Some most Stylish items for your weekend ahead in the Queen City

Slate Interiors Clean Slate Sale

Hello Friends!  With Fashion Friday taking place a bit early this week, I've got a few fun "goings on" this week in the Queen City to share with you.  First, as a follow up to my post last week about the fabulous home furnishings store, Slate Interiors, I want to remind you of their BIG "Clean Slate" Sale taking place this week, Thursday - Saturday, February 16, 17, 18, 10am-5pm.

The sale will take place in the adjoining 4800 square foot warehouse next door to Slate, which means TONS of fabulousness for the home over which you will drool.  Many of Slate's current merchants and artists will be taking part in the sale and slashing prices DRAMATICALLY, in addition to showcasing many new merchants and artists AND interior designers, which in turn gives Slate Interiors the opportunity to see what is most in demand from their customers.  I mean LOOK at this fabulous "room" screaming for a home. I want the table, the pink pillows and the chairs. Heck, I'd take it all!

Every square inch of the floor has been spoken for, with more vendors hoping to squeeze in a the last minute.  It is my understanding that the last Clean Slate Sale included several customers trying to start bidding wars AND/OR purchase from the purchasers!  All forms of payment are accepted, and it is first come, first serve.  Maybe we need to take this a little more seriously.. kinda like camping out for UNC/Dook Basketball tickets.

The Necklace is Coming!

It is astounding the number of comments I have received over the necklace I wore of the EVERYBODY, everywear Pink + Red Valentine's Challenge.  As mentioned, I purchased the necklace, of all places, at my Church's Gift Shop a while ago.  I have, however, more recently seen the necklace at the Queen City's Savviest Consignment Boutique, J.T. Posh.  I reached out to J.T. Posh to inquire about the possibility of ordering more, and low and behold, the necklace is on its way back in the store as we speak!  This time in Coral, Turqoise and Ivory!  And, are you ready for the best part?  It's $39.  Get yours!  

To wet your palette even more, J.T. Posh currently has a table of select jewelry, including some Town & Reese pieces, reduced by 50%, in addition to a bevvy of fabulous Spring items arriving daily.  Look at this adorable Trina Turk, size 2 dress for $89; the original Sloan Boutique tag still in tact!  Better get to the Posh!

Lilly Pullitzer in the Queen City!

What Southern Girl doesn't love the sprightly fashions of Lilly Pulitzer?  Once temps start to rise, with lovely prints of color instantly recognizable, it is rare not to see Queen City ladies of style wearing one of Lilly Pulitzer's fabulous fashions.  

Aleesa Dress

We're lucky that retailers across the Queen City carry the Lilly Pulitzer line, but now we've been given the pot of gold, as South Park Mall welcomes our very own Lilly Pulitzer store.

The store opens Friday at 10am, followed by a grand opening party next weekend. 

Somewhere Over the Rainbow?  Wishes really do come true!

For the love of shopping fabulous style around every corner... xo- Whitley

Stylin' Sunday - Golden Globes Top Picks and a BIG Thank You to Most Wonderful Man in the World

Happy Sunday!  I hope you all enjoyed yourself this weekend.  I sure have, and I will tell you why... Most Wonderful Man in the World decided last weekend that he would surprise me this weekend ...

... by taking himself and my other two precious little men on a road trip to visit their Grandparents, which... you got it... left me and the Booch, (our precious lab, Macy) HOME ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL ALONE! FOR THE ENTIRE WEEKEND.  If your day to day life looks anything similar to mine, you know why I have used all caps.  There is no exact way to express the emotion involved for a weekend all alone.  Most wonderful man encouraged me to meet up with some girlfriends for a drink, and I wanted to, but I just could not.  Silence. Sitting at home all ALONE, all weekend, working on this blog... while listening to the soft, melodic rhythms of Chicane, Bent, Thievery Corporation and the likes... is all I wanted to do.  The wine has never tasted so good.  

Thank you most wonderful man in the world... I guess that 10 day fishing trip is my way to repay you for such kindness?  Yes. Gladly.  THANK YOU.

Back to the GG's...

It was a lovely night.  Your Queen City Stylist, Frank, and I had a hard time picking just one for Best of the Night, so we each picked our Top Two.

My picks, Evan Rachel Wood and Julie Bowen.  For me, it was all about the dresses.  While I think both ladies could have done a little more accessorizing, I just die over both of dresses. Evan's dress was unbelievable with all the different textures, the pattern and structure, and Julie was reminiscent of Old Hollywood Glamour, so graceful and classic.

Frank's Picks, Claire Danes and Charlize Theron.  Frank loved the design of both dresses, noting the classic design of Claire's dress, the color blocking, as well as the flawless fit on her. He pointed to the high slit and gathered waist of Charlize's dress, as well as the color of the dress being a match for her skin tone, and the headband being a fabulous addition.

So, did either Frank or I choose your pick for best of the night?  I would love to know your top picks!

For the love of admiring beautiful dresses from afar in total peace and quite on this chilly, rainy weekend in the Queen City... I hope yours was every bit as lovely as mine!  Whitley

Fashion Friday - 2012 Golden Globes Review with our Queen City Stylist (and yours truly!)

Since I now have the platform (SO fun!), I feel I would be remiss if I did not share with all you fabulous people my two cents on one of this year's most star-studded, red-carpeted main events, the Golden Globe awards.  And just to make this week's edition of Fashion Friday that much more fun... Are you ready for the fun?... Oh, how much fun is this going to be?... Our very own Queen City Stylist, the one and only Franklin Headen, is going to weigh in on some of the evenings most noteworthy ensembles. It's a Whitley and Frank Face-Off.  Head to Head Folks...

And we mean business... Ggggrrrrr...

As a disclaimer, Frank has sent me his remarks, and prior to this post, I have not viewed them.  I am uploading the picture, writing my remarks, then pasting his remarks.  Since I know this guy knows his stuff, I do not want the remote opportunity to be swayed by his opinion.  We weren't able to get to every single red carpet stunner, but we tried to cover most of the big ones. So, grab your popcorn, Sour Patch Kids and Coca-Cola (Wine), and let the fun begin!  In alphabetical order... this is fair game, folks.  Let's go!

Angelina Jolie

WH: This does nothing for me.  We are only commenting on Aesthetics, correct?  If that's the case, Angie is an absolutely gorgeous girl.  Very old Hollywood beauty to me, but this dress washes out her complextion. The red pops of color do nothing for me.

FH: Atelier Versace... 2nd year wearing something from the line. Pretty dress but wasn't as amazing as it could have been. Great fabric, nice red accent. Loved the hair.

Charlize Theron

WH: Gorgeous, ethereal, great color on her.  So soft and flowy, hair to match.  I think if you had to put yourself in her shoes, this is probably NOT an easy dress to wear.  She is totally wearing it. I give her an "A".

FH:  Never disappoints. Amazing Dior couture. Obsessed with the nude blush tone on her. Love the high slit and the gathered waist at the top of the slit. Gorgeous embellishments. Her headband was definitely a 'do' and I like that she used that accessory.

Claire Danes

WH:  She looks sophisticated and channels the Old Hollywood look I love so much, with the hair and make up.  Great poise.  That is a unique dress, and I think you would have to have a totally rockin' body to pull it off so well, which she does. I like how the design of the dress trims the appearance of the waistline even more.

FH:  Stunning, classic design. Loved the black and white. Fit her body well. Nice color blocking. The paillettes on the back were gorgeous. I loved the open back too. Its surprising from the sleek looking front. 

Elle Macpherson

WH:  Wow! Is that a Mermaid??  Seriously.  The dress, the hair, everything.  She is gorgeous.  How old is she??  I really am not crazy about the dress, but I think she looks radiant.  Love the stack of bangles on her wrist.

FH:  I was floored. The design of that dress was fabulous. She can pull anything off and that nude looked perfect on her. Of course her hair and makeup looked stunning as well.

Emma Stone

WH:  She is fierce!  Her eyes are piercing.  She can wear cutting edge clothes so well.  On an unrelated note, I think she looks best with this hair color.  Love it.  I do like the dress.. a little "casual" for me, for such a big event, but she looks hot.  I know Frank likes this designer, so I think he is going to say she is totally rockin' it (or something like that).

FH:  Lanvin is always one of my faves each season, so it was great to see it on the red carpet. I love the fabric, to start out with, and the two-tone is fabulous. I like the eagle belt too. 

Evan Rachel Wood

WH:  This is a little daring and dark.  Call me a little traditional and old fashioned... I do love "Old Hollywood" Glamour, and I would say this is definitely not that.  Again, maybe it's the colors... just a little Goth for me for this event.  All that said... given another time and place, I think this dress is insane (in a good way).  Judging on the dress alone, for me, this is a contender for #1 pick.

FH:  So you may not know this, but I am obsessed with feathers... Especially peacock. I can't tell if this is actually peacock or not, but the colors of this plumage is wonderful all over!!! This piece definitely falls into the art category as well as fashion. I love the plunging neckline (in a perfect world she would have a bit more boobage). She looks amazing.

Guiliana Rancic

WH:  I do think the dress is really neat... I love the high collar.  Is it formal enough for the Red Carpet?  I feel like there is perhaps a little too much make up there.

FH:  the black gown overpowered her. The nude gown did the same and the neck was weird. She is so thin and has a great body. I would have liked to see her in a bright color showing more skin.

Heidi Klum

WH:  Do like the bedazzled collar on this dress, but overall, I am not blown away by this look.  I think it is definitely too casual for the event.  Gorgeous girl.

FH:   Great color. Loved the neckline/turquoise necklace. 

WH:  She looks fabulously regal!  Love the color of the dress, love the diamond-esque encrusted belt (or who knows.. they are probably real!), love that flowery, fluid fabric.  She looks like a million bucks.

WH:  I feel like she was the favorite of the night for many.  I am not totally blown out of the water.  This is not to say I don't think she looks dynamite.  She does... After all, she is very pretty.. And just had a second baby?!  The dress is gorgeous, hair, jewelry.  Okay.. there's really not anything missing.  "A+".

FH:  Amazing color on her. Great embellishments. Really looked like something she would wear.

Jessica Chastain

WH: I am not crazy about any of this, and I realize this is a review about the the look and not the acting, but can I just say Jessica Chastain played my favorite character in the book, The Help, and I think she (and perhaps her side-kick, Minny) played her character the best in the movie.  Love her!  She is SO pretty.

FH:  I love Givenchy but that piece was not for her. Made her look sickly pale and something made her torso look a bit disproportionate 

Jodie Foster

WH:  I did not actually watch the Golded Globes, so I don't know how much camera time Jodie Foster got. I don't think she was the center of attention, but I included her here, because I think she just looks so fresh and pretty and happy. It is great to see her again!

FH:  Great design and embellishments. Wasn't crazy about the color, but it was pretty.

Julie Bowen

WH:  Okay, so for me, THIS is the look of a red carpet.  Love the dress, love her poise, love her hair, make up, coloring, clutch.  The only thing missing perhaps, for me, was a little jewelry.  Perhaps a diamond cuff.  Everything is flawless. This might be my overall top pick.

FH:  Fabulous dress! The encrusted sleeves are beautiful! 

The Fabric falls wonderfully on her body, and I like how the one piece of horizontal fabric breaks her up and cinches her waist. Although the gown was beautiful, it was not for her. The color is so off, and that type of nude doesn't work for Julie. 

Kate Beckinsale

WH:  The dress is just okay for me.  I'm not crazy about the way the tops of the dress are pointy... it is like windshield wipers to me, or kinda makes me think of the motorcycle corset in George Michael's Too Funky video. (Next year's Halloween costume perhaps?.. I'm sure my mother would love that ;).  Anyway, she's a bombshell.  Gorgeous.

FH:  Stunning. I loved the cut at the bust (squared off). Embellishments were fantastically placed. The color was a nude purple blush that I haven't seen in a while, but it was fabulous. The back of the dress was fabulous and the little slits where it opens to the lighter fabric was pretty too.

Kate Winslet

WH:  This looks like something she would wear.  It is not my absolute favorite of the night. However, I think she has a consistent, very sophisticated look, and she looks increasingly regal to me.  She seems very classy.

FH:  Bodice was nice, but the white totally cut her up and made her bottom portion look bigger.

Kelly Osbourne

WH: I can't say I'm a fan of this girl or really know why she is "famous"  (kinda like the Kardashian crew.. am I spelling that correct?), other than for her father.  I feel like I have only seen negative reviews of her in this look.  However, I think she looks quite nice.  Not a fan of the purple hair, but again, considering her more previous looks, I think she is heading in the right direction in terms of cleaning up her look.

FH:  I love Zac Posen and even that dress, but shes's a mess. Horrible hair. The dress didn't really suit her. I can't get the idea of Kelly osbourne (the former tacky punk rock chick) as a style expert.

Lea Michele

WH: Gosh, I really don't know what to say about this.  Perhaps a little inappropriate?  I feel it is too sexy for what I feel like is supposed to be a historical and sophisticated evening.  Kudos for confidence, however.

FH:  Turning into a Marchesa-whore. Didn't fit her personality. It wasn't even a pretty dress on her skin. I can see either Amber rose (ew) or Angelina (yes please) wearing that.

WH:  Is she in a movie this year?  I think she looks absolutely gorgeous.  One of my top pics for the night indeed. This color is fabulous.  I am just seeing the back of the train and am not sure I am loving it, but everything else is totally dynamite and regal (like the color!). She has lovely posture. "A".

Madonna

WH:  My girl from day one, though I've never been a huge fan of any of her clothing choices, including this one.  Not good.  Still gets the award for most insanely toned arms, however.

FH:  So ugly.  It looked horrible! She looked like a man.

Michelle Williams

WH:  The dress is growing on me, but I still give it just a "C+".  I think the fit is lovely on her, but not quite exciting enough for me.  Also, the headband?  This isn't the first day of kindergarten.  I do think she ranks near the top for most poised, however.

FH:  Fabulous. It was a super cute gown for a super cute, yet sophisticated girl. Great fabric print too.

Nichole Richie

WH:  She is one of my favs for street style.  I love boho.  She rocks boho impeccably. I am not, however, crazy about this look.  I do love the jewels on her wrist, but it stops there for me.  I almost feel like that is a high school prom dress.

FH:  Loved her hair and the neckline of her dress. I didn't really like the diamond pattern but the silver color as a whole worked for her.

Nicole Kidman

WH:  Hhhhmmm.  I am torn on this.  Not my favorite.  I do love the design on the dress, and I love the "tough metals" look, but for some reason I am thinking of the Bedazzler.  I've seen her look much "wowier".

FH:  Absolutely horrible! She could not pull that off. It's totally not her style, and the color was so off. Her boobs and waist looked strangled.

Reese Witherspoon

WH:  One of my favorite leading ladies.  I feel like many say she was "The Pick" of the night.  However, I am not blown away by this.  I think the hair is way to informal.  That is my hair when I wake up in the morning.  The dress is lovely, don't get me wrong, and I love her taste.  I just think she in the past has brought her "A" Game a little more than she did here.

FH:  Definitely had some boobage going on. Great color and design though!

Salma Hayek

WH:  HHHMMMM... Possible tie for first place.  She is a little busty in this, but sizzling.  The Dress: Insane. Hair: Sexpot. Earrings: Fabulous. Make-Up: Stunning. Overall:  Ball Out of the Park Hot.

FH: Horrible. Cheap female gladiator. Didn't like the pleats. Weird metal embroidery pattern. Her boobs are way to big to go strapless.

Sofia Vergara

WH: All woman.  She seems to have such great self-confidence, but she does not seem overly-confident or unapproachable.  I think everything she is wearing is perfect for who she is.

FH: Loved the mermaid on her. Great color too. Didn't like the hair and makeup though. I love her waves!!

Stacy Keibler

WH:  This dress is lovely, and so is she, but did she go so "simple" for fear of upstaging the hunkiest man in Hollywood?  It isn't really possible, so maybe she went so simple BECAUSE the hunkiest man in Hollywood was her accessory.  Sophisticated, just not quite enough pizzazz for me.

FH:  Wayyyy too simple. She looked good in red and the bow was cute but she could have stepped up her game.

Viola Davis

WH:  She looks like somebody I want to meet.  Such a happy, nice face.  The color of the dress is lovely, very Grecian Goddess to me.  Her hair and make up look great, not to mention she looks super in shape.

FH:  I liked the high slit on her, and the color really complimented her skin tone.

And last, but certainly not least...

Zooey Deschanel

WH:  This dress reminds me a little of an Atari?!   But still, I do love the dress.  So unique.  I love her adorable personality, and she looks great.  A top pic for me, for overall look.

FH: Loved the subtle color blocking, and the embellishments on the body were so pretty.

So, you tell me.. Whose look did you love most at this year's Golden Globes?  Did we leave off your favorite? Tell us.  We want to hear!  And, do you dare say... is there anyone's look... hhhmmm, not so much??

I'll reveal to you my pick and Frank's on Stylin' Sunday.  Until then...

For the love of fabulous Hollywood fashion, here's to a wonderful weekend!  Whitley

Conversations with a Queen City Stylist... and a Little Something for the Kiddies

I imagine most or all of us know what it means to be frank, correct?  Well, for the sake of prefacing today's topic, I will refresh.  The definition of the verb frank: direct and unreserved in speech; straightforward, sincere. And one more for our little English lesson here, when used as a noun, the definition of hedonist: a person whose life is devoted to the pursuit of pleasure and self-gratification.  If you pair these two words, frank and hedonist, for the sake of this style blog, then I would say yes, I sincerely unequivocally get pleasure and self-gratification from seeing, touching, feeling and loving fabulous style.  You?

I haven't seen the movie, but Isla Fisher's character in Confessions of a Shopaholic seems to feel the love.  In reality, I know there is at least one other who feels the same as I do, and it's a native Queen City lad by the name of Franklin Headen.  Know him?  If you are a high fashion, fabulous style desiring local seeking a trademark for your own unique look, chances are you do.  If not, then I am delighted to make the introduction.  

Readers meet Frank.  

Frank is a 17-year-old Charlotte native who, to me, knows more about current fashion than possibly the next five most fashion-educated people I know, combined.  Seriously.  I have a true love for fashion.  I don't claim to know anywhere near a fraction of all there is to know on the subject, but in the first five minutes speaking to Frank, I realized I know very little.  We were recently introduced through a mutual friend, and I was literally squealing with excitement after our first meeting.  This was me on the phone with most wonderful man in the world, driving home, telling him about meeting Frank...

Like a child in a candy store.  Finally someone as obsessed with fashion as me.  Well, more.  On a day to day basis, I don't openly share my love of fashion quite like this, but I was as high as a kite talking to Frank.  I mean, he knows SO much.  I could barely contain my excitement.  There are people out there who know a lot about their craft, and there are those who put off airs for whatever reason.  This guy knows his craft, and what I took away is that he is completely unaffected.  Thanks, Frank.  Me likey.

With a little shopping to do for Frank's A-list clientele, we decided to meet at the South Park Mall.  Perfect, I thought.  I can just follow him around the mall, and watch him work!  We met at Starbucks and meandered through the heavy crowds seeking the perfect watch for a client.  First stop, Michael Kors.  Frank said Michael Kors is making some great watches right now, and they might have something of interest for this particular client.  

Could this have been the one?

Me, personally...

I would have absolutely zero wearing this watch.

We were greeted by multiple associates who seemed to know Frank personally, jotted a SKU number and said goodbye as we continued our search.  Next stop Burberry, and onto Neiman's.  Through previous research, Frank already deduced Neiman's didn't have the particular watch he was seeking, but it was the most logical place to continue our little walk and talk.  A stylist is always working, and arguably, Neiman Marcus is Charlotte's finest for high fashion one stop shopping. Personally, I would not know, but I CAN look and dream with the best of them.

We made our way up the escalator to the Chanel boutique, where I of course was in Heaven, and how conveniently situated were there but two club chairs and a little coffee table welcoming us to rest our soles for the remainder of our chatter.  I can't begin to tell you all of the details of our conversation or even a fraction of them, because what I do know is that my mouth was moving exponentially faster than my brain. The questions just kept flowing, outpacing all else but my fascination.  As a result to this, I will bringing forthcoming posts "Conversations with a (do I dare say "The"?) Queen City Stylist.

I hope you will join me in the fascination and fun as I share fashion tips, stylish advice and more from my Q&A with Frank. In case you need a reference point for the experience we are talking about here...

Know this man?

Yep, you got it... Oscar de la Renta.

Recognize this dress?

Cameron Diaz in Oscar de la Renta, 2010 Oscars

Well, you see, Frank had a hand in the execution of the the Oscar de la Renta fashion show this past Spring presented by the Queen City's own Mint Museum Auxiliary for "The Art of Style".  He learned a lot from his experience, and I am convinced the learning is taking him places.  Where?  Sssshhh..... we'll never tell.

Oh, and he paints... talented guy, huh?

!!

Bonus

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Fun

!!

Switching gears real quick...For those of you who love to dress your Queen City Kiddies in nothing but the cutest cuddliest duds, here's your opportunity to get a taste of some good 'ole Southern Shrimp and Grits.

If you were Southern born and raised, chances are you've grown up eating this dish your whole life.  If you've joined the Queen City from other parts, then you probably caught on real quick to authentic Southern cooking, and thus what to serve your relatives with they come to visit.  Yummy, yummy, yes siiiirreee!  But, I'm not talkin' 'bout the food in this case.  I'm talking about the kind of Shrimp and Grits your precious little girls and boys can get ALL dolled up in, totally Southern Style.

Please join us to view these adorable fashions for the little ones.... this Thursday, January 19, from 9:30am-12:30pm and 6-9pm at the English Room, 519 Fenton Place, Charlotte, NC 28207, located in the heart of the Eastover/Myers Park area of the Queen City.  Please contact product representative Lauren Thompson at lauren_slocum@yahoo.com if you have any questions, or visit the Shrimp & Grits Kids website HERE.

For the love of knowing who's stylin' some of the Queen City's most stylish, and stylin' those Southern Kiddies ever so deliciously, until Fashion Friday... Whitley

Fashion Friday in the Works!

Hello all you fabulous, stylish readers!  I am going to keep this short, because I know your focus is not on my blog, but rather, it is on Christmas.  May I please grab your attention for just a brief moment?

I thought that might do the trick.  Okay, so don't go anywhere just yet...

This has been a great week for me.  My dear friend Ashley introduced me to the Editor of the wildly successful and popular fashion blog Fashion Foi Gras, Emily Johnston.  Read more about Fasion Foi Gras HERE.  I will just say that Emily gave me some awesome tips in working to grow the Queen City Style.  I mean, the girl only has 18,295 followers on Twitter as of the last time I checked. I got some catching up to do, no?  Thank you, thank you Emily!

I created a Facebook fan page for the Queen City Style, click HERE, and in 24 hours 115 of you LIKED me.

THANK YOU!!!!

 I am working so hard to take this blog by storm. I have no idea where my efforts will lead, but my goal is absolutely no less than super stardom.  I am going for it!

One last thing.  I have decided that each Friday I will be bringing you... Fashion Friday!

Vintage Valentino... REALLY.  Does it get anymore fabulous than this?  I say no way.

I will share with you articles of clothing, ensembles, accessories and more, but only what I consider to be the very most stylish.  Then on Sunday, I will follow up by bringing you Styling Sunday in which I will share with you ideas for styling similar articles of clothing, ensembles and the like.  This will be a lot to keep up with, but I like a goal, and I like a challenge.  I've got my first edition ready to roll, but I'm holding out for you, since I know your mind is on this...

And not this...

I'm speaking of the wardrobe, of course... wink.

Signing off until after Christmas!  I hope yours is nothing but merry and bright.

For the love of the most stylish gift of all--being with loved ones...

Warmest Holiday Regards to you and yours, Whitley