Shopping in Ferndale

Every year at Ann Arbor Fest, Catching Fireflies founders Steve and April paused from manning their paper-arts booth to admire the folksy paintings of local artist Chris Roberts-Antieau. When they finally saved up enough to purchase their favorite piece, “Catching Fireflies,” it led to a flash of inspiration: a shop dedicated to showcasing similarly whimsical artwork and supporting local artists.

Now, Catching Fireflies’ inventory spans the spectrum, from leather-bound journals and wall art to children’s toys, and has been lauded in Rochester-Rochester Hills Patch. Once customers have honed in on wares, staff can gift-wrap them free of charge, thereby eliminating the need to conceal them behind Groucho glasses.

At Anne’s on the Avenue, proprietor Anne Waters and her staff of fashion experts curate a collection of women’s styles from well-known labels and up-and-coming designers from Europe and Canada. Trendy wearables from Joseph Ribkoff, Frank Lyman, and Spanner grace the racks, dressing guests to the nines for formal or casual events with seasonal dresses, sweaters, scarves, and jewellery. Consultants employ Anne’s passport for style during private consultations to help clients assemble flattering ensembles for any occasion, from classy office cocktail parties to runway-style sashays to the mailbox.

Elegant garments from Burberry and Louis Vuitton surround shoppers at Couture Bridal Resale and Designer Resale Boutique, a high-end consignment shop that sells only authenticated designer clothes and accessories. The ever-rotating stock of mid- and high-level goods includes handbags, shoes, and clothing that's meticulously cleaned and steamed before making its way onto wooden hangers on the sales floor. The extensive clothing section features items from Gap and Gucci. Sizes ranging from 0 to 4XL are available for both men and women. Doubling as a bridal boutique, the shop offers vintage gowns dating back as far as the 1800s, as well as gowns from famed designers such as Vera Wang and Oscar de la Renta and lower-priced retail designers including Jessica McClintock.

Couture Bridal Resale and Designer Resale Boutique treats its clients to a spa-like browsing experience with a relaxing chandelier-lit space painted in soothing color schemes, pleasantly scented, and replete with hors d'oeuvres and drinks. Dedicated to outfitting the style and budget conscious with the latest and vogue-est gear, the fashion-forward staff runs special promotions to re-create the current season’s trends using Couture Bridal Resale and Designer Resale Boutique's resale and vintage collections.