Photographer: Paula Bartosiewicz
Hair/Make Up: JKW Beauty 

Free People Ladies Who Lounge Kimono: $128
Free People Solstice Body Suit: $40
Splendid Black Legging: $148
Street Level Velvet Cross Body: $54 
{made} community Necklace: 92

Free People Once Upon A Time Top: $148
Citizen of Humanity Chrissy Uber High Rise: $208
Rebecca Minkoff Choker: $68
{made} community Necklace: $92
Rebecca Minkoff Small Flap Cross Body: $195

Free People Smockin Rockin Body Suit: $68
Free People Lace Halter: $20
Citizens of Humanity Rocket Crop High Rise in Silver Lining: $238
Rebecca Minkoff Sculpted Hoop: $38
​Rebecca Minkoff Small Love Crossbody: $245 

Free People Sequin Swing Mini: $128
Free People At Ease Loafer: $98

Free People Ruby Mini: $128
​Rebecca Minkoff Rose Gold Earings: $48

Free People Gabby Party All Night Dress: $98
Free People Furry Bomber: $168
Dolve Vita Zalen Sneaker: $100
Rebecca Minkoff Stardust earring: $58

Lemon Collection Mittens: $30 
{made} earrings: $72
​Free People Brushed Scarf: $58 

{made} lariat necklace: $48
{made} pendant neckalce: $92
Free People Latimer Kimono: $128
Free People Weekend Snuggle Turtleneck: $40 

{made} pendant necklace: $92 
AG Ruffle Tank: $128
Street Level Laser Cut Tote: $62

Steve Madden Gills Slip Ons: $79
Free People Zenith Tee: $58 
Fabric Headband: $8 

Deux Lux Static Box Clutch:  $80
Splendid Double V Tank: $78
Free People Gabby Party All Night Dress: $98

Free People Albury Crew Sock: $14
Volcom Gotta Crush Crew: $39.50
Z Supply Velour Jogger:$56.00

Free People Go Go Velvet Socks: $14
Mona Assemi Clasp Bracelet: $50 (sold out)
Rebecca Minkoff Small Jamie Satchel: $325

Obey Carol Beanie: $20
Steve Madden Lancer Sneaker: $69
Hudson Sweatshirt Classic Pullover: $75

Meet #VLgirl Kelsey! Her hair. Her kindness. Her work ethic. All things that make her an essential part of the Velvet Lounge. Whether she is up in the windows switching out our visuals, or always killing it when we ask her to model for our shoots, she does everything with a smile on her face and a little bit of fierceness, as shown above. In addition to being a staple at the store, she is a key member in April's wedding floral business. You can often find her at Mod Pizza fueling up for another long night in the flower barn. Read her questionnaire below to learn all about the girl behind the big hair! 

​Starting as an unpaid intern, to sales associate, and now in assisting in visuals and buying, what have you learned most as you moved through these positions at the store?
I believe that one of the biggest things I’ve learned are the fundamental aspects of design and how they all flow together to make a successful display. I think one of my first duties as an intern was to help with a window display, now I’m designing my own and love seeing how my ideas have morphed as I’ve grown. 

Snake skin or cheetah print?
Snake Skin 100%. 

If someone bought you a plane ticket towards anywhere, where would you go and why?
​I would go to Australia because it seems like a totally different world. Not to mention every picture I see it looks unbelievably beautiful. 

What’s the last song you listened to?
​I don’t know what last song I listened to, but I do know that I’ve been listening to Alicia Keys radio NON STOP! 

If you could only wear one mani color for the rest of your life, what color would it be?
If it has to be for the rest of my life then I need something I would love to look at forever. I think I would go with some sort of blush color. 

With holiday shopping, what is one thing you want customers to keep in mind when shopping for gifts this year?
It’s all about staying warm, but keeping it cute. Plus, supporting local when gifting! 

What’s on your wish list this year?
I’ve been dying for some Doc Martens, I think they would fit my wardrobe perfectly. I hope my mom’s reading this!! 

If you could be a model for one of our brands we carry in store, who would it be and why?
​Free People, because I love how they style their models. Their lifestyle is so easy going and free spirited, aspects that I try to hold in my own life. 

What is your favorite item in the store right now?
​The purple Minkoff purse in the window! 

 As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A spy. I used to always carry around a notebook and take notes of things I thought were suspicious. I guess now I’m just nosy!

What’s your chipotle order?
Brown rice. Chicken. A LITTLE BIT of black beans. Fajita veggies. Corn salsa. Mild salsa. Hot salsa. If they look heavy handed, I say LIGHT sour cream. Cheese. Side of guac and a side tortilla. Trust me, if they forget the side tortilla I’m def walking back to get it. I also always get some sort of sparkling grapefruit juice they have! I’m an avid chipotle customer :) 

If you could take a week off from your regular life to immerse yourself in learning something new, what would it be?
I would want to learn how to weave a rug. I think the process of weaving is so interesting and unique. Plus they are so expensive, I’d love to learn to make my own. 

Name me three things that inspire you. 
April. High Fashion magazines. The process in itself. Starting from the beginning and having a finished product is one of the most inspiring things to me. 

What is one goal you have for 2018? ​
I recently bought a house and oh boy it is a lot of work moving! My goal is to have my house looking like my Pinterest board in 2018. 

If you could be an extra in any movie, what would it be?
​Mean Girls so that I can be in the background of one of the famous one liners. 

Meet #VLgirl Alissa! Alissa joined the Velvet Lounge team a little over a year ago and we couldn’t be happier to have her in the squad. She is a (beautiful) familiar face in downtown Frederick because she has been at the front desk at Six East East Salon and Spa for many years. If she isn’t at one of her downtown work spots, you can find her on the beach with her two girls and her husband Bobby. Alissa’s sweetness and willingness to lend a hand whenever she can, is why we love her to pieces. Read her #VLgirl questionnaire below! 

What color is your closet filled with?
Grey's and Blues! They go with almost anything!

What’s your favorite holiday and why?
Christmas, I am OBSESSED. There's something so magical about Christmas. I absolutely love decorating and buying presents, and all the traditions and memories. I have already started my Christmas shopping, I'm so excited haha.

What’s the best part about being a mom of girls? 
Aside from just the fun girly stuff like shopping and getting our nails done, I just feel like it is the most amazing and humbling gift to be a part of raising girls who are strong, independent, creative, courageous, and kind. It's amazing getting to watch them grow into young ladies​.

Would you rather explore a new planet or the deepest parts of the ocean?
The ocean, hands down. I love everything about the ocean, especially ocean life, I wish I had been a marine biologist.

What is your go to downtown Frederick lunch spot?
That's soooooo hard!! For something quick, Hippy Chick Hummus or Crisafulli's, I am obsessed with both places!

If you could live in a book, which one would it be?
Dude, that is so tough. The first one that came to mind was Bridge to Terabithia. That was one of my favorite books growing up, and one of my best friends and I used to play and pretend we lived in Terabithia. That was one of the first books that allowed my imagination to grow wild!

You’ve been working at the Velvet Lounge a little over a year now, what is the biggest thing you’ve learned so far?
​Aside from learning more about fashion and style, I think the biggest thing I have learned is how a small business can grow from an idea, to a small store, to a leading staple in this community. It's been so cool to see how April took a dream, and made her small store into a place where people have now come to shop and hang out in for almost 20 years. Everyone knows her and Erycka, and everyone has so much respect for their amazing gifts and talents, it is just such an amazing thing to be a part of and witness. 

Who is your favorite person to follow on Instagram?
Lauren Conrad for her style and inspo, and Jimmy Fallon for the laughs!

After working for two downtown businesses, how would you describe downtown Frederick to someone who is never been?
I'd describe downtown Frederick as a charming historic town with tons of artistic vibes and tons of amazing food and shops!

If you could time travel, would you go to the past or future?
Definitely the past. There are so many periods I would love to travel back to and experience, like the 40's and 50's, and I would even go back to the 90's for the jams hahaha.

Besides the lounge, where is your favorite place to shop?
I love me some Urban Outfitters, I wish we had one closer! And H&M because I can get cute stuff for me and my girls, one stop shop!

How would your best friend describe you?
Goofy? Awkward? Haha I don’t know! She'd probably describe me as caring, sensitive, non-judgmental, an Orioles lover, not like a regular mom—a cool mom, and the dork that always sings every word to Gangster's Paradise. 

What’s your favorite day of the week?
Saturday! I don't have to wake up early and get lunches packed and the kids to school!

What are you usually doing on that day?
Chillin with the fam, hanging with friends, running errands, its usually the only day we are all home together so we gotta make it fun! 

Red or white wine?
Definitely white. Sweet girly white wine like Moscato. You know, the inexpensive wines. I'm a cheap date! :)

Photography: Brad Barnwell 

October's Denim & Boot Shoot
Photographer: @paulabphoto
​Location: @attaboybeer
Models: @daniellendoll, @paolagudda, @emgudephoto

 Hudson Zoey Midrise Crop, $235. Dolce Vita Cooper Oxford, $120. AG Legging Ankle in black, $188. Steve Madden Gills, $79.

Hudson Zoey Midrise Crop, $235

​Free Bird Creek Boot in Taupe, $280

​Free People Changing Horizons Shirt in Ivory, $88. Nico Midrise Hudson’s in Lifeline wash, $210. Free Bird Creek Boot in Taupe, $280. 

Splendid Mock Neck Tank, $48. Citizens of Humanity Amari Step Hem Ankle, $258. Free People Velvet at Ease Loafer, $98. 

​Free People Everly Tall Boot, $298. Free People Who’s Sorry Now Slip in Wine, $88. Free People Terry Tee in Grey, $78. 

​AG Super Skinny Legging Ankle, $225. Dolce Vita Colbey Boot, $160.

Meet our social media & event maven, Sammi! Sammi joined the Velvet Lounge team six years ago when she was just a senior in high school. During her internship, we quickly realized she had a knack for events and creating relationships with people. Our annual Free People Garden Party was actually her idea, and thus Sammi’s  Velvet Lounge mood boards commenced. Since then she graduated from West Virginia University with a PR degree and holds many great experiences under her belt, including a kick ass fashion PR internship in London! Although she was wowed by the city life, she realized that her home, and her people were in Frederick. Now she keeps the VL Insta lookin good as well as other businesses (check out her side hustle @sljsocial) Check out our interview with her below to learn more about our favorite to – do list making, IG taking, chaotic #VLgirl!

If you could be any celebrity assistant, who would it be for?
Kate Hudson! She seems like such a sweet soul and I love how into fitness she is. Plus, getting to hang out with Goldie Hawn all the time!? Umm YES. 

If you could work for any of the brands Velvet Lounge carries, which one would it be?
Rebecca Minkoff! Her social media is amazing and I love how she continuously sculpts her brand to meet her consumer’s needs. 

What is your theme song?
Let Me Blow Ya Mind by Eve ft. Gwen Stefani. That is THE jam and forever will be. 
​

Late night drive thru breakdown?
Late night drive thru starts with my girls and I begging the Uber to stop at Taco Bell, all of us yelling our order at the same time, then scarfing down my 3 soft taco supremes and a baja blast before I even make it home. 

Team Jen or Team Angelina?
Offended this was even asked! TEAM JEN! Do we need even teams anymore though? I think it’s clear Jen won this one……

What is your favorite scent?
Day Scent: Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede, Night Scent: Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir (Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb is a close second!) 

If your house was on fire and you could only grab one thing what would it be and why?
As much as I love my Louis bag... I would grab my grandmother’s bible that she carried down the aisle on her wedding day. She gave it to me on her 50th wedding anniversary and wrote the sweetest note inside <3 

​

When you think of the Velvet Lounge, what is the first thing the comes to mind?
Friendship. These girls are my homies and have shaped me into the person I am today

What is your ideal dream date?
I’m a sucker for boutique hotels and fancy drinks! (People say high maintenance like it’s a bad thing??) Some sort of staycation or a night away that ends with the dance floor sounds dreamy to me. 

Name something on your bucket list?
Italy! I spent 2 months in London one summer and all the Italian people I met there were the warmest & kindest people. They told me stories of beautiful Italian places and amazing food. Ever since then I’ve been dying to go!

What is the last book you read and loved?
Tuesdays with Morrie! Highly recommend to all! It really makes you think about the important things in life and how important being grateful is. P.S. I've been bugging April to start a VL book club, who would be down??

If tomorrow you woke up with a new quality, talent or ability what would it be?
​Uhhh to successfully parallel park? I will park so far away if it means I don’t have to parallel park! LOL. 

Sneaker or heels?
That’s a tough one. The Carrie Bradshaw in me says heels all day but in reality I live in my Adidas and Vans! 

If you were stranded on an island what are three things you would need to have?
Dry shampoo, tanning oil, and Diet Coke. 

What is the best present you ever received from someone?
My parents are divorced and on my 16th birthday my dad gave me a necklace that had my mom’s wedding diamond in it. My step – mom said he had this idea for years and went to the jeweler and designed it himself! 

Photography: Brad Barnwell 

Frederick, MD home of the national anthem, good locally brewed beer, and creative people. For this shoot, we tapped into the latter and teamed up with the lovely Paula B photo and Lindsey Swink, CEO of Bare Ink Co (Check out their IG’s & thank us later.) This shoot is what we think is September’s must have outfit. Special thanks to The Record Exchange for letting us take over the shop and shoot! 

​​First thing first, can you have a fall wardrobe without combat boots? Answer is no. The 90’s are back baby! We recommend these Dolce Vita boots (Bardot Boot $200.00) because they go with everything, they are sturdy, and light weight. The light weight factor is so important when it comes to combat boots, this way you can get the edgy look you’re after without uncomfortable clunkyness. 

Yessss. Jacket season!! We have tons of them in the store right now, but one of our favorites is this Free People camo number (Slouchy Military Jacket $148.00.)  This is the fall addition that is going to take your outfit from basic to bad ass. We layered it over this deep red tunic, but you can also rock it with a white tee, blue jeans and sneakers. The outfit possibilities are truly endless with this piece…. Make sure to grab it in store before they sell out. 

​The store is quickly starting to morph to fall colors with every box of new shipment that we receive. One of the colors we keep seeing for fall/winter is RED. Some people tend to be scared of red, but don’t be! It’s a bold, unforgettable color that looks good on a lot of people, you just have to give it a try :) This tunic (Terry Tee $78.00) is the perfect layering piece, we styled it as a dress but it could easily morph into a shirt to rock with your chunky cardigan and tall boots.  This piece is a no brainer and under $100! 

​Remember our #VLgirl Sam!? Well since Sam left Velvet Lounge she has been KILLING IT. Awesome first year at grad school, and an internship in Guatemala with accessories brand, Cojolya. We love to support our girl gang, so we picked up some of these awesome bags at the store. They are beautiful, vibrant, and unique. Not only do they have the looks going for them, but they are also a part of a bigger picture. That bigger picture is keeping an important Guatemalan weaving technique alive, as well as giving the talented women artisans of Guatemala a chance to earn a sustainable, fair wage to support themselves and their families. Cojolya is mega girl power heavy! The non – profit Cojolya Assocation of Maya Women Weavers was started in 1983, since then it has continuously created steady income for women weavers in Guatemala. So awesome, right? We’re so proud of Sam and everything she is doing with Cojolya. We hope you love the brand as much as we do! Read our interview with Sam below to get the inside scoop of Cojolya and what it’s like to work in Guatemala! 

What is your position within Cojolya?
 
For ten weeks this summer I am working as a Social Programming Intern for Cojolya Association of Maya Women Weavers which is located in Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala.
 
In Guatemala, students are required to attend school through 6th grade. But after 6th grade ends and secondary school begins enrollment rates drop significantly, especially in rural areas. On average, an agricultural worker earns around 40 Quetzales (approximately 5.50 USD) a day, and a woman could earn as little as 25 Quetzales (3.40 USD) for the same work, so the cost of sending just one child to school after 6th grade can be a huge financial burden. Because of this, the association decided to support the children of our weavers in getting through secondary school.
 
In this position, I am working through the steps to build a successful and long-lasting educational support program for these children -- designing surveys to learn the biggest barriers to finishing secondary school and to learn what kinds of help our weavers and their children want. With that information, we will design a program that best meets their needs so kids can stay in school and reach their goals.

Why do you think all the #VLgirls will love Cojolya bags?
 
Just like every #VLgirl, the bags from Cojolya are unique and have heart and soul.
 
They’re unique in that they represent a variety of vibrant colors and styles and are the creations of the very talented designers we’ve had over the years. They’re also unique because of the handmade process. For example, the patterns seen on the Bolsa Fuego, Clutch Bag Toliman, and Clutch Bag Pacaya that you have in the store are made using a technique called jaspe, which is similar to the East Asian technique of ikat, where knots of white thread are tied around string before dyeing it to create specific patterns and shapes that will reveal themselves when the thread is woven. It’s like magic.

Jaspe in action. 
​​Most importantly, these bags have heart. When someone buys a Cojolya bag you are directly supporting the artisans in our association. I work beside these weavers and see some of them every day. I have held their hands, met their children, heard their stories. They are amazing, kind, and resilient women. By just carrying a tote bag, you help feed their families, pay their children’s school fees, pay their medical bills, and even help the association give trainings and workshops for the women. 

Is there anything that you’ve learned from your time at VL that you hope to bring to Cojolya?

The overall attitude April and Erycka have cultivated in the store makes you feel like you’re at home, even when you’re working your butt off to make sure everyone finds the best jeans and bags and shoes and Free People top for them. It’s chill, when things go wrong you roll with it, you feel like you’re just hanging out with your friends, but as you know, #VLgirls are also all about the hustle.

What makes backstrap loom weaving so unique?
Where do I start!?
 
Back-strap loom weaving is a traditional weaving technique that Maya women have passed down for thousands of years and not only serves as a way for them to express their culture and heritage but also as a very important source of income for families.  
 
The process originally started with hand-picking and then spinning cotton into thread and dyeing it with natural dyes. While this is still done in some areas of Guatemala, Cojolya now purchases our thread through a certified fair trade supplier. Then, the thread is hand-warped to fit the size of the item being made exactly. The thread is then soaked in a mixture of water and corn flour to give the thread strength and elasticity so it does not break when being woven. Each thread is then separated one by one, by hand, to prepare the loom. A back-strap is literally placed around a woman’s back as she sits on the ground and weaves as she uses her body to create tension on the loom. The parts of the loom are made from sticks and wood of various sizes and the loom is portable, allowing women weavers to care for their children and manage their homes while earning an income wherever they are. 

A traditional huipile, or blouse, from Santiago Atitlán. It is made on the back-strap loom and hand-embroidered with birds, the symbol of the town. 
​
Because of this process, an item can take several days to several weeks to create. I’ve started taking classes two evenings a week from our master weaver and it’s such hard work that I have to go home and stretch afterwards. 

It’s a tradition that is reflected in the traditional clothing, colors, and patterns still worn every day by men and women alike in Santiago Atitlán and Cojolya hopes to preserve this tradition by innovating traditional techniques to match ever-evolving fashion trends. One of my favorite quotes from our co-Founder Antonio Ramírez is this: “Our tradition comes from our ancestors, who learned it from their ancestors. Once [this generation] dies, who will keep it alive? Our grandchildren must.”

When you take home a bag made by our association, you’re actually helping an important part of Maya culture live on through new generations of artisans. I could go on for hours about how important this art form is for the people of this region, but I’ll stop myself there.

Why is Cojolya being part of the World Fair Trade Organization so important?
​
Because of the way the majority of the fashion industry works, we are completely disconnected from the people make our clothes. What we buy has an effect on the lives of those who produce what we wear, some of who work in unsafe and dehumanizing conditions.
 
Being part of the World Fair Trade Organization is just one way Cojolya hopes to make a change by being transparent, connecting people to the artisans that make their clothes and accessories, and ensuring that workers are treated and paid well.
 
This is important because it means we follow the 10 principles of fair trade. You can be certain that our workers are treated fairly, that they work in good conditions, that we do not use forced labor or child labor, that our production respects the environment, and that they are paid a living wage (all of our artisans receive wages that are more than double what an average weaver would make by selling their products in local markets), to name a few. 


Clearly Sam has been a busy lady in Guatemala! Head to the store to see all of these beautiful bags for yourself! xx 

​ 
The creator of the #VLgirls, April Ann Reardon, otherwise known as Ape Real.  Owner of Velvet Lounge, Wildflower Weddings, keyboardist in daMood, wife, mom and most importantly, bad ass.  She has been a role model to many women in the Frederick community and continues to wow everyone with her work ethic and compassion. It’s safe to say that all of us lucked out on having April as our bo$$ lady! After studying fashion in Atlanta and Los Angeles, April decided Frederick needed a better spot than the FSK mall for stylish women to shop. The rest is history as they say….. What’s even more important than April’s several successful businesses and ventures, is her kindness and positivity. Many joke that she could start another business as a life coach because many (and we mean MANY) people look to her for advice. We can’t help but think that her good nature, regardless of the economy or changing fashion scene, is what has kept her in business this long. Read below to learn all about the OG #VLgirl that we all know and love. 

 What aspect of Velvet Lounge are you most proud of?
The fact we have been in business almost 20 years and some of our customers are people who have been shopping with us those 20 years.

If you could pick any celebrity to endorse Velvet Lounge who would you pick?
Elle Goulding. I like that she is musical and every time I see pictures of her I think her style is super cute and edgy. 

What is a food that you couldn’t live without?
Fried chicken! 

 With 20 years of entrepreneurship in multiple industries under your belt, what is one thing you would say to young women who want to one day own their own business?
My motto. My motto is if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. You can never be too organized, you have to be flexible and you have to have drive and want to work hard.

If you could have one album on repeat for the rest of your life what would it be?
Odesza's Summers Gone album. 

If you were to open another business in downtown Frederick, what would it be?
A dope spot to get your nails done! Although it’s hard to maintain a mani working with flowers, I always thought it would be cool if there was a hip nail salon that served good drinks, great magazines, played good music and had a hip atmosphere. I went to a spot in NYC called Paintbox nails and had the best experience ever!

If you had one weekend, with no weddings, no store sales, no responsibilities or things to do, where would you be?
In my garden pulling weeds! Honestly! 

When picking out your outfit for the day, what piece do you think about most?
The pants! 

Although Frederick is your hometown, what other city could you see yourself living in and why?
I LOVE Savannah, it's so gorgeous and I love the architecture in it. 


What was your motivation to open up Velvet Lounge? Has that motivation changed?
My motivation was to provide a source for women to find cool, different, hip brands that weren’t available in the area. That motivation has not changed because I feel that we are still fulfilling that need. 

Describe yourself using three words.
​Creative, grounded, positive. 

If you could be any animal what would you be and why?
A bird, but a predator bird. A hawk or eagle, cause I’m not trying to get eaten! I would love to be able to fly. 

What is the best activity for a girl’s night out in your opinion? 
Everyone hangs out at someone’s house and we all cook dinner together to catch up. To me that is more fun than going out to the bars. I also LOVE entertaining and setting up dinner tables for people, creating an ambiance for me and all my girlfriends always makes me happy. 

A Margaritas and tacos girl or pasta and wine girl?
Tacos and margaritas! 

When you envision Velvet Lounge ten years from now what do you see?
I see us still holding down the corner of Second & Market street, by that time I will have a whole new renovation for the store and wanting to still keep up with the trends. Maybe by then my daughter will be a leader in the new generation of #VLgirls. 

Photography: Brad Barnwell