Ladies Night Out at Rear Ends

Rear Ends, a women’s casual apparel boutique specializing in premium denim. The first location in West Bloomfield on The Boardwalk has been servicing customers for 41 years and Rear Ends recently opened a second location, in Bloomfield Hills on the corner of Maple and Telegraph Road.

A family business, Rear Ends was founded by husband-and-wife team, Elaine and Mark Blumenfeld. Their daughter, Ariana Carps, is now co-owner, buyer and manager, although the couple remain hands-on with the business.

What is the concept for the store? “We're jeans and T-shirts. That's how we started out, explains Ariana Carp” Now after 41 years in business Rear Ends has expanded. “The concept is upscale, casual women. We're never too fancy. We try to delve into a little bit nicer here and there. But we're a woman's every day clothes. Everyday jeans — and maybe a great Saturday night outfit, but nothing for a black-tie wedding.”

The clothing store carries more than a dozen brands of premium denim, as well as a variety of lines of T-shirts, sweaters, jackets, pants, dresses and accessories. The store targets the “everyday woman” who has an active lifestyle, juggling work and family with some classes at the local gym.

Q: What should folks look for in a pair of jeans?

REAR ENDS: Definitely not price. All the high-end designers make jeans that are more expensive than what I carry, and not as good quality. You have to touch it. If it feels too flimsy, it might not be a good jean. If it feels too stiff, then it probably hasn't been washed enough.

Q: Are supposed to wash jeans. Is that true?

REAR ENDS: Washing instructions is machine wash cold, inside-out. Throw in a cap-full of white vinegar. Let them hang dry, and when they are totally dry throw them in the dryer for five minutes to fluff them. That will help them last longer. The heat from the dryer can break down the Lycra and denim, and hot water in the washing machine will make them fade quicker no matter how much you spend.

Q: What about fit?

REAR ENDS: We ask people when they say they are a hard fit: Tell me your fit issue. If you have no butt, I call that one-long-thigh. We look at that and grab a jean that might be a little squarer. It's about making sure the pockets hit in the right place, the waist doesn't fit too high or too low. Making sure the knee hits in the right spot.

Rear Ends - The Boardwalk

6905 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, MI 48322

(248) 626-4333

Rear Ends -Bloomfield

6606 Telegraph Rd, Bloomfield Twp., MI 48301

(248) 480-0460

www.shoprearends.com