When I first looked at the Fall 2011 runway collections, I was torn about the abundance of velvet. Growing up in the ’90s means I remember the last time velvet was really popular and I shudder at the thought. But thanks to the genius of our favorite designers this fabric has been given new life.

Velvet is luxurious. It’s rich. It’s generally heavier, making it the perfect winter fabric. It’s also extremely soft to the touch, meaning a velvet dress could be the perfect way to get your crush to come a little closer (though hopefully it doesn’t encourage him to rub you inappropriately).  If velvet dresses have you feeling like yourself as a five-year-old (when your mom made you pair it with crochet knee socks), there are a lot of tops or jackets (like the motorcycle one!) that are a fresh, updated take on the fabric. And if you’re not convinced a major velvet piece is for you, there are plenty of accessories to add some luxury to your outfits.

Below are 15 rich, velvety pieces I’m loving. Click on the image for all the shopping info! Read More »

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One of the biggest fashion trends for the 2010-2011 fall/winter season is velvet.  The ultra-soft fabric looks and feels luxurious, so it’s great for holiday parties.  It’s also warm, making it perfect for cold weather.

Just because velvet seems luxe doesn’t mean it has to be pricey, however.  For under $20, you can add any one of these great velvet pieces to your wardrobe this holiday season! Read More »

This past weekend, I went on a bit of a shopping spree with my friend (yes, I realize that I should be saving my money for more important things like, I don’t know, college and my future, but the mall was calling me!). We get there and what do I see?

H&M, which was still under construction the last time I had been at the mall, had finally opened! We did a little jig. Then we ran in and started loading up on everything we needed to try.

I was rifling through a pile of shirts when, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a pair of glimmering black sneakers. I dropped everything in my hand and went to them.

They weren’t really low-tops or high-tops, settling on a height in between. What made them gleam was that they were made of black velvet. They came with black shoelaces, a black rubber sole, and a small loop at the back. Now, usually I would say that this was too much of one color on a sneaker, but the rich, deep velvet stood out from the other components of the shoe for a subtle contrast. I also really dug the zippers on the sides, and at only 15 bucks, I couldn’t resist. Read More »