Does anyone else remember "The Canary And The Elephant"? It was a boutique in the Pontiac Mall, down toward the fountains-- where they later put in an "Express." They sold wild clothes, jewelry, accessories, and odd gifts. This place was WAY cooler than Hot Topic, Claire's or Foxmoor will EVER be. Probably the most awesome accessory store that ever was. I almost wonder if the franchise was merged with Express, as the merchandise was similar.
Back in the early-to-mid 80's, this place was selling leather and spikes, day-glo, op art t-shirts, lots of fuzzy stuff and cute tartan-patterned things; all the weirdest, wildest, most cutting-edge, new-wave clothes and accessories. My first-ever source of rock star clothing.
I bought my first pair of bizarre earrings there-- dangly, fully-jointed, hand-painted wooden ones that looked like large green alligators; dangling from each gator's clenched teeth was the lower torso of a tourist, complete with loud Hawaiian shorts and flip-flops. Every part of these earrings moved about, and the tourist appeared to be kicking. The earrings looked as if they were either made in the Oaxaca area of Mexico, or possibly in the Philippines, judging by the colorful folk-art style. I also bought my first vinyl skirt and pothole fishnets there.
I still miss Kinney Shoe Stores, and the exclusive G.A.S.S. shoes. Wish I could find a vintage pair.
"Ben Franklin" 5-and-dime stores-- I haven't seen one of those in a cat's age..