Ladies Night Out was a success according to store owners and women around Royal Oak. Thursday night catered specifically to the girls and they flocked from all over to enjoy the shops and restaurants around town.  Lajoya Roy, owner of Wooden Hangers, looks forward to this event each year, "It's something extra that brings people to the area". Signs all over Royal Oak catered to gals around town with flowers, chocolates, spirits and delicious appetizers and women drove in from surrounding cities to enjoy a night on the town with good food, excellent shopping and fabulous friends.  Lisa Maas, …

Like clockwork, this time of year seems to inspire pastel fashion. If you want to be pastel perfect this spring, downtown retailers have plenty of options. Pastels are soft and chalky this season - think minty greens, lavender, pale blues and candy coated pinks. The palatable hues can be found in fun shoes, jewels and bags or in summer sweaters, dresses shorts and swimsuits. "Pastels are big this season, I have the pastel jeans in light blue and we have many colors to choose from," said Calli Gryparis from Pink Pump.  Pastel perfect Here are the perfect options and styling tips that can be …

Cupcakes are selling like ... well, hotcakes, so what’s up with fancy food trend? Is it the dainty size that speaks to our taste-buds and our waistlines? Cupcakes are an affordable luxury in a recession and people crave familiar indulgences in uncertain times. According to an NPR discussion in 2009, there is actually an economic theory behind the boom, popular cupcake shops on either side of the country (like NYC and LA) inspire little shops around the country to open their own cupcake emporiums.  Royal Oak's Taste Love Cupcakes was opened one year ago by two college friends, Michelle Wilson …

Bella Tan was voted Best Tanning Salon in Royal Oak last month and I was looking a little pasty so I popped in to give airbrushing a try. In addition to traditional tanning beds, Bella Tan offers a natural airbrushing alternative applied by trained professionals for those who want a less permanent option. “It is the season for airbrushing,” said Leeanne Beere, owner of Bella Tan Salon. “It’s perfect for prom, weddings, or a weekend with the girls. It’s quick and easy and right now we're running a great special,” adds Beere.  If you’ve got 15 minutes, you can look like a beach bum.  The …

The Dirt Label will open its very first store in Royal Oak in May. The retailer's line entices individuals with unique and bold style, offering items in the $10 - $40 price range. The label began four years ago designing men's T-shirts exclusively, but has since expanded to polos, denim shirts, cardigans, pants, shorts and women's clothing.  The retailer has even entered the accessories market with custom iPhone cases.  “Our flagship store will house all of our custom designs and accessories,” said Sean McElrath of The Dirt Label.  The brand has a proud following and hopes to grow by reaching…

The greatest maritime disaster turns 100 this Saturday, and like the rest of America, our hearts go on and on and on for Titanic. For those who just can't get enough, here's a list of how you can commemorate the 100th year this week. Titanic In 3D If you think James Cameron’s Titanic was inspiring the first time around, watch it from another perspective. The special effects and scenes between Jack and Rose come alive in 3D at Emagine Theatre in Royal Oak, where the movie is showing every night this week and all weekend long. Click here for showtimes. Titanic Trivia The Royal Oak Public …

Filing a niche unlike anything else in the area, the Red Fox English Pub is scheduled to open Thursday in downtown Royal Oak. The elevated space will resemble an English pub, quite different from the Tex-Mex atmosphere below at Cantina Diabalo's. It will feature a large outdoor patio, seating about 66 people, and broadcast soccer and rugby games from the European soccer package for rabid "football" fans.  The Red Fox English Pub will feature: 40 European and local Michigan beers – and you don't have to be a beer snob to enjoy them.  Live soccer and rugby matches on large flat-screen TVs …