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!

Wedding Season Is Approaching!

Figuring out what to wear to those weddings that are quickly approaching can be a challenge. An easy solution is to freshen up the look of your little black dress! That is one item that most of us have hanging in our closet already, right? So, if you don't feel like going out to get a dress in one of the trendy new colors of the season -- why not get some accessories in that color to add a pop of color to the little black dress? It's just ONE of the perfect solutions we'll offer at Willow Tree! Come see us!

Trend Alert - SOFT DRESSING!

Trend report: take note of the trend toward soft dressing. You can find so many pieces in this new category -- even jackets! Incredibly light, carefree and chic.