Fantastic Flats, Bags and Belts For A Client

I haven't figured out how to share this type of code in a presentable manner for just a client via email, so you are getting a front row seat to my personal shopping and recommendations to her for fantastic flats, bags and belts.  As a small business gal/working mama/entrepreneur, I love to support local.  However, sometimes that shoe doesn't fit, so I look to on-line shopping where I have the retail world at my finger tips and am able to locate exactly what I know I want in just few key strokes.  So to that, this post includes my suggestions for classic driving moccasins as well as some more church going flats, work bags and casual cool belts for 'Client Kippa O Cool'. In case you were wondering, that's my alias for this so cute baller sales working mama whose personal style goals channel that of Kate meets Pippa meets Jackie O.  Not a bad place to wanna be, and she's on it.  Click HERE if you cannot view in your reader...

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.

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. 

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!

The Carolinas Most Stylish

As if ONE isn't enough, Carolina STYLE is fresh off of the heels of the Winter Book making plans to unveil their second coffee table book, The Carolinas Most Stylish, celebrating people in the fashion, beauty, entertainment, business and non profit industries who are making a real impact in their community.  My list of nominees includes clients and colleagues, as well as a few individuals I think already have killer taste, but I wouldn't mind adding to my client roster.  Nominate your picks for the Carolinas Most Stylish here!

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...

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. 

Let The Shopping Begin!

This holiday season, I'm gonna hit you with the coolest stuff on the market.  I love, LOVE gift giving.  I love giving things I'd like to receive and things I think remind me of the recipient.  And when in doubt, giving dope gifts is always a winner.  How can you say no to any of those funsies up there?  Happy Shopping!  Gobble. Gobble.  Furbish Studio rocks!

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.

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...

J.Crew Factory Mega Sale

Remember this outfit?  My Mom On The Go one built by (almost) all things awesome from J.Crew Factory?

Well, J.Crew Factory is having a BIG sale on ALL these things and more... A whopping 50% off all men's and women's clothes and 40% off all boys and girls. The sale runs through the end of day tomorrow, October 12, so this is the time to do your Christmas/Birthday/Father's Day/Best Friend shopping, friends.  The discount is taken after the below prices!

Shop my favorites FOR HER: 

Shop my favorites FOR HIM:

Catch Me On The Tube!

Hello everyone!  I'm super duper excited about one of my most recent collaborations.  If you follow me on Instagram, you may already know this week I'll be joined by some fellow fashion bloggers to participate in a special segment on Charlotte Today presented by Concord Mills. Be sure to tune into WCNC during the 11am hour both Tuesday and Thursday.  On Tuesday, we'll be sharing some great Mommy On The Go looks, and on Thursday, it's all about High Fashion For Less.  I can't wait to see what Dominique and Bethany will be styling!  For those of you with desk jobs, be sure to set your DVR's.  I promise there are some sweet deals you don't want to miss!

Style Night Out 2014

SO... what are YOU doing tomorrow night? If your not thinking stylish, then just keep on movin'! But if you think this might be a great night to grab a couple ton of girlfriends, open up the bubbly, crank up the tunes, and put your most stylish self on the front lines, then THIS is the night for you. Thursday, September 4th plays host to the fourth annual Style Night Out, Charlotte's most stylish night.  What are you waiting for?  I promise, it will be LOTS of fun, and absolutely will make for a magnificent night of people watching.  (What else?!)  Get more deets here, and then come find me.

Alexander McQueen Copied Me

When the above image from Shopbop's awesome Lookbook of the day came through yesterday, I immediately thought of my Grandmother's classic Pendleton Tartan Plaid Coat.  I love how the Shopbop editors styled the Alexander McQueen swing to showcase their look of Sophisticated Prep. Just goes to show you classics never go out of style.  Check out our original shoot here.

Shopbop is one of my absolute favorite on line shopping hubs, and if they say it's so, well it's so. Looks like tartan plaid is in for Fall!  Shop a few of my favorites below. 

This Is What Powerhouse Looks Like

Last night, cozied up tight in a room full of spirited, local powerhouse women, and a few equally successful men, I attended a unique and brilliant event at the Foundation For The Carolinas. The event, Elizabeth Street Capital, is the brain child of American fashion designer, Tory Burch, CEO & Designer of Tory Burch. Elizabeth Street Capital is an initiative set forth by the designer's foundation and Charlotte's own Bank of America, designed to provide women entrepreneurs in the U.S. with access to affordable loans, mentoring support and networking opportunities.  After vino, passed hors d'oeuvres and crudites, a brief panel discussion was led by the three you see below, Tom Montag, Co-Chief Operating Officer and Andrew Plepler, Corporate Social Responsibility Executive, both of Bank of America, and of course, the gal in the middle, Tory Burch.

Following the discussion, 14 of the Queen City's most successful female entrepreneurs and leaders in their respective fields shared brief personal tips of advice and wisdom for all prior to leading two round table discussions. I wanted to share a few that resonated most with me.

• Prior to founding the Tory Burch brand, the designer was the President of the internationally known luxury goods conglomerate, LVMH.  It was when she worked there, pregnant with her third child that she decided to switch gears and launch her own brand, working from her apartment.  She let us know she asked for help, a lot of it and from a lot of people.  The answer wasn't always yes, but she was tenacious.
• My friend Joanne O'Brien Beam, Chief Development Officer & Director of Non-Degree Programs, Wake Forest University Charlotte Campus (her own Alma Mater), insisted don't take the YES people.  It's the NO people who keep you hungry, learning and successful.
• Dee Dixon, CEO/Publisher, Pride Communications, hit a home run with the crowd when she delivered "Ladies, it's okay to want to make a LOT of money!"  I don't Ms. Dixon personally but I can't wait to give her a high five the next time I see her in spin class at the Dowd Y.
• Clary Hilliard Gray is the daughter and business partner of Liz Hilliard, Creator & Owner, Hilliard Studio Method.  Liz shared the duo's well known brand and philosophy encouraging women to Be Powerful.  Clary politely encouraged "don't be afraid to get rid of the people who are not supporting you and your goals," something that really resonated with me.  
• Leeann Shattuck, Chief Car Chick, Women's Automotive Solutions, explained that 80% of the time you may reach and not achieve, but it's the 20% of the time you do that makes all the difference.
• One of my round table discussion leaders, Sherre Demao, CEO/Strategy Maestro, SLD Unlimited Biz Growth Inc., shared her personal experience in running a business included a shift to the "General Contractor Model".  She encouraged small business owners to understand your own strengths and weaknesses and allow people on your team to do the high level stuff.  She also spoke of understanding your Psychographic; the reality of your market. It is important to know how your potential clients live, how they breathe and how they view money... who is truly going to buy your services
• Last and certainly not least, one of Charlotte's most well known leading women, Joan Zimmerman, CEO, Southern Shows, Inc. through relational humor stated, "There has been an alarming increase in things I know nothing about!", and "The future is for learners because the learned wake up in a world that no longer exists."

Below is a picture with two ladies I am proud to call dear friends and part of my inner circle! Dianne Chipps Bailey, on the left, leads the nonprofit organizations practice group at Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson, P.A. She is THE Queen City's leader for representation of nonprofit organizations, senior management and their philanthropic leaders. Anne Pipkin, on the right, is a former Wall Street Investment Banker turned entrepreneur and founder of too many small businesses to name in one blog post.  If you want to know, however, who keeps my skin a healthy glow off season and who styles my tresses for all important events, that, of course, would be two of Anne's baby's, gorgeousGLO and Blo ouT.

What could be more stylish than a room full of brains, beauty and all around awesome women?

Be Powerful, Supportive, Beautiful and Kind, and you will ALWAYS be In Style.

-Whitley

Lemlem + blydesign + Back Yard Baby

Me:

Shirt: Lemlem from Poole Shop. Shorts: Jessica Simpson (similar pair). Sunglasses: Rayban.  Flops: Rainbow. Earrings: Back Yard Baby. Bracelets: blydesign. 

Worth:

Shorts: J. Crew (similar) Shirt: J. Crew

I love the lightweight gauze material used in Lemlem designs.  In 2007, supermodel and actress, Liya Kebede, discovered that traditional weavers in her native country of Ethiopia were losing their jobs due to decline in local demand.  Recognizing the beauty and quality of their work, Liya started Lemlem as a way to inspire economic independence and preserve the art of weaving. This shirt from my Charlotte favorite, Poole Shop, is one of the most comfortable I own.  I'll likely be wearing it all summer long with everything else you see here... jean shorts, flip flops and shades.  I love supporting local businesses and fellow entrepreneurs.  To me, relationships are such a fulfilling part of life.  As relationships pertain to not only my personal life but my work, out of them, comes a story and greater meaning.... like these jewels I'm wearing!  I get more complements on my new favorite earrings by Back Yard Baby (made out of gold plated wire and recycled tee! email owner, Winslett) and my blydesign calf hair bangles. Get your own, and be sure to make a connection with these great small business owners and designers!

Little Boy Bathroom Design

I've been wanting to redo the hall bathroom since about six months after the last time I changed it.  I was in love with the color on the walls of our guest room before I became pregnant with Precious Peanut #2.  We waited to find out the gender until after Worth was born, and I rolled the dice keeping the wall color in the event Worth was a girl.  Alas, we were blessed with baby boy #2.  After he was born, I immediately got to painting both the baby's room to a bright and lively (smurf!) blue and the hall bath to the sweet Benjamin Moore Queen Anne Pink I loved so much.  Trying to work with only the resources I already had, I couldn't ever quite get the bathroom just like I liked it, so I've been living with it all this time. Please tell me I'm not the only one who lives with something they don't like for a long time, because they are cursed with the darned DIY disease!  

At any rate, the above collage is what I came up with for the boys' hall bath room.  The bottom half of the room is white bead board, and the navy blue represents the top half walls.  The aquamarine is the color of the ceiling.  I think this Serena and Lily Alligator shower curtain is so cute, thanks to the tip of Julia!  My boys LOVE the beach, as do I, so I thought this was a friendly boy bathroom, but still chic enough for our guests. Instead of the ocean pic, I'll likely blow up a picture of the boys on the beach real giant.  While I wait for the bathmat and shower curtain to arrives, this is the current state of the bathroom.

What do you think? Can you tell I have beach on the brain?!!  Shop the look here: 

BLo Baby BLo

Jacket: J. Crew. Shirt: thanks to La Senorita Jolie. Jeans: thanks to Chip & Pepper. Shoes: Cole Haan from Constance Consignment. Ring and Hoop Earrings: Melinda Maria. Necklace: thanks to Melvin. Bracelets: thanks to bly design and Chelsea Charles.

As of late, I've been getting lots of questions and kind remarks on my updo's.  So, without further adieu, it's all thanks to BLo ouT.  If I have a big event or speaking engagement, my new favorite "pick me up and see me ready" is getting my hair fantastically did from these lovely ladies.  Charlotte's trendsetter of the blo-out craze, BLo ouT, now has three locations; SouthPark, Myers Park, and a brand new third at Jetton Village Shopping Center in Cornelius for those of you living near Lake Norman.  I'm big on updo's since my own craft stops at the ponytail, but whatever style it is you desire, BLo ouT will take the very best care of you, and send you on your perfectly coiffed way!