Last week I shared a post with fantastic one piece suits, so for all you two piece bathing suit wearing ladies, this one's for you. Shop my favorite picks of the season. If you are viewing this from your reader, click on the title of the above post!
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.
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.
Since I write for a number of publications, I am constantly being introduced to new and cool fashions, brands and accessories. One line of clothing I received a friendly hello from back in the fall is ZuZu Kim. Christina Kim, a classical pianist, created the brand by designing striking and romantic clothing for her performances. This, in turn, inspired her to create the ready to wear ZuZu Kim brand. I was first introduced to the brand's line of bow ties I happen to think are perfectly chic for both him and her, but once I dove into the website a bit further, I realized I couldn't take my eyes off of all of her sleek and alluring collections. Check them out here.
Did you catch my Taste Maker piece over at Peachy? Two words. Airport Style. This day in age, it's T totally under-rated and under- appreciated. Airport travel has gotten less pleasurable with each flight, and we want to be comfortable as the aisles and seats continue to shrink. This doesn't mean we can't continue to put our best foot forward. Jennifer, Black and Kate are three ladies who encompass fashionable airport style. They are dressed relatively casual, but they key is that they are put together.
My ever style-setting grandmother, Martha Whitley, was and is my forever style icon. From a very early age, she instilled the importance of putting your best forward forward at all times. Putting the time into your personal appearance sends a message not only reflective of the confidence you have in yourself but also the respect you have for others. I saw Nana display this penchant for confident style later in life when the mailman was perhaps the only person she would see that day and earlier in her life when she would travel. She made it seem this was perhaps THE most imperative time to make a best impression with your appearance. The airport may be the first, last and only time you saw a fellow passenger or new friend, but your finest impression would be lasting.
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.
Photography: Ellie Lacey. Blouse: Andrew Gn. Skirt: Zara. Coat: Banana Republic (old). Shoes: thanks to J.Crew. Scarf: Vintage. Purse: Loeffler Randall. Ring: Melinda Maria. Necklaces: Stix + Stones
Such a fun night with fellow stylist, Julian Michael Clark at summerbird and Revolve, two of Charlotte's best for upscale consignment clothing. It was a big 'ole party including vodka tastings of the magically delicious Three Hunters Vodka, noshing on yummy to the tummy chips, salsa and guac from Bakersfield, touch ups from Jeffre Scott and so much more. Earlier that day I received a fantastically fun surprise gift from J.Crew, these Roxie glossy leather pumps. I couldn't not wear them, so like any excited girl with only 5 minutes to get ready would, I put them in front of me and started grabbing at whatever was right in front of me. It was one of those I can't stop moments, as you can see. After the party, I made a milk run in classic Carrie Bradshaw style. Where else am I going to wear all of my beautiful things?!
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!
Kate Spade is having a surprise sale. If you know, you know I am a stickler for shopping at discount both for myself and for my clients, even if you don't have an immediate need. Doing so allows you to purchase higher quality items that will stand the test of time, but at a lesser cost. I also love unique, one of a kind items that will allow you to stand out in a crowd. Here is a link to the site, and below are a few of my top picks. Just click on the image to shop the item. Feel free to share with all your peeps, and enjoy! Hurry! This sale only last two days!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
In December's issue of Sasee Magazine, I share my tips for putting on the dog and pampering yourself rotten this holiday season. If you're ever in the Grand Strand of South Carolina (Charleston to Myrtle Beach), be sure to pick up a copy of Sasee on news stands everywhere. For the outfit above, I mixed a casual plaid shirt from J.Crew Factory with a vintage satin ball skirt and threw in some colorful accessories with a vintage gold clutch, Cole Haan pattered pumps, my favorite Melinda Maria ring, gold cuff from Chloe + Isabel and a showpiece necklace from Charles Emerson Designs. It is unexpected and interesting, and easy peasy to create on your own.
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.
Do you shop Charm & Chain? Here are a sample of my favorite holiday gems all at 30% off through Sunday. Good luck turning away!
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!
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.
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.
