A Perfect Moment

I see now why they call it Perfect Moment. Even in the least dsireable of conditions, when you hit the downhill just right, it feels like just that. After years of recommending this stylish line of skiwear to my ski bunny clients, I watched these Perfect Moment bibs like a hawk until they finally went on sale. Growing up in Asheville, NC, we skied Beech Mountain Resort on the regular. The ski lodge and accompanying village has not changed one bit keeping the seemingly stuck in time quirky vibe just right. I couldn’t resist snapping another perfect moment with local snowboard and skateboarding legend, Ashley Gelleher, of Zionville Ramp Company. Thanks to Ski Country Sports for the equipment rentals. One friend teased me for having rental equipment and such a fab ski suit. My response, naturally, it’s all about the mix!

Turban Twist

Looking for an unexpected way to elevate your look this holiday season? This one takes a little more bravery in the fashion department, but if you want to have fun and turn heads while you're doing it, try one of my most favorite, lesser common accessories for a unique, high impact twist!

📸 Kristen Agee
👳 Maryjane Claverol

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What She Wore // Girls on Gameday

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TOP | EARRINGS | DRESS | BOOTS | BRACELET | CLOGS

Looking at the scoreboard, it has been a year for the Panthers we don’t really need to discuss, but we are still dang fortunate to be able to watch football from the prettiest host city in the NFL. Regardless of the score, you can always look good cheering for the home team. Don’t even get me started on my girl Hodges’ Panthers Game Day Look. Hodges Miller is a former Carolina Panther TopCat and current Field Assistant to the TopCats. Hodges never misses a beat off the field, and as you can see in her Staud NFL Collection dress, she is hitting ALL the marks on the sidelines too. Shop The Edit + Get The Look!

What Whitley Wants // Rabanne H&M

The wait is over! Paco Rabanne x H&M Collection is here, and I’m not sure I could be much more excited. Shop all of my favorites in the links above, and get ‘em fast, because this collab will sell out quickly!

What Whitley Wants // Zara: Buy Now, Wear Now

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STRAPLESS DRESS | shoes | SKIRT | bracelets | necklace | BELT | Midi Dress | TOP

Holding onto every last bit of summer? I am, always! Not to mention, summer is the ultimate season for heeding the call for my penchant for all things color and pattern and FUN. I am SO proud to be an official Zara ambassador, and so this latest version of What Whitley Wants includes a handful of my current Zara favorites to carry you right on through the end of sumer.

Designer Crush: Johanna Ortiz 70's Inspired Glamour

This next Designer Crush whole heartedly embodies everything about my personal style. Seventies inspired glamour with a mad splash of boheme is all I could ever ask for, want and more. This Johanna Ortiz collection rivals my constant and eternal penchant for favorite designers, Paco Rabanne and Etro. I want to go to Studio 54, any tropical island, line dancing at the cowboy disco; I want to go to the grocery store! As far as i’m concerned dressing will be hard pressed to get any better. Shop my favorites below from Johanna Ortiz’s latest collection.

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Top (Similar) | Dress | Boots | Skirt | Jacket | Swimsuit | Belt | Kimono | Fringe Skirt

Outdoor Shower

I am so excited I can hardly stand it. After all these years, we finally got an outdoor shower at the farm. I think this is one of life's foremost necessities! During the day or at night, and especially if you have a patch of trees where you can hear the branches sway in the wind and the leaves bristle, the birds chirping all around. Everyone needs to bathe in the great outdoors under an open sky.

It also makes a great photo shoot location for my new "Instagram dress." That's what I call it, because I have a very stylish friend who is known for making late night Instagram purchases scrolling from her phone in bed, and then Voila, the next time you see her, she is looking so cool in her new dress or headpiece or whatever and low and behold it's from Instagram! Perfectly paired with my @rankandsugar vintage army top, fav silver boots and Ice, Ice, Baby trucker cap.

But let's be honest, the real genius here is my carpentry creative extraordinaire pal, Ric, who built the outdoor shower. In frames 4/5, you will see Ric brings a whole new meaning to the term wet bar. And the little crescent moon on the door!!!

Dress // Shirt // Hat // Boots

Photo: Richard Israel
Outdoor Shower: Ric Jones

Make An Entrance // Take An Exit

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Top // Skirt // Sunnies // Boots

As Marie Oliver marketing director captained my look, "Your whole outfit is a party that I wanna attend!" While I do love a good entrance, I equally love a Tinker Bell slip out the back kind of exit. The ride this week has been a wild one. The weekend is here, and as for me, the only entrance I will be making is one into my camo snuggy pants and onto my couch for movie night with my babies!

📸 @olly.yung
👄 @heatheropal.art
👚 @_marieoliver_
👗 @richardquinn
🚙 🎸 @delafunk1

Go With The Flow

I really don't know what to say other than if you're not laughing, you're not living. There are no words to describe how much joy my work brings me. Being surrounded by talented artists all the time does so much good for the soul.

Uplifting positivity. I am no therapist. I only have a lifetime of seeking further understanding from them, but this is my advice and personal recipe for seeking joy and heading off all the rest. It's not to say the negative isn't out there for me, but I know this much; dancing, laughter and like-minded, supportive, positive influences are where it's at! Go toward the light!

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Dress (Similar here) // Boots // Hat

Anna Cate: One Dress, Three Ways

To say I was a little bit obsessed with this look for @annacatecollection would be an understatement. Everything about the choreography of the series is a home run for me. I love how, with the sum of the parts of our talented team, we were able to take this feminine dress in a number of directions by swapping out a vest, sunglasses, and hat.

I regretted not keeping the vest for myself. I tried to find it everywhere in my size, (I’m an XS), and could not, but a follower in my Instagram reached out and said she found it! How awesome is that? Can you imagine my delight?! THIS is when I advise my clients to make purchases. If you see something you love, do not think twice. You WILL have an occasion.

📸 @miraadwell_photo
👗 @annacatecollection
👧🏻 @belladell
👄 @whowhatoui

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Dress | Vest | Hat | Sunglasses | Boots |

Middle C Jazz

My favorite place to hear live music in all of Charlotte is Middle C Jazz! Jazz, blues, soul, R&B, funk, gospel and more; mainstream or emerging, if you love music with a smooth beat of any type, you will LOVE @middlecjazz too.

It's not just a hear but a seriously fabulous see. The entire space feels good on all the senses. Maybe it is all things nostalgia lover in me. The ambiance itself will transport you. I feel like I am at the crossroads of the famous Copacabana and a jazz club in Harlem in the 40's.

Probably my favorite nostalgic aspect, the house is a convergence for all races and ages. You'll see a little bit of everything with regards to attire, but the older black men, in particular, DRESS. Three-piece suits, hats, pocket squares. Call me old-fashioned all day long, because I am here for it all day long.

With the enjoyment of regional and national acts and cocktail style seating serving small plates and craft cocktails, @middlecjazz is old school New York City meets Southern Hospitality. Oh, and there's not a bad seat in the house.

Looking for a last-minute Christmas gift for the music lover in your life? Consider the gift of music with @middlecjazz's Baby Grand Membership. Lower ticket prices, preferred seating, discounts on food, and a personalized hospitality concierge to elevate your experience. Check out Middle C's line up for upcoming performances. There's a good chance you'll see me tapping my fingers and toes there! #jazz #middlecjazz #livemusic #livemusicincharlotte #charlottemusic #charlottemusicscene #thequeencitystyle

📸 @olly.yung
👁️ 🍭 @delafunk1
👄 @heatheropal.art

Night Moves

It literally rained ALL day the day of this project for @the_pearl_pagoda, but I really do love a challenge and see one as an opportunity.

This was the last shot of the day turned to night. Brand owner and designer @cmurphyone told me to style her chic, on trend and versatile dress--in my favor print from the collection--just as I would. This meant reaching for my favorite third layer, my quilted @etro vest, my only choice for sneaks, my Tarheel @nike @jumpman23 Air Jordans, and my wear-with-everything @jeromedreyfuss crossbody bag.

What can I say? There really is nothing like dancing in the rain. What a life-giving release! And, in case you didn't know it already, visit @drewbarrymore for the most joyful response to God's soul quenching gift of rain!
#jumpmaninvitational

📸 @olly.yung
👄 @josiahreedbeauty
🏀 @jumpmaninvitational

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Holiday Style Edit

Holiday season is in full swing, and this year’s holiday collections revolve around my favorite type of dressing—statement dressing! From crystal embellished party shoes to sequin mini dresses and head to toe holiday plaid, party shopping is stunning this year! With the complete return of in-person celebrations, designers have fully leaned into glamour, making clothes that without a doubt give off main-character energy at any party. Every year I don my favorite J.Crew plaid suit to at least one Christmas party and am always asked about it. Below are some of favorite looks for this holiday season, including that check suit, now 50% off!

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Lunch At The Peach Stand

For as long as it's been around, I have visited The Peach Stand situated on Hwy 160 as you enter Fort Mill proper from the Charlotte side of town. Since 1980, The Peach Stand has been a Fort Mill community staple dedicated to providing customers with grocery products, fresh produce, baked goods and more. As a child, my family took short trips down the road to The Peach Stand for fresh peaches. My Dad and I would stop over for a Gatorade and snack after tennis at the Anne Springs Close Rec Center, and later, Dad and I frequented The Peach Stand for a meal served up hot over the counter. Dad loved country cooking, and that was pretty much it.

Nowadays, I enjoy stopping by The Peach Stand for a cold beverage after trail runs over at Anne Springs Close Greenway. I also almost always have to have a sweet treat from the counter. It can be slightly difficult to walk past the hot bar and dining section, because I just want to be sitting there with my Dad for lunch or conversation after a round of tennis. I miss him so much.

On this particular day, however, as I sat to dine before closing time, wearing my Grandmother’s dress, I befriended the one other customer who was still there. My soon to be dining companion greeted me with a warm, friendly hello, and we enjoyed our meal the old-fashioned way. The most beautiful reflection enveloped me. In a fast-growing region bringing an influx of out of towners in, the exchange felt so comfortable, approachable and southern.... just like my Dad. In case you did not know, that is the allure of the south… and it is also the allure of The Peach Stand.

At a time when the hurried pace and a desire to avoid versus connect seems more prevalent than ever, I seek out and hold onto life's tender, friendly moments like this one. If you ever make it down to Fort Mill, be sure to stop in The Peach Stand for produce in the spring and for a warm plate anytime of the year. Take your family there, or even your next date. If you're seeking those slow treasured moments, too, I promise you'll be glad you did.

I am wearing my Dad’s mother’s dress, which I think feels like it is from the 1940’s. Two of my favorite modern day designers, Rodarte and Alessandra Rich, make the most feminine dresses which remind me of my Grandmother’s dress. Of course, I can’t get enough of my vintage Ted Lapidus sunglasses found on Etsy. And, then there’s my favorite fun little bag designer of all time. A dash of metallic Swedish Hasbeen’s finishes off my lunch date look…

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Black Friday: Whitley's Skincare + Beauty Roundup

With all the Black Friday Sales coming up, I thought I’d give you a peak into my beauty bag. I am not exactly the family expert on skincare and beauty. For my day to day, moisturizer is the only thing I put on my face, I curl my eyelashes for a wide eye, and I pinch my cheeks for some natural color. It’s just the way it’s always been. Maybe it’s the Asheville, NC native in me. Nowadays, lucky for me, I work with some pretty incredible makeup artists, aestheticians and photographers I can rely on to give me face for photos and other important occasions. Dive in below for a look into my beauty bag, and simply click on the image to shop! I wish you and your loved ones a very Happy Thanksgiving!!

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  1. Fight winter dryness with Biossance Miracle Moisture Set. It’s hydrating phenomenon for eyes, face, and body. Each formula features a vegan, sugarcane-derived squalene that provides lightweight moisture while activating other ingredients for increased efficacy within your skin.

  2. Clarte Vitamin C Brightening Serum Powered by a potent combination of pure Vitamin C and moisture-rich serum, this daily treatment leaves skin radiant, while helping to reduce discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles.

  3. Friday Collective Day Party Essential Oils Candle. Is there a happier color than yellow anytime of the year? Bring on the party!

  4. Bausch + Lomb Biotrue Hydration Drops boost fir irritated, dry eyes...because of allergies to dust and other small particles that come with living in an almost 100-year-old house, I always need this!

  5. Bausch + Lomb Lumify Redness Reliever Eye Drops. Who doesn't need a good drop to get the red out after those late nights and early mornings during the busy holiday season?!

  6. Tarte Tartelette tubing mascara. Lash extensions in a tube! (30% Off Sitewide thru 11/27!)

  7. Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump. No-needle plump; sign me up! (30% Off Sitewide thru 11/27!)

  8. CC+ Color Correcting Full Coverage Cream. I use this incredible SPF 50 cream for a full coverage foundation that works like a magic wand for an instantly smooth, even skin tone!

  9. Westman Atelier Lit Up Highlight Stick. Gifted to me by a fellow creative and fab friend, the Lit-Up Highlight Sticks have a sheer, light coverage. The glassy finish will leave your skin (and lips!) looking dimensional and fresh.

  10. do I love a fun nail color anytime of the year and with that, make it all the more festive with metallic! Essie Head to Toe Mistletoe and Wrapped in Luxury are positively party ready!

  11. Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater. I have been using this line of skincare since I was first introduced to it living in NYC after college. Perfect to spray on your face just before your flight takes off. The most refreshing stocking stuffer!

  12. St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse I dab a little of this Vegan Self Tanner on my face, arms and legs during the winter months for a Sunkissed Glow. Lightweight, 100% Natural Self-Tanning Active

  13. Vitamin C... I take these four times a day in support of a healthy immune system.

  14. Vivant Exfol-A Treatment: I use these daily drops to help treat acne, hyperpigmentation and impacted pores in order to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots and smooth skin texture.

Wonder Woman x Veronica Beard

What can I say? It's been a week! Am I the only one that feels this way? As in Praise The Lord I have an arsenal of super powers in the back pockets of my favorite flare denim trousers? Does it count if I spend (probably way too much of) my time wondering WHAT is going on?! If so, then I can say with total and utter honesty I feel like Wonder Woman most days.

No, I AM Wonder Woman. I've got more than two pocket fulls of unapologetic optimism to slay life's metaphorical dragons every day, even the Devil himself, dare to come my way. Oh, and friends. Don't get me started there. If you count them too, we are talking a battalion of super powers, and you don't want to mess with that. My body, soul, character and mind are mine, but my faith and friends; they are my cape, cuffs, headband and a$$ kicking red boots that giving me extraordinary strength. There is strength in numbers. Shop the entire Wonder Woman x Veronica Beard collection HERE.

Photos: Olly Yung

Easy Pay Store

For this next chapter in a photographic homage to my Dad, family and heritage, @richardisrael and I took to downtown Fort Mill, the corner of Confederate and Main Streets, to visit the location of my Grandfather's store, The Easy Pay.

For 43 years my Grandfather owned and operated The Easy Pay. It was named this because he offered layaway to customers who needed this option for purchasing home goods and supplies. More or less the town general store, my Grandfather sold everything from paint to small appliances to hunting and fishing supplies, tools, toys, farming supplies, even Good year tires.

I remember as a child arriving to visit my Grandparents, we would go to The Easy pay first to put new tires on my Dad's car, a shiny silver 1977 Volkswagen Bug Convertible that I loved so much it basically was my sibling.

In an article published in The Fort Mill Times, at the time of closing the store, I love that my grandfather said if he had to do it all over again, he wouldn't change a thing. I always fondly recall my father telling me my Grandfather's mindset was competition breeds business. In the article he explains "the money is in selling things, but to stay in business you have to have good service." At the end of the day, it's how you treat people, no?

I always love going back to visit the store. For decades after Paw Paw closed the store, The Knife Shop existed in its location. The front of the house now plays home to @theimproperpig restaurant while the back of the house has more recently served as brewing headquarters for @amorartisbrewing. I enjoyed talking to management for a down home friendly tour where my Grandfather's office once was.

After reflecting there, I took Richard across the street to the Police Department to show him my Grandfather's plaque in the Fort Mill Hall of Fame. For almost two decades, he served on the once small-town school board. Just look at it now! I sure hope the town of Fort Mill will continue to do everything it can to preserve the historical integrity and charming architecture of its most darling downtown!

📸 @richardisrael
👒 @lucchese x @resistol1927

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Side by Side

In Part II of my reflection series with @richardisrael, as a homage to my father, family and heritage, I suited up in my favorite @farmrio jumpsuit, grabbed a hold of my Grandfather's Parker Bros vintage side by side and my Dad's hunting cap and took to my cousin's deer stand parked out back on the farm.

Having a heart as soft as my Dad's, I haven't ever actually shot a deer, or anything living for that matter. Just an empty beer can. A lighthearted recreation seemed like perfect time to cover myself in the trippiest shrooms, climb the ladder for a perfect fall view and reflect on the beauty all around my father's little cabin in the woods in Fort Mill. It almost felt like that little one-horse town that used to be!

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Fashionable Fall Fete

I’m so excited to be partnering with Peachy the Magazine for this project! I had so much fun executing creative direction for this special partnership collaborating with my friends at Peachy Magazine and Veronica Beard x Juliska!

This Peachy edition features the new tabletop collaboration Veronica Beard x Juliska. These pieces are not only perfect for entertaining your friends and family, but also add an unmistakable style for your fall table. Check out Peachy the Magazine here and subscribe here!

All of these Veronica Beard looks are perfect for Fall, including the grooviest wide leg denim seen above on Peachy the Magazine editor, Blair Farris. My personal favorite is the Sheridan Bell-Bottom Jean.

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Dock Pics x Michel Van Devender hand painted denim + Lesetta Accessories

Mindset of abundance, kindness, tension creator, style, magic maker and love... these are a few descriptive words my talented friend, Michel Van Devender, along with patches and paint, used to create my very own pair of the coolest denim I ever did know!

Perhaps you recall Michel Van Devender, a Charlotte artist and designer, from a previous @southparkmagazine Closet Crush feature. Michel did not set out to paint jeans. Although Michel's creative path has always been more organic and non-linear, she has always had an interest in fashion, seeing it as another form of artistic expression. Over a year ago, Michel discovered an intersection between her art and fashion. While painting an abstract on canvas, on a whim thinking it would be fun (and it was!), she added in a pair of her old jeans. Everyone started asking, “Where did you get those jeans?” A friend who loved the jeans and owned a retail store at the time said, “if you paint some jeans and bring them to the shop, I can sell them. So, she did, along with Michel’s custom notecards.

Michel continues to explore painting on traditional and non-traditional surfaces, including apparel. She says, “I see so many things as art, although the canvas and medium may change and evolve.” She maintains a collection of artwork and goods for purchase. On any given day, you can find Michel at home painting, planning her next home design adventure, rearranging furniture, writing an occasional blog post, while wrangling a house full of guys. To see more of her work and a little behind the scenes, follow Michel on Instagram @michelvandevender. You can DM her for inquiries, current stock and commissioned work.

As we travel the world, we often become intrigued by creations influenced by the culture and traditions of different corners of the Earth.  We search for “finds” from these lands to remind us of the diverse beauty that exists beyond our borders.

Lesetta was born to offer exceptional, sophisticated accessories curated from other areas of the globe.  Beautiful things that revel in a worldly influence. Lesetta was born to offer exceptional, sophisticated accessories curated from other areas of the globe. Beautiful things that revel in a worldly influence.

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