I can speak mainly for the "West Side" of metro Detroit, there are other members here who have better knowledge of the "East side".

Novi is a nice area with good shopping, good food and decent nightlife.  Places to check out:

12 Oaks Mall - Good Shopping - Nordstrom, Coach, VS, etc.  
Fountainwalk - restaurants and bars
29 Park - Nightclub
Bar Louis - Bar Restaurant
DUEL - Dueling piano bar
Lucky's - Bar / bowling / fun & games

Birmingham is the upscale / swanky area
Townsend Hotel
Lots of unique boutiques in downtown Birmingham
Lots of bars and nightclubs as well
Somerset Collection (Troy) - Upscale shopping and dining (Tiffany, LV, Saks, Capital Grill, etc.)

Other interesting area locations include:
Royal Oak - Nightlife and dining
Ferndale - nightlife and dining
Plymouth / Northville - nightlife and dinin