Rooster's

http://hunterdixon.com/collections/all/products/ashlan-vest

Vest: Hunter Dixon (now 50% off). Shorts: J. Crew. Shoes: Donald J Pliner (On Sale!). Purse: Chanel (great price). Sunglasses: Blinde, (LOVE these). Earrings: Luv Aj. Bracelets: cuff from Sloan Boutique, thanks to Chelsea Charles and belonged to my Grandmother. Rings: Melinda Maria, Tiffany and custom by Diamonds Direct.

I love summer time for wearing shorts; day or night.  I just snagged this awesome vest by Fashion Star winner and fellow southern gal, designer Hunter Bell of Hunter Dixon, and I have been wearing it flat out every since it arrived at my doorstep. 

Rooster's might be my favorite restaurant in town.  I only say "might," because there are several other great eats in the Queen City, but we are definitely repeat offenders at Rooster's.  This was my first visit to the new uptown location.  Love, love.  More to come, live on location.

xx-Whitley

Cynthia Rowley, Belk + Me

Finally, pics of Cynthia Rowley at Belk Girls Night Out.  I've shared my genuine admiration for this woman.  She was the first designer to make an impression on me.  I worked long and hard hours to purchase one of her designs for my junior year prom dress. Her show at NYC Fashion Week in the Fall of 1999 was my first fashion show.   Belk could have chosen any known designer, but she was the one they wanted for this special designer collaboration.  Kismet?  I'm so grateful to have found a way to channel my passion through the Queen City Style and now as a wardrobe stylist. During this time, I've felt an increasing desire to connect with authenticity. I just want real. When I first met Cynthia at Charleston Fashion Week, I couldn't resist my natural tendency to hug and smile, exchange and laugh.  I was supposed to properly interview this woman, but I just could not abide to the formality.  She was every bit as much hug, smile, exchange and laugh; but way cooler.  Fast forward to Belk Girls Night Out, as I reached to greet Cynthia, she snagged the first word in thanking me for the note I sent after we met.  Authenticity is alive and well.  Thank you Belk for including me!

Whitley: Top: Cynthia Rowley. Pants: (similar), Boots: Charlie 1 Horse. Jacket: Belonged to my Great-Grandmother, last seen here. Bracelets: J. Crew and belonged to my Grandmother.

Cynthia: Top: Cynthia Rowley. Pants: Cynthia Rowley. Shoes: Cynthia Rowley.

Here's a snippet from my hug, smile, exchange and laugh with Ms. Rowley...

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xx-Whitley

Cool Men's Clothing, Myers Park, Microbrew + Giveaway

Shirt: Lucky Brand, other fav. Shorts: Lucky Brand/Irving and Fine. Boots: Charlie 1 Horse. Jacket: Gap. Sunglasses: Blinde, similar pair. Belt: old, similar. Necklace: thanks to Melvin Jewelry. Rings: Melinda Maria, custom by Diamonds Direct, Tiffany. Bracelets: J. Crew, thanks to Chelsea Charles, belonged to my Grandmother. Earrings: Luv Aj.

Charlotteans, there's a new men's store in town.  Located in the heart of Myers Park, Jilson's Men's Consignment carries an ever-changing variety of top quality threads including jeans, pants, shirts, sport coats, suits, shoes, accessories and more.  I cling to the philosophy that you don't have to spend a fortune to look like a million bucks, so when my running mate, John, let me know he was on the market for some fresh, new duds, Jilson's was the perfect time and place to apply my mantra to men's dressing.  With a sampling of brands including Brooks Brothers, Gucci, Hermes, J. Crew, Polo Ralph Lauren, Salvatore Ferragamo and more, Jilson's did not disappoint. After a full morning chasing my boys, the cold Natty Greene's Kevin offered me upon entry, kept the pleasantries coming. Fellas, the Jilson's Grand Opening party is this Saturday, June 1st.  This is the perfect time for you to check out the store, as well as the exotic luxury cars on display, and enjoy some complementary food, Natty Greene's brew, Outland Cigars and a few Giveaways. Visit the Jilson's website here for additional information including store hours, consignment and more. Perfect in time for Father's Day...

Jilson's Giveaway

New Ike Behar tie + two Natty Greene's Beers + two Outland Cigars + one sleeve Dunlop DDH Golf Balls

To enter:

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

2) Like Jilson's on Facebook for a DOUBLE entry.

3) Follow Jilson's on Twitter.

4) Follow Jilson's on Instagram

Please let me know in ONE comment the ways you have entered.  This Giveaway ends Saturday, June 1st, and the winner will be announced the following Monday. 

Thanks so much for reading, and we hope to see you at the party! 

xx-Whitley

High Tea

Dress: Jungal (old) from Constance Boutique in Asheville. Pashmina: Belk. Shoes: Steve Madden. Clutch: Coach. Gloves: Belonged to my Grandmother. Sunglasses: Blinde, similar pair. Bracelets: thanks to Chelsea Charles, belonged to my Grandmother and Grandmother-in-law and Bakelite thanks to summerbird.

I bought this dress when I was 19 at my first loved boutique back home in Asheville, Constance Boutique, and it has been one of my favorite go-to dresses for summer ever since.  When the day for the first annual Pret-a-portea at the Duke Mansion finally arrived, and the weather was forecast to be low 70's and sunny, this dress was the first that came to mind.  It was a gorgeous Sunday to honor some of Charlotte's my stylish philanthropic icons, and we were able to make a generous monetary donation to The Lunch Project. This would be the second event at the Duke Mansion I attended wearing this dress.  Anybody in the Queen City have an upcoming event and need a date?  I would be thrilled at the chance for third time's a charm.

As ever, thank you for your readership.

xx-Whitley

Shopping On A Time Crunch

As you may know, I write a contributing monthly style column for Charlotte Parent magazine.  This has been a wonderful outlet for me to channel my love of writing.  I always enjoy getting feedback and hearing about things you want to read.  If you have any ideas or requests, please email me at thequeencitystyle@yahoo.com.  I would love to hear from you.  In the meantime, this month's article goes out to all of you who can relate to me in the below photo.  Be sure to pick up a copy each month at any Harris Teeter or pediatrics office in Charlotte, or if you are not in Charlotte, you may read the articles on line here.  As ever, thanks for reading! 

--Whitley

4 TIPS FOR SHOPPING ON A TIME CRUNCH

Regardless of whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or work outside of the home, we all know shopping with children can be challenging. Carson Tate, one of Charlotte’s leading time-

management experts and a managing partner at Working Simply, shares the tips below for finding more time to shop.

[1] Be clear and decisive.

 Make a list. Know your clothing needs from season to season, then be deliberate in your shopping. Think about the stores you frequent, and get to know a person there who can call and let you know what’s on sale. Many stores staff personal shoppers for that reason.

[2] Buy it now.

 When time is of the essence, you can never seem to find what you need. We have all been there. You have nothing to wear for that special occasion, so you frantically rush to the mall searching for any dress that will halfway do. Instead, when you see a dress you absolutely love, buy it then. You will get the greatest return on investment in a dress you love and actually wear.

(Right) Black-and-white halter dress by Vince Camuto, at Belk, $178.

[3] Get to know the kid-friendly stores.

 As an avid runner and mom of two boys, I am grateful for Run For Your Life’s play area for children. All Tory Burch boutiques provide iPads with games for children in addition to juice boxes and bracelets for good little girls.

[4] Know what brands work for you.

 There is no need to spend precious time hunting. Know your body type and shape, and shop the brands that you know work for you. If you know Gap makes the perfect ribbed tank, buy it in multiple colors.

(Above) Gap ribbed tanks at Gap Southpark, $16.95 each.

Whitley Adkins Hamlin keeps it stylish as a mom with two children under 5. Read her blog at CharlotteParent.com/blogs.

Milkshake Date

Whitley: Dress: c/o Flow by Tara Davis. Shoes: Steve Madden. Clutch: Coach. Sunglasses: Blinde, similar pair. Statement Ring: thanks to Tasha Hussey, others: custom by Diamonds Direct. Necklace: belonged to my Grandmother. Earrings: JewelMint. Bracelets: belonged to my Grandmother and Grandmother-in-law. Hair Comb: JewelMint.

Hank: Jacket: Nordstrom. Pants: similar pair from J. Crew. Shirt: J. Crew. Tie: Nordstrom. Shoes: Hand me downs, here's a pair.

This is yet another one of my favorite posts to date.  How could it not be with my adorably precious debonair date, Precious Peanut #1?  I mentioned over breakfast that Donna and I would be shooting in the afternoon, but I did not know what or where I would shoot.  Leave it to Hanky... "Mommy, you need to call all your girlfriends, and they can be on the Queen City Style, and I'll wear my seersucker suit and be in the pictures too!"  I knew I couldn't pull together several head to toe looks with all that I had going on that day, but no way I could say no to an old fashioned milk shake date at Pike's Soda Shop.  I absolutely adore this dress made by my designer friend Tara Davis, and thanks to Tasha Hussey for the vintage chartreuse fix.  One sweet hot date!

xo-Whitley

PS-Yes, this scene from Shallow Hal was filmed at the one and only Pike's Soda Shop!

Belk Southern Designer Showcase Winners

You all know I've been working hard to build a strong relationship with my friends at Belk.  Like most every southerner, I've been shopping there since I was a baby girl.  To this day, it continues to be my Charlotte go-to store for everything from everyday clothing to lingerie and shoes to special occasion attire.  The best part, there's almost always a sale!  Recently Belk announced the winners of their 2012 Southern Designer Showcase Contest.  I had the fun pleasure of attending Charleston Fashion Week as a guest of Belk, as well as Girls Night Out in April, where I was able to meet and interview several of the designers personally.  An intimate and personal gathering set the stage for Girls Night Out, kicking off the evening with a Q&A between designer Cynthia Rowley and Belk Vice President of Trend Merchandising, Arlene Goldstein.  We were then introduced to several of the Southern Designer Showcase Winners.  Read about them all HERE, including the above adorable children's clothing line, Nain and Joe. I hope all the mamas in the house had the most wonderful Mother's Day.

Thanks so much for reading... now get on over to Belk!

xx-Whitley

Spring Into The Gap

Whitley: Pants, Jacket, Tank: Gap.

Luke: Jeans, Shirt: Gap.

Of all the outfits we shot with Gap, this was my favorite.  Perhaps it's because it most reflects my personal style in real life. I just want to be comfortable.  Is it just me?  I loved the studio shoot series with Luke and Donna too.  Being in the studio makes you feel kinda big stuff, despite the casual nature of the clothes.  I've got some really creative projects on the brain, and I'm super excited to get back in there and share it all with you!

I hope you all are well.  I'd really love to hear from you... please email, facebook, tweet, whichever! 

xx-Whitley

And The Bead Goes On: Part II

Blouse: Belonged to my Grandmother, (kinda really love this one). Skirt: J. Crew (old). Shoes: Sam & Libby (old). Earrings: Belonged to my Grandmother. Sunglasses: Blinde, similar pair.

Do you remember this post from The Mint Museum?  

Donna and I visited the And The Bead Goes On exhibit showcasing a plethora of fantastic beaded garments; some vintage, and a few by young local design student, KevinVain.  There were several dazzling sequin items included in the display. I could find no more perfect reason to throw on an all time favorite that belonged to my Grandmother, this over the top pouf sleeve gunmetal sequin blouse, unlike any other I've ever seen. I've played dress up in this top from the age of four, and admittedly, I still do. While this particular exhibit recently ended, I can't wait to have a look see at The Mint's current fashion ticket, "Elegance and Ease: Dior, Balmain, Saint Laurent.  Get the details here. 

I hope you had a wonderful weekend!

xx-Whitley

Ready To Wear

If you live in the Charlotte area, I invite you to join me Sunday afternoon for the first annual Pret-a-Portea at The Duke Mansion presented by Sonya Barnes & The International Fashion Style Academy.  Events of the day include High Tea and a day of Fashion meets Philanthropy honoring some of Charlotte's Style & Philanthropic Icons.  A spring fashion show will take place, highlighting the designs of three emerging designers, including Flow By Tara Davis, the gal responsible for creating the adorable dress I'm wearing in the below image.  Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit The Lunch Project.  The Lunch Project's goal is to provide long-term financial support to enable Tanzanian mothers to prepare nutritional meals to school children so they will be better equipped to learn. Please click here for more information, and RSVP here.

Hope to see you there for some most fantastic Ready to Wear!

xo-Whitley

RIP Lilly Pulitzer + Belk and Charleston Fashion Week

The top image is a favorite of my Grandparents who were always so glamorous and in love.  My Grandmother is wearing a Lilly Pulitzer skirt, and I'm wearing that skirt in the image just below it.  Lilly Pulitzer's creations were born from a juice stand in Palm Beach.  Her designs hold their value in the way they seem to effortlessly transcend time.  You know a Lilly when you spot it from a mile away.  You all know I recently went to Charleston Fashion Week as a guest of Belk.  I found the timing to be most befitting to share with you images from a very special Lilly Pulitzer fashion show sponsored by Belk in conjunction with a live auction raising thousands of dollars for the Medical University of South Carolina Children's Hospital.  The Lilly Pulitzer creations on show were just as timeless as ever.  Shop current Lilly Pulitzer designs HERE and great sale merchandise HERE.

Thanks so much for reading, Whitley

Girls Night Out

As most of you know, I was in Charleston, SC two weeks ago for my inaugural visit to Charleston Fashion Week.  Thanks to my friends at Belk for the lovely invitation to join them for some great fashion and the opportunity to interview several fantastic designers, both budding local and internationally known. 

I can't wait to share it all with you, but on the topic of Belk and great designers, this Thursday night, April 4, is Girls Night Out at Southpark Mall.  It is going to be a fun, fun night, and I hope you will join me!  Girls Night Out will take place from 5 to 8:30 p.m. There will be a special presentation at 6:30 honoring fashion designer Cynthia Rowley celebrating the debut of her new, exclusive line to Belk, CYNTHIA Cynthia Rowley.  If you've followed me here for a while, you already know I am a big fan of the gal.  I recently wore some of her old school designs here and here.  Girls Night Out will be a great time to shop some of the prettiest spring looks, at 20% off regular price, including rarely discounted designer brands with very limited exclusions.  Shoppers will have the chance to win a Georgia Girlfriend package valued at $3,750.  Anyone want to enter with me?  I'll take you, if you take me.  Dead serious.  

Get more details 

here

 for this super fun event, and I really hope to see you there!

-Whitley

On The Town In Abbeydale

Landon: Suit and Shirt: Abbeydale. Shoes: Loake 1880. Watch: Brooklyn Watches. Tie: Thomas Pink. Belt: from Taylor Richards & Conger.

Kaitlan: Jumper: Alexis c/o Sloan, similar or here. Coat: Banana Republic (old). Shoes: Joan and David, like these. Necklaces (old). Bracelets: belonged to my Great-Grandmother. Kaitlan's rings: from Diamonds Direct. Cocktail ring: Melinda Maria.

Whitley: Shirt: Forever 21. Sweater: Ralph Lauren from summerbird. Shorts: C.Luce (now on sale). Boots: Charlie 1 Horse. Tights: J. Crew. Rings: custom from Diamonds Direct, Tiffany. Bracelet: belonged to my Grandmother.

Donna and I had such a fun time shooting newlyweds Landon and Kaitlan at the super chic BLT Steak located at The Ritz-Carlton in uptown Charlotte.  I was introduced to Landon and Kaitlan by friend and local custom men's clothier, David Watkins, of Abbeydale.  When I decided I wanted to start featuring more men's clothing, I immediately phoned David and said 'I need you and your fantastic threads on the Queen City Style'.  David was not available on the day of the shoot but friend and customer Landon Cassill and his custom suiting was.  I love meeting new people, and this was another example of how much fun I get to have playing dress up on the Queen City Style!  Check out David in the March issue of Southern Living Magazine.

I hope you and those important in your life had a wonderful Easter holiday.

xo-Whitley

And The Bead Goes On: Part I

Dress: Vintage. Gloves: Old. Shoes: Stuart Weitzman (old), similar pair. Earrings: Belonged to my Grandmother. Bracelet: Belonged to my Grandmother-in-law. Sunglasses: Blinde, similar.

I don't take advantage of the arts available to our community nearly as much as I should.  I believe the last time I visited The Mint Museum was for the Chanel exhibit.  Not a chance I would miss that, but in addition to the first rate fashions on display, there is so much more for you to drink in on any visit to The Mint Museum.  Thanks to a reader, I was informed about the And the Bead Goes On exhibit currently on display.  I immediately phoned Donna, so we could hustle on over to The Mint, where I found the occasion to be the absolute perfect, yet long awaited one for wearing this vintage dress I inherited from a family member.  My first instinct was that it is an old debutante dress, but unfortunately, I have not been able to verify who it belonged to or where it was worn.  Alas, all good things come to those who wait proves true in the case of this dress, but do not delay on viewing the exquisite garments in And The Bead Goes On, for it ends March 31st. I've pictured a few of my personal favorites from the exhibit, including this short black Lanvin runway dress purchased via the museum's Auxiliary Costume Fund, as well as three dresses designed by a local high school student; impressively fitting to say the least.

Thanks so much for being here!  Whitley

A few beaded items I love: Jacket, Tank, Party Dress, Long Gown, Clutch, and Maternity never looked so chic.

Ann Roth Shoes At Hilliard Method Studio

Skirt: Alyssa Nicole, also here's one. Jacket: Gap. Shoes: Ann Roth Shoes. Hat: Gap (old), similar one. Tank: Gap. Sunglasses: Blinde, similar pair. Purse: Michael Kors, similar. Necklaces: thanks to Melvin and by boe. Rings: Melinda Maria, Tiffany, custom at Diamonds Direct. Earrings: JewelMint. Bracelets: Stella & Dot and my Grandmother's.

A photo of these shoes from Ann Roth Shoes solicited the single most number of thumbs up on the Queen City Style Facebook page to date.  While on my daily run one afternoon, (when I do pretty much all of my uninterrupted thinking), I wanted to figure out a fun and creative way to show off these bad boys.  

This song had me thinking. (Think nothing of the video, but if you want a fun song to add to your running mix, give it a listen).  Then it came to me, how fun would it be to work my new friends, dynamic mother and daughter team, Liz and Clary, over at Hilliard Method Studio?  Let me just tell you, holding these poses is a work out like no other.  There's a reason these ladies look as fantastic as they do.  They are mean machines between Bon Bon popping.  We are all worthy of indulging as a way to reward ourselves. I find Fitzgerald to be quite gratifying.  He's all the more fantastic at 20% Off just for readers of the Queen City Style.  Enter Code: QUEEN at check out.

Enjoy! xo-Whitley

North Carolina Dance Theatre is giving away a pair of tickets to one lucky reader of the Queen City Style for this Saturday night's Runway for the Ballet.  Enter here!

Runway For The Ballet + Giveaway

I am so excited to attend Runway for the Ballet for the very first time.  Dancing + Fashion = Quite possibly the most stylish home run ever.  North Carolina Dance Theatre is giving away a pair of tickets to one lucky reader of the Queen City Style to their 8pm evening show this Saturday night, March 23.  The unique show is an exciting blend of fashion and dance, highlighting upcoming 2013 fashions from presenting sponsor Macy's, interspersed with vignettes from Dance Theatre's popular shows.  Dancers from Dance Theatre will serve as models for the fashion show. This Giveaway is for readers of the Queen City Style.

To enter, all you have to do is follow the Queen City Style via Email, Bloglovin' or GFC.

• For extra entries: 
  • Like the Queen City Style on Facebook
  • Like the NC Dance Theatre on Facebook
  • Tell me what fashions you would love to see on the Runway For The Ballet.

Please tell me in ONE comment the ways you have entered.  The winner will be announced Thursday, March 21.  Good luck!  I'm off to Charleston, SC for Charleston Fashion Week, and I can't wait to share it all with you when I return.

Thanks so much for reading!  Whitley

For Your Vote I Will...

Hello Friends and Lovers!  Voting for the 2013 Charlotte Magazine Voters' Choice BOB Awards is now open in the category of Blogs + Media + Art. I am asking for your vote, and with an entire category dedicated exclusively to bloggers, the competition is fierce.  If you are interested in voting, you may do so here. You must complete at least 25% of the ballot for your vote to count. I would be remiss if I didn't mention my amazing aunt, Polly Adkins, who won last year for Best Actress when Charlotte Magazine dubbed her as Charlotte's answer to Meryl Streep.  So proud to call her family.  Please vote for the Queen City Style in the category of Local Shopping/Style blog.  For your vote, I will click my heels...

And jump for joy...

Over...

And over again...

You know I ain't afraid.

Thanks for your vote!  

I love you more than my luggage and to the moon and back again!

xx-Whitley

Gap Loves the Queen City Style And You!

Whitley: Jacket, Blouse, Jeans: GAP. Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo, mine are from J.T. Posh. Belt: Forever 21, here's one. Glasses: American Apparel. Necklace: thanks to by boe.  Rings: Tiffany, custom from Diamonds Direct. Bracelet: belonged to my Grandmother.  Earrings: old, but I love these.  

Luke: Jeans, Shirt and Sweater: GAP. Blazer: John Varvatos. Shoes: PF Flyers, similar. Socks: J. Crew. Watch: vintage Casio. Belt: Aldo.

GAP at Southpark Mall is holding a Friends Event this Thursday through Sunday, with 30% off the entire store!  I am so excited they are offering this private sale tomorrow, Wednesday, March 13, exclusively to readers of the Queen City Style!  This sale includes Gap, GapKids, GapMaternity, babyGap and GapBody.  All you have to do is show the cashier on your phone this post or that you like the Queen City Style on Facebook.  You HAVE liked the Queen City Style on Facebook, yes?   So excited!  Introduce your friends and family members to the Queen City Style and pass on this fantastic discount from Gap!*

Thanks so much for being here!  SO fun!!

Whitley

Thanks to Donna for the awesome photos, and thanks to Luke for the fantastic wardrobe styling!

*This discount is only applicable at GAP at Southpark Mall.

Wednesday Night Soiree!

Dear Readers and Friends in the Queen City, 

Please see the below invitation to join me for some spirits and hors d'oeuvres, cute people and cool conversation, and last but not least, fabulous jewels.  You may recall this post when I collaborated with Meredith Jackson Jewelry Design to offer a Giveaway for one of her exquisite, hand made pieces of jewelry.  Well, it was such a hit, we thought it would be fun to make a night of it and give away some more fun stuff.  Will you please join me?  I want to you to come because...

1. Nothing would make me happier to see you or to meet you if we have never met.
2. I want to introduce to Meredith and her gorgeous designs, if you are not already familiar.
3. I think we could all use putting the electronics aside for some real face-to-face, laid back fun.

Stop by on your way to dinner or even just for five minutes on your way home from work.  Come solo, or bring a friend!  We have the wine and bubbly ready to go, and since I love to cook, I will be making the snacks myself (in other words, you MUST come ;).  Feel free to email or call me if you have any questions! 

Hope to see you there!

Whitley

May I Please Have Your Vote?

There's a lot going on over at Charlotte Magazine this month with the BOB (Best Of The Best) Awards, and now this; a Spring Fashion Blogger Challenge.  I had so much fun on this shoot, and it gave me the chance to get to know some other really cute fashion bloggers in the Queen City.  I will be 36 years old next month, and yes, I play dress up for a hobby.  I'm thrilled to also play dress up with other people as a part time occupation, but for the sake of this post, it is just me not letting go of the little girl inside of me who will never, ever get tired of playing dress up.  Call it silly, call it fun, call it what you will (fellow fashion bloggers... what do you call it??), but while you are thinking on that, I'd love for you to take a look here at all of the great looks on display, and if you are interested, cast your vote! 

If you love any of the looks you see here, be sure to check out the outfit credits, and shop the great stores and boutiques in the Queen City!

As ever, thank you for being here!

xo-Whitley

PS--Instagram lovers: I'm finally on board!  Come find me here, so I can follow you back!