History of The Trunk Show

What is a designer or retailer to do when there isn't enough space to showcase their fabulous inventory? They host a Trunk Show!

In the early 1800's traveling salesmen would journey from place to place with their steamer trunks filled with wares. Everything from the latest designer fashion would be revealed. Retail space was often limited so trunk shows would become the must-see event whenever they rolled into town.

The Trunk Show 'tradition' continued after retailers began expanding their space as clothing was transported from designer's studios to stores in large trunks. Today, rather than trunks, garment bags & boxes are the modern mode for transport.

Often Trunk Shows are for a select group of buyers or elite shopping divas! We agree - and since all our clientele are the best of the best we extend our invitation to all! Visit our Events Page for details about our upcoming Trunk Shows & Sales in December. Hope to see you there!

Great Sites for All Your Holiday Planning

So you want to throw a party, but not just any party. You want a soiree that people remember all the way to next year! This season we thought it would be really helpful to 'bookmark' some of our favourite holiday planning sites here on the blog. We hope you find them helpful.

Oprah asked the experts to share their ideas for making your next party picture perfect!

Throw the Best Cocktail Party ~ Planning tips from New York based event planner, Linnea Johansson.

Some great ideas for Holiday Decorating from House & Home Magazine.

From Real Simple comes the Perfect Party Checklist - don't miss a single detail!

From the talented pages of Martha Stewart come great ideas for Kid's Parties and beautiful suggestions for wrapping gifts.

And last, but not least, a holiday drink guide from the talented mixologists from That's The Spirit.


Enjoy!!
Terri

Birthstones

Anyone who knows The Willows know we love beautiful jewelry. Wearing jewelry is such a personal reflection, that's why we stock so many different brands and designs.

From sterling silver to precious gems, each ring, bracelet, pendant or pair of earrings is the perfect compliment to a well chosen wardrobe. The icing on the cake, so to speak. And colourful jewels are always so much fun.

Birthstones are argued to have originated over twenty centuries ago, originally found adorning the breastplate of the high priest mentioned in the book of Exodus in the Bible. Twelve gems representing the twelve tribes of Israel graced the breastplate and are thought to have inspired our modern birthstones, one gem for each month of the year.

Here is our modern breakdown generally accepted as the birthstones for each month.

January: Garnet

February: Amethyst

March: Aquamarine

April: Diamond

May: Emerald

June: Pearl

July: Ruby

August: Peridot

September: Sapphire 

October: Opal

November: Yellow Topaz

December: Blue Topaz

Many people create Family Rings that include a gem for each of their children. We like to create bracelets with multiple beads of colour representing those closest to us.

Come build yours today!

Autumn Inspiration

Embrace the change of season with some autumn inspiration for your home. 


The Willows has a beautiful collection of fall decor and accessories to give your space a warm and welcoming feel. 


Autumn is the perfect time to get cozy. The palette of fall colours introduces rich copper, burnt orange and earthy tones to your space. 


Let The Willows help inspire you!


Stop by today.


The Willows Casual Home
#290-10816 Macleod Trail S.E.
Calgary, AB


403-225-9797

Cubic Zirconias - not just for smart people

If you’re, say, a chemical engineer then ZrO2 will mean something to you. You will understand the process of melting together zirconium oxide and yttrium oxide (another word for calcium, but you knew that) at extremely high temperatures, 4,982 degrees Fahrenheit to be exact, to grow cubic zirconia crystals. To you, this will make sense. You may even be able to picture the process in your extremely smart mind.

For the rest of us pictures speak louder than words (especially when the words are broken down into scientific permutations).

Cubic Zirconia is a hard and visually flawless man made ‘diamond,’ and the only competition for diamonds in the market place for the last 35 years. The crystals became internationally popular when Swarovski & Co. started mass producing them in the ‘80’s. Although colourless when processed, CZ’s can be manufactured in a variety of colours.

Now we don’t have the mind of a chemical engineer, but we do understand economies of scale and for our money, CZ’s are a beautiful and cost effective way to own stunning, quality jewelry while still having money left over for the mortgage.

And CZ's last. Simply cleaning them with a mild cleaner and a small brush will keep them brilliant for a long time.