A Warm and Wonderful Palette for Fall 2015

Looking forward to the cooler months? Well start to plan your color palettes accordingly and choose from the shades destined to be the most popular.  Pantone, the global authority on color, has surveyed the designers of New York Fashion Week and beyond to bring you the season's most important color trends. Check out the new shades you'll be wearing from your everyday sweater essentials, to the pots in your eyeshadow palettes.

Desert Sage - This a cool and soothing greenish-gray. Desert Sage speaks to the feeling of naturally inspired colors.

Stormy Weather - This hue is dependable, cool and, above all, constant. Implying quality and luxury, it is a powerful blue-gray that is strong, protective and enduring.

Oak Buff - This is a mellow, comforting and warming shade that brings good feelings. One of nature's many illustrious shades, this golden-yellow acts to nurture and comfort. 

Dried Herb - Closely related to nature, Dried Herb is an organic shade embodying nature's earthy fragrances.

Marsala - Rich and robust, Marsala incorporates warmth and richness. Its grounding red-brown roots point to a sophisticated, natural earthiness.

Biscay Bay - This shade splashes up against more heated tones with its cool touch, combining the qualities of serene blue with the invigorating aspects of green.

Cadmium Orange - Both playful and sophisticated in its appeal, cadmium orange is a warm, welcoming and subtly dramatic hue that is striking enough to stand on its own or act as a bold contrast.

Cashmere Rose -  This is a tactile and soft pink hue. Cashmere Rose displays a gently persuasive and composed pink that is more upscale than downtown. 

Reflecting Pond - This color is a cooling blue that adds dimension and intrigue to the Top 10. Reflecting Pond is described as a serious shade.

Amethyst Orchid - Intriguing, vibrant and somewhat sensual, this enigmatic shade is an extraordinary hue that is unique, bold, creative and exciting.

It's Pantone Color Change Time

According to Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, "Juxtaposition of color from opposite sides of the spectrum emphasizes poise and confidence on the runway. The Fall 2015 palette is rooted in multi-faceted, androgynous colors that can be worn to portray effortless sophistication across men’s and women’s fashion; it is the first time we are seeing a truly unisex color palette." 

We're excited to see our store transform from Spring/Summer to Fall/Winter! Aren't the colors just gorgeous!

Elastane, Lycra, Spandex - What's it All About?

Spandex is a synthetic fiber that is known for exceptional elasticity. It's a long chain of polymer (polyurethane) and is known for its elasticity. It is stronger and more durable than natural rubber. Other names for this fabric are Lycra or Elastane. It's well known for it's ability to revert back to its original shape after being stretched. It is known as a "wonder fiber" because it can stretch more than 100% and snap right back into shape. It's estimated that about 80 percent of today's garments have a bit of spandex in them. For clothing, spandex is usually mixed with cotton/rayon/polyester or nylon.

A word of caution: Spandex can be easily damaged by heat so requires different care. Recommendations include hand washing or use of the gentle/hand wash cycle in your machine. Use mild detergent. No bleach or chlorine. No fabric softener. Don't rub the fabric together. Don't wring. No ironing. No dry cleaning.

What is Viscose?

Viscose is a type of rayon. It is a fiber made of regenerated cellulose...from green plants. It's structurally similar to cotton but is be produced from a variety of plants such as soy, bamboo, and sugar cane. 

It's been called a contradictory beast because as a manufactured fiber, it's neither truly natural like cotton, wool or silk nor truly synthetic like nylon or polyester. It's somewhere "in between".

Viscose became popular for a few reasons. The first is that it has a luxurious look and feel at an affordable price. It blends easily with other fibers. It is easy to dye and retains vivid colors very well. It's got a silk-like luster, nice drape and is softer than cotton.

It's often blended with other fabrics - like polyester.

Let's Talk About Polyester!

Polyester has a bad reputation, but really shouldn't!  Current polyester fabrics have a very nice feel. It's used a lot because it's extremely strong, durable, resilient, and resistant to creasing -keeping its shape really well. It's resistant to chemical damage. It's wrinkle, mildew and abrasion resistant, doesn't stretch or shrink and is easy to wear and care for.

Polyester is very often blended with other fibers. Garments that are 100% polyester are usually soft and smooth, almost satiny and have a little "give" to them. 

Polyester is machine washable and can be dried on the low-heat setting in your dryer. We recommend using a touch of fabric softener when washing and then drying for just a few minutes to tumble out any wrinkles - and hanging to dry. It's a quick drying fabric.

Polyester doesn't always require ironing, but you can iron on a warm (NOT HOT) setting if needed.

Menswear Chic - Oh Yes, It's Here

Menswear met Lady Chic and it was a marriage made in heaven. That's right, menswear with a sexy slant is "tres glam" this season. Think lady loafers and oxfords. Picture vests, boyfriend blazers, over-sized coats and white collared shirts. Such a great sleek take on boyfriend staples. Come in to Willow Tree in Downtown Wyandotte to put your own look together. Our fashion consultants are so happy to help you create the look that works perfectly for your taste and style and slant on any trend!

 

Can You Mix Your Animal & Reptile Prints?

   

Our answer is yes! Why limit yourself to just one when you can wear two or even three?  But it's got to be done right. One idea is to start with a pair of jeans and a simple t-shirt. Then add one or two chic accessories to complete the look. A great scarf, clutch, jacket, or boots will look great now and keep working straight through to Fall. 

Now Trending: Downriver, MI

In the world of fashion, people can be put on a bell curve and described in one of five ways: fashion innovators, fashion leaders, the masses, late adopters, and fashion laggards. Their names are exactly as they sound. The fashion innovators are the first to start a trend, and its no surprise that they would live in the trendiest cites: New York, LA, Paris, Milan, London. Next come the fashion leaders, followed by mass adoption from the general population, and then the late adaptors and laggards. There are a variety of factors that tie into where one falls on the bell curve, including their demographic location, age, and most importantly their interest in fashion. The Midwest is notorious for falling in the middle of the curve. Here in Michigan, we are typically regarded as average when it comes to fashion. But something important in last few years has started to happen: Detroit is trending.

            

Dubbed as “The New Brooklyn”, the Detroit brand is growing and Downriver, MI has a prime spot right outside the city. Companies like The Detroit Garment Group have brought fashion to Michigan through their annual Fashionspeak conference, industrial sewing certification program, and current efforts in building a fashion incubator for young designers. Companies like Shinola have made Detroit a national luxury brand and capitalized on the city’s history. Downriver native, and world famous fashion designer, John Varvatos has supported the city by bringing his brand to Woodward Ave. And then of course there are the loyal and trendy boutiques that occupy the city and surrounding areas, like The Willow Tree and Chelsea.

Nothing brings out creativity like difficult times, and Detroit has had its fair share. The city is in a period of rebirth, and Downriver is along for the ride.  

Written by our "Guest Blogger" Ms. Jamie Campbell of Central Michigan University's Fashion Merchandising and Design Program. She's also a Summer Intern at Willow Tree. 

Want Your Wardrobe to Bloom and Grow?

Do you need to know how to get your wardrobe to flourish? It's so easy and you need not look any further than WILLOW TREE in Wyandotte. 
Their buyers have seen "flower power" all over the runways and showrooms when planning for Spring 2015. Floral patterns were everywhere....and now they're HERE. Blossoms, muted florets, colorful blooms and mixed prints!  You'll see florals everywhere. From bright printed canvas shorts to dainty florals on a chiffon blouse -- to the super-cute cabbage rose print on footwear, Willow Tree has plenty of options to "plant in your closet" now.

Come play dress up with us!

Black and White - the New Trend? Hmmmm

O.K., we KNOW it's not completely accurate to call black and white a new trend since it literally never goes out of style, but it looks so good this season. The prints are fabulous, the silhouettes so interesting. Take a look for yourself!

New Trend? Not For OUR Customers!

Some call it BoHo, Others Call it "Hippie Chic". Whatever you call it, Willow Tree customers have long embraced the looks that seems to step right out of  the 1970s.  Light, flowy and bohemian. This great looking style is STILL hot - and available at Willow Tree in historic Downtown Wyandotte! Call us at 734-282-8231!

Another Trend That Continues...With a Twist!

Let's talk about jumpsuits.  Dressy jumpsuits were introduced over the past couple of seasons and they've been pretty well received. Even Willow Tree customers have loved a couple of them we've had! 

They're gaining popularity, that's for sure. But this year, designers have shaken it up a bit more and taken inspiration from the "world of industry" to create fashion-forward utilitarian looks with a "couture edge" like leather belts, extra long zippers and oversized buttons. They say that the jumpsuit is set to be the uniform for the chic and sophisticated this season. What do you think? Is Wyandotte ready for them? Are YOU?

Watch for MORE Khaki this Spring

Khaki first hit the runway over 40 years ago. Since that introduction, it's become a fashion classic. This year, it's hitting our industry with a big bang! Watch for military silhouettes, sueded khaki, safari style khaki, skirts, pants, coats, jackets, tops----and more! What do you think?

A Beautiful Color Palette - Welcome Spring 2015!

Getting Close to the End of This Years Color Chart!

Glacier Gray is lovely! Yes, it's more dominant for men than women. It's unobtrusive that contrasts and enhances. It bounces off other shades without taking away from them - and it slips into the background to allow other colors to take center stage. Gray is nature's most perfect neutral. Timeless. Quietly assuring and peacefully relaxing.

Marsala is the Color of the Year

Marsala is a beautiful color on its own but also a wonderful contract to other hues. Bold and daring, it exudes confidence. A little like the wine that gives Marsala its name, this robust shade incorporates warmth and richness with red-brown earthiness. Gorgeous!

They Call it Custard

We are really fond of this mellow and warm tone. Pantone describes it as sweet and sunny, soft and relaxed.  It works back with Classic Blue and reminds us a bit of Toasted Almond.

Tangerine

Tangerine is up next and it's EVERYWHERE! This juicy orange shade is energizing but not jarring to the eye. It's striking enough to stand on its own and adds vitality to a print, too. Fun loving. Bright. Cheerful.

Pretty in Pink?

We're still moving through the annual Pantone Spring color palette and we're loving this years hues. This one is called Strawberry Ice and is suggestive of a cooling and refreshing delicacy yet its warmth as a color is quite appealing. Subtle and charming, it's a "confection color" that emits a flattering and healthy glow. So feminine, flirty and fun.

More Pantone Colors for Spring 2015

O.K., we're done with blues and greens and are changing directions here. This addition is bringing balance to the coolness of the Spring/Summer 2015 color range and is called Toasted Almond. A sun-tanned neutral. Timeless, versatile, natural

What do YOU think? You're going to see it in accessories, tops, outwear....shoes.

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