Just Spring Things

Spring is in full swing at Willowbrook—and everywhere else. As the weather warms and gardens bloom it’s also time to tuck heavy sweaters and jackets away and swap them for the season’s latest and greatest.

Not sure where to start? Keep reading.

Start the season with a fresh colour palette. While spring often brings to mind soft pastels and florals (which, let’s face it, are oh so sweet) if they’re not your vibe that’s totally fine. Try graphic black and white prints, bold brights, or elegant neutrals from H&M instead this spring.

Spring is a great time to get moving. Whether you’re hitting the golf course, tennis court, or simply spending extra time outdoors exploring the parks and trails, lululemon’s technical apparel, sporting goods, and new runners are all essential.

Look for light and breathable pieces to keep you cool when the sun shines, but that can easily be paired with a rain jacket (because, well, it will) or worn comfortably under layers. Not in the mood to carry a bag? Check for pockets, too, and make sure they can fit your essentials like your phone or keys.

Give your skincare a seasonal refresh.

Your skin changes continually throughout the year. Make time for a professional consultation to learn exactly what your skin type needs and build a routine that suits your lifestyle. Regardless of how much time you like to spend on your routine, be sure to include a daily SPF from Sephora or Hudson’s Bay to protect your skin from the elements and get a cute, convenient purse size to keep with you wherever your spring travels take you.

Need a little more inspo this season? Be sure to check out our Spring Lookbook for outfit goals, accessories, and must-haves, all available at Willowbrook. Happy shopping!

Searching For Your Signature Scent

They say that scent is the strongest link to memory. So when it comes to shopping for a perfume you want to make the right choice, create the right memory, and leave the right aroma behind. But how do you do that? Before you hit the amazing stores at Willowbrook such as Hudson’s Bay or Sephora, it’s important to understand how perfume works.

Fragrances are made up of a top note, middle note, and base note. The top note is the first thing you smell when you spray the product, but it also dissipates the fastest. When you’re testing a perfume, be sure to wait a few minutes and don’t judge a scent by your first sniff. Middle notes make up the bulk of the scent and tend to be the more dominant ingredient—as a result, it’s key that you like the middle note. Finally, your perfume has a base note, which doesn’t become apparent until about a half hour after you put it on, but this is the aroma that will stay with you throughout the day.

Are you a spicy vixen? A floral goddess? Knowing what type of scents you prefer, can make finding your trademark perfume easier. Perfumes typically fall into one of four categories—floral, citrus, spicy, or woody. Florals are commonly described as sweet. Not surprisingly, these are usually made up of flowers (duh) like rose, lavender, or violet. Citrus aromas like orange and lemon are thought of as being fresh, while spicy and woody options like vanilla, amber, musk, and patchouli are known to be warm and sultry.

When a scent speaks to you (or smells to you, we should say) give it a fair shot. Your individual body chemistry can impact how a scent wears. Test it out for several hours to get the full experience of all the notes and avoid wearing other scented products at the same time (like fragrant lotions or hair products) to prevent a nasal nightmare.

Experiment, enjoy, and happy sniffing!

What’s In Your Purse?

It’s easy for your purse to become a dumping ground of crumpled receipts, wrappers, and stale breath mints. But a well-packed bag can make your life easier. So, what essentials deserve a permanent spot in your purse? We’ve put together a list of life’s little necessities you’ll want to keep close.

First things first. When it comes to picking the ideal purse there’s a few to consider—do you like to be hands-free? Shoulder bag? Crossbody? Mini backpack? A big bag to hold everything or a tiny tote for keys and a credit card? It’s important to choose a bag that’s comfortable and practical, and of course, stylish. Nudes, beiges, and tan are totally trendy but can show wear and tear or scuff marks easily while black is a timeless option that’s sure to match your wardrobe through all seasons.

Pssst…find the season’s must-have purses and handbags at Aldo, Call It Spring, Hudson’s Bay, Nordstrom Rack, WINNERS, H&M and more.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a full glam gal or a bare minimum beauty, carrying a few essentials like a compact mirror, hair ties, bobby pins, lip balm, and a pair of tweezers can come in handy for a range of reasons. Refresh your look, pluck pesky stray hair, and give yourself a swift and simple hairstyle on the go with essentials from Sephora. Keep everything organized in an easy-to-reach clear makeup case from H&M so you know what you’ve got without having to turn your bag inside out.

Even on a cloudy day, you need good sunscreen, and you need to reapply it often. Keep a small tube in your bag to reapply regularly and treat your skin right. Or look for sunscreen sticks to make applying mess-free and reduce the risk of an accidental spill. Merle Norman Cosmetics has incredible SPF products that are made just for you!

Say it with us: band-aids. Even the comfiest shoes can cause the occasional blister after a long day, and there’s nothing worse than an unprotected paper cut or scrape, especially when we’re all using hand sanitizer on the regular. Keep a secret stash of band-aids tucked safely in your bag and thank us later. You can also get your shoes fitted perfectly at Willowbrook Shoe Repair!

Keys? Check. Wallet? Check. Phone? Dead. Don’t miss important calls and cute texts because of a dead battery. Keep a charging cable with you and a portable battery pack to stay charged on the go. Find them at The Source!

Take what you need, leave the rest, and keep it all together in a cute little bag.

It Suits You

Nelly was right—it’s getting hot in here. And while it might be tempting to take off all your clothes, if that’s not an option cute new swimwear is a stellar second choice.

Don’t compare yourself to swimsuit models

See something you like? Not sure if it would look good on you? Try it on anyways! Swimsuit models show how one swimsuit looks on one body. And let’s not talk about the airbrushing and re-touching that commonly occurs. The reality is that every body is a swimsuit body, so long as you’re wearing one. So relax, live your best life, grab a cute swimsuit from Boathouse and remember you only have to impress yourself.

Wear what YOU think is cute and comfortable

Take your fashion rulebook and throw it out the window. There are so many options at American Eagle Outfitters and Nordstrom Rack when it comes to swimwear so why limit yourself? If you love to show off skin and curves, go for it! Snag a cute mix and match two-piece or experiment with a one-piece with cool cutouts or a modern neckline. If you’re more comfortable with a cute wrap, pair of shorts, coverup, or rash guard, then rock on! The point is to find what makes you feel good and keeps you cool.

Forget about body types and focus on activities

Stop worrying about if you’re an apple or a pear. Forget what body type you supposedly have and how you should dress it and focus instead on what you’ll be doing in your swimwear. Planning to surf, waterski, and get competitive on the beach? Consider something designed for watersports and high levels of activity, with ample support, like something from Hudson’s Bay. Intending to float in the pool or lay out by the lake? Choose something you like and find comfortable, that won’t leave you with tan likes you regret. FInd such styles and more at H&M.

When it comes to keeping your suit looking its very best, the rinse is key. Rinse your suit each time you wear it to ensure chlorine and other chemicals don’t compromise the fabric and when it’s time to wash it, stick to the gentle cycle or a hand wash to prolong the life of your sweet new swimwear. Whether you’re in the water or out of it, stay safe with sunscreen, keep a cold drink handy, and have a stellar summer.

Brothers of Denim

A new member of the Willowbrook family, JACK & JONES proudly offers quality denim and the best selection of cool casuals in menswear. They’ve got you covered when it comes to every occasion you might end up in.

And yes, JACK & JONES knows it takes more than a pair of good jeans to cover men’s wardrobe needs. So, they cover the full range from urban sportswear, casual classics, accessories and footwear.

Whether you’re looking for your significant other, best friend, family member, or just a cool dude, the store offers a range of tees, hoodies, and essential wardrobe pieces for men of all ages.

JACK & JONES has reimagined denim to make it more accessible and affordable. Using industry-leading technology, they are continuously exploring the latest trends in fabric innovation, leading to high-quality products that stand the test of time.

On right now… JACK & JONES is offering styles from $5 to $60 plus free shipping on orders over $75 or more!

Take advantage of ongoing great deals like BOGO 50% and catch the JACK & JONES team on Instagram for more outfit inspo, contests, and other sales and savings.

Your Jean Store

From selling jeans out of the trunk of a car in 1977 to becoming a nationwide chain of over 120 stores, one thing about Warehouse One has remained the same, they know jeans.

Calling Willowbrook home since 2014, Warehouse One carries a wide selection of comfy, cute and casual pieces that can easily be dressed up or down and an unmatched selection of denim.

With Warehouse One’s incredible selection of outfits, you should be all set to welcome warmer weather and liven up your wardrobe. Be sure to check out their Spring Lookbook and enjoy ongoing deals in-store at Willowbrook!

Pssst…did you know, Warehouse One has new spring looks for men too? From floral prints and tie-dye to vintage vibes and more…there’s something for everyone at Warehouse One.

Offering both men’s and women’s clothing, Warehouse One will have your size. An extensive and inclusive size range is available to accommodate petite, regular, plus, and tall with multiple inseam lengths. Women’s jeans are available from sizes 24 – 36 and 14+ – 22+, tops from XS – XXXL, and men’s bottoms in a 28 – 42 waist. You’re sure to find something that fits and makes you feel good, too.

Looks To “Dye” For

Spring has sprung and it’s brought with it…colour! But why wear one colour when you can wear all the colours? Tie-dye prints are totally trendy and a great way to enhance your wardrobe and take your basics up a notch. We’ve put together some tips and tricks on how to style your new pieces, and even create them yourself.

LOOK FOR LITTLE ACCENTS

If you’re not ready to jump into large, bright pieces, add pops of colour with tie-dye accents like socks from hats from Boathouse, socks from Blackwell Supply Co., masks and scrunchies from H&M, or headbands from Claire’s. Small accessories can enhance your look without dominating your outfit. It’s an easy, fun way to try out a trend without a big commitment.

CHOOSE A COLOUR PALETTE THAT SUITS YOU

While tie-dye is known for being bright and rainbow-centric masterpieces, there are softer colours, neutrals, and even black and white tie-dye creations too, to suit any style.

Indulge in pretty tie-dye dresses from Aldila Boutique or a trendy long sleeve tee from Boathouse. And the little ones can’t go wrong with tye-die overalls and dresses from H&M and The Children’s Place.

HAVE A DIY DYE PARTY!

Turn a plain old tee or tank into a refreshed and funky piece with a take-home tie-dye kit. While most kits include the full-colour rainbow, creating your own pieces means you can pick and choose to get the exact colour blend you want. Check out Pinterest and YouTube for cool tips and tricks on how to tie up your shirt to create different designs and trippy patterns. And get yourself an awesome tie-dye kit from Gastronomer featuring Coles and The Children’s Place!

No matter how you choose to tackle tie-dye trends, the key is to have fun and enjoy your new fashions. And don’t forget to check out our Spring Lookbook for more fashion inspiration!

Pick The Right Diamond, Ladies

Diamonds aren’t an everyday purchase. In fact, for many, they’re a once-in-a-lifetime purchase. Our crash course on diamond certification will help you understand the different types and ensure you find exactly what you’re looking for. In fact, our team at Golden Tree Jewellers has got it down to a science.

How are diamonds ranked?

Well you C…no, literally, when it comes to diamonds you want to remember the four Cs: carat weight, clarity, colour grade, and cut. Together, these factors create a universal description of how a diamond will be valued.

One of the more common questions people ask when it comes to diamonds is how many carats? This is a measure of what the stone itself weighs. Depending on the style of jewelry you’re looking for you may also see terms like, “total carat weight” which is the total weight of all the stones together.

The next factor is clarity. In essence, clarity looks for imperfections in a diamond and ranks them on a numerical scale from flawless to, well, less than perfect. The clarity of the diamond reflects how much of that all-important sparkle you can expect.

Did you know not all diamonds are clear? That’s right. While they’re commonly colourless, they can have a tint all the way up to yellow colouring. Colours of diamonds are certified by a number (from 0.0-10) or a letter from D to Z.

The cut of a diamond can also play a vital role in how the stone is rated and how it shines. The cut is typically rated on a scale from ideal to poor. Other factors to consider when talking about diamonds are fluorescence, polish grade, and brilliance. Want to know more? Talk to a jeweller!

Who rates diamonds?

Certain professional organizations are known to be trusted authorities when it comes to diamond certifications. These include the Gemological Institute of America, The American Gem Society, The International Gemological Institute, Gemological Science International, and GemEx Systems Inc. A rating from any of these institutions is a good sign and indicates you’re dealing with a genuine product.

Diamond Certification at Golden Tree Jewellers

If you’re new to the diamond certification scene, check our online diamond selection portal. Each part of the diamond rating system is carefully laid out, allowing you to pick and choose relevant filters to help you select a diamond with everything you need. We offer certified loose diamonds and our qualified team is able to unite you with the perfect one for your ring giving you a one-of-a-kind piece for a one-of-a-kind moment.