small business saturday is november 24!

While there are literally thousands of people gearing up for the rat race that is Black Friday, I'm making plans for Small Business Saturday. Founded in 2010 to give small businesses more exposure on one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year, Small Business Saturday brings together shoppers who want to buy local and the independent designers, boutiques and specialty shops that give a community its unique flavor. From dance wear to home wares, here's a peek at the local shops I'll be visiting this Saturday.

Scout
508 S. Washington, Royal Oak
http://ifounditatscout.com
One of the best places in metro Detroit for buying gifts, Scout has everything from gorgeous coffee table books to quirky kitchen wares. It's the kind of place where you just can't help picking up a little something for yourself while finding perfect things to give pretty much everyone on your list.

Rust Belt Market
22801 Woodward, Ferndale
www.rustbeltmarket.com
A year-round indie market for artists, hobbyists, designers, vintage collectors, and foodies, Rust Belt Market is my go-to resource for unique finds. The mix of merchants is different every weekend, so you never know what you'll discover.

Nest

City Bird and Nest
460 W. Canfield St., Detroit
www.citybirddetroit.com | www.nestdetroit.com
City Bird is another great spot to find unique gifts, letterpress stationery, art, and Detroit-centric clothing. Its neighboring sister store, Nest, is dedicated to gorgeous home wares like woodland creature dishes, which are at the top of my holiday wish list.

Equestrian weekender bag, $44 at Emerald

The Peacock Room and Emerald
15 E. Kirby, Detroit
www.peacockroomdetroit.com
Located in the Park Shelton, The Peacock Room is a fabulous women's clothing and accessories boutique specializing in pieces with a vintage flair. From curvy '40s-inspired sheath dresses to art deco jewelry, you'll find everything you need to turn heads at all your holiday soirees. Make sure to also stop in at Emerald, a pop-up gift boutique by The Peacock Room that has a killer selection of bow ties.

Dance World
19651 Middlebelt Road, Livonia
www.danceworldlivonia.com
I don't need a new pair of pointe shoes quite yet, but since Dance World is offering 25 percent off one item and a free gift with purchase on Small Business Saturday, now is as good a time as any to get a new pair. If you need pointe shoes, or maybe a leotard, just mention Facebook to receive the offer.

Kelly Lynne wolf hats, $35 each

Kelly Lynne
www.kellylynne.com | www.etsy.com/shop/kellylynne
If you're looking for a gorgeous party dress or stunning winter coat, look no further than local designer Kelly Lynne. Her popular faux-fur wolf hats are back for the holidays - they're the perfect gifts for my nieces and nephew - and you can also score pieces from her 2012 collection for up to 20 percent off retail in her Etsy shop.