former FOX 2 news anchor) will MC the event. A portion of the proceeds goes to The Ronald McDonald House of Southeast Michigan. This will surely be one of this year’s biggest fashion design program events!

Tickets available at www.Ticketmaster.com or by calling by calling

1-800-745-3000.

$10 General Admission

$20 Reserved Seating

International Academy of Design & Technology - Detroit
1850 Research Drive
Troy, MI 48083

888-839-4111

Fox Theater

2211 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 471-6611

http://www.iadtdetroit.c

Interview with Sami Armeni - Metro Detroit Drummer

I met with Sami Armeni recently to discuss his musical endeavors and favorite closet items. Sami has been into music from an early age. He has a style of his own when it comes to drumming and fashion. When I asked him who influences his clothing choices, he replied "I have my own personal style." I can see that from his hair to his shoes. He always looks edgy, hip and looks like he belongs in a rock band.

Currently Sami plays in two bands, one Telecollision, an experimental ambient rock group http://www.myspace.com/telecollision and Michael Saeger who write and play their own style of hip pop. http://www.myspace.com/michaelseger. They were voted as 89X Radio's Top 5 Band of the Year 2010.

Sami believes that Detroit has an underground fashion movement. Perhaps this is a somewhat sheltered world to most but we do see glimpses of it fairly frequently in downtown Royal Oak or Ferndale.

Some of Sami's favorite items are a short sleeve dark grey and white pin stripped shirt from American Apparel, a multi colored stripped tie from Macys and, my personal favorite, a black waistcoat with embroidered detail on the collar which he purchased at a Disney Resort (all pictured above). Quite an eclectic collection, I am sure you will agree.

For me, Sami's hair is his signature, long locks, cut with layers and long bangs coupled with his extended goatee beard. (Hair by Michael Maxim at Pigalle).

Sami sees music being very much a part of his future. He is currently a student at Wayne State University and hopes to graduate with a degree in Music Technology.

I look forward to seeing how both his musical and fashion styles progress.

Cheerio for now.

Jan

The Detroit Digital Fashion Scene

Hi Mates

This week I made some great digital discoveries about the Detroit Fashion scene.

Firstly The Detroit Fashion Pages http://www.detroitfashionpages.com. This is a great site to learn the buzz about style, culture and nightlife in and around the MotorCity. DFP advertise many events centered around the film and fashion industry.

Secondly, Laurette Designs http://laurettedesigns.ning.com/, run by a young Birmingham entrepreneur who hosts Fashion events in cool venues in and around the city. The next event will be Shades of Green Peaking Thru D Snow on Saturday March 20th from 8am - 2pm at the Fort Street Gallery in Detroit. The evening will consist of artist previews, a runway show, vendor stalls and a live DJ. Brit Chic Designs will be there at our own vendor table to report back on the evenings happenings. http://laurettedesigns.ning.com/events/shades-of-greenpeaking-thru-d

Thirdly, 313FAD - Detroit Fashion Movement which strives to connect talent within the fashion industry and posts the latest fashion events happening in Metro Detroit. http://313fad.ning.com/

Cheerio for now.

Jan

Brit Bloke Designs Nearing Launch

Hi Mates

This week saw the pre launch of my new Brit Bloke Designs. Both designs are reflective of stylist Brit men who often wear their hair fashioned in the style of David Beckham and have an aggressive yet comic attitude.

Samples are now available by contacting Jan Thompson @ jan@britchicdesigns or call 248 219 8187.

Cheerio

Jan

Welcome to Brit Chic in Detroit

Hi mates

Welcome to my new blog, Brit Chic in Detroit. I am Jan Thompson an expat Brit who lives in Metro Detroit; Royal Oak to be exact. I have started my own fashion brand called Brit Chic Designs. The brand reflects my passion for British fashion and my life as an expat. For the last 10 years I have resided in the USA, apart from the two years I spent living in Japan. My view of the world is forever changed by the experiences I have had in not one but two new cultures. But all that aside I still remain true to my British roots.

Brit Chic Designs couples British inspired fashion with American manufacture. Most of my products are made in the USA. I am in the process of expanding my product range from just tee shirts to dresses and purses. My tees shirts can be found in Incognito in downtown Royal Oak and Triple Thread on 14 Mile Road and main in Clawson.

This blog will be a commentary on my journey as a new business women in Detroit and my views of Detroit Fashion through the eyes of a Brit. It will include pictures of street fashion and interviews with Detroit musicians and business owners about their favorite fashion icons and items in their own closets.

Cheerio

Jan