Simplicity

Just because I love fashion doesn't mean I am orderly about it.  Overall, I think I am an organized person, but the right brain side of me always seems to creep into the picture.  I guess that's what you called organized chaos.  In this month's Charlotte Parent Magazine,  I shared Four (unexpected) Ways To Treat Yourself This Mother's Day.  I wanted to take a moment to highlight one of them.  My husband and Precious Peanut #1 have been at ski school since Thursday, and while being with Precious Peanut #2 for four days with zero break is utterly exhausting (holla if you hear me), I always seem to get so much more done around the house when there's only one.  I'm going to take a quick moment just to say that after taking my creative frustration out on our yard and patio, I think it is now borderline Charleston Gardens material. My closets have made some notable progress as well, thanks to the mad organization skills of Simplicity Professional Organizers.

Here is the BEFORE...

My Closet Before Simplicity Entered My Life

And now, here is the DURING, then the BEFORE again and the AFTER...

Here's the thing.  Could I do this on my own?  Yes.  Do I have the time, energy or interest?  The time, no, but you make time for something that is important.  Energy or interest?  H E double hockey sticks to the NO.  With all the hats I wear, just taking the time to figure out where to start with a project like this was daunting.  Simplicity came in, and BOOM.  They told me exactly what I needed to do and what tools were needed to fix the problem. Some of the biggest changes you will see are the coordinating hangers, the amazing clear shoe boxes, my husband's new shoe rack, the band for my baseball caps and the biggest thing... Jon was given the task of literally raising the bar.  Did you see how bad that clothing bar was bowing?!  Bravo!

If I never get that extra bedroom turned into a closet all for myself in this house, I'm gonna make the best out of what I have.  I still want to paint the interior and change the lighting and perhaps throw down a little rug for color.  Having professionals like Simplicity come into your home is an indulgence, but it is worth every last penny.  I know for a fact ain't no mama out there going to argue with me that this one is better than........ a pedicure!  Get the 411 on Simplicity here.

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...!!

Towne & Reese Sample Sale

Y'all ready for this?  The jewelry line responsible for bringing us Emily Maynard's designs is having a sample sale.  New items being brought out every hour, and everything priced at $15 and under, this is one of those big time jewelry opps you don't want to miss.  I have no idea how many of Emily's designs will be available at the sale (the above earrings are my favorite from her collection), but chances are you already know a thing or two about Towne & Reese designs. Regarded for their on whimsical, on-trend designs available at prices truly accessible to anyone, Towne & Reese has something for everyone.  Get on your shopping wheels!

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!

Check Out This Awesome Neck Candy

One of my favorite web based landing spots for taste makers and all things stylish and chic is The Coveteur. There is almost never a featured fashion icon whose style I don't absolutely love and whose home I don't want to invite myself over to for coffee and dress up with for hours on end.  Anna Dello Russo, Linda Rodin, Natasha Goldenberg, and of course, the super chic and always polished Miroslava Duma are among some of my make believe best friends.  They don't all dress with a completely unapologetic sense of craft.  Some of them do, others a little more restrained, but they all do their own thing better than anyone else.  Which leads me to, Mignonne "Maggie" Gavigan, the creator behind the the above pictured insanely intriguing scarf necklaces.  

I have not met Maggie, but she totally reminds me of one of those Coveteur gals.   So you can imagine my excitement when I was invited to a trunk show tomorrow, Tuesday, April 15th 11-2pm and 6-9pm, where she would be selling her gorgeous works of art. To attend and get directions to tomorrow's show taking place in the Myers Park area of Charlotte, send your RSVP to KINSEY@MIGNONNEGAVIGAN.COM.

PS--Here's as shot from my Couveteur- inspired interview with Charlotte's own FOUR Magazine, whose intention is to "reflect a collaborative fusion of provocative and unapologetic design, fashion, art, and culture".  I think I need some Mignonne Gavigan in my closet STAT. Don't you?

Hope to see you there!

My Love For Running + Run For Your Life

Many of you know about my love for the sport of running.  I was a competitive runner in high school and ran some road races in college and after that.  I put it down for several years, then picked it back up after Precious Peanut #1 was born, when a couple of girlfriends talked of the idea of running a half marathon to work off the baby weight.  In high school, the one and two mile events were considered long distance, and the longest I had ever run was a 10K.  I ran the Kiawah half marathon with my girlfriends, and it was so much fun.  I continued to run some through my next pregnancy, but after clumsily breaking my pinkie toe, I took a break from it. The baby weight from Precious Peanut #2 seemed so much more, well, GROSS, than the first, and I wanted to do something about immediately.  I heard about running groups at Run For Your Life, for all ages and speeds, so I joined.  Through this group I met some really great people who shared my passion for running, or physical fitness, or determination... for so many things.  THIS is when I caught the bug, and my running mates are some of my closest friends.

While running is a means of physical fitness, it is so much more.  It is something you can do almost anywhere.  Just strap on your shoes and go.  When I decided to take a step back from my previous business, running became my channel for personal accomplishment.  Nursing a baby for a year, whilst a toddler running circles around me was definitely a challenge, and as much as I loved my new role of mommy to two children, I needed more for ME.  What started out as a means of accomplishment truly became a best friend for me.  At the end of the day, whether it was good or bad for me, running was always there.  It is my time to decompress, think about the day behind or think about the day ahead of me.  When I run alone, it is a time that allows for creative thinking. I think about my styling my next photo shoot, what I will write for my next article with Charlotte Parent, or what I will write here.  If I've had a bad day, within minutes of hitting the pavement, the stress is gone.  And when I run with friends, it is therapeutic. Runners come from all different backgrounds, but everyone shares the same passion for this one thing.  Everyone is supportive of each other, regardless of your pace.

To learn more about the Run For Your Life training programs, click here.  Now that you've seen how much fun running can be, (or in this case, dancing) I'll be back next time with David for some helpful demonstrations and talk about the important of stretching.

Happy Running!

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!

Addison Weeks

If you keep up with Charlotte style you're likely already familiar with the design duo, Addison Weeks, and the line of jewelry and home accessories by their name.  Lee Addison Lesley, and my close family friend, Katherine Weeks Mulford, are the stylish duo behind this jewelry line.  Lee and Kat met over a decade ago when they worked together using their respective degrees in Graphic Design.  (I turned to Katherine for the original design and logo for the Queen City Style!)  After two years of working together in this capacity, Lee and Katherine joined forces to create their first line of jewelry, Turq, using semi precious jewels and stones.  Fast forward to 2012 at which time the duo saw a need for versatile, high quality fashion jewelry, thus the birth of Addison Weeks.  This latest project is "both classic and modern with an emphasis on color.  The semi-precious gemstones are set in double dipped 24kt gold." In my own words, Addison Weeks is jewelry not for the faint at heart.  If you love all things bold and statement making yet totally sophisticated and wildly unique, you are going to love Addison Weeks designs.  I've featured several of my favorites pieces below, or see the entire collection here.  Happy Drooling...

Photo Credit The SoGood

Photo Credit The SoGood

Photo Credit The SoGood

Silverfly's School For Men

To all my savvy male followers and those who shop for them, I wanted to let you know about a fun event this weekend, School For Men. If you haven't shopped Silverfly, it's a fantastic men's store located at the Metropolitan offering "one stop shopping for denim, t-shirts, outerwear, work out clothes, grooming and accessories". Aside of the unique shopping experience Silverfly offers, owners Fidel Montoya and Keith Alyea are two of the nicest peole in the industry, and you know how I love local.  If you follow me on Instagram, you may recall seeing the below pic from a recent photo shoot of Mark Allen, AKA Mr. Tommy Bahama, styling Silverfly threads.  

School for Men isn’t just for guys — girls will love it too!  Also at the event, my fellow stylist and Sloan Boutique store director and jewelry buyer, Linda Martinez, will be on hand to offer seasonal fashion advice. RE Salon an Med Spa associates will be on site offering grooming tips, while you shop up to 50 percent off select items. SILVERFLY, 1111 Metropolitan Ave., Suite 150, Charlotte. (980) 819-7216, silverflybrands.com

I'm in Miami this weekend for a bachelorette party to celebrate this awesome, ridiculously hot, stylin' chic.  Happy Schooling!  Whitley

Emily Maynard On Instagram

My Dress: Milly (old), this one is a home run, as well as this one. Shoes: Stuart Weitzman, similar. Tights: Nordstrom. Photography: Moments by Donna.  Videography: KQIIFilms

As you may recall from my previous post with her, thanks to my friends at Belk, I had a great opportunity to sit down with Emily Maynard to discuss her jewelry line in partnership with local designers, Towne & Reese. Through a unique collaboration perfectly in step with Belk's ever growing modern product line, select Belk department stores will be carrying pieces from Emily's designs.  As I discussed this partnership with Emily, we touched on everything from her wedding plans with fiance Tyler Johnson to her top pics for beauty products (stay tuned) to wrapping with a little fun as we disected a few of her photos on her Instagram. Watch it here. Thank you again to Belk, Towne & Reese and Emily for fun opportunity!

Revolve

If you live in the Queen City and ever shop for quality men's clothing, you're sure to know Revolve upscale men's consignment.  Voted Best of the Best by Charlotte Magazine 2011 and 2013 and Best of the Best by Elevate for years 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013, Revolve offers savvy fashion forward men a more accessable way to shop the best of the best in fashion.  Revolve specializes in everything from t-shirts to tuxes in brands from Brooks Brother to Prada.  One of the hardest working, most community-centric people in the biz, I am proud to call shop owner, Amy Pickard, my sweet friend.  I couldn't resist not sharing with you the 411 on her Annual Winter Blow Out Sale.  As you see, most of the store will be up to 90% off the already killer prices, so this is a great time to stock your closet for next year.  You say you're ready to pass along your threads to another great closet?  Consign them with Revolve!
 

Happy revolving!  -Whitley

Weekly Inspiration: Magnolia Coffee

1//2//3//4//5//6//7

Charlotte's Magnolia Coffee, the Queen City's only boutique roaster, is the oh so tasty influence for today's Weekly Inspiration.  I've had some of Jay's coffee at Reid's, Amelie's and Mugs Coffee, without knowing it, and dang this is some good coffee.  You know there's more joy to be had when sharing it with others, so if you're in the Queen City, make sure you have a cup. In the meantime, this earthy outdoorsy outfit interpretation is brought to you by my tastebuds.  Yum.

Happy Weekend Y'all!

Whitley

Don't Miss It

Clothes available at TOPSHOP at Nordstrom Southpark Mall.  Photography by Doug Brooks and Carl Miller.

In case you missed our first post Chelsie Deese is a Bachelorette in this year's Guys & Dolls Auction to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.  Chelsie will be auctioning herself off on-stage THIS SATURDAY with her James Bond themed package, complete with a TOPSHOP dress for the winning Bond Guy's Bond Girl.  This year's Guys and Dolls Auction will take place at the Hilton Center City.  Over 700 Charlotte professionals attend the black tie optional event every year, which includes a beer and wine open bar, hors d-oevres, a live date package auction, silent auction and dancing.  The event is open to the public. Tickets may now be purchased at the door.  Forward fashion lovers, have you been to TOPSHOP at Nordstrom yet?  Go grab yourself a great frock, and come join the fun!  If you do go, please find me and say hello!  

-Whitley

Emily Maynard For Towne & Reese At Belk

I recently sat down with Charlotte's sweetheart, Emily Maynard, to learn more about her collaboration with local jewelry line, Towne & Reese.  Established in 2009 by friends Christi Pack and Jessica Stanfield, Towne & Reese quickly rose to fame both locally and nationally, with their whimsically stylish designs known for transforming a look without making a serious financial investment.  The jewelry line was caught front and center in the public eye when Emily wore several of their pieces during her appearance on ABC's hit show, The Bachelorette.  It has been exciting to see this designer hold court on jewelry shelves across the Charlotte boutique market, and soar to new heights as they continue to grow. Due to launch any day in an exciting collaboration with Belk, Towne & Reese admirers across the country will be able shop Emily Maynard's exclusive designs at four of Belk's flagship stores, Southpark Mall, Raleigh, Dallas and Huntsville, Ala, and on-line.  I couldn't be more excited to have had this (exclusive?!) opportunity to sit down with Emily and talk jewelry, style, engagement and more! Watch it here in our first of three conversations.  You'll never guess what Emily's lifeline was on the show...

First of four conversations with Emily Maynard

Photography: Moments by Donna. Videography: KQII Films

As ever, thank you so much for sharing this joy with me!

-Whitley

Chelsie Deese In TOPSHOP For Cystic Fybrosis Foundation + Belk Giveaway Winner

Clothes, purse and necklace available at TOPSHOP at Nordstrom Southpark Mall.  Photography by Doug Brooks and Carl Miller.

Meet Chelsie Deese, a Bachelorette in this year's Guys & Dolls Auction to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.  Chelsie's childhood friend, Auburn, has Cystic Fibrosis, and so this year's event became the perfect opportunity for Chelsie to partake in a night of fashion and fun which raises hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Foundation every year.  Chelsie will be auctioning herself off on-stage with her James Bond themed package, complete with a TOPSHOP dress for the winning Bond Guy's Bond Girl.  This year's Guys and Dolls Auction will take place Saturday, February 22 at the Hilton Center City.  Over 700 Charlotte professionals attend the black tie optional event every year, which includes a beer and wine open bar, hors d-oevres, a live date package auction, silent auction and dancing.  The event is open to the public, and tickets may be purchased HERE.  Forward fashion lovers, have you been to TOPSHOP at Nordstrom yet?  Go grab yourself a great frock, and come join the fun!  If you do go, please find me and say hello!  

-Whitley

Congratulations to I Am and Donna Ray! You are the winners of the $75 Gift Cards from Belk.  Please email me within 48 hrs to claim your prize: thequeencitystyle@yahoo.com.
Thank you everyone for participating!

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!

No Pants Light Rail Ride

Last year was the inaugural year for the Charlotte No Pants Light Rail Ride.  If you missed it but heard about it later, hysterical.  The No Pants Subway Ride is an annual global event started by Improv Everywhere in New York City in 2002, and it has since grown to an international phenomenon.  Charlotte, however, is the ONLY city whose thigh baring event benefits a charitable cause.  Last year 200 articles of clothing were collected for Warm Charlotte.  So, come on out to the Scaleybark station this Saturday, January 11th at 3pm, drop your pants for some philanthropic light hearted fun and join the ride! See all the details here on the #CLTnoPants Facebook page. 

Hope to see you there!

-Whitley

Small Business Saturday

Do you shop small?  As serial star-gazing entreprenuer it is something I truly believe in, and living in here the Queen City we have the luxury of so many hip one of a kind businesses from which to choose. The Saturday after Thanksgiving was first declared Small Business Saturday in 2010, and so tomorrow I encourage you to eat, drink, shop, splurge; do it all... local!  I’ve had wonderful opportunities to collaborate with some really outstanding businesses around town. Here are just a few, so please do pay them a visit, whether you’re doing your holiday shopping or recovering from it!

Reid's Fine Foods

Rooster's

Pike's Soda Shop

Hilliard Studio Method

Run For Your Life

If are the owner of a local business and would like to promote your brand on the Queen City Style, let me know. I would love to collaborate and get creative with you!

Happy Shopping! Whitley