The philosophy that gave birth to the newest clothing store in the Carmichael district, Velvet Hanger, is a simple one -- women constantly dream of what they can be and looking the part is essential.
It's the brainchild of Marion Agatha Dean, a young Bahamian who is looking to satisfy the basic desire for clothing that is fashionable and of course affordable.
"Everyone knows Bahamian women love to dress up, we like to look good," she said.  "We like to stand out but at the same time we are on a budget; so we want to look like we stepped out of the pages of Vogue but we don't want to pay an arm and a leg for it.  That's what Velvet Hanger is here to provide."
"We want to give that style-conscious women the look she wants without her having to leave her entire mortgage payment in the store."
Velvet Hanger had a soft opening just weeks ago, with intentions of signaling the start of a one-of-a-kind boutique in Carmichael.  With a staff of just two persons now, Dean hopes to move into bigger surroundings as sales expand.
The store's location may help in that area, with Dean noting that the district dubbed "City 2000" by the Late Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling has grown tremendously over the past decade.
With the combination of location and an eye for fashion, Dean is confident of the store's success, even in the midst of a recession and with heavy competition in the market.
As a flight attendant for the past 13 years, Dean says she has been exposed to lots of looks and fashion from around the world.  She is now hoping women step out of their homes feeling confident and comfortable - two vital components for having a great day and being successful.
"I want to offer clothes that are affordable but at the same time stylish," she said, adding that she wants to appeal to a wide spectrum of personalities and style tastes.
While the Velvet Hanger has clothing that would attract women with a great understanding about fashion and what's trending right now, Marion is quick to add that her clothing will also appeal to those people who many consider a "local girl" with lots of casual yet high-fashion pieces and also those with a simplistic style taste.
Clothing and accessories adorn the boutique, which is laid out like a dream closet with lots of goodies in bright colors and neutrals, with statement pieces like big bags, bangles and necklaces that make a most simple outfit pop.
The store is located on Carmichael Road and Abbie Close, just west of Meat Max Grocery in the Yeshua Plaza.

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