Oh my goodness... I don't even know how to begin! Since closing my previous location this past Spring, I've been shopping for the perfect future location and conceptualizing a fresh new business plan for the future of Red Velvet. Jeremy and I looked at dozens of properties in search of a perfect fit. After finding many many 'almost' perfect locations we felt content to wait a few months and basically take a break from shopping until Emma was in town to help. Around this time we were approached with an opportunity that not only excited us, but quite honestly put the cherry on top of all our plans and made everything feel complete and, well, perfect. It was the right fit, the right timing and it doesn't hurt that I've been completely in love with this store since I was 14 years old! My sister bought her prom dress there and I found my future wedding dress there too. It's so beautiful, historic and full of treasure! We started making plans to purchase a large vintage store called, The Style...
The owner (a dear friend of ours) was ready to retire and sell the store including a full vintage inventory, amazing vintage fixtures and display showcases and so many beautiful housewares. The shop is located on the same street as my previous shop, which we've become so fond of. It's magical. We are currently doing a little bit of remodeling and we will be renaming the shop, of course, Red Velvet!
Plans for the new Red Velvet Boutique:
Here's the fun part where I get to explain our vision for the new shop...
The new Red Velvet will be a marriage of all the things we truly love, our own little 'dream shop' full of beautiful things. We started out selling handmade almost ten years ago and we will continue to create and sell handmade goods! There are so many fun projects going on behind the scenes right now. Handmade will always-and-forever hold a special place in our hearts and be a large priority in our shop! Vintage is another type of retail that we've fallen in love with. Emma and I have worn vintage since high school and have huge collections of vintage dresses. Rachel adores vintage housewares and Mid-Century furniture and the new shop will reflect all of these *loves*.In the new location there are twelve thousand square feet packed full of vintage treasure and we can't wait to share it with you! And last, but not least, is the Cupcake Shop! My talented sister, Emma, is opening Red Velvet Cupcakes, a little tea room inside our shop with cupcakes, sweet treats and bubble tea! This dream of hers is so perfect for our shop because I've always wanted the store to be a complete experience. I think it makes the perfect shopping day for friends, mother-and-daughter or a cute date for couples!
There are many more exciting details (like an in-store craft class schedule and adorable online shop updates!) that we will share over the next few months!
The new location will open Halloween weekend. Thanks for sharing our joy! I'm so thankful for my family, friends and online pals support! We can't wait to share the new store with you. XO. Elsie
Oh wow! That's amazing!!!! Wishing you the very best of luck with it ... can't wait to hear all the updates as they go along :)
The cupcake shop will be amazing & it must be so exciting to be working with your sister x
Posted by: Aoife Blake | July 29, 2010 at 07:36 PM
So very excited for you!!! Sounds amazing!!
Posted by: Heather | July 29, 2010 at 07:37 PM
Yay!!! That's A-mazing♥ I can't wait to come visit. Soooo exciting, congratulations RVA family! PS: Totes looking forward to all of your gorgeous photo updates on it!
♥/Lex
Posted by: Lex | July 29, 2010 at 07:39 PM
congrats on finding the perfect spot! i can't even imagine how exciting that must be. can't wait to hear how it all comes together!
Posted by: miss alix | July 29, 2010 at 07:40 PM
Congratulations!! This is amazingly exciting!!! I can't wait to see how the store looks once you've put your magic touch on it. I only wish I lived close enough to see it in person!
Posted by: megan v | July 29, 2010 at 07:42 PM
Pretty amazing! Congratulations, Elsie! I'd love to visit your shop someday in person! xoxo <3
Posted by: Viviana | July 29, 2010 at 07:44 PM
oh my goodness, this is the most exciting news!!! gosh i wish i lived closer... i would come eat a cupcake everyday! congrats on your find in the building! cant wait to see it all unfold!
Posted by: Violet Bella | July 29, 2010 at 07:44 PM
Omg Els! Is it completely insane that we're strangers and I teared up reading this?! I have followed you so long and every step you take toward following a dream makes my little heart swell! I have told my boyfriend over and over and over that for our honeymoon, I want to go to your store!! I hope someday I can stop in and experience all this sweet lovely magic in person!!
love.love.
Posted by: Branna | July 29, 2010 at 07:45 PM
That is so exciting! I wish I lived somewhere remotely close so I could come visit (every day, naturally).
Posted by: jessie tea | July 29, 2010 at 07:46 PM
Holy Cow Elsie! That's so awesome! Congratulation! :D
Posted by: kaylah | July 29, 2010 at 07:48 PM
....BEAUTIFUL news!! So happy for you all! <3
Posted by: heather | July 29, 2010 at 07:48 PM
Congrats!!! It looks like an absolute perfect fit for you!!! ^_^ Good luck with everything!
Posted by: {leah} | July 29, 2010 at 07:48 PM
CONGRATS ELSIE!!!!!!!!! SO EXCITED FOR ALL OF YOU!!!!!!! I MAY HAVE TO MAKE A TRIP OR TWO FROM ST. LOUIS TO VISIT THE NEW SHOP!! CONTINUED BEST WISHES AND GREAT SUCCESS!!!!!
Posted by: Allison | July 29, 2010 at 07:48 PM
sooooooo exciting! so proud of you and your friends... what an amazing dream you've brought to life
Posted by: Samantha | July 29, 2010 at 07:48 PM
that sounds so perfect, love love love the concept!
Posted by: Violet | July 29, 2010 at 07:49 PM
very exciting! congrats!
Posted by: Aly | July 29, 2010 at 07:50 PM
How exciting for you! Congrats!!!!
Posted by: Nancy Wyatt | July 29, 2010 at 07:51 PM
What wonderful news congratulations!!!!
Posted by: Danielle | July 29, 2010 at 07:51 PM
Oh wow! That looks wonderful! I'm so happy for you.
http://onegladmorning.blogspot.com/
Posted by: allison | July 29, 2010 at 07:51 PM
wow. i always loved the style on commercial street! nice to know that it is in good hands!
http://www.gingibersnap.com
Posted by: Stacie | July 29, 2010 at 07:51 PM