Merrell Encore Ice

When the mercury drops, cozy up with the Merrell Encore Ice mule, a slip-on shoe that offers slipper-like comfort indoors and out.

An update to the popular Encore Chill, this clog has a suede upper and is lined in genuine sheepskin. A slightly raised back adds just a touch of coverage at the heel. Beneath the wool fleece-covered footbed you'll find not only a molded nylon arch shank but Merrell's Q-Form® material and an Air Cushioned heel which means lots of support, shock absorption and comfort in every step.

The Merrell Encore Ice clog also has a sticky rubber outsole to keep footing secure making it a perfect choice for our Michigan Winters!

We have it in black and brown, too! Come in a "test walk" a pair today!

Don't Miss the Opportunity!

This was sent to our Power Pass customers -- but we wanted to make it available to all of you!

Simply print out the "mailer" and bring it in to take advantage of some SUPER SAVINGS!

The offer allows you to deduct and ADDITIONAL $25.00 off any sale purchase of $100 or more! Some of our items are already marked down 75%, too!

The offer expires on March 4, 2012 and cannot be combined with any other offer. Details available at the store!

Surplice Necklines

A surplice is a diagonally crossed neckline or bodice. It is sometimes thought of as a "faux wrap" style and creates a deep "V".

You'll see it in t-shirts, sweaters, knit tops, blouses AND dresses. It's similar to the v-neckline which is flattering on many body styles.

The Sweetheart Neckline

Popping up on runways here and there, sweetheart necklines are a perfect mix of sweet and sultry.

This style is typical for wedding and prom dresses, but is also seen on everything from little black dresses and blouses to cute tank tops.

The sweetheart neckline distinguishes itself from the classic squared neck, v-neck and scooped-neck looks by the way it curves over the bustline, culminating in a "v" and appearing to look like the top of a heart. This look is ultra-flattering, provides modest coverage, but still shows a subtle yet sexy "glimpse" of skin.

Best of all, this romantic look works for any body type. For those busty gals who want both support and fashion, sweetheart necklines do the trick. Then for the small-busted women, sweetheart necklines draw attention to your bust and accentuate the cleavage you do have!

Turtle Necks

The tried and true turtle neck elongates the torso, accentuates the bust, and shortens the neck. It's also a popular choice for those women that complain about "turkey neck".

The look is best for short waists, oval faces, and small busts. For other body types or face shapes, a short haircut or updo will provide counter-balance.

Cowl Necks -- Still Really Popular!

A cowl neck is somewhat similar to a scoop because it highlights the collarbones and hollow of the throat.

It really looks great on just about everyone.

If you are big-busted or broad-shouldered, choose a "deeper" cowl. Too much fabric up near the throat just adds bulk.

Boat Necks!

This neckline also shows off the collarbones, makes the shoulders appear broader, accentuates the bust, gives roundness to the face, elongates the torso, and shortens the appearance of the neck.

If you have a long necks, oval face, are small busted, or have a short torso, this is a good neckline for you.

The Halter

This look really shows off the shoulders and also highlights the collarbones and hollow of the throat. It draws attention to a strong, shapely area.

It works for pretty much everyone except the very small-chested—simply because it is hard to get the right fit through the chest.

You should make sure the halter isn't too tight through the abdomen though, which ruins the look.

Square Necks

This look makes the torso appear broader, and shows off the collarbones and throat.

It's a style that is best for fine-boned women who want the illusion of a little more width.

The "Scoop" on Scoop Necks

It's really quite similar to the V-neck in that it lengthens the neck, and accentuates the collarbones.

This neckline is good for all body types, although those with very broad shoulders should avoid really W I D E scoop necks because they create the illusion of more width.

The V-Neck

This neckline lengthens the neck and shows off the collarbones. A wide V makes shoulders look broader, a narrow V does the opposite.

This is really the most universally flattering neckline, particularly for the big-chested gals. A V-neck is the best way to counterbalance a big bust as long as it's not too plunging.

The Crew Neck

This neckline accentuates the bust, elongates the torso, makes your face appear rounder.

This style is best for small busted women, those with long or oval-shaped faces and long necks. It's also a good choice for someone short in stature or with a shorter torso.

Let's Talk Necklines

One of the most important ways to look your best is to wear the neckline that works best for you.

The "right" neckline flatters your face and figure. It can slim a full face, widen narrow shoulders, balance a big bust, or make you appear taller.

On the flip side, the wrong neckline can ruin a perfectly good outfit and make you look frumpy or disproportionate. Nobody wants that!

So, after you read today's blog, take a few minutes and stand in front of the mirror and assess your face shape, shoulder size, breast size.

Then tomorrow, we'll start with a series (one a day) that reviews different necklines! Let's have some fun, shall we?

Uneven, Hi-Low, Asymmetrical or Mullet?

Uneven hems are being seen all over the runway. Some call them asymmetrical, others refer to them as hi-low, and still others affectionately call them "mullet skirts". No matter what you call them, they certainly seem to be popular again!

If you’ve ever been conflicted between a maxi and a mini, then you’ll probably be smitten with them. A little kicky and fun in the front and a little more formal and dressy looking in the back. Some look a little more sweet and simple, others are more full and flared. We remember them from the 80's. What do you think? Are we ready for them again?

Flutter Sleeves

Spring fashion trends on the catwalk show a return to femininity and glamor.

Expect to see romantic, feminine and flirty elements like the flutter sleeve you see here. It's loose, flowing, fresh and provides just a little coverage for those customers that want it.

Kimono Sleeves -- Just ONE of the Great New Sleeve Trends

The sleeveless look has and continues to be popular and in fashion but we're also seeing the return of some great new looks!

For example -- Kimono sleeves are showing up everywhere, on every style of clothing from dresses to shrugs, sweaters and even coats. They have transformed from the traditional long kimono sleeve to three-quarter-length and even short sleeves.

Celebrities are embracing the kimono sleeve and rockin' this new trend inspired from an old, respected look -- and you can, too.

Color Blocking

Well, it's no surprise that Color-Blocking is one of the hottest fashion trends for Spring 2012.

What is it? Color blocking combines the use of two or more "blocks" of color in a garment, an item or "outfit". It may include a top, pant and accessories or a single dress. Simply put it's creating an outfit by putting areas or blocks of muliple solid colors next to each other. Think bright or muted or contrasting or complimentary colors! The sky is the limit!

Everything is Come Up Roses! (I HAD To Say It!)

Bold, bright, happy color will make a strong statement on the Spring runways and prints, prints and more prints.

Everything's coming up roses (and daffodils, and orchids, and daisies). Head to toe floral prints are all over the runways. That's right, flower power prints and tropical abstract patterns are all over for "Resort 2012".

For Spring 2012 we will see this theme really explode — more, brighter, bolder! It's fresh to see the prints in new silhouettes.

Stripes and Dots -- Still Hot!

We are excited to see this season's take on stripes and polka dots and know that you will be, too! This is not the time for wallflowers, either!

The bold stripes and dots that we're seeing have very little in common with the classics. Instead, be prepared for stripes "painted with a bold brush" and variously-sized polka dots head-to-toe.

The key is to break every rule your mother taught you. Mix and match patterns. Select contrasting stripes, pair the polka dots with stripes and spice up florals with either!

Ikat Prints

We've been noticing Ikat prints a lot lately. We've seen it on dresses, jackets, skirts (even chairs and pillows)!

Ikat is a weaving technique where the threads are dyed before the fabric is woven, which is why the woven pattern looks slightly "uneven". It has a soft and sophisticated look that you'll see a lot of this season!

It's NOT Too Early To Think Spring!

What will set this Spring apart from the past seasons are the amazing color combinations.

The adventurous fashionista will love the unexpected combinations of pink & orange, turquoise & yellow or lime & emerald. Don't worry, though. You'll also see a more conservative pallet of neutrals paired with brights.

Other trends for Spring 2012 will include shades of vibrant oranges, tangerine, melon, and coral....yes CORAL! We've seen it everywhere! Also prepare yourselves for fabrics in fuchsia, magenta, violet and purple, navy, royal, sunshine yellow and a plethora of greens. They're all sure to brighten your Spring 2012.

It promises to be the season to take chances.

From Our "WILLOW TREE FAMILY" to yours! Enjoy your holiday! See you NEXT YEAR!