Willow Tree Welcomes Denise Ilitch Designs

Local designer, Denise Ilitch is doing her part to highlight the city of Detroit with her new clothing company, Denise Ilitch Designs (DID). Her designs are inspired by graffiti art she's seen on the streets of Detroit. “Every aspect of the journey of my life has always been interspersed with Detroit, so it’s really a part of my fabric,” said Ilitch. “I want to be a strong advocate for our community; lifting people up and motivating them, all the while having a little fun with fashion.” Willow Tree is thrilled to introduce the line to our customers and delighted with their reaction to it! In true Ilitch form, the colors are perfect for any Lions, Tigers or Wings fan! There are also designs that are perfect for Breast Cancer patients, survivors, and supporters...with more designs being introduced to the line each season. Please stop by to check them out for yourself!

Suede vs. Faux Suede vs. Ultra Suede

These "fabrics" are not going anywhere. They were hugely popular in 2011 - and are even more so now! So, what is the difference between suede, faux suede and ultra suede? The word suede was originally coined by the French. The word comes from gants de Suede which roughly translates to gloves of Sweden. It's a type of leather made from the underside of an animal's skin, most often goat, cow, pig or lamb. It is less tough and durable than leather, harder to clean, not water resistant and susceptible to dirt. Many products have been made to protect suede but is still must be handled with great care.

Faux suede is a soft, synthetic, 100% polyester fabric. The material can come in many forms, including micro suede which is a microfiber. Faux suede is available in a variety of colors and patterns. In many ways, faux suede is a better alternative to the real thing. It feels the same as real suede, is easier to clean and more resistant to liquid than leather. It's also considerably cheaper than real suede, costing less than half the price of the real thing. Ultra Suede is just the "trade name" for Faux Suede...and no matter what it's called -- you'll see it in everyone's collection for the Fall Season.

Prints

Prints are still huge. They're here to stay, that's for sure. We have started to see more computer generated, digitized patterns or engineered prints. We've got a great one from Joseph Ribkoff right now and another from Cartise on the way. Reptile and Wild Animal prints are still strong in neutral combinations as well as a kaleidoscope of colors. It's been fascinating to watch the metamorphosis of animal prints! They've always been around - but were getting a little boring and generic. Not anymore! The combination of reptile, wild animal and color has resulted in so many fantastic prints! We've got them now and will continue to have them next season! We have also fallen in love with the great geometric prints that have "Jackson Pollack-like" splashes of color. Fantastic! Willow Tree gets new merchandise in daily...so please visit us often! It's a new experience each time you enter.

Lisette Pantalon

Willow Tree is the FIRST retailer in the country to have these pants. Our customers have been wearing them for years already - and now even Kathie Lee and Hoda love them! They fit like a dream. They're comfortable. They hold their shape. They look great under tops and tunics (no snaps, buttons, zippers or plackets). We've got them in a variety of colors, lengths and styles...and once you get one pair, you'll want them all! Their advertising shows the model with her blouse tucked in -- but that's really not how they're worn. The beauty of these pants is that they're so smooth-fitting that they look perfect under your tops. No bumps or lumps caused by the "hardware" on the waistband. They're the perfect pull-on!

More Great Scarves Just In!

These great scarves are perfect with any outfit! They work well with tanks, t-shirts, 3/4 sleeve tops, solids, prints, jackets...ANYTHING! We've even seen them worn with swim suits on cruise ships, resorts and the beach. Add a little personality to your wardrobe! They're amazing! Some have "baubles" in the center - others from the ends. They're so much more than scarves - they're "jewelry"! Our customers have gone crazy for them. You will, too!

Spring and Summer to Fall!

We're in the middle of a great Spring and Summer season. We've had so many new and exciting fashions, fabrics and styles this season and are gearing up to start looking for our second "shot" of Fall items. We have heard that the designers have continued to include amazing textures, prints and colors for the Fall season. We're looking forward to rumored rich brights and reliable neutrals. We've heard that we'll see sumptuous teals, shades of plums, aubergine and wine, electric blue (MY favorite), navy, striking oranges and ginger hues. We'll see mustard yellows, a spectrum of greens including emerald, and robust reds! It promises to be an exciting transition!