If you haven't noticed, the #VLgirls have a thing for all things floral!  So it was only natural that we host a Sarah Presnell art exhibit during this year's annual Fire in Ice. It was love at first sight when Sarah's art caught our eye on Instagram. Her bright, expressive floral depictions are some of the most beautiful interpretations of all things floral we love! Sarah Presnell spends her days as fun and innovative elementary school art teacher who teaches her kids yoga before class! (Love that!!) By night, Sarah paints away in her studio creating the most gorgeous floral designs that can be found on Etsy. 

We reached out to Sarah about her work and the possibility of an in-store show. Ideas just flowed! Through our discussions we ended up formulating a creative team (Wildflower Weddings and Honey Wild Photography) for a mini floral shoot at the Bend in the River Farm and the oh so charming Frederick Inn Bed & Breakfast in Buckeystown. Wildflower Weddings created a floral arrangement, passed it along to Sarah who then recreated her interpretation of the design on canvas. Honey Wild Photography captured the images on a sunny Sunday in January and the results were stunning! Take a look at some of the images below and then come see more of her amazing work for yourself this Saturday from 6 - 9 PM during Fire In Ice. Velvet Lounge will be serving up some bubbly to celebrate. Don't forget "Fairy Tales Do Exist!! visit with our magical unicorn ice sculpture out front! 

Meet #VLgirl Erycka... everyone’s favorite personal shopper, tell it how it is-er, and jeanologist. With an associates degree in fashion merchandising from Bauder College, and sixteen years of experience, she has perfected the art of personal styling.  She is a staple at the Velvet Lounge and we and our customers are so lucky to have her. Erycka holds a lot of accomplishments, but one of the most recent ones is that she is now a MOM <3! Whether she is making us laugh, or telling us what to wear, we appreciate all of it. Read our interview with one of the OG #VLgirls below! 

You’ve been with Velvet Lounge for almost as long as it’s been open! You’ve seen almost all the changes it has experienced in the last (almost) 20 years. What would you consider the best change that’s happened to the store?
 I would have to say expanding the store.  It’s so hard to imagine our store being in that little space.  Once that was done it one, just made more sense, and two, let us turn it into the beautiful store it is today.

People often call you the JEANOLOGIST because you are so talented at finding people the perfect pair of jeans. What would you say is the number one thing to remember about purchasing high end denim?  
To remember you are investing in quality NOT quantity.  You can purchase a ton of crappy jeans for super cheap but why not invest in one or two QUALITY pairs that not only flatter your body but can mix with everything in your wardrobe.  

If you could be a celebrity stylist, which celebrity would you want to style?  
I love very simple classic styles with a few trends mixed in.  I would love to work with someone like Rachel Bilson or Halle Berry who both have casual vibes and look great in anything they put on their body whether it be sneakers or a basic white tee.
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Would you say that your style has changed now that you are a new mom?
 I would say I am more cautious of what I purchase.  I now make sure I am purchasing smarter and not just following a trend that will be gone in a month.

What is one of your goals for 2018?
 Probably one of mine from 2017...To purchase more quality pieces and get rid of the overly trendy pieces that don’t work in my everyday lifestyle.  Also to put make- up on more!

You and April have been the dream team for many years now, why do you guys think you work so well together?
 Hahaha she’s the ying to my yang.  We are different in so many ways so I think that’s why we vibe and get along so well.  Where I may lack in areas she is super strong and vice versa.

Are you more of a Carrie, Samantha, Miranda or a Charlotte? Or a mix? (please give percentages.)  
 I would say I am 50% Carrie, 30% Charlotte, 15% Samantha and 5% Miranda.

What is an item of clothing or accessory in your closet that you could absolutely not live without?
 I could not live without multiple (good quality) white t shirts and  my favorite Citizens of Humanity Emerson Boyfriend jeans in multiple washes lol.

Do you think Justin and Selena will make it?
 Not too sure about that one...

Bloody Mary or Mimosa at brunch?
 For sure Mimosa or my new fav Prosecco!

What era of fashion do you find most inspiring?
Honestly...Everything always comes back around but I will always have a little soft spot for the 80’s since that’s when I grew up.

If you could eat without worrying about health, weight etc., what food would you eat every day?  
For sure Mac n cheese or shrimp and crab rose from Olazzo YUMMM  #pastaforlife.

How would you describe what a #VLgirl is?
 I would describe it as lifestyle honestly.  There is a little VL girl in all of us. To me it means being confident, trying to slay at work and life, being a great mom, respecting those around you and loving fashion of course!

Now that you live down the road, what do you miss most about living in Frederick?  
Probably not getting to hang out with my friends or family as much.  I will say tho it is a nice balance and honestly makes me appreciate Frederick more since I am not there every day.

Besides fashion and styling the celebs of Frederick, what other hobbies do you enjoy?  
I LOVE to cook and look for any opportunity to bake!  I also am enjoying pure barre and trying to eat healthy as much as I can.

Photography: Brad Barnwell.