Will This Make it to Wyandotte?

After Fashion Week in New York, the "experts" predicted that everyone will be wearing socks with pointy-toed heels this Spring. I've not seen it yet, have you? Would this work in Wyandotte? Do you even like the look? Another prediction for "loads of feminine dresses and skirts" is absolutely on target. We've got them - and you love them!

Joseph Ribkoff is a Willow Tree Favorite

The message from Mr. Ribkoff: "At Joseph Ribkoff, we have created a product that has global appeal. We make it our priority to know the retailers and by extension, the end-consumers needs. Our designs reflect an in-depth understanding of fashion trends and consumer preferences in key markets all over the world. We cater to the upper echelon of the fashion market and offer a unique style, which has given the name Joseph Ribkoff international recognition. We have created clothing to respond to the multi-dimensional needs of today’s woman: Versatile dresses for all occasions, day or evening. Strictly evening wear for all formal occasions. Separates and related sportswear line that offers our customers the trendy items not found elsewhere." Willow Tree has carried the brand for over 5 years now and has a huge following of Ribkoff fans. If you're not familiar with them, come in and find out why they're so popular! Their "silky knit" fabric is one they're famous for. The drape and flow is so flattering and unbelievably comfortable. They "edgy" styling of some of their signature pieces can be recognized from blocks away!

Who IS Frank Lyman? Is He Real? You Bet! Meet Him Now!

"LET'S BE PERFECTLY FRANK ... STYLE IS EVERYTHING!" is his "tag line". He says that the woman wearing his designs is sure of herself, a little bit rebel and wants to be unique. She is charming and audacious. To accentuate her femininity, she wears dresses and whether she wears a tunic and leggings, she'll always be seductive and exciting." All Frank Lyman collections are designed and produced in Canada. We love that! Frank Lyman started in the fashion industry at the age of 18, as a salesperson. His venture started throughout the provinces of Quebec and Ontario. The moment he met his first customer, Frank Lyman knew he had a passion for fashion and especially design. Frank Lyman Design has been a success story in itself but more importantly has become a well-known international brand. Willow Tree carries an amazing selection from Frank Lyman. We cordially invite you in to experience the fabulous fabrics and amazing prints that he's well known for! You'll fall in love!

A Little Bit of Info on Neon Buddha

Neon Buddha started with the idea of producing a lifestyle clothing collection for travel, home, work, yoga and you. The collection is Canadian designed and produced and managed by a team of 300 women in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The team and the environment inspired the production of garments for life’s adventures and are designed with a conscience. Excess fabric each season is donated to women’s groups where it is used in income generating projects. They're a very environmentally conscious company, currently using sustainable practices such as solar power in both locations. All paper, cardboard, plastic, glass and metal are recycled. At the warehouse in Chiang Mai, dozens of trees were planted for shade and green spaces and are used by staff to enjoy and to offset the carbon foot print. Their company goal this year is to lessen carbon emissions by shipping less product by air and more by sea. They are company that has passion for their product, their customers and staff. On top of all that - the clothes are darling!

Black and White is STILL Number One!

As you have seen with the colored denim posts recently, color is everywhere for spring/summer. However, you'll also see some incredible black and white fashions this season. Here you see just one example of a great looking tunic in black. PERFECT with white leggings or legging capris, or as you see here with a great "extender". ASK us about the extender next time you are in the store. It is a fashion MUST HAVE!

Lace is Back in a BIG WAY! Thanks Princess Catherine!

Chantilly, kenmare, bobbin, knotted or crocheted — lace by any name is wonderful. The versatile fabric takes on "sultry vibes" in black and a more bohemian feel in the muted and neutral tones. With inspiration straight from the runway, designers have introduced great feminine dresses, skirts, blouses, and more sophisticated tops this season. And we all know that there's nothing like a little lace to bring out your "inner lady". Come in and check out the latest trend at Willow Tree. We've got some pretty fantastic options just for you!

Spring Scarves - YES!

O.K., so we've already covered one of the Top Fashion Trends for 2012....colored denim. So, what's next? Scarves! Yes, that's right. They're here and better than ever! You'll see lots of color, wacky & wonderful prints, color blocking, mixed prints and great solids. Watch for fringe, texture, infinity scarves, rectangles and squares. This is one of the season's MUST HAVE fashion accessory! Wear one with a white t-shirt, a printed tank or solid cami. Pair it with your favorite pair of colored denim for a great fashion statement! We LOVE the look! Don't you?

Colored Denim with WHITE! Perfect!

Colored Denim. Hop on the Bandwagon at Willow Tree!

Colored denim has become the biggest trend - almost overnight! We really love the trend, too! What a great way to "switch up" your wardrobe. The bright, cheerful colors are fantastic! As with any trend, though, figuring out how to wear it, or what to wear WITH it, can be a problem. Well, come in and let our fashion consultants help! They'll probably tell you to wear a neutral top with them. You can never go wrong pairing any colored pants with a black, white, cream, brown, or tan top. Any pair of bright jeans will look perfect with a white button-down shirt, a sheer blouse, a black t-shirt, or maybe even an ivory sweater. We also know that when you use this technique - you'll have an easier time easing into this new trend. Of course, to finish off the outfit, you can't be afraid to add a few bold accessories, like a great cobalt colored bag by Hilary Radley, a necklace from Treska and a fun pair of wedges!

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.