Blu Ivory Brings Unique Clothing Options to Berkley

LaToya Doss, owner of Blu Ivory, is living her American dream: She opened Berkley’s newest boutique May 18.

The store, which is giving a 20 percent discount Friday through Sunday, offers elegant and trendy styles of clothing that are unique from mainstream department stores.

“Since I was a little girl, I was interested in fashion,” Doss said.

Doss began buying and selling couture fashions for herself and her friends, which blossomed into a store.

Blu Ivory first opened in Oak Park a year ago. Soon after, Doss decided to start shopping for a storefront that would provide her more exposure.

“Berkley has been great,” Doss said. “I have more exposure, a better location and more walking traffic.”

That foot traffic, plus a variety of retail options, make the city attractive to new businesses and consumers alike, Downtown Development Authority chairman Alan Semonian said.

He added that Berkley's plethora of free parking sets it apart from neighboring cities such as Royal Oak and Birmingham, where visitors must feed meters.

, improve pedestrian walkways, consolidate trash Dumpsters and add bike racks.

Doss said she chose Berkley over Royal Oak to expand because she felt Royal Oak was too competitive. Doss said Berkley has a corner market for her unique sense of apparel.

Blu Ivory carries dresses, tops, pants and shoes, as well as one-of-a-kind items for special engagements. Doss said she might branch out to include accessories in the future. All clothing is priced between $20 and $130.

Doss said she is happy with her move to Berkley.

“What I did monthly in Oak Park, I now do in two weeks,” she said.

Blu Ivory is located at 3223 12 Mile Road in Berkley. The boutique's hours are 12-8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Call 248-542-3547 for more information.