Ready, Jet, Go!

Every project becomes my favorite to date, but this one is so good my eyes burn. For anyone that thinks this work is glamorous let me just tell you it is anything but!  I am a freaking work horse.  Blue collar to shame.  That is a small exaggeration but not really.  It all just goes back to perception.  We think everything looks good from the outside, but there is always a story.  Okay Jody and Amy DO look good.  Maybe that's why my eyes burn.  Anyway, the amount of blood sweat and tears that went into these Louboutin corset boots, but it was all worth it.  

Joseph Bradley Photography Models Amy Lee Whero of Marilyn's Agency and Jody Lee Petty.  Hair and Makeup by Jami Svay.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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! 

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...

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. 

Yes Sir! That's My Baby!

Photography: Ellie Lacey, on Instagram. Dress & Purse: Vintage, Sunglasses: Love Obsessed, Shoes: Cole Haan, Earrings: c/o chloe + isabel by ashlyn, Bracelets: Blydesign, Madewell, Jook and Nona. Ring: Melinda Maria.

I recently came into possession of a number of amazing vintage frocks and accessories like this navy dress and purse.  A friend of mine was given piles upon piles of heirloom brand and quality pieces passed along to her by her mother-in-law who was the caretaker for a very stylish elderly woman moving into assisted living.  The woman lived in a beautiful home on one of Charlotte's prettiest streets.  She had no remaining living relatives close by, and so my friend's mother-in-law was given many of her possessions.  The mother-in-law wanted the clothes to be passed onto someone who would value and appreciate them.  Knowing my penchant for high quality vintage, my friend notified me.  I rushed right over for a look, and what I did not take was passed along to a local theater.  Bergdorf Goodman's, Dior and Bob Mackie name a few of the brands, many of the pieces purchased on her regular visits to New York City.  When I went to my friend's home to collect the items, I  had the pleasure of hearing a few sweet stories from the mother-in-law who cared for this dear woman.  I learned her favorite song was "Yes Sir! That's My Baby!" and how she would sing the lyrics strolling down the hall.  It reminds me of the stories I would hear of my Great Grandmother watching the Lawrence Welk Show.  The memories tied to the owner are what make the items so special.  I can't wait to share more of these beautiful clothes with you.

What To Wear New Years Eve

Chelsea and I are here with a mega round of party outfits, and if there is one thing I love it is a party frock. I've said this before, and I'm okay saying it again.  I have been collecting little cocktail dresses since way before I was of age to even hold a cocktail.  But does that really matter?  As you can see I had a hard time choosing just a few, so if your senses can handle a cocktail dress overload, just click on the plus symbol next to the dress and shop 'til you drop!  Refill your bubbly and keep on scrolling for a look at Chelsea's fun outfits. That pouty lips skirt. Oh me.  Oh my.

The Way You Make Me Feel

Blouse: Vintage.  Skirt: Alyssa Nicole  Bag: Chanel, Shoes: Cole Haan, Hat: Forever 21, Ring: Melinda Maria, Cuffs: thanks to Chloe & Isabel, Photography: Ellie Lacey, on Instagram

Christmas is in just four days!  Are you finished with all your holiday "to-do's" yet?  I'm almost finished but still have a few things to do.  I wrapped all the presents yesterday while my boys ran errands, and I planned the menu for the big Christmas Eve dinner I host for family at my house each year.  I really enjoy friends also being at our table, and this year I am looking forward to one of my best running friends and her sister joining us.

I also want to take this time to welcome my adorable, talented cousin Ellie (AKA Cousin Ellie) to the Queen City Style!  This is the second round of pictures she has taken, and I can't wait to share more with you.  I love her eye for such unique creative composition.  

Of course I know this has you asking where's Donna??  She is very much alive and kicking!  She is just in hot demand right now with her own clientele.  If you are looking for the very best in child and family photography in Charlotte, Donna's your girl! We have every intention of shooting again soon for the Queen City Style, and I can't wait to show you the bridal portraits we took of my gorgeous aesthetician friend, Sally.  Of course that will have to wait until after her big day!

Lolabean Lightening Bolt

I think most of you know I am somewhat of a runoholic and that I ran the Kiawah Marathon last weekend.  I was nervous going into the race since I have maintained some sort of injury for the better part of the last 12-18 months.  This was the first race in at least that long that I was showing up for totally injury free and healthy.  Totally awesome but also scary at the same time. I realized my speedy training at both short and long distances was likely what was causing the break down.  I ran a conservative race at Kiawah, felt great and qualified for Boston again in 2016!  This my third marathon, and I was about a minute shy of my fastest finish, BUT I placed 5th in my age division, so I am very happy with the entire experience and feel very blessed.  If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you likely saw this awesome Lightening Bolt necklace from Lolabean, sent to me by way of an awesome friend of one of my hippest friends.  I wore my Lightening Bolt necklace as a good luck charm for fast feet during my race.  It worked!

Want to a Lightening Bolt swift feet good luck charm like mine?  Through January 1st Lolabean is offering 20% off all products to all readers of the Queen City Style.  Shop all their delicate wonders here, and enter code queencitystyle20.

Chelsea's Christmas Outfit

Let me have that green tulle skirt, please!  Just click on the cross mark above to shop any of the items directly from this page. Who is Chelsea you say?  Please join me in extending a warm welcome to my new Chief Creative Officer!  I am so excited.  Words cannot say!  This girl has got it going on and is just so stunning on the inside and out.  I am feeling a very lucky girl to be able to call her a part of the team!  Carrie Bradshaw lovers unite!  You simply must WATCH...

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.

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. 

Hat Obsessed

Yes, I'm totally and completely hat obsessed, and now that it's that whole Black Friday/Cyber Monday/Whatever It Takes To Get Consumers Spending time of year, so everything is marked way down so you will buy, I am thinking about putting my money where my eyes are.  Adding a piece of Eugenia Kim perfection to your accessory repertoire is like having a purse with double C's, or anything that comes from a little robin's egg blue box tied with white satin ribbon, or a tan trench with black, maroon and cream plaid lining the inside, or nude pumps with a shiny red bottom.  I'm sure you get it, and I really want it. This Eugenia Kim piece of perfection to keep me warm all winter long that is.  There are many others to be had too.  Shop above a few of my favorites.