Say it ain't so. Practicality and fashion come together this season with Nic + Zoe's colorful, mid-length gloves designed with the ability to use a touch screen smart phone or tablet. The gloves are offered in three mixes of color blocking, fulfilling all your style + technology needs in one. Completely fantastically, ridiculously necessary.
Photography: Moments by Donna. Dress worn as a Kimono: Indie Ella Shorts: Free People. Shoes: Ann Roth Shoes, (similar). Tank: Honey Punch. Belt: Target. Hat: Nine West (similar). Ring: Melinda Maria. Bracelets: thanks to Blydesign. Earrings: email Back Yard Baby. Necklace: thanks to Melvin.
Shirt: Gap. Shorts: J.Crew. Shoes: Cole Haan, similar here and here. Bracelets: Jook and Nona and thanks to Blydesign. Ring: Melinda Maria.
Dress: Burning Torch (here's one) from Our Place.
Are you familiar with the line Burning Torch? If you like Free People and Lucky Brand, you need to check out Burning Torch. Donna took me to the most beautiful field of sunflowers, a true hidden gem, located in York County just beyond Rock Hill and near Historic Brattonsville. Sadly, bloom season is now over, but if you would like to visit next summer, this is how you get there. With more than 10 miles of trails and two stocked fishing ponds, this little spot is a wonderful place to sneak away any time of the year. Happy Friday y'all!
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.
Dress: Free People. Shoes: B Brian Atwood. Bracelets: Thanks to Blydesign. Earrings: Lettees by way of Back Yard Baby. Sunglasses: Blinde. Ring: Melinda Maria.
Yes, this dress made me put my hands on my hip and strike a pose. And maybe the shoes, which are now on serious sale. I think that is an occupational hazard of working with real live models. What else is a girl to do with her hands than put them on her hips? Well, I learned from one photographer friend this week that, as it turns out, putting your hands on your hips in photos is like saying "I have no idea what to do with my hands." Well, Ok. And, since I am no model, on the hips they go. Interesting stuff though. Anyway, as I said, the dress made me do it. I love the cuts on this dress which show just a tiny peak of skin in the front and back. Below are a few currently available cut out dresses I love.
I'm a sucker for anything that kicks ass and/or is totally unique that no one else has. The former is absolutely the case for one my current accessory obsessions, Blydesign. The latter is too, at least with regard to my calf hair bangles in my Selwyn Ave/Park Road Shopping Center/carpool line microcosmic periphery. While I've yet to see anyone else wearing the bangles, I know keeping up with Instagram that Katie Bly is killing it, and sadly I'm not the lucky sole owner of them. Anyway, 'tis better to give (than receive?!), so in the spirit of sharing, here are a few of my favorites from the current Blydesign collection. I have always been drawn to the mystery of an opal, and the combination of it with the hammered metals and navajo-inspired pieces is just too cool. Happy drooling.
Y'all ready for this? The jewelry line responsible for bringing us Emily Maynard's designs is having a sample sale. New items being brought out every hour, and everything priced at $15 and under, this is one of those big time jewelry opps you don't want to miss. I have no idea how many of Emily's designs will be available at the sale (the above earrings are my favorite from her collection), but chances are you already know a thing or two about Towne & Reese designs. Regarded for their on whimsical, on-trend designs available at prices truly accessible to anyone, Towne & Reese has something for everyone. Get on your shopping wheels!
If you keep up with Charlotte style you're likely already familiar with the design duo, Addison Weeks, and the line of jewelry and home accessories by their name. Lee Addison Lesley, and my close family friend, Katherine Weeks Mulford, are the stylish duo behind this jewelry line. Lee and Kat met over a decade ago when they worked together using their respective degrees in Graphic Design. (I turned to Katherine for the original design and logo for the Queen City Style!) After two years of working together in this capacity, Lee and Katherine joined forces to create their first line of jewelry, Turq, using semi precious jewels and stones. Fast forward to 2012 at which time the duo saw a need for versatile, high quality fashion jewelry, thus the birth of Addison Weeks. This latest project is "both classic and modern with an emphasis on color. The semi-precious gemstones are set in double dipped 24kt gold." In my own words, Addison Weeks is jewelry not for the faint at heart. If you love all things bold and statement making yet totally sophisticated and wildly unique, you are going to love Addison Weeks designs. I've featured several of my favorites pieces below, or see the entire collection here. Happy Drooling...
Photo Credit The SoGood
Photo Credit The SoGood
Photo Credit The SoGood
My Dress: Milly (old), this one is a home run, as well as this one. Shoes: Stuart Weitzman, similar. Tights: Nordstrom. Photography: Moments by Donna. Videography: KQIIFilms
As you may recall from my previous post with her, thanks to my friends at Belk, I had a great opportunity to sit down with Emily Maynard to discuss her jewelry line in partnership with local designers, Towne & Reese. Through a unique collaboration perfectly in step with Belk's ever growing modern product line, select Belk department stores will be carrying pieces from Emily's designs. As I discussed this partnership with Emily, we touched on everything from her wedding plans with fiance Tyler Johnson to her top pics for beauty products (stay tuned) to wrapping with a little fun as we disected a few of her photos on her Instagram. Watch it here. Thank you again to Belk, Towne & Reese and Emily for fun opportunity!
As a follow up to my recent post sharing a few of my favorite vintage jewelry pieces, I am sure you would imagine I do not discriminate when it comes to fabulous jewelry. New or old, if it's fabulous, I'm on board. One company that has caught my eye in the last year is Bauble Bar.
Not only are they tearing it up on the Blogosphere, where I originally learned of them, but they are stealing the spotlight among celebrities and fashion editors with their eye-catching, trend-setting, ever changing collections and designs. I know none of you need a celebrity or magazine editor to warrant your vote of confidence, though I'm happy to put my name on Bauble Bar's list of endorsements by way of saying Bauble Bar is totally Baubleicious!
My first Bauble Bar purchase was the Aqua Boho Drops.
I adore their size, weight, cut and color. Speaking of which, due to popular demand, this style has been produced in a rainbow of colors.
Click on the links below the images to shop the look.
Aren't they so pretty? Which color is your favorite? At $34 and free standard shipping, their kind of steal! Not to mention, get $10 off your first purchase when you create an account!
I'll be back soon with some of my other favorite Bauble Bar pieces.
For the love of pretty style in every color of the rainbow...
Thank you so much for reading! Whitley
As you probably figured, I have a bit of an obsession with unique and vintage jewelry. In particular, I have always had a fascination with costume jewelry. The bigger, the bolder, the brighter, shinier and blingier, you got it... the better. I love me some glitz and glam. Most of my favorite pieces that I own today were from either my Grandmother's or Great-Grandmother's collection, and I thought it would be fun to share some of these with you today.
Also, if you missed the Shabby Apple Giveaway, click HERE.
There's still time to enter!
I love this little Fan necklace. As a child visiting my Grandmother, I would always play with the dangly pieces, running each of the strands through my fingers. It is embedded in my memory through the sense of touch!
This bracelet is the single most worn piece I own. It is so banged up, scratched and bruised, but I wear it still all the time. I've thought about at least replacing the little pearls in all the corners of each peace, but I embrace its imperfections.
A few broaches and pins.
How fun is the little lady with her Medusa type hair? The gold leaf pin with turquoise and crystal rhinestones gets a lot of wear.
A few of the rings... The turquoise flower ring was actually a gift, given to me by the daughter of my "adopted Grandmother". This ring means so much to me, and is probably my favorite in the collection.
The gold bracelet bears charms representing countries traveled to by my Grandparents. I hope one day I will be able to travel like this, but in the meantime, I day dream of the fabulous stories each charm tells.
It's so fun to wear things that have history and tell a story. Do you have pieces of similar value and meaning that you love to wear? If so, I'd love to see them and hear your story!
Please send pictures to me at:
thequeencitystyle@yahoo.com.
Thank you so much for reading!
For the love of accessorizing in great style. Always, Whitley
The Memorial Holiday Weekend is approaching, and this typically means there are a few things on which you can count. Lots of sunshine, a day of rest, cold bevvies, the lake, the beach, the pool... Some form of water. And yes, you know it, all kinds of fabulous sales!
Have you met JoJo Loves You?
If not, please allow me to introduce you to all of her fabulous BLING!
Each of these beauties are hand made of Swarovski crystals, and the earrings come in literally every color of the rainbow!
Naturally, I'm drawn to the blingiest of them all.
Immediately Bridesmaid Gifts comes to my mind.
I did have the most precious earrings made by a friend for each of my maids, but how perfect are these earrings for bridesmaid gifts? Or just to have and to hold all to yourself.
I think these psychedelic bauble bombs are going to have to be mine.
Naturally, JoJo Loves You is on board with the weekend's retail madness. The Bling you see above normally retails for $30/pair, but this Friday through Monday, here's what you're looking at:
Oh Geez. I didn't need to see this. I just took a glance at their SALE page, and now I see this Agate Pendant. AND, there is only ONE remaining. What am I going to do? Surely somebody out there is feeling guilty about forgetting my birthday, or you just pity me and think this necklace will help. It really will make everything better.
Freak. Why did I have to see this?
This past weekend I shared with you a few of my obsessions offered by on line mega fashion retailer ASOS. They aren't the only ones whose fabulous frocks over which I spend hours drooling. Oh Shopbop, you feel so good.
If you aren't already a fan, now's the time and look, learn and fall in love.
I'm a day late and a dollar short, so jump on the gettin' while it's still good! Sale ends tomorrow, Wednesday May 23rd at 11:59pm. Click HERE to start shopping! Enter code BIGEVENT at checkout. A few things I'm loving... These J. Brand snake print jeans are pretty sexy.
I really think it is necessary I have an awesome iPhone case for the blog. Does it get any cooler than this bead embellished one by DANNIJO?
I don't wear a watch, but if I did, this one by La Mer Collections is pretty hot if you ask me.
I think I could wear rompers every day of the year. I find this denim version pretty fantastic.
Just a few pretty things in my eyes. I wanna know what pretty things YOU find! Be sure to let me know! I hope you are having a wonderful week!
For the love of ALL things stylish, at a super stylish price... Whitley
Hello my most stylish friends! Recently, I received my weekly email from the Queen City's very own Charlotte Tidbits about one stylistic artistic gal by the name of Stephanie Jimenez. The two teamed up to offer a fabulous discount on the purchase of one of Stephanie's one of a kind fashion drawings.
One of a kind, I say, because the drawing is of YOU. A fashion drawing of Moi? With the Queen City Style being my post family eat, sleep and breathe at the present, I could not pass up this exciting offer! After contacting Stephanie via email, she and I perused a few images to consider for her drawing. We ultimately went with one of my favorites. Click HERE to see the post for this ensemble.
This is what Stephanie sent back to me. I was so excited and beyond impressed with her artistic interpretation.
Stephanie used a variety of photos to articulate the final outcome. The below image shows the front of the dress.
This photo assisted with Stephanie's creation of the pose for her drawing.
Another image of the dress.
The shoes.
And accessories.
And Voila'!
How amazing is Stephanie?
And since fashion is her passion, Stephanie is sharing some more of her love on the Queen City Style. In addition to her one of a kind creations, Stephanie sells other renderings through her Etsy shop HERE. A couple of my favorites include this Spring 2012 Balenciaga rendering,
as well as these adorable fashion illustration greeting cards. I think I NEED these, don't you?
Head on over to Stephanie's Etsy shop, enter promo code QUEENCITYSTYLE, and get 25% off your total purchase! Stephanie, you totally got it goin' on, girl.
Also visit: Charlotte Tidbits, and sign up to get the inside scoop. Charlotte Tidbits on
For the love of all things stylistic artistic xx-Whitley
PS- and to all you readers who pounce at your very own, I wanna see!
I recently posted some pics from my birthday night out with the girls. BLo ouT sure did make me feel special. I tell you what. A walking advertisement, I was. I ran a few errands before painting the town. I must have been stopped at least 20 times. About the hair.
So, today I'm here to show and tell you all about it.
I originally planned on just a BLo ouT, However, after a quick consultation with stylist Amanda which included an inquiry about a fun, messy "Boho Glam" braid, as it turns out, my wish was her command. And boy did she perform. So talented AND accommodating, those BLo ouTers.
I showed up unprepared... No images in hand to share of my sought after style. But a few iPhone shared images later, any expectations I had were blown out of the water. First came a wash and style. A wash is not typically included with an up do, but since I arrived a hot mess, I asked for this extra little bit of love.
Let's say I opted out of the up do and stopped at a BLo ouT. Va Va Va Voom! Why can't I do this at home?! I'm sure it is possible. I know it is. It's just not in my cards. It seems nothing past an elastic hair tie is these days. As I was saying... thank goodness for...
For optimal hold, Amanda rolled my hair with a curling iron. A touch of Goldilocks? Juuuust right!
Time for the first side braid. A river of hair!
Then, the other side.
Pulling it all together in the back, just as I described to Amanda.
Maybe not a pony tail, but let's gather it all in a messy loose bun.
Oh my gosh. Perfection! Are you kidding me? I want this everyday of my life.
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How stinking cute is BLo ouT stylist Amanda? I really could not have asked for anything more to my liking loving!
Now after the girls night out, the neeext night most wonderful man in the world and I headed Uptown for some double date action with two of our closest pals. I got to showcase my fabulous hair ALL weekend long.
Day 2 - I headed back to BLo ouT for a touch up and slight modification. This time, the moi tres chic stylist Charlie pulled out some serious fabulous hair stops. Readjusting only the bun, this time a fishtail was put into place.
Charlie, you are a brilliant!
SO...
Got a hot date with a new beau and want to look your best? Or perhaps, got a hot date with your most wonderful man in the world and want to feel like it's your very first night together? A night out with the girls? Whatever your case may be, I can't tell you how good about myself I felt with this hair. Sex. Martini. Therapy. Chocolate. BLo ouT. Yes.
I look forward to showing you more from my fun night out on the Queen City.
Here's the skinny. BLo ouT's start at $35. Up do's cost a bit more, based on complexity. For about $10, go back the next day if you wish, for a variation. On Sunday, wear your 'do to church, then slap on a headband for the cutest afternoon jog ever. A weekend of feel good. What could be more stylish?
To get yours, click HERE.
Tell the ladies at BLo ouT the Queen City Style sent you and get 10% off your 'do.
For the love of nothing more stylish than feeling good. xo-Whitley
Happy top 'o the week to ya' my most stylish friends! Today, I am SO excited to share with you the details on what is going to be one stylin' trunk show you don't wanna miss.
Spring is here, and who out there ISN'T loving all the bright, happy color seen in every corner from runway to magazine to retail? Right on trend, this trunk sale will showcase tunics, shorts, wrap dresses, tops, sandals and more brought to you by four outrageously wonderful and one of a kind lines.
Gotta break out my best Pointer Sisters for this one, I ain't gonna lie...
I'M SO EXCITED!
Two of these lines are making their Queen City debut, and they are yours for the gettin'!
Introducing Women's Sandals by: fibi & clo
All that and more in pint sizes too!
Please come see me and ALL these fabulous fashions!
Wine and Cheese Tuesday, March 27, 6-9pm
Wednesday, March 28, 9am-3pm
2112 Beverly Drive
Charlotte, NC 28207
Appointments are available if you are unable to attend during the above listed times.
704-560-7005
Can't make it to the show? Order fibi & clo shoes HERE.
All clothes: Kayce Hughes, Sandals: fibi & clo, Sunglasses: Blinde, Purse: Coach, similar below.
For the love of classic southern style, wishing you a lovely week! Whitley
My most stylish friends... I just wanted to say hello to you and tell you that I hope you are having a wonderful week so far. Oh, and here are a few images I could stare at all day. I hope they bring a smile to your face too.
Bianca Jagger
Asheville, My Hometown
Magnificent Table Setting by the Magnificent Eddie Ross
So Romantic
Aaaaaaaawwww, Yeah!
Unfreaking Believable Neck Love by Noble House Designs. To all my lovers out there... My big 35 is just around the corner. Hint Hint. :)
It's been at least seven years since I first saw it, and I still love this design.
Nighty Night, Y'all!
For the love of all things stylish bringing you joy... I wish you nothing but the sweetest dreams - Whitley
There are two totally stylin' hot spots in town I want to tell you about today, assuming you aren't already in the know. Chances are, you are. And if not, well, behold. Both will leave you feeling like a million bucks.
The first is gorgeous GLO, Charlotte's Premier Custom Spray Tanning Boutique, located at 1518 E. 3rd St, nestled in a corner pocket of the Myers Park/Cherry/Elizabeth neighborhoods of the Queen City. gorgeous GLO offers an all natural sunless tan that will leave you looking, well, downright deliciously edible. I've visited gorgeous GLO a couple of times prior to a night out on the town, and let me tell you... Getting on your GLO prior to will instantly vamp up your night from lovely to Va Va Va Voom!
Enter to get on your gorgeous GLO.
How this works... All you need is about 20 minutes. You'll undress in a private room, then you'll be perfectly, seamlessly GLOed (by hand) by one of gorgeous GLO's master-GLOers. Then, just a little time in the "fan" room ensures your gorgeous GLO has had the opportunity to permeate your skin like sunshine on the horizon.
It's kinda like going for a pedicure, except all over your body, so I do suggest wearing your scrubs. In case you forget your flip-flops they have these handy little stick-on shoes that adhere to the bottoms of your feet, as well as disposable undies and even a hair elastic. You can choose to be sprayed with your undergarments on or.... hhhhmmmm... OFF! Oooh-LA-LA-LA.
Next up for my big night out, I hopped on over to the new BLo ouT next door. And when I say next door, I mean open the door from my GLO, sit down in the chair, and get my BLo. Tre convenient!
gorgeous GLO owner, Anne Pipkin, had been a long time customer of gorgeous GLO, then one day she decided to buy the place. As if that wasn't enough to keep an already busy woman busy enough, before you could say "get your GLO on", she was opening the next hottest thing in the Queen City... A blo-out bar! At BLo ouT, it's pretty straight-forward. No Cuts. No Color. Just Style. I got just that.
In case you're not exactly sure what you're seeking, they have a menu of styles from which to choose.
Here I am getting my BLo ouT. We decided somewhere between the 'Myers Park' and the 'Dilworth'.
What do you think? Sunshine on the horizon?
Just in case you noticed the GLO in the below previous post, now you know why!
I absolutely loved my gorgeous GLO and my BLo ouT. My GLO lasted for a full week (and lingered a little bit longer)... totally Au Naturel. And dahhling, I felt like a million bucks.
Walk-in's are welcome, based on availability, and of course the gals of GLO and BLo will gladly make an appointment for you. Pricing for gorgeous GLO, click HERE and for BLo OuT, click HERE. Mention this story for $5 off either service!
You will L.O.V.E the gorgeous you even more gorgeous!
For the love of stepping out, million dollar style... Whitley
