If I had a spirit animal in the form of a dress, this Prabal Gurung printed silk cut out midi dress certainly would be it! But truly, has tie dye on a lady like frock ever looked so chic? Not to mention those Emilia Wickstead slingbacks that can’t, just won’t stop. And this Campbell + Charlotte cocktail ring of dreams!!! Can you stand it? Shop my latest batch of desires below in vol. 4 of What Whitley Wants!
Another one of my favorite summer '17 trends is all things Mix And Match! Prints, fabrics, shapes, textures. 'Tension' is the word I often use to describe throwing in a little something off the obvious path in order to create interest in an outfit. Shop the below Mix and Match print pieces to add a touch of one of the season's hottest trends to your wardrobe...
Want to all out maximize interest? Turn that touch of tension into head to toe Mix and Match. Judging from my Outfits of the Day and editorial styling it is no secret this is one style of dress of which I feel you can never get enough...
Shop some of my favorite Mix and Match items for summer, many of which are now on MEGA SALE.
I just snagged my new FAVORITE "Mommy" One Piece Swimsuit for the summer! Here + Here and this one too!
How cute is this J.Crew top that is also Oh So Affordable?!
I styled a client in this MSGM mixed print dress for a Hawaiian themed summer party, and feel fairly confident she took THE Best Dressed Award.
Is it any surprise I want this maxi dress?
Click HERE if you are not able to see the below images.
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...
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.
"In the South, you can never be too kind, too gracious or too well-dressed". I don't know about y'all, but I have always loved my fellow Southern gal, Reese Witherspoon. She's smart, talented, brainy and my favorite, you got it, absolutely to the manor born. If you adore this sweet Southern Belle as much as I do, now you can purchase a piece of her southern hospitality and genuine way for yourself, your home or for a loved one. Reese has created the Draper James line, named after her Grandmother and her Grandfather. At Draper James, you'll find "the perfect dress so that you feel pretty always, stationery for every occasion, and all that you need to make your space feel like Home, Sweet, Home". I could not help but love how these gentleman's handkerchiefs just happen to spell out my Alma mater. Coincidental? And tell me this hat doesn't make you want to go to the Derby. Here's a look at my current favorites. Just click on the image to shop 'til your heart's delight, y'all.
I promised to tell you more about the designers I met at Poole Shop's annual Back To School event. In my last post I shared gorgeous designs by NOVIS. Equally fantastic are the jewelry and handbag designs of Lizzie Fortunato. This team is comprised of adorable twins Elizabeth and Kathryn Fortunato. They did go to Duke, but that is the only cross thing I can say about these otherwise absolutely delightful, adorable and talented young sisters. See...
I believe it was at Poole Shop that I first saw Lizzie Fortunato jewels in person. I remember their collections consisted a lot of these unique leather, suede or fabric tube necklaces with brass detailing.
They have expanded their designs and collections, including handbags, all the while producing an intriguing, as ever, current product. Here are a few favorites I found while perusing the internet. Many have tried to emulate the eye catching designs of Lizzie Fortunato, but there is only one OG.
Today I'm excited to share some of the hottest shoe trends for Fall available during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! Early access (shop before everyone else) has already started for Nordstrom Rewards Members. You can get early access here (If you don't want to sign up for a Nordstrom Credit Card, you can just link your Debit Card). Quantities are limited during the pre-sale and the savings are HUGE so it’s an awesome time to shop for Fall and get must-have pieces on sale PLUS earn double points with your rewards card! The below shoes reflect trends that promise to be hitting the pavement everywhere this Fall. Color Contrasting Heels, Over The Knee Boots, Block Heel Booties, Lace Up, Fur and Fringe. What's your favorite? The only shoe I wasn't able to find in the Nordstrom Sale that is probably my favorite style for fall is the Lady Like Loafer like this Tory Burch Bond Pump. (If you don't see below images, click on blog post title).
I'm way over due sharing my excitement for this wonderful high fashion comfortable shoe handcrafted in the heart of Tuscany. I was drafted to work with Julie Lopez Shoes to style their Spring and Summer catalog, and I fell in love with everything about the company... the shoes, the comfort, the fantastic mother daughter power duo running the company. Check out all of their styles here, including my personal favorite, Layla.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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!
I'm thrilled to be a part of a fun night of style, style and more style next Wednesday, February 18th. Won't you please join me for an evening of style hosted by one of my most favorite boutiques in town, summerbird, (think all things couture at the girl next door's price point) and the QC's leader in men's upscale consignment, Revolve Consignment. Music will be playing, discounts will be discounting throughout both stores, fantastic art work and jewels will be on display, Three Hunters Vodka is hosting a special tasting, light bites provided for all, Jeffre Scott Apothecary will be on site to doll you up, and I will be styling the night away along with fellow stylist Julian Clark. Oh, and who doesn't love a raffle giveaway? Style, fun and more style. And oh, did I say fun? Grab a girl or guy friend, and come on!
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!
This is another outfit on my recent fabulously fantastic day shooting with Cousin Ellie (Instagram). I've tried to hide skin in my car more times than I can count, nursing a couple of babies and now doing this outfit changing thing for the last three years... you could say I got it down pat. No science. More like "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon slouched between two car seats, or "hey what are you looking at creep!" BUT, this particular day, at a construction site, was a first. Mama, I know I make you proud in so many (other) ways. But, it's all for the ART! T-u-hee Hee. Thanks Cousin Ellie. You rock. And thanks cooler than cool friend since the 6th grade for the chloe + isabel earrings (and not only saying that because her Aunt dated a Rolling Stone) and thanks awesome newer Charlotte friend for the W by Worth dress up party at your enviously SICK mid-century modern pad on crack. Last, but not least, I can't tell you how much I LOVE the creators of Julie Lopez Shoes... My booties here.. comfy for days, as are all of their Italian made shoes (recently endorsed by OPRAH). Piles + Pipes. Nothing but love.
