News » #cherryvelvet

  • Mystical Creatures & Fantasy Females: The Art of Megan Majewski

    Published Oct 05 2023 in #cherryvelvet, #cottondresses, #ethicalfashion, #fluevog, #meganmajewski, #rainbowdress

     Cherry Velvet designer Diane Kennedy visits artist Megan Majewski's studio

    When you’re visiting an artist named @deadkittie (IG) this is surely the perfect dress to wear! I stopped by the studio of Megan Majewski (by appointment) and had a lovely visit with the artist herself.

    Cherry Velvet designer Diane Kennedy visits artist Megan Majewski's studio

    Her art is so inspiring to me and the paintings are extraordinary; bright and beautiful. I just love her surreal aesthetic of fantasy, nature, women and dead things. Much like the prints that I choose for Cherry Velvet dresses :) 

    Artist Megan Majewski's studio

    One day on her social media account, I spotted some extraordinary bug and butterfly drawings in her sketchbook. I was thrilled when she agreed to make prints for me, and also a print of a surreal blue jay wearing a gas mask that I had been admiring for years.

    Artist Megan Majewski's prints

    Megan showed me some of her current projects including a painting in the works and plans for new enamel pin designs. 

    Cherry Velvet designer Diane Kennedy visits artist Megan Majewski's studio

    Supporting other local artists like Megan is at the core of my personal and business values. Megan will have her studio open for visits during the Eastvan Culture Crawl this year which is such a fantastic experience! I totally recommend attending the Crawl and visiting the charming Ms. Majewski in her inspiring space.

    Dress by Cherry Velvet, boots by John Fluevog
    You may recognize another local artist in these photos; the Art of Mr. Fluevog and his extraordinary pink and metallic boots! #vog_revna

    Cherry Velvet designer Diane Kennedy visits artist Megan Majewski's studio

    There's a scant few of my Marie - Meowter Space - Unicorn Cat dresses left, find them here. New dresses are coming very soon, I promise!

    XOX Cherry Velvet

     

  • Cherry Velvet: Buy, Sell and Trade

    Published Oct 03 2023 in #canadianfashion, #cherryvelvet, #cottondresses, #ethicalfashion

    We heard you and it took some time but we are excited to announce that we finally launched a 'Buy, Sell and Trade' group on Facebook

    This group was started by popular demand we've received feedback from customers looking for a community of like-minded individuals eager to find somewhere to sell or trade their Cherry Velvet dresses they no longer fit or wear but also those looking for past styles to add to their collection.

    We take so much pride in our dresses' longevity and want people to enjoy them for years to come. What better and more eco-friendly way than to trade or sell them? What's no longer new to you could be to someone else!

    The group can be joined by sending a request directly on the page itself. We've decided to do it this way to keep spam and scammers at bay and to have a positive group of folks who share a similar style.

    So if that sounds like you, we'd love to see you there!

     Cherry Velvet

     

     

     

  • Afternoon Tea for Two at the Empress Hotel

    Published Apr 26 2023 in #canadianfashiondesigner, #cherryvelvet, #pinupdress, #pinupstyle, #plussizedresses, #Victoria

    Tulips at the Empress Hotel in Victoria BC CanadaSuch a special treat! My girlfriend Barbara and I took the ferry over to Victoria BC for the weekend. Together we decided to dress up in our Cherry Velvet dresses and splurge on Afternoon Tea at the Empress!

    two ladies dressed in Cherry Velvet dresses in front of the Empress Hotel in Victoria BC People come from all over to enjoy the famous Afternoon Tea in the beautiful grand Lobby Lounge of this 110 year old hotel. The finest, ethically sourced tea and exquisite treats are served on special hand painted china originally picked out by Queen Elizabeth and King George VI in 1939.

    Cherry Velvet designer and her friend enjoying afternoon tea at the EmpressBarbara wore her favourite Diane dress in the Petalicious print and I wore the new Sookie Dress in 'One in a Melon'. Both of us are wearing Fluevogs and managed to squeeze in several visits to the Victoria store as well.

    Empress Afternoon Tea china and treats enjoyed by Cherry velvet designer Diane Kennedy

    Our 'Lady Londenderry' choice of tea was served in a big pot for each of us along with a timer to perfectly time the tea. First course was a delicious scone with clotted cream and jam. Next we had finger sandwiches; cucumber with dill, egg salad, curried chicken, ham w/cheese, and smoked salmon. Saving the sweet treats for last; a Lemon macaron, Cherry Mousse in a chocolate cup, lemon pound cake, and chocolate fruit gelee. Our whole assortment was gluten free and it was fresh and delicious!

    Plus size woman wearing a Cherry Velvet dress called Petalicious

    Cherry Velvet designer Diane Kennedy wearing the Sookie dress in One in a Melon print

    After tea we took some time to enjoy the floral fireworks! They sure know how to plant tulips in Victoria! 

    Hopefully one day you'll get a chance to enjoy afternoon tea as we did in this incredible historic hotel! 

    XOX Diane

    Tulips at the Empress Hotel in Victoria BC Canada

  • The Glow (and Glitter!) of Inspiration

    Published Feb 23 2023 in #cherryjewelry, #cherryvelvet, #handmade, #jewelry, #madeincanada

    Have you ever wondered how we dream up the looks you love? While inspiration can come from just about anywhere, one really obvious way to find fresh ideas for our accessory catalogue is to coordinate our jewelry with our dress prints. Our new “secret garden” collection features florals, keys, and birds, and these gorgeous fabrics gave me the idea for a new line of charm-style necklaces.

    Sketches of new Cherry velvet necklace designs
    The design process for these necklaces and earrings began with drawing my ideas out on paper. Then I sat down with Pam from Mirror Mirror Bijoux and combed through her stash of treasures. Together, we choose charms and beads from her boxes, coordinating colours with fabric swatches. It was so much fun making these ideas come to life!

    Each unique and stunning necklace was specifically designed alongside one of our beautiful prints, but was also created to be striking and lovely in its own right. We want you to enjoy wearing your new jewelry with other outfits, too. All our charm sets compliment their inspiration dresses, but we intentionally made them not too "matchy-matchy".

    Secret Garden Necklace Set

    Cherry velvet necklace designsDesigned with our Secret Keeper and Petal Perfume dresses in mind, this set sparkles in vibrant shades of violet and fuchsia. Gold highlights on the necklace and matching earrings connect with the bejeweled keys on the print, adding a regal touch to this gorgeously versatile jewelry.

    Love Lock Necklace Set
    Cherry velvet necklace designs
    With its antique-style padlock and keys, this whimsical combination will surely "charm" you! Crystals in pale pink, passionate purple, and brilliant blue were chosen to coordinate with our lovely Aerial Mingle dress, but will also bring out the beautiful colours in so many outfits.

    Peacock Mystique
    Cherry velvet necklace designs
    Just like our Pretty in Plumage dress, this set was made to dazzle! The spectacular hues of peacock feathers are echoed in beads that shimmer with shades of chartreuse and turquoise, grounded with classic black and gold. Whether you wear the set together or choose only the earrings or the necklace to accessorize an outfit, you'll be ready to strut your stuff.

    Cherry Luck Charm
    Cherry velvet necklace designs
    We reached back into the archives to find inspiration for this classic look. Our Good Luck Tattoo print dates back to our first year in business, and this coordinated set is here to reminisce and celebrate ten years of retro class with modern sass! Of course, cherry charms were a must, and are perfectly mixed with a crown, a key, and a horseshoe. Let this sweet necklace serve as a reminder: you're a queen whose good luck allows you to unlock all the best things in life.

    We couldn't wait to release these sparkling sets and the dresses that inspired them. Have a look at all our new necklaces here.

    We love to see your photos and discover all the beautiful outfits you'll create. Remember to tag your photos with #cherryvelvet so we get to see them too!

    XOX Cherry Velvet

  • 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!

    Model Kerosene Deluxe in red lipstick

    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.


    Kerosene's top picks for red lipstick

    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. 

    Red lipstick application in stages

    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..

    Model Kerosene shows a sheer tinted balm option by Julie Hewett

    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 PhotographyModel Danielle wearing a black and white polka dot dress from 2012Fast 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!

    Girls eating popsicles, Cherry Velvet 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!?

    Mountainview Brewing CompanyWhat 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?

    6 100% cotton prints of Cherry velvet's Danielle Dress

    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 TahoeView of Bonsai Rock from a kayak on Lake TahoeDiane narrowed it down to five dresses, one to wear on the plane and 4 to pack:Designer Diane in her Cherry Velvet Adventure Awaits Travel dress and the 5 dress print she took on her holidayDiane'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 to wear with dressesShoes 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! Designer Diane wearing her namesake Cherry Velvet Diane Dress at the observation deck, Heavenly Mountain, Lake TahoeThen a hike along Martin's trail and an unexpected rock climb while wearing said dress!

    Where no Cherry Velvet Dress has been before. Martin's Trail, Heavenly Mountain, Lake TahoeHere's the evidence! (check out that healthy glow)

    Rock climbing in a Cherry Velvet DressAlways up for adventure. And what a view from the rock summit! Lake Tahoe How about a mountain roller coaster ride? Yes, she did that too! Riding the Coaster at Heavenly Mountain Lake TahoeA kayaking tour in a completely clear glass bottom kayak was another memorable outing! (Not in a dress this time :)

    Kayaking on Lake Tahoe in a clear kayakThis 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

     

     

  • 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?

    Cherry Velvet brand proudly shows off their Made In Canada label

    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!
    cheap fast fashion clothes in the landfill
    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?

     Vintage Valentines cardss

     

    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

    pinup style cartoon of model Ruby Roxx on a mint background caption model search

    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!

    pinup style cartoon image of Kerosene Deluxe wearing a pink corset

    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