BY JOAN-MARIE JEFFERSON
VN STAFF WRITER
Being fashion forward, enjoying great food and finding fun things to do can be hard on a college budget.
But it necessarily does not have to be.
You just have to know the right places to visit and when to catch the right deals.
For Detroit Mercy college student, this does not have to be a problem.
The college campus is surrounded by many local malls, shops and boutiques where students can grab items to be fashion forward at a great price.
The university is fairly close to the Livernois Avenue of Fashion, which is based around Seven Mile Road.
Though Livenois is still under construction, this should not stop you from enjoying what the Avenue of Fashion has to offer.
Construction has been underway for months and has impacted nearby businesses.
The Avenue of Fashion is one of Detroit’s historic landmarks.
Before there were malls, the avenue was a destination for luxury shopping, dining and a jazz legacy and culture.
The Avenue of Fashion is home to the famous Baker’s Keyboard Lounge and this lounge has been an iconic historical landmark since 1933.
Jazz musicians Art Tatum, Dave Brubeck, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, John Coltrane, Miles Davis and countless others have graced Baker’s stage.
Did you know that the keyboard bar inside the lounge inspired Liberace’s keyboard swimming pool in his own home?
Besides the amazing history it is home to some good soul food.
From fried chicken to ribs and even smothered pork chops, the food will not leave you disappointed.
For fashion on the avenue, stop at Dolce Boutique and Three Thirteen Store.
Dolce Boutique offers women’s fashions (right now 25% off, a great deal for college students).
The looks range from casual wear to night-on-the-town or even date night.
Three Thirteen offers looks for men. It is home to many local brands.
Both of these stores are worth the trip.
