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!

Don't Be a Victim of Identity Theft!

A great number of travelers and consumers end up being victimized by electronic pickpockets and in most cases never even know it. Credit card companies have started embedding RFID (radio frequency identification) chips in credit cards and the U. S. Government also uses this technology in passports. The reason is that the cards can hold more data than the cards with magnetic stripes and they also can be read much faster.

Electronic pickpocketers can pick up information from RFID-enabled cards in your pocket or purse. The eavesderopping thieves can glean this information using relatively cheap equipment. Just by passing on the street, thieves using a card reader and netbook computer can steal your personal information. Card skimming works especially if you are only carrying one contactless card. It is possible that your card could be read from up to 3 feet away.

To combat this threat, credit card companies use powerful encryption techniques to make it harder for your information to be stolen. However encryption requires extra processing time and some companies who value speed may choose not to use the encryption. Regardless, the thieves eventually develop their own technology to offset whatever protections are implemented. As fast as credit card companies come up with new ideas, the bad guys find some new way to steal from you.

Even if the electronic pickpocketers find they can’t use the card account, they often are able to find outlets for other stolen card information. With the right know-how and the correct information the thief can view all the information on the front page of your passport.

The credit card number and expiration date are all we need to pick up a phone, call an 800 number and make an purchase. A Visa representative calls the risk associated with certain RFID cards a major concern.

So, what can you do? One way to protect yourself from identity theft is by blocking the radio frequency tags that are embedded in the credit dards. This can be accomplished by using one of the new Aluminum wallets to carry your credit cards. These indestructible aluminum wallets are safe from elctronic pickpockets and we have the best avaialable at Willow Tree.

These aluminum wallets offer a great alternative to the traditional leather wallet. The are sleek and will fit easily into a back pocket or purse. They are available in different colors and make great gifts.

Don’t be a victim. Do whatever is necessary for peace of mind and protection from electronic pickpocket thieves

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays

We'd like to wish all of our customers a very Merry Christmas, and a happy and healthy 2012.

We sincerely thank you for your support over the last year, and hope for many more opportunities to work with you in 2012!

Think Local and Buy Local When You Can!

Think local first + Buy local when you can = Being a local!

Willow Tree and Chelsea are locally-owned independent businesses that are committed to improving the quality of life in our region. We support our Wyandotte community businesses and collaborate to benefit the common good.

When you support your local independently-owned businesses, you support good business for a great community.

Thank you for choosing to do business with us. Friends and neighbors depend on each other to keep our community strong.

Wyandotte is One of a Kind!

10.Encourage local prosperity: A growing body of economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.

We Try to Get to Know You!

9.Buy what you want, not what someone wants you to buy: A marketplace of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term. A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products based not on a national sales plan but on their own interests and the needs of their local customers, guarantees a much broader range of product choices.

8.Put your taxes to good use: Local businesses in downtown districts require comparatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services as compared to nationally owned stores entering the community.

Invested in the Future

7.Invest in community: Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s future.