Cleavage at Work? Its it O.K.?

Women do seem to be showing their cleavage more than ever, don't you think? Why is that? 

Elisabeth Squires, author of "Boobs: A Guide to Your Girls, says "American women's breasts are getting bigger while shirts are getting smaller. We are seeing more cleavage these days for a few reasons. First, fashions are tight and skinny. At the same time, women are bigger than they were even 15 years ago. Bra fitters tell me that an E cup is the new C cup," Squires said on "Good Morning America."

What is appropriate?  We do know that what looks good for a night out on the town is probably not appropriate in the workplace. The truth of the matter is that cleavage should never make an appearance in the office. Period. In fact, in most corporate offices, the rule of thumb is a that a woman's shirt or dress should land two inches above the cleavage. In other words, your "cleavage line" shouldn't be showing....at all. 

Do you agree?

Hose or No Hose? Are Tights O.K.? What Do YOU Think?

Most folks that we've asked say NO to panty hose. Regardless of their age, profession or the occasion they're dressing for, panty hose are out of the question for most women.  Bare legs and "sunless tanner" seems to be the popular choice.  Everyone does agree that panty hose are absolutely forbidden when wearing open toed shoes! 

Of course, there is an argument to be made for surviving the cold Winter months.... especially in Michigan.  That's what tights for. They're the perfect accessory and provide color, texture AND warmth! They’re super cute and trendy, too!

The true fashionistas that we've talked with would NEVER wear nude color hose, but do make an exception for black. They wear bronzer on bare legs. They wear tights, lace tights, textured tights, printed tights...They love them all.  

What do you think? We'd LOVE to know!

Shades of Gray in Dressing Business Casual

There are, of course, shades of grey to Business Casual. Each industry has their own "norm", too.  

Ad agencies are typically more hip and trendy. 

The automotive industry is all about casual dressing. GM's updated dress code simply encourages employees to dress "appropriately". Ford's "relaxed business casual" policy states that employees must use good judgement and dress appropriately for the business environment and work requirements. That means that "business appropriate jeans" are allowed except when meeting with external contacts, dealers, suppliers and potential employees. The next question is what jeans are appropriate? At Ford, they must be hemmed, not frayed, faded, worn, torn or stained. No studs, decorative stitching, bling or rhinestones.

Dressing For Success * A Piece at a Time

A blazer or jacket is a key piece to any business wardrobe. A nice quality jacket is worth it's investment because of it's incredible versatility. Wear it over a dress or with jeans. Perfect over a maxi dress or with a long skirt. It's a must-have or staple in any professional's wardrobe.

Let's Talk About Shoes

One suggested footwear item for the working woman includes a pair of nude shoes. Nude means that it matches your skin tone, so shop around for the correct color. If it matches your skin tone, it elongates your legs....and because they're just an extension of you, you don’t have to worry about matching your shoes with your clothes. Nude goes with everything.

Another Important Business Casual Tip is to Keep it Classic

Ultra-trendy is fun and has a place in every wardrobe

but in the world of business casual,

timeless classic pieces are usually best. 

A Nice Pair of Jeans is a MUST

A nice pair of dressy jeans is a staple item for that professional's wardrobe. They've got to be in a dark rinse or black. They are so appropriate for those casual situations like networking sessions, trainings or conferences. Pair them with a classic blazer or jacket. Finish it off with boots, ballet flats or simple pumps and you're ready for any situation.

Neutral is a Good Place to Start - Keepin' it Business Casual!

Neutral doesn't mean all tan, either. Black, gray, brown, navy, ivory, khaki and taupe are all good neutral choices. Mix and Match! Then you can easily add color with you accessories -- a great scarf, headband or belt can make a statement and show your personality.....and still be professional!

Another Closet Staple for the Professional Woman is a Dress

But, you don't need to be boring! A sheath dress, though popular and appropriate, is not your only option.  You could opt for something more interesting under a blazer or cardi -- to show a little bit of your own personality.  There are a couple of things to remember when choosing your dress, though. Don't show any cleavage; make sure it's not too short; and choose a pattern and color that's not too "wild".  

Business Casual Continued

You're getting ready to refinance your home. You've got an appointment scheduled at the bank. There are two lending specialists available. One is wearing flip flops, a t-shirt and casual pants. The other is wearing a simple skirt, blouse and pumps.

Which one seems more professional? Like it or not, in the business world, image does matter. How you dress or what you wear makes a difference. It's one of the first things your boss, co-workers and clients notice. What you wear says something about you - so you DO want to make sure you're saying the right things!

Our first tip is to keep it covered. No matter what your personal style, business casual never means "business sexy."  Skirts of an appropriate length (not mini skirts), full length pants and higher necklines are safe bets and in today's business world, dressy capris are also acceptable.

The ABC's of Dress Codes

A company's objective in establishing a business casual dress code, is to allow employees to work comfortably in their environment yet still look professional for customers, potential employees and visitors to the workplace.

Business casual dress seems to be the accepted "standard" for corporate dress code today. The problem is that it's confusing, and seems to differ from place to place.

Some casual clothing is not suitable for the office, though. Clothing that is appropriate for the beach, yoga, etc. are not appropriate choices for a professional environment.

Clothing that reveals any cleavage is absolutely inappropriate. Showing your back, chest, feet, stomach or under garments is not appropriate for a place of business -- even in a business casual setting.

Clothing should always be pressed. Wrinkles are never o.k. Torn, dirty, or fraying is unacceptable. Words, logos, terms, or pictures are too casual. Sports teams, university affiliation, and branded clothing is best left for more casual occasions...not the office.

Many offices have regular "dress down days" or casual Fridays. On these days, jeans and more casual items are allowed. 

What is Business Casual, Anyhow?

When going to the movies or grocery, you can wear what makes you happy and feels comfortable, but when it comes to work, you've got to give it a little more thought.

Right or wrong, workers tend to be judged by what they wear or how they dress. Shorts and flip flops? Too casual and inappropriate. Wearing a suit on casual Friday?  Haughty.

Both sexes can experience fashion faux pas when trying to dress for success, but women face some added risks.  Dressing for work was easy when "business suits" were the norm. It was almost like wearing a "uniform". Respectable, neat, serious - and if you were lucky a touch of style.

These days, it's a little more complicated. Business casual is the new norm it seems. But, what does that mean! Does "business casual" mean that no hose are required with your skirt or does it mean that you can wear dressy denim?

Add to that "casual Fridays" and it gets confusing! In the next series of blog entries, we're going to try to define "business casual" today. We'll look at what's acceptable in the workplace and also what should be saved for after work events.

Style, like beauty, is often in the eye of the beholder, but "business casual" is in the eye of your human resource director/boss. And in most cases, most companies have a particular look in mind. It's important to ask exactly what it is.

Introducing a New Line that we KNOW our Customers will LOVE!

John Michael Richardson, fashion jewelry designer, blends the cultures of the East and West to create a look that is completely his own. As he travels the world to discover new elements for his accessories, he relies on the traditional crafts of each particular country to convey his message: a card tells the story, a collectible for you. Metals are hand crafted in Thailand with etchings that bring unique detail to his work. He mixes the natural elements of horn, wood, bone, and shell from Cebu. From the United States he uses metal stampings. He also decorates his pieces with glass beads from the Czech Republic. The collected items are plated, assembled and finished by hand in the United States of America! Rich in look, affordable in price, his work is immediately recognized and makes the PERFECT GIFT!

Pinterest Anyone?

What do you like about Pinterest?  We love to share our fashion knowledge and trend updates and information with our customers. We use all of the social media outlets that our customers ask us to and follow!  Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.  Follow us, won't you?

Find it at www.pinterest/willowtreedotte

Brighton's Power of Pink is Back - Pretty With a Purpose!

With continued support from customers - like those of you that shop at Willow Tree, Brighton has donated more than $5.3 million to breast cancer charities nationwide through their Power of Pink program which began in 2003.  This years stunning collection uses the new Your True Color pieces in a beautiful shade of pink.

As always, quantities are limited.  If you're a collector, come see this year's bracelet, earrings and necklace.  Solid on one side - with the ribbon (as you see here) on the other.  

And then there's Cognac and Misted Yellow

Similar to Sangria, Cognac’s name alone leads to glamorous illusions. This classy and cultured brown takes a typical autumnal color to a sumptuous realm, making the shade unexpectedly ideal for evening wear. Adding a ray of sunlight and warmth, optimistic Misted Yellow alludes to the promise of spring to come. Both Cognac and Misted Yellow will also be prevalent in prints—a surprisingly popular trend this fall season.

For more than 20 years, 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. This report previews the most prominent hues for fall 2014

More Pantone Fall 2014

The grown-up reds are followed by two extremes of the purple family that intrigue the eye and inspire the imagination. Mauve Mist, a romantic and elegant purple shade, reminds us of the deco era and stimulates a sense of femininity and empowerment, while Radiant Orchid, a captivating and adaptable shade, enchants the complete spectrum. Pair either with Cypress, a majestic and powerful green; indicative of its name, this shade has a towering presence and serves as a stunning perennial.

With its slightly green undertone, Bright Cobalt offers a subtle twist on the traditional cobalt blue, which unifies this season’s blues. Likewise, Royal Blue, which is both evocative and dignified, provides more complexity and excitement than the average navy, while still remaining versatile. Pair Bright Cobalt with Sangria and Cypress, or Royal Blue with Mauve Mist and Aluminum, a futuristic stainless steel shade that serves as a complex neutral.

Love Wyandotte's 3rd Annual Paint the Town Pink series is starting this Saturday

The 3rd Annual 3K Family Fun Run Walk & Roll 

takes place this Saturday at Silver Shores Waterfront

1 James DeSana Drive

Wyandotte, MI

Two Fabulous Colors of the Season are from the "RED Family" - Sangria and Aurora Red

Sangria, an exotic red that evokes a sense of glamorous adventures and faraway destinations is enhanced by Aurora Red, a more sophisticated shade that adds verve and spark.

The color red is the color of energy, passion and action.  It's a warm and positive color associated with our most physical needs and our will to survive. It exudes a strong and powerful masculine energy. Red is energizing. It excites the emotions and motivates us to take action. It signifies a pioneering spirit and leadership qualities, promoting ambition and determination. It is also strong-willed and can give confidence to those who are shy or lacking in will power.

Make a Fashion Statement in a Cape!

Capes are a fantastic alternatives for work, yet equally perfect and appropriate for evening wear – as long as the weather is not too cold. Capes protect you from the elements without "squashing", crushing or wrinkling the clothes you are wearing underneath.  These timeless outerwear pieces will work season after season, because this fashion will remain on the fashion scene for many years to come.  Come check them out.  We love them and know you will, too.

A Season of "Untypical Colors"

From Pantone Color Institute

Whether it was a particular decade or a trip to a special place, designers are fascinated with the beauty of the past and the spirit of the present—recreating it with color, fabric and style this fall season. Design and color were inspired by everything from books, artisan crafts, photography and retro architecture, to exotic landscapes and the children of rock legends. The diverse color palette takes us on an adventure spanning 100 years—a season roused by various vantage points from past and present.

“This is a season of untypical colors—more reflective of the imagination and ingenuity, which makes for an artful collection of colors and combinations not bound by the usual hues for fall,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute^®. "There is a feminine mystique that is reflected throughout the palette, inspired by the increasing need for women everywhere to create an individual imprint."

Willow Tree Has the BEST Coats in the Region!

This faux fur snow leopard swing coat is just fantastic and such a popular style. It's versatile, too.  Here you see it with pants - but it's perfect with dresses, too!  Such a sassy and fun way to stay warm and look great during these cold Michigan Winters!  This silhouette looks great on everyone from tall to short, small to large.  More than one color available.  Greys, Browns and solid Black.  

Fenini

Fenini is all about style and comfort. It's simple and clean, yet detail designs are added to make Fenini unique and interesting. The items are suitable for work or play.  They're versatile!  And, they're made in the USA!

It's a favorite brand of teachers.  Look great and yet it's comfortable enough for those moments spent on the floor with the kids!

The new Fall color palette is fantastic.

Washing "Dry Clean" Items at Home

Machine wash if you're certain it's o.k. to do so.  Check the labels.  To minimize agitation, turn the items inside out and place them in a mesh laundry bag. Use a shorter and delicate cycle.  Pay attention to water temperatures.  

Hand wash the items to prevent shrinkage and bleeding.  Use a mild detergent.

Always, always, always skip the dryer.  Heat harms fibers.  Instead, push put the excess moisture (don't twist or wring) and lay the garment flat to dry on a white towel.  Or, let the garment air dry on top of a running dryer.  The moderate heat given off by the machine will speed up the process.

More on Interpreting Labels * Dry Clean vs Dry Clean Only

If the tag says DRY-CLEAN ONLY, follow those instructions.  But, if it says DRY CLEAN it means that is is the recommended method, not the only method.

How should you decide?

Consider the fabric. Unless the label suggests otherwise, silk, acetate, velvet, wool, and taffeta items should be taken to the dry cleaner.  But, cotton, linen, cashmere, polyester, acrylic, and nylon can usually be washed at home.   

You should check for colorfastness before washing though.  Simply moisten a cotton ball with mild detergent and dab it on a hidden seam to see if any dye comes off.

Evaluate the detailing, too.  Before you wash anything with beading, sequins, stones, etc., make sure they are sewn on (you’ll see stitches, not glue) and colorfast.

How Can You Tell If You Should Dry Clean Your Garments

The open circle means "DRY CLEAN"

The circle with an X through it means "DO NOT DRY CLEAN"

You may notice letters inside the dry cleaning symbols, but they're for the dry cleaning professionals.  They indicate the process, the solvent, the time, etc.  Do remember that if you see a circle on your label, that the manufacturer does recommend that you have it professionall dry clean it.

Ironing Has a Set of Symbols, Too!

Many of our customers don't like to iron, so they look carefully for garment care information related to ironing!  These symbols are actually quite easy to figure out.  Cool, warm and hot iron temperatures are indicated by number of dots. The more dots - the hotter the iron.

Of course the X through the iron means DO NOT IRON...and this is the one that some folks look for!

There is also an icon with an X through the steam which means that you should not iron the garment with steam.

Drying Instructions Part II

Line Dry, Hang Dry, Drip Dry, Dry Flat, Dry in the Shade, Line Dry in the Shade, Dry Flat in the Shade Drip Dry in the Shade and Do Not Wring,  Each of these has their own symbol and they can be confusing!

To make it easier on yourself, we recommend that you print out a copy of all washing instruction symbols and post them on your laundry room wall for reference.

Today's information has to do with drying garments outside the dryer.  This too is a square symbol - with some added details.

Though we don't see some of these very often, it's good to know what they mean.

This one is the "Do Not Wring" symbol.

Let's Move on to Learning How to Decipher Tumble Drying Symbols

So, we've moved on to another shape.  We had a "wash bucket" for the washer and a triangle for the bleach instructions and now we're moving on the square with an inside circle which symbolizes tumble dry.

They're straightforward and simple

Open circle = Any Heat Setting

 1 dot = low heat

2 dots = medium heat

3 dots - high heat

Solid/filled dot = NO HEAT

Of course today's dryers have more than temperature settings,
so more information is often needed.

Normal cycle = no additional lines below

Permanent Press - 1 additional line

Delicate/Gentle - 2 additional lines

And if there is an X through the "tumble dryer" symbol,
the manufacturer recommends that you 

do not dry the garment in a dryer at any temperature or cycle speed.

Let's Move on to BLEACH!

The triangle is the symbol for bleach.

The unfilled triangle indicates that bleach can be used when needed.

The solid/filled triangle with the x through it translates to "DO NOT BLEACH"

There is a third that is less used but also important.
It's a triangle with lines through it and 

indicates that the use of non-chlorine bleach is acceptable

Machine Wash Cycles - Part II

We've already reviewed the temperature symbols, so now we're talk about cycle speed next.

Here you see the "machine" symbol with none, one or two lines underneath.  No additional lines indicate that a normal wash is fine.  If there is a single line underneath, it's recommended that you use a permanent press wash cycle.  If there are 2 lines underneath the symbol, you should use a delicate/gentle cycle.

Of course there are two others that are quite important as well.  

If there is an X through the symbol, then you should not wash the item.

The hand indicates that the manufacturer recommends hand washing. 

Clothing Care Labels - They're Confusing!

The first one we'll talk about is the TEMPERATURE. Yes, there is one particular "Machine Wash" symbol, seen in all three examples here, that gives instruction on the temperature of the water.  The single dot signifies Cool or Cold Water Wash.

The 2 dot version of this symbol means that they recommend warm water.

The 3 dots indicate that a hot water wash is recommended.

Yes, It's Time To Jump on The Jumpsuit Bandwagon!

If you’ve been avoiding the jumpsuit trend for the past couple of years, it's time to re-think that strategy.  It might be time to "cave" and jump on the jumpsuit bandwagon!. This now-popular look shows no signs of showing down.  Jumpsuits are HOT!  Even Kathie Lee is wearing them on the Today Show!  She's actually wearing one that is scheduled to arrive at Willow Tree any day now!  

Jumpsuits can be paired with a great little denim jacket for a casual and relaxed weekend look or dressed up with a great shrug and jewelry for that guest of wedding outfit!  Wear it day to night!  Add a belt or some chunky jewelry.  Accessorize with red!  

Add a little pizzazz with some great strappy sandals.  Go glam by adding some bling and carrying one of our collectible Mary Frances Handbags!   They options are endless and the sky's the limit!  

Dansko Clogs. Why Are They So Popular?

Is it the allure of improved posture and less back pain?  Is it the fact that so many physicians, chiropractors and health experts recommend them to their patients and wear them themselves?

Is it the clean lines and the exceptional quality construction of the soles or maybe the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association?

Regardless of the reason that people come in to try them on - we know that once they get a pair on, stand up and "test walk" them in the store, they feel as if their spine "clicks into place". They're so comfortable.  They make you stand up straighter.  They support back health.  You can wear them all day without your feet killing you -- even if you are on your feet all day long! 

Do you have a job where you're standing more than sitting?  Are you a surgeon, physician, nurse, medical professional, hair stylist, food industry worker, retail staffer, teacher? If so, you owe it to yourself to give these amazing shoes a try. They're great for your feet and they're kitschy cute, too!

Willow Tree in Downtown Wyandotte is the ONLY place you'll find them in the area.  Come see us!

Soft Dressing

Soft dressing is exactly what it sounds like – easy, soft, chic pieces that make it possible to look stylish yet feel comfortable and relaxed. It’s one of the newest trends out there....and one that our customers LOVE. Soft dressing includes everything from pants, tops and tunics to dresses. Willow Tree carries so many lines that fall into the category. One of our favorites is Comfy USA. Fantastic and flattering.

Happy Mother's Day

Mother's Day is a celebration honoring one's own mother, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. In the U.S. it's celebrated on a Sunday in May. It began in the early 20th century and is such a nice way to say thanks to the moms in your life that do so much for you! Happy Mothers Day!