Hooray holiday weekend! We can all agree that celebrating the Fourth of July is a Frederick favorite. Whether you will be posted up at Baker Park waiting for the fireworks, or have a mini getaway planned, we’ve got your red, white and blues covered. 

Velvet Lounge is graphic tee heaven right now! Seriously, so many to choose from. We are loving this Chaser one for this weekend’s festivities. Nothing more American than a red, white and blue cattle skull, right? It’s also a good shirt to show off those toned arms you’ve been working so hard for! We paired it with the Hudson Zoey Mid Rise Crop. This Hudson wash is a true American blue jean!

It’s that time of year and the Free Bird styles are rolling in…. These sapphire ones are the cutest EVER. Plus, who else is gonna be rockin blue Free Birds at the cook out? Wear them with your shorts or a crop pant like above in the summer, then wear them with your skinnies in the winter. It’s a win win as always!

Our photographer ( Paula Bartosiewicz ) continuously blows us away with her talent. And it doesn’t hurt that Kelsey is such a babe! This Rebecca Minkoff bracelet is the perfect arm candy for the summer. It takes boho glam to a new level with its beaded design and touch of sparkle. It’s one of those things where you don’t need it, but you kinda NEED it. 

​We hope everyone has a safe and fun holiday weekend! We will be open all weekend and open 10-4 on July 4th. Stay tuned for a special sale that day…….

We started using the hashtag #VLgirls because we began to notice that people would just call us "the Velvet Lounge girls" or "those Velvet Lounge girls." You know, "the Velvet Lounge girls are at Tasting Room happy hour again" or "Yeah I know her, she's friends with all those Velvet Lounge girls." We would like to think that Velvet Lounge, and being a #VLgirl is more than just a shop/working downtown, but a lifestyle. A lifestyle that has been cultivated by all the bad ass babes that are a part of VL. Since we've been rolling hard with our #VLgirl hashtag, we figured we might as well introduce you to all the #VLgirls. Starting with Madison......

Fierce is an understatement when it comes to our girl Madison.  Madison has been with the Velvet Lounge for almost 10 years now, we like to hang on to the good ones! She started as a high school intern and continued working with us throughout her academic career at LIM College where she majored in fashion merchandising. During her time in New York, Madison was the product development and design intern for Colette Malouf.  She even had two of her pieces published in Vogue....No  biggie..... ;) Not only does she have a LIM degree under her belt but she is also a graduate from the Paul Mitchell School and is now a hair stylist at DNa Lab. She still works at the Velvet Lounge (visit her on Tuesday nights) and is an accessories buyer for the store. Buyer, hair stylists, Vogue published.... If it's one thing #VLgirls know how to do it's hustle! We had Madison fill out a quirky questionnaire for you guys, read her awesome answers below!
P.S. Thanks Brad Barnwell for all the beautiful pics!  

What’s your favorite thing about working at the Velvet Lounge?
The super laid back vibe that April has cultivated over the years! And the dope clothing that keeps us VL girls lookin' fly! 

What’s all-time favorite piece of clothing/ must have for your closet?
I have a Free People dress I got about a month into my internship at the VL and I've had it for almost 10 years now! It's a super cool black lace dress with crochet and beading and it's so unique!! 

Who is your favorite woman from history?
My mom :) 

If you could have any super power what would it be and why?
The ability to transport from one place to another really quick. 

What is your go to drink order at the bar? 
A super nice craft IPA. 

Would you rather have to wear crocs for your whole life or give up wearing Free People bralettes forever? 
Ahhh!! Ummm that's so hard! Probably give up the FP bralettes because I cannot wear crocs and feel cute lol. 

Late night Taco Bell or late night Pizza Pretzel? ​
TACO BELL!!

Favorite memory at the Velvet Lounge?
Way too many to just pick one but all the events we have ever done because they're all so killer! The fashion shows too! 
​

What’s your favorite song to listen to before you go out on the town? 
Kashmir by Led Zeppelin.

Favorite Disney Princess and why?​
Mulan I think, she's just such a bad ass! She don't take no shit from no man! 

Are you the type of person to drop more money on shoes or on bags?
Bags probably, you can wear it every day and usually it goes with most outfits.

What is one thing most VL customers probably don’t know about you?
​ I'm a vegan and have been for ​9 years!

What show are you staying in to binge watch? 
GAME OF THRONES!! Duh!

What’s one beauty product that you can’t live without? 
Mascara but my dip brow is a super close second! 

What is one piece of advice/wisdom that has always stuck with you? ​
Nobody can make you feel a certain way without your consent! 
​

​The Garden Party is as fun and whimsical as it sounds. It’s our biggest and most anticipated event of the year and we couldn’t be happier with how 2017’s Garden Party turned out. The Garden Party featured a Free People trunk show, select {made} pieces, florals from Wildflower Weddings @ Bend in the River Farm, yummy food + signature cocktail and 20% off your entire purchase. This awesome sign was made by our good friend Erin at Chalkedelic, check her out on IG @chalkedelic.

We hosted this year’s Garden Party at Reina’s Restaurant & Bar. Their courtyard is absolutely GORGEOUS. Major selling point when we were choosing this year's location. Plus, the food was delicious and our signature cocktail was a Gin & Juice (we like to keep it gangsta) garnished with a grapefruit. 

​We had so many beautiful ladies attend The Garden Party! Pictured above is blogger Maree from alittlebitetc with VL owner April, as well as some wonderful ladies who showed up with their very own flower crowns.  That beautiful arch they are standing under was made by April who also owns Wildflower Weddings @ Bend in the River Farm. Wish we always had that beautiful creation to stand under for our IG shots! 

​April also handmade these summer wreaths which are now in store for purchase. They are made with silk flowers so you are easily able to be store and reuse! We think they are perfect for indoor or outdoor use. We got the gadget thats hanging from the arch during one of our inspo trips at Terrain. If you haven't gotten a chance to head out there yet then you must check it off the list this summer! So many great things that you can use to decorate and better your home design.

Huge thanks to everyone who came to The Garden Party! We are already excited for next years!
xo
The #VLgirls