Street Style: NODA

Model: Chelsea Lewis, Photographer: Zach Alston, Hair and Makeup: Chelsea Kimrey.
Coat: DVF, Dress: Opening Ceremony, Bag: Rafe New York, Shoes: Coclico, Necklaces: Twine & Twig, Earrings: Kendra Scott

Better late, late, late than never, NODA is the last neighborhood featured in our Fall Fashion Street Style photo shoot for Southpark Magazine.  When browsing Neiman Marcus to pull items for the shoot I knew I had to have the DVF coat.  A stunner on it's own, I found it a perfect pair with my own Opening Ceremony button front dress.  It's hard to see it, but I found the colors perfectly comparing and the pattern a perfect contrast, topped off with a chunky layering of Twine + Twig necklaces by my sister designer friends Elizabeth and Jacqueline and grounded by one of my favorite chunky sandals by Coclico. 

Street Style: Plaza Midwood

We are closing into Christmas, and I am slowly but surely getting close to have shared all of the photos from the Southpark Magazine's FALL FASHION Issue.  Despite the fact that it is definitely too cold to still wear the below dress, at least if you are in Charlotte, I hope you are still enjoying the outstanding fashion.  This truly was my favorite photo shoot to date.  I loved moving from one neighborhood to the next around the Queen City.  At the complete opposite end of the spectrum from Ballantyne, Plaza Midwood is one of Charlotte's most eclectic and a favorite for many.  Outside of the one photographed in the below image, I'm having a hard time to think of another Dairy Queen located in Charlotte. If there is, this one is definitely a fan favorite.  In a city where everything seems to keep getting torn down for "bigger, newer and better" (I call hogwash on better), this DQ is the OG.  We kept Chelsea styled down and totally fun for this shot, just like the neighborhood. 

Model: Chelsea Lewis, Photographer: Zach Alston, Hair and Makeup: Chelsea Kimrey.
Nicholas K Dress and assorted Thakoor silver jewelry from ChezElle Boutique

Street Style: Midtown + Kristin Hayes Jewelry

This was my Madonna shot.  I think it all came together in my head that this Midtown needed an outfit like this.  It is thrown together with this sorta gaudy, sorta cool 80's mixed mashed type of style.  I think about the old Midtown Mall, which previously served the community for decades, right where Chelsea is riding up the escalator by Best Buy at what became today's Metropolitan. Chelsea looks very late 80's/early 90's sexy and hot yet demure behind those red lips, side swiped hair and gobbed on mix and matched accessories.  Basically, I cannot ever get enough of my special friend Kristin Hayes' vintage caviar for jewelry.  QC Exclusive  just included her in their current issue.  Check it out on news stands all over the QC.  I can't help but wonder if they secret shopped my Instagram in order to further popularize my not for long hidden gem soon to be super star.  Having two young boys, I knew just what to expect on an escalator, but Zach capturing this photo was so impressive to watch.

Model: Chelsea Lewis, Photographer: Zach Alston, Hair and Makeup: Chelsea Kimrey.
Keepsake Subtract Dress and Miss Mochilla bag from KK Bloom, Vivetta Botanica Shirt from Capitol, BCBGeneration Carnival Dress Sandals from Sloan Boutique.

Click HERE to shop Chelsea's outfit.  Also, be sure to nab the current issue of Southpark Magazine to see lots more of Kristin Hayes Jewelry, as well as Carolina Bride in January.  Your bridesmaids will covet your taste and style.

Street Style: SouthEnd

Model: Chelsea Lewis, Photographer: Zach Alston, Hair/Makeup: Chelsea Kimrey. Black Sheep Skate Shop.
Indie Ella Kimono, Keepsake Playsuit, Jan Michaels Brass Flower Pin from ChezElle, Koolabura Fringe Booties from Sloan, Mere Jewelry Earrings from KK Bloom, Cleo Cuff c/o eb jewelry studio, Cross Necklace c/o Boho Beads, Addison Weeks Pink Opal Bendall Cuff

Hi Everyone!  I'm back with another outfit from SouthPark Magazine's Fall Fashion issue.  This might be my favorite of the collection.  I think it isn't any one specific element but every aspect combined.  The outfit, Chelsea's look at the lens, her natural hair, and most of all, the skateboarders cruising by and candidly jumping into the shot with a "supermodel" one by one... Zach just kept snapping, and voila!  Picture perfect.  

I can't believe it, but I have been absent for almost a month!  I was at a brewery run one night a couple of weeks ago and someone asked me, "are you still writing on the blog?"  It made me feel so good to know the Queen City Style was missed!  Times flies when you're... busy. Not a day goes by I don't think about the Queen City Style and what an important part of my life this blog has served, so thank you for being here.  

Street Style: Uptown Funk You Up

Model: Chelsea Lewis, Photographer: Zach Alston, Hair and Makeup: Chelsea Kimrey.
The Row Zip Front Long Sleeve Mini Dress at Neiman Marcus, Hermes Vintage Silk Scarf from J.T. Posh, J. Crew Ankle Strap Leather Heels, GiGi New York Clutch from Monkee's of Charlotte, Kate Spade Sunglasses. 

Because I can't get enough of Russian "princess" Miroslava Duma.  That's pretty much it.  Oh, and I really ladies would DRESS to impress uptown.  That, and this photo opp was another chance to put my Hermes Silk Scarf (purchased at a fraction of retail at J.T. Posh) to befitting use.  That was my inspiration for the Uptown Street Style look for SouthPark Magazine's Fall Fashion issue...

Street Style: SouthPark II

Model: Chelsea Lewis, Photographer: Zach Alston, Hair and Makeup: Chelsea Kimrey.
Alice + Olivia Luisa A-Line Midi Skirt at Neiman Marcus, Enza Costa Printed Cashmere Sweater from Denim House, Joie Paxton Laser-Cut Bootie, Ceri Hoover Pony Hair (also here) and Heather Benjamin Antique Tusk Ring from Sloan, Vintage Chanel Chain Necklace at Monkee's of Charlotte (also these earrings), Kristin Hayes Jewelry Vintage Brooch, Chain and Stone Necklace, Earrings from ChezElle, Blydesign Brass and Floral Cuff, Alexis Bittar Assorted Lucite Braclets from Denim House (also here and here), eb jewelry Studio Green Quartz Cleo Cuff

Street Style: SouthPark I

The third look for SouthPark Magazine's Street Style photo shoot was one of two we granted to the SouthPark, given the neighborhood is the magazine's namesake.  This was the first time I have worked with Paul Simon or Paul Simon Women on a project.  I haven't been in the store in years, and to be quite honest, I had the stereotype in my head that this was a place for only my Mom to shop.  Not so.  I look at Chelsea's chic modern look, and I don't think "my Mom's clothes" for one second.  I always tell my client that the fit is the very most important thing with your clothes.  Secondly, the styling is what personalizes an outfit.  The three pieces; the pants, sleeveless turtleneck sweater and cape, all from Paul Simon Women, are the base pieces to this outfit. It's no secret that fringe might be the fall season's single most popular trend, so the cape was my starter piece. The end result could have gone in a number of directions.  The hat, one of my most prized pieces from my personal collection, is a total statement maker. For whatever reason, Chelsea's makeup, hair and hat, (Kudos to HMU Artist Chelsea Kimrey) remind me of a Parisian Nancy Sinatra.  The Loeffler Randall Rider Bag is also my own. After hours and hours of souring boutiques all over Charlotte and coming back to the studio with an arsenal of options, I still found this one to be the best fit for the overall look.

Model: Chelsea Lewis, Photographer: Zach Alston, Hair and Makeup: Chelsea Kimrey.
Rani Cashmere Fringe Cape, Autumn Cashmere Cotton Cable-Knit Sleeveless Sweater and Lisette Same Plaid Stretch Pants from Paul Simon Women Cole Haan Boots, Eugenia Kim Hat, Loeffler Randall Medium Rider Bag, Double Happiness Necklace at Sloan Boutique. 

Alice + Olivia On Sale!

One of my very favorite modern day designers is Stacey Bendet, CEO and Creative Director the fashion house of Alice and Olivia.  The global brand launched at Barneys in 2001 and is currently sold in over fifty countries. In the Queen City, you can shop Alice and Olivia at Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom.  I adore this three piece suit of shorts, top and jacket I used in one of the looks in the May issue of SouthPark Magazine.

Shop my favorite current Alice + Olivia items below on Sale up to 75% Off!  Now is the time to do it ladies, because these are the best prices you'll ever see for these one of a kind pieces, and once their gone, their gone! 

Olivia Palermo, The Band Jacket And Me

Last week I couldn't help but throw myself a virtual deuce when I opened up my WhoWhatWear email to see none other than the one and only Olivia Palermo in the headlines wearing a jacket the publishers stamped with a big APPROVED by the one and only most impeccably dressed of all impeccably dressed women. This would typically come with no added excitement or surprise for that matter except for the fact that the jacket she was wearing, a Band Jacket, reminded me of the one I just wore in a Christmas photo shoot three weeks prior.  Even more, it resembled the one I styled on super model Amy Lemons in Charlottesville, Va. last Fall.

I'm just going to seize this as an opportunity to say I'd be lying if I didn't say I love hitting the trends before they actually become a trend.  Want to jump on the Band Jacket band wagon? Here are a few of my current favorites for your lassoing pleasure. 

'Tis The Season

Photograhy: Zach Alston. Models: Emma Claris and Tyler Von Seggern (Marilyn's Model and Talent Management). Hair and Makeup: Tia Rivers. Freaturing Kristin Hayes Jewelry.

'Tis the Season from one very special young couple on their first Christmas together!  This photo shoot with models Emma and Tyler was so much fun.  Everything about it was so magical and perfect.  Thank you to a good friend for opening her gorgeous home.  It was all made for a very prominent magazine if you ask me!  I had to get in on the action in the last picture.  How do you like my sexy tough model pose?  Ha!  Merry Christmas Everyone! I hope yours was filled with love, laughter, family and eggnog to your hearts delight.

American Town + Italian Style

If you're into fine Italian fashion, be sure to check out my latest styling project, featuring Brunello Cucinelli for Fort Mill Magazine.  The story accompanying the photo shoot shares conversations with the designer from a small town with big time dreams, also highlighting Rock Hill, SC native country recording artist, Zach Ludlam, serving as a clever analogy to Cucinelli. The publishers of Fort Mill Magazine are tireless in their efforts to put a heartbeat back into Main Street while maintaining a strong focus on local business. Read the entire story here.  I am proud to say my Grandfather operated the Easy Pay Store, Fort Mill's general store, for 43 years.  It was located behind me in the below picture, right on the corner of Main St. and Confederate St. 

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.

Tastemaker Tuesday

Shirt: Andrew Gn from Capitol.  Skirt: Crinoline gifted from a client!  Shoes: B Brian Atwood also love these and these.  Black Ring: Melinda Maria. Pillows: West Elm, World Market and arianna belle. Chair: Kartell, or this is a great price.   Photography: Zach Alston.  Hair and Makeup: Deme Jamie Fourtounis.

If you, like me, love all things stylish... fashion, entertaining, interior design, home and gardens, architecture, food and wine, and on and on and on... you gotta get on board with Peachy the Magazine. From Dallas to New York City to Chicago to Santa Barbara, Charleston, Charlotte, Birmingham and more, Peachy delivers straight to your in-box all of the most stylish city's most stylish things to you, and it's your lucky day!  Peachy is giving away a free subscription to readers of the Queen City Style.  Just plug your email address in HERE.  And so, as you can imagine, when the publishers over at Peachy recently asked me to contribute as one of their Tastemakers, I was all kinds of keen. Since my personal style aesthetic is typically an eclectic mix of high and low, we decided to use the outfit above as outfit inspiration.  Every girl needs a big fat crinoline in their closet.  Am I wrong?  Each of the below looks incorporates one super luxe item, like the blouse I'm wearing above, but at a much reduced price.  Paired with one of a kind accouterments and more accessible add-ons, get ready to knock 'em dead.  Trust me on this.

Anthropologie Estrellado Drops $58, J.Crew Crystal Cluster Bracelet $78, Cleobella Chandi Wristlet $136, Anthropologie Azusa Shell Blouse $118, Anthropologie Sequin Belt $48, Jason Wu Snake Print Strappy Cage Sandal $537, Crinoline Skirt $59.99

Thu Thu Aerial Cord Dress $370, J.Crew Crystal Tassel Earrings $68, Melinda Maria Band Ring $98, Time’s Arrow Zipper Continental $186, J.Crew Ribbed Tights $27, Rachel Zoe Ankle Boot $277

MSGM Floral Print Cotton Dress $286, Etsy Opal Abyss Studs $48, Revolve Clothing Vivien Sunglasses $60, Gap Denim Jacket $70, J.Crew Tortoise And Stone Cuff $78, Steven By Steve Madden Sandal $119

Styling Avery Viditz-Ward

Model: Avery Vitz-Ward The Society Management. Photography: Zach Alston.  Hair and Makeup: Shaun Colomb.

This was my first time working with young stunner Avery Vitz-Ward.  The theme for our shoot was white and wood, and we repeated hints of navy blue or black throughout as well.  This 16 year old glamazon who recently signed to The Society Management Group (Adriana Lima) is a stunner at 5'10", with fierce moves to boot.  How great is the second picture?  I'm looking forward to great things ahead for Avery!

Cowboy Baby

Model: Dustin McNeer (Directions USA) Photography: Zach Alston. Hair and Makeup: Shaun Colomb. On location: Sugaree Ranch of Horsemanship

Ride 'Em Cowboy Dustin!  Nothing more to say about this precious lad.  

(Oh, and yes, he is an Abercrombie & Fitch model).

Styling Jake Mercer and McKenzie Walden

Models: Jake Mercer, Boss Models and McKenzie Walden, Tout. Photography: Zach Alston. Hair: Shaun Colomb Makeup: Teri-Lyn Hiroshige. Wardrobe Assistant: Arianna Gallardo

Just a touch of sexy for your weekend from one of my favorite shoots.  Hope yours is smashing!

Styling Nick Silverstein At The Humane Society Of Charlotte

Clothing provided by: Belk, Blank Canvas, Silverfly and Taylor, Richards & Conger,

I reached out to some of the best in Charlotte's menswear for this comical and fun photo shoot styling Nick Silverstein at The Humane Society of Charlotte.  Photographed by the wildly talented young chap, Zach Alston, along with makeup and hair styled by Deme Fourtounis, Nick's exotic smoldering good looks deemed a perfect pair for our morning on set with our kittens and pups.