Cleavage at Work? Its it O.K.?

Women do seem to be showing their cleavage more than ever, don't you think? Why is that? 

Elisabeth Squires, author of "Boobs: A Guide to Your Girls, says "American women's breasts are getting bigger while shirts are getting smaller. We are seeing more cleavage these days for a few reasons. First, fashions are tight and skinny. At the same time, women are bigger than they were even 15 years ago. Bra fitters tell me that an E cup is the new C cup," Squires said on "Good Morning America."

What is appropriate?  We do know that what looks good for a night out on the town is probably not appropriate in the workplace. The truth of the matter is that cleavage should never make an appearance in the office. Period. In fact, in most corporate offices, the rule of thumb is a that a woman's shirt or dress should land two inches above the cleavage. In other words, your "cleavage line" shouldn't be showing....at all. 

Do you agree?

Hose or No Hose? Are Tights O.K.? What Do YOU Think?

Most folks that we've asked say NO to panty hose. Regardless of their age, profession or the occasion they're dressing for, panty hose are out of the question for most women.  Bare legs and "sunless tanner" seems to be the popular choice.  Everyone does agree that panty hose are absolutely forbidden when wearing open toed shoes! 

Of course, there is an argument to be made for surviving the cold Winter months.... especially in Michigan.  That's what tights for. They're the perfect accessory and provide color, texture AND warmth! They’re super cute and trendy, too!

The true fashionistas that we've talked with would NEVER wear nude color hose, but do make an exception for black. They wear bronzer on bare legs. They wear tights, lace tights, textured tights, printed tights...They love them all.  

What do you think? We'd LOVE to know!

Shades of Gray in Dressing Business Casual

There are, of course, shades of grey to Business Casual. Each industry has their own "norm", too.  

Ad agencies are typically more hip and trendy. 

The automotive industry is all about casual dressing. GM's updated dress code simply encourages employees to dress "appropriately". Ford's "relaxed business casual" policy states that employees must use good judgement and dress appropriately for the business environment and work requirements. That means that "business appropriate jeans" are allowed except when meeting with external contacts, dealers, suppliers and potential employees. The next question is what jeans are appropriate? At Ford, they must be hemmed, not frayed, faded, worn, torn or stained. No studs, decorative stitching, bling or rhinestones.

Dressing For Success * A Piece at a Time

A blazer or jacket is a key piece to any business wardrobe. A nice quality jacket is worth it's investment because of it's incredible versatility. Wear it over a dress or with jeans. Perfect over a maxi dress or with a long skirt. It's a must-have or staple in any professional's wardrobe.

Let's Talk About Shoes

One suggested footwear item for the working woman includes a pair of nude shoes. Nude means that it matches your skin tone, so shop around for the correct color. If it matches your skin tone, it elongates your legs....and because they're just an extension of you, you don’t have to worry about matching your shoes with your clothes. Nude goes with everything.

Another Important Business Casual Tip is to Keep it Classic

Ultra-trendy is fun and has a place in every wardrobe

but in the world of business casual,

timeless classic pieces are usually best. 

A Nice Pair of Jeans is a MUST

A nice pair of dressy jeans is a staple item for that professional's wardrobe. They've got to be in a dark rinse or black. They are so appropriate for those casual situations like networking sessions, trainings or conferences. Pair them with a classic blazer or jacket. Finish it off with boots, ballet flats or simple pumps and you're ready for any situation.

Neutral is a Good Place to Start - Keepin' it Business Casual!

Neutral doesn't mean all tan, either. Black, gray, brown, navy, ivory, khaki and taupe are all good neutral choices. Mix and Match! Then you can easily add color with you accessories -- a great scarf, headband or belt can make a statement and show your personality.....and still be professional!

Another Closet Staple for the Professional Woman is a Dress

But, you don't need to be boring! A sheath dress, though popular and appropriate, is not your only option.  You could opt for something more interesting under a blazer or cardi -- to show a little bit of your own personality.  There are a couple of things to remember when choosing your dress, though. Don't show any cleavage; make sure it's not too short; and choose a pattern and color that's not too "wild".  

Business Casual Continued

You're getting ready to refinance your home. You've got an appointment scheduled at the bank. There are two lending specialists available. One is wearing flip flops, a t-shirt and casual pants. The other is wearing a simple skirt, blouse and pumps.

Which one seems more professional? Like it or not, in the business world, image does matter. How you dress or what you wear makes a difference. It's one of the first things your boss, co-workers and clients notice. What you wear says something about you - so you DO want to make sure you're saying the right things!

Our first tip is to keep it covered. No matter what your personal style, business casual never means "business sexy."  Skirts of an appropriate length (not mini skirts), full length pants and higher necklines are safe bets and in today's business world, dressy capris are also acceptable.

The ABC's of Dress Codes

A company's objective in establishing a business casual dress code, is to allow employees to work comfortably in their environment yet still look professional for customers, potential employees and visitors to the workplace.

Business casual dress seems to be the accepted "standard" for corporate dress code today. The problem is that it's confusing, and seems to differ from place to place.

Some casual clothing is not suitable for the office, though. Clothing that is appropriate for the beach, yoga, etc. are not appropriate choices for a professional environment.

Clothing that reveals any cleavage is absolutely inappropriate. Showing your back, chest, feet, stomach or under garments is not appropriate for a place of business -- even in a business casual setting.

Clothing should always be pressed. Wrinkles are never o.k. Torn, dirty, or fraying is unacceptable. Words, logos, terms, or pictures are too casual. Sports teams, university affiliation, and branded clothing is best left for more casual occasions...not the office.

Many offices have regular "dress down days" or casual Fridays. On these days, jeans and more casual items are allowed. 

What is Business Casual, Anyhow?

When going to the movies or grocery, you can wear what makes you happy and feels comfortable, but when it comes to work, you've got to give it a little more thought.

Right or wrong, workers tend to be judged by what they wear or how they dress. Shorts and flip flops? Too casual and inappropriate. Wearing a suit on casual Friday?  Haughty.

Both sexes can experience fashion faux pas when trying to dress for success, but women face some added risks.  Dressing for work was easy when "business suits" were the norm. It was almost like wearing a "uniform". Respectable, neat, serious - and if you were lucky a touch of style.

These days, it's a little more complicated. Business casual is the new norm it seems. But, what does that mean! Does "business casual" mean that no hose are required with your skirt or does it mean that you can wear dressy denim?

Add to that "casual Fridays" and it gets confusing! In the next series of blog entries, we're going to try to define "business casual" today. We'll look at what's acceptable in the workplace and also what should be saved for after work events.

Style, like beauty, is often in the eye of the beholder, but "business casual" is in the eye of your human resource director/boss. And in most cases, most companies have a particular look in mind. It's important to ask exactly what it is.

Introducing a New Line that we KNOW our Customers will LOVE!

John Michael Richardson, fashion jewelry designer, blends the cultures of the East and West to create a look that is completely his own. As he travels the world to discover new elements for his accessories, he relies on the traditional crafts of each particular country to convey his message: a card tells the story, a collectible for you. Metals are hand crafted in Thailand with etchings that bring unique detail to his work. He mixes the natural elements of horn, wood, bone, and shell from Cebu. From the United States he uses metal stampings. He also decorates his pieces with glass beads from the Czech Republic. The collected items are plated, assembled and finished by hand in the United States of America! Rich in look, affordable in price, his work is immediately recognized and makes the PERFECT GIFT!

Pinterest Anyone?

What do you like about Pinterest?  We love to share our fashion knowledge and trend updates and information with our customers. We use all of the social media outlets that our customers ask us to and follow!  Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.  Follow us, won't you?

Find it at www.pinterest/willowtreedotte

Brighton's Power of Pink is Back - Pretty With a Purpose!

With continued support from customers - like those of you that shop at Willow Tree, Brighton has donated more than $5.3 million to breast cancer charities nationwide through their Power of Pink program which began in 2003.  This years stunning collection uses the new Your True Color pieces in a beautiful shade of pink.

As always, quantities are limited.  If you're a collector, come see this year's bracelet, earrings and necklace.  Solid on one side - with the ribbon (as you see here) on the other.  

And then there's Cognac and Misted Yellow

Similar to Sangria, Cognac’s name alone leads to glamorous illusions. This classy and cultured brown takes a typical autumnal color to a sumptuous realm, making the shade unexpectedly ideal for evening wear. Adding a ray of sunlight and warmth, optimistic Misted Yellow alludes to the promise of spring to come. Both Cognac and Misted Yellow will also be prevalent in prints—a surprisingly popular trend this fall season.

For more than 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 fall 2014

More Pantone Fall 2014

The grown-up reds are followed by two extremes of the purple family that intrigue the eye and inspire the imagination. Mauve Mist, a romantic and elegant purple shade, reminds us of the deco era and stimulates a sense of femininity and empowerment, while Radiant Orchid, a captivating and adaptable shade, enchants the complete spectrum. Pair either with Cypress, a majestic and powerful green; indicative of its name, this shade has a towering presence and serves as a stunning perennial.

With its slightly green undertone, Bright Cobalt offers a subtle twist on the traditional cobalt blue, which unifies this season’s blues. Likewise, Royal Blue, which is both evocative and dignified, provides more complexity and excitement than the average navy, while still remaining versatile. Pair Bright Cobalt with Sangria and Cypress, or Royal Blue with Mauve Mist and Aluminum, a futuristic stainless steel shade that serves as a complex neutral.

Love Wyandotte's 3rd Annual Paint the Town Pink series is starting this Saturday

The 3rd Annual 3K Family Fun Run Walk & Roll 

takes place this Saturday at Silver Shores Waterfront

1 James DeSana Drive

Wyandotte, MI

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.