April 2008: First-Ever READERS' CHOICE Issue

Fashion photos produced by laura maniaci photos by daniel lippitt hair by monica margerum makeup by monique zafarana, owner/makeup artist, mariposa beauty boutique & studio, rochester hills

LOCAL DESIGN

FABRIC STORE

Haberman Fabrics, Royal Oak
Owned by Tobey Haberman and celebrating its 50th anniversary, the favorite place to shop for fabric offers sewing classes for beginners to the advanced crowd. Visit the extensive bridal department, and check out the store’s dressmaker referral list. Ask questions. Experienced staff members know their stuff.
905 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 248.541.0010,

DEPARTMENT STORES

PERSONAL SHOPPING SERVICE

Nordstrom, The Mall at Partridge Creek; The Somerset Collection; Twelve Oaks Mall
Exceptional service – the business philosophy that John W. Nordstrom embraced when he founded his shoe store in 1901 – continues to this day at Nordstrom. Nordstrom was the top choice for the positive and helpful attitude of associates regardless of the price of the purchase, ease in making returns, and overall shopping experience.
www.nordstrom.com

LOCAL FEMALE TV NEWS ANCHOR

CARMEN HARLAN, WDIV LOCAL 4

Her story: Those hairstyles might have changed throughout the more than 30 years that she has been WDIV’s most recognized on-air personality, but Carmen Harlan’s smile and professionalism have remained constant. The Detroit native and University of Michigan alumna started her career by running the news department of a Detroit radio station before joining WDIV as a reporter. Now a senior anchor, she has worked on some of WDIV’s most noteworthy projects, including “Focus On Families,” which helped to place foster children in permanent homes.

FURNISHINGS AND ACCESSORIES

AFFORDABLE FURNITURE

Art Van, various locations
With 29 stores in Michigan, Art Van offers a range of styles for the different phases of a woman’s life, including first home, growing family and retirement. Its own Michigan H.O.M.E.S. brand features collections designed for the Michigan lifestyle. Copper Harbor is rustic, perfect for Up North décor. Grand Shores was created with lake living in mind. All pieces are versatile and help bring the outdoors in ($180-$1,800). Cindy Crawford has designed affordable pieces geared toward women. Her collections also are known for being durable and functional for family living.
www.artvan.com

SALONS, SPAS AND COSMETICS

HAIRSTYLING

Girly Girl, Grosse Pointe Woods
Girly Girl offers women an upbeat way to update their look, from the fun and welcoming pink interior to the stylists who really listen and learn about your lifestyle. Owner Michelle Beaudette- Grates offers a professional and sharp eye to ensure that clients have the style and look they want.
21127 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Woods, 313.881.4475

FINANCIAL

BANK

TCF Bank
TCF has the stuff we crazy-busy women crave: plentiful drive-through lanes, extra-friendly hours (until 7 weeknights, 4 p.m. on Saturdays and 3 p.m. on Sundays) and no-minimum-balance, free small-business checking for the entrepreneurs among us. In addition, TCF has 55 locations in southeast Michigan, of which more than half are within a block of a grocery store, nine adjacent to a Meijer. Time is money.
www.tcfbank.com

FOOD AND CATERING

PRESENTATION

Bonnie’s Kitchen & Catering, Bloomfield Township
Choose from dine-in, carryout, delivery or full-service catering. Owner Bonnie Fishman’s company offers fast highquality meals, allowing you to eat gourmet minus the wait. You also have the option of ordering online, so you can pick something up for you and your family on the way home from work. And every dish looks like it stepped off the pages of a magazine feature.
6527 Telegraph Rd., Bloomfield Township, 248.540.4001 http://207.97.251.55/carryout/bonnies/

FITNESS

KICK-BUTT WORKOUT

Next Level Health & Fitness, St. Clair Shores
More than 1,000 members strong, 8,000 square feet, a slew of classes (including “Eroticize” - who knew pole dancing could torch so many calories?), babysitting, prenatal specialists and a speedy 13-piece/26-minute circuit in one community-minded club. No wonder east-side soccer moms are so hot!
21431 Greater Mack Ave., St. Clair Shores, 586.776.2800, www.nlhf.net