These Boots Are Made For Walkin'

If you are in the Queen City and haven't already done so, tomorrow is the last day to enter the $50 Gift Card Giveaway to The Boulevard at South End!

Shirt: Jacket: Gap Pants: Gap Boots: Charlie 1 Horse. Purse: Coach. Belt: old, love this one. Sunglasses: Blinde, similar pair. Necklace: KK Bloom. Bracelets: J.Crew, Stella & Dot, my Grandmother's. Rings: Tiffany, custom at Diamonds Direct.

As I mentioned, Most Wonderful Man in the World and I headed to Aiken, SC recently to celebrate our wedding anniversary.  Aiken is one of my favorite little towns.  It reminds me of a South Carolina mini version of my North Carolina hometown of Asheville, so of course I'm gonna love it.  My favorite lunch spot in Aiken is The New Moon Cafe. They offer an array of tasty comfort foods, using fresh local produce and ingredients, (like my yummy kale and fruit smoothie) served in sunny, laid back atmosphere.  The day we arrived was a perfectly gorgeous day for strolling downtown, have a few hand crafted brews and watching college football at Aiken Brewing Company, golf for the hubs, and window shopping and an afternoon run for me.  Of course I didn't wear my new Charlie 1 Horse boots on my run, but I've pretty much been wearing them everywhere else since I purchased them here over my last trip home to Asheville.

Thanks so much for reading!  You being here makes me SMILE!!! 

xx- Whitley

Dress Me Up (Or Down)

Dress: thanks to C&C California. Jacket: Gap. Boots: Charlie 1 Horse. Tights: Donna Karan (old), similar pair. Clutch: ASOS. Sunglasses: Blinde, similar pair. Necklaces: Charles Emerson Designs (Giveaway for this necklace coming soon!), KK Bloom, by boe, my Grandmother-in-laws. Bracelets: My Grandmother's, Great-Grandmother's, Grandmother-in-law's, Stella & Dot. Earrings: JewelMint. Rings: Melinda Maria, Tiffany, custom by Diamonds Direct.

My recent close encounter with Madonna shed a little inspiration for the title of today's post.  I recently had the pleasure of meeting some of the C&C California team when I attended the LuckyFABB conference in NYC.  This dress arrived at my doorstep a couple of weeks ago after my entry into a contest to style some of their threads.  I have worn it four times in the last week... three times under denim jacket, different shoes and jewelry; once over chambray shirt.  I love anything that provides me with great versatility and a strong RIO.  A few other points to note, I am obsessed with my new clutch and necklace, and did you happen to notice anything new with my pictures? I can barely contain my excitement over a new collaboration with the super creative and fun photographer Donna Jernigan ... more to come!

As ever... so, so grateful for you being here, Whitley

Linking up today for a little Real Girl Style!  Check out all these stylish ladies!

This Top And Cuff + Giveaway

the Queen City Style, top c/o the Boulevard at South End, Gap Denim Jacket, Gap Jeans, Charlie 1 Horse boots, JJ Winters clutch, Bauble Bar Earrings, Blinde Sunglasses, Tiffany Ring, Green Market Girl Cuff, Melinda Maria Ring

the Queen City Style, top c/o the Boulevard at South End, Gap Denim Jacket, Gap Jeans, Charlie 1 Horse boots, JJ Winters clutch, Bauble Bar Earrings, Blinde Sunglasses, Tiffany Ring, Green Market Girl Cuff, Melinda Maria Ring

Top: c/o The Boulevard at South End. Pants: Gap. Jacket: Gap. Boots: Charlie 1 Horse. Clutch: JJ Winters. Sunglasses: Blinde, similar pair. Earrings: Bauble Bar. Cuff: Green Market Girl available at The Boulevard at South End. Rings: Melinda Maria, Tiffany, custom at Diamonds Direct.

If you are in the Charlotte area, you must visit The Boulevard at South End.  This urban boutique located in the heart of South End is filled to the brim with one of a kind items from clothing to gifts to furniture to jewelry, made by local artisans and designers.  The first thing I noticed when I walked in the door was a plethora of gorgeous cuffs like the one I have worn religiously for the last three years!  I was so excited to discover who the designer was and I couldn't resist pulling this top to style here for you today.  Adore either of these items as much as I do?  

The Boulevard at South End is giving away a $50 gift card to one lucky winner!

(and the top is still available in sizes S,M and L!)

Here are all the ways you may enter:

1) Mandatory Entry: You must follow of the Queen City Style by Email or Bloglovin'.

2) Join the Queen City Style on Google Friend Connect.

3) Like The Boulevard at South End on Facebook.

4) Like the Queen City Style on Facebook.

5) Sign up for The Boulevard at South End's newsletter via their website here.

6) Share this Giveaway on Facebook.  

**Be sure to tag the Queen City Style and The Boulevard at South End!**

7)Follow the Queen City Style and The Boulevard at South End on Twitter.

**Tweet the Giveaway and be sure to tag tQCS and The Boulevard at South End!**

8) Tell me how YOU would style this top or cuff!

Please let me know in ONE comment the ways you have entered.

This Giveaway ends Saturday, December 1st.  I will announce a winner the next day.

Can't wait to see if you are the winner?  The Boulevard at South End is offering 15% off your purchase through Sunday, December 9th, and if you're in town, they've asked me to extend the invitation to join them this Wednesday for their one year anniversary celebration!

And the winner is....

Cindy W

November 27, 2012 10:02 PM

1,3,4,5,6 (on GJ and personal) and 8. Yeah, love this pairing and I love the cuff - own one in green! A sassy top is perfect with a pair of jeans and boots for sure! Not sure I'd change a thing! So fun! LOVE The Boulevard! Yeah so glad you all teamed up!

Please email me at

thequeencitystyle@yahoo.com

.  Thank you to everyone for entering!

xx-Whitley

At The Cabin + Clutch Giveaway Winner

Sweater: My Grandmother's. Jeans: Gap. Turtleneck: Brooks Brothers (old), similar. Boots: Charlie 1 Horse. Belt: old, similar. Earrings: gifted. Bracelets: My Grandmother's, Stella & Dot.

My family recently gathered at my Dad's to try to catch a family photo for our Christmas card.  We snapped a few outfit pics for the Queen City Style while there.  As per usual, I'm wearing my Charlie 1 Horse boot (AKA my winter Rainbows), which I loved paired here with one of my favorite sweaters that belonged to my Grandmother.  A rare item for her wardrobe, I think it speaks well to my preferred laid back boho style by day. With two little ones, getting one good picture out of 100 is not always easy.  I was thinking of going with this one.  What do you think?

Naa.  We did get one, but the majority of them looked about like this!  Last but not least, click here to see if you are the winner of my fav JJ Winters clutch giveaway from Lipp Boutique!

Thanks for reading!  Hope your week is off to a great start!

Whitley

the Queen City Style Turns One!

Sweater: Ralph Lauren from summerbird. Shirt: Forever 21. Skirt: c/o The Boulevard at South End (call to get yours!). Boots: Charlie 1 Horse from Constance Consignment. Bag: Coach. Tights: J. Crew. Sunglasses: Blinde,similar pair. Necklace: J. Crew, similar, this one is amazing! Earrings: JewelMint. Bracelets: vintage, J. Crew. Rings: Tiffany, Diamonds Direct.

Last week the Queen City Style turned one!  This has been one of the best things ever to happen for me.  I submitted this story to Lucky Magazine, they ran it (thank you Lucky!!), and that was all the validation I could ask for; somebody out there was interested in what I had to share.  After seeing the printed article, I woke up the next morning and decided I would write a blog.  I can't tell you how much joy this have brought me.  I have met some of the nicest people; fellow bloggers, brand consultants, designers, boutique owners, stylists, industry people both afar and in my own community.  I've got a little business going here.  Awesome things have spawned from this blog. I am now working as a wardrobe consultant/personal stylist.  I've recently helped facilitate, along with three other small business owners, a new philanthropic effort here in the Queen City, Warm Charlotte.  I am so, so grateful for all of these opportunities.  the Queen City Style has become my path for creativity, fun and pursuing my passion....Finally, at the age of 35!  Hello!  This is me! Yippee!!  Thank you to each and every one of you for walking with me through this journey over the past year.  Thank you for reading, and thank you for your feedback.  Thank you for accepting me, introducing me to great people and opportunities, helping me and supporting me.  You know who you are.  If you are reading this, I am talking to you.

With all my heart! -Whitley

Here's my first post, wearing the same necklace I love so much, mama got it for me for Christmas!

One Of A Kind

Before we jump to today's post, I'm still working on my Lucky Community contest... 

Will you please vote for me here?

Shirt, Pants, Belt: Zara. Shoes: Cole Haan. Sunglasses: Blinde, similar a pair. Clutch: JJ Winters. Earrings: JoJo Loves You. Necklace: thanks to Scout & Molly's of Charlotte. Bracelets: J. Crew, Stella & Dot, White House Black Market, Green Market Girl. This one's cool. Rings: Belonged to my Grandmother, Tiffany, Diamonds Direct.

A few more pictures from the Green Boundary Club in Aiken, SC... The blouse, pants and belt are all Zara purchases from my recent trip to NYC.  I excitedly anticipate shopping Zara while I'm in the city, mainly because there isn't one anywhere near Charlotte, which means it's a relatively safe bet I won't have to worry about seeing anyone else wearing the same items.  Heaven forbid!  The shoes are a recent purchase from Constance Consignment in my hometown, Asheville, NC.  If you ever find yourself in the mountains of Western North Carolina, make a detour for this store. I've been shopping Constance Boutique since my first prom dress.  Every purchase is as special as that first one.  The shoes are made by Cole Haan.  Based on design and pattern this came as a total surprise to me.  As it turns out, they came from a consignor who lives in Spain, so I'm thinking I probably won't see another pair of these either.  There's something about having something all your own.  Do you agree?

Hope you are having a terrific day!!

xo-Whitley

Linking up today with

Real Girl Glam

for some

Real Girl Style

!  Check 'em out!

Horse Country

Shirt: Cynthia Rowley (old), here's an embellished collared shirt. Jeans: Zara, here's a pair. Jacket: Banana Republic (old), here's one. Boots: Charlie 1 Horse from Constance Consignment. Purse: Coach. Sunglasses: Blinde, similar pair. Earrings: Luv Aj. Bracelets: Stella & Dot, J. Crew, White House Black Market, Tortoise (old) from Constance Boutique, My Grandmother's. Rings: Tiffany, Melinda Maria, Diamonds Direct.

Today I'm linking up for a boots-inspired trend of the month challenge over at Marionberry Style. My new Charlie 1 Horse boots are pretty much the only boots I've worn since I purchased them a few weeks ago.  So in love :).  These pictures were taken at our recent visit to Aiken, SC, immediately behind the location of our wedding reception, which I recently posted from here. Aiken is horse country, in case you did not already know that.  It is such a beautiful place I had to pack a few extra outfits for photos for the Queen City Style.  For whatever reason this one spoke to me... each of the pieces jumped right out of my closet and into my overnight bag... Not sure how practical, but I'm calling it my interpretation of a sparkled up cowgirl outfit!  Do you own cowgirl boots?  What kinds of boots are your favorite for this fall season?  

Thanks so much for reading! Whitley

Black Tie Casual

Top: Foley + Corinna, available at summerbird. Jeans: Zara. Shoes: Tory Burch from summerbird. Purse: Chanel. Sunglasses: Blinde, but here's a pair. Headband: ZoeLynn & Co., last seen here. Necklace: Stella & Dot. Earrings: old, but here's a pair I love. Bracelet: so old. Rings: Melinda Maria, Tiffany, custom by Diamonds Direct.

Through the Queen City Style, I am realizing my attraction for things that posses some underlying level of tension; things that requires a little more thought and introspection.  An artistic temperament?  As much as I would love to be attracted to four beige walls, "yes, dear, whatever you like," and in this case, skinny jeans paired with a cute Trina Turk top, Tory Burch flats and Chanel sunglasses; mainstream, complacency and the obvious are not me.  Exciting, sure; frustrating, certainly at times; challenging even for me, yes.  Oh, what is a girl to do?  When I arrived home with this fabulous bustier top from summerbird, I reached for a pair of black classic tuxedo pants and a pair of over the top faux emerald and diamond rhinestone earrings.  I loved the look, but I ultimately went with my first choice; the look you see here. Perhaps next time I'll go with the more obvious choice.  What about you?  Obvious, or not so much?

Want one of these lovely headbands?  Click here for one last chance to get yours at 20% off!

I love reading what you have to say! 

Thank you so much for being here, Whitley

Early Fall Style + Scout & Molly's Winner + Giveaway!

I am so excited to be giving away this cool pair of red coral and turquoise howlite earrings...

Jacket: Gap, Pants: Gap, Blouse: J. Crew (old), Bag: Coach, Boots: Charlie 1 Horse from Constance Consignment, Sunglasses: Blinde, but here's a pair, Earrings: A. Liz Designs, Bracelets: J. Crew, Stella & Dot, my Grandmother's, Rings: Tiffany, custom by Diamonds Direct. 

This past weekend, Most Wonderful Man in the World and I went to Aiken, SC where we were married, to celebrate our six year wedding anniversary.  If you've ever been to Aiken, you know what a gorgeous place it is.  If you have not, and you by chance have the opportunity to visit, you simply must.  Also known as the Winter Colony for its attraction of wealthy northerners to the opportunities for equestrian sports after the War Between the States, Aiken is one of the most splendid little towns in the South.  In addition to being a horse town, Aiken is also home to some of the oldest golf courses in the country, as well as some of the most beautiful gardens and historic homes and architecture you will ever see.  This wall serves as a barrier to one side of The Green Boundary Club, the location for our wedding festivities, which I found to be the perfect place to snap some photos for today's Giveaway!  

Here are all the ways you may enter:

1) Mandatory Entry: You must follow of the Queen City Style by Email, Bloglovin' or GFC.

2) Check out A. Liz Designs Etsy Shop, and let me know your favorite item(s).

3) Like the Queen City Style on Facebook.

4) Share this Giveaway on Facebook or your own Blog. Be sure to tag the Queen City Style!

5) Follow the designer's delightful blog, A. Liz Adventures, by Email or GFC.

6) Follow the Queen City Style and A. Liz Adventures

on Pinterest.

7) Follow the Queen City Style and A. Liz Adventures on Twitter, and Tweet about the Giveaway.  Be sure to tag both the Queen City Style and A. Liz Adventures!

8) Tell me how YOU would style these earrings!

Please let me know in ONE comment the ways you have entered.

This Giveaway ends Thursday, November 1, and I will announce a winner that Friday.

Can't wait to see if you are the winner?  A. Liz Designs is offering 20% all shop merchandise using code QCSTYLE at check out, good through November 15.

And the Winner is....

Sunkissed and Southern

October 29, 2012 3:27 PM

I have entered #1-#6 as well as #8! I love the neon pink earrings and would wear with a black top and skinny jeans. ;)

Congratulations Sunkissed and Southern, and thanks everyone for entering!  

Please email me at thequeencitystyle@yahoo.com

Thanks so much for reading, and good luck! Whitley

Click

here

to see if you are the winner of the Scout & Molly's Giveaway! 

Signature Style

Dress: Belonged to my Grandmother, love this one. Jacket: Gap. Shoes: Ann Roth Shoes. Belt: Zara, here's one. Sunglasses: Blinde, or here's a pair. Clutch: Liora Manne Home. Earrings: Luv Aj, love this pair. Bracelets: White House/Black Market (old), gifted, my Grandmother's, Grandmother-in-law's. Rings: Melinda Maria, Tiffany, custom by Diamonds Direct.

If I had to pick one look on this blog that most reflects my personal style this would probably be it. I wear my favorite Gap 1969 denim jacket probably 300 days of the year and my hair pulled back 365.  I find the jacket to be of perfect weight for both of the transitional seasons, and I'm able to wear it in the summer and winter some as well.  Most of the accessories are staples; the earrings are my favorite, all of the rings, the vintage gold bracelets and the sunglasses.  The dress, which I had tailored to fit, belonged to my Grandmother. I love the dramatic draping in the front and back.  I changed into it the night of our wedding, hitting several bars post-reception, then ultimately crashing our own hospitality suite!  I am typically drawn to unexpected juxtaposition, which I think is going on here by toning down an otherwise semi-formal dress with denim and edgy accessories.  I think I would call my style 'Boho Glam'.  Do you have a signature style?

I hope you are having a wonderful day thus far!

xx-Whitley

PS--Be sure to visit

Real Girl Glam where I am linking up with other fashion bloggers for Real Girl Style!

Get Yours On the Queen City Style

One of my favorite parts about this blog is the opportunities it brings me to meet some really great people and collaborate with some really amazing brands. Currently, the Queen City Style is offering discounts on several of these brands, and I thought this would be a fun opportunity to share a quick reminder while the gettin' is still oh so good...

I'm totally obsessed with my Hotsy Totsy shoes by Ann Roth Shoes. I think it is fair to say these shoes are now in my "favorites" category.  I wear them everywhere, and I am stopped with complements every time I wear them. Shop Ann Roth Shoes for 20% off all in stock merchandise through October 31st, using Code THEQUEENCITY at check out.

I love, love, love the Cape Cod Day Bag in Navy and White, now on Sale...

... and, I'm patiently awaiting, as best I can, the arrival of the Fitzgerald...

I paired my Hotsy Totsy shoes with my new favorite dress from Scout & Molly's of Charlotte.  Scout & Molly's of Charlotte is offering 20% off all regular priced merchandise through October 31st.  Just mention the Queen City Style at time of purchase.

With my penchant for all things Chanel-esque, I'm loving this blush and black chiffon blouse.

And I do love a great statement coat...

Hop on over to Scout & Molly's and shop 'til you drop!  Directions to store here.

I'm also obsessed with my ZoeLynn & Co. headband.  ZoeLynn & Co is offering 20% off ALL merchandise through October 31st using code QueenCity20 at check out...

 ZoeLynn's got tons of cute little girl headbands and bows for the holidays too!

It's safe to say I can't get enough of Melvin Jewelry.  They instantly won me over the second I put eyes on that gold ram leather cuff.. and the ring... the necklace.  On shoot!... all of it!! Get 20% off all Melvin Jewelry through October 31st, using code QCSTYLE20 at check out.

A bevvy of beyond awesome baubles from the Untamed and Decommissioned collections...

... and new necklace tags from the clever Tuned In collection...

So hop on over and check 'em all out!  I wish you luck in choosing just one!

Thanks so much for being here, and I hope your day is nothing short of wonderful!

Whitley

Queen City Sister of the Sea

Blouse: Blacksheep, c/o Lipp Boutique, similar. Waxed Jeans: JUSTUSA, also here's a pair. c/o Lipp Boutique. Belt: Ada, c/o Lipp Boutique, also here's one. Scarf: Gifted. Shoes: Cole Haan, now on major sale! Sunglasses: Blinde, but here's a less expensive pair. Wallet: Coach. Necklaces: Green c/o Lipp Boutique, Gold Chain: my own. Earrings: from Nordstrom. Bracelets: White House/Black Market (old). Rings: Melinda Maria, Tiffany, Diamonds Direct.

The ladies of Lipp Boutique generously asked me to participate in a fundraiser they recently hosted.  They loaned me this outfit to wear to the event; a lovely evening of shopping, sipping and styling, in which a portion of the proceeds from sales were donated to the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte.  Waxed denim is a hot item right now.  I had fun styling this super comfy green pair with a simple but sophisticated cream blouse and this fun and functional wrap leather belt.  I piled the jewels on high for added texture, then topped the outfit off with a patterned silk scarf, hoop earrings and my favorite sunglasses.  I look at this and feel like I would fit right in with the pirates of the sea, so I guess that's me... the Queen City Sister of the Sea!

Thanks for reading, and happy, happy weekend to you mate!

xx-Whitley 

Give Me Color! And Headband Giveaway

Jacket: vintage Lillie Rubin, last seen here. Skirt: handmade by Alyssa Nicole. Shoes: BCBG (old). Headband: thanks to ZoeLynn & Co.Sunglasses: Blinde, but here's a pair. Purse: Chanel. Earrings: JoJo Loves You. Necklace: thanks to by boe. Bracelets: My Great Grandmother's and Grandmother's, Stella & Dot. Rings: My Grandmother's, Tiffany, Diamonds Direct.

I've said a couple of times before that I was wearing one of my favorite outfits, and well, I have to say it again today.  Individually, each and every one of the pieces is a favorite in my wardrobe. I remember going bonkers over this vintage Lillie Rubin and Don Luis de Espana jacket and dress set I found on Diana's Etsy Shop.  Then, I discovered this wonderfully adorable and amazingly affordable skirt by way of my beautiful blogger friend, Elspeth Crawford of elle bow room.  All of the accessories, from bag to shoes to jewelry to headband are also favorites; a perfect little segue to the headband, hand made by a college friend.  I loved it when I saw the pictures, but then when I put it on, head over heels!  I've received a ton of compliments on the headband, and now I am so excited that ZoeLynn & Co. is giving away one of these very same headbands as well as an adorable lavender little girl's headband to one lucky winner.  The flowers on all of the headbands are attached to a clip, making them detachable from the headband.  Three in one!  Below are all of the ways you may enter.

1) Mandatory Entry: Must follow the Queen City Style by Email, Bloglovin' or GFC.

2) Visit ZoeLynn & Co.'s Etsy shop, and let me know your favorite item.

3) Like ZoeLynn & Co. onFacebook.

4-Like the Queen City Style on Facebook.

5-Share the Giveaway on your own Blog or on Facebook.  Be sure to tag the Queen City Style.

6-Tell me how you would style your favorite ZoeLynn & Co. headband.

Please let me know in ONE comment below each of the ways you have entered.  This contest ends on Saturday, October 13th and a winner will be announced on Monday, October 15th.

Can't wait to see if you are the winner?  

ZoeLynn & Co. is offering 20% off all merchandise through October 31st, using code QueenCity20 at check out.

Thanks SO much for reading and good luck!

Whitley

Melvin Jewelry For My Tar Heels

In case there is any confusion over the team...

Blouse: My Great-Grandmother's. Skirt: Gap (old). Shoes: Cole Haan--Now On Sale! Wrap: from Belk. Scarf: H&M, here's one. Sunglasses: Blinde, but here's a pair. Ram Jewelry: Melvin Jewelry. Turquoise Ring: My Grandmother's, here's one I love. Others Rings: Custom by Diamonds Direct. Earrings: from Nordstrom. Stone Necklace: from KK Bloom Boutique.

It was through my Twitter feed that I first discovered Melvin Jewelry and absolutely fell in love.  I saw this Ram Leather Cuff and knew right away I had to feature their fabulous designs.  I took one step in the door of the Melvin studio, and as you can see, I had a hard time being selective.  I wanted (and want) it all!  The Untamed collection is what drew me in, but all of the designs are amazing.  Check out the Decommissioned collection inspired by a bullet.  So cool.  Something else cool... Through October 31st, Melvin Jewelry is offering 20% off all merchandise to readers of the Queen City Style.  Just use code QCSTYLE20 at check out.  In case your school mascot is a fly, you are in luck!  How cool are these earrings??!  Cool enough for Taylor Swift and Teen Vogue.  A special thanks to Rick for letting me use his awesome vintage Cadillac!

I remain so grateful for your readership! Whitley

The Ultimate Game Day Accessory

My Outfit: Dress: BCBGeneration (old), but here's one I love. Jacket: Gap. Sunglasses: Blinde, but here's a less expensive pair. Necklaces and Cuff: Melvin. Purse: Ann Roth Shoes (20% off using code THEQUEENCITY at check out). Earrings: from Nordstrom. Scarf: from Belk. Rings: Melinda Maria, Tiffany, Diamonds Direct. Bracelets: J. Crew, Stella & Dot.

Mindy's Oufit: Dress: Urban Outfitters (old). Boots: Gifted, similar pair. Necklace and Cuff: Melvin. Purse: M. Clifford Designs. Sunglasses: try Ray-Ban's.

Thanks to Phillip for sharing his awesome vintage BMW for this post!

I am so tickled to have my adorable cousin, Mindy, here to help showcase some awesome pieces from one of my new favorite jewelry designers, Melvin.  The mighty Tiger serves as mascot to many fine schools, but a few reasons why we are sharing our pride today for the Clemson Tigers... Cousin Mindy is a current senior at Clemson, football games at Death Valley are FU-UN, and my Uncle Rusty maintains a 41-game hitting streak in baseball which remains the longest in ACC history. (Proud, gotta share)!  I am completely obsessed with the unique aesthetics of the pieces in all of Melvin's collections, but the Untamed line really gets me.  I have my favorites; this Octopus leather cuff, for example, and of course, anything with a Ram on it, like this Ram Ring.  Obsessing over Melvin as much as I am?... Melvin is offering 20% off everything in their shop through October 31, using code QCSTYLE20.  Stay tuned for some totally bad to the bone Ram jewels, perfect for games at my Alma Mater, UNC.  You know it's coming!

Which piece is your favorite?  Kinda think that furry purple cuff is off the hook...

Thanks so much for reading!  Whitley

Sophisticated Edge In This Space

Blouse: My Great-Grandmother's. Skirt: Zara. Shoes: Tory Burch from summerbird, similar pair. Headband: Zoe Lynn & Co. last seen here. Purse: JJ Winters from Lipp Boutique. Sunglasses: Blinde, similar pair. Necklace:  Thanks to by boe. Earrings: Pier 1 Imports (so old). Bracelets: My Grandmother's and Great-Grandmother's, Stella & Dot.  Rings: Tiffany and Diamonds Direct.

First; if you live in the Queen City, I hope you visit this precious newly built space on the Greenway next to Metropolitan.  It is what I call Charlotte's answer to Bryant Park.  Next; I've had my eye on this skirt from Zara for the last couple of months.  One of the things I was most excited about for my trip to NYC was going shopping there.  I had so much fun putting together this outfit.  The vintage blouse and bracelet belonged to my Great-Grandmother.  I don't normally wear anything with a logo (except my Chaney), but I think these Tory Burch pumps from my favorite high end consignment boutique are just so good looking with the quilting, cap toe and gold detail on the heel. I am in love with my Zoe Lynn & Co. headband hand made by a college friend, and of course, my favorite going out bag.  Back to the skirt... I think there is an age threshold for short skirts, and this skirt is definitely on the mini side.  I will be 36 on my next birthday, but I don't FEEL like I look too old to wear it.  What do you think about women wearing short skirts as they age?  Do you agree about keeping things more conservative?  Could care less about age?

Thanks so much for reading!!

xx-Whitley

PS--Love headband too?  Stay tuned for a Giveaway, or if you can't wait to have one, get yours for 20% off using code QueenCity20 at the Zoe Lynn & Co. Etsy shop here!

Saying Goodbye, Hotsy Totsy

Sweater: J. Crew (so old!), Shirt: Forever 21, here's one. Shorts: Jessica Simpson, here's a pair. Shoes: Ann Roth Shoes. Purse: Coach (old). Belt: Most Wonderful Man in the World's. Sunglasses: Blinde, here's a less expensive pair. Earrings: My favorite- Luv Aj. Bracelets: Stella & Dot, J. Crew, My Grandmother's. Rings: Tiffany, custom by Diamonds Direct.

Two things in this post resonate with me.  If you know me personally or see me on a regular basis, you know I wear these jean shorts almost every day.  I am a walking contradiction of myself.  I think this is is for a couple of reasons; I try to jam as much as possible in any allotment of time, literally running everywhere I go, and I simply don't have the time to consider the way I look.  My Grandmother would not like hearing this, but it is in any case, the truth of the matter.  That said, I do look forward to the opportunity to put my best foot forward on a special occasion (or blog post:), but in the meantime I say goodbye to my faithful shorty blues until the next season.  The second thing I want to share with you is THESE SHOES!  My dear friend, actress and designer, Ann Roth, sent me these shoes.  I planned on sending them back to her, but it is not going to happen.  I simply could not part once I put them on my feet.  I'm so excited, because Ann is sharing the love by offering 20% off her entire shoe and bag collection!  Just enter THEQUEENCITY (all caps) at check out.  Happy Shopping!  Happy Weekend!

Thanks for reading!!

xx Whitley

Animal, Baby

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Today I'm linking up for Marionberry Style's Trend of the Month Challenge.  In the event you could not decipher on your own, this month's theme is Animal Prints.  It's been a busy week for me, and since I've no shortage of animal print posts, I have put together a collection of images reflecting some of my many outfits incorporating animal prints.  I have gotten great use out of these animal print pumps by Nine West.  They are comfortable, well made, and you really can't beat the price.  Here are a few current animal prints I'm loving.  Santa, I know it's a bit early, and I do not normally ask for such things, but this?? PRETTY PLEASE.

Left to Right: Skater Dress, Scarf, Animal Print Skater Dress, Ballet Flats, Medium Snake Bag, High Pumps, Belt, Small Snake Bag, Gloves, Belted Dress

Back To School

T-Shirt: Gift from a Rowdy. Jeans: Zara, here's a similar pair. Jacket: Gap. Shoes: Cole Haan. Bag: Coach. Sunglasses: Blinde, here's a less expensive pair. Earrings: Bauble Bar. Belt worn as a Bracelet: Forever 21. Belt: Target. Rings: My Grandmother's, Tiffany, Diamonds Direct.

I'm linking up for this month's Everybody Everywear fashion challenge, and this month's topic is Back To School.  For a moment I thought, do I go with an outfit representative of my high school Alma Mater or college?  Although I stand firmly that Carolina Blue is the most fabulous color on God's green earth... (let's be honest, the hue has it's very own name)... in this case I'm taking it back to the start.  From kindergarten to twelfth grade, blue and gold were the only colors I knew, and I am proud of them!  It's actually a bit quite sick how much school spirit my group of girls has. Next month our get together includes a designated cheering section for the class of 1995 'Rowdy's' at our high school football game.  I cannot wait to go home and cheer on the Rams! This outfit is really exactly what I would have worn in high school... the ripped jeans and denim on denim, big 'ole on my ponytail, dangly earrings, hand-me-down Coach bag from my Mom, shirt knotted on the hip.. it's all there, and it's all in my closet.  The 90's are officially back!  Oh Dear.

For the love of keepin' that school spirit, in great style...

Thanks for being here!! Whitley

Gold Beaded Vest and Denim Shorts

Real quick: if you are not already, may I ask you to follow the Queen City Style on Facebook?  I often post different things there, and I am super excited about the new personalized fan page. THANK YOU!!

Now on to the outfit...

Vest: c/o Cigi Guz. Tank: Gap. Shorts: Jessica Simpson (old), here's a similar pair. Purse: Coach. Shoes: Loft (old), here's a pair. Sunglasses: Ray-Ban. Necklace: KK Bloom Boutique. Bracelets: J. Crew, Stella & Dot, vintage. Rings: Melinda Maria, Tiffany, Diamonds Direct. 

This outfit is a pretty dead-on representation for my everyday street style look.  You may recall seeing the gold beaded vest from this recent post, paired with my green harem pants from Woman Shops World.  I so adore this vest belonging to budding designer Cigi Guz that I had to wear it again, this time more casually with my trusty denim shorts.  I also love this vintage Coach cross body bag that belonged to my mother.  If you look closely in the above picture, you can see an ink stain on the under body of the bag; certainly nothing to deter me from a Coach classic.

For the love of recycled style, never out of style...

Thank you so much for reading!  Whitley

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