willow st. boutique

Dear Willow St.

I am interested in doing all that I can do, to as they say, "reduce my footprint on the earth" but most of the organic or eco-friendly products on the market are a bit on the boring side. They usually feature burlap looking materials and dull colors that only a true tree-hugger could embrace. I would love to find some products that the fashionista in me could love as much as the responsible earth-friendly side will. Any suggestions?

Signed,

Thinking Globally

Dear Thinking Globally:

We are so glad that you sent this question in, and we love where your head is at. This is such a hot topic right now that we at willowst.com are ecstatic to help get the word out on green products. The boring products that you talked about in your question, were rough or dull in the past, but are no longer the standard for eco-friendly goods. Today there are a ton of very cool, very fashionable and very earth friendly products just waiting for you. Designers cannot do enough for the planet right now, which is great for the rest of us. Check out our new eco-friendly section and try on some of the 100% Organic tees from Zooey or C&C California or a reusable canvas bag with a responsible green message from Vert. We guarantee you will find something to clear your environmentally strained conscience.

Dear Willow St.

I had what you could call a rough holiday season this year, filled with a ton of parties with drinking and eating and friends. Doesn't sound too bad right? Wrong. Along with this "ton" of parties, my lower extremities seem to have gained a "ton" of weight. I am watching what I eat like a hawk at this point as well as chaining myself to the elliptical machine for a good 45 minutes a day. Unfortunately, I still need to invest in a few pieces of clothing that I can wear out in public that may also help to camouflage the beating I gave myself this season. Let me say I work in a casual environment so pretty much anything (except sweatpants&the only thing I fit it) goes. Any suggestions for a self proclaimed glutton for holiday parties? I truly need help!

Signed,

Sexy in Sweatpants

Dear Sexy in Sweatpants:

We all gain a few and lose few at this time of year but if you truly don't fit in your clothes and you need to hide a bit of gluttony, there are many things that you can do. Lucky for all of us who have a little too much fun over the holidays, this year blousy and wide is in! I am talking about swing or baby doll shaped sweaters from Charlotte, 525 America and Shae. Also wide legs are the hot ticket this season and next season too, so you should be able to camouflage the "lower extremities" that you speak of. Try a pair from Seven, J&Co or Paige with a high heel to elongate your legs and make them look slimmer. Don't worry "sexy" we will get through this together, and just think with your new resolve to diet and exercise, next month you will have to write in to ask what to wear since you lost so much weight. Talk to you soon!

Dear Willow St.

I am going away on a sun-filled, beach-bound, can't wait another minute vacation next month&&yeah!!!! I know what could possibly be my problem, right. Well it's just that every year I buy a ton of warm weather clothes that sit in my closet for four months while the weather at home is still a little less than desirable. I was hoping, this year, that I could figure out a way to add just a few key pieces to take away that I could also add to my winter wardrobe at home. I think what I need is some creativity and after coming up with gifts for 40 family members this holiday season, am fresh out! Please help me.

Signed,

: Tapped-Out

Dear : Tapped-Out:

Yours is definitely a common problem. It is almost depressing to look at the relics of your warm weather getaway for the four or five months before you can wear them again. I sympathize, but fret not. There are a ton of pieces that you can add to remedy this issue. You can't talk about the coming spring season without emphasizing dresses. Why not add a couple of light weight tank dresses from A Common Thread for your vaca, then add a pair of tights, boots and a cardigan for a look that you can take home with you as well. Also, Michael Stars is the king of using year round fabrics that are perfect to layer, but will also translate into a perfect warm weather companion. Try a baby doll top or stripy tank with your white jeans, then add a cardigan from Charlotte or 525 America to make the look winter friendly. I hope this little talk helped&.just know that these are the things that we will all be packing with us when we go away this winter. Happy sunning!

Dear Willow St.

By this time in the season, I am so over drab earth tones, black cashmere and dark denim. How can I pop some color in my winter wardrobe that will carry me right into spring?

Signed,

So Over It!

Dear So Over It!:

This is actually the perfect time to start infusing your wardrobe with some pops of color that you wouldn't have dared to wear in October and November. By this time, we are all pretty much over winter so thank goodness the fashion gods are a season ahead. If you go into any store right now (in the non-sale section...sorry) you will undoubtedly see a rainbow array of t-shirts and tanks as well as hoodies and cardigans. It is all about layering and adding some colorful touches under or over things you already own. Try adding a Splendid short sleeved tee under a cashmere cardigan to breathe some new life into it. Or add a brightly colored Splendid thermal tee that is warm enough to wear now on its own. Also why not add a colorful handbag or a florescent belt from B-Low the Belt to your dark jeans look to make it come alive. This will carry your right into sunnier skies and warmer weather. We know this last stretch is hard one but with these tips and little pops of color it should be a brighter road.