John Medeiros Laurea Collection

The John Medeiros brand is like no other we sell. It places us in a different category in our area! We are able to offer magnificent pieces of jewelry at an amazing value.

This means that many of us can wear jewelry that may have been out of reach or beyond our budget in the past. The great price points allow us to "feel like a million" without spending one.

The John Medeiros jewelry company introduced the bracelet called "Laurea", meaning new beginnings in Italian. The interchangeable cuff bracelet comes in four styles - LIFE, LOVE, LUCK and STRENGTH, with designer ends that can be switched out as you choose.

The new beginnings bracelet by John Medeiros - perfect for Willow Tree's new beginning with them!

Let's Compare, Shall We?

One of these bracelets retails for $2850, the other for about $110. They look and feel the same. Put side by side, it's hard to tell the difference!

You can see that John Medeiros looks as though it costs thousands. It's especially easy to appreciate that fact when you see them side-by-side! I've seen BOTH in person and it's just as hard to tell the difference!

Most pieces in the John Medeiros line are priced between $50 and $150. They're heirloom quality items that you'll want to pass on to future generations!

More details tomorrow!

Let Me Tell You About John Medeiros Jewelry!

Each piece looks like it cost thousands of dollars...and yet they're so affordable!
Each and every piece is designed and crafted with the same meticulous effort as those from other similar looking lines that DO cost thousands. However, with John Medeiros, you are not paying for what you don’t see. The base metal alloy contains less silver. You get the same fabulous look without the worry of cleaning or theft. We LOVE that!

Every John Medeiros piece is copyrighted and individually handcrafted by skilled artisans in Rhode Island....and goes through a meticulous process involving over 20 individual steps. Some "trademarks" you may find are a signature clasp and the John Mederios hidden signature.

John Mederios IS a real guy, too! He's got over 30 years in this industry and personally supervises each piece that is created! He often polishes the pieces by hand himself. His daughter Nina is part of the family business, too! She has been instrumental in choosing the right items for the Willow Tree customer's first experience with John Medeiros Jewelry! They're idependent and family owned, just as we are.

Because each piece carries his good name, Mr. Mederios backs his jewelry with a lifetime guarantee.

Log on tomorrow to learn more!

Brighton Wallets

The Large Wallet From the "Pretty Tough" Collection

A star piece to add to any accessory wardrobe, this wallet has studded details inspired by Van Gogh's painting, "Starry Night."

It's 7 1/4" wide and 3 5/8" high. D: 1 1/4" The inside has Credit Card Slots and Interior Pockets. Coordinates perfectly with the Pretty Tough Handbag!

It's just one of the amazing new leather Brighton wallets we have in the store!

A Brighton Fun Fact!

Did you know that it takes 60 minutes to hand-braid the 10 different leathers in the tubular strap on each and every Barbados Ziptop Hobo bag?

We've got it in four colors...with one perfect for you!

Brighton's Superior Leather Craftsmanship

Brighton handbags are made out of the finest top-grain leathers from around the world, including Italy, Argentina and the United States - for a combination of beauty, durability and quality that only the finest quality handbags possess.

The joy of making something by hand - which today is seemingly a lost art - is practiced with dedication at Brighton. After nearly 40 years, Brighton artisans continue to handcraft each Brighton product. With every braided accent and intricate stitch, they work carefully to ensure that Brighton handbags are made to last.

Brighton handbags are also designed with function and practicality in mind. Interior and exterior pockets, zippered compartments, dividers, organizational systems and detachable shoulder straps make Brighton handbags ideal for all of life's essentials...like your smart phone and iPad!

Come Along on the "Journey of a Brighton Handbag"

Sketching a Masterpiece
Drawing from their rich imagination, Brighton designers sketch the tiniest of details of the finished piece as they envision it. These intricately detailed pencil drawings serve as the "blueprint" for the artisans who will craft the pieces.
Timeless Artistry
In creating the exquisite ornamentation that adorns each Brighton Handbag, skilled craftsmen hand-carve a three-dimensional wood model that captures all the detail and beauty of the designer's original pencil drawing. Brighton's talented wood carvers are descendants of artisans that worked on ancient temples in China. From this wood model, molds are made for production and casting. These custom pure silver-plated designs are then partnered with the finest leathers and materials - resulting in the amazing creations you see in the Brighton collection.

Brighton Handbags

In a world of sameness, Brighton stands out. In today's market, there are many big handbag brands, yet most brands look so much the same you simply can't tell them apart. While other big brands sell only to big stores, Brighton's unique designs are available only at finer boutiques - like Willow Tree.

A Brighton Handbag is an iconic accessory that women love to carry. Brighton bags are sought after by many thousands of women who have come to love collecting Brighton pieces.

Because the Brighton Handbag line offers so many different looks in leather, fabric, and straw, a woman won't see herself coming and going. She can make an individual style statement.

Willow Tree is thrilled to introduce the Brighton Handbag Collection. Please stop by and let us show them to you!

John Medeiros Coming to Willow Tree

John Medeiros introduced his line of jewelry in 2000 after having worked in the jewelry industry for many years.

John Medeiros jewelry all comes with a lifetime guarantee. Each piece is made from:

Base Material: Non-precious lead-free premium alloy with .02% of silver which are strong and lightweight.

Overlay/Finish/Plate: Rhodium and 14Kt gold which has a permanent non-tarnish, easy to care for finish.

John Medeiros uses rhodium, a derivative of platinum, which has all of the attributes of platinum with the added benefit of being harder, lasting longer, and a whiter tone.

Stones: Man-made Cubic Zirconium which will not chip, crack, cloud or fade. Cubic Zirconium is virtually indistinguishable to the eye by diamond experts, can scratch glass like natural diamonds, and is tougher than a sapphire.

Earring Posts: Surgical steel which are ideal for sensitive ears prone to infection or allergies.

John Medeiros Jewelry:
•Hand made in the United States
•All designs are original, registered, and copyrighted
•Intricate hand carved detailing on the front, sides, and back
•Advanced product engineering and solid construction for durability
•Original closures, some hidden, which blend into the overall design motif
•Multiple strands are frequently used on bracelets and necklaces
•Chains and ends are joined in the casting process
•Two-tone effect is achieved through multiple masking and stripping operations
•The John Medeiros (JM) trademark logo is on every piece
•Cubic Zirconium stones are prong set, not glued
•Lifetime guaranteed

Rafters at Willow Tree! Boaters LOVE Them!

Rafters are built to promote freedom of the foot and a summer state of mind; with more stability, arch support, and active comfort than any other sandal or sandal shoe on the market.

During the last ten years, Rafters designers have devised innovative methods of producing footwear using recycled materials. Heading out in the rain, out to the lake, or on the boat? Rafters sandals have channeled soles that direct water away so that you can keep your footing in damp conditions.

Rafters has added style to the basic comfy flip flop with two-tone outsoles and footbeds with sculpted lines. Even the basic black Rafters sandal spices things up with a splash of color and pattern in the webbing that makes these comfy summer sandals more than just a flip flop.

What is Hanger Appeal?

It's a term we use a lot --and often misunderstood by our clients. Hanger appeal is how a garment looks on the hanger, rather than on a body. A garment has hanger appeal if it looks good "on the rack". The interesting thing is that so many things, dresses for example, simply DON'T have it!

When we are in the market, we have showroom models try things on for us because we can't tell what they look like on the hanger, either! Then, when the merchandise arrives on our floor, our associates "play dress up"! They try things on, get our customers to try things on -- and really get to know the fit and look of our merchandise! We get see things on a variety of sizes, heights, body shapes, etc., which means that we can make recommendations for YOU!

That's just one of the things Willow Tree is so well known for! We have great items and know how to assist our customers in choosing the perfect outfits for any event. We know how to accessorize. We know trends!

Our job is to help you look and feel great...and we're GREAT at our job! Come in and let us show you.

Discover Your Essence with Trollbeads!

Trollbeads is the original "bead on bracelet" line! They've been around since 1976 and are stronger than ever!

The artists seek to express beauty through all that is magical, mystical and whimsical...and to create jewelry from nature's finest and most durable materials.

Trollbeads is all about creating magic!

Discover your essence with the magic that is Trollbeads!

Willow Tree is hosting a Trollbeads Special Event Thursday - Sunday this week - just in time for Mother's Day! Come in to the store to see them for yourselves!

Let's Be Perfectly "Frank"...Style is Everything!

Frank Lyman started in the fashion industry at the age of 18, as a salesperson.
The moment he met his first customer, Mr. Lyman knew he had a passion for fashion... especially design.

He then joined a ladies dress manufacturer where he worked his way up to sales director and eventually, president. Twenty five years later, in 2001 he founded his own company, Frank Lyman Design. Today he is surrounded by a team of talented and creative designers, providing cutting edge fashion to boutiques throughout North America and Europe.

Willow Tree is your only Frank Lyman resource in the region! Here you see two of the new arrivals ready for you at "the Tree"!

The quality of the fabric is phenomenal, the fit is exceptional and as you can see, the styles are gorgeous.

Ask us to show you the collection next time you visit!

Romantic and Sweet

This adorable sun dress is perfect for that summer wedding, shower, Easter, First Communition or Graduation. The colors are so bright and cheerful! The fit is really great, too.

April Showers Bring May Flowers?

Are you ready for Spring? We are!!

We've got some pretty great Spring coats and adorable rain boots ready to get you through the season if it ever arrives.

New from Donna Sharp

Donna Sharp has done it again! She's introduced great new patterns and styles.

There are a couple of cross body bags - perfect for travel or shopping. Then you'll notice a new pink and blue pattern, which make PERFECT diaper bags! There are so many options and sizes to choose from. Here you see just a few of them.

If you've not seen Donna Sharp bags, do yourself a favor and come check them out. She's a 5th generation quilter and offers bags that are the highest quality available. You'll fall in love!

The Beauty of Brighton

We recently put in the Brighton "Charm Bar" - which displays a minimum of 420 charms. There are two sides and two layers of sliding trays filled with all of the fabulous Brighton charms.

Come on in and take a look at charms for Mom (Mother's Day is May 8th) or the graduate on your list. We may even have a few charms that are perfect for you!

Remember, we are open 7 days a week. We are here from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. each and every weekday. On Saturday we open our doors at 10 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. We open on Sunday at Noon and stay open until 4. There is not another store in the area that has such great hours!

We'll even be open on Mother's Day for those last minute shoppers!

Come in and experience BRIGHTON!

S.T.A.M.P.S. -- New for Spring!

What are S.T.A.M.P.S.???

They're only the earth's coolest, most individualistic and most fashionable selection of watches - and they'll be at Willow Tree for 3rd Friday - Girl's Night Out!

The band colors and selection of "faces" is incredible. You're going to fall in love. Get a band or two and a variety of faces -- and the possibilities are limitless!

The bands come three ways -- Croco, Patent or Classic -- in red, white, black, purple, mustard, green, blue and more -- and we'll have them all!

The faces are artistic, whimsical, romantic, colorful, sophisticated -- with something for everyone. They're absolutely a must have and must see accessory this season!

Cartise

For 35 years the fashions of Montreal-based Cartise have been coloring the lives of stylish women, and we see no signs of them fading away anytime soon!

Cartise started as a missy dress collection in 1975 and has since expanded into a younger contemporary line that now includes dresses, sportswear, blouses, sweaters, t-shirts, denim and outerwear. Season after season, Cartise continues to bring elegance and novelty to life with a special flair.....and Willow Tree brings it to you!

Cartise caters to women who want stylish design without the trauma of having to fit into traditional designer cuts. This passion for "real" fashion can be credited to three key individuals at Cartise: Co-Presidents and identical twin brothers, Gadi and Sharoni Padan - and their head of design, Amy Wu.

They know that women want to look incredible and want to walk into a room wearing something unique to them.

Ask us to show you the latest Cartise items next time you visit us!

Dansko - a Willow Tree Favorite

When wife and husband team, Mandy Cabot and Peter Kjellerup discovered their perfect barn shoe in a tiny shop in Denmark, they just had to share the shoes with their friends. When their friends tried them on, they told their friends. And just like that, a shoe company was born.

Today, Dansko sells more than just the original clogs, but also heels, boots, sandals, wedges and flats . Every style features the Dansko DNA - materials and construction carefully selected to promote good foot, leg and back health.

A few tidbits about the company: In 1992 the American Podiatric Medical Association awarded Dansko its FIRST seal of acceptance for the stapled clog. That particular style is so popular with health professionals, retailers, hair dressers, salon workers, and restaurant staff. If you are on your feet a lot - Dankso is a great shoe for you! Your feet will thank you!

In 2010, Dansko won their fifth Footwear Plus Award for Excellence in Design in the women's comfort category.

2011 brings even more news. In addition to the amazing quality and comfort of the line, the new updated, edgy styles are perfect for any outfit.

We just love them...and know you will too!

Kathy Van Zeeland

We are so excited to welcome Kathy Van Zeeland to the Willow Tree.

Kathy Van Zeeland understands that few things are more important to a woman than her handbag. It’s not just an accessory: it is an essential part of her every outfit, a crucial element that helps her keep it all together.

Forever searching for that seamless combination of fun, function, and fashion, Kathy works with exclusive materials to bring her always on-trend designs to the everyday woman.

With hardware designed by in-house artists and uniquely fashion-forward patterns that cannot be found anywhere else, every bag is the product of Kathy’s boundless creativity and her devotion to exceptional quality at accessible prices.

Whether you’re at work or on the town, on the run or on the scene, your Kathy Van Zeeland bag means you’re never going to be just one of the crowd.

Isn't this Mr. Postman Satchel graphic print darling? I think it's the PERFECT "Easter gift" for the girl in your life. I know MY girls are going to lvoe them!

Destination Wedding? 2nd Wedding?

We get a lot of brides-to-be in the store looking for something special and somewhat "bridal" to wear to their destination wedding. Here you see two simple, elegant dresses that would be ideal for a destination wedding, rehearsal dinner, bridal shower or elopement. We've got more coming, too! Come on in and let our fashion consultants help you put together a fabulous look for YOUR special day!

Miraclebody Jeans * One of Oprah's 2010 Picks * Now at Willow Tree

New Styles & Patterns From Donna Sharp!

What makes Donna Sharp, Inc. so special? Beautiful designs, quality handcrafting and attention to detail are our trademarks.

A Kentucky native and 5th generation quilter, Donna Sharp selects her own fabrics and applies her unique gift for color and design to this traditional American art form making each handbag and accessory a stunning success.

Donna Sharp features twice the normal stitch rate, adding strength, beauty and value to each item. Superior quality fabrics showcase unique colors and textures blending traditional favorites with innovative styles.

From small piecing to intricately detailed borders and reversible backing, Donna’s gift for design is evident every step of the way. Donna Sharp quilted bags are true heirloom quality from start to finish.

Come in and see the new messenger bag, the great duffle and handbags. The attention to detail is incredible. The colors are so vibrant and different. You'll love them!

Dansko

Every day, our feet make hard contact with unforgiving surfaces. Many Dansko devotees work in professions that require long hours on their feet such as food service, healthcare, retail, teaching and the airline industry, to name just a few. And, Dansko shoes are designed not only to help you survive your day, but help you love your day!

Dansko shoes are known and loved for their suitability to demanding work environments and each season they expand their extensive collection by adding new styles, collections and interesting upper materials. These change each season and some are only available as limited editions.

Come check out what’s new at Willow Tree. We've got two new styles in already - and are expecting many more! They're great looking and as comfortable as you expect a Dansko to be!

Thymes is Rooted in Botanical Tradition

The Thymes story starts with fragrance. Impossible to capture and hold in your hand, fragrance is real, powerful and evocative. It captivates and inspires.

What makes a Thymes fragrance? Start with a scent that’s fresh and clean; instantly familiar yet remarkably engaging; complex yet never overpowering; blended in a unique way for how we live our lives today.

It’s a fragrance used or worn every day. You wake up to it, wash with it and wear it on your skin. You wear it for yourself, not for others.

Come in and be transformed by Lavender, Goldleaf, Azur or Eucalyptus. Try the hand and body lotion, hand creme, bath salts, body wash, hand wash - and more!

You'll be hooked!

How Do I Care For My Brighton Eyewear?

To clean the lenses use an optical microfiber cloth to remove any build-up.

To keep your glasses in the best condition possible store them away in a protective case when not wearing. Also during those hot summer months try not to store your glasses in the car.

What Metals Are Used to Create Brighton Jewelry?

Brighton jewelry is created through a multi-step process that begins with a designer's hand sketch. Each piece is cast in solid brass or zinc alloy and is lavishly dipped in pure silver. Since silver has a natural tendency to tarnish (oxidize) and scratch, we add a protective layer of lacquer to assist in retarding this typical occurrence.

Brighton earring posts, French wires, and lever backs are composed of sterling silver (925). Clip on earrings are not sterling silver, they are stamped brass with a plating finish.

Brighton does manufacture certain ring styles with sterling silver. These rings will have the stamp of 925 on the inside.

How Do You Clean Brighton Jewelry?

What is great about Brighton jewelry is the protective lacquer finish that can keep tarnishing at bay. All you need to do is wipe down your piece with a dry, 100% cotton cloth to remove any impurities that may have gathered when wearing.

Just a few tips to ensure the lacquer finish remains intact. Please keep your piece away from water, jewelry cleaners, silver cleaners, treated polishing cloths, perfumes, hairspray, lotions, hand-sanitizers and make-up. Any of these items can damage the protective lacquer and cause tarnishing to occur. Have your Brighton piece be the last item you put on in the morning. It is also best to tuck your cherished item away when not wearing.

Spring Color Palette

Emphasize your beauty through the color you wear.

Find inspiration in the world of flowers....gold, bronze and all warm metallics.

Pantone's forecast for Spring/Summer 2011 offers seasonal inspiration for women's fashions. Their current palette includes coral, pea pod, beeswax, silver peony, russet, regatta, blue curacao, lavender and silver cloud!

Keep your eyes on the Willow Tree and you'll see all of the above arriving each day!

We're excited to welcome SPRING 2011 to the store and look forward to welcoming our great customers in after a very snowy winter!

Dresses, Dresses! Gotta LOVE Our Dresses!

Do you have a wedding, shower, graduation or other special event coming up this season? Well, Willow Tree has a great selection of cocktail and after five dresses - with new styles arriving regularly throughout the season! Here you see just two of the dresses we received this week! Gotta love the sassy little black dress with the "lacy-v" and the neutral tone of this amazing Suzi Chin dress with the satin rosettes! Lovely!

Cartise Does it Again!

The little black dress is a symbol of chic and sophisticted simplicity.

Add a bold chain print (inspired by Coco Chanel) and a great pair of boots and you've got an updated, fabulous look for daytime...then slip on a pair of sexy heels and great accessories for a perfect after-five look.

For any event, this dress is a must have!

Trollbeads * What's YOUR Story?

The handcrafted German foxtail chains provide the perfect opportunity to create personalized jewelry that tells your unique story. Here you see three examples of bracelets created by Trollbeads customers! Look at how unique and fabulous they each are!

We're having a trunkshow February 10, 11, 12 and 13th. Why don't you visit trollbeadsus.com to create your wish list! Start designing your own unique story today.

Great Valentine's Day Gift Idea!

Mark Your Calendars! The Trollbeads Trunk Show is scheduled for February 10, 11, 12 and 13th. Just in time for Valentine's Day!

We'll have great specials including a FREE bracelet with the purchase of a clasp and FREE beads with bead purchase.

Log on to www.trollbeadsus.com to start putting together your "wish list"!

Trollbead's motto is "Every Story Has a Bead." Come on in and start your story at Willow Tree!

What "Season" are You?

An important part of choosing the right colors for your wardrobe is to pick the ones that flatter your skin tone. First, you need to decide which season most accurately describes your complexion.

"Winter" complexions have blue or pink undertones. Skin can be pale white, yellowish-olive, or dark. Winter people are generally brunettes, with deeply colored eyes. Many Asians and African Americans fall into this category.

"Summer" complexions, like winter complexions, have blue or pink undertones. Skin is pale and pink. Summers are often natural blondes or brunettes with pale eyes.

"Autumn" complexions have golden undertones. Many redheads and brunettes with golden brown eyes fall into this category.

"Spring" complexions have golden undertones and are usually creamy white or peach. Spring people generally have straw-colored or strawberry red hair, freckles, rosy cheeks, and blue or green eyes.

Now that you know your "season" - let's talk about choosing colors to flatter your skin tone!

"Winters" should wear colors that are sharp and clear. White, black, navy blue, red and shocking pink are good choices. For lighter colors, wear icy tones rather than pastels. Avoid subdued tones like beige, orange and gold.

"Summers" should choose pastels and soft neutrals with rose and blue undertones. Lavender, plum, rose-brown and soft blue are great, but black and orange are not.

"Autumns" should select colors with golden undertones including camel, beige, orange, gold and dark brown. Avoid items with blue tones, like navy.

"Springs" can wear warm colors like camel, peach, golden yellow and golden brown. Avoid dark, dull colors.

Let's Talk Trends!

You've seen fashions reminiscent of the '50s and '60s for a bit, so it can't be a surprise that particular elements of the '70s are making an appearance, too! Watch for '70s bohemian and '70s sophisticated glamour looks this season. Think pants with elegant blouses by day and shimmering "bling-y" dresses by night.

The silhouettes of the 1950s and 1960s are still so popular with shapes that accentuate curves and foster femininity. A hip-hugging sheath dress with a below-the-knee hem is the ultimate in hourglass dressing, while the circle skirt remains at the core of the trend.

Willow Tree is your TREND HEADQUARTERS! Stop in and take a look around.

We Have MANY Little Black Dresses

This great "little black dress" by Joseph Ribkoff is perfect for the office, Sunday brunch, the symphony or a wedding!

The great "silky knit" has an interesting neck line that includes a mock-turtle neck AND a drape cowl. It comes with a very understated elastic belt -- that's PERFECT paired with simple pumps for the office or daytime wear.

It also looks fabulous with a more glamorous bling belt, that when paired with some dressy platforms and jewelry is ideal for a night on the town!

It's a simple and versatile little black dress that works for just about any occasion you can imagine!

LOVE IT!

New Year's Resolution

New Year's Day has always been a time for looking back on the past, and more importantly, looking forward to the coming year.

It's a time to reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make and resolve to follow through on those changes. Well, this year, Willow Tree has a couple of resolutions that we hope you'll support!

We are going to continue to spread the word about our own LOCAL FIRST CAMPAIGN and also the 3/50 project which is trying to save the independent brick and mortar businesses that our nation is built on.

Supporting the 3/50 project is easy! Simply think of three businesses you would miss if they closed. Stop in and patronize them! Say hello. Support them! Your purchases are what keep them open! Log on to their site at www.the350project.net to learn more about this important initiative.

Also watch for the new THINK LOCAL FIRST city directory that the WBA is scheduled to release and distribute soon. The first edition was published in 2008 -- and they've been working to update it for the past couple of year -- and promise to have it out soon!

Let's all work to THINK LOCAL FIRST! Become educated. Spread the word!