Shopping for Luxe

Seven local finds worth the splurge

By Jillian Manning | Oct. 14, 2023

Get your wallets ready...these local goodies are too good to pass up. Let the shopping spree begin!

1. Moraine: Spire Earrings

You can buy a diamond ring or a tennis bracelet just about anywhere. That’s why we love shopping the works of Moraine by Kelsey McQuown, because you’re destined to walk out with a unique piece you couldn’t get anywhere else. McQuown’s Reflect Collection, which “celebrates the interplay of light and water,” is especially stunning, with pieces that are quite literally one-of-a-kind and are hand carved and cast for you. The Spire Earrings ($695 for 14k yellow gold; $265 for sterling silver) are downright mesmerizing…just like watching the waves at your favorite beach. Find Moraine jewelry at The Warren in Leland (106 N Main St.) or online at shop-moraine.com.

2. Toile and Stripes: Joey Dress Coat

Slow fashion is “so hot right now,” as Will Ferrell as Mugatu in Zoolander would say. And the slowest, hottest version is handmade clothing. Enter: Toile and Stripes of Suttons Bay. Their brand works to “provide wardrobes with elegant, natural fiber hand-made clothing” and offers everything from jackets and dresses to scarves and hats. (Plus homegoods like candles and linens!) As we’re looking to freshen up our winter wardrobes, we’re drawn to the Joey Dress Coat ($305) made with 100 percent wool and brass snaps. We love the longer length and both the periwinkle and oatmeal color options for an elevated, but still cozy look. Visit Toile and Stripes at 412 North Saint Joseph St. in Suttons Bay or online at toileandstripes.com.

3. FatFace: Victoria Floral Midi Dress

Speaking of getting dressed up, we’ve fallen a little bit in love with northern Michigan newcomer, FatFace. Yes, the name is a little funky—blame the Brits—but their dresses hit that perfect blend of beautiful, functional, and thoughtfully made. Our go-to party dress this season is the Victoria Floral Midi Dress ($172). It has sleeves (to keep us warm), a v-neck and back (to make a statement), and an elegant, autumnal pattern (to make all your friends jealous). The dress also pairs perfectly with ankle boots when the snow starts to fall, so you can wear it all winter long. Shop FatFace at their two NoMi locations in Traverse City (204 E. Front St.) and Charlevoix (327 Bridge St.) or at us.fatface.com.

4. J. McLaughlin: Sascha Leather Boot

Speaking of ankle boots, look no further than the Sascha Leather Boot ($348) from J. McLaughlin for this fall and winter. Thanks to their timeless Chelsea style and equestrian-inspired details, these babies could fit right in at a dinner party or on a trip (next spring, at least) to Flintfields Horse Park and the Traverse City Horse Shows. A 1-inch heel means your feet will be thanking you at the end of a long night, and the smooth black leather means you can wear these with just about any outfit. Head to Harbor Springs to shop the Up North J. McLaughlin store at 245 E Main St., or visit jmclaughlin.com.

5. Miner’s North: Lake Superior Monster Watch

Shinola is one of the only American-made watch companies that has broken into the big leagues of luxury timekeeping. The brand is based out of Detroit, but luckily, you can also find their wares in downtown Traverse City at Miner’s North Jewelers. It’s hard to choose a favorite (they have a Mackinac-inspired edition, after all!), but we have to go for the Lake Superior Monster Watch ($1,650). It has a classic black-and-steel look that goes from the office to dinner out to…a dive in the lake? That’s right—it has a depth rating of 1,000 feet. The folks at Shinola said it perfectly about this watch: “While reminding us of the Northern Lights dancing across the sky over Lake Superior when the indices give off a green glow against the dark enamel dial, the star quality of this timepiece is its performance.” Find it at Miner’s North at 222 East Front St. or minersnorth.com.

6. Bearcub Outfitters: The Downdrift Jacket

Ready to buy the last jacket you’ll ever need? Bearcub Outfitters of Petoskey has several Patagonia outerwear options, including the Downdrift Jacket ($329), which we love for a lot of reasons. 1) It looks good and can stand up to winters in northern Michigan. 2) The jacket’s shell is made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled fishing nets, reducing ocean plastic and giving you a water repellent coat for winter. 3) The jacket’s insulation is also recycled—this time duck and goose down reclaimed from down products. 4) Patagonia aims to repair their items whenever they can, so tears and broken zippers no longer mean the end of your garment. Pop into Bearcub Outfitters (321 E. Lake Street) to shop their selections, or visit bearcuboutfitters.com.

7. Gattle’s: Orla Throw

’Tis the season of the chunky-knit sweater, which must also mean it’s the season of the chunky-knit throw. We’re ready to cozy up with the Orla Throw ($295) from Gattle’s of Harbor Springs, which feels (and looks) just like your favorite fall sweater. The blanket is made in Portugal from an 85/15 cotton and wool blend and offers the perfect weight to snuggle up under as the nights get colder. It comes in five neutral colors—sea, walnut, pewter, champagne, and ivory—that are guaranteed to match any home decor scheme. Pick your perfect color at 236 E Main St. in Harbor Springs or find one online at gattles.com.