White Denim All Year Round

I met with the cutest new client today.  She was wearing her white jeans from LOFT, and they looked great on her; proof that you don't have to spend a fortune to look fantastic.  BUT, just in case the white denim you're looking for cannot be found at LOFT, I've put together a look book of white denim in every style, shape price point and size.  And if you didn't get the memo, don't put your white jeans away as early as you might expect, WHITE is gonna be big for fall.

I wore my white J.Crew denim for a recent Goodwill Back To School television segment. Sorry, Eugene, for catching you mid sentence!  I paired my white denim with my new Twine + Twig Cowrie Collar made by my friends and talented sisters, Elizabeth and Jacquelyn.

Shop your favorite paper whites 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).

Advanced Style

For many years now I have been following Ari Seth Cohen's high fashion, documentary style blog showcasing the street style of mature women and men live from the sidewalks of Manhattan and other great cities alike.  The stylish ladies he features, and their conviction to always put their most fashionable foot forward, remind me of both my Grandmother and Great Grandmother.  If the mailman was the only person she was to see that day my Grandmother was dressed to impress, masterfully accessorized, donning a perfectly coiffed hairstyle, finished off with a bright red or pink lipstick.

Below are a few recent images from Advanced Style.  Be sure to head over there, and actually, you should lock this one in your feed.  We could all take a fashion hint from these fearless style setters. 

I ordered the documentary and cannot wait to watch it this weekend with a girlfriend over wine and pasta.  I'll be sure to share my review!

Black + Pop Of Color

This week one of my awesome clients appeared on Good Day Carolinas for one of her repeat segments. Before I get into the fashion part, if you have middle school children in your life, you need Michelle and/or her program, Michelle in the Middle, in your life.  You thought middle school was tough then?  Well, you weren't alone, but lucky for kids today living in the Charlotte area, Michelle Icard is doing something BIG to change the difficult middle school paradigm. Through public speaking engagements and curriculum based programs, Michelle works with parents to help ease adolescent social stress. So proud to be associated with this totally cool gal.  Check out her most recent segment, here, as she encourages middle schoolers to take risks.

Naturally, the Michelle in the Middle Facebook page was blowing up with raves of excellence for Michelle's message. Not only that, however, fans were going crazy for her skirt!  Michelle paired a simple black top, black tights and black booties with a pop of color in this chartreuse mini from J.Crew.  Easy as that! 

Bring your black basics center stage with a bright pop of color, and you'll be leading the charge. Below are a few options for you, and don't forget the booties and a great bag too!

If the exact color does not appear below, click on the item you like for more options...

Altuzarra For Target

Target is back with their most recent high fashion collaboration.  This time it's with Joseph Altuzarra. Blending French sophistication with American ease, the designer aims to "instill a feeling of power, confidence and beauty in women everywhere."  The line features Altuzarra's signature sleek tailoring, feminine dresses, shoes and belts.  Sure it's about the clothes, but I think one of the most attractive elements of this campaign is choosing Czech model and actress Eva Herzigova for the face of the collaborative line.  You may shop the entire line on both Target's website or via one of my favorite on line shopping sites, NET A PORTER.  I think the latter's styling does wonders in marketing the line.  Shop a few of my favorites here... 

Cherry Pie

I had the best time styling these four cat walkers for J.T. Posh at this year's fifth annual Style Night Out. When I was informed the song our gals would be strutting their stuff to was Cherry Pie by 80's hair band, Warrant, head to toe Rocker Chic was the only thing that came to mind. The goal was to showcase J.T. Posh's awesome assortment of designer duds available at a fraction of the original cost. On display were threads by everyone from Halston Heritage to Fendi to Michael Kors to Haute Hippie, and the finest furs in Charlotte, from Douglas and Montaldo's Furs.

What do you think?  I wish you could have seen the girls working their little cherry pies in hand! And below, a few behind the scenes...

Zach Alston Photography and Photgraphy by Austin Caine

Dying Over This Hand Bag

It's ALL here.  Check it out in my recent post over at Charlotte Parent Magazine.

View fullsize

Styling Avery Viditz-Ward

Model: Avery Vitz-Ward The Society Management. Photography: Zach Alston.  Hair and Makeup: Shaun Colomb.

This was my first time working with young stunner Avery Vitz-Ward.  The theme for our shoot was white and wood, and we repeated hints of navy blue or black throughout as well.  This 16 year old glamazon who recently signed to The Society Management Group (Adriana Lima) is a stunner at 5'10", with fierce moves to boot.  How great is the second picture?  I'm looking forward to great things ahead for Avery!

Styling Allison Dunavant

Photography: Kristia Knowles and Doug Brooks.  Lighting: Carl Miller. Model: Allison Dunavant. Wardrobe: Se Moi. Hair and Makeup: Deme Fourtounis. Videography: Kenneth Quiller II 

Without question, this is one of my favorite shoots ever.  It was an all star weekend jammed packed with models, clothes, make up, accessories, flashing lights, flying clothes, laughter and creativity just pouring from everyone on set. When I look at these pictures of model Allison Dunavant, the first thing always on the tip of my brain is Those Eyes.  She reminds me of Jodie Foster in Taxi Driver.  Is it just me?  See it all go down here.  Gaaahh! Those eyes!!

Stylish Tips For The Working Mom

Whether you work as a stay-at-home mom or outside the home, mamas are always working. This article is dedicated to the mama who heads for the office during the week and how to have clothes that fit for mom and career. See my top picks HERE, including quite possibly the most comfortable, quality made flat ever, which comes in array of colors and styles...

Vintage Corporate Cute

Suit: Belonged to my Great-Grandmother. Purse: Made by my Great, Great-Grandmother. Best bet is to search ebay, but here's a neat modern day bag and here. Shoes: Cole Haan from Constance Consignment. Turtleneck: CAbi. Tights: J. Crew. Sunglasses: Blinde, similar pair. Hair Comb: Jewelmint. Earrings: old, love this pair. Bracelets: My Great-Grandmother's, Grand-mother's, Grand-mother in law's, Stella & Dot. Rings: Tiffany, custom by Diamonds Direct.

I live in a banking city.  More banking resources are headquartered in Charlotte, NC than all but one U.S. city, New York City, of course.  We are also in the South, so by default, there are lots of rules on acceptable work attire.  Many of my friends work for a bank, and there's not much room for creativity in dress.  I suppose the point of this post is to show all of my corporate followers a way to dress appropriately so, yet still look cute and even better, not like everyone else with the black pants and cream blouse or navy suit and one and half inch pumps.  I wore this suit for one of my first interviews in New York City 14 years ago.  I had it tailored to fit.  I'll never forget walking down Madison Avenue and the number of times I was stopped over this suit.   It remains one of my absolute most favorite pieces.  So, my message today is to shop your local vintage and consignment stores.  Not only will you find something completely original, you will likely save a lot of your money and get triple your investment on the quality. There are so many other things I want to say about this outfit, but perhaps in another post.  Can you tell it's a favorite? :)

For the love of timeless, classic style...

Thank you so much for being here!  Whitley

Don't forget to enter the Meredith Jackson Design Jewelry Giveaway HERE!

Giorgio Armani In My Closet

Dress: Giorgio Armani thanks to summerbird. Jacket: My Great-Grandmother's. Purse: Chanel. Pumps: Tory Burch from summerbird. Sunglasses: Blinde, similar pair. Earrings: old, here's a pair. Bracelets: My Great-Grandmother's. Rings: Melinda Maria, Tiffany, Diamonds Direct. 

I know I say a lot of times here that so-and-so is my favorite new such-and-such, but this dress really might take the cake.  When my friends at summerbird asked me to assist with styling their runway looks for this year's Style Night Out, I about fell on my fanny when I tried on this dress. Truth be told, the already fashioned ensemble seen on the runway here (toward the bottom) did not need a thing from me. I think I did fall on my fanny, however, when summerbird gifted me the dress.  I love a tulip shaped hem line.  Could anything be more ladylike sophisticated? The dress originally retails for $1,695, but I was able to find it on line here discounted by 80%!

I hope you have an absolutely mahhvelous day! 

xx-Whitley

Neiman Marcus Fall Preview and What I Wore

Dress: BCBG Max Azria Runway (old) from Luna. Jacket: Banana Republic. Belt: Pink & Blue. Shoes: Steve Madden. Sunglasses: Blinde, here's a pair. Necklace: Belonged to my Grandmother-in-Law. Bracelets: Gift, vintage. Rings: Melinda Maria, Tiffany, Diamonds Direct.

I recently attended the Neiman Marcus at South Park Fall 2012 Preview event to learn about many fabulous things they have in store for the fall season.  From beauty brands to fall fashion and accessories, despite falling temps, it's all hot.  Admittedly, I have a lot to learn when it comes to make up and beauty products, but I was so impressed by the featured brands and their products, I found myself yearning to take better care of my skin and immediately wanting to get to work on my personal beauty presentation.  Brands shared with us included:

• Amore Pacific
• Bobbi Brown
• Chantecaille 
• Clinique
• Dior
• Estee Lauder 
• Sisley 
• Veneffect 

The morning proceeded with a fall fashion and accessories trend report which spoke to every cell in my body:

• Mixed Greens: Alone or in a combination, it's all about green to spruce your wardrobe.
• The Jacket: Lots of great coats and jackets from which to choose!
• The Smoking Slipper: The luxury loafer is the most flat out chic trend of the season.
• The Leather Leg: Second-skin tight or a little more loose fitting, leather (and waxed denim!) is everywhere this season.
• Navy: I am loving this hot color paired with brights and, yes, black!
• The Statement Handbag: Lots of shapes and sizes from which to choose... all luxurious.
• Borrowed From The Boys: Nothing Coco ever did was wrong.  Many have watched and learned.  Menswear influences for her, also known as the Androgynous look, is back. 
• Digital Prints: Modern and chic.  Layer it on and layer it all over; give me pattern!
• Brooches: The hottest accessory of the season; be it one alone or in a cluster.  Love.
• The Fall Face:  Bright red cherry lips.  Nudes are out, brights are now!

If you are in the Queen City, hop on over for a visit, and tell them the Queen City Style sent ya!

As ever, thank you, thank you, thank you for reading! xx-Whitley

Classic Timeless

Dress: Gio' Guerreri from V. Vill. Shoes: Steve Madden. Purse: Prada, for sale at One Stop Stylish Consignment. Sunglasses: Blinde, but here's a less expensive pair. Scarf: H&M, here's one. Earrings: old. Bracelets: My Grandmother's and Stella & Dot. Rings: Tiffany and custom by Diamonds Direct. 

Perhaps you've noticed some of the fabulous garb from emerging designer Cigi Guz I've recently been styling.  A few months ago I visited Cigi's speakeasy boutique, V. Vill, for the first time; a little room tucked far in the back of mega thrift store Value Village.  I put one foot in the door and my soul was full.  My eyes saw everything magical and more than they could stand; one of a kind vintage fashions cleverly hung by color and pattern in a low lit room full of intrigue.  Quirky yet cool, unique character and style oozed all around me.  (I think I met my match in the form of a boutique! :)  Then, I nearly lost my breath when I put on this Italian made dress.  V. Vill has recently closed but only to make room for major excitement in store from Cigi Guz and her team of talent.  Join me at Style Night Out tonight to catch a glimpse first hand, and stay tuned to the Queen City Style for more!

For the love of classic style...

Thank you SO much for being here!!  xxWhitley

Red and White Stripes for Work

As a follow up to yesterday's post, I was asked by a reader to create an outfit on a budget.  Thus, we are showcasing one dress styled three ways.  In yesterday's post, we styled this basic red and white striped dress for a casual day look.   As I mentioned yesterday, this dress cost less than $40; a steal if you ask me!  Today, we are styling the dress for the purpose of a work ensemble.

I exchanged yesterday's denim jacket for a classic white blazer, (mine is from an old BR skirt suit), to create a more tailored, professional look.

I kept some of the accessories--the earrings, rings and necklace, but I switched out the belt, opting for less eye grabbing, more neutral color, in order to keep the ensemble a little more on the reserved side.  

Additionally, I swapped the clutch for a small shoulder bag, the sandals for a pair of classic pumps, and the bracelet to coordinate with my shoes.

I kept the side braids in my hair, but I opted for a more sleek, pulled back 'do, which presents a more polished and professional look.

Dress: Pink & Blue at South Park Mall, here's one in red and white, and one in black and white, Jacket: Banana Republic (old), but here's one, Belt: Pink & Blue at South Park Mall, but here's one I love, Sunglasses: Blinde, here's a less expensive similar pair, Purse: Coach (old), here's one, Pumps: Belonged to my Great-Grandmother (so classic!), here's a fabulous pair, Earrings: Gifted, Necklace and Left arm bracelet: Belonged to my Grandmother, Right Arm Bracelet: ivy & leo, here's a favorite chain link bracelet, Ring: BCBG (old), but here's my favorite new statement ring. What do you think?  Is this a look you could wear to your office?  

I could see this possibly not working in the bank or courtroom, which make up a large contingency of professionals in the Queen City. Bring down the hem a few inches, and you should be just fine. Perhaps swap the dangling earrings for pearls or other studs.

Tailor the look so that it is appropriate for your work place.

For the love of mixing it up in great style!  Whitley