Carolina Panthers Style Lounge

This is pretty much how my night went down, in pictures.  I hopped on over to my friend Katie's house, where I parked my car and we then hopped in her car (sippy cup in hand) to pick up our friend Chelsea. I am not at the game today (the below pic my husband just sent me from the stadium).  Upon entering last night, we were greeted with hospitality, crudites and pinktinis. We made our way through the stadium to the team store that had been transformed into a Style Lounge.  Fellow stylist Erica Hanks and her team did a great job putting together some hot football fashion looks.  If you went to the game today, did you see? Records were spinning, manicures were curin' and there is some REALLY cute new game day merchandise.  My favorite finds; a black sequin baseball style tee, and the piece de resistance, Panthers running tights!  (See Katie below).

We all left the Style Lounge for Fahrenheit for one last Hoor-ah to celebrate one of my running besties, Jenn, (tall blonde bombshell) who is moving to DC for an opportunity that cannot be refused.  This can only mean one thing... ROAD TRIP!  The hottest, most awesome, most fun group of Boston Marathoners I ever did see!  I sure am grateful for my running friends.  Happy Panthers Sunday ya'll!

Panther Pride

If you're a local sports loving mama, you may have already seen my article this month for Charlotte Parent Magazine where I share my picks for some of the hottest football fashions this season.  More to come on that, but right now, I've got to tell you about a very exciting Sports Fashion event happening THIS SUNDAY. If you're going to the football game, be sure to stop by the Carolina Panthers new Style Lounge for some one of a kind fashion fun!  Fellow Charlotte wardrobe stylist Erica Hanks co-hosts the Panther's Style Lounge this weekend.  Combining Panthers apparel with items from local Charlotte stores, Erica and her team will share even more ways you can sport your Panther pride wile staying chic!  Hope to see you there and GOOOO PANTHERS!

Outfit Details: High Fashion For Less

Here's my High Fashion For Less outfit from yesterday's segment on Charlotte Today.  In case you missed it, you can watch it here. I went straight to Polo Ralph Lauren Factory for my exciting collaboration with Concord Mills.  I've always looked the classic timeless looks consistently created by the Ralph Lauren brand.  Equestrian is so Town & Country, so rich.  I've enjoyed dressing a couple of models in this type of look, and so I was excited to dress myself up in it and step out for a quick spin!  Head on over to Concord Mills, or shop any of the items below straight from this page! 

High Fashion For Less

Did you catch us on Charlotte Today this morning styling our High Fashion For Less finds from Concord Mills? I had a blast styling it out with the always fashion forward Bethany, and Kallah, from the one and only Scoop Charlotte.  For my look, I went straight to one of my all time favorite designers, Ralph Lauren.  This entire brand is timeless classic and always on point across all of their many lines.  The Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store at Concord Mills is the only in the region!  I can't wait to share with you outfit details for all three of us!  If you missed the segment, you may watch it below.  Please follow along the fun on Instagram and Twitter to get the scoop from all these fashionable gals, and thanks so much to Concord Mills for including me!

Shop Until You Drop

Ready to get your shop on save on the hottest name brands in the Charlotte metropolitan since your last best shopping spree dream?  GOOD, because it's going down starting THIS weekend. Who's That Girl, you say? Yes ma'am... twice a year I purge my closets like there is no tomorrow, and let me tell you, it is the best thing since... well... let's just say I looove to purge. So, whether you live closer in town or north of the border, we are just days away from another fantastic Green Jeans Consignment sale.  Get all the details below or here!  Get ready to get your shop on ladies, and have a great week!

Moms On The Go

Did you catch us on Charlotte Today this morning, styling some great Fall Fashion Finds from Concord Mills? It was such a fun treat getting to meet Dominique and Courtney, and I can't wait to share with you outfit details for all three of us!  If you missed the segment, you may watch it below.  Y'all, I am telling you, Concord Mills is TOTALLY worth the trip!  It's no secret I operate many days a week in J.Crew threads, and so if you do too, you need to make the trip to J.Crew Factory outlet.  And this is just ONE of the great stores you can shop and save at Concord Mills. Be sure to tune in the same time tomorrow and on Thursday, at 11 a.m., when I'll be back for a special High Fashion For Less segment.  Please follow along the fun on Instagram and Twitter to get the scoop from all these fashionable mamas, and thanks so much to Concord Mills for including me!

Thanks for reading and watching! 

xo-Whitley

Catch Me On The Tube!

Hello everyone!  I'm super duper excited about one of my most recent collaborations.  If you follow me on Instagram, you may already know this week I'll be joined by some fellow fashion bloggers to participate in a special segment on Charlotte Today presented by Concord Mills. Be sure to tune into WCNC during the 11am hour both Tuesday and Thursday.  On Tuesday, we'll be sharing some great Mommy On The Go looks, and on Thursday, it's all about High Fashion For Less.  I can't wait to see what Dominique and Bethany will be styling!  For those of you with desk jobs, be sure to set your DVR's.  I promise there are some sweet deals you don't want to miss!

Cherry Pie

I had the best time styling these four cat walkers for J.T. Posh at this year's fifth annual Style Night Out. When I was informed the song our gals would be strutting their stuff to was Cherry Pie by 80's hair band, Warrant, head to toe Rocker Chic was the only thing that came to mind. The goal was to showcase J.T. Posh's awesome assortment of designer duds available at a fraction of the original cost. On display were threads by everyone from Halston Heritage to Fendi to Michael Kors to Haute Hippie, and the finest furs in Charlotte, from Douglas and Montaldo's Furs.

What do you think?  I wish you could have seen the girls working their little cherry pies in hand! And below, a few behind the scenes...

Zach Alston Photography and Photgraphy by Austin Caine

Rocker Chic Hair

I can't wait to show you pics from this year's Style Night Out.  I had the best time this year working with Charlotte's uber popular high end consignment boutique, J.T. Posh, and when I was informed out our models would be strutting the catwalk to metal hair band Warrant's Cherry Pie, Rocker Chic was all that came to mind.  I thought it apropos for me to style that same groove with an equally cool hair do. Thanks to my girls at BLo ouT, my go to for all things Hair + Awesome in Charlotte, I got just that.  They're the OG of blow outs in the QC. Check 'em out here!

Style Night Out 2014

SO... what are YOU doing tomorrow night? If your not thinking stylish, then just keep on movin'! But if you think this might be a great night to grab a couple ton of girlfriends, open up the bubbly, crank up the tunes, and put your most stylish self on the front lines, then THIS is the night for you. Thursday, September 4th plays host to the fourth annual Style Night Out, Charlotte's most stylish night.  What are you waiting for?  I promise, it will be LOTS of fun, and absolutely will make for a magnificent night of people watching.  (What else?!)  Get more deets here, and then come find me.

How To Be Chic At Any Price This Fall

Am very excited to be talking shop with Belk VP of Trend Merchandising, Arlene Goldstein, in today's Charlotte Observer.  With a bevvy of trends from which to engage your wardrobe this fall, Arlene and I weigh in on those we love and how to wear them.  As the below image states, grey is the IT color for fall.  I dig it.  You may read the entire article here. Thank you to the folks over at the Charlotte Observer for including me!

Stroll

Shirt: Gap. Shorts: J.Crew. Shoes: Cole Haan, similar here and here. Bracelets: Jook and Nona and thanks to Blydesign. Ring: Melinda Maria.

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!

My House Project In Print!

It has been such a fun opportunity to partner with Fort Mill Magazine, a gem of a publication, which happens to be about a little town just south of the border that is a big part of my heritage. When the owner said they were interested in featuring my completed Living Room and Dining Room Redesign in the Texture section of their newly revamped publication, I really couldn't believe it.  I still can't!  Go figure, yesterday when I was vacuuming in the dining room, I realized the foyer needed to be painted... a fantastically fabulous bright happy shade of plum!  My husband already found the paint cans in the corner of the room. Can you imagine his tone of surprise when he asked what room I am painting purple?! In all actuality, he handled it quite well. After all, we have the rest of our lives to live in beige, don't we?  You can check out the entire story here.  What do you think?  Is my love affair with bright over the top or just right?

Amelie's, If You Please

Blouse: Anthropologie (SO on sale!). Bralette: Anthropologie, similar. Skirt: J. Crew, this one is in my basket!). Shoes: Brian Atwood (also on Mega sale!). Calf Hair Bracelets: thanks to Blydesign. Cocktail Rings: Both Melinda Maria.  Earrings: from Sloan.

Donna and I headed South last week for a full day of fantastically fun photo shooting. Remember this post? I can't wait to share pictures from the adjacent Sunflower field.  On the way back into Charlotte, I was feeling empty inside for a dose of heritage, so we stopped over in downtown Rock Hill, SC for a little by gone fulfillment.  Encompassing the historic downtown, Winthrop University, the Textile Corridor and the city's original neighborhoods, Old Town is the heart of Rock Hill.  Beyond a few family business meetings, I haven't been into downtown Rock Hill in quite some time.  Well, it is just darling, and while it may be the "Old Town," there is also a bit of new splashed in this historic center.  If you live in the Queen City you likely know cult French bakery, Amelie's of Noda, now taking the South by storm!  Lovingly preserved, the most beautiful old bank in Old Town plays home to the newest Amelie's location.  Should you find yourself in Rock Hill, SC, be sure to stop in Amelie's for a tasty treat.  And quite actually, I recommend you do go find yourself in Old Town!

While We're On The Topic of Tory Burch...

In case you missed my post discussing American designer Tory Burch and her collaboration with Bank of America, Elizabeth Street Capital, an initiative designed to support women entrepreneurs with capital and mentoring opportunities, you may read that review here.  The evening was nothing short of awe-inspiring.  And so while we are on the topic of Tory Burch, I thought it to be only be apropos in sharing a handful of my favorite designs from her summer and fall collections, some of which are currently on sale.  Check 'em out here...

Oh, and just in case you were wondering...

This Is What Powerhouse Looks Like

Last night, cozied up tight in a room full of spirited, local powerhouse women, and a few equally successful men, I attended a unique and brilliant event at the Foundation For The Carolinas. The event, Elizabeth Street Capital, is the brain child of American fashion designer, Tory Burch, CEO & Designer of Tory Burch. Elizabeth Street Capital is an initiative set forth by the designer's foundation and Charlotte's own Bank of America, designed to provide women entrepreneurs in the U.S. with access to affordable loans, mentoring support and networking opportunities.  After vino, passed hors d'oeuvres and crudites, a brief panel discussion was led by the three you see below, Tom Montag, Co-Chief Operating Officer and Andrew Plepler, Corporate Social Responsibility Executive, both of Bank of America, and of course, the gal in the middle, Tory Burch.

Following the discussion, 14 of the Queen City's most successful female entrepreneurs and leaders in their respective fields shared brief personal tips of advice and wisdom for all prior to leading two round table discussions. I wanted to share a few that resonated most with me.

• Prior to founding the Tory Burch brand, the designer was the President of the internationally known luxury goods conglomerate, LVMH.  It was when she worked there, pregnant with her third child that she decided to switch gears and launch her own brand, working from her apartment.  She let us know she asked for help, a lot of it and from a lot of people.  The answer wasn't always yes, but she was tenacious.
• My friend Joanne O'Brien Beam, Chief Development Officer & Director of Non-Degree Programs, Wake Forest University Charlotte Campus (her own Alma Mater), insisted don't take the YES people.  It's the NO people who keep you hungry, learning and successful.
• Dee Dixon, CEO/Publisher, Pride Communications, hit a home run with the crowd when she delivered "Ladies, it's okay to want to make a LOT of money!"  I don't Ms. Dixon personally but I can't wait to give her a high five the next time I see her in spin class at the Dowd Y.
• Clary Hilliard Gray is the daughter and business partner of Liz Hilliard, Creator & Owner, Hilliard Studio Method.  Liz shared the duo's well known brand and philosophy encouraging women to Be Powerful.  Clary politely encouraged "don't be afraid to get rid of the people who are not supporting you and your goals," something that really resonated with me.  
• Leeann Shattuck, Chief Car Chick, Women's Automotive Solutions, explained that 80% of the time you may reach and not achieve, but it's the 20% of the time you do that makes all the difference.
• One of my round table discussion leaders, Sherre Demao, CEO/Strategy Maestro, SLD Unlimited Biz Growth Inc., shared her personal experience in running a business included a shift to the "General Contractor Model".  She encouraged small business owners to understand your own strengths and weaknesses and allow people on your team to do the high level stuff.  She also spoke of understanding your Psychographic; the reality of your market. It is important to know how your potential clients live, how they breathe and how they view money... who is truly going to buy your services
• Last and certainly not least, one of Charlotte's most well known leading women, Joan Zimmerman, CEO, Southern Shows, Inc. through relational humor stated, "There has been an alarming increase in things I know nothing about!", and "The future is for learners because the learned wake up in a world that no longer exists."

Below is a picture with two ladies I am proud to call dear friends and part of my inner circle! Dianne Chipps Bailey, on the left, leads the nonprofit organizations practice group at Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson, P.A. She is THE Queen City's leader for representation of nonprofit organizations, senior management and their philanthropic leaders. Anne Pipkin, on the right, is a former Wall Street Investment Banker turned entrepreneur and founder of too many small businesses to name in one blog post.  If you want to know, however, who keeps my skin a healthy glow off season and who styles my tresses for all important events, that, of course, would be two of Anne's baby's, gorgeousGLO and Blo ouT.

What could be more stylish than a room full of brains, beauty and all around awesome women?

Be Powerful, Supportive, Beautiful and Kind, and you will ALWAYS be In Style.

-Whitley

This Dress Made Me Do It

Dress: Free People.  Shoes: B Brian Atwood. Bracelets: Thanks to Blydesign. Earrings: Lettees by way of Back Yard Baby. Sunglasses: Blinde. Ring: Melinda Maria.

Yes, this dress made me put my hands on my hip and strike a pose.  And maybe the shoes, which are now on serious sale.  I think that is an occupational hazard of working with real live models.  What else is a girl to do with her hands than put them on her hips?  Well, I learned from one photographer friend this week that, as it turns out,  putting your hands on your hips in photos is like saying "I have no idea what to do with my hands."  Well, Ok.  And, since I am no model, on the hips they go.  Interesting stuff though. Anyway, as I said, the dress made me do it. I love the cuts on this dress which show just a tiny peak of skin in the front and back.  Below are a few currently available cut out dresses I love.

Crushing Mad On Blydesign

I'm a sucker for anything that kicks ass and/or is totally unique that no one else has.  The former is absolutely the case for one my current accessory obsessions, Blydesign.  The latter is too, at least with regard to my calf hair bangles in my Selwyn Ave/Park Road Shopping Center/carpool line microcosmic periphery.  While I've yet to see anyone else wearing the bangles, I know keeping up with Instagram that Katie Bly is killing it, and sadly I'm not the lucky sole owner of them.  Anyway, 'tis better to give (than receive?!), so in the spirit of sharing, here are a few of my favorites from the current Blydesign collection. I have always been drawn to the mystery of an opal, and the combination of it with the hammered metals and navajo-inspired pieces is just too cool.  Happy drooling.

Cowboy Baby

Model: Dustin McNeer (Directions USA) Photography: Zach Alston. Hair and Makeup: Shaun Colomb. On location: Sugaree Ranch of Horsemanship

Ride 'Em Cowboy Dustin!  Nothing more to say about this precious lad.  

(Oh, and yes, he is an Abercrombie & Fitch model).