Blue Velvet: California Dreamin' • Stop, Drop & Vogue

If there is one trend I’m absolutely loving right now, it’s velvet. This beautiful blue velvet maxi dress is from the brand AU & Co. I have fallen in love with this dress for many reasons: it’s unique, the amazing color, the luxurious fabric, and the fact that it was made in Los Angeles, California. This dress is extremely well made and while I was putting it on it felt like it was custom-fitted for me. That is the glory of this brand, each piece is sewn in the USA, consciously using deadstock fabric when possible and building small runs to avoid waste. In addition to being morally and environmentally conscious, AU & Co’s tagline is, “Made with love for badass babes” if you fit that description then you definitely need to check their brand out!

I styled my blue velvet dress with a dazzling necklace and a pair of glittery heels. This dress will make the PERFECT New Year’s Eve head-turner, or even the perfect dress something more formal like a military ball or gala. Tell me, have you EVER seen a maxi dress made from velvet?! I am so impressed by this dress and brand. Not to mention this fabulous maxi comes in a variety of beautiful colors: Smokin’ Silver (what I’m wearing), Prairie Gold, Beshk Burgundy, and Midnight.

If there is one thing you may know about me, it’s that I love my classic rock. Lately I’ve been listening to The Mama’s And The Papa’s and can’t stop listing to their song California Dreamin’. It is only fitting to this shoot. The lyrics are so haunting and beautiful – just like the scenery of this shoot and the California vibes of this brand. Here are some of my favorite lyrics to the song, which you can listen to here:

All the leaves are brown and the sky is grey.
I’ve been for a walk on a winter’s day.
I’d be safe and warm if I was in L.A.
California dreaming on such a winter’s day.