There is no question that today's Airport Style idol was a major style icon of the 1960's. Previously married to Rolling Stones lead singer, Mick Jagger, the Nicaraguan born former actress embodied a statement making style at every turn. Whether she affixed a long white feather to a netted spotted veil, wore a sexy flowy Halston caftan to dance the night away at Studio 54 or effortlessly styled a young girl gone graceful look to travel by air, Bianca turned our heads all the time. She joins the ranks of those on my Style Icon Pinterest board.
Airport Style: Audrey Hepburn
I'm back with another Airport Style feature for my friends over at Peachy the Magazine. This time I decided to take a look back to some great style setters of the 60's and 70's. This first of three examples of great airport style is inspired by the quintessential lady-like lady, Audrey Hepburn. Just click on the + to shop the look!
Your Head Looks Weird
If you live in the Charlotte area, next time you are at SouthPark Mall or in the area, be sure to snag a copy of SouthPark Magazine. I very worked hard on this one, along with an amazing team of individuals, businesses and boutiques, and I am flattered, humbled and excited to be a part the May issue. The below picture is one in the series of images where I get to show off some really amazing clothes from a few of my favorite local boutiques. My oldest son, Hank, now 7, saw the below image come up on my facebook page. I couldn't help but chuckle at his reaction to seeing me dressed up like this. (Let's be honest, I am a working mom of two active boys, the only time I look like this is for a photo shoot. The next closest I come is on Sunday for church, date night or when I am meeting clients, but it is a loooong way off from this.
Hank: Mommy, is that you?
Me: (Excitedly) Yes! What do you think?
Hank: I don't get it. it's weird. Your head looks weird. You look like you are someone else.
Me: Okay, well, does the rest of my body look like me?
Hank: Yea.
Me: Well, then do you at least like my outfit?
Hank: Why would I like it?! I'm not a girl! (Runs upstairs to yell at little brother Worth for singing Let It Go again).
Ahh. The honesty of a child.
Photography: Zach Alston. Hair and Makeup: Deme Fourtounis. Jumpsuit: Yoana Baraschi (from ChezElle), here in black. Kimono: Tracy Reese (from ChezElle), and here. Wedges: Jimmy Choo (from Coplon's) or here. Earrings: Kenneth J Lane (from Coplon's), similar here. Ring: Available at ChezElle. Necklace: by boe.
Don't Stop Til You Get Enough
Photography: Ellie Lacey and on Instagram. Pants: ASOS. Blouse: Cynthia Rowley. Jacket: Vintage from summerbird. Shoes: Brian Atwood. Hat: Eugenia Kim. Square Ring: Melinda Maria. Cross Bracelet: Thanks to blydesign. Earrings: from ChezElle Boutique.
I call this one of my "train wreck" or "sh&t mess" outfits. I love it. I just keep going and going and going. Coco said take one off. I put one on. I love it so much I just can't stop. Michael said it too. Don't stop 'til you get enough. On this day, I just could not get enough.
I Wore Self Portrait
I recently attended the Carolina's 75 Most Stylish event hosted by Carolina STYLE Magazine. It was so flattering to be included on their chosen list of most stylish, and boy was I in good company.
Roxy Owens, Richard Petty (let's just be honest, with his signature hat, belt buckle and dark sunglasses, the man is a style setter!), Liz and Clary Hilliard, Linda Martinez, sisters Elizabeth and Jacquelyn of Twine & Twig to name a few.
I decided the event would be the perfect place to wear this little jumper by Self Portrait. As you can see in the picture below, when they called my name first to come have my picture taken, I had no idea what to do before the camera in a sea of people standing and watching. When in doubt jazz hands and say cheese!
ZuZu Kim Clothing and Bow Ties
Since I write for a number of publications, I am constantly being introduced to new and cool fashions, brands and accessories. One line of clothing I received a friendly hello from back in the fall is ZuZu Kim. Christina Kim, a classical pianist, created the brand by designing striking and romantic clothing for her performances. This, in turn, inspired her to create the ready to wear ZuZu Kim brand. I was first introduced to the brand's line of bow ties I happen to think are perfectly chic for both him and her, but once I dove into the website a bit further, I realized I couldn't take my eyes off of all of her sleek and alluring collections. Check them out here.
Lace + Lace
Blouse: Vintage. Skirt: Thanks to The Boulevard at SouthEnd. Shoes: Cole Haan. Purse: Chanel. Earrings: Thanks to Chloe + Isabel by Ashlyn Milosch
More amazing photography by my very talented cousin Ellie. Her eye from behind the lens is so hip and chic, and I love the hint of patina on her photographs. It has just been very fun to spend this treasured time with family. This pink lace blouse is another piece I recently inherited from the sweet woman I have yet to meet and so badly want to. (Read and see more here). I We spotted this fantastic old building and Airstream from across the highway while we were shooting Piles + Pipes. I hope you have survived last week's rush of winter weather!
Halston + Warhol + Studio 54 Party!
The Mint Museum will be hosting a MOST exciting exhibit March 7 to June 14 featuring two of the greatest in the world of fashion and art. During the second half of the twentieth century, few figures are as iconic as fashion designer Roy Halston Frowick and pop artist Andy Warhol. Halston and Warhol: Silver and Suede is a captivating exhibition that, for the first time, unites the work of these two legendary men, offering a unique perspective on the intersections between their lives and creative practice. Organized by The Andy Warhol Museum in collaboration with Lesley Frowick (niece of Halston), Halston and Warhol integrates approximately 40 of Halston’s creations, including the iconic pillbox hat designed for Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and his signature Ultrasuede shirt dress, with a broad selection of paintings, photographs, and videos by Warhol. This morning I attended a media tour of the exhibit, and I promise there is no level of disappointment on display. In anticipation of the big Studio 54 Party to kick of the museum's exhibit, of course I had to wear Halston, in some fashion, to the party. I found the below Halston IV dress at a vintage boutique in Brooklyn after scouring the internet like a hawk. Of course this is not how I will be styling it for the event. Just you wait...
On a personal note, my Grandmother sent me to see the one and only Liza Minnelli perform in New York City in 1999, right after I graduated college. I was living in the city, and my Grandmother was too frail to travel to attend the show with me. But I will never forget her call... "Daaaahhhling, Liza Minnelli is puhfawmen' in New Yahk City, and you simply must go. I am sending you." Seeing the Halston dresses and Warhol's work of Minnelli, Elizabeth Taylor, Bianca Jagger and others... It takes me back to Nana's stories and my own imagination in my head transforming me to that very special fantastic place in time.
Photography: Ellie Lacey on Instagram. Dress: Vintage Halston IV from Amarcord Vintage Fashion. Earrings: from Chezelle Boutique. Bracelets: thanks to chloe + isabel by Ashlyn Milosch
Bergdorf
Suit: Bergdorf Goodman, Purse: Vintage, Hat: Vintage, Sunglasses: Love Obsessed, Shoes: Cole Haan. Earrings: thanks to Geoflora Jewelry, Ring: Melinda Maria, Bracelet: Madewell
This adorable and refined casual suit set is another one I recently inherited from a very sweet woman I have yet to meet. I am doing everything I can to make that happen stat! (Read and see more here). This particular outfit came straight from Bergdorf Goodman's in NYC. I am not sure exactly how old it is, but judging from the fabric and style, my best guess would be at least 40-50 years. The purse was hers too, and the mink topper belonged to my Great Grandmother. And, oh Cousin Ellie, I just can't get enough of you.
Recap: East Boulevard Style Night
Photography: Ellie Lacey. Blouse: Andrew Gn. Skirt: Zara. Coat: Banana Republic (old). Shoes: thanks to J.Crew. Scarf: Vintage. Purse: Loeffler Randall. Ring: Melinda Maria. Necklaces: Stix + Stones
Such a fun night with fellow stylist, Julian Michael Clark at summerbird and Revolve, two of Charlotte's best for upscale consignment clothing. It was a big 'ole party including vodka tastings of the magically delicious Three Hunters Vodka, noshing on yummy to the tummy chips, salsa and guac from Bakersfield, touch ups from Jeffre Scott and so much more. Earlier that day I received a fantastically fun surprise gift from J.Crew, these Roxie glossy leather pumps. I couldn't not wear them, so like any excited girl with only 5 minutes to get ready would, I put them in front of me and started grabbing at whatever was right in front of me. It was one of those I can't stop moments, as you can see. After the party, I made a milk run in classic Carrie Bradshaw style. Where else am I going to wear all of my beautiful things?!
Roxie Glossy Leather Blue Pumps
WOW! I've never seen such excitement over a pair of shoes, and I'm so glad you like them. I DO TOO! SO here you go... the J.Crew Roxie Glossy Leather Pump in Brilliant Sea. Get 'em before their gone!
Olivia Palermo + Charlotte Style Icons
This girl kills it. Every. Single. Time. Olivia Palermo and your style, be still my beating heart. Since my Grandmother, she may be the only one I have so admired. Honestly, at times, and I say this with total poise and confidence and without fear or hesitation (because I realize the bold nature of this statement), I truly feel she is one of the few I feel who gets it like I do. Except for maybe Blair Eadie. And, if you are here in Charlotte, Chezelle Boutique owner, Lauren. Girl is a trend setter. The incomparable Alex Holleman and Interior Design one of a kind, Barrie Benson. None of this copy cat head to toe preppy prissy stuff. Straight up original, craft, strength, talent.
One thing I do want to point out is that money CAN buy you amazing garments that not only ARE but aldo look and feel rich. We cannot all dress this way, but that does not mean it cannot be achieved. I would like to think I am an example of this. More on that later... Below are a few of Olivia's recent shots for Cosmopolitan Magazine. And, yes, I have already reached out to Zach to shoot me as close to this as possible. I have an email into said person to borrow house for location, and I hope the stores will see it their worthwhile to lend me their most magnifique clothes and accouterments!
Piles + Pipes
This is another outfit on my recent fabulously fantastic day shooting with Cousin Ellie (Instagram). I've tried to hide skin in my car more times than I can count, nursing a couple of babies and now doing this outfit changing thing for the last three years... you could say I got it down pat. No science. More like "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon slouched between two car seats, or "hey what are you looking at creep!" BUT, this particular day, at a construction site, was a first. Mama, I know I make you proud in so many (other) ways. But, it's all for the ART! T-u-hee Hee. Thanks Cousin Ellie. You rock. And thanks cooler than cool friend since the 6th grade for the chloe + isabel earrings (and not only saying that because her Aunt dated a Rolling Stone) and thanks awesome newer Charlotte friend for the W by Worth dress up party at your enviously SICK mid-century modern pad on crack. Last, but not least, I can't tell you how much I LOVE the creators of Julie Lopez Shoes... My booties here.. comfy for days, as are all of their Italian made shoes (recently endorsed by OPRAH). Piles + Pipes. Nothing but love.
Love It, Wear It: Mottahedeh Tobacco Leaf
Today's outfit inspiration comes by way of the stunningly colorful Tobacco Leaf Plate. I have loved this pattern for a long time. It reminds me of the collection in my Grandparent's china cabinet that I would stare at from the time I was a little girl. Roosters and cherry blossoms rimmed in gold! What could be more exquisite?
Back to our Tobacco Leaf post, according to the Mottahedeh website, this one is a design whose style has been represented at least eleven different ways. Produced in 18th century China, 'it is a profusion in 27 colors and high fire cobalt, accented with gold'. Who, besides Carrie Bradshaw and me, wouldn't want to wear an outfit as bold and sophisticated as this plate? Well now you can, because Chelsea's thrown together a little fancy...
Olivia Palermo, The Band Jacket And Me
Last week I couldn't help but throw myself a virtual deuce when I opened up my WhoWhatWear email to see none other than the one and only Olivia Palermo in the headlines wearing a jacket the publishers stamped with a big APPROVED by the one and only most impeccably dressed of all impeccably dressed women. This would typically come with no added excitement or surprise for that matter except for the fact that the jacket she was wearing, a Band Jacket, reminded me of the one I just wore in a Christmas photo shoot three weeks prior. Even more, it resembled the one I styled on super model Amy Lemons in Charlottesville, Va. last Fall.
I'm just going to seize this as an opportunity to say I'd be lying if I didn't say I love hitting the trends before they actually become a trend. Want to jump on the Band Jacket band wagon? Here are a few of my current favorites for your lassoing pleasure.
Yes Sir! That's My Baby!
Photography: Ellie Lacey, on Instagram. Dress & Purse: Vintage, Sunglasses: Love Obsessed, Shoes: Cole Haan, Earrings: c/o chloe + isabel by ashlyn, Bracelets: Blydesign, Madewell, Jook and Nona. Ring: Melinda Maria.
I recently came into possession of a number of amazing vintage frocks and accessories like this navy dress and purse. A friend of mine was given piles upon piles of heirloom brand and quality pieces passed along to her by her mother-in-law who was the caretaker for a very stylish elderly woman moving into assisted living. The woman lived in a beautiful home on one of Charlotte's prettiest streets. She had no remaining living relatives close by, and so my friend's mother-in-law was given many of her possessions. The mother-in-law wanted the clothes to be passed onto someone who would value and appreciate them. Knowing my penchant for high quality vintage, my friend notified me. I rushed right over for a look, and what I did not take was passed along to a local theater. Bergdorf Goodman's, Dior and Bob Mackie name a few of the brands, many of the pieces purchased on her regular visits to New York City. When I went to my friend's home to collect the items, I had the pleasure of hearing a few sweet stories from the mother-in-law who cared for this dear woman. I learned her favorite song was "Yes Sir! That's My Baby!" and how she would sing the lyrics strolling down the hall. It reminds me of the stories I would hear of my Great Grandmother watching the Lawrence Welk Show. The memories tied to the owner are what make the items so special. I can't wait to share more of these beautiful clothes with you.
What To Wear New Years Eve
Chelsea and I are here with a mega round of party outfits, and if there is one thing I love it is a party frock. I've said this before, and I'm okay saying it again. I have been collecting little cocktail dresses since way before I was of age to even hold a cocktail. But does that really matter? As you can see I had a hard time choosing just a few, so if your senses can handle a cocktail dress overload, just click on the plus symbol next to the dress and shop 'til you drop! Refill your bubbly and keep on scrolling for a look at Chelsea's fun outfits. That pouty lips skirt. Oh me. Oh my.
'Tis The Season
Photograhy: Zach Alston. Models: Emma Claris and Tyler Von Seggern (Marilyn's Model and Talent Management). Hair and Makeup: Tia Rivers. Freaturing Kristin Hayes Jewelry.
'Tis the Season from one very special young couple on their first Christmas together! This photo shoot with models Emma and Tyler was so much fun. Everything about it was so magical and perfect. Thank you to a good friend for opening her gorgeous home. It was all made for a very prominent magazine if you ask me! I had to get in on the action in the last picture. How do you like my sexy tough model pose? Ha! Merry Christmas Everyone! I hope yours was filled with love, laughter, family and eggnog to your hearts delight.
The Way You Make Me Feel
Blouse: Vintage. Skirt: Alyssa Nicole Bag: Chanel, Shoes: Cole Haan, Hat: Forever 21, Ring: Melinda Maria, Cuffs: thanks to Chloe & Isabel, Photography: Ellie Lacey, on Instagram
Christmas is in just four days! Are you finished with all your holiday "to-do's" yet? I'm almost finished but still have a few things to do. I wrapped all the presents yesterday while my boys ran errands, and I planned the menu for the big Christmas Eve dinner I host for family at my house each year. I really enjoy friends also being at our table, and this year I am looking forward to one of my best running friends and her sister joining us.
I also want to take this time to welcome my adorable, talented cousin Ellie (AKA Cousin Ellie) to the Queen City Style! This is the second round of pictures she has taken, and I can't wait to share more with you. I love her eye for such unique creative composition.
Of course I know this has you asking where's Donna?? She is very much alive and kicking! She is just in hot demand right now with her own clientele. If you are looking for the very best in child and family photography in Charlotte, Donna's your girl! We have every intention of shooting again soon for the Queen City Style, and I can't wait to show you the bridal portraits we took of my gorgeous aesthetician friend, Sally. Of course that will have to wait until after her big day!
Chelsea's Christmas Outfit
Let me have that green tulle skirt, please! Just click on the cross mark above to shop any of the items directly from this page. Who is Chelsea you say? Please join me in extending a warm welcome to my new Chief Creative Officer! I am so excited. Words cannot say! This girl has got it going on and is just so stunning on the inside and out. I am feeling a very lucky girl to be able to call her a part of the team! Carrie Bradshaw lovers unite! You simply must WATCH...
