Fit and Flare!

Summer dresses are a staple, allowing seamless transition from desk to date night. We saw many styles and fabrics at "market" last week but heard two words over and over again. It's a HUGE trend right now - and we know you're going to love it. This particular silhouette is scoring some serious attention from fashion bloggers to fashionistas. It's an ultra-feminine and flattering style called FIT AND FLARE. With a fitted bodice and gathered a-line skirt, this style suits a variety of body shapes. It's comfortable and appropriate for so many occasions. Even the Hollywood crowd seems to agree that this silhouette is "IT". It continues to gain momentum as one of the most popular choices on the street, in the office, at dinner -- even on the red carpet! It's already in our store and will continue to arrive throughout the season. Sleeveless, cap sleeve, short and 3/4. It works! Come in and play "dress up" next time you're in the neighborhood!

Desk to Dinner

Most women today find themselves racing against the clock. So much to do and yet so little time to do it! And let's be honest, when you're always on the go the last thing have time to think about is a wardrobe change. When you're darting from your desk to drinks or dinner, you might need a few tips to help you transition from office appropriate to "dinner date chic" in an instant! So let's start with the basics. When you get dressed before work, pick a simple piece. Something with clean lines and a simple silhouette. This will be the "canvas" you'll add accessories and other clothing pieces to. For the office you'll add a jacket or cardigan to make your outfit office appropriate. You can pull it together by adding a belt, headband, tights and sensible shoes. Then take along a pair of heels or ankle boots, a clutch or small evening bag, lipstick, and a flashy or edgy jacket for the night's festivities. The bottom line is to pick a base item that you can interchange accessories and layers to create a new and more glamorous evening look - EASILY. If you plan ahead, pulling together your desk to dinner outfits is simple!

Red is Full of Personality

Wear reds for all of your personality traits. Reds tend to vary on the message they send across. Burgundy conveys sophistication, while "blue-reds" convey assertiveness. An orange-red would be worn by someone who is lively.

Soft, Friendly Pastels

Wear pastel colors to seem relaxed and friendly. Pastels are soft and everyone can wear them. Light green, watermelon, pink, lemon, and light purple are just a few of your choices. Think about pairing the pastel with a neutral color like beige, black or white. To really rock this trend, layer your pastels together for added impact.

Pretty in Pink

Wear shades of pink to convey an open heart. People who wear pink, regardless of gender, appear approachable and friendly. There’s a reason that the cells of some of the most dangerous criminals are painted pink—it’s been shown to calm aggression. This color is considered tranquil and warm.

What do Colors Convey?

Particularly in the working world, the colors you choose to wear can send a message about the type of you personality you have. Wear dark colors to convey authority and power. Some dark colors include black and navy blue.

How to Choose What Color to Wear

Color choices are a frequent topic of conversation in our business, yet so many of us don't know how to choose colors that look good on us or what "season" we are. Winters are often brunettes, with pale or olive skin and look good in deep, rich colors with jewel tones as accents. Summers have blonde hair and pale skin and look good in more muted colors. Autumns can be red-heads, or have black hair, or a combination of blonde and brunette. They usually have ruddy skin. Autumns can wear oranges, browns, and olive greens. Springs have pale skin, pale eyes and golden blonde or strawberry blonde hair. They look good in bright colors. Wear the colors that suit you close to your face. You can wear colors that don't suit you as well on your bottom half.

Complementary Colors

You shouldn't always be too matchy- matchy. Dress up and play with colors every now and then. It helps you to find more colors to wear everyday and which colors don't look good together. Colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel are considered to be complementary colors (example: red and green). The high contrast of complementary colors creates a vibrant look especially when used at full saturation. This color scheme must be managed well so it is not jarring. Complementary colors are tricky to use in large doses, but work well when you want something to stand out.

Triadic Color Scheme

There are sets of colors that work well together when you use a correct real color wheel. A triadic color scheme uses colors that are evenly spaced around the color wheel. Triadic color harmonies tend to be quite vibrant, even if you use pale or unsaturated versions of your hues. To use a triadic harmony successfully, the colors should be carefully balanced - let one color dominate and use the two others for accent.

Let's Talk About Color

Sometimes it can be difficult to know which colors you should wear with what. We're going to try to help you out by offering tips and tricks that you can use everyday. First of all: Know the basics. Start by categorizing your colors. The first category is neutrals including black, white and gray. The other category includes colors like red, green, yellow, etc. An easy start is knowing that neutrals can be paired with almost any color. That means that your black pants can go with just about any top, blouse, sweater or jacket that you have! Things are not that easy when you try to pair colors with other colors, though. Information on that is coming up next!

Sheer Fabrics are HERE and They're BIG!

As the weather starts to warm up a bit - you’re going to want to spruce up your wardrobe! You'll be getting tired of wearing sweaters and be itching for a change. So, think about about a sheer blouse. They are the perfect transition piece and are going to be HUGE! They'll add interest, color and probably even a little sexiness to your outfit -- WITHOUT adding bulk! Layer them now - and wear them on their own for the warmer months! Why not try a Willow Tree customer AND staff favorite by pairing a great sheer blouse with a "koochie kover" and leggings. Come in and let us show you how! Everyone loves the look and versatility!

Cutting Edge Laser Cuts

Let's talk about some of the best, creative and clever uses of the laser cutter when it comes to fashion. Early adopters of the technology were mainly couture designers such as John Galliano in 2005. Fast forward eight years to 2013 and laser cut fashion is MAINSTREAM! You'll see it on tops, scarves, fly-away jackets and more...in a variety of textiles including ultra suede like you see here! Love it, don't you?

It's NOT Too Early to Think Spring with Accessories

O.K., so we've been experiencing frigid temperatures. We have had some snow -- BUT we ARE getting Spring items in! Spring is only about 50 days away...so it IS time to start building that transitional accessory wardrobe! The magnificent array of colors this season is irresistible! The colors range from soft neutrals and pastels to brights to electric neons! There is certainly a color for everyone! Keep your eyes open for some great bohemian and gypsy inspired necklaces and scarves. In addition to being perfect for that Winter to Spring time frame -- they can make an old outfit looks new! We love them!

The Bottom Line is......

Ankle length pants are going to be HOT HOT HOT! Narrow pants and Bermudas are very strong, too! Printed bottoms are such a great way to update your wardrobe, too. They're EVERYWHERE! Will they be well received in Wyandotte? We hope so!

Color Continues for Spring!

This season we continue our love affair with color along with a panoply of prints - as well as the tried and true black and white (which is ALWAYS popular). Old rules are going out the window and fashion is moving in an "anything goes" direction. More creative mixing and matching of fabrics, textures and color are combined to produce new and inventive combinations. Be prepared to be dazzled!

Spring Trends - 2013

This season, designers overwhelmingly address consumers' desire for self-expression, balance and the need to re-energize. The color direction for spring builds upon these compelling needs with a palette that mixes dynamic brights with novel neutrals to create a harmonious balance. This allows for unique combinations that offer practicality and versatility, but at the same time, demand attention and earn an appreciative glance. "The expression 'balancing act' is something we all relate to as we strive to find harmony in the frantic pace of our everyday lives," said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. "The same can be said for fashion as we look for balance between light and bright, classic and new. This season's color palette emphasizes this need for balance, while at the same time allowing for individuality, self-expression and excitement." The prevalence of green this spring is undeniable. Similar to the many shades in our natural surroundings, this season's greens offer a stunning foreground or the perfect backdrop for all other hues. Like the first signs of spring, Tender Shoots, a vibrant yellow-green, is invigorating, active and cheerful, while Grayed Jade, a subtle, hushed green with a gray undertone, brings about a mood of quiet reflection and repose. Sophisticated Emerald, a lively, radiant green, inspires insight and clarity while enhancing our sense of well-being. From one extreme to the other, combining all three greens presents an intriguing choice much like Mother Nature intended. Exotic African Violet is a statement color that brings a touch of intrigue to the palette, as purples often do, and can be incorporated into many unexpected combinations. Try pairing it with exuberant Poppy Red, a seductive, sensual and celebratory shade. Whether it's a knockout dress or a kiss on the lips, every woman's wardrobe and beauty essentials should include this spirited, true red. Nectarine, a bright, effervescent citrus orange with coral undertones, provides a tangy burst of flavor while cheerful Lemon Zest brings out a piquant taste with its refreshing, spritely greenish cast. Signifying the time of day when everything starts to wind down, Dusk Blue offers a calming sense of serenity akin to its green counterpart, Grayed Jade. Both of these colors act as the season's newest neutrals. For an unexpected mix, pair Dusk Blue with the intensity of Nectarine. A warm neutral, Linen is light and airy, providing a nudelike basic that is a must have for spring. Try pairing Linen with Grayed Jade or Dusk Blue. Anchoring Monaco Blue is a classic shade that offers both stability and depth to the entire palette. Combine Monaco Blue with Poppy Red and Linen, or Monaco Blue and Emerald for a fresh collegiate look. For over 20 years, Pantone, the global authority on color, has surveyed the designers of New York Fashion Week and beyond to bring you the season's most important color trends. This report previews the most prominent hues for spring 2013.

Yes, It's Already That Time Again - Time to Think Pink!

We've been seeing commercials on television lately about the 2013 3-Day. What is the 3-Day, you may ask? Their explanation is that it's a life-changing journey - and many things to many people. We do know that Michigan's event is scheduled from August 16 - 18, 2013. The suburban Detroit metro area will surely offer an eclectic change of scenery that will help create a meaningful 3-Day experience. The first step on the 60 mile journey is to register. At least request more information and see if it's for you! Then, start putting your team together. Willow Tree was so humbled and blessed to have met so many survivors, patients going through chemo and radiation, and those that lost loved ones to breast cancer, during our Paint the Town Pink events in 2012. We hope that we'll be able to act as a resource and support for those folks that will walk this year. Perhaps we can help sponsor a team? We're certainly willing to do whatever we can! Please get in touch with us if you have ideas! One thing we HAVE done is commit to our customers to have the flannel pants, sweatshirts, hoodies, t-shirts, hats, etc., that they have requested we have on hand. We've promised to do this NOT just in May or October - but always!

Vests are IN IN IN!

Not only have vests come back into fashion, but they're back in a HUGE way! There are so many choices including "vest tops", quilted, fur and faux fur - and so many other styles that will complement your current wardrobe! You've got zip front and open vests for all of Michigan's seasons. Wear them with jeans, tailored dress pants, casual pants, your favorite dress or pencil skirt and blouse! Grab a knit or puffer vest when you need a little warmth; or a more feminine crochet vest when you only need a lighter layer! And, talk about luxurious! You'll not only look but feel fantastic in the great selection of both faux and real fur vests in so many great colors! Let's not forget those popular denim vests or leather vests, either! Sophisticated and chic! Come on ladies, we've got a great selection for you at Willow Tree -- and a lot of them are ON SALE for our Annual January Clearance Sale! You can't go wrong! Come in and talk with one of our personal shoppers to find the vest that suits your needs!

2013 = Growth, Renewal, Prosperity & Healing!

Every December, Pantone chooses one color that they deem the “Color of the Year” for the upcoming year. This year it seems as though the "green movement" has taken on a new fashion hue: EMERALD GREEN. That's right, the very popular color for precious gemstones and fine jewelry will grace so much more! Emerald green was chosen because it symbolizes growth, renewal, prosperity and healing, according to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of Pantone. “As it has throughout history, multifaceted emerald continues to sparkle and fascinate,” Eiseman said in a news release. “Symbolically, emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today’s complex world. This powerful and universally appealing tone translates easily to both fashion and home interiors.” “It's the most abundant hue in nature...and the human eye sees more green than any other color.” In fashion, Pantone predicts it will be popular in formal and everyday wear as well as accessories. The color was all over the runways for Spring! Will it end up in YOUR closet?

Glittens are ALWAYS a Popular Gift Item!

A hybrid of glove and mitten exists, which contains "channels" for each of the four fingers encapsulated by a leather mitten. These hybrids are called glittens, a combination of "gloves" and "mittens".