News

• Our 2023 resolution...

  Published Jan 12 2023 in

  2023 is here and each trip around the sun holds promises for new beginnings.

  Right around this time, we are often bombarded with ads suggesting lifestyle changes, diets, and new fitness routines. And those are perfectly fine if they tickle your fancy. But there is absolutely nothing wrong with just continuing to be who you are at this very moment. If you are happy don't feel pressured to change. It has been a tough couple of years, and being kind to yourself (and others) should be top priority.

  With all that said, what's in store for Cherry Velvet this year?

  -First and foremost we are committed to bigger pockets in 2023! All of our dresses released this year will feature even bigger pockets so you can carry your phone etc without worry. Who likes having to replace their items because they fell out of their pockets? Not us! And sometimes bigger IS better...

  

  -We will continue to carefully curate fun prints and provide ethically and locally made dresses that bring joy.

  -We will continue to expand our local model roster to include more diversity. We are always eager to hear from those interested in modeling for us and strongly encourage BIPOC models to apply.

  -We will continue to provide the best customer service we can and support you with any of your questions or sizing needs

   

  Do you have any suggestions for us? We are always open to ideas! 

  

   

• Get to know our models!

  Published Oct 20 2022 in #pinupgirl, #plussizepinup, models, pinup, pinupmodel

  If you've been following us for a while you may have noticed a few lovely new faces modeling our dresses. So we figured why not put them in the spotlight with an introduction?

  Fun fact; All three of these babes are mama's! Proving that living your best pin-up life doesn't just have to be a day dream after having kids. You are stunning, worthy and absolutely deserve to shine.

  Now let's meet these ladies...

  

  La Toya captured us with her bright eyes, gorgeous smile and irresistible dimples.

  But she's also a complete power house! A single mom of 3 currently battling long Covid & Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome but not letting anything get in the way of her goals. La Toya is the owner of Go2Girl Services which she started after fleeing an abusive relationship. Her business has won numerous awards including the 2022 Small Business of the Year and the 2020 Young Entrepreneur of the year. La Toya is a lover of musicals,  all things pink and has a soft spot for dogs. She's also a self-proclaimed Aladdin and Jack Sparrow fanatic (she even has tattoos of the genie and captain!)

  We look forward to more photoshoots with this brave beauty!

   

  

  Who's that gal with the fierce red locks, adorable freckles and killer smile? Why it's Miss Rebecca Rouge! This babe is a single mama of 3 boys, which makes her a superhero in our book! She has a penchant for thrifting, especially for vintage sewing machines and cameras. Her youngest (age 7) loves picking out her dresses to wear, and he has plenty of choice in the wardrobe department too, as she owns over 80 pairs of heels and 2 dresses for every pair! We love a personal stylist!

  Her beauty secret is that she uses a red liquid matte lipstick in her eyebrows every day so that it matches her hair.

   

  

  Snow White's got nothing on this raven haired bombshell! Melanie, aka Cherry Lee Lewis is a mom to an adorable baby boy and a professional event planner, having worked on over 1000 events. This crafty queen loves to sew costumes for pin-up pageants, photo shoots and of course, Halloween! She's a big Elvis fan and even got engaged at Graceland. Her favourite place in the world is New Orleans. Mmmm beignets!

   

  

  Are you interested in modeling for us and located in the Greater Vancouver area? We are always keeping our eyes peeled for new models for our photoshoots.

  Fill out the form here and don't forget to send us your photo's!

• Pucker Up! Kerosene’s Guide to Red Lipstick.

  Published Aug 11 2022 in #beauty, #cherryvelvet, #makeup, #makeupaddict, #makeuptutorial, #pinup, #pinupmakeup, #pinupstyle, #redlipstick, #retroglam, #selfcare, #styletips

  Glamorous and timeless, red lipstick is a staple when it comes to that perfect pin-up pout.
  You may read this thinking it doesn’t suit you, but let me tell you, you’re wrong.
  There’s a red out there for everyone and once you find it just watch your confidence grow. Whether you are attending a special event or want to add a touch of chic to your every day look. A red lip never goes out of style!
  
  
  
  Undertones:
  
  There are many different shades out there but a red with blue undertones is the most universally flattering. Did you know that it even makes your teeth and eye whites look brighter? No wonder this was the go to choice for all those old Hollywood starlets...
  If you are a warmer or deeper skin tone you’ll look fabulous in an orange toned or burgundy red too!
  
  With so many different textures and formulas out there the choice can be overwhelming. These are my personal top picks with something there for all budgets and preferences.

  
  
  
  What to pick?:
  
  Matte Liquid Lipsticks are perfect for days where you need your pout to last. They are often transfer and smudge proof and won’t need to be reapplied frequently. A lip liner is optional but not necessary but starting with a smooth, well hydrated base is definitely key since this formula can be a bit drying.
  Prep your lips with a lip scrub and light layer of chapstick about 30 minutes before wearing. 
  
  
  
  Cream or Satin formulas are your classics and give you a gorgeous pillowy pout. They do require a few more steps to get it just right. Lip liner in a matching shade is a must here for a defined shape and to prevent your lipstick from ‘bleeding’ into fine lines. Start by lightly sketching out your lip line and then dab on the red of your choice. For a longer lasting effect you can use the pencil to fill in the entire lip before applying your lipstick. Finish by blotting with a tissue and tidying up those edges for a crisp finish with either the same lip pencil or a small brush with a little bit of foundation on it. Blot down your lips with a tissue to remove excess and make sure you take this one with you in your purse, as you’ll need to re-apply throughout the day!
  
  Tinted Balm and Glosses will be your go to if you like to keep things casual and easy (but still polished). Perhaps a bold red isn’t really your thing or you like something you can just throw on without even really looking all whilst giving your lips some hydration and shine too. It’s a win win really..
  
  
  
  Whatever you go for wear it proudly and you’ll look gorgeous!

  
  Love,

  Kerosene

• Blast from the Past: Danielle is back!

  Published Jul 20 2022 in #canadianfashion, #cherryvelvet, #newarrivals, #pinupperfectionphotography

  Flash back in time to the year 2012 when our lovely assistant and model muse Danielle worked with us at Cherry Velvet HQ. We named a dress after her that was as cheeky as she is! It had style, it had class and a wee bit of sass! This photo was from the very first time she ever modeled for us (wearing the Ava dress.) Photo credit: Pin-up Perfection PhotographyFast forward ten years and we’ve re-launched the adorable Danielle dress and tweaked her up to a 2.0 version with deeper pockets and a sharper collar. You'll find the same row of buttons, the cute wrap around collar that frames a v-neckline and the best view of all, a bra friendly V shaped cut out back! The best part is that this time Danielle is modelling her namesake dress!

  
  It was wonderful to see Danielle again after so many years and to catch up with her. She been busy! Married with a handsome hubby and three adorable girls!

  Plus they’ve started their own business too! If you’re in Hope check out Mountainview Brewing Co! Already a popular place to hang out! Taco Tuesdays and Beergarita anyone!?

  What a fun day we had with Danielle and these two cuties!

  Our 'new' classic Danielle Dress is available in 6 lovely prints, which one is your fave?

  

  XOX Cherry Velvet

• 5 Days 5 Dresses

  Published Jul 12 2022 in #cherryvelvet, #cottondresses, #heavenlymountain, #howtopack, #laketahoe, #rockclimbing, #sandharbour

  Diane challenged herself to travel light by bringing only one suitcase on her recent vacation. She narrowed down the choices to just 5 dresses. Cherry Velvet dresses roll up easily to pack, but Diane prefers to fold hers flat at the top of the suitcase and hang them up right away when she gets to her hotel. 

  Destination: Lake TahoeDiane narrowed it down to five dresses, one to wear on the plane and 4 to pack:Diane's sun and fun vacation was all about the enjoying the great outdoors but also included dinners out, dancing, and a VIP Celebrity Golf event. The real challenge was footwear, what to wear with a dress when a LOT of walking, dancing and even hiking will happen?

  Shoes from left to right: Vionic Sandals, Ecco Sneakers and Fluevog LE Elif

  Among the highlights of the trip was a gondola ride up Heavenly Mountain to see the amazing view of the lake. First stop was the observation deck. She wears her namesake Diane Dress in Petalicious print. She's the rainbow! Then a hike along Martin's trail and an unexpected rock climb while wearing said dress!

  Here's the evidence! (check out that healthy glow)

  Always up for adventure. And what a view from the rock summit! How about a mountain roller coaster ride? Yes, she did that too! A kayaking tour in a completely clear glass bottom kayak was another memorable outing! (Not in a dress this time :)

  This is just a glimpse into the joy of traveling light. It was so worth it! I hope you all make it to this amazing spot one day! 

  XOX Cherry Velvet

   

   

• Up in arms about your arms?

  Published Jun 15 2022 in #barearms, #BoPo, #freethearms, #honestsizing, #positivebodyimage, bodypositive, summerstyle

   

  As Summer is fast approaching along with those hotter days many of us are forced to confront some negative body image. One of those concerns being our arms.

  Let's break that cycle and go all out this summer by celebrating our body and all it does for us. From feeling the warm rays of sunshine to the cooling ocean waters on our skin. Our body is a vessel containing infinite amounts of strength, compassion, resilience and sass. Don't you think it deserves to be comfortable?

  

  We are asking you to rethink reaching for that long sleeve in 30°C+ degree weather and ask yourself this, “Who am I covering my arms for?” Is it because the media and beauty industry dubbed terms such as 'bingo wings' and 'chicken skin', suggesting that these are 'problem' areas?

  Honestly, is that worth sitting there and overheating for? Dismissing that beautiful summer dress you adore but THINK you cannot wear? Think again babe.

  Trust us when we say that no one is looking at your arms. Especially when everyone is battling their own insecurities.

  So embrace your arms in all their glory, as they have embraced others, and wear that cute sleeveless dress. Feel that breeze you vixen! You’ll thank us when you're cool and comfortable sipping on something slushy all while looking fabulous.

  Free your arms!

  

   

  XOX Cherry Velvet

• What’s the True Cost of your dress?

  Published Apr 21 2022 in #canadianfashiondesigner, #cherryvelvet, #fastfashion, #madeincanada, #slowfashion, #truecost

  It’s Spring and that means it’s party time and you’re shopping for a new dress (or two)!

  Before you go online to swipe, click and answer the door to another fast fashion disappointment that will likely end up in a landfill; ask yourself how much better you would feel in a cute cotton dress that fits your curves and is locally made with quality?

  
  
  What’s in it for Me?

  Wearing a dress that's made in Canada is something to be proud of. Your choice to order a dress that’s already in North America means that it gets to you faster so you can enjoy the compliments sooner. Look at how cute and conscious you are! 

  Also, remember that Cherry Velvet dresses are limited editions so you are wearing a unique design that’s one of a few. Sometimes only as few as 8 dresses are made in a print so you can rest assured you are not likely to see someone else in YOUR dress. 
  
  Pay it Forward
  
  Yes, you're wearing a beautiful dress but did you know that you’re also a local hero? Your dollar will turn over ten times because you spent it in North America. Once your money is spent overseas it’s never coming back. By shopping locally your support makes a big difference. Also, you can feel better because the women that make your clothes are treated well and paid a fair wage (this is NOT the case when you buy cheap fashion).
  
  What’s holding you back?

  Is it the price? A Cherry Velvet dress can range in price starting from as low as  $69 (depending on the sale, season, and offer codes applied to your order). Be sure to sign up for the newsletter here to know about sales and new arrivals first. 
  
  Less is More

  We’ve all heard that expression and it applies to your wardrobe too. By shopping for a locally made dress that was not shipped from overseas you are making a big difference towards the greater good. If you focus on quality over quantity, you would be helping save the environment from toxic fast fashion and have more closet space. It’s a win win!
  
  Do you know what your dress is costing you, women just like you and the planet? The True Cost is higher than you may know. Fast Fashion is a beast that is responsible for devastating effects on our planet. This polluting problem snuck up on us quickly and isn't going away on its own. It’s time to slay the beast. 

  XOX Cherry Velvet

   

• All you need is love...

  Published Feb 11 2022 in #cherryvelvet, #customerlove, #galentinesday, #love, #valentine, #valentinesday, #vintage, #vintagevalentine's

  Wishing you a happy Valentine's Day! Whether you're a fan of the holiday or not, how about a little chuckle, vintage style?

   

   

  Why not take a moment to acknowledge those around you who you wouldn’t want to be without…

  ....for us that means you! ❤️ 

  With love,

  XOX Cherry Velvet

• YOU Oughta be in Pictures!

  Published Jan 21 2022 in #bodypositive, #cherryvelvet, #pinup, #pinupgirl, #plusmodel, #plussize

  

  Calling all curvy gals sized Small to 3X. We're looking for more body positive and ethnically diverse local models within the Vancouver area for photo and video shoots. We are being extra careful with safety protocols in place (masks, social distancing and outdoor locations). You could be featured in our next campaign! 

  Can you believe it? 

  There is a place on our website where we have a model submission form and we are baffled because only 30% of the people remember to send us their photos with the submission. How can we hire someone without seeing a picture?  Check out our submissions page and don't forget to show us your gorgeous selves!

  

  So if you'd like to model for us, please fill out our model submissions form here and

  PLEASE REMEMBER TO ALSO SEND ALONG YOUR PHOTOS!!

  Thank-you and good luck! 

  XOX Cherry Velvet

• Mad for Metallic Makeup Tutorial

  Published Nov 12 2021 in #cherryvelvet, #makeup, #makeupaddict, #metallic, #metallicmakeup, #wingliner

  Metallics are neutrals; just like the gold or silver jewelry we're all used to wearing....embrace their shiny goodness!

  And with the recent release of our brand new metallic dresses for the Holidays, we thought it would be fun to do another little makeup tutorial with the metallics theme in mind. We adore all things bold here at Cherry Velvet and love self expression through style!

  Here are some of the main products I used for this pin up inspired look with a metallic twist.

  
  Of course you can substitute these for your own favorites too.
  I discovered the Master Metals palette from Makeup by Mario a while ago and it is the shiniest I have tried! You can use these shadows dry for a softer effect or with a drop of the Manipulator for an intense chrome finish.
  
  Eyeliner wing not sharp? Don't worry, keep a Q-tip with some micellar cleanser close by for a quick and easy tidy up. Trust the process..
  
  
  The finished look is perfect for your next Holiday shindig. Glamorous, timeless, flirty and a fabulous accessory to our new metallic dresses! 
  Now go out there and shine like the Goddess you are!

  XOX Kerosene Deluxe