Dirty Rotten

In December's issue of Sasee Magazine, I share my tips for putting on the dog and pampering yourself rotten this holiday season.  If you're ever in the Grand Strand of South Carolina (Charleston to Myrtle Beach), be sure to pick up a copy of Sasee on news stands everywhere. For the outfit above, I mixed a casual plaid shirt from J.Crew Factory with a vintage satin ball skirt and threw in some colorful accessories with a vintage gold clutch, Cole Haan pattered pumps, my favorite Melinda Maria ring, gold cuff from Chloe + Isabel and a showpiece necklace from Charles Emerson Designs. It is unexpected and interesting, and easy peasy to create on your own.

American Town + Italian Style

If you're into fine Italian fashion, be sure to check out my latest styling project, featuring Brunello Cucinelli for Fort Mill Magazine.  The story accompanying the photo shoot shares conversations with the designer from a small town with big time dreams, also highlighting Rock Hill, SC native country recording artist, Zach Ludlam, serving as a clever analogy to Cucinelli. The publishers of Fort Mill Magazine are tireless in their efforts to put a heartbeat back into Main Street while maintaining a strong focus on local business. Read the entire story here.  I am proud to say my Grandfather operated the Easy Pay Store, Fort Mill's general store, for 43 years.  It was located behind me in the below picture, right on the corner of Main St. and Confederate St. 

Holiday Gems

Do you shop Charm & Chain?  Here are a sample of my favorite holiday gems all at 30% off through Sunday. Good luck turning away!

Give The Gift Of Style

Looking for that perfect holiday outfit, but don't have anything to wear?  Or perhaps you simply don't have the time to shop. Whatever your wardrobe woes this holiday season, I'd love to be your help.  We'll have you looking better than the rest, and most importantly, absolutely feeling your best.  I am offering a three hour wardrobe consultation for $175 (regularly $225).  This holiday season treat yourself, your daughter, son, sister or spouse to something totally awesome and fun.  As we all know, confidence never goes out of style!  

Clever Clutch

This post is precipitated by that lovely little lad in the far left bottom corner.  I saw the lucite blox clutch (by Rafe New York) with it's tortoise and marble pattern swirling right off the pages of my InStyle Magazine, and it had to be mine.  Then, I got to wondering, how many other stellar box clutches are out there just waiting to be had.  Turns out there a right many. The only determination will be which one will you be carrying with your LBD this holiday season and to forever and eternity?  Shop below a few that caught my eye.

Styling Mollie Bradford

From a styling standpoint, this is probably one of my favorites of all time.  It's no secret I love, love dichotomous fashion.  In this case, I mixed some of the most fantastic vintage garments I could find.  If you are in the Charlotte area, surely you've visited Sleepy Poet Antique Mall. Sequestered in the middle (only because everything is sequestered in this unfathomable shop within a shop warehouse) is Kitschy-Cool-Vintage.  From costume to everyday wear, you will find some of the most unique pieces at an accessible (thank you for turned me onto this word Emily Maynard) price.  Zach Alston captured model Mollie as a China Doll dream.

You Can Leave Your Vest On

I have been shopping for fur vests for the last week for two clients, and as a result of my determination to uncover every last viable option, considering quality and price, I can with an insurmountable level of confidence, unequivocally, I am the authority on the current vest market, at least as it pertains to my own personal taste!  But truly, if you love a good vest as much as I do, I hope you enjoy my round up of all things vest from everyday casual to wanna be duck hunter to fancy night out on the town!

Some more outfit inspiration for you!

Outfit Details: Carolina Panthers Style Lounge

Many of you have asked for the 411 on the outfit I wore Saturday to the Carolina Panthers Style Lounge, so here it is! And if you hurry, DVF (the dress) is having an extra 25% off sale through the end of today, and J.Crew (the tights and turtleneck) is offering an extra 40% off final sale items!

Outfit Details: High Fashion For Less

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

Altuzarra For Target

Target is back with their most recent high fashion collaboration.  This time it's with Joseph Altuzarra. Blending French sophistication with American ease, the designer aims to "instill a feeling of power, confidence and beauty in women everywhere."  The line features Altuzarra's signature sleek tailoring, feminine dresses, shoes and belts.  Sure it's about the clothes, but I think one of the most attractive elements of this campaign is choosing Czech model and actress Eva Herzigova for the face of the collaborative line.  You may shop the entire line on both Target's website or via one of my favorite on line shopping sites, NET A PORTER.  I think the latter's styling does wonders in marketing the line.  Shop a few of my favorites here... 

BCBG Max Azria New York Fashion Week Spring 2015

All Images via here.

Presented during New York Fashion Week, the spring 2015 collection from BCBG Max Azria offered a throw back to all things sleek, simple and luxe. While I'm typically drawn to things a little more out of the box, if you will, I found the designer's lineup for the future spring/summer to be a breath of fresh breezy air matching that of the dresses sent down the catwalk. The pastel colors, soft straight hair and dewy fresh makeup up were easy on the eyes, while the clothes appeared equally so to wear.  The show kicked off New York Fashion Week with a bang.  I'm sure I'm not the only one who would love to be watching from the front lines, but you can enjoy the live streaming here on New York Fashion Week Live.  I'll leave you with a few of my current favorite BCBG shopable frocks.  Enjoy!

Tastemaker Tuesday

Shirt: Andrew Gn from Capitol.  Skirt: Crinoline gifted from a client!  Shoes: B Brian Atwood also love these and these.  Black Ring: Melinda Maria. Pillows: West Elm, World Market and arianna belle. Chair: Kartell, or this is a great price.   Photography: Zach Alston.  Hair and Makeup: Deme Jamie Fourtounis.

If you, like me, love all things stylish... fashion, entertaining, interior design, home and gardens, architecture, food and wine, and on and on and on... you gotta get on board with Peachy the Magazine. From Dallas to New York City to Chicago to Santa Barbara, Charleston, Charlotte, Birmingham and more, Peachy delivers straight to your in-box all of the most stylish city's most stylish things to you, and it's your lucky day!  Peachy is giving away a free subscription to readers of the Queen City Style.  Just plug your email address in HERE.  And so, as you can imagine, when the publishers over at Peachy recently asked me to contribute as one of their Tastemakers, I was all kinds of keen. Since my personal style aesthetic is typically an eclectic mix of high and low, we decided to use the outfit above as outfit inspiration.  Every girl needs a big fat crinoline in their closet.  Am I wrong?  Each of the below looks incorporates one super luxe item, like the blouse I'm wearing above, but at a much reduced price.  Paired with one of a kind accouterments and more accessible add-ons, get ready to knock 'em dead.  Trust me on this.

Anthropologie Estrellado Drops $58, J.Crew Crystal Cluster Bracelet $78, Cleobella Chandi Wristlet $136, Anthropologie Azusa Shell Blouse $118, Anthropologie Sequin Belt $48, Jason Wu Snake Print Strappy Cage Sandal $537, Crinoline Skirt $59.99

Thu Thu Aerial Cord Dress $370, J.Crew Crystal Tassel Earrings $68, Melinda Maria Band Ring $98, Time’s Arrow Zipper Continental $186, J.Crew Ribbed Tights $27, Rachel Zoe Ankle Boot $277

MSGM Floral Print Cotton Dress $286, Etsy Opal Abyss Studs $48, Revolve Clothing Vivien Sunglasses $60, Gap Denim Jacket $70, J.Crew Tortoise And Stone Cuff $78, Steven By Steve Madden Sandal $119

Town & Country's Glamorous Caftans

This week one of my favorite magazines since I was too little to remember, Town & Country, featured on their website their picks for The 19 Most Glamorous Caftan Moments.  I know I am not alone in my belief that caftans are one of the most amazingly wonderful wardrobe pieces of ALL TIME.  If you are looking for something to wear that says "I am fantastic,"  the caftan is it. The below model at the Japanese Silk Exhibition, Blake Lively and Rachel Zoe were just a few selected wearing gorgeous caftan designs. 

Also among those featured, Margherita Missoni, Cate Blanchett and Queen Elizabeth and Hillary Clinton. Yes, the Queen and Hillary Clinton! Not the first first lady to come to mind as a fashion icon, but she was looking quite lovely.  All of this caftan love leaves me wondering, if Town & Country had known of my Grandmother's vintage caftan, could have I rounded out the list to make it 20?  I suppose a fashion, fashionable magazine-loving little girl can always dream...

Amelie's, If You Please

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

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

Swimsuits For Every Body

I don't mean to be drawn to one pieces, but I am.  Remember this one?  Perhaps my favorite. Is it my age that finds them increasingly more sexy to me than a two piece?  Of the bathing suits I wear on regular rotation, probably three are two piece and two are one piece.  I purchased my first rash guard this past winter.  I think I like the way it hugs the body, shows less skin and leaves more to the imagination.  We are well into July as I type this and I am yet to wear the rash guard.  I slather on SPF 50.  I guess I just want the sun all over me.  Two piece, one piece, cute cover ups. rash guards... what's your preference? Check out my swimsuit picks in Charlotte Parent Magazine for every shape and size.  I'm sharing some great on line resources if you prefer to purchase your suits on line and not step into a mall, or scroll through a few of my favs above.

Head To Toe, Hold The Middle

My mother-in-law wore this outfit for her first date with my father-in-law at a pool party in August of 1971.  As you can image, with her long legs, barely there midi and the cutest smile under the sun, for my father-in-law, the rest was history!  Knowing my obsession with one of a kind fashion, Mary pulled this precious two piece out for me several years ago.  I've worn it a couple of times, and it really does make the most fun pool party outfit I could imagine wearing.  In all honesty, it is this photo shoot that lit the fire under me to get cranking on the abs.  Breeze is da bomb! More to come there. In the meantime, I've pulled a few matching crop top and bottoms for your next pool party.  Ladies, trust me on this one...

Dress You Up

I was just thinking about, for a night out, what I might like to wear.  Always it is a dress, and always, always it is with heels.  I carry my phone, ID and debit card.  Nothing else.  I prefer a dress with pockets, because I like to be hands free.  I have so much responsibility in my life (who doesn't?) so when I go out, I really want to be responsible for as little as possible.  Or nothing. Not sure how many of these dresses make the no-pocket cut, but otherwise I love 'em.

Ultimate July 4th Shopping Guide

Fireworks...Hot Dogs and Hamburgers...Poolside...Seaside Escape?

But really, what are you wearing?  Here are a few Red, White and Blues I've got my eye on.

Have a great holiday week everyone!  Whitley

If Blair And Sam Can Do It...

Dress: Topshop. Purse: Chanel. Headband: thanks to ZoeLynn & Co. Sunglasses: Blinde.  Shoes: Cole Haan. Ring: Melinda Maria

I am not one to normally copycat, and my biggest fashion nightmare is seeing someone else in anything I own, but when I spotted this dress on the never subtle, always ahead of time blogging starlet, Blair Eadie, I hit the purchase button immediately.  I always joke that the models almost always wear anything new of mine before I do.  Just because I love it, means I have to have it.  Just because I love it, however, doesn't mean I actually have anywhere to wear it.  In walk model for photo shoot.  Shoes, jewels, sunglasses and dresses, including this one, worn by the ethereal Samantha Mills, get worn by everybody but... ALMOST me.  Until these photos were taken.  the Queen City Style is my little make believe stage!

Arrogantly Shabby, In The Fashion Sense

If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you likely saw the pics I posted from my recent trip to Pawleys Island where I was a speaker at the Ladies Garden Party Luncheon to benefit the Pawleys Island Festival of Music and Art.  Sasee Magazine is a women's lifestyle magazine serving the Grand Strand from Myrtle Beach to Charleston.  Just south of the center is where you will find Pawleys Island.  June is Sasee's fashion guide month, and so I was absolutely tickled when they said they wanted to write a story about my experience as a wardrobe stylist.  You may read it here.  I've been vacationing at Pawleys Island my entire life, and my father being a born and bred South Carolina boy, I'm fortunate to know many locals of the area. The ladies at the luncheon were so kind welcoming me into the social circle of their world.  I feel that much more connected to the little town who, with pride, holds tight to their trademark, Arrogantly Shabby.  If you've been to Pawleys, you know.  The topography, peacefulness and mentality are fantastic beyond measure. If we are making an analogy to one's personal style of dress, there is no need for piling on the accessories here. Pawleys Island is sheer downplayed sophistication. 

At the Sea View Inn, Pawleys Island, with my Mom and Dad, around 1981.