Sparkle And Slim

Poolside Gossip print by Slim Aarons or Poolside Party and Desert House Party
Photography by: Brennan Booker. Sequin Romper: French Connection (old) similar, and this one or this one, Cut Out Shoulder Sweater: Yigel Azrouel, Glitter Corset Belt: Raina Belts from KK Bloom, Boots: J.Crew, Flower cuff: Blydesign, Cleo Cuff in Rutilated Quartz: Thanks to eb jewelry studio, Pearl and Brass Necklace: Thanks to Kristin Hayes Jewelry, Earrings: Lauren Kingsley's Stella & Dot. Hair: Aurora Casteen at Borealis

Twirl

Photography: Brennan Booker, Dress: (On super sale):  Alice + Olivia, Bendall Cuff:  Addison Weeks, Belt: My Grandmother's, Earrings: Melinda Maria

Street Style: Plaza Midwood

We are closing into Christmas, and I am slowly but surely getting close to have shared all of the photos from the Southpark Magazine's FALL FASHION Issue.  Despite the fact that it is definitely too cold to still wear the below dress, at least if you are in Charlotte, I hope you are still enjoying the outstanding fashion.  This truly was my favorite photo shoot to date.  I loved moving from one neighborhood to the next around the Queen City.  At the complete opposite end of the spectrum from Ballantyne, Plaza Midwood is one of Charlotte's most eclectic and a favorite for many.  Outside of the one photographed in the below image, I'm having a hard time to think of another Dairy Queen located in Charlotte. If there is, this one is definitely a fan favorite.  In a city where everything seems to keep getting torn down for "bigger, newer and better" (I call hogwash on better), this DQ is the OG.  We kept Chelsea styled down and totally fun for this shot, just like the neighborhood. 

Model: Chelsea Lewis, Photographer: Zach Alston, Hair and Makeup: Chelsea Kimrey.
Nicholas K Dress and assorted Thakoor silver jewelry from ChezElle Boutique

Street Style: Midtown + Kristin Hayes Jewelry

This was my Madonna shot.  I think it all came together in my head that this Midtown needed an outfit like this.  It is thrown together with this sorta gaudy, sorta cool 80's mixed mashed type of style.  I think about the old Midtown Mall, which previously served the community for decades, right where Chelsea is riding up the escalator by Best Buy at what became today's Metropolitan. Chelsea looks very late 80's/early 90's sexy and hot yet demure behind those red lips, side swiped hair and gobbed on mix and matched accessories.  Basically, I cannot ever get enough of my special friend Kristin Hayes' vintage caviar for jewelry.  QC Exclusive  just included her in their current issue.  Check it out on news stands all over the QC.  I can't help but wonder if they secret shopped my Instagram in order to further popularize my not for long hidden gem soon to be super star.  Having two young boys, I knew just what to expect on an escalator, but Zach capturing this photo was so impressive to watch.

Model: Chelsea Lewis, Photographer: Zach Alston, Hair and Makeup: Chelsea Kimrey.
Keepsake Subtract Dress and Miss Mochilla bag from KK Bloom, Vivetta Botanica Shirt from Capitol, BCBGeneration Carnival Dress Sandals from Sloan Boutique.

Click HERE to shop Chelsea's outfit.  Also, be sure to nab the current issue of Southpark Magazine to see lots more of Kristin Hayes Jewelry, as well as Carolina Bride in January.  Your bridesmaids will covet your taste and style.

Gift Guide For The Style Obsessed Coffee Table Book Collector

A few clients and friends have texted and emailed to ask if I'll be sharing my top Gift Guide picks for this holiday season. You ask and you shall receive.  SO.... here is my first of the season; Coffee Table Books For The Style Obsessed!  My own coffee tables, chairs, radiator box covers and side tables are piled high with them, so I thought I'd share a few of my favorites with you.  Since I'm equally in love with one of a kind fashion, emerald shiny interiors and impeccable manners, none of which ever go out of style, there's a little bit of all three here.  I hope you enjoy, and stay tuned for me in His, Hers, Wee Ones, Hostess Gifts and more!

Street Style: Myers Park

The Winter Style Issue of Southpark Magazine is fresh out on the news stands now, but that won't stop me from not sharing the last few looks created for the Fall Fashion Guide in September.  This fashion forward interpretation of Street Style in nine popular Charlotte neighborhoods was one of my all time favorites.  The image below was taken in my own neighborhood of the Myers Park area at my home away from home, Park Road Shopping Center (Blackhawk Hardware popcorn anyone?)

Model: Chelsea Lewis, Photographer: Zach Alston, Hair and Makeup: Chelsea Kimrey.
Sundry Madras Plaid Basic Shirt at Denim House, Keepsake Cream Midi Skirt at KK Bloom (similar),  My Grandmother's Vintage Purse, J.Crew Ankle-Strap Leather Heels (similar here and here), Kristin Hayes Jewelry Vintage Brooch, Target Oversized Black Sunglasses.

Olivia Palermo Guest Bartender

The lovely, always on time style maven Olivia Palermo strikes again.  This time as a guest "bartender" for the fantastically affordable and religiously on trend jewelry site, Bauble Bar.  I've featured below some of my favorite pieces from the collection. Click on each image for product info, or simply shop the entire collection HERE.  You'll find the perfect gift for your accessory-loving girlfriend, just in time for the holidays.

How Not To Wear: The Blanket Scarf Edition

We’ve all seen the women in the magazine ads and on Pinterest wrapped up in the seasons latest trend, the blanket scarf.  These women are always wrapped in a beautiful plaid bundle, laughing at something that is apparently on the ground, near their feet, and casually tucking a strand of hair behind their ear.  They look amazing and warm and comfortable.  The item is clearly one of those trendy must haves for fall.  One of my awesome clients purchased one, and so we thought we would have a little fun with it.

First of all, let me tell you…the blanket scarf is not a scarf.  At all.  It’s a blanket in every sense of the word.  A blanket that you could cover up with for warmth on a cold winter night.  A blanket that you could wrap around a sad, cold, homeless dog on the side of the road that would immediately provide warmth, comfort and a renewed lease on life.  See below... 

My client's first day wearing this “scarf” to the office inspired lots of comments that were all in the same genre of, “Oh!  You look…cold.”  The blanket scarf should not be worn as an actual scarf as part of your all day outfit.  First of all, you will probably have a heat stroke.  The sheer volume of the scarf will make things like typing or answering the phone or eating lunch, slightly difficult.  Unless you are in an urgent situation where your ears may freeze off, do not drape the scarf over your head unless you like being mistaken for a modern day Mother Theresa. 

The trick is to wear this piece as more of any item of clothing, not just an accent piece around your neck. It likely works best at a football game, a tour of homes, a patio happy hour, or any other occasion that takes place outdoors in the fall or winter.  My favorite look is to wear it as a top with a brooch to secure it in place while showcasing the alternate pattern on the opposite side of the scarf.  The brooch is back in a big way right now!  Try to raid your mom’s jewelry drawer next time you are home for some unique options, or check Etsy for some one of a kind brooches as well. 

You could also add a belt to keep the scarf in place and add some individual personality to the look.  I prefer the look with skinny jeans and short or tall boots. 

If you are a risk taker, you can wear it as a skirt with tall boots and a chambray shirt.  A brooch or pin will keep everything in place and avoid any potential wardrobe malfunctions.  This look is much easier to pull off if the scarf is a more neutral color so you do not look like you should be sporting a pair of bagpipes as opposed to a handbag.

The blanket scarf is now one of our favorite go-to looks for the season!  It’s a very easy item to throw on and take your outfit to the next level.  If you have rocked your blanket scarf this season please post your picture and share your fashion genius with the rest of us!

Street Style: SouthEnd

Model: Chelsea Lewis, Photographer: Zach Alston, Hair/Makeup: Chelsea Kimrey. Black Sheep Skate Shop.
Indie Ella Kimono, Keepsake Playsuit, Jan Michaels Brass Flower Pin from ChezElle, Koolabura Fringe Booties from Sloan, Mere Jewelry Earrings from KK Bloom, Cleo Cuff c/o eb jewelry studio, Cross Necklace c/o Boho Beads, Addison Weeks Pink Opal Bendall Cuff

Hi Everyone!  I'm back with another outfit from SouthPark Magazine's Fall Fashion issue.  This might be my favorite of the collection.  I think it isn't any one specific element but every aspect combined.  The outfit, Chelsea's look at the lens, her natural hair, and most of all, the skateboarders cruising by and candidly jumping into the shot with a "supermodel" one by one... Zach just kept snapping, and voila!  Picture perfect.  

I can't believe it, but I have been absent for almost a month!  I was at a brewery run one night a couple of weeks ago and someone asked me, "are you still writing on the blog?"  It made me feel so good to know the Queen City Style was missed!  Times flies when you're... busy. Not a day goes by I don't think about the Queen City Style and what an important part of my life this blog has served, so thank you for being here.  

Street Style: Uptown Funk You Up

Model: Chelsea Lewis, Photographer: Zach Alston, Hair and Makeup: Chelsea Kimrey.
The Row Zip Front Long Sleeve Mini Dress at Neiman Marcus, Hermes Vintage Silk Scarf from J.T. Posh, J. Crew Ankle Strap Leather Heels, GiGi New York Clutch from Monkee's of Charlotte, Kate Spade Sunglasses. 

Because I can't get enough of Russian "princess" Miroslava Duma.  That's pretty much it.  Oh, and I really ladies would DRESS to impress uptown.  That, and this photo opp was another chance to put my Hermes Silk Scarf (purchased at a fraction of retail at J.T. Posh) to befitting use.  That was my inspiration for the Uptown Street Style look for SouthPark Magazine's Fall Fashion issue...

Street Style: SouthPark II

Model: Chelsea Lewis, Photographer: Zach Alston, Hair and Makeup: Chelsea Kimrey.
Alice + Olivia Luisa A-Line Midi Skirt at Neiman Marcus, Enza Costa Printed Cashmere Sweater from Denim House, Joie Paxton Laser-Cut Bootie, Ceri Hoover Pony Hair (also here) and Heather Benjamin Antique Tusk Ring from Sloan, Vintage Chanel Chain Necklace at Monkee's of Charlotte (also these earrings), Kristin Hayes Jewelry Vintage Brooch, Chain and Stone Necklace, Earrings from ChezElle, Blydesign Brass and Floral Cuff, Alexis Bittar Assorted Lucite Braclets from Denim House (also here and here), eb jewelry Studio Green Quartz Cleo Cuff

Street Style: SouthPark I

The third look for SouthPark Magazine's Street Style photo shoot was one of two we granted to the SouthPark, given the neighborhood is the magazine's namesake.  This was the first time I have worked with Paul Simon or Paul Simon Women on a project.  I haven't been in the store in years, and to be quite honest, I had the stereotype in my head that this was a place for only my Mom to shop.  Not so.  I look at Chelsea's chic modern look, and I don't think "my Mom's clothes" for one second.  I always tell my client that the fit is the very most important thing with your clothes.  Secondly, the styling is what personalizes an outfit.  The three pieces; the pants, sleeveless turtleneck sweater and cape, all from Paul Simon Women, are the base pieces to this outfit. It's no secret that fringe might be the fall season's single most popular trend, so the cape was my starter piece. The end result could have gone in a number of directions.  The hat, one of my most prized pieces from my personal collection, is a total statement maker. For whatever reason, Chelsea's makeup, hair and hat, (Kudos to HMU Artist Chelsea Kimrey) remind me of a Parisian Nancy Sinatra.  The Loeffler Randall Rider Bag is also my own. After hours and hours of souring boutiques all over Charlotte and coming back to the studio with an arsenal of options, I still found this one to be the best fit for the overall look.

Model: Chelsea Lewis, Photographer: Zach Alston, Hair and Makeup: Chelsea Kimrey.
Rani Cashmere Fringe Cape, Autumn Cashmere Cotton Cable-Knit Sleeveless Sweater and Lisette Same Plaid Stretch Pants from Paul Simon Women Cole Haan Boots, Eugenia Kim Hat, Loeffler Randall Medium Rider Bag, Double Happiness Necklace at Sloan Boutique. 

What I Wear Every Day + Free Shipping Code

If I'm not the only fashion blog you follow, one thing you know about me is I love anything and everything that no one else has.  Another thing I think most others do want, however, is to be comfortable while looking good. Enter La Senorita Jolie.  If there was ever a call for every day clothes that feel like pj's for the stylish and put together, it's La Senorita Jolie. This IS a sponsored post, but I am only sharing my secret with you, because I feel 100% passionate about the product.  I wear their tees, sexy sweatshirt and maxi dresses all summer long.  I wear them on set when I am styling commercial shoots and all the time when I am with my children. Today was Fall Parish Day, which is one of two casual days at our church, and I found my new tie dye maxi and black cotton shawl perfectly suitable for the occasion.

If you're interested in hopping on the LSJ train, you can shop all their looks here.  If you're interested in REALLY hopping on the train, you might want to consider completing an application to work as an LSJ stylist. The clothing is easy to layer, understated and affordable. The product is available in sizes XS-4XL, so it's a product for REAL women.  Interested in learning more?  Check it out here, and if you order anything for yourself, be sure to use the Free Shipping Code: KMJBHC.

Lizzie Fortunato

I promised to tell you more about the designers I met at Poole Shop's annual Back To School event.  In my last post I shared gorgeous designs by NOVIS.  Equally fantastic are the jewelry and handbag designs of Lizzie Fortunato.  This team is comprised of adorable twins Elizabeth and Kathryn Fortunato.  They did go to Duke, but that is the only cross thing I can say about these otherwise absolutely delightful, adorable and talented young sisters.  See... 

I believe it was at Poole Shop that I first saw Lizzie Fortunato jewels in person.  I remember their collections consisted a lot of these unique leather, suede or fabric tube necklaces with brass detailing.

They have expanded their designs and collections, including handbags, all the while producing an intriguing, as ever, current product. Here are a few favorites I found while perusing the internet.  Many have tried to emulate the eye catching designs of Lizzie Fortunato, but there is only one OG.

NOVIS

Last Thursday I attended, along with my friend Emily, Poole Shop's annual Back To School event.  If you follow me here or on Facebook or Instagram, regularly, you know Poole Shop and it's mother store, Capitol, are two of my favorite.  Both stores bear a curated collection of the most out of this world clothing and accessories you truly can't find anywhere else in Charlotte, or the Southeast for the matter.  Thursday night's event was a star studded one among the design goddesses.  The sisters of NOVIS (the two gals second from the left) the twins of Lizzie Fortunato Jewels, the sisters of our very own Twine + Twig, and the lovely Dasha from Veda all represented.

I'll tell you a little about each of these designer's work, but today, just look at Novis' out of this world gorgeous, stunning beautiful collections.  A few pieces on Sale here. These girls are just babies, and so much talent!

Jeans That Charge Your Phone

There is really is something for everything.  Made By Girl blog editor, Jen Ramos clued me in on this one, and its just too good not share with you.  Have you ever been out an about for the day, fretting that your battery is going to run dead before your important call comes in, or you just really neeeeeed to see what your friends are doing tonight.  Well, this is just jean-ious.  Joe's Jeans has come out with the #Hello jean, a denim that charges your phone right in the pocket. With two small children, I am always on the go.  Because I need and want to be hands free, I often carry just my phone in my back pocket along with my ID and debit card, so this jean is actually quite brilliant if you ask me. Don't believe me.  Watch here....

The #Hello jean comes in a variety of colors.  I'm thinking about the grey pair for myself, because this color is great for casual during the day or paired with heels at night.  Check them out here...

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Boho Style

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale continues, and while I was perusing to see what I should take advantage for myself, I realized everything I dog-eared had that cool, laid-back bohemian edge that always appeals to the stylist in me.  Here are a few of my favorites to share with you. This really is the smartest time of year to shop.  It's just before the beginning of the season at the best prices all year! Happy Shopping! (If you are unable to see the below images, please click on the blog post title to see the entire post).

Ultimate Guide To Charlotte Boutique Shopping

I recently was asked by my friend and genius jewelry designer, Chelsea Charles, to share my personal picks for boutique shopping in Charlotte in conjunction with her partnership with Marriott Hotels.  Chelsea has been engaged by Marriott to help them highlight all of the amazing things Charlotte, NC has to offer, and I am delighted to be able to share my favorites with Chelsea's fans and the team at Marriott.  To learn more about it and for a chance to win a trip anywhere in the country, click here for details. When shopping, make sure to photo your finds for Instagram and use hashtag #DesignCharlotte. So, HERE'S my list!  Did I include your favorites?

Heels With A Twist

Looking for a stylish COMFORTABLE shoe?  I recently shared with you a little about Julie Lopez Shoes, but you can imagine my sheer delight and joy when I saw one of my corporate clients covering the Charlotte Observer's Style section last week.  I am so proud to be able to call Julie Lopez and her team both client and friend!  Check out their entire Look Book here for flats, wedges, heels and ALL shoes comfortable, Oh My!

Work Bags For Every Budget

I do love a great work tote.  Lately, after purchasing my very own in the footsteps of several clients, I am loving Loeffler Randall's Medium Rider Bag style most of all. The tan or black version is timeless classic, but every season, they put out great styles to add a twist of fun to your wardrobe.  Shop some of my favorites below by clicking on the image.  If you are viewing in your reader and can't see the book of images, click on the Blog Post Title.