Two, Four, Six, Eight...

Hi Everyone!  Since inception the Queen City Style has increasingly been the most fun little place in my world, and it has been one of the most gratifying channels for me to connect with others. the Queen City Style is what it is as a result of collaborations with amazing local businesses, designers and individuals in the Charlotte community as well as some great talent outside of Charlotte.  It brings me joy beyond measure to be able to bridge my love of great style with these entreprenuers and in turn share it all with you in my own fun way.  That said, it's Charlotte Magazine voting time again!  Today I am asking if you love the Queen City Style as much as I do, would you consider voting HERE in the category of Local Shopping/Style Blog?  Thank you a bushel and a peck!

I think I love you!

Whitley

Front Row

Image by Green Valley Photography

Presented by Scott Jaguar, this season's Front Row Charlotte will be a show you don't want to miss. Get ready for Fall 2013 with an intimate runway show from men's clothing stores Abbeydale, Blank Canvas, Nordstrom, Silverfly, & Taylor Richards & Conger. Pop-up shops from each participating vendor as well as Revolve Upscale men's Consignment and Dilworth Eye Associates will follow the show where you can purchase everything you see on the runway that night. Everyone gets a front row seat to the best in men's style. Bring out your friends for the ultimate show & shop! All proceeds from ticket sales go toward the Charlotte chapter of Coalition to Unchain Dogs.  I attended last fall's first Front Row event, and though I don't label, this just might be one of my top picks for all time best runway shoes since my first ever under the tents at NYC's Bryant Park in 1999.  In other words, it's an event to get out of your comfort zone (jammies on the couch) and not miss. 

Don't wait! Tickets are selling out fast.

Hope to see you there!

-Whitley

https://frontrowclt.eventbrite.com/

Golfing For A Cause

Rain didn't stop me and my new fun pal Bruce Barber from having a little fashionable fun at Cedarwood Country Club earlier this week.  Presented by LITTLE Diversified Architectural Consulting and The Humana Foundation, the club is home of the 13th Annual Links For Lupus Golf Tournament which tees off Monday, August 26.  While the tournament has sold out, there are still plenty of ways to get involved. Sponsor a beverage cart or hole, or make a donation to the tournaments beneficiary, the Lupus Foundation of American, North Carolina Chapter (LFANC). Proceeds from Links for Lupus support the programs and services offered by LFANC for the 14,000 people in our area, among the 45,000+ individuals living with lupus for which there is no known cause or cure.  Click here to learn more about how to participate in the tournament.

If you're in the Queen City, don't forget to come see me here tonight!

For the love of great style, and fun, thanks for being here!

-Whitley

J. Crew Style Sessions

It's no secret I heart J. Crew.  If you live in the Charlotte area and love J. Crew as much as I do, please join me this Thursday night, August 22nd, at Southpark Mall for the J. Crew Style Sessions.   J. Crew's very Personal Stylists will be on hand to show off their favorite pieces from the new fall collection.  For all your social media fans, the store is asking guests to hash tag their fitting rooms pics with #jcrewstylesessions and post them them to Instagram or Facebook.  A lucky few will be selected to be in the stores next catalog!  So, grab a friend or come solo, and if you go please find me and say hello! 

Hope to see you there!  

-Whitley

Green Jeans, Who's That Girl?!

Don't miss the most talked about semi-annual, 4-day consignment sales for WOMEN in Charlotte! 

Green Jeans features new and gently worn brand name, boutique and designer clothing, shoes and accessories from petite to plus sizes, including maternity for WOMEN & TEENS.  

Shoppers have come to expect a wide array of brand name and designer labels including: Seven for all Mankind, Dooney and Burke, Kate Spade, Ella Moss, Milly, Tory Burch and everyday favorites like Banana Republic, J.Crew and Ann Taylor LOFT. Fashionistas of all sizes and styles will enjoy this FUN and organized shopping event! 

The main event kicks of this Thursday with the SouthPark sale, followed by a second sale in downtown Mooresville in September.   Get all the details here.

Women's Fall Fashion Preview at Belk

Last week I was lucky enough to attend the Fall 2013 preview at Belk, and I am so excited to share the trends that will rule the racks this fall. Arlene Goldstein, VP of Trend Merchandising and Fashion Direction, kicked off the meeting going over some seriously chic trends such as drop waistline dresses, geometric/architectural inspired patterns, as well as ankle boots being the fall go to shoe. Studs, spikes, and jewel embellishments are here to stay and you will see them on anything from boots, jackets, to oversized sweaters. When it comes to jewelry keep your eyes open for beautiful gold tones from rose gold to brass. This fall you will see clothes experimenting with neutrals and pieces that allude sexiness.  So get ready; here is the top ten Most Wanted list for Fall!

1. Slim trouser

2. Button up shirts

3. Statement jackets

4. Fashion sweatshirts

5. Patterned sweaters 

6. Anything leather or vegan leather

7. New knit dress

8. Satchel handbags 

9. Bold jewels

10. Short boots

From left to right, having fun with my amazing intern, Cassie Hayden, Charlotte Magazine Style Editor Laurel Benedum, Arlene Goldstein, and Charlotte Observer/Southpark Magazine Social Editor Olivia Fortson.

I had such a fabulous time at the Fall Fashion Preview.  When it comes to trends, just remember they are great to know, but you can always mix your own personal style to achieve a unique look all your own! Are you most excited about any of the fall fashions you see here?  I would love to hear!

As ever, thank you so much for being here.  

-Whitley

Finding Your Style After Baby + J.T. Posh Giveaway Winner!

Charlotte Parent Magazine recently contacted me to participate in a fun feature story styling a precious new mom and her equally adorable twin boys.  Pre and post baby, a mama experiences lots of body changes, but duty calls, and there is much work to be done.  How do you push through the sleepless nights, spit up covered clothes and find your post baby style?  I share a few of my tips and own personal experiences here.  Thank you Sarah, Donna and Charlotte Parent Magazine for the experience of this wonderfully fun assignment!

Tank and Skirt (both on sale): J. Crew. Jacket: Gap.  Full outfit credits here.

And the winner of the J.T. Posh $50 Gift Card Giveaway is...

kristi s.

June 24, 2013 at 10:40 AM

1) I am a follower of the Queen City Style via Email

2) I like J. T. Posh on Facebook

3) I like the Queen City Style on Facebook

4) I follow J. T. Posh on Instagram

Congratulations Kristi!

 Please email me at

thequeencitystyle@yahoo.com

Thanks so much for reading!  Whitley

Cute Cassie

Whitley: Dress: Charlie Jade (similar dress) c/o KK Bloom Boutique. Earrings: from KK Bloom Boutique. Clutch: JJ Winters. Shoes: Cole Haan (old). Sunglasses: Blinde, similar pair. Statement ring: thanks to Tasha Hussey. Others Rings: Tiffany, custom from Diamonds Direct. Hair and Makeup: Cassie Hayden.

Cassie: Dress, Belt and Earrings: c/o KK Bloom Boutique, Shoes, Purse and Sunglasses: Cassie's own. Cuff: thanks to Green Market Girl.

Ladies and Gentleman, meet the newest member of the team, cute cute Cassie Hayden!  I am beyond excited Cassie will be assisting me this summer with styling projects as well as here with me and Donna at the Queen City Style.  Cute + eager + hardworking + talented (did you notice the hair and makeup?!) + FUN =  It's gonna to be a great summer here at the Queen City Style, and we're throwin' the deuces people!  

Thanks so much for being here!

-Whitley

Cynthia Rowley, Belk + Me

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

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

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

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

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xx-Whitley

High Tea

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

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

As ever, thank you for your readership.

xx-Whitley

Belk Southern Designer Showcase Winners

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

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

xx-Whitley

Wear This To the Golf Tournament

Any golf fans out there?  This week is the Wells Fargo Golf Tournament at the gorgeous Quail Hollow Country Club here in the Queen City.  I'm expanding on the idea of today's post from the mommy style column I wrote earlier this week for Charlotte Parent Magazine.  I realize this is not exactly the most practical attire for walking the course six+ hours or even maybe two holes, but it certainly does make for chic daydreaming.

Jacket + Shorts / Shoes / Tank / Hat / Bag / Sunglasses / Sunscreen

If you see me on the course, fore!  Whitley

And The Bead Goes On: Part II

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

Do you remember this post from The Mint Museum?  

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

I hope you had a wonderful weekend!

xx-Whitley

Ready To Wear

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

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

xo-Whitley

Come Follow Me + New Website!

I'm working on beefing up my social media presence. Most of you also follow the Queen City Style on Facebook, and I've been on Twitter and Pinterest for a while, but for quite some time I've been informed I am not officially with it until I'm on Instagram.  Well, it's official.  I have totally hopped on the social media train. Without further adieu, I would love for you to come follow the Queen City Style at some of your most favorite pockets of the world.  Just click on the button.

Oh.  One last thing.  I have a personal styling business that has started to grow as a result of my little place in the blogosphere.  It is all so fan-freaking-tastic.  If you think you or someone you know would enjoy finding their personal style or fine tuning what already exists, I would love to hear from you.  Please email me at: thequeencitystyle@yahoo.com. A website is under construction at www.whitleyhamlin.com, and I can't wait to share it with you upon completion.  

In the meantime, what do you think of my new head shot?  When I talk about personal style and fashion, I always say it doesn't cost a lot of money to feel like a million bucks.  I'm thanking Donna for this one.

Muchos abrazos y besos!!

xo-Whitley

RIP Lilly Pulitzer + Belk and Charleston Fashion Week

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

Thanks so much for reading, Whitley

Girls Night Out

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

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

Get more details 

here

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

-Whitley

And The Bead Goes On: Part I

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

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

Thanks so much for being here!  Whitley

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

Scenes from Charleston Fashion Week + Runway For The Ballet Winner

Greetings from Charleston Fashion Week in a chilly but sunny Charleston, SC!  Oh, how I love the Holy City no matter what the weather!  I want to thank Belk for the lovely invitation to be their guest here at my first trip to Charleston Fashion Week.  I must say, aside of New York Fashion Week, this is the Fashion Week not to miss.  Perfect for the Lilly Pulitzer show, I found this colorful 1960's vintage Lilly Pulitzer dress on Etsy at Angel's Vintage Boutique.  The store owner shipped it straight to Charleston for me! 

Yesterday's event, the MUSC Fashion Week Luncheon, was particularly moving. A delicious lunch was served just prior to two fashion shows; one presented by local boutique, Pearl, followed by the Lilly show sponsored by Belk. A live auction was held with some amazing prizes, and as a result, thousands of dollars were raised for the Medical University of South Carolina's Children's Hospital.  This really was a first class event.

I captured some really great moments on the runway, but what do you know, I forgot to bring my memory card reader.  So for now, a few iPhone pics will have to serve as a glimpse of the fantastic fashions I look forward to sharing with you. 

The littlest cancer survivors!!  Such a miraculous morning!

Arlene Goldstein, Vice President of Trend Merchandising and Fashion Direction, and the Belk team!

 Starbucks coffee break with Arlene calls for a selfie!

 Next up, a visit to the King St. Belk pop up shop featuring Cynthia Rowley's new line exclusive to Belk...

I hopped on over to super posh boutique on the rise, Hampden Clothing, for some client shopping.  I know this picture does no justice, but this Helmet Lang number is THE little black dress.

It's important that I try everything on for the sake of quality control :)... 

I finished off the day with a tasty cold cocktail at Mex 1 with one of my oldest besties, my real favorite reason to visit Charleston.

So, I am excited beyond excited that today, thanks to my friends at Belk, I have been given the opportunity to interview Cynthia Rowley.  As a teenager, she was my earliest favorite designer. My junior year prom dress was one of her designs I saved for a long time to purchase.  I'll be wearing the below dress for the interview.  This one I purchased when I was 19.  Please wish me luck!

Last, but certainly not least, the winner of two tickets to Runway For the Ballet presented by North Carolina Dance Theatre...

Harriet May

March 18, 2013 at 9:21 AM

OOohhh, that sounds like an amazing evening!

I am following the QCS via email, 'like' the Facebook page, and have 'liked' the Facebook page for NC Dance Theatre.

Have fun in Charleston! :)

Congratulations Harriet!  Please email me at thequeencitystyle@yahoo.com to claim your tickets!

I hope everyone is having a fantastic week! 

Thanks so much for being here, Whitley

Runway For The Ballet + Giveaway

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

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

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

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

Thanks so much for reading!  Whitley