The Book Was Better Book Club: Little Fires Everywhere

I’ve always LOVED to read. As a child, I would refuse to go to sleep until my parents read to me, no matter how late it was. In elementary school, I would read while walking down the hall. During recess, I would sit on the bench and read instead of running around getting chased by boys. The recess monitor told my mom that I should be playing instead of reading and my mom told her where to stick it. HA! I figured it was time to bring my love of books to the blog and start a Detroit Duchess Book Club!

As I talk about TV and pop culture, I thought I would specifically focus on books that have a TV or movie tie-in. I don’t know about you, but I am obsessed with reading the book first before I watch the show or movie. We will officially call the group: Detroit Duchess: The Book was Better.

Here’s how it will work. I will kick things off by selecting my Book Club pick and announce it on the blog. I will give you a week to pick it up/order it/rent it from the library/download it and then we will start reading. I’ve created a private Detroit Duchess Book Club Facebook Group so we can discuss the current book as we read through it. So click the link to join and follow along!

Right before our official Book Club meeting, I will encourage all of you to watch the movie and/or series. Some of these will be longer than a month depending on whether it is a movie book or a TV series book. At the end of the month or longer, I will host a Facebook Live discussion where we will share our thoughts about the book/movie/show and you can chime in, ask questions, and give me your feedback.

I’ve been dying to watch the Little Fires Everywhere series on Hulu, but have been holding off until I could read the book. I figured this was the perfect book to start with. I can’t wait to see the fashion that Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington bring to the series. You can order the book here-I’ve found it for $6 on Amazon!

The schedule will run as follows:

Let me know if you’ll be joining The Book is Better Book Club and if you have any recommendations for future selections!

Bachelorette 16 – Clare Crawley

I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am for the next Bachelorette, Clare Crawley. As a long-time fan of the show, Clare was one of my favorites from Juan Pablo’s season and I am thrilled to see her as the Bachelorette. As a 37 year old woman myself, I love that I will get to root for someone in my age group this time.

Clare looked stunning during the Good Morning America announcement wearing an Alexandre Vauthier microcrystal one shoulder dress ($2,319). This Sequin One Shoulder Midi Dress from Boohoo is only $16 and a great look for less.

You can see a little more of Clare’s interview below.

I am THRILLED not only for Clare’s season, but also for her fashion! She’s always looked fabulous and I can’t wait to see what the show’s stylist, Cary Fetman, styles her in this season. Are you excited for Clare?

For more Bachelorette posts, click here.

Bachelor 24 – Week 3

It’s Week 3 and Demi is randomly back for an impromptu pillow fight with the ladies. But first, Victoria P. gets the one-on-one date and she wears a cool green suede moto jacket from BlankNYC ($198).

Demi shows up for a pillow fighting date and is wearing the Reese Two-Tone Bodysuit ($74) from JoJo Fletcher’s line, Fletch.

Kelly Flanagan might be my favorite contestant on this season. She’s just so cool and authentic. I liked her lavender L’Acadamie The Pearl Dress ($57). This is almost sold out so I found a similar dress if you have to have it. Venus Cold Shoulder Belted Dress ($26.99).

At the rose ceremony, Hannah Ann looked great in her Herve Leger Black Multi-Strap Bandage Dress (sold out). If you like the look, you can get this Split One Shoulder Sheath Dress ($47.94).

Kelly Flanagan knows how to work a red dress. I loved this look from the rose ceremony. I found this Paulina Red Bodycon Midi Dress ($58) so you can recreate it. She accessorized with the Madison McKinley Smith Necklace ($40).

What were your favorite looks from this week? For more Bachelor fashion posts, click here.

Five on Friday: Gilmore Girls Rewatch

I haven’t done a Gilmore Girls post since 2015, so I figured it was time! I got inspired by the annual GilMORE the Merrier rewatch on UPTV, they start this every year on Thanksgiving. I caught a few episodes then and just now completed my own rewatch. I feel like every time I finish a rewatch I should get a little treat, so I picked five things I would love as an honorary Gilmore Girl.

I Smell Snow Phone Case ($12)

This is the cutest thing and perfect to rock during the winter months. I love that they have every phone option available.

Eat Like a Gilmore Cookbook ($7.99)

I had no idea, but there is a Gilmore Girls cookbook! It has 100 recipes including some of the favorites like salmon puffs, Santa burger, the magic risotto, the Founder’s Day punch and many more!

Luke’s Diner Mug ($15.22)

I want to get this classic mug so badly! It is the perfect tribute to the Gilmore Girls and I would love to drink my tea out of it! I would get the blue one.

Be Like a Gilmore Girl Shirt ($24.99)

Any Gilmore Girls rewatcher needs a shirt to wear as they binge. I just thought this one was perfect and I like the v-neck style.

Talking As Fast As I Can ($12.18)

Did you know that Lauren Graham has written three books? I sure didn’t, but I would love to read her memoir and hear all the behind the scenes details about her time on the show.

Are you a Gilmore Girls fan? Let me know your favorite episode in the comments!

For more Five on Friday posts, click here.

Bachelor 24 – Week 2

We pick up this week exactly where we left off with the fallout from Hannah Brown’s visit. It seems like she is finally gone for good this season, but I’m not sure where that leaves him with the other women. During the first rose ceremony it was obvious Peter was a smitten kitten with Madison, I liked her Jay Godfrey Whitney Dress, but it was sold out. I found a similar style in this Trina Turk Picture Perfect Dress ($168).

There was lots of drama with Kelsey and her champagne (I’m planning a whole separate post for Champagnegate), but she did look fabulous in her Black Halo Lena Color Blocked Jumpsuit ($390). Lulu’s Power of Love White Strapless Jumpsuit ($61) is similar.

Now, the fashion show was interesting, but most of the looks showcased weren’t really my style, you can find them on Revolve if you’re interested. During the cocktail party, I liked Kelsey’s faux leather dress. I am loving her style so far this season. I found a similar Hit List Leather Dress ($34.99) if you liked this look too.

What were your favorite looks from this episode?

For more Bachelor posts, click here.

Bachelorette 14 – Becca Kufrin

Becca went through a lot during Arie’s season of The Bachelor and it can’t be fun to see your former fiance gallivanting all over the world with the girl he dumped you for and proposed to quickly after. But in true ABC fashion, she’s going to try her hand at televised love. Don’t get me wrong, I love this show and I especially love when it works out but I think I would be in a “to hell with you all” sort of mood after the televised breakup. But the money could be anywhere from $30,000 to $200,000 and I’m guessing it’s closer to the latter, especially if she knew how to negotiate. Full steam ahead people, Becca’s official promo clip and pictures are here…and she’s ready to “do the damn thing.”

The song in her promo is Kesha’s Woman, which I have since downloaded and am obsessed with. The unedited version is much better than the one they use in the promo.

Becca wore a Tom Ford One-Shoulder Side-Slit Fitted Evening Gown ($5,990), paired with Massimo Matteo Open Toe Unicorn Heels ($49.50), Dana Kemp earrings and spiral diamond ring and a Suzanne Kalan spiral ring. To recreate her look, I found this Christina Wu One Shoulder Sequin Bridesmaid Gown, which comes in rose gold, for $197.99 and this Pandora ROSE Entwined Ring ($17.50). Her shoes are affordable and still available!

Bachelorette Makeup Artist, Gina Modica posted all of her tips for getting Becca’s look for this shot:

They include one of my favorites! Temptu’s Silksphere Airpod Foundation in rose beige ($45)

As a highlighter she used Armani’s Beauty Fluide Embelliseur #11 ($62)

Kat Von D’s Sacred Heart and Crucifix from the Saint and Sinner Palatte ($148.97)

Her cheeks are flushed with the very popular Nars’ Orgasm Blush ($30):

MAC Pro Longwear Lip Pencil in Staunchly Stylish ($17.85):

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Lustre Lip Gloss in Blondie ($22):

Amazing Concealer ($28):

The Balm Cosmetics Furrowcious ($13):

ABC took some additional promo shots like this one which is more casual:

In this picture, Becca wears the Madewell Whisper Cotton V-Neck Pocket Tee ($19.50), Hudson Collin Skinny Jeans ($210) and the Shoedazzle Donatella Buckle Strap Pumps ($62.95):

I found these great Express Slingback Pumps ($41.94) that are a great dupe for the Donatella pumps which are only available in silver now.

Are you ready to join Becca on her journey for love? (See I could be Chris Harrison) You never know, this could be the most “dramatic” season ever!

For more Bachelorette posts, click here.

Bachelor 22 – Week 1

Calling all Bachelor fans! Grab your wine and get ready for another season full of drama and roses! Let’s take a journey five years back to the past, when Emily Maynard’s season aired. My girlfriends and I watched this religiously and following along with Emily’s fashion was one of the reasons I started this blog and wanted to recap Bachelor fashion. I was stunned when she picked Jef over Arie as he was our favorite for her. We were shocked when he didn’t get the Bachelor nod and it went to Sean Lowe instead. But flash forward five years and Arie finally gets his chance and we will follow along and see if he ends up like Sean and Catherine or falls victim to the Bachelor curse like the rest of the couples.

Most of the women this season probably thought they were coming to meet Peter, but as Peter turned down the opportunity (don’t worry we will see him again in the Winter Games show) they will instead get to know Arie.

First up is Chelsea, the token single mom who is looking to find love again. She wore a cute gray off-the-shoulder ruffle top in her intro and I found this Ruffled Off-The-Shoulder Blouse from Neiman Marcus ($69) to recreate her look:

Seeing Kendall and all her dead animals reminds me of Kirk from Ali’s season, wasn’t his dad a taxidermist – is he still single because these two might be a match! Her necklace also reminded me of the Leona from Robyn Rhodes ($99):

Marikh seems to have an eclectic background as a restaurant owner who has also dabbled in social media marketing, a short animated documentary film, pageants and as a model. I liked her lantern sleeve dress and found this similar Ann Taylor Lantern Sleeve Flare Dress ($79.88):

Now that we’ve met a few of the ladies, on to our favorite looks from the limo entrances. First up is Chelsea, who wore iEENA for Mac Duggal style 25403i ($338):

Kendall shows up nervous wearing a slinky pink plunging, high-slit very grecian-esque dress. It might be this SHEIN Plunging Surplice Front Crisscross High Slit Cami Dress ($24):

I LOVED that Sienne brought Arie elephant cufflinks – that gets high marks in my book. Sienne wore the Yani Gown from NBD ($238) and mentioned on her Instagram that she had two necklaces that were both from Gorjana. I’m guessing one was the Chloe Mini Necklace ($55):

Tia wore a stunning green color and this Beaded Halter Neck Gown from MacDuggal ($338) is a dead ringer for her dress:

Bibiana is up next with another green dress. I loved the color on her. I found two similar dresses in this AMUR Sally Gown ($548) or this La Femme Strappy Ruched Bodice Gown ($298):

Jenny wore the hot pink Millbury Gown from Likely ($296.40) which you can also rent for $70 here. This Aidan Aidan Plunging Cutout Gown ($245) is similar and has more size options:

Jacqueline wore The Reformation Sophia Gown ($428) which only has a multicolor version available. I found this similar Dress the Population Iris Dress ($288):

Krystal wore the Jovani Open-Back Prom Dress with Ruffled Bustle and Train ($378) which was just stunning. I loved the business in front, party in the back style of this dress. This dress from JJ’s House is an exact replica and is only $96.99 if you want the look for less:

Jenna Cooper’s bright blue cutout dress might be my favorite. I just love that color! I found this similar Jill Stuart Cutout Crepe Gown ($298) to recreate her look:

Jessica wore this Nicholas Georgette Wrap Dress ($417). I found this similar Aiden Aiden Ruffle Trim Gown ($171.50):

Marikh wore the Josette by Abyss by Abby lace one sleeve dress ($192). This Cut Out Lace Long Dress ($44.99) or this XSCAPE One-Shoulder Lace Gown ($249) are similar:

Becca wore a sold out Vici Total Eclipse Lace Applique Maxi Dress. I found a number of similar dresses and figured I would share them all. First is the Lace Bodice Gown from Tadashi Shoji ($428), the second is the Lace & Jersey Gown from Morgan & Co. ($90), the third is the Tadashi Shoji Illusion Lace-Bodice Gown ($408) and the fourth is the Embellished Gown from Morgan & Co. ($108):

Lauren S. wore the sold out Reformation Rosella dress. This Frankie Velvet Cut Out Bow Midi Dress ($16) is similar:

Lauren J. wore the Solace London Piper Gown (for rent $75) and Jennifer Miller Faux Emerald Teardrop Earrings ($120). I thought this Halston Heritage Tie-Back Cut Out Gown ($375) was similar:

Ashley wore the Vegas Midi Dress from Nookie ($299). This ASTR Francesca Dress ($116) is similar:

Brittany T. wore the Hello Molly Golden Child Midi Dress ($66). It’s very va va voom and reminds me of Dolce & Gabbana. This Extraordinary Love Lace Midi Dress ($64) can get you the look if you still want the dress in black.

Lauren B. and Ali wore the same Sherri Hill Sequin Silver Prom Dress ($698). Let’s not mention Ali’s horrible pit stop joke – he should have kicked her out right there.

Annaliese went full kissing bandit in a ABS Allen Schwartz Women’s Plunging Neckline Gown With Shoulder Cut Out ($332.75):

Maquel had a fantastic entrance and looked beautiful. She wore a Sherri Hill Prom Dress ($468). This Halter Overlay Evening Dress by Cinderella Divine ($99) is similar:

And there you have it – these are my top picks from night one! I can’t wait to see what happens next this season, it looks like we are shaping up for a lot of drama.

Which dresses were your favorites?

For more Bachelor posts, click here.




Bachelorette 13 – Week 7

Here we are – hometown dates. Rachel starts her week off in Baltimore with Eric. She wore the Rails Hunter Button Up ($148), Basic Beaded Necklace from Peggy Li ($29), Kendra Scott Naomi Double Ring – it looks like she stacked two of these the Iridescent Druzy and the Rose Gold Druzy ($130/each), and Paul Green Women’s Alexandra Heeled Sandal ($297.46). To recreate her look, I found this Sanctuary Womens Boyfriend Plaid Button-Down Top ($38.76) and these Circus by Sam Edelman Kipling Peep Toe Booties ($35):

Next up is Miami with Bryan. Rachel wore a NICHOLAS Floral-Print Handkerchief-Hem Top ($122) and the Robyn Rhodes Felice Ring ($79.99). This Vince Camuto Glacier Floral Tank Top ($79) is similar:

Next up is Rachel’s date with Peter in Madison, Wisconsin. Rachel wore a sold out 360 Cashmere Peaches Linen Tank and the  Basic Beaded Necklace from Peggy Li ($29) she wore to Eric’s hometown above. This B Collection by Bobeau Double Layer Tank Top ($19) is similar:

Whew…Rachel’s date with Dean in Aspen was brutal. I feel like they shouldn’t have shown that on TV. Rachel wore a sold out Tart Ilianna Cardigan and the Basic Beaded Necklace from Peggy Li ($29) that she’s been sporting throughout the whole episode. This Style & Co Ombré Duster Cardigan ($39.99) is a great alternative:

To add insult to injury, Rachel eliminated Dean during the rose ceremony. Rachel wore a gown from Theia Couture. This other Theia Metallic Beaded Gown at Saks ($466.20) is very similar:

What did you think about the hometown dates? Are you ready to meet Rachel’s family next week in Spain?

For more Bachelorette posts, click here.




Bachelorette 13 – Week 6

This week Rachel and the men are in beautiful Switzerland. As Rachel is taking in the city, she wore an All Saints Balfern Leather Biker Jacket ($560), a Paige Iris Skirt ($62.99) and what looks like the Hannah Necklace from Robyn Rhodes ($99.99). This BlankNYC ‘Easy Rider’ Faux Leather Moto Jacket ($64.60) is similar:

Rachel has decided that there will be three one-on-one dates this week and a three-on-one group date so she can make her decisions about hometowns. She kicks it off with Bryan in a sold-out Tibi hi-low turtleneck and the Ramy Brook Lincoln Pants ($172.50). I found a similar look in gray with the Premise Cashmere Hi-Low Pullover Sweater ($189.90) and the Style & Co Stretch Wide-Leg Pants ($27.98):

Rachel and Bryan are continuing to heat up during their dinner date. She wore a sold out Cushnie Et Ochs One Shoulder Mock Neck Dress. This NY&C Sleeveless Turtleneck Dress ($11.73) is similar:

Rachel’s next one-on-one is with Dean. She looks classic in her sold out Zara Robin Blue Double Breasted Coat and 3.1 PHILLIP LIM Long Sleeve Pointelle Lace Dress ($215) or here . To recreate her look I found this Shein Double Breasted Flap Pocket Coat ($41) and Betsey Johnson Textured Knit Sheath Dress ($138):

For the serious dinner date with Dean, Rachel wore a Solace London long-sleeved cape dress. I found this NY&C Eva Mendes Collection Tessa Cape Sheath Dress ($44.97):

Next up is Rachel’s one-on-one date with Peter on the side of a glacier. She wore the 66 North Esja Long Parka ($650) and Brochu Walker Carrie Turtleneck Sweater ($119.97). To recreate her look for less, try this 1 Madison Insulated Parka with Faux Fur Trim ($151.92) and Style & Co. Cowl Neck Sweater ($18.99):

Rachel and Peter’s one-on-one time was so meaningful. I feel like he definitely opened up to her. She wore a Randi Rahm cocktail dress and a Jesse & Co. body chain ($65) on the back. I thought this Stylestalker Riscal Midi Dress ($189) was similar:

Rachel takes Eric, Adam and Matt on the group date and decides to send Matt home and give Eric the group date rose securing him a hometown date. She wore the sold out Mackage Joslyn Coat and I loved her Tiffany blue scarf. I found this NY&CO Shawl Collar Wrap Coat ($74.97) and this Fargo Scarf from Topman ($25) to recreate her look:

During the evening portion of the date, Rachel invites Adam and Eric back to a castle to deliberate on who she will send home. She wore a black halter dress that had a cool beaded neckline. I found this similar Carmen Marc Valvo Embellished Neck Halter Dress ($357):

Rachel ended up giving her rose to Eric and sent Adam home…I hate to break it to these guys but if you didn’t get the one-on-one you probably aren’t going to make it too much further either way…

Rachel had a number of looks this week and her makeup artist Gina Modica came through with the makeup to match:

Stay tuned to next week for all the hometown dates!

For more Bachelorette posts, click here.




Bachelorette 13 – Week 5 Part 2

We picked back up on the two-on-one, where Rachel finally sent Lee home. The whole thing was really immature – I couldn’t believe Kenny left Rachel to go back…he may have a rose but he pretty much sealed his fate in that moment. Rachel looked comfy in a white v-neck sweater. I found this Anne Klein Ribbed Hem V-Neck Sweater ($34.97) to recreate her look:

Rachel arrived at the rose ceremony wearing a gold Randi Rahm creation. I found two similar options to recreate her look. The first, this Cannes Dress from Nookie ($469) and the second, the X Revolve Alitz Gown from NBD ($288):

You can see her gorgeous makeup from The Bachelor’s resident artist, Gina Modica:

Rachel decided to let Anthony and Josiah go home this week. Josiah was a little surprised that she kept some of the men over him. Rachel flew out to meet the men in Copenhagen for the next leg of their journey. She wore a Mackage Double Face Wool Blend Coat ($374.97), CHAN LUU Ombré cashmere and silk-blend scarf ($205) and Coup’s Mr. Right Earrings ($340). To recreate the look I found two coat options with Laundry By Shelli Segal Wool-Blend Wrap Coat ($136.99) and Diane von Furstenberg Two Tone Double Face Wool Blend Wrap Coat ($219.97) this Paul Smith Women’s Light Pink Ombré Lambswool-Cashmere Scarf ($195), and A.B.S. By Allen Schwartz Teardrop Earrings ($24.99):

Rachel took Eric on the first one-on-one date this week and she wore a Mackage Nori Belted Wool Blend Coat ($690), sold out Maison Mere Sweater, Nanfusco Palmwood Necklace ($7,175), Sermona Gloves ($69). To recreate the look, I found this Belle Badgley Mischka ‘Lorian’ Faux Leather Trim Belted Asymmetrical Wool Blend Coat ($299), Old Navy Textured Raglan-Sleeve Sweater for Women ($34.99), and Radiant – Petrified Palmwood & Citrine Sterling Silver Necklace ($185):

I loved Rachel’s glowy look which you can get below:

Eric got the rose and the next day, Rachel took the rest of the group on a Viking themed date. Her outfit was perfect for what they did and her stylist, Cary Fetman, got a great picture:

Her cape is from Blessed Are the Meek, the pants are the cropped skinny trousers from Frame, and those fabulous brown gloves. To recreate her outfit, I found this Loose Fit Slit Hooded Cape Coat ($30.99), C by Bloomingdale’s Cashmere Crewneck Sweater ($79.99), Karen Karen Stretch Faux Leather Skinny Pants ($109), and Saks Fifth Avenue Polished Leather Gloves ($79.99):

During the evening cocktail party, Rachel sent Kenny home to his daughter and it was the nicest breakup yet. Rachel wore a sold out lace tank from Wolford and a black tuxedo jacket from Theory. To recreate her look, I found this Bailey/44 Bravura Top ($178) and Shawl Collar Tuxedo Blazer ($88.80).

Rachel took Will on a one-on-one date to Sweden and looked fresh faced in a green coat, white scarf and chocolate beanie. I found this Michael Kors Hooded Drawstring Long Coat ($79.90), Pashmina Style Scarf ($15.99) and Cashmere Knit Beanie ($39) to recreate this look:

Following their dinner, Rachel sent Will home. She wore a the Ivana Cold Shoulder Cashmere Sweater Dress from 360 Cashmere ($149.99) and three different rings from Robyn Rhodes. The Aella Ring ($74.99), the Jona Ring ($74.99), and the Valery Ring ($74.99). This Jessica Simpson Cold-Shoulder Sweater Dress ($69.50) is similar:

I loved Rachel’s look as she was walking and deliberating prior to the rose ceremony. She had on this great black trench coat and a cool wine colored cut out sweater. For this look, I found a Splendid Draped Trench Coat ($124.60) and this Cashmere Cutout Turtleneck Sweater ($118.80) which looks like the exact same sweater.

For the rose ceremony, Rachel wore a custom Randi Rahm black velvet halter gown and she sent home our Michigan boy, Alex. I found two great options to get this look. Both from Shail K, the first, a High Halter Lace-Up Velvet Sheath Gown ($250) and the second, a Jewel-Neck Long Velvet Sheath Gown ($250):

Her look, from the talented Gina Modica, was on point:

I like all the guys she has left, especially Peter – I mean, should we just start calling him McDreamy?

Who are your favorites?

For more Bachelorette posts, click here.





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