Winter Coat 1: Camo Chic

If you're ever in the Ballantyne area of Charlotte on business or pleasure (golf, spa amazing spa, anyone?), or perhaps you reside in the area, be sure to pick up the current issue of Ballantyne Magazine and learn a little more about this bustling area of the QC. What was once developed as a geographic area on the south side of town has since grown into a community, if not a self sustaining city within a city.  There was a time when this very topic was one of the year's biggest, most controversial ones for our progressively, perhaps more accurately stated aggressively, growing city.  Etc etc etc etc.... back to the fashion...I had a blast putting together a fun outfit editorial built around the four most fab winter coats I could lay my hands on in our great city.  All very different, I hope you will enjoy, starting with this Camo Chic look inspired by my all time fav for street style, the incomparable Kate Moss.  

I'm thinking hard about these Free People Moto Boots, and these look a lot like Kate's!

Want to make your downtown utility look a little more uptown?  I love the lines on this utility inspired jacket.

Could Chloe BE any better??  I love the grommets on the Kurtis bag we used for this project.

Shop the entire look below to recreate this look for yourself!  Can't see the below images?  Click HERE.

A Sign Of The Times

The fashion editorial feature in the current issue of Southpark Magazine is so hot and bright the models even have to wear their shades!  But seriously, I can't tell you how excited this spread gets me.  Every project's outcome is a result of the sum of the parts, and let me tell you, we were definitely operating on all cylinders for this one.  As my father said when I proudly handed him a copy, "GREAT job.  You had a lot to work with here Whitley," followed by a boyish flirtatious smile.  Let's just say he wasn't referring to the clothes.  Models Taylor Sharpe and Hadley Hilton sizzle just like fiya (favorite Pink song!) in House of Landor vintage styles (and a few pieces from my personal collection), Addison Weeks jewels and sunglasses from Innovative Eye Care.  Joseph Bradley's camera lens tell no lie. Charlotte artist Windy O'Connor's home played the perfect back drop for telling our story of high style, and Adrienne McCann flawlessly maintained the vintage glam vibe with hair and makeup. What can I say?  I want it all.  Visit HERE for all wardrobe and accessory credits. 

Your Head Looks Weird

If you live in the Charlotte area, next time you are at SouthPark Mall or in the area, be sure to snag a copy of SouthPark Magazine.  I very worked hard on this one, along with an amazing team of individuals, businesses and boutiques, and I am flattered, humbled and excited to be a part the May issue.  The below picture is one in the series of images where I get to show off some really amazing clothes from a few of my favorite local boutiques.  My oldest son, Hank, now 7, saw the below image come up on my facebook page.  I couldn't help but chuckle at his reaction to seeing me dressed up like this.  (Let's be honest, I am a working mom of two active boys, the only time I look like this is for a photo shoot.  The next closest I come is on Sunday for church, date night or when I am meeting clients, but it is a loooong way off from this.

Hank: Mommy, is that you?
Me: (Excitedly) Yes!  What do you think? 
Hank: I don't get it.  it's weird.  Your head looks weird.  You look like you are someone else.
Me: Okay, well, does the rest of my body look like me?
Hank: Yea.
Me: Well, then do you at least like my outfit?
Hank: Why would I like it?!  I'm not a girl! (Runs upstairs to yell at little brother Worth for singing Let It Go again).

Ahh.  The honesty of a child.

Photography: Zach Alston. Hair and Makeup: Deme Fourtounis. Jumpsuit: Yoana Baraschi (from ChezElle), here in black. Kimono: Tracy Reese (from ChezElle), and here. Wedges: Jimmy Choo (from Coplon's) or here. Earrings: Kenneth J Lane (from Coplon's), similar here. Ring: Available at ChezElle. Necklace: by boe.