Street Style: Ballantyne

Last week I shared outfit credits for the look that made the cover of SouthPark Magazine's Fall Fashion issue. The Dilworth outfit may have been my favorite, because it is very true to my own personal style. Today's neighborhood Street Style outfit comes to you from the south side, Ballantyne.  I was easily inspired by the neighborhood's many opulent surroundings for this outfit.  The golf course, the resort, shopping centers, the neighborhood built around a country club... for me, while I would now categorize Ballanytne as one of Charlotte's oldest new neighborhoods, everything in the area still has a very clean, new, rich and elegant feeling about it.  And so, Chelsea's outfit.  I think you could call Ballanytne Charlotte's 'New Beverly Hills'.

Model: Chelsea Lewis, Photographer: Zach Alston, Hair and Makeup: Chelsea Kimrey.
Etro Coloblock Twisted Weave and Fur Vest from Neiman Marcus, Parker Ribbed Bodycon Dress, Joie Taupe Suede Boots, Heather Benjamin Ocean Jasper Stone Necklace at Sloan Boutique. JJ Winters Bree Clutch at KK Bloom, Jan Michaels Brass and Orange Stone Ring at ChezElle, Prada Sunglasses.

Ahead From The North

Photos: Ellie Lacey and on Instagram

Skirt: Mossimo Supply Co., Vest: Ralph Lauren, Shoes: thanks to Julie Lopez Shoes, Sunglasses: Blinde (similar), Earrings: thanks to Geoflora, Black Ring: Melinda Maria, Bracelets: Calf Hair, Geometric Cross Cuff thanks to Blydesign, Necklace: Jan Michaels

As you know, it's been a long, long time since I've hit the streets of Charlotte in search of the next coolest place for pictures here on the blog.  I ran into my precious cousin Ellie a couple of weeks ago while having coffee at 7th Street Public Market.  Can I just say I love family?  On my father's side my Grandmother was the youngest of 11, so as I'm sure you can image, there are a whole ton of them.  I was so excited when Ellie asked if we could take some photos.  I'm always up for an adventure, so when she suggested a spot North of the city that boasted amazing views of the skyline, I said let's do it! This expansive piece of pavement soon to be light rail served as a fun location for several photos to come.  It's a good thing we captured it when we did, because like most every other remaining piece of undeveloped land in the QC, as we look ahead, it is only a matter of time before it will be no more.

Styling Mollie Bradford

From a styling standpoint, this is probably one of my favorites of all time.  It's no secret I love, love dichotomous fashion.  In this case, I mixed some of the most fantastic vintage garments I could find.  If you are in the Charlotte area, surely you've visited Sleepy Poet Antique Mall. Sequestered in the middle (only because everything is sequestered in this unfathomable shop within a shop warehouse) is Kitschy-Cool-Vintage.  From costume to everyday wear, you will find some of the most unique pieces at an accessible (thank you for turned me onto this word Emily Maynard) price.  Zach Alston captured model Mollie as a China Doll dream.