Endure

Dress: J. Crew (old, bridesmaid) Jacket: Forever 21. Coat: Beth Bowley (oh wow). Hose: Gap (here's a pair). Booties: Stuart Weitzman. Purse: Chanel. Sunglasses: Blinde. Hair: BLo ouT Photography: Moments By Donna

During this photo shoot, two and a half year old Precious Peanut #2 was having the most horrific head turning melt down temper tantrum you could ever in your life imagine.  I'm telling you people, what I do here; it is TRE glam.  Speaking of all things not so fabulous, I am back on the injury train.  You may know I am training for the Boston Marathon which is Easter Monday.  I was out all summer with a broken bone in my foot and chronic plantar fasciitis.  Embarrassingly, I strained my ankle eight weeks ago after a not so glamorous fall while trail running. Whether or not that is causing this latest ailment, I don't know, but mark my words.  If no three headed monster disguised as a cherubim is going to stop me from making fun photos to share with you, then no way is this annoying bump in the road keeping me from crossing that finish line in April.

New Years Eve Party Frocks

If you are going out party style for New Years Eve, below are a few frocks from a few of my favorite sites.  Hope you enjoy!

Happy Shopping!

-Whitley

Get This For Your Girl For Christmas

I love every opportunity I get to style and create and at 36 I pinch myself daily because there really is nothing else I would rather be doing.  Ask me two years ago, and I could not have said that.  I would drink coffee, create and sleep (as per this t-shirt I discovered by way of my friend Holly's awesome style crack blog) for free all of the time if it weren't for the cost of childcare.  When my friend, Charlotte's Godfather of photography, Jon Silla, offered me a day of fun in his studio, I knew I could not say no.  I called out for my girl Deme to make me feel prettier than anyone else can and on a whim thought how fun would it be to video document our day of flashes, music, pie, libations and laughter. Thanks to PJ Barnes for putting the icing on the cake.  So fellas, we are down to the wire on Christmas shopping. If you have not yet gotten your lady a gift, and you think she would enjoy a day of glamour, may I suggest this?  Not much brings me more joy than helping other people look and feel their best, and if mama may say, it was really fun being on the receiving end of all that shooshing!

If you or someone you know might enjoy a day of glamor, I would love to help you get it!

Email me: thequeencitystyle@yahoo.com

Achieve joy, have fun, be free...

Oh and Merry, Merry, Merry!

Whitley

Let Your Hair Down

Dress: c/o Belk. Shoes: Stuart Weitzman. Hairpiece: JewelMint.Photography: By Tatyana M. Hair and Makeup: By Heather Cole. Stylist: Caroline Hamlin Byrnes of Belk.

I adore this short dress I wore for the second part of my shoot with the Young Affiliates of the Mint. More glam, of course, but Caroline styled a more casual look, which Heather completed by curling my hair into a sophisticated bob. I hope you'll join me in letting your hair down at the inaugural Fall Ball this Friday, November 8th, benefiting the Mint Museum.

Click here to get your tickets to the Fall Ball!

- Whitley

1920s Glamour, Revealed!

Dress: Adrianna Papell c/o Belk. Earrings: c/o Belk. Photography: Tatyana M. Hair and Makeup: Heather Cole. Stylist: Caroline Hamlin Byrnes of Belk.

And HERE it is, the dress--dripping with sequins and sparkle! In case you missed it, I revealed just a hint of it in this previous post here. This is part two of my collaboration with the Young Affiliates of the Mint, who are hosting the inaugural Fall Ball on November 8th with proceeds benefitting The Mint Museum. I love that the theme for this first year is 1920s Speakeasy, a revolutionary time for fashion. Come to the ball to dazzle (think fringed frocks, feathered headbands and utter extravagance), and be sure to look out for the rest of the promo shots on the YAM's Facebook and Twitter pages.

Click here to get your tickets to the Fall Ball!

- Whitley

Get The Password

Dress: Adrianna Papell c/o Belk. Earrings: c/o Belk. Photography: Tatyana M. Hair and Makeup: Heather Cole. Stylist: Caroline Hamlin Byrnes of Belk.

The Young Affiliates of the Mint are gearing up to host their brand new Fall event, the inaugural Fall Ball on November 8th, with proceeds benefitting The Mint Museum. The theme for the event is 1920s speakeasy, and I couldn't have been more excited to participate with the photo shoot. I was totally blown away with the gorgeous hair style created by Heather Cole, and I got to wear this fabulous vintage-inspired black sequined gown from Belk. Want to attend?  You'll have to wait until next time to see the rest of this dress!  In the meantime, click here to get your password and tickets to the Fall Ball.

For the love of great style and art, Whitley

Burnin' Down The House

While the Queen City Style is a fashion blog, and I tend to let the pictures do the talking, a reader recently told me she'd really like to know more about the pictures. For the last year I've thoroughly enjoyed my post at Charlotte Parent Magazine where I write a monthly mommy style column and (do my best to) contribute to their on line copy each week.  This has been such a fun way for me to channel my joy for writing.  And so that said, this post was shot the same day as the last collaboration with J.T. Posh. If you haven't been to this dynamite consignment store, get on it!  It was all I could do to not keep this dress for myself... but I would be adding yet another to my overflowing collection of cocktail dresses without a cause.  All the more reason I love the Queen City Style.  I'm given a free opportunity to get all dressed up, even if nowhere to go.  For this particular shoot, I asked a friend if I may use her lovely home.  The house has long been my favorite on perhaps the most beautiful street in the Queen City, and it wasn't until later that I met the sweet family who lives in it.  If you live in Charlotte and you take spin class at either the YMCA or Flywheel, chances are you recognize Matt here.  Matt is also a runner I recognized from summer meets at the track but truth be told I had never spoken more than a few sentences to him until I fired him a random Facebook request asking if he would be in a photo shoot with me.  Sweet boy said yes.  As you can see Matt wears a uniform too.  And so there you have the story of how I got to pretend to be burning down the house just to be rescued get dressed up and be rescued by Matt.  Thanks to my summer intern, Cassie, for giving me pretty hair and face, to my awesome, awesome photographer Donna and to my friend Kile for letting me borrow her house!

Happy top 'o the week y'all!

-Whitley

Peachy

Whitley:

Dress and Earrings: Both vintage, thanks to Frock Shop. Clutch: JJ Winters. Shoes: Stuart Weitzman. Rings: Custom by Diamonds Direct. Hair and Makeup: By Cassie Hayden.

Matt: 

Suit, Shirt and Shoes: Matt's own. Tie and Pocket Square: c/o of Taylor, Richards & Conger

You may recognize this peach stunner from a previous shoot in which I used the dress in styling Victoria Vesce, Miss North Carolina United States. I originally purchased the dress for myself from my friend Caroline over at Frock Shop, but after I saw Victoria wearing it, I decided it had to be hers.  I can't wait to see her flawlessly donning it in more photos to come.  In the meantime, if you are looking for some unbelievable one of a kind frocks of your own, dating from the 1920's through the 1990's, take this as your official tip to get on over to Frock Shop.  A house full of treasures awaits you.

Wow. That Was Some Wedding.

Napster founder, Sean Parker, recently wed singer-songwriter Alexandra Lenas in a ceremony held amid towering redwoods to a roster of 364 guests all cloaked in Tolkien-ized costumes by the Lord of the Rings costume designer.  Thew new bride and groom were serenaded by the one and only Sting, the cake was 9 feet tall, and the location alone cost $4.5 million.  Ostentatious display of wealth or totally appropriately fun?  Whichever direction you lean, it's safe to say the pictures are nothing short of over the top mesmerizing.  Read about it and see more pictures in Vanity Fair.

Keep your feet on the ground, and keep reaching for the stars!

-Whitley

Black Tie Cowgirl

Dress: Vintage Nipon Boutique, a few similar options: one, two, three, four. Boots: Charlie 1 Horse Luchese. Hat: Forever 21, (similar). Purse: Chanel. Sunglasses: Blinde (similar pair).  Necklace: by boe. Earrings: Luv Aj.  Bracelets: All hand-me-downs from my Grandmother.

I'll say it, and I'll say it again, not that I need to.  I wear my cowgirl boots with everything, even with a cocktail dress for a fun night at Rooster's.  I know it doesn't really match (you know the Queen City Style is not a matchy matchy place anyway), but I like what I'm comfortable in, and I'm sticking to it.  My cousin gave me this little black tie number about 20 years ago.  It has seen many many grab-a-dates, cocktail parties and various other cocktail functions, not just on me but by a number of girlfriends.  I have to do a fairly choreographed shimmy to get it over my 10,000 body parts, but I dig it, so it's worth the dab of perspiration. Hi-Yo, Silver! Away!

Thank you ever so much for bein' here!

xo-Whitley

Nourish

Dress: JS Collections c/o Belk. Earrings: Banana Republic (old). Shoes: Stuart Weitzman. Sunglasses: Blinde, similar pair. Necklace: My Grandmother's ring. Cocktail Ring: Melinda Maria (new fav). Other Rings: Tiffany and custom by Diamonds Direct. Bracelets: Jook and Nona, Stella & Dot, my Grandmother's.

I couldn't have been more delighted than to have worked with the fine folks of Nourish for this first time food collaboration on the Queen City Style.  It was kismet right away when they contacted me about this fun project.  What could be more fashionable than eating healthy, gorgeous food?!  I knew I wanted the colors of the foods to do the dictating, so when deciding what I would wear for our little soiree, I let the rainbow of freshness lead me to it.  A quick trip to the Occasions Department at Belk where this vibrant orange sheath caught my eye, and it was Bon Appetit from there!  Whether or not you're too busy to cook, but you enjoy eating out of this world flavorful healthy meals, take a look at Nourish's offerings.  You will love it.  I promise. 

Thank you oh so much for reading!  

-Whitley

PS-Would love for you to take a look at my new website here!

Abbeydale and Three Floor

Dress: Three Floor from Shopbop, also love this one and this one. Shoes: Cole Haan (old). Clutch: JJ Winters. Sunglasses: Blinde, similar pair. Earrings: Luv aj.

Two things I am loving right now: Abbeydale and Three Floor.  If you are a sharp dressed man living in or around the Queen City, or if you simply love a sharp dressed man, head uptown and check out David Watkins' new men's clothing store, Abbeydale.  My other current fav is my newest fashion encounter, Three Floor.  I recently purchased this dress (on sale now), as well as this dress.  The designs fulfill my never ending desire for totally unique and fun, and they are amazingly affordable designs.  Check out more from their collection here.  This was my first night out with our team of three!!  Thanks Donna and Cassie for a great shoot!

Thanks so much for reading! 

With love, Whitley

Night On The Town

This photo shoot is the third and final group of photos taken with the very debonair Jason Locust. Donning some of our finest garments, mine all inherited pieces from family, and Jason's, a collection of some of his favorite pieces, Reid's Fine Foods served as the perfect location for our throwback in time. One of Charlotte's oldest neighborhood anchors, a visit to Reid's is a treat and pleasure in every way.  If you haven't been, you must.  Treat yourself to some of the region's freshest produce, rarest cuts of meat or sweetest treats fresh made by some of Charlotte's best bakers.  To top it off, take home a unique bottle of wine, or have a glass in the appropriately posh seating area designed by one of Charlotte's finest in interiors, Barrie Benson.  Don't forget to put your most fashionable foot forward, and have a lovely time!

Thank you so much for being here, Whitley

Little Black Everything + J.T. Posh Giveaway

Whitley: Dress: Available at J.T. Posh. Shoes: Sam & Libby (old). Birdcage and Cuff: c/o J. Major's. 

Matt: Shirt, Suit and Shoes: Model's own. Tie and Boutonniere: c/o Taylor, Richards & Conger.

J.T. Posh is having an anniversary and to celebrate six years as one of Charlotte's most unique boutiques, they're having a party!  I've been a loving fan of J.T. Posh since they opened.  If you are anything like me and love one of a kind pieces at affordable prices, you love (or will love) J.T. Posh. Remember this necklace?  Not only is it a great place to find something fantastic for every corner of your wardrobe, it's one of my choice spots for consigning some favorite pieces who are ready to retire from life with me.  Whether you already are a regular at J. T. Posh or not, be sure to visit this Thursday, June 27th, 6-8pm.  There will be refreshments, fun and giveaways galore from local businesses. A little more fun...

Enter for your chance to win a $50 gift card from J. T Posh.

1) Mandatory Entry: Must be a follower of the Queen City Style via Email, GFC or Bloglovin'

2) Like J. T. Posh on Facebook

3) Like the Queen City Style on Facebook

4) Follow J. T. Posh on Instagram

5) Follow the Queen City Style on Instagram

Please let me know in ONE COMMENT all of the ways you have entered.  This giveaway ends Saturday, June 29th, and a winner will be announced Monday, July 1st.  Can't wait to see if you're the winner?  Mention the Queen City Style now through Monday, July 8th, and receive

20% off

your total purchase.

I hope to see you Thursday night!

-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

Milkshake Date

Whitley: Dress: c/o Flow by Tara Davis. Shoes: Steve Madden. Clutch: Coach. Sunglasses: Blinde, similar pair. Statement Ring: thanks to Tasha Hussey, others: custom by Diamonds Direct. Necklace: belonged to my Grandmother. Earrings: JewelMint. Bracelets: belonged to my Grandmother and Grandmother-in-law. Hair Comb: JewelMint.

Hank: Jacket: Nordstrom. Pants: similar pair from J. Crew. Shirt: J. Crew. Tie: Nordstrom. Shoes: Hand me downs, here's a pair.

This is yet another one of my favorite posts to date.  How could it not be with my adorably precious debonair date, Precious Peanut #1?  I mentioned over breakfast that Donna and I would be shooting in the afternoon, but I did not know what or where I would shoot.  Leave it to Hanky... "Mommy, you need to call all your girlfriends, and they can be on the Queen City Style, and I'll wear my seersucker suit and be in the pictures too!"  I knew I couldn't pull together several head to toe looks with all that I had going on that day, but no way I could say no to an old fashioned milk shake date at Pike's Soda Shop.  I absolutely adore this dress made by my designer friend Tara Davis, and thanks to Tasha Hussey for the vintage chartreuse fix.  One sweet hot date!

xo-Whitley

PS-Yes, this scene from Shallow Hal was filmed at the one and only Pike's Soda Shop!

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

On The Town In Abbeydale

Landon: Suit and Shirt: Abbeydale. Shoes: Loake 1880. Watch: Brooklyn Watches. Tie: Thomas Pink. Belt: from Taylor Richards & Conger.

Kaitlan: Jumper: Alexis c/o Sloan, similar or here. Coat: Banana Republic (old). Shoes: Joan and David, like these. Necklaces (old). Bracelets: belonged to my Great-Grandmother. Kaitlan's rings: from Diamonds Direct. Cocktail ring: Melinda Maria.

Whitley: Shirt: Forever 21. Sweater: Ralph Lauren from summerbird. Shorts: C.Luce (now on sale). Boots: Charlie 1 Horse. Tights: J. Crew. Rings: custom from Diamonds Direct, Tiffany. Bracelet: belonged to my Grandmother.

Donna and I had such a fun time shooting newlyweds Landon and Kaitlan at the super chic BLT Steak located at The Ritz-Carlton in uptown Charlotte.  I was introduced to Landon and Kaitlan by friend and local custom men's clothier, David Watkins, of Abbeydale.  When I decided I wanted to start featuring more men's clothing, I immediately phoned David and said 'I need you and your fantastic threads on the Queen City Style'.  David was not available on the day of the shoot but friend and customer Landon Cassill and his custom suiting was.  I love meeting new people, and this was another example of how much fun I get to have playing dress up on the Queen City Style!  Check out David in the March issue of Southern Living Magazine.

I hope you and those important in your life had a wonderful Easter holiday.

xo-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.

Gentlemen Start Your Engines

Landon: Jacket and Shirt: Abbeydale. Jeans: Brunello Cucinelli. Shoes: Loake 1880. Watch: Brooklyn Watches. Belt: from Taylor Richards & Conger.

Kaitlan: Dress: Mara Hoffman, also long version here, c/o Sloan. Coat: Banana Republic (old). Shoes: Christian Louboutin. Bracelets: Bakelite thanks to summerbird. Turquoise Ring: Vintage.

Whitley: Skirt and Blouse: Tibi, obsessed with the pants, c/o Sloan. Shoes: Michael Kors, c/o Sloan. Cuff: c/o Green Market Girl. Sunglasses: Blinde, similar pair. Jacket: from summerbird.

Donna and I had such a fun time shooting newlyweds Landon and Kaitlan at the super chic BLT Steak located at The Ritz-Carlton in uptown Charlotte.  If you live in the Queen City, chances are you've been. If you haven't yet, put this one on your list for dinner and/or cocktails.  In the meantime, tune into Fox Sports this Sunday, March 10th, 3:00pm/EST and root for our most kind and dapper friend!  I'll be making a cameo from my couch.  Visit Abbeydale and Taylor Richards & Conger for some of Charlotte's finest in men's clothing, and stay tuned for more to come in men's fashion.

As ever... Whitley