Chanel Quilted Purse

What She Wore: Stephen Wilson Art Meets Fashion At Capitol

I first met my sweet friend Renee at the Neiman Marcus store in Charlotte.  I'll never forget our chance encounter.  She was walking out, I was on my way into the store picking up items for a photo shoot.  I feel sure it was one of those days I was running (literally), outfitted in mismatched sweaty running gear.  She recognized me from my Instagram account and approached me looking so so sheek. She always does.  My friend is a beautiful warm one, inside and out, but I must say how much I love that she always dresses so put together. She takes the time and makes an effort with her appearance.  I feel that when we do make the extra effort it is a way of saying "I respect you and I respect myself."  Wearing a simple but elegant LoveShackFancy white cotton sundress topped off with a Zara tweed jacket, paired with sandals from Ann Taylor, pearl earrings and her trusty Chanel quilted purse, Renee recently looked stunning at the Stephen Wilson talk and exhibit at Capitol.

Renee Starke.JPG

Don't get me wrong, I know it is not always easy to do this every time we leave the house.  Sometimes we simply to do not have enough time to go the extra mile.  We are all so busy, moving at such high speeds from this thing to the next.  But then, as another super stylish friend pointed out to me... 

Something to think about.  Just sayin'.  Shop Renee's look for yourself or click HERE if you are unable to see the below images. 

Lace + Lace

Blouse: Vintage. Skirt: Thanks to The Boulevard at SouthEnd. Shoes: Cole Haan.  Purse: Chanel.  Earrings: Thanks to Chloe + Isabel by Ashlyn Milosch

More amazing photography by my very talented cousin Ellie.  Her eye from behind the lens is so hip and chic, and I love the hint of patina on her photographs.  It has just been very fun to spend this treasured time with family. This pink lace blouse is another piece I recently inherited from the sweet woman I have yet to meet and so badly want to.  (Read and see more here). I We spotted this fantastic old building and Airstream from across the highway while we were shooting Piles + Pipes.  I hope you have survived last week's rush of winter weather!

The Way You Make Me Feel

Blouse: Vintage.  Skirt: Alyssa Nicole  Bag: Chanel, Shoes: Cole Haan, Hat: Forever 21, Ring: Melinda Maria, Cuffs: thanks to Chloe & IsabelPhotography: Ellie Lacey, on Instagram

Christmas is in just four days!  Are you finished with all your holiday "to-do's" yet?  I'm almost finished but still have a few things to do.  I wrapped all the presents yesterday while my boys ran errands, and I planned the menu for the big Christmas Eve dinner I host for family at my house each year.  I really enjoy friends also being at our table, and this year I am looking forward to one of my best running friends and her sister joining us.

I also want to take this time to welcome my adorable, talented cousin Ellie (AKA Cousin Ellie) to the Queen City Style!  This is the second round of pictures she has taken, and I can't wait to share more with you.  I love her eye for such unique creative composition.  

Of course I know this has you asking where's Donna??  She is very much alive and kicking!  She is just in hot demand right now with her own clientele.  If you are looking for the very best in child and family photography in Charlotte, Donna's your girl! We have every intention of shooting again soon for the Queen City Style, and I can't wait to show you the bridal portraits we took of my gorgeous aesthetician friend, Sally.  Of course that will have to wait until after her big day!

If Blair And Sam Can Do It...


Dress: Topshop. Purse: Chanel. Headband: thanks to ZoeLynn & Co. Sunglasses: Blinde.  Shoes: Cole Haan. Ring: Melinda Maria

I am not one to normally copycat, and my biggest fashion nightmare is seeing someone else in anything I own, but when I spotted this dress on the never subtle, always ahead of time blogging starlet, Blair Eadie, I hit the purchase button immediately.  I always joke that the models almost always wear anything new of mine before I do.  Just because I love it, means I have to have it.  Just because I love it, however, doesn't mean I actually have anywhere to wear it.  In walk model for photo shoot.  Shoes, jewels, sunglasses and dresses, including this one, worn by the ethereal Samantha Mills, get worn by everybody but... ALMOST me.  Until these photos were taken.  the Queen City Style is my little make believe stage!