More From Amiba

Problem: Today, independent businesses face unprecedented competition from larger chain competitors, internet merchants and franchises that enjoy national or international branding power and major economies of scale. As a result, community-based businesses comprise a smaller portion of our economy than ever before. We’ll lose much more than places to shop, dine or do business if we allow current trends to continue.

Need More Reasons to Support Local Independent Businesses?

Think of your favorite shop, restaurant, farm or service provider. We'll bet it's a homegrown business. Independent locally-owned businesses are essential to a vital local economy and community character. They're where the locals go. They're owned by our friends and neighbors, or maybe even by you. Community-serving businesses are the backbone of local economies, civic life, local charities, and wealth creation for millions of citizens, as well as a training ground for future generations of entrepreneurs.



Taken from the AMIBA website!

Why Buy Local?

Independent local businesses employ a variety of supporting services, circulating money throughout and strengthening the local economy. They hire local architects, designers, cabinet shops, sign makers, and contractors, Local accountants, insurance brokers, computer consultants, attorneys, and advertising agencies help run them.


Dollars spent at community-based merchants create a multiplier effect in the local economy that typically amounts to three times that of a chain. Studies have shown that for every $100 spent at a chain, only $15 remains in the community while $45 remains when spent with home town businesses.

When people realize that they help their own local community when they choose Michaelangelos Italian Bistro over Olive Garden - or Total Health Food over GNC - or Chelsea Menswear and Tuxedos over Mens Wearhouse - or Willow Tree over Chicos - it seems like a "no brainer", right?

All it Takes is a Little Education!

Informing citizens of the value provided by locally owned businesses, including their importance to the local economy, culture, and social fabric is critical. If we don't tell them, how would they know?

Education is the number one goal of a core group of passionate Wyandotte IBA enthusiasts that spent time learning themselves! We came back ready to share our enthusiasm and encourage area residents (our customers) to view themselves as citizens -- as members of a community rather than merely as consumers. We can make a difference.

More soon!

What a Busy Time We've Had!

In addition to running a beautiful women's boutique, our family is obsessed with "all things local". We took it to a new high last month and attended the AMIBA (American Independent Business Alliance) Conference in Lousiville, Kentucky.

We were fortunate to spend a few days with other like-minded individuals that work hard in their communities to preserve the unique character of their cities and promote locally-owned businesses.

We returned to Wyandotte ready to help educate citizens on the value of purchasing locally.

Eco-Friendly Bags - a MUST Have!

Reusable bags seem to be an integral part of the way people live their lives today. These environmentally friendly bags are so responsible, versatile, and practical that their uses are truly endless.

For starters, grocery shopping is much easier and more convenient when you bring along a couple reusable bags with you to the market. Not only will you be able to carry all of your groceries home in just a couple of them, but some stores actually offers discounts at the register when you bring them along.

And the grocery store is just one of many places that you can bring them. Take them with you to the mall, park, library, airport, beach, work, daycare center, school -- just about anywhere. Talk about practical!

Also, because they’re made so well, Donna Sharp eco friendly bags really can be used time and time again! To be truly effective in reducing waste, reusable bags must be extremely durable to hold up to multiple uses and these do! Take a look and you’ll see that they’re strong, affordable and look great, too!

We've got them in three great sizes. Come in and grab a few.

Missoni? YES!

After being in the market over the course of the last months, there’s no doubt in our minds that the "Missoni-inspired" chevron patterns, rich textures, and bright colors are an absolute must-have this season -- AND next!

As always, Willow Tree offers a sophisticated mix of contemporary clothing AND accessories for every budget....and that includes the great new trends for Spring! You can easily find a great outfit for your "girls night out", a sassy and sexy dress for a hot date with your honey, and awesome accessories to complete the look.

We still stay open each weeknight until 9 p.m. (and we're the only ones that do)! We are here from 10 - 6 on Saturday and 12-4 on Sunday.

Come in and let us introduce you to SPRING 2012!

Scarf Prints!

The colorful prints seen wrapped around the necks of sophisticated women for years have now taken their rightful place on everything from dresses to blouses to skirts!

Thankfully, the prices are nothing like what you'd pay for an Hermes scarf - yet they sure look like it!

Versace was known for his scarf prints, as were designers like Givenchy and Gucci - who all introduced scarf prints last Fall. Their collections included a kaleidoscope of colors with a lot of paisley and floral patterns!

This trend has carried right into spring 2012 and we saw so many great prints we're sure you will love as much as we did!

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.