SouthPark Mag: How It Went Down & Get It

Model: Chelsea Lewis, Photographer: Zach Alston, Hair and Makeup: Chelsea Kimrey.
Adrienne Landau Fur from Denim House, MinkPink Crop Top from KK Bloom, Alice + Olivia Loran floral jacquard skirt from Neiman Marcus, Eugenia Kim hat, Joie taupe suede boots and Nima jeweled clutch from Sloan, Twine & Twig Cowrie Collar, Chakoor silver bracelet from ChezElle.

I shared this photo last week at the bottom of a previous post.  This project is one of my favorites to date, if not my favorite.  A big thank you to SouthPark Magazine for putting their trust in me and giving me so much creative freedom for this shoot.  When I met with the Editor to discuss ideas for their Fall Fashion editorial, she asked me for my ideas.  My first question was "Do you have any parameters?"  Her answer?  "Fall Fashion".  Okay. Well, let's play ball!  I had not given it any forethought, because I was just so excited for a second opportunity to express my love of fashion on the pages of this great magazine.  But goodness, the proverbial flood gates were wide open.  No trends. No boring catalog sales pictures. Just straight up art, created with an amazing team and the intent to showcase the fall fashions available at some of Charlotte's hottest boutiques.  

The cover shot, taken in Dilworth, is one of my favorites. Just about every single items the model, Chelsea, is wearing, comes from a different store.  If you are interested in how the outfits came together, the crew came to my house; my basement transformed into a studio.  I mixed up some Buffalo Trace and Coke, along with fresh muddled cherries. We turned up the music, and suddenly I was that little girl at my Grandmother's house. Mixing and matching her clothes with my Great-Grandmother's.  This skirt, that hat, these shoes, that shirt, no this one, these earrings, this necklace, another necklace, oh wait one more.  Oh hell, just put 'em all on.  And so the outfits were born.  Not too much time, not a great deal of thought, but certainly a fair amount of discretion. If you live in the Queen City, be sure to visit these stores, or you may shop the post straight from this page, below the above image. 

Julie Lopez Shoes

I'm way over due sharing my excitement for this wonderful high fashion comfortable shoe handcrafted in the heart of Tuscany.  I was drafted to work with Julie Lopez Shoes to style their Spring and Summer catalog, and I fell in love with everything about the company... the shoes, the comfort, the fantastic mother daughter power duo running the company.  Check out all of their styles here, including my personal favorite, Layla.

ZuZu Kim Clothing and Bow Ties

Since I write for a number of publications, I am constantly being introduced to new and cool fashions, brands and accessories.  One line of clothing I received a friendly hello from back in the fall is ZuZu Kim. Christina Kim, a classical pianist, created the brand by designing striking and romantic clothing for her performances. This, in turn, inspired her to create the ready to wear ZuZu Kim brand.  I was first introduced to the brand's line of bow ties I happen to think are perfectly chic for both him and her, but once I dove into the website a bit further, I realized I couldn't take my eyes off of all of her sleek and alluring collections.  Check them out here.

Airport Style

Did you catch my Taste Maker piece over at Peachy?  Two words.  Airport Style.  This day in age, it's T totally under-rated and under- appreciated.  Airport travel has gotten less pleasurable with each flight, and we want to be comfortable as the aisles and seats continue to shrink.  This doesn't mean we can't continue to put our best foot forward.  Jennifer, Black and Kate are three ladies who encompass fashionable airport style.  They are dressed relatively casual, but they key is that they are put together. 

My ever style-setting grandmother, Martha Whitley, was and is my forever style icon. From a very early age, she instilled the importance of putting your best forward forward at all times. Putting the time into your personal appearance sends a message not only reflective of the confidence you have in yourself but also the respect you have for others. I saw Nana display this penchant for confident style later in life when the mailman was perhaps the only person she would see that day and earlier in her life when she would travel. She made it seem this was perhaps THE most imperative time to make a best impression with your appearance. The airport may be the first, last and only time you saw a fellow passenger or new friend, but your finest impression would be lasting.

Olivia Palermo + Charlotte Style Icons

This girl kills it. Every. Single. Time.  Olivia Palermo and your style, be still my beating heart.  Since my Grandmother, she may be the only one I have so admired. Honestly, at times, and I say this with total poise and confidence and without fear or hesitation (because I realize the bold nature of this statement), I truly feel she is one of the few I feel who gets it like I do.  Except for maybe Blair Eadie.  And, if you are here in Charlotte, Chezelle Boutique owner, Lauren. Girl is a trend setter.  The incomparable Alex Holleman and Interior Design one of a kind, Barrie Benson. None of this copy cat head to toe preppy prissy stuff.  Straight up original, craft, strength, talent.  

One thing I do want to point out is that money CAN buy you amazing garments that not only ARE but aldo look and feel rich.  We cannot all dress this way, but that does not mean it cannot be achieved.  I would like to think I am an example of this.  More on that later... Below are a few of Olivia's recent shots for Cosmopolitan Magazine. And, yes, I have already reached out to Zach to shoot me as close to this as possible.  I have an email into said person to borrow house for location, and I hope the stores will see it their worthwhile to lend me their most magnifique clothes and accouterments!

Belk Spring Fashion Preview

I recently attended the Belk Spring Fashion Preview with Belk VP of Trend Merchandising, Arlene Goldstein.   According to Belk, Spring 2015 is going to be all about the "Modern Mashup"  As with each preview, Belk presented their take on the versatile yet striking trends for the season to come.

• Garden Party - I for one, can't imagine I'll ever tire of flowers used in fashion.  Belk presented this trend for Spring to include dreamy pales and mid-tones, a wardrobe of whites, florals and beautiful botanicals. Lace-like textiles, sheers, intricate appliques, embroideries, and crystal pleats. Flower-motifs and amazing accessories like colorful stone treatments, pearl variations and statement earrings.

• Sport Chic -Borrowed from the gym. Performance fabrics like jersey, double knits, nylon mesh and scuba complemented by innovative perfs, color blocking and contrast zippers. Athletic-inspired hoodies, bombers, halters and jog pants paired with more polished items. Stylish sneakers, new-age backpacks and totes.

Spare Me - Architectural forms like A-line, columns and trumpet skirts, along with tunics, over-sized shirts and trapeze dresses. Advanced shine, sheers, unexpected fabric mixes and coated surfaces. Bold stripes, artistic scribble, and grids. Bold cuffs, chokers, over-sized clutches, mini bags, and shoes with bottom interest.  You had me at "Unexpected"

• Islander -Pattern mixes, wraps, ties, tassels and fringe. Exotic details include beading and embroideries with eye-catching bright colors. Arm candy, big gold hoops, statement earrings, head wraps and strappy sandals with bold bottoms.

Be sure to also check out the Women's Most Wanted and Men's Most Wanted List!  Fellow stylist and my new friend Chelsie Ravenell styled the Men's Most Wanted List.  Check out his Instagram here.  So fly.

Love It, Wear It: Mottahedeh Tobacco Leaf

Today's outfit inspiration comes by way of the stunningly colorful Tobacco Leaf Plate.  I have loved this pattern for a long time.  It reminds me of the collection in my Grandparent's china cabinet that I would stare at from the time I was a little girl.  Roosters and cherry blossoms rimmed in gold!  What could be more exquisite?

Back to our Tobacco Leaf post, according to the Mottahedeh website, this one is a design whose style has been represented at least eleven different ways.  Produced in 18th century China, 'it is a profusion in 27 colors and high fire cobalt, accented with gold'.  Who, besides Carrie Bradshaw and me, wouldn't want to wear an outfit as bold and sophisticated as this plate?  Well now you can, because Chelsea's thrown together a little fancy...

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 & Isabel, Photography: 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!

Lolabean Lightening Bolt

I think most of you know I am somewhat of a runoholic and that I ran the Kiawah Marathon last weekend.  I was nervous going into the race since I have maintained some sort of injury for the better part of the last 12-18 months.  This was the first race in at least that long that I was showing up for totally injury free and healthy.  Totally awesome but also scary at the same time. I realized my speedy training at both short and long distances was likely what was causing the break down.  I ran a conservative race at Kiawah, felt great and qualified for Boston again in 2016!  This my third marathon, and I was about a minute shy of my fastest finish, BUT I placed 5th in my age division, so I am very happy with the entire experience and feel very blessed.  If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you likely saw this awesome Lightening Bolt necklace from Lolabean, sent to me by way of an awesome friend of one of my hippest friends.  I wore my Lightening Bolt necklace as a good luck charm for fast feet during my race.  It worked!

Want to a Lightening Bolt swift feet good luck charm like mine?  Through January 1st Lolabean is offering 20% off all products to all readers of the Queen City Style.  Shop all their delicate wonders here, and enter code queencitystyle20.

What The Hell Is A Pork Lawn?

Photography by: Joseph Bradley Photography.  Wardrobe c/o: Taylor, Richards & Conger, Banana Republic.

Styling Darin McEntee was easy an the eyes.  What more is there to say?  Oh, well he did give me a replay of the most hysterical episode of Family Fued of all time, and I almost peed in my pants in his passenger seat.  Whether you like pork or don't care for it, you NEED this for your hump day.  

Meeting Betsey Johnson

A big, huge thanks to Belk for including me in a private meet and greet with American fashion designer icon Betsey Johnson.  I've loved and worn Betsey's designs for years.  Known for her whimsical designs often considered over the top, I adore Betsey's ingenuity and joyful spirit. Three of my wedding party dresses were Betsey Johnson designs, all from Belk Southpark.. who knew?!  The day of the event was a typically frigid November one.  My satin plunging sweetheart neckline frock was the most temperature appropriate fabric, though still the furthest thing from warm.  That did not stop me from finding a way to wear it, and I'm so glad I did, because Betsey got very excited.  She spotted her "vintage" design immediately, and just as she did with everyone else she posed, she threw her arms around my neck in precious glee. If I had to narrow her (little) known attributes down to just two, aside from her effervescent splendor, it would be she still busts out a cartwheel like few 72 year olds can do, and I just read that she graduated from college Phi Beta Kappa.  Cool as sh&t and smart as a whip. Betsey Forever!

Clever Clutch

This post is precipitated by that lovely little lad in the far left bottom corner.  I saw the lucite blox clutch (by Rafe New York) with it's tortoise and marble pattern swirling right off the pages of my InStyle Magazine, and it had to be mine.  Then, I got to wondering, how many other stellar box clutches are out there just waiting to be had.  Turns out there a right many. The only determination will be which one will you be carrying with your LBD this holiday season and to forever and eternity?  Shop below a few that caught my eye.

Behind The Scenes Fav For The Ladies

In preparation for an upcoming photo shoot on Thursday, I came across one of my favorite Behind The Scenes videos.  It is one of my favorites for many reasons, but if you are female (or not), there's likely really no guess work.  Happy play and rewinding. Click and watch.

Killer Dresses Right Now

So yes, I have a thing for dresses. A  major thing, and I've had it since high school. I have been collecting cocktail dresses for longer than I remember.  Even if there was no occasion.  Literally, I have dresses with tags on them since high school.  As a wardrobe stylist, I would tell you to purge 'em... unless they are just works of are that are that cool.  OR unless you write a fashion blog and you think there might come a day you will use it if for no other reason than to play dress up and get your picture taken, acting like you didn't actually know you were having your picture taken, but you did.  Because you write a blog.  If you do, you know.  Look, I've been playing dress up since I plopped from my mother's womb, and I don't think I will ever stop.  Consider this an invitation to in-box me if you want to pop a cork on the bubbly, turn the tunes way up high and join the twirling fantasy.  The only question is: Which dress shall we wear when we do?    

Three

It's been three years since I launched this little place in internet space.  I can't believe it's been three years!  It's been so fun growing, learning, all the challenges, all of the fun, the amazing, awesome people I meet. The creative opportunities, my BUSINESS which has grown out of this little place in internet space.  Never did I think a private hobby would grow to be my dreams coming true.  Literally!  This whole fashion/style obsession started for me as a teeny thing, and now I have finally found a way to make my passion into something REAL!  I don't think I will ever be able to fully convey the joy I have felt, as a result.  Every. Step. Of. The. Way.  And new even more exciting things are yet to come.  Thank you to everyone who has commented here, not commented but enjoyed reading, reached across the produce aisle to introduce do themselves to me or flung themselves into a late night introductory embrace at Selwyn Pub. Meeting readers is the coolest thing... until that person says "Whoa Crazy Nelly. We just met. You can stop hugging me now!"  That's really the only way I know how to be though.  Grateful. Happy. Overjoyed. Thanks for being here.  Whether you've been following along the journey for the last three years, or you stumbled upon the Queen City Style yesterday, thanks for being here.  A few favorites from over the years...

Laugh And Glo

Grab a girlfriend or five and join me at gorgeousGlo, my favorite spray tanning boutique in the QC, for a night of bubbles, bites, laughter and fun.  (Operated by the same awesome gals who style my hair at BLo ouT, in my most important times of need!)  Come see what all the gab is about!

You Can Leave Your Vest On

I have been shopping for fur vests for the last week for two clients, and as a result of my determination to uncover every last viable option, considering quality and price, I can with an insurmountable level of confidence, unequivocally, I am the authority on the current vest market, at least as it pertains to my own personal taste!  But truly, if you love a good vest as much as I do, I hope you enjoy my round up of all things vest from everyday casual to wanna be duck hunter to fancy night out on the town!

Some more outfit inspiration for you!

In The Pink With Ralph Lauren and Belk

We all know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  With that comes a whole lotta pink, and there is NO shortage of this pretty color over at Belk!  Last week I visited the Belk Corporate Headquarters for an exciting announcement of all things PINK at Belk during the month of October and year round.  At the event, through a special collaboration, the Lauren Ralph Lauren brand presented their Lauren Pink line of products to be sold at all Belk stores and on line where 10% of all of products sold are donated to the Belk Women's Health Fund at Foundation For The Carolinas. I also took a tour of the Belk Mobile Mammography Bus that visits Belk stores around the country, year round, offering free mammograms to the community. I had no idea... what an impressive way to give back! View tour dates here to get your free mammogram, and of course, outfit details are at the bottom of this post!

Dress: W By Worth. Shoes: Calvin Klein (old). Earrings: thanks to Chloe & Isabel. Purse: My Great Grandmother's. Ring: Melinda Maria. Sunglasses: Kate Spade (similar here).

Shopbop Til You Drop

My favorite on-line retailer is having a sale.  If you haven't shopped Shopbop, you are definitely missing out, but I'm guessing if you come here often, you already know how much I love them. That, and you're already on top of your shopping game as it is, so you don't need me to tell you yin from yang.  BUT... Shopbop is having a big ole hunkin' sale.  Dresses, denim, the very best bags, booties galore and hats... HATS!  A few of my 'favorite, how will I say no', are pictured below!  Have fun! 

Outfit Details: Carolina Panthers Style Lounge

Many of you have asked for the 411 on the outfit I wore Saturday to the Carolina Panthers Style Lounge, so here it is! And if you hurry, DVF (the dress) is having an extra 25% off sale through the end of today, and J.Crew (the tights and turtleneck) is offering an extra 40% off final sale items!