Ovacion Liquid

In addition to Forever New Wash and Stain Remedy, we have the Ovacion Liquid Wash. Use it to pamper your shapewear, bodywear, hosiery and lingerie. This great product will help keep the elasticity and softness in these special garments. This great product is proven to extend the life of your tights, leggings, and leotards.

Ovacion's liquid formulation was created to prolong the life of modern elastomers and microfibers that are used in today's contemporary fashions. Use it once and you'll notice the difference!

Forever New Garment Wash Now Available

Promotes longer life in all fine washables
*Gently cleans and brightens
*Non toxic and biodegradable
*Leaves no soap residue

This is the perfect product to use on your finer garments.

Forever New Fabric Care * Stain Remedy

We are SO EXCITED to be able to offer the Forever New line of products at the Willow Tree. Forever New has "All the Best" in fine garment care since 1975 with products that restore and refresh lingerie, hosiery, swimwear, silks, wools, and other colorfast delicates that require a gentle wash.

Forever New has an excellent reputation earned by retaining the highest quality control standards, and by using biodegradable and environmentally sound ingredients.

The first product we'll highlight is Stain Remedy, a unique blend of very effective, biodegradable ingredients derived from coconut and palm kernels. This amazing and high quality product removes the toughest of stains and is even effective working out older more set in stains while causing no harm to your garments.

*Safely lifts most common stains
*Absolutely Solvent-Free
*Biodegradable
*Convenient applicator bottle

What is Acetate, Anyhow?

Acetate is derived from cellulose and has specific characteristics:

* Luxurious feel and appearance
* Wide range of colors and lusters
* Excellent drapability and softness
* Relatively fast drying
* Shrink, moth and mildew resistant

Special dyes have been developed for acetate since it does not accept dyes ordinarily used for cotton and rayon. Many blouses, dresses and made from acetate as are wedding attire, home furnishings, draperies and upholstery.

HOW TO CARE FOR ACETATE CLOTHING

Most acetate garments should be dry-cleaned, but if handwashing is allowed by the manufacturer, use the following guide:

* Handwash in warm water with mild suds
* Do not twist or wring out garment
* Do not soak colored items
* Press while damp on wrong side (inside out) with cool iron. For finishing on the right side, use a pressing cloth

(Again, we recommend that you refer to garment's sewn-in care label for specific instructions.)

Note: Acetate is adversely affected by acetone and other organic solvents, such as nail polish remover and perfumes containing these solvents.

Dry Cleaning Recommended Here

These fabric care suggestions are provided as a general guide for the convenience of our customers. Because materials and dyes vary between manufacturers and products, we do recommend that you follow their specific instructions - and to test a sample before washing or dry cleaning the entire garment.

Acetate: Dry clean only.

Linen: Dry cleaning is recommended because it retains the original crisp finish to the fabric. But, hand washing in mild soap with no chlorine bleach and drying flat on a clean non-colored towel is also o.k. Note: Hand washing does soften the feel of the linen which is sometimes preferred.

Rayon: Dry cleaning is recommended, although hand washing in lukewarm water is okay. No chlorine bleach allowed. Lay items flat on a clean non-colored towel to dry.

Silk: Dry cleaning is preferred. Hand washing is possible if mild soap and lukewarm water is used.

Suede: Recommendation is dry cleaning. Although Machine wash gentile cycle is allowed.

Wool & Suiting: Recommendation is for dry cleaning. Can be spot cleaned with a damp sponge. Hand washing is NOT recommended here.

How to Wash "Dry Clean" Clothes at Home

In general you can successfully hand wash most dry clean only garments. (See list below for items that should be taken to the professionals)

The success will depend on the type of fabric, how the garment is put together, the dyes used, and the printing process used on the fabric.

Also your hand laundering success is dependent on the amount of dirt and stains on the fabric.

For best results always use cold water and a gentle cleanser. Hand wash by dipping the fabric in and out of the sudsy water. Gently scrub with your finger tips areas of heavy soil like the armpits and the neckline.

* Never use bleaches, regular laundry cleansers, fabric softeners, or rinse additives.

After you have hand washed your dry clean garments, roll them tightly in an absorbent towel. Unroll the towel and move the garment to a dry part of the towel and roll again. Continue until garment no longer feels drippy. It may take 2-5 rollings.

Never wring or twist your dry clean only garment - even when they are in the towel.

If the garment is stretchy like a sweater you will want to re-shape and lay flat to dry. If it is made of silk, wool or other natural animal fibers you should keep it out of direct sun light.

Give your dry clean garments a gentle shake - this separates the front from the back for faster drying time as well as removing any wrinkles caused by the rolling process.

Tops and dresses should be hung. Be sure to straighten the collars into position you want them to dry in.

Clothing items that are NOT safe to hand wash and are best taken to the dry cleaners:
*Acetate fibers
*Rayon (It often shrinks – though it generally only does so once.)
*Garments with a special finish on them
*Leather or Suede.

If the garment is very special to you - and you would be sad if washing by hand changed the garment in anyway, don't chance it!

Machine Gentle Cycle vs. Handwashing & Machine Dry vs. Hang to Dry

Care instructions are helpful tips to keep your clothes looking great as long as possible. Although some modern washing machines have a “hand wash” cycle (similar to a delicate cycle), it does not guarantee the same gentle washing as washing by hand.

Typically, these fabrics easily stretch, snag and lose their shape when machine washed.

Another factor to consider is the type of washing machine you are using. Many top loading machines with the central agitator are too rough for these gentle fabrics and should be avoided. There are some front loading machines that are much gentler on clothing in general and offer a higher level of success.

There is some trial and error in attempting to machine wash “hand wash” items. If the item is valuable or irreplaceable, don’t risk it. If it is a general, everyday item that can be replaced if necessary, then try the steps below to gently wash it in the machine.

Machine Washable Fabrics/Fibers
■Acrylic
■Cotton
■Lycra
■Microfibers
■Nylon
■Polyester
■Polyolefin
■Spandex
■Triacetate (unless it’s pleated)

If Machine Washing “Hand Wash” Items You Will Need:
■Mild laundry detergent
■Mesh lingerie bag(s)

Steps to Machine Wash the Clothing:
1.Smaller loads are best when washing these delicate pieces.
2.Select a cold temperature wash and add the appropriate amount of mild detergent.
3.Place the item in a mesh lingerie bag to help prevent snags and stretching while it is washing.
4.Complete the cycle and promptly remove the clothing.

Machine Drying “Hang to Dry” Items
1.Similar to washing, the appropriate settings are of utmost importance when drying items that are not designed to be placed in the dryer.
2.Most “hang to dry” items are labeled as such because the heat of the dryer will cause the fabric to shrink.
3.If machine drying, use a “no heat” setting.
4.Remove the item from the lingerie bag and place it in the dryer.
5.Stop the drying cycle while the piece is still slightly damp.
6.Remove it and hang it dry until it is completely dry.

Additional Tips and Advice
■If you have any doubts as to how the piece will tolerate the machines, play it safe and hand wash it.
■It may also help to take baby steps to see how the clothing tolerates the cleaning steps. For example, try machine washing the piece and allowing it to air dry. Then, the next time you clean it, try drying it for a short amount of time.
■Good luck! If the clothing comes out well, you’ve found an easy, efficient way to clean them!

John Medeiros, Rhodium, Cubic Zirconium & 14K Gold

John Medeiros uses Rhodium, a derivative of platinum because it has all of the attributes of platinum with the added benefit of being harder, lasting longer, with a whiter tone.

He uses 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.

Rhodium is a chemical element that is a rare, silvery-white derivative of platinum. It is one of the rarest precious metals, and the most costly. It is resistant to tarnish and improves optical impression.

Rhodium IS a precious metal. In fact, it's about ten times costlier than gold, but generally not used to make solid jewelry because it's difficult to work with. It is fabulous as a plating for jewelry because it is glittering, dazzling, white and mirror-like. Rhodium plating makes cubic zirconia look bigger and better because it's so bright that it's hard to see where the stones end and the metal begins. Nothing sets off stones like rhodium plating does.

The hallmark of each piece of John Medeiros is that it is hand-polished and plated in rhodium and 14Kt gold which has a permanent non-tarnish, easy to care for finish.

Come in next week to experience this fabulous line for yourself!

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!