The Making Of A Photo Shoot About Trains

A little diversion from the SouthPark Magazine Fall Fashion pictures to share with you a few photos from the making of the Our State Magazine story about The Allure of Trains.  If you love romance, travel and nostalgia as much as I do, you will love this story.  This was my first time working with Our State Magazine, and I was absolutely taken by the beauty of these machines located at the North Carolina Transportation Museum.  I wanted to share a few images taken by husband and wife photography duo, Brett & Jessica, out of Raleigh. As you can see it was a grey day, but you never would have known it looking at the cover of the magazine...

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. 

Jeans That Charge Your Phone

There is really is something for everything.  Made By Girl blog editor, Jen Ramos clued me in on this one, and its just too good not share with you.  Have you ever been out an about for the day, fretting that your battery is going to run dead before your important call comes in, or you just really neeeeeed to see what your friends are doing tonight.  Well, this is just jean-ious.  Joe's Jeans has come out with the #Hello jean, a denim that charges your phone right in the pocket. With two small children, I am always on the go.  Because I need and want to be hands free, I often carry just my phone in my back pocket along with my ID and debit card, so this jean is actually quite brilliant if you ask me. Don't believe me.  Watch here....

The #Hello jean comes in a variety of colors.  I'm thinking about the grey pair for myself, because this color is great for casual during the day or paired with heels at night.  Check them out here...

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!

Royal Tenenbaum

Photography: Ellie Lacey and on Instagram, Shoes: Thanks to Julie Lopez, Sunglasses: Love Obsessed, Earrings: from ChezElle. Ring: Melinda Maria.

I actually have not seen the movie The Royal Tenenbaums, but for some reason when I saw these dark and moody images Cousin Ellie took, immediately I thought of Gwyneth Paltrow's character in the movie.  Perhaps it is the fur and side barrette, or again, the dark patina of the images.  It was a fun opportunity to wear this blush and metallic vintage dress I love so much from Charlotte's Hong Kong Vintage and my Julie Lopez python pumps.

Airport Style: Audrey Hepburn

I'm back with another Airport Style feature for my friends over at Peachy the Magazine.  This time I decided to take a look back to some great style setters of the 60's and 70's.  This first of three examples of great airport style is inspired by the quintessential lady-like lady, Audrey Hepburn.  Just click on the + to shop the look!

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.

Don't Stop Til You Get Enough

Photography: Ellie Lacey and on Instagram.  Pants: ASOS. Blouse: Cynthia Rowley. Jacket: Vintage from summerbird. Shoes: Brian Atwood. Hat: Eugenia Kim. Square Ring: Melinda Maria. Cross Bracelet: Thanks to blydesign. Earrings: from ChezElle Boutique.

I call this one of my "train wreck" or "sh&t mess" outfits.  I love it.  I just keep going and going and going. Coco said take one off.  I put one on.  I love it so much I just can't stop.  Michael said it too.  Don't stop 'til you get enough.  On this day, I just could not get enough.

I Wore Self Portrait

I recently attended the Carolina's 75 Most Stylish event hosted by Carolina STYLE Magazine.  It was so flattering to be included on their chosen list of most stylish, and boy was I in good company.

Roxy Owens, Richard Petty (let's just be honest, with his signature hat, belt buckle and dark sunglasses, the man is a style setter!), Liz and Clary Hilliard, Linda Martinez, sisters Elizabeth and Jacquelyn of Twine & Twig to name a few.  

I decided the event would be the perfect place to wear this little jumper by Self Portrait.  As you can see in the picture below, when they called my name first to come have my picture taken, I had no idea what to do before the camera in a sea of people standing and watching. When in doubt jazz hands and say cheese! 

Here are a few of my favorite current pieces from Self Portrait.  You can shop them all here, here and here, including my jumpsuit.

So Long, Farewell Piperlime

Ugh ugh ugh.  One of my favorite on line shopping sites, Piperlime, is closing their virtual doors. They also had a storefront in SoHo in Manhattan that, sadly, has closed doors too.  I went with Nic to their Grand Opening party.  It was so exciting to be able to step foot into the store that so quickly became one of my favorite on line destination go-to's for client shopping. Piperlime has masterfully carried (or at least I thought) a mix of everything from denim shorts to beaded sequin gowns in brands from 7 For All Mankind to Cynthia Rowley, at price points from $50 to $550.  Something for everyone.  Piperlime will close by the end of April, so get moving on the savings before the good stuff's all gone.  I've included a few of my current favorites here. 

Get Your Stretch On With Run For Your Life

I'm back with one more post with my running partners over at Run For Your Life. Today's post is about the importance of stretching.  While I won't be running the Boston Marathon this year, I think about my training last year and all of the friends I'll be cheering on in spirit this year.

If you are a runner who likes to visit the Queen City Style, here are a few stretches to keep your body flexible and muscles conditioned.  We used the Pro Tec Foam Roller to help stretch and stimulate the muscles for the following - hamstrings - IT band - quads and calves.  Roll each muscle back and forth 10 times, and do at least three sets. By doing these exercises on a daily basis it will help alleviate muscle and soft tissue tightness of the upper and lower back, IT band, hamstring, abductors, and upper arm + more. We also used the Deep Tissue Massage Ball which targets similar muscle groups but focus on smaller areas.

The key to Running is COMFORT! Running is hard enough, so it's important to be as comfortable as possible by wearing and using the following items... Moisture wicking clothes and socks...NO COTTON, Hats and Sport Sunglasses, Proper Shoes, Body Glide, Water Bottles and Belts.  With regard to nutrition, you should put something back in your body every 45 mins. All of these stretching and nutritional products are available at your local Run For Your Life.  Check out Run For Your Life's four locations.

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.

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!

A New Peachy!

I am so excited for my feature in the newest edition of Peachy the Magazine!  These ladies are so talented in every way, and the material is... STYLE FOR DAYS!  There is a wonderful feature on my very sweet dear incredibly talented running pal Taylor. Check it out here!

Rick Lee Photography, Model: Amy Werho, Marilyns Model and Talent Management, Hair and Makeup by Deme Fourtounis, Featuring Julie Lopez Shoes.

Halston + Warhol + Studio 54 Party!

The Mint Museum will be hosting a MOST exciting exhibit March 7 to June 14 featuring two of the greatest in the world of fashion and art. During the second half of the twentieth century, few figures are as iconic as fashion designer Roy Halston Frowick and pop artist Andy Warhol. Halston and Warhol: Silver and Suede is a captivating exhibition that, for the first time, unites the work of these two legendary men, offering a unique perspective on the intersections between their lives and creative practice. Organized by The Andy Warhol Museum in collaboration with Lesley Frowick (niece of Halston), Halston and Warhol integrates approximately 40 of Halston’s creations, including the iconic pillbox hat designed for Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and his signature Ultrasuede shirt dress, with a broad selection of paintings, photographs, and videos by Warhol.  This morning I attended a media tour of the exhibit, and I promise there is no level of disappointment on display.  In anticipation of the big Studio 54 Party to kick of the museum's exhibit, of course I had to wear Halston, in some fashion, to the party.  I found the below Halston IV dress at a vintage boutique in Brooklyn after scouring the internet like a hawk.  Of course this is not how I will be styling it for the event.  Just you wait...

On a personal note, my Grandmother sent me to see the one and only Liza Minnelli perform in New York City in 1999, right after I graduated college.  I was living in the city, and my Grandmother was too frail to travel to attend the show with me.  But I will never forget her call... "Daaaahhhling, Liza Minnelli is puhfawmen' in New Yahk City, and you simply must go.  I am sending you."  Seeing the Halston dresses and Warhol's work of Minnelli, Elizabeth Taylor, Bianca Jagger and others... It takes me back to Nana's stories and my own imagination in my head transforming me to that very special fantastic place in time. 

Photography: Ellie Lacey on Instagram. Dress: Vintage Halston IV from Amarcord Vintage Fashion. Earrings: from Chezelle Boutique. Bracelets: thanks to chloe + isabel by Ashlyn Milosch

GoodWill Good Deeds Week + Me

Goodwill Industries recently celebrated their 50th Anniversary. In observance, Goodwill of the Southern Piedmont teamed up with Charlotte Today for Goodwill's Week of Good Deeds, one for each week day. Goodwill was so kind to include me in this celebration.  As I said in a teaser on my Facebook page, it's not about the designer shades, fancy handbags or shoes. THIS is what it's about.  Thank you again Goodwill for letting me share this wonderful experience with you, sweet Raven and my friends at Charlotte Today!

Bergdorf

Suit:  Bergdorf Goodman, Purse: Vintage, Hat: Vintage, Sunglasses: Love Obsessed, Shoes: Cole Haan. Earrings: thanks to Geoflora Jewelry, Ring: Melinda Maria, Bracelet: Madewell 

This adorable and refined casual suit set is another one I recently inherited from a very sweet woman I have yet to meet.  I am doing everything I can to make that happen stat! (Read and see more here).  This particular outfit came straight from Bergdorf Goodman's in NYC.  I am not sure exactly how old it is, but judging from the fabric and style, my best guess would be at least 40-50 years. The purse was hers too, and the mink topper belonged to my Great Grandmother.  And, oh Cousin Ellie, I just can't get enough of you. 

Recap: East Boulevard Style Night

Photography: Ellie Lacey. Blouse: Andrew Gn. Skirt: Zara. Coat: Banana Republic (old). Shoes: thanks to J.Crew. Scarf: Vintage. Purse: Loeffler Randall. Ring: Melinda Maria. Necklaces: Stix + Stones

Such a fun night with fellow stylist, Julian Michael Clark at summerbird and Revolve, two of Charlotte's best for upscale consignment clothing.  It was a big 'ole party including vodka tastings of the magically delicious Three Hunters Vodka, noshing on yummy to the tummy chips, salsa and guac from Bakersfield, touch ups from Jeffre Scott and so much more. Earlier that day I received a fantastically fun surprise gift from J.Crew, these Roxie glossy leather pumps.  I couldn't not wear them, so like any excited girl with only 5 minutes to get ready would, I put them in front of me and started grabbing at whatever was right in front of me.  It was one of those I can't stop moments, as you can see.  After the party, I made a milk run in classic Carrie Bradshaw style.  Where else am I going to wear all of my beautiful things?!

Zumba Holly, Baby!

Zumba is such a HOT trend right now. At pretty much every gym you go to you can find a Zumba class. The music is hot, the dance moves are hot and the clothing line is so different than what you find any where else.  Since this is my job, and I teach Zumba almost every day I want to be happy in what I wear to teach, and it ends up that I live in these clothes. So while I am shaking my boo-tay I can look on par while doing the job I love, and for this post I have some really great clothes to show off!

I am in love with the Peace Perfect Long leggings in pink. They have the words peace and love all over them. Super lightweight and comfortable. I paired it with the Mirror Me Racerback in sew black with a big gold Z on the front. Love this top. The Racerback is one of my favorite styles of shirts.  Great fit. I threw on the Cold Shoulder Zip-Up in thunderin grey over top. Two different patters, but wild and crazy is always fun. The unique thing about this zip-up is you can unzip the shoulders to show off your sexy shoulders for a different look.

The next look was the Funky Cropped Harem Pant in white. I thought I would never wear these, but I fell in love with them. They feel great on and give a more relaxed look. I  paired them perfectly with the Mesh With Me Tank top in Sew Black, another favorite. It is a double layer tank with the Zumba logo showing through. 

The last few tops I just threw on with my old black Zumba leggings. The Burn It Up Bubble Racer Back in Thunderin' Grey looked great with the light black leggings. I loved how it looked almost like you had on two tops but it is one, and I like the loose fit and silver logo on the front.  The Frill Me Headliner Top in White is the best sweatshirt ever! It has a funky design on front and back. I have not only worn this to teach, but I have been sporting it all over town to pick the kids up from school, to go shopping, going out to dinner...you name it!

If you need a new sports bra the lifted lightly bra is the best sports bra I have ever owned. It has double straps that give it a fun look, but it supports great and is so amazingly soft. I have the Thunderin grey which goes with anything.  Last but not least are these CUTE shoes! The Zumba Super Fly Print sneaker is lightweight and breathable and has the Z-Slide that lets you move and slide with ease.

Mix and match many of these items to give you different looks, and take 'em to the streets looking super stylish!

Roxie Glossy Leather Blue Pumps

WOW!  I've never seen such excitement over a pair of shoes, and I'm so glad you like them.  I DO TOO!  SO here you go... the J.Crew Roxie Glossy Leather Pump in Brilliant Sea.  Get 'em before their gone!