Burning Torch

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!

Alexander McQueen Copied Me

When the above image from Shopbop's awesome Lookbook of the day came through yesterday, I immediately thought of my Grandmother's classic Pendleton Tartan Plaid Coat.  I love how the Shopbop editors styled the Alexander McQueen swing to showcase their look of Sophisticated Prep. Just goes to show you classics never go out of style.  Check out our original shoot here.

Shopbop is one of my absolute favorite on line shopping hubs, and if they say it's so, well it's so. Looks like tartan plaid is in for Fall!  Shop a few of my favorites below. 

Head To Toe, Hold The Middle

My mother-in-law wore this outfit for her first date with my father-in-law at a pool party in August of 1971.  As you can image, with her long legs, barely there midi and the cutest smile under the sun, for my father-in-law, the rest was history!  Knowing my obsession with one of a kind fashion, Mary pulled this precious two piece out for me several years ago.  I've worn it a couple of times, and it really does make the most fun pool party outfit I could imagine wearing.  In all honesty, it is this photo shoot that lit the fire under me to get cranking on the abs.  Breeze is da bomb! More to come there. In the meantime, I've pulled a few matching crop top and bottoms for your next pool party.  Ladies, trust me on this one...

Lemlem + blydesign + Back Yard Baby

Me:

Shirt: Lemlem from Poole Shop. Shorts: Jessica Simpson (similar pair). Sunglasses: Rayban.  Flops: Rainbow. Earrings: Back Yard Baby. Bracelets: blydesign. 

Worth:

Shorts: J. Crew (similar) Shirt: J. Crew

I love the lightweight gauze material used in Lemlem designs.  In 2007, supermodel and actress, Liya Kebede, discovered that traditional weavers in her native country of Ethiopia were losing their jobs due to decline in local demand.  Recognizing the beauty and quality of their work, Liya started Lemlem as a way to inspire economic independence and preserve the art of weaving. This shirt from my Charlotte favorite, Poole Shop, is one of the most comfortable I own.  I'll likely be wearing it all summer long with everything else you see here... jean shorts, flip flops and shades.  I love supporting local businesses and fellow entrepreneurs.  To me, relationships are such a fulfilling part of life.  As relationships pertain to not only my personal life but my work, out of them, comes a story and greater meaning.... like these jewels I'm wearing!  I get more complements on my new favorite earrings by Back Yard Baby (made out of gold plated wire and recycled tee! email owner, Winslett) and my blydesign calf hair bangles. Get your own, and be sure to make a connection with these great small business owners and designers!

Styling Jake Mercer and McKenzie Walden

Models: Jake Mercer, Boss Models and McKenzie Walden, Tout. Photography: Zach Alston. Hair: Shaun Colomb Makeup: Teri-Lyn Hiroshige. Wardrobe Assistant: Arianna Gallardo

Just a touch of sexy for your weekend from one of my favorite shoots.  Hope yours is smashing!

Find Your Own Sexy This Mother's Day

                                       Pajamas: the cat's pajamas c/o I.C. London.  Hair: c/o BLo ouT                                           (Pay no mind to the styling of Precious Peanuts' jammies.  Hand me downs and comfort are king for my wild ones).  

The word sexy offers a lot of room for interpretation, and we know it doesn't mean the same thing for everyone.  What is sexy, however, is loving yourself and your body and embracing your sexuality.  When it comes to sleepwear, this may mean pin-up style lingerie for some or a cotton pajama set for others. Whatever it is, if you feel confident wearing it, that is what matters most. That is Finding Your Own Sexy.

Mother's Day is this Sunday, just right around the corner.  Donna and I had such a great time working on this sweet collaboration with Charlotte lingerie boutique, I.C. London. For over 20 years I.C. London has been dressing the Queen City with the very best in sleepwear, loungewear and lingerie.  I.C. London is known for offering the widest selection of sizes in sleepwear, ranging from XS all the way up to 3XL and offers an equally expansive selection in bra sizes. From cotton lounging pajamas to sexy baby dolls, boy shorts and camisoles, I.C. London has the perfect Mother's Day gift for the mom in your life.  If you're not completely sure what to buy, I.C. London is offering the value of $10 off every $50 Gift Card you purchase.  This way mom can get exactly what she wants.  We all know when mama's happy...!!

BLo Baby BLo

Jacket: J. Crew. Shirt: thanks to La Senorita Jolie. Jeans: thanks to Chip & Pepper. Shoes: Cole Haan from Constance Consignment. Ring and Hoop Earrings: Melinda Maria. Necklace: thanks to Melvin. Bracelets: thanks to bly design and Chelsea Charles.

As of late, I've been getting lots of questions and kind remarks on my updo's.  So, without further adieu, it's all thanks to BLo ouT.  If I have a big event or speaking engagement, my new favorite "pick me up and see me ready" is getting my hair fantastically did from these lovely ladies.  Charlotte's trendsetter of the blo-out craze, BLo ouT, now has three locations; SouthPark, Myers Park, and a brand new third at Jetton Village Shopping Center in Cornelius for those of you living near Lake Norman.  I'm big on updo's since my own craft stops at the ponytail, but whatever style it is you desire, BLo ouT will take the very best care of you, and send you on your perfectly coiffed way!

Hangin' With Paris

Shirt: J. Crew. Skirt: ASOS. Shoes: Cole Haan from Constance Consignment. Clutch: Vintage. Earrings: JewelMint. Bracelets: blydesign, Chelsea Charles, J. Crew. Cuff from Sloan Boutique. Cocktail Ring: Melinda Maria. Hair by: BLo ouT.

Such a fun impromptu meeting with Paris Pullen on the streets of Noda.  He'll probably want to kill me for saying this, but how adorably hip is this fresh prince of the Queen City?  Check him out four yourself at Higher Citizen. Untanned legs aside, I could not be more ready for spring!

I Love You Coffee And Harriet

Harriet, Donna and I had a fun little team meeting a few months ago at Mugs Coffee.  Have you been there?  Don't get me wrong, I enjoy my Bucks and Bou too, but if I have my choice, it's always drink local for me.  For those of you who live or work in or pass through the Myers Park/Southpark area, Mugs Coffee is at the intersection of Park and Selwyn, in the Park Selwyn shopping center next to Portofino's.  Just prior to my first visit to Mugs, I met Magnolia Coffee Roastmaster, Jay Gestiwicki at a Warm Charlotte event.  This is some GOOD coffee y'all. Anyway, our meeting was great, but the not anywhere near great part is that our beloved Harriet is moving to London on Monday.  I'm very, very excited for her, of course, but Lord knows I'm going to miss this girl.  On the bright side, the Queen City Style will be gaining a London correspondent!  Does it get any cooler than that?  I can't wait to see and share what oh so stylish, fashionable and awesome things Harriet finds for us!  In the meantime, get on over to Mugs and get your Magnolia Coffee on.

Get Ready To Shop!

If you've been coming here a while, you know how much I love a Green Jeans Consignment Sale.  Founded by my dear friends, sisters Cindy Williams and Dana Degan, these girls know how to turn out a fashionable bargain sale like no other.  With two sales at two locations on two separate weekends, there is some awesome garb to be had.  Just in time for Spring, the Lake Norman sale takes place THIS weekend, March 26-29.  For those of you living in South Charlotte or Charlotte proper, the Southpark sale will be held May 2-4th.  Get all the info. here. 

Yep, that's me.  The poster child for Green Jeans Consignment.  Woop!

And, if for some crazy reason you don't need any more clothes but what you really need is to purge your closet (that's me, always), now's your chance to clear out the clutter and make a little coin.  Green Jeans Consignment pays up to 65% commission on the sale of your items.  The very best part of consigning your clothes with Green Jeans?  If you simply do not have the time to get your clothes organized and ready for the sale, they will do it for you!  The Green Jeans Express Tagging Service pays consignors 50% of earnings.  I'm most definitely one of those people.  Get all the consignor information here, and see in photos how my own church carpool line trunk to trunk secret clothing swap went down.  YES, Cindy and Dana will even come to you!

Hangin' With Ninja

I already told you here how much I love my business manager, friend, runner extraordinnaire, beyond creative cool home girl Harriet.  She's moving back to her native land, England, at the end of March, and I am sadly counting down the days.  On the awesome side, however, the Queen City Style will be gaining a correspondent in the queen's country! And, as much as we love Harriet, we love her little dog too.  Ninja is a superstar.  The girl has run marathons. Twenty seven miles with Harriet on her twenty seventh birthday, to be exact.  Follow all of Ninja's happenings on her facebook page.  Everyone's doing it.  PS-That's our sweet Macy girl.  Did you ever see a prettier 12 year old?

Hope you enjoy these dog days of winter.  Springtime is almost here!!

-Whitley

GIVEAWAY: Happy Valentine's Day To You And Me

Bag: Coach, thanks to Belk. Dress: TOPSHOP at Nordstrom Southpark. Shirt: thanks to La Senorita Jolie. Shoes: Stuart Weitzman. Tights: J. Crew.  Wine: Sobon Estates (Awesome Zinfandel under $13 at Total Wine). Ring: Melinda Maria. Earrings: Melinda Maria. Cuff: from Sloan. Others: Jook and Nona and thanks to Chelsea Charles.  Photography: Moments by Donna.

Remember my Valentine's Day Wish List at Belk last week?  I've been on the hunt for some time now for the perfect executive tote, and I finally found it!  I've been a loyal Coach bag carrier for over half my life now, since my first hand me down from my Mom.  (I carry this cross-body bag every day).  At any rate, I couldn't be more excited about my newest addition to my Coach bag collection.  These bags are carefully crafted of high quality leather, and they carry a look of understated elegance.  I was so excited to team up with Belk for this awesome Valentine's Day collaboration, and perhaps the coolest part is they are sharing the love with you!  Two readers will be the lucky recipients of a $75 gift card to purchase anything you want at Belk. 

To enter just leave a comment on this post letting me know which item from my Belk Valentine's Day Wish List you like best.  

For up to four additional entries:

1-Let me know if you are a fan of the Queen City Style on Facebook

2-Let me know if you follow the Queen City Style on Instagram

3-Let me know if you follow the Queen City Style on Twitter

4-Let me know if you are a fan of Belk on Facebook

This giveaway ends Saturday, February 15th, and the winner will be announced the next day.
  Thanks so much for reading, and good luck!  Whitley

Super Bowl Style

Shirt: c/o La Senorita Jolie. Jeans: Chip & Pepper California. Boots: Corral. Sunglasses: RayBan. Rings: Melinda Maria, Tiffany. Bracelets: Jook and Nona, thanks to Chelsea Charles, Blydesign. Earrings: thanks to JoJo Loves You.

Could there be a greater fashion delimna than what to wear to a Super Bowl party?  Of course there could, but any occasion to get in the spirit and make some silly fun, you know, is a fashion opportunity waiting to be had by me!  A pair of well fit jeans, your favorite boots, and an oversized comfortable shirt is all you need to cheer on your favorite team.  And this year, if you're not sure who you're routing for, you can always create your own Super Bowl pool and bet on what type of hat Bruno Mars will be wearing.  A special thanks to Coach Kenny for helping keep me in proper (I hope!) form.

Whatever you're watching the big game tonight, be safe and have fun!

Whitley

I.C. London Lingerie Sale + Teaser

So, I'm kind of a little bit scared but really excited about what's about to go down with me and Charlotte's most awesome lingerie store in the world (yes), I.C. London.  

Stay tuned in the coming weeks, or keep your eyes peeled and fingers flipping through some of the city's hottest print publications... Charlotte Urban Home, QC Exclusive, Society, just to name a few. Here's a hint: Find Your Own Sexy.  In the meantime, don't miss out on I.C. London's Customer Appreciation Sale going on now through February 2nd.  Select items 30% off, and mention this post and you'll receive 20% off your entire purchase!

Snow Day!!! Can't wait to head out to the farm to tear up Snow Sled Hill on the Radio Flyer!

Keep Warm, Whitley

Carpool Style

Jacket: Gap. Skirt: Sophie Max. Shirt: La Senorita Jolie. Boots: Charlie 1 Horse for Lucchese. Sunglasses: RayBan. Necklace: Melvin Jewelry. Rings: Melinda Maria (totally obsessing over this one) and Tiffany. Earrings: Jewelmint. Bracelets: Blydesign. Hair: thanks to BLo ouT.

I'm amping up my carpool style for you today.  On most occasions you'll find me in my running gear, but on the days I get the run out of the way first thing, I'm likely wearing something like this. Denim jacket, cowgirl boots, RayBans and anything else comfortable underneath.  In this case, my beloved La Senorita Jolie Valentina shirt and recent maxi skirt purchase for pennies on sale at Belk. I Looooove, capital L and a lot of O's my work as a wardrobe stylist, and when it's time for me to step out I will, but when I am on the job as Mommy, give me comfortable or comfortable and nothing in between.  Thanks to BLo ouT for the cute hair in this post in prep for a fun day of photo shooting all over the QC.  Want this shirt?  Shop it here, and use code LSJ-QCS at check out and get free shipping!

Baby Mama

Hey Y'all!  I would like for you to meet my new friend, Izabelle.  She's the most versatile, go with the flow, sexiest thing since the days of Flashdance. Yes, I am talking about my sweatshirt!  If you haven't yet heard of Charlotte's most popular line of casual wear, La Senorita Jolie, consider yourself introduced.  And for those of you wearing your sweatshirt and messy pony tail through the carpool line instead of a more desirable and polished outfit with perfectly coifed hair, I want to personally thank you for not leaving me a soldier of one on Team Survival.  Izabelle is the perfect way to take things up a notch. The kangaroo pocket is perfect for stowing that extra pack of wipes and with the slouchy fit, you never have to worry about baby pulling your shirt down to expose your shoulder.  What's more to love, she can be yours in Carolina Blue too!  Use code LSJ-QCS at check out and get free shipping!  Heeere's Izzie! 

His Plaid Shirt

Shirt and Jeans: c/o Gap. Shoes: Nine West (old), love these. Sunglasses:Ray Ban. Earrings: Thanks to JoJo Loves You.

Nothing fancy here today.  I've been eating, without pause, for the last 48 hrs.  So, it's all spandex and grannies for me.  These are just a few more pics from my day in the studio with Jon Silla and Deme Fourtounis.  The images were intended as part of my little denim promotion for Gap Southpark, but I ran out of time after posting these pictures.  There's nothing easier than pairing one of his shirts with your denim and any pair of shoes from sneaks to heels to boots and calling it a day.  The one I'm wearing here is sold out, but I like this one and this one.

I hope you and yours had a very Merry Christmas and hopefully are able to enjoy some down time this week with those you love.  I am grateful for you.

Whitley

Chip and Pepper California

Denim and Shirt thanks to Chip & Pepper California. Boots: Charlie 1 Horse for Lucchese. Glasses: RayBan. Photograhy: Jon Silla. Hair and Makeup: Deme Fourtounis.

An old new line of denim and casual wear has made its way from the California coast right here to the Queen City.  Do you remember the names Chip and Pepper? Think waaay back. It all started in the 1980's for Canadian born identical twin brothers, Chip and Pepper, when they began selling t-shirts and bathing suits out of the back of their truck.  The zany duo also made it big on screen with their own television show.  In 2003, Chip and Pepper launched their first premium vintage denim line called, as you may recall, Chip & Pepper.  Well now, thanks to a partnership with the dynamic denim making duo, Belk has added Chip & Pepper California to a total of 100 Belk stores and Belk.com. At $78, I am the proud owner of three pairs of my new favorite comfortable denim.  The pair I'm wearing here is now on sale at Belk for $27.29. Yes, that's correct.  Hot denim in crazy town.  That is less than you will pay for jeans at Walmart.

Peace and love, Whitley

Favorite Site Sales + My Picks For Cyber Monday

In real life, I am a girl who lives in nothing but casual basics.  Give me jeans, t shirts and cowgirl boots, and I am ready to go!  For your Cyber Monday saving pleasure, I've pictured a few items I could not live without, as well as a few I'd love to have. The cap toe flats I have put many clients in, and if you are someone who is on their feet during the day, I promise they are the most comfortable flats on the planet.  The Rag & Bone booties; well I don't own a pair, but I know they are the hottest thing since sliced bread. Those and the J. Brand flare jeans.

Clockwise: J Brand Love Story Flare Jeans, Bee Earrings, Three Floor Dress, Star Blaze Earrings, No Shit Givers Tee, Rag & Bone Newbury Booties, Toe Cap Shoes, Bobi Gauze Blouse, Stuart Weitzman Black Suede Bootie, Baller Tee, Charlie 1 Horse by Lucchese Boots.

Here's a collection of several of my favorite little sercies. I recently purchased Jessica's watercolor lips print for my home office renovation.  A few of my peeps will be getting the holiday Mr. and Mrs. Cocktail glasses or the gold urchin which is just about the most fun thing in my life since wearing jammies all day for a movie marathon over Baileys in my coffee.  Really hoping someone in my life will deem me worthy of the Eugenia Kim or Loeffler Randall.

Clockwise: Zebra Dish, Loeffler Randall Tote, Vino 2 Go Insulated Tumbler, Gold Urchin, Lips Watercolor, Eugenia Kim Fedora, Monogrammed Pillow, Mr. and Mrs. Cocktail Glasses

Save like crazy on some of my favorite sites:

ASOS: 20% off site wide using code: GIMME20

C.Wonder: 30% off using code: GIFTS30

Cynthia Rowley: up to 65% off Fall Markdowns

Furbish Studio: 25% off + free shipping any orders over $100 code: MONDAYMADNESS

Hanky Panky: up to 40% off

LOFT: save 50% off everything using code: CYBER50

Melinda Maria: 35% off using code: CYBERMM35

Planet Blue: 25% off site wide using code: CYBERTIME

Revolve Clothing: up to 75% off

Shopbop: up to 25% off using code BIGEVENT13

Towne & Reese: 40% site wide using code holiday40

YOOX: up to 50% off using code: THANKYOOX

Zhush: 20% off all orders using code: BlackFriday

Last but not least, Keep Calm and Carry On is for distinguished beginners.  For those of you who asked me about this on Instagram or Facebook, here's where to get one of your very own. Amsterdam Hester has custom made the one below for my home office. Humor saves.

Happy Shopping!

-Whitley

I.C. London

Lingerie: Cosabella; Shoes, Slip and Sleep Mask (similar here), all c/o I.C. London. Photography: Moments by Donna, Hair and Makeup: Deme Fourtounis. 

After serving as a flagship fixture on East Boulevard for 20 years, the Queen City's lingerie go-to has moved to a newly renovated, open air space at The Village at SouthPark. To share the excitement, the store has extended a private 20% discount to all readers of the Queen City Style through Saturday, November 23. Just mention this post at check out. The holiday season is getting close.  Ladies, in all the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping and buying and doing for others, I am here to tell you there is no time like the present to buy something for yourself.  Go get yourself some high quality comfortable jammies.  Feel good about yourself and still be cozy.  I.C. London carries a range of products from underpinnings to sophisticated negligees to cotton cozies and bedroom slippers.  I hope you will treat yourself (or someone you love).

Happy pampering!

xo-Whitley