News
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Shipping Updates
Published Jun 26 2020 in Cherry Velvet, COVID-19, delays, shipping, update
Have you ever wondered what happens to your order once you have made it on our website? We are here to tell all!
Shipping
Even during these times that require extra care, we are, as always, getting to your orders lickety-split (usually the day after you make it, or the next day).
Once your order is processed, a tracking code is generated - and that is when you receive the email that states your order has been shipped! You may think, "Hooray!", right? But there's still another step: Then, the package leaves our hands and is sent to a packing and sorting facility, where it is officially entered by the carrier into their tracking system. Only then you can start seeing tracking updates.
Delays
Of course, everybody is favouring online shopping for safety reasons. Right now, Canada Post is seeing record-high shipments, even over Christmas numbers. They are working in every possible way to meet this demand, with approximately 2 million parcels being delivered daily - triple what is usual for this time of year!
Due to this giant volume being handled by postal facilities, each part of the process once a package leaves our hands can take longer than usual.
You may have noticed that there is a delay between receiving your tracking code and being able to check its status online. That's because our packing facility is faced with a much larger amount of packages than normal, so they're taking longer to enter them into the official tracking system. At this time we recommend waiting at least a week before checking for updates.
After it is entered into the tracking system, every other step of the way is also facing delays, and packages are sometimes being rerouted to help meet demands. That means that once your parcel gets going, it may move much slower, and possibly take much longer to get to you.
You can click here to read Canada Post's official statement about the delays.
We care!
We will continue to process your orders ASAP and provide the best service we can.
We are all facing unprecedented circumstances, and delivery times have been all over the place - we've been seeing everything between regular deliveries and weeks-long waits! For these reasons, delivery timelines cannot be guaranteed.
At this point, we kindly ask for your patience. Here at Cherry Velvet, we are extra thankful for your continued support, and hope things will start improving soon.
That feeling when your Cherry Velvet order arrives!We will, as always, keep you updated, and we hope it feels like Christmas-in-the-summer when your package arrives.
XOX Cherry Velvet
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Frock Flashback: the Doris (+ New releases coming soon!)
Published Jun 19 2020 in Cherry Velvet, Cherry Velvet Dresses, cotton dress, Doris, Made In Canada, Vintage Inspired
This flashback friday special is all about the Doris dress, one of our customer favourites. Join us for a stroll down memory lane, as we look back on previous releases of this beautiful style, and get excited for the new prints coming out very soon!
Named after 1950's songbird Doris Day, this dress is just as lovely as the lady. With a bustier style top, the details are fabulously flattering and just perfect for the summer, with straps that perfectly cover your bra's. The full skirt looks lovely with or without a crinoline, and there are pockets, of course!
2015
In 2015, the Doris was first released in 4 beautiful and iconic prints - including our signature cherries on polka-dots (available right now!). For that season's photoshoot, we went to the stunning Hycroft Manor, an Edwardian mansion in Vancouver that's a popular spot for weddings.
Our model for this shoot was Charlotte, who's also an advocate for body acceptance. Didn't she look so lovely in the Doris?
2016
You can say our 2016 release was definitely "stellar"! With two galactic prints (one that glows in the dark), we brought back the cherry dots, and added a fun digital-age pixel print.
We chose to shoot this time at Pier Park in New Westminster, BC (near Vancouver), with its beautiful greenery. Veronica Belle was on the mission this time, with her bombshell glamour shining as much as the glow-in-the-dark Star Magic dress!
2018
In 2018, we released 5 fun and beautiful new prints. We had more kitschy options, like Bat the Lash and glow-in-the-dark skulls, and realistic prints, like Rose Crush and Citrus Slice, plus the stunning floral; Enchanted Garden.
Our model, Veronica Belle, is pure pin-up glamour and a Cherry Velvet veteran, shooting with us until this very day!
2020
And that brings us to our newest releases! You can look out for these beauties very soon on our online store, and our lemon-y "Squeeze The Day" is available right now!
Squeeze The Day - Swizzle Sticks - Violet Femmes - Fly With Pride
It was fun looking back, but you can see there are also many exciting things to look forward to!
We hope you enjoy these new releases and make sure to follow us on our social media or subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to hear when all the new Doris dresses are available.
XOX Cherry Velvet
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Moving on up!
Published Jun 12 2020 in Canadian Designer, Cherry Velvet, Cherry Velvet Dresses, Customer Appreciation, Fit, inspiration, Made In Canada, Made in Vancouver, sizing, Staff, staff updates, Vancouver-designed, what's new
We have some big news....!
After many years in Vancouver, we are moving our operations to New Westminster. We close our doors in East Vancouver, at the end of June. We will definitely miss the bright and creative atmosphere of this neighbourhood; it was always so inspiring to be surrounded by local artists.
We've made so many memories in this studio. One of the first notable ones is our #stunningatanysize shoot which we made right before we moved into our fresh new space.
Since then, we've done so many photoshoots and events, What a pleasure it's been to be here. <3
Cherry Velvet's "Pucker Up Party" Valentine's Day Event, 2016
Our Men's Shirt Launch, 2017
“What about Studio Shops and Personal Shop Appointments?”
For the time being, it will not be possible to shop in person. However, we will be holding Pop-up Shops and doing events when it becomes safer to do so. The best way to find out what's happening with us is to sign up for our Newsletter (Not to mention 15% off, if it's your first online order.)
Getting Your Best Fit OnlineDuring this time of transition, we encourage you to shop online. We are always happy to help with fit and answer your questions.
"The very best way I can accurately help you with fit is to email your measurements. It is just as important to me as it is to you to ensure your dresses fit!" ~ Diane
Please also be sure to check out each style's specific fit guide (found on each product page).
Don't have a tape measure? Click here for our printable, handy dandy solution!
So that's our big announcement! :) We're so excited about the future ahead, and we always appreciate your continued support.As always...more new dresses coming soon!
XOXO
Diane Kennedy & The Cherry Velvet Team -
In Support of Anti-Racism & BLM
Published Jun 05 2020 in Anti-Racism, Black Lives Matter, Cherry Velvet, ethical, Ethics, local, opinion, plus, shop local, women in business
Out of respect and solidarity, we would like to use our public platform to reaffirm our values and share our support for the Anti-Racism movement.
Cherry Velvet is an inclusive company, not only dedicated to endorsing the rights and respect of women and all sizes including plus size, but also respecting people of all ethnicities, cultures, and faiths. We recognize Canada as a cultural mosaic and we appreciate everyone's contributions to our local community.
Diversity is fundamental to ensuring the strength of our communities and we are grateful for its part in building a safe place to call home.
It is important to think critically. Our words and actions, no matter how small, have more meaning than we can imagine. This goes both ways. They not only represent us but contribute to our society as a whole. Even the smallest pebble will ripple across a lake.
We believe there are many routes toward change, and one of them is education. This is the only way we can unravel the harmful values deeply rooted in our society.
As the world recognizes this significant, pivotal moment in Black History, we offer our humble support by sharing a few links related to the Black Lives Matter Movement. We hope these links will be valuable to our readers; whether you wish for more information, want to help but may not know where to start, or know anyone who may be in need of these resources.A Day In The Life: How Racism Impacts Families of Colour
Ways You Can Help :: Black Lives Matter
Black Women In Motion
The Black Health Alliance of Canada
The Black Legal Action CentreWe encourage you to take a look at these links, and within your means, take positive action (share the links, make a donation, or support local Black-owned businesses, etc.)
XOX Cherry Velvet -
Cherry Velvet + Fluevogs
Published May 29 2020 in Canadian Designer, Cherry Velvet, Dresses, Fluevog, John Fluevog, Vancouver
It's the age old question...Which comes first - The shoes or the dress? 😉
It's no secret that our designer, Diane, has a bit of a thing for a certain local company...you may know them as Vancouver's own Fluevog Shoes! Our customers also follow suit (or is that shoes?), often pairing our lovely frocks with this fabulous footwear. In fact, it's not unusual for some of our customers to buy a new pair and then turn to us for a matching dress.
Recently, one of our regulars, Jacqueline, was considering purchasing a pair of colour blocked beauties (called "Fellowships Sandra") and asked if we had a dress that would compliment them. Challenge accepted! Diane suggested our Waterfront Dress in Fables which turned out to be a perfect match!
With an antique vibe, this literary print features heirloom fairy tale covers (with such titles like Pinocchio, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty.) You can practically smell the leather bindings. Add these Vogs and you have a perfectly happy ending.
Why stop there? Jacqueline went on to fall in love with a couple of our new Brooke dresses. She requested a personal shopping appointment and brought with her a bagful of beautiful shoes, including a pair called "Hopefulls Bliss". In the past, we haven't had a dress to match this particular shade of pink. But our Brooke in "Love Triangle" dress fits the bill admirably.
Fluevog Shoes just celebrated their 50th anniversary, which is an incredible milestone. To celebrate, they designed a pair of platinum gold shoes, called "Minis Zaza" and Diane was lucky enough to score a pair herself. When they arrived in the mail, she immediately knew our Brooke in "Sherwood Shimmer" would be "The One".
So many of our dresses have a subtle touch of gold in them - They make beautiful pairings for these stunning shoes! Check out below, some of Diane's favourite pairings: From left to right - Our Waterfront Dress in Regency, Angelina in Dragonfly in Amber, and Brooke in Sherwood Shimmer.
Congrats to John Fluevog for his amazing achievement of 50 years in business. It always brings us great joy to see our Cherry Velvet dresses paired with his beautiful "Works of Shoes".
XOX Cherry Velvet
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Dressy Drinking
Published May 22 2020 in Cherry Velvet, Cocktail, Cocktail recipes, Drink recipe, Drinks
With this season's bevy of bevvie-themed dresses, it's a great opportunity to "shake" up your drink repertoire and "stir" in these recipes. With summer on the horizon and plans with our besties just starting to come together, these delicious retro cocktails beg to be sipped alongside your prettiest sundresses. And don't forget the cherry on top!
Need to chase those grey clouds away? Gloom Chaser is a delicious cocktail recipe that's actually featured right in the print of our Kitschy Cocktails frock - alongside many others!
Make your stay-cation all the more tropical, complete with a pineapple slice and teeny umbrella. Picture this: you and your pal sipping this fruity treat on a hot summer day. How pretty is the Blue Hawaii?!
Put a Ryan Gosling movie on in the biggest TV screen in your house and dream of romance that little bit more vividly with this sexy drink from the movie "Crazy, Stupid, Love". Tasty!
Which of our boozy frocks is your favourite? Express yourself in these fun, colourful prints, and enjoy a little pick-me-up in style! We'd love to see your rendition of these concoctions, so make sure to tag your photos with #cherryvelvet!
Drink responsibly and enjoy,
Cheers!
XOX Cherry Velvet
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A Year Of Magic with Cherry Velvet
Published May 15 2020 in Body Positive, Cherry Velvet, Customer Appreciation, Employee Appreciation, Staff, staff updates, Vintage Inspired
Time flies when you're having fun! It's been a magical year here at Cherry Velvet, and I couldn't be happier to be where I am. It's such a blessing to work in a place where I can express myself and share my joie de vivre. I once worked in a place that told me I should wear 1 colour at a time, that maybe I could try wearing "less patterns". Fast forward and now I'm surrounded by a rainbow of colours, self expression and most of all, joy.
Tracy wears The Doris in Royal Roses
Long before I joined this team, I struggled with depression and body dysmorphia. For years, I did my best to love my curves,
but I became very aware of the lack of clothing that loved my curves back. Disillusioned by modern fashion, I turned to the wonderful world of Retro/Pin-Up fashion...
Years later, destiny would walk me through the doors of a place I wished I had found so many years ago.
Working here is like working in Disneyland; every new print, every new dress...there's magic for everyone. :) It's SO fun to pour over the swatches and discuss what's to come. I love that not only do our dresses love curves, they encourage them!
I would be remiss if I didn't reminisce about my favourite thing to do here - I absolutely love connecting with our customers during personal shopping appointments and studio shops (sadly on hiatus at this time). Helping our customers find their dress(es) is so undeniably fulfilling, I live for those happy twirls in front of the mirror! :)
As I continue on this journey, I reflect about how much I've grown here - In this short while, my energetic, positive personality has been more than welcomed and I'm so motivated by the strong women I'm surrounded by every day (Diane, Julia and so many of our wonderful customers). I love motivating our team, and I love sharing everyone's excitement for every dress we release.
I look forward to continuing my Reign of Sunshine here :)
#ilovemyjob
- Tracy
Read my last blog post here! -
A Pin-Up Perfect 14
Published May 08 2020 in A Perfect 14, Cherry Velvet, Elly Mayday, Kerosene Deluxe, Paper dolls, plus size
It's no fake news that the Plus Size industry has had its share of criticisms and judgment. As a brand dedicated to size inclusivity, we at Cherry Velvet were very honoured to be a part of a fascinating documentary called, “A Perfect 14”. #flashbackfriday #7yearsago
If you happen to catch it, you may see some familiar faces – Both Diane (our designer) & Logan (our Art Director) are featured, as the documentary's crew covered several of our photoshoots. Two of their main subjects were some of our first models – Elly Mayday and Kerosene Deluxe.
These wonderful girls have been representing plus-sized women and inspiring us for years. They were even the inspiration behind two of our classic paper dolls!
Elly Mayday
If you haven't heard of Elly Mayday, her story is a bittersweet, yet inspiring journey. If you're new to Elly, we've featured her in our blog before - you can click here for that post. We've even had a dress named after her!
Kerosene Deluxe
This alt-fashion bombshell has been internationally featured in many magazines, ads and fashion shows. She believes in promoting beauty through diversity, and has traveled the world campaigning for self love and human rights.
Do you love these? If you missed it, our other classic paper dolls (and new pin-up colouring pages) are all available here!
We hope you enjoyed getting to know a little more about the inspiration for our paper dolls!
A Perfect 14 is available on iTunes, Amazon, and many other video services. If you give it a watch, try to spot Diane and Logan on it as well as many of our dresses.
XOX Cherry Velvet
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Logan's Cherry-versary!
Published May 01 2020 in Cherry Velvet, Customer Appreciation, gratitude, Staff, Thank you
While sitting in our abodes in the past few weeks, (hopefully) dressed in our favourite frocks, we've had plenty of time to think. And although there is much to think about - like what you can name this new print at Cherry Velvet, or what to wear for your Netflix-on-the-couch date - there is also, in many of us, a new appreciation for what's most important in our lives.
As a business owner, a big part of my life is this company I've spent so many years building and so I find myself filled with gratitude for so many things right now.
In this moment, the number one object of my appreciation is certainly my staff. These swell folks have supported our business and myself through with their strength and positivity - creating wonderful posts, colouring pages, contests, and promoting the Cherry Velvet sweetness in so many different ways.
Thank you, Logan, Tracy and Julia! ❤️
The gang, currently not as physically tight *Photo taken Feb 2020This week, it's also Logan's 7 year work anniversary here at Cherry Velvet! I have so much gratitude for him as my longest employee - photographer, art director, creative genius, and official water gallon replacer (check out those guns!). He makes my (business) world go 'round with his fantastic, bright and fun ideas, always being there to fix any problem. He is not only a top-notch employee, but also a top-notch gent with his awesome, thoughtful character. Thank you, Logan, and happy Cherry-versary!
On top of all that, I can't forget how I am so grateful to all of YOU, my Cherry Velvet customers. Whether you're just stunning in your stylish frocks, or being hilarious and witty with your print name suggestions, and really just every time you leave a like and a thoughtful comment on our posts: we truly appreciate each and every one of you! We are so thankful for your support. You are the poof in our crinolines, the sweetness in our cherries, and the very reason we continue to do what we do. Much love to you all! ❤️
Stay strong and stay dressed!
XOX Diane -
Stay Dressed Challenge WINNERS!!!
Published Apr 24 2020 in #staydressedchallenge, Cherry Velvet, Contest, Gift card, Prize
These past couple of weeks, our #staydressedchallenge has received over 100 entries. It's been a uniquely wonderful experience, connecting with our customers in this way that's brought us so much joy. We've read message after message talking about how great it feels to put on something nice, even when just staying home.
With this contest, we found even more proof that treating yourself well has a real impact on your well-being. It's a privilege for us to be a part of this - to provide you the frocks that make your faces smile.
Your creativity, joy, and humour have amazed us and inspired us each day with every new entry. We could not be more thankful for the chance to get to know each of you a little bit.
Before we jump into the final results, we'd first like to showcase some beautiful entries. We could not possibly include every single entry here (unfortunately), but we most certainly appreciate everyone! Here's a few we think you'll enjoy seeing, though:
Domestic divas leaving no chore undone...
Families being brought together...
Brainy babes having a read...
Everyone staying hydrated...
And everyone just having wild amounts of fun!
We really recommend you browse the #staydressedchallenge tag on social media, and feast your eyes on the awesome entries!
And without much further ado... Here are the winners of the #StayDressedChallenge!!!
In 3rd place... @yyc_mamma_p!
In 2nd place... @mrspugbaby!
And in 1st place... @rainywindigo, with a staggering number of entries!
(Seriously, she made so many awesome and beautiful entries!)
Congratulations to our lovely, beautiful, creative winners!!
Experiencing this with you all has been amazing, and we really want to create more engaging contests like this in the future. Thank you all for gracing us with your beautiful, funny, charming, sweet photos and messages, and Stay Dressed!
Much much love,
XOX Cherry Velvet
