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!

Green Jeans Consignment Winner + Freaking Awesome

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!  I am sure many of you are enjoying a day off from work in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  If you are not one of those, not to worry, you are not alone.  Both of my boys are out of school for the next three days, so I may not be getting much work completed.  I am, however, looking forward to taking the boys uptown via light rail for a child-friendly educational celebration.

For those of you who entered the Green Jeans Consignment Too Busy To Tag Giveaway, click HERE to see if you are the winner!  If you would still like to consign, there is plenty of time! Perhaps you would prefer to shop all the awesome designer duds at ridiculously low prices.  All of that information is below, or visit their website HERE.

Do you recognize these photos?  I could not believe it when the event organizers contacted me to ask if they may use images of the Queen City Style for their postcards!  I am very flattered.  The event is amazing, and the organizers are just awesome, real people.  You should definitely check it out if you are in the Queen City!!

Thanks for reading, and I hope you have a great day!

-Whitley

Green Jeans Consignment Giveaway

If you've followed along the Queen City Style for the last year, you know I love a Green Jeans Consignment Sale. Green Jeans Consignment is Charlotte's most talked about 4-day shopping event for Women and Teens.  The buck stops here, featuring new and gently worn brand name and designer fashion (clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories) for all ages, including sizes 0 to Plus and Maternity.  Items are priced to move, and they do, very fast.  If, on the other hand, you are looking to de-clutter your closets and make some easy extra cash, today is your lucky day!  The ladies of Green Jeans Consignment are giving away one Too Busy to Tag Service for one of their upcoming spring sales. Here's the low-down...

• The Giveaway: One Too Busy to Tag Service ($25 Value ~ Reality… priceless cause it’s your time). 
• What's Included:  Curbside Pick-up (Greater Charlotte area), Item entry, Tagging and Item Transport to Sale. 
• How you make your money and the Rules:Too Busy to Tag Winner will receive 50% of her sales (check will be mailed less than two weeks after the sale).  The standard $10 consignor registration fee still applies and must be paid via Paypal or personal check. Winner’s items must be ready for pick-up by:  Friday, February 15 for Southpark or Friday, March 29 for Lake Norman.

A few items I'm consigning...

Here are all the ways you may enter to win:

1) Mandatory Entry:

Must be a follower of the Queen City Style via Email or Bloglovin'.

2) Mandatory Entry:

Share your email with Green Jeans Consignment HERE under E-News Sign-up (Green Jeans will not sell or share your information – EVER and only send emails prior to seasonal sales).

3) Like Green Jeans Consignment on Facebook.

4) Like the Queen City Style on Facebook.

5) Share this giveaway on Facebook. Be sure to tag Green Jeans Consignment & the Queen City Style!

6) Tell me why you need this service.

AND THE WINNER IS...

andrea

January 14, 2013 at 7:01 PM

Hey there! I need this because I am a slave to my job and have no time to tag all the great things I have to consign. I've done em all 1,2,3,4,5,6!!!

Congratulations Andrea!  Please email me at

thequeencitystyle@yahoo.com

Please let me know in

ONE

comment, all the ways you have entered

.  

This Giveaway ends on

Sunday, January 20th

, and the winner will be announced the next day.

Thanks for being here, and good luck!

xx-Whitley 

Celebrate In Vintage

via Daniel Coston

via Daniel Coston

via

Bluesol Photography

via

Bluesol Photography

via

Bleusol Photograhy

via

Bleusol Photography

Dress: Vintage, from hong kong vintage. Boots: Corral Boots from Mexico. Clutch: ASOS, last seen here. Necklace: My Grandmother-in-law's. Earrings: Gifted. Rings: My Grandmother's, Tiffany, custom by Diamonds Direct.

I recently had the pleasure of celebrating my friend Sonya Barnes at the 10 year anniversary party for her image consulting firm, Harris & Barnes.  This vintage frock from hong kong vintage has been stowed away in my closet since I purchased it almost a year ago.  I always imagined wearing it to a Cinco de Mayo party or some similar festivity, but it jumped right out at me on this particular evening.  Perhaps not the most logical pairing (some things remain), the boots made a leap for me too.  And the clutch.  I like it when my clothes jump out at me, and I don't have to jump at them or jump up and down, because I am frustrated with them.  How about you?  Do you agree?  Do certain things in your wardrobe jump out at you?  More here from hong kong vintage.

Thanks so much for being here!  

My very best, Whitley

This Skirt + Introducing Photography By Donna Jernigan

ASOS Trumpet hem skirt, Great-Grandmother's jacket, CAbi turtleneck, Michael Kors purse from J.T. Posh, the Queen City Style, Tory Burch pumps from summerbird, Blinde Sunglasses

Skirt: ASOS. Jacket: My Great-Grandmother's, sure would love this one! Turtleneck: CAbi, here's one. Purse: Michael Kors, similar, from JT Posh. Shoes: Tory Burch, similar pair, from summerbird. Sunglasses: Blinde, similar pair. Earrings: (old), similar pair. Bracelets: My Great-Grandmother's, Grandmother's and Grandmother-in-law's, Stella & Dot. Rings: My Grandmother's, Tiffany, custom by Diamonds Direct.

I had my eye on this skirt for quite some time until I couldn't turn my back any longer.  Do you ever get that feeling?  You see something, you love it so much, you walk away, but it doesn't escape your mind?  My rule of thumb is if you want something so badly, and you can afford to pay for it in cash, that is when you don't say no. The affordability of the skirt did not hurt, and for the record, ASOS is my favorite on-line retailer.  Additionally, I could not be more excited about my new collaboration with Donna Jernigan of Donna Jernigan Photography, Inc. and Moments by Donna. I am so totally marveled by her work... the saturation of the colors and the crispness of the photos. Not to mention, Donna is such a joy and a pleasure.  My ride with the Queen City Style thus far has sent my soul to great heights, and the opportunity to work with Donna sets me soaring. So excited and so, so grateful. 

As ever, so grateful for you too... Whitley

Warm Charlotte--We Need Your Help!

I am sharing something with you of which I am very proud, if you have just a moment to lend me your eyes!  I am one of four small business owners sponsoring a new to Charlotte philanthropic effort called Warm Charlotte.  For the next four Sundays, we will be collecting cold weather items to donate to organizations and individuals in need.  The magic number is FOUR... 

Four Sundays, 

Four Drop-Off Sites 

Four Charities Benefiting

If you are anything like me and could stand to do a little de-cluttering of your closets, YOU can help!  If you live in the Charlotte, NC area, we are accepting coats, gloves, scarves, hats, jackets, sheets, towels--anything to provide warmth-- at any one of our four mobile drop off sites.  We will deliver the items to shelters and families who need them most.  Click here to see the schedule of drop off sites and the charities benefiting. If you live outside of Charlotte and still would like to help, you may make a monetary donation here.  

If you are a business who would like to partner with Warm Charlotte, please contact me at thequeencitystyle@yahoo.com.  

THANK YOU!! 

Hope to see you this Sunday!! -

Whitley

Like Warm Charlotte on Facebook, Follow Warm Charlotte on Twitter

the Queen City Style Featured On life in mod.

There's this super awesome chic, Camille, who recently featured the Queen City Style on her site, life in mod.  I am always excited to meet other bloggers local to the Queen City.  I believe Camille and I first became acquainted by way of some form of social media, and I was so excited to recently meet her in person at one of my favorite shops in Charlotte, summerbird.  I've always admired Camille's hip, totally down to earth street style, a look all her own, and I was totally blown away when I saw the feature she put together.  The gal has got some serious style and creativity to boot.  Check out Camille and her feature here. 

As ever, thanks for being here...

I hope you have a wonderful day! Whitley

Scout & Molly's Giveaway + ZoeLynn & Co. Giveaway Winner

In case you missed yesterday's post here, I would love for you to take a look and enter for your chance to win a $50 Gift Card Giveaway to Scout & Molly's of Charlotte.

And, we have a winner for the ZoeLynn & Co. Headband Giveaway...

Congratulations Joanna! 

Please email me at thequeencitystyle@yahoo.com within the next 48 hours.

Joanna

October 12, 2012 10:03 PM

1. Follow you on Bloglovin'

2. My favorite item is the Glitterific headband!

3. Liked Zoe Lynn & Co. on Facebook

4. Liked you on Facebook

6. I would style the Glitterific headband with a low loose side braid on a day I want to add some sparkle to my hair!

Hope everyone's week is off to a terrific start!

Whitley

Style Night Out; The Runway

This post is chocked full of runway looks from Style Night Out.  Everything was fabulous; the clothes, the models, hair, make up, people watching (oh yea), the friendly, happy vibe.  I've said this before, but my favorite thing about fashion is that there is so much room for interpretation.  I think you will see that in the images included.  Below is a list of the boutiques who participated, as well as a few personal notations.  Sadly, I have not included looks from every boutique either because of chatter, bad photography or the likes. I had an early morning to follow, so I left after my friend Cigi Guz (V.Vill) presented her line. I am unable to assign every look to a boutique, so if there is something you see here and you want to know where you may purchase it for yourself, let me know, and I will find out for you.  Enjoy the eye candy!

Capital L.O.V.E this look, and she wears it so well.  

Would love to have those pants if anyone out there with power is reading! 

A fellow fashion blogger, Blair Eadie, recently wore the below dress and knocked it out of the park. I was very excited when Our Place Boutique showed it here on our Queen City runway!

I'm feeling a Rachel Zoe kind of moment with this next look.

Love the ingenuity of this...

Then along came these nice little diversions...

Excellent display of class and sophistication...

Love these (again!) if the powers that be are out there reading, and they are size 9...

She is FAB-U-LOUS...

I love seeing a little relaxation when it comes to those fashion 'rules'.

Wear what makes you happy, when it makes you happy...

Trending uniform, studs and gold all in one...

I did not photograph the lingerie, but here's a daring swim look...

One of my favorite looks of the night...

And here's my other fav.  I'd wear this entire look in a skinny second.  

This skirt was made from a tablecloth... YES, yes, yes.

I would love to hear which looks are your favorites!

Hope you enjoyed this Style Night Out recap in pictures,

Whitley

Style Night Out; The Scene

I'll be sharing pics from Style Night Out in two installments. This post consists of the photos I took prior to and during the event.  The night was knee deep with excited party-goers; everyone putting their best personal style on display.  I'll start with the above photo of me with the adorable, fun, spunky and sweet Melissa Hess who served as co-host for Style Night Out. Melissa is a fellow Queen City blogger and talented photographer.  I am in awe that she takes all of her own pictures. Enjoy the scenery!

It was great to see the lovely Meghan Browne who came out to showcase her jewelry line, Meghan Browne Style.  Meghan offers a full line of classic, yet on trend, affordable pieces in her collection. Check them all out here.  I also enjoyed meeting Beverly Sokoll, North Carolina Merchandise Manager for The RealReal, an on-line luxury designer consignment site. So excited to learn more!

Shital Vaghasiya, owner of Lipp Boutique, striking as ever...

Here I am with Bryan Paschal, founder of Paschal Promotions.  I have known Bryan since I moved to Charlotte when our paths crossed over business.  Until a Style Night Out media event, I had not seen him in years.  What a pleasant surprise it was to bump into an old friend after so long!

I was so excited to finally meet fellow Queen City City blogger, Michele Jones of Pinque Blog, two weeks ago at the LuckyFABB conference.  We got to spend time together again at Style Night Out!

The night's dynamic hosting duo; fashion editor and stylist Joey Hewell, and Melissa Hess.

Lots of flavor for the feet...

One of the sweetest, most fun and hard working women in the biz, Amy Pickard, owner of Charlotte's Men's Upscale Consignment Boutique, Revolve...

Everyone knows my love for one of a kind fashion.  If you haven't already heard me say it, go to summerbird on East Blvd and see my sweet friend Cindy Siesel, in the middle, pictured here with her sister and Mom... triplets!  I will say it again.  Go to summerbird, and tell Cindy I sent you!

summerbird's Mom!  I could not stand it.  Cindy's mother's unique sense of style and all around fabulousness had me feeling super nostalgic over my Grandmother.  She gracefully tossed her arms in the air, and they floated down and landed on her hips like this.  I could not get enough of her wonderful spirit and charm.

See what I mean?  Cannot get enough.

Lady of the night, Effie Loukas, makes her entrance.  She was all smiles and looked so pretty.

Effie, Joey and Melissa with WSOC news anchor, Natalie Pasquarella.  Such a fun bunch!

Toward the end of the night with emerging designer, Cigi Guz. (Thanks for my dress!)  True love.

Cute ladies from across the catwalk having so much fun...

Lotus boutique owner, Jackie Rodney (in white), along with some of her stylish, fun friends!

And, lastly, a photo opp with the lady of the night!  Such a sweet soul this gal is.  I was so flattered to be included in a Style Night Out full of fashion and fun. I hope you enjoyed all the great people watching!  I'll be back tomorrow with some fabulous runway fashion.

Thanks so much for being here!  Whitley

Neiman Marcus Fall Preview and What I Wore

Dress: BCBG Max Azria Runway (old) from Luna. Jacket: Banana Republic. Belt: Pink & Blue. Shoes: Steve Madden. Sunglasses: Blinde, here's a pair. Necklace: Belonged to my Grandmother-in-Law. Bracelets: Gift, vintage. Rings: Melinda Maria, Tiffany, Diamonds Direct.

I recently attended the Neiman Marcus at South Park Fall 2012 Preview event to learn about many fabulous things they have in store for the fall season.  From beauty brands to fall fashion and accessories, despite falling temps, it's all hot.  Admittedly, I have a lot to learn when it comes to make up and beauty products, but I was so impressed by the featured brands and their products, I found myself yearning to take better care of my skin and immediately wanting to get to work on my personal beauty presentation.  Brands shared with us included:

• Amore Pacific
• Bobbi Brown
• Chantecaille 
• Clinique
• Dior
• Estee Lauder 
• Sisley 
• Veneffect 

The morning proceeded with a fall fashion and accessories trend report which spoke to every cell in my body:

• Mixed Greens: Alone or in a combination, it's all about green to spruce your wardrobe.
• The Jacket: Lots of great coats and jackets from which to choose!
• The Smoking Slipper: The luxury loafer is the most flat out chic trend of the season.
• The Leather Leg: Second-skin tight or a little more loose fitting, leather (and waxed denim!) is everywhere this season.
• Navy: I am loving this hot color paired with brights and, yes, black!
• The Statement Handbag: Lots of shapes and sizes from which to choose... all luxurious.
• Borrowed From The Boys: Nothing Coco ever did was wrong.  Many have watched and learned.  Menswear influences for her, also known as the Androgynous look, is back. 
• Digital Prints: Modern and chic.  Layer it on and layer it all over; give me pattern!
• Brooches: The hottest accessory of the season; be it one alone or in a cluster.  Love.
• The Fall Face:  Bright red cherry lips.  Nudes are out, brights are now!

If you are in the Queen City, hop on over for a visit, and tell them the Queen City Style sent ya!

As ever, thank you, thank you, thank you for reading! xx-Whitley

NYC In Pictures

I have been very busy since my return from NYC; busy with all the regular life stuff, both Precious Peanuts started preschool (I'm going to have eight hours to myself every week... major excitement), as well as other activities.  As you know, last Thursday marked a big night of fashion here in the Queen City with Style Night Out.  Then on Friday I had the pleasure of assisting Lipp Boutique at a fundraiser they hosted for the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte.  I look forward to sharing photos from both of these events with you, but first, here are a few photos from my amazing time to NYC.  I learned so much at both conferences I attended hosted by Independent Fashion Bloggers and Lucky Magazine.  Obviously everyone shared a love for fashion, but beyond that, everyone was genuinely interested in each other and so supportive... a big 'ole stylish love fest! Awesome learning opportunity + Fabulous Fashion + Fun Girls = My kind of event!

Day 1: IFBCON.  Here I am with my awesome partner in crime for the week, Nicole Gordon, of Manners and Moxie.  Nic and I found each other via the fashion blogging world, and, for me, it was love at first sight.  I was immediately drawn to Nic's unique, eclectic and fun sense of style. When we discovered we are both natives of South Carolina, our friendship hit the ground running.

When I asked for recommendations on what to wear the response was fairly unanimous in favor of Woman Shops World Harem pants.  I took two pairs and wore these to IFBCON.  The super chic Ashley Garner of Elegant Idiosyncrasy, editor and talented photographer, took this photo.

I got a ton of compliments on the pants, including more than one from the gorgeous, talented and very sweet stylist, Mary Alice Stephenson. Very fun.

Two more beautiful ladies I've developed friendships with and was so excited to meet in person, Karla Maria Gonzalez of Shoe Signature and fellow Queen City blogger, Elspeth Crawford.

A panel of some of the most successful bloggers in the biz...

Pardon the less than stellar pics.  I did not take "big fancy," so I did best I could with the digital. Here's a shot from the closing Q&A with Editor at Large of Harper's Bazaar, Derek Blasberg, as interviewed by model Coco Rocha.  Pretty cool.

Day 2: LuckyFABB... Fabb-u-lous!

Here are a couple pics of me and my outfit outside the LuckyFABB conference held at the impressive New York Times Building.  I experienced an iconic NYC first on my way there. It rained the day before, and as I was waiting at the crosswalk, a cab flew by and splashed nasty NYC curb water ALL OVER my dress.  It dried quickly.  I laughed, shouting expletives at the same time.  

Here's a snapshot of the opening dialogue with Lucky Editor in Chief, Brandon Holley and Macy's, Inc. Chairman, President and CEO, Terry Lundgren.  Not a bad way to start an all star day.

Moving right along... Q&A with three more powerhouse bloggers and moderator Lauren Sherman, Executive Digital Editor, Lucky, Leah Chernikoff, Executive Editor, Fashionista, Annie Georgia Greenberg, New York Editor, Refinery29 and Leandra Medine, Founder, The Man Repeller, respectively.

The one and only Rachel Zoe, chatting it up with Lucky Editor in Chief, Brandon Holley.  She was humble, adorable, insightful and well dressed. :).  If you are near a Neiman Marcus, be sure to go there for a taste of her new jewelry line.  Her tassel necklace...what does she say?... I Die.  True.

Jean Godfrey-June, Executive and Fashion News Director, Lucky, conversing with Lauren Conrad.

And the closing conversation, one of most delightful highlights of the day, Simon Doonan, Brand Ambassador, Barneys New York and Anna Sui, Fashion Designer.  Both of them.. adorable!!

Later in the eve Nic and I took it to a fun private soiree at Piperlime the night before their big grand opening event.  If you are not already familiar with Piperlime, check them out here... one of my most favs!

The party was hoppin'...

Rachel Zoe's Picks... The store in just like the website, except it's all in person!

Nic wearing one of her mother's vintage dresses... arrow through my heart!

I hope you enjoyed my NYC review in pics!  I am trying to figure out a way to get myself there at least once a month, so if you think you might have a way to help facilitate that, please do not hesitate to let me know. :)

Thanks for reading!  Whitley

Style Night Out; What I Wore And...

We are heading into Fall, and it is still low 80's and sunny here in the Queen City.  I knew there would be an assortment of trending fall fashion at this event; lots of black, leather, peplums, studs and lace.  I love it all, but my worst fashion nightmare is looking the same as everybody else.  My friend and emerging designer, Cigi Guz, recently kindly gave this dress to me. I knew the clock was ticking on being able to wear it this year, so with my trusty denim jacket, I decided to non-apologetically break all the seasonal fashion rules.  I always say when it comes to fashion and style, wear what makes you feel good, so that is what I did.  Thanks to Cigi Guz for the beautiful dress and to BLo ouT for making me feel pretty with the perfect up do.

Dress: ASOS (old) from Cigi Guz. Jacket: Gap. Shoes: Steve Madden. Sunglasses: Blinde, but here's a less expensive pair. Earrings: Bauble Bar. Bracelets: Vintage. Rings: My Grandmother's, Tiffany and custom by Diamonds Direct. Hair: BLo ouT.

I've had the awesome experience of attending various fashion events and runway shows in NYC, be it for Fashion Week or some other unique experience, but Thursday, September 13th marked my first ever Style Night Out in Charlotte.  Actually, it marked my first experience with any major style event in Charlotte.  My previous line of work never really gave me a reason to attend such an event. I love style and I love fashion, so why in the world wouldn't I?  I will never forget being six weeks away from delivering Precious Peanut #2 and feeling much anxiety about managing everything effectively.  I ultimately made the decision to take a step back from my business, focus on family and let things fall into place as they may while hoping for the best.  It was a tough transition at first, then the Lucky story happened, which led me to the Queen City Style, which 9 months later has led me to here.  I am pursuing my passion, and I cannot put it down.  I've said from the beginning if I get nothing more out of this than pure joy, I will have achieved my goal.  My soul is so full, and I am skipping with every step.  I've never had more faith that when one door closes another opens.  This is that door.  I just want to say thank you very much for reading and keeping me so hungry for more!

Have a wonderful weekend!  Whitley

Style Night Out in the Queen City!!

I've just returned from NYC for two fashion blogger conferences, and I can't wait to share it all with you, but before I do I want to talk to you about Style Night Out taking place this Thursday night in the Queen City.

Style Night Out is produced by the lovely Effie Loukas, owner of Lotus Boutique.

Prepare to be blown away by a bevvy of style and talent procured by over 50 boutiques, salons and makeup artists and 130 models showcasing their finest du joir on the runway. This is one night of style you do not want to miss!  The main event takes place at Morrison Shopping Center Thursday night, September 13th, 6-10pm. I am particularly thrilled to be collaborating with one of my favorite boutiques in the world, summerbird, by way of putting my hands on the four fabulous looks being sent down the runway.  Eeek!  Very excited.

Then there's this one other gal I've been telling you about as of late.  

Remember this vintage beaded jacket?

And this totally Bad A beaded vest? 

They're by way of uber chic emerging designer Cigi Guz. 

She and her fabulous garb will be there too.

Here's how to get your tickets.  

PS--I don't have the slightest what I'm wearing.  Thoughts/Ideas/Recs?

 Maybe this guy has an opinion...

Hope to see you there!!  Whitley

Two Things (Harem Pants Giveaway Winner)

Hello Everyone!  I hope you had a wonderful week.  I am still getting settled back here in the Queen City after a beyond amazing trip to NYC.  I can't wait to tell you all about it, but for now, just a couple of things. 

1. Please click here to view my new Facebook Fan Page.  I'm really proud of it :).  If you are a not already a fan of the Queen City Style on Facebook, I would love to have your thumbs up!  I share a lot of things on that feed that are not here on the blog.
2. Click here to see if you were the winner of the Woman Shops World Harem Pants!

Have a Wonderful Weekend!!!  Whitley

Harem Pants Giveaway

After channeling my way through a desert storm (inadvertently chasing Carrie Bradshaw), putting my best MC Hammer moves on display, and finally, doubling my trousers to mimic that of newborn attire, today I offer you the opportunity to do the same.  It's Giveaway time!!  However, if you are the winner, the prerequisite is that you send me a picture of your best MC Hammer moves. Capiche?  Okay, well, if you are not as shameless as I, will you simply share with me a picture of you wearing your brand new mamma jamma harem pants?

That's Woman Shops World store owner, Carter, styling her harems with a more casual flare.  They are perfect for trips to the farmers market or getting dressed up for a night out on the town!

Here are the ways you may enter:

Mandatory Entry: 

1)Must be a follower of the Queen City Style via email (top right hand of home page) or Bloglovin'

Additional Entries:

2) Like the Queen City Style on Facebook here.

3) Like Woman Shops World on Facebook here.

4) Check out Woman Shops World's store here or Etsy shop here, and let me know your favorite items.

5) Indicate which pair of featured pants you like best and how you would style them!

Last day to enter is Thursday, September 6th.

The winner will be announced Saturday, September 8th.

Thanks so much, and have a wonderful day!!

AND THE WINNER IS.....

Emily Bell

August 31, 2012 3:29 PM

I like you and Woman Shops The World on facebook. I just signed up to receive new posts via email. I love the harem pants, I am thinking the one size fits all will be perfect for maternity wear! I am loving the pants that Carter is wearing in the more casual look. I would wear them with a gold sandal, a simple white tee, and a statement earring.

Best,

Emily Bell

Congratulations Emily, and thanks so much to everyone who entered!  Emily, please email me at: thequeencitystyle.com.  Also, all Woman Shops World merchandise is 15% off through the end of this month with code QCSTYLE at check out, which includes those awesome dog leashes you saw here!

Have a wonderful weekend!!  Whitley

All My Bags Are Packed, I'm Ready To Go

I love this song....

All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go. I'm standing here outside your door.  I hate to wake you up to say goodbye.  But the dawn is breaking this early morn.  The taxi's waiting, he's blown his horn.  Already I'm so lonesome I could die. So kiss me and smile for me.  Tell me that you'll wait for me.  Hold me like you'll never let me go.  'Cause I'm leaving on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back again. Oh babe I hate to go...

My mom took me to see John Denver at an outdoor concert in Black Mountain when I was a young girl.  It was a moment I'll never forget.  SO... by the time most of you read this I will be en route to the greatest city in the world, New York City!  It's fashion week, and I'll be attending two fashion blogger conferences, LuckyFabb, organized by Lucky Magazine and IFBCON, hosted by Independent Fashion Bloggers.  The keynote speakers are, respectively, stylist Rachel Zoe and the legendary model Iman.  I'm pretty freaking excited.  In the spirit of sharing that excitement, I thought I would show all of you what's in my packed bags, I mean BAG.  That's correct.  I am NOT checking a bag on the plane for NYC Fashion Week!!  Woot! Woot!  I'm pretty proud :). Anyway, here's how it all went down...

In addition to my toiletries, camera, book, healthy snacks, sunglasses, etc., above are five outfits, one of which I'll be wearing on the plane.  This outfit would include my fav new garment-harem pants!  What to wear to these conferences is all the buzz and several people have suggested I wear them, so I'm taking this pair by

Woman Shops World

, along with my

Gap denim jacket

and sequin top from my mother-in-law.

And this pair, styled with a crisp white wrap blouse and my trusty

denim jacket

again...

Then, there's this flirty little thing I call my house dress, which I've had for about 10 years, paired with

Steve Madden nude pumps

, vintage cuff and beads.  Love it.

Palazzo pants from

Anthropologie

I last wore

here

, (

here's a sweet pair

), paired with a fitted wrap blouse, and my newest accessory; a gold and black geometric print cuff from

Sloan Boutique

.

Then I have this loose fitting, silk blue dress with embellishments that I love, paired with a 

black jacket from an old J. Crew work suit

, BCBG pumps and lots of funky accessories, of course.

I rolled all of the clothing items tightly, put shoes into individual shoe bags, cut out any unnecessary toiletries, taking one purse, one clutch (my fav

JJ Winters

from

Lipp Boutique

), my small digital camera and... 

Voila!  I'm ready to go!  I cannot believe it.  The last thing I want to spend my money on is checking a bag.  Uh Oh.  What am I going to do if I go shopping in NYC?  Uh, how am I not going to go shopping??

Wish me luck!  Can't wait to share my experiences with you when I get back to the Queen City!

Ciao Baby!  xx-Whitley