As the saying goes, time flies when you're having fun! It's been one year, one month and four days since my first photo shoot with amazing Donna. Having Donna as my photograher and friend is a dream and a gift. We can't wait to bring you more outfit photoes in 2014!
Happy New Year of Outfits!
-Whitley
Happy New Year Y'all! Have you made any resolutions for 2014? I always strive to be the best version of me I can be, but for the immediate I'm thinking about giving up alcohol for Lent. THINKING. I've done this twice before, but neither of those times did I have children. I really enjoy an adult beverage at the end of the day. Some of you may know I have plans to run the Boston Marathon which is Easter Monday. In anticipation of this, I really want to get serious with my training and overall good health. I know eliminating alcohol from my diet would help with hydration, among other things. Giving up wine will not be an easy task for me, but saying it out loud, and now, writing it down for others to see, seems to somewhat commit me further. Oh boy. In the meantime, check out
on page 22 in this month's
where I'm sharing my short list of recommendations for feeling and looking your best.
As ever, thank you for being here. I hope you have a fantastic first week to this new year!
Lots of love and hugs, Whitley
I came across this local version of the popular song "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" via a photographer friend's page, and it is just too cute not to share. Doesn't it make you want to fall in love all over again? Such a sweet sweet tune for you all to enjoy...
Happy almost New Year everyone!
xx-Whitley
Check them out here. I'm off to Richmond, Virginia for a half marathon. Weather looks chilly, but not rainy! Wish me luck, and Precious Peanut #1 at his soccer game since sadly, I will be missing it. I am, however, looking forward to a fun weekend with a long time family friend and an awesome newbie as well!
Happy Weekend Y'all!
-Whitley
Today the Queen City Style turns two! As I sit here, I deliberate just what to write. This happens a lot. I think, type, delete, type, delete. It's safe to say I struggle sharing all that I am thinking. I want to be real with you people, and I am, but I think there also needs to be some level of intrigue. Like dating. It's no mystery though how giddily silly and excited I was creating this very first post. Lucky Magazine ran my story on their back page, and the rest is history. I'll never forget my excitement. Who knew a career would blossom for that story, this blog? I had no idea, but I could not be happier about it. I am excited for every opportunity to collaborate, style and create, and I have met some of the most awesome, fun and cool collegues, clients and friends along the way. It's been validating to know there are so many other dreamers out there like me. If I keep going in this direction, I run the risk of this sounding more like a journal entry than a fashion blog post, so I'll sign off sharing photos and a link to the Queen City Style's very first post. Most important of all, thank you so much for being here and being a part of my joy!
With so much love and appreciation,
-Whitley
Hi friends! I am very excited to share my new website for my wardrobe and personal styling business. I have immensely enjoyed the opportunities the Queen City Style has paved the way for me to experience, and being able to to pursue my love of fashion beyond my own closet doors is a dream come true. It is such a delight be able to apply my personal love for style and fashion in ways that help and bring joy to others. If you or someone you know might be interested in my personal styling services or that on a more commercial level, I would love to hear about your needs and start styling with you!
Here she is...
Thanks so much for being here! Whitley
This is me...
And this is my closet*...
It's okay. I'm not ashamed to admit it, and this is just one of four closets that house my clothes. I am not a hoarder by any means, though this closet might seem to indicate otherwise. As part of my job as personal stylist, I purge closets with clients all the time. You don't need a closet full of things you never wear. It is mind cluttering, overwhelming, annoying and wasteful. My personal wardrobe comes in handy often with my work as a wardrobe stylist, and I will never ever rid of any of my Grandmother's or Great Grandmother's clothes. That doesn't mean I wouldn't love a beautiful, more organized closet however... Oh, how I would!
I am really looking forward to the upcoming Lunch and Learn, Thursday, September 19, with Simplicity Organizers and Closet Log. Together we will share tips and strategies to help you create a closet of personal style. Simplicity Organizers will discuss how to organize the keepers and donate or consign the rest. I will next explain how to streamline your wardrobe in order to help determine your own personal style. Finally, we will unveil Closet Log, a new site that catalogs your wardrobe all from your PC or heldheld device! Whether your style is girly, glam, classic or fashion forward, or you are still working to figure it out, please join us. We will have a great time getting it all organized! Click HERE to register.
For the love of great style, and I hope to see you there! Whitley
*My photos courtesy of Joshua Galloway
One last thing, if you're a working mama, check out the the 16th Annual Moms@Work Breakfast sponsored by Charlotte Parent Magazine. This will be a fun opportunity to get a more balanced approach to social media, work-life balance and quick and healthy family meals.
Click here to register.
Together with the talented ladies of Simplicity Organizers and closetlog, I am very excited to be a part of a unique Lunch & Learn where we will teach you how to get organized and create a closet of personal style. Organizer Laurie Martin will offer tips and strategies on organizing the keepers and how to thoughtfully donate or consign the rest. Then, yours truly will show you how to streamline your wardrobe and develop your own personal style. There will be a special sneak preview from Janet Caponi introducing Closet Log, a fabulous new site that catalogs your wardrobe all from your PC or handheld computer device! Please bring a friend, and join us at the Junior League of Charlotte.
Click here to register.
Cost is $25 per person if you register on line. $30 at the door.
Free for all Junior League members who register through the JL membership site.
What to bring: A salad topping to share.
I hope to see you there!
-Whitley
In the words of the late great John Denver, all my bags are packed, I'm ready to go...
Well, they aren't packed just yet, but I'm ready to go. This time tomorrow I'll be making my way toward my little slice of Heaven on Earth, Pawleys Island, for one last taste of summer in the sun. I hope you are enjoying these last weeks of summer!
xo-Whitley
Life is busy. Can you relate? Here's a glimpse at mine on my day "off," otherwise known as the day I work. I'm looking forward to sharing the final images from this week's shoot, as well as the airing times for my interview this week with CBS radio on what to wear to your next interview. In the meantime, below is a glimpse of my week in photos.
Last Friday, I had the pleasure of working with a talented group of individuals for a photo shoot with Miss NC, Victoria Vesce.
Photography: Doug Brooks, Wardrobe: Whitley Adkins Hamlin assisted by Cassie Hayden, Makeup: Deme Fourtounis, Hair: Erica Arcilesi.
Tuesdays aren't for the weak. Sweating out one mile repeats with my running mate, Dezi.
And rewarding myself properly in return...
Searching to choose the perfect dress for my upcoming collaboration with J.T. Posh, celebrating six years of savvy consignment in the Queen City and a newly expanded store. Stay tuned!
Precious Peanut #1 scored his first racquet (thanks Papa!) and is all signed up for tennis camp. It's on! We'll see about that.
My friend Dick Pattison over at Taylor Richards & Conger showed my how to tie a four end hand knot (don't forget the dimple!) and beautifully fold a pocket square.
Wild Man Precious Peanut #2 went down twice. Never mind, he can't actually swim.
Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!
xo-Whitley
Howdy Y'all! I've been so busy with great things, but I have not been able to give the Queen City Style the normal amount of TLC. Donna and I have been working on some great outfit shoots, and I can't wait to share them all with you, in addition to my long overdue interview with Cynthia Rowley and Belk Girls Night Out; so many fun things! For now, I'm super excited to be all packed and ready to drive to Heaven on Earth, Pawleys Island, with the family. That mini vacation will be en route to a long overdue reunion in Sullivan's Island with my six college roommates. Not gonna lie, I'm kinda scared of what's ahead with all of these girls at the beach. We were kinda crazy back then. I got my boots on though. I'm ready!
I hope you are all great.
Lots of love, Whitley
If you've followed along here for a while, you probably saw this collaboration where I styled hot summer trends for ladies runner fashion. Spring is here, which means I'll be hosting another Run For Your Life Giveaway very soon! This past weekend, I traveled to the Outer Banks to run a half marathon and visit family. My whole crew went, as well as one of my closest running friends. Sunday was a gorgeous day for a race, just one day before the Boston Marathon. I recently ran my first marathon, qualifying for Boston in 2014. I always knew it was the big dog of marathons, but it was until this past Monday that I realized the magnitude and symbolism of this race. The Boston Marathon is held on Patriots Day, a day much like New Year's Eve in Times Square. It is a day for bringing people together, celebrating months and months, if not years of hard work toward a singular goal. Four hundred and fifty runners from the Charlotte area competed in Monday's race. At least three were injured; one critically. My heart goes out to everyone who worked so hard for this momentous day and to anyone impacted by this horrendous event. President Obama said in his speech today, "You Will Run Again". He is a smart man, regardless of your political views, as any marathon runner knows the last thing you ever did was try to stop her from running again.
I'm pictured with the first and second place female winners. The first place finisher (middle) hopped on a plane to Boston immediately after this picture to go run the marathon. (tough chick).
Talk about another tough chick; Carla finished behind me by maybe a minute. She is 51 years old and placed first in the Female Master's Division. Amazing.
Tuesday night at local tracks across the country, a one mile run in silence was held to honor the runners of the Boston Marathon. Ours was held at A.G. Middle School. I arrived at 8:55 to news crews galore and not a single parking space in site. Having just completed a speed work out earlier that night, I opted to capture the moment on the sideline to share with you here. Goosebumps all over my body. People of all ages attended wearing work clothes, pushing baby strollers, walkers, runners; all united to tell those impacted by Monday's tragedy, You Will Run Again.
Love and peace, Whitley
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
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...
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
I am a lifelong customer of Belk department stores, and chances are, if you were born and raised in the south east, you are too. I remember entering the Asheville mall, always, through the Belk department store. Conveniently enough, the doors opened to the children's and teen section, and my little girl Saturday excitement began at that moment. Is it ironic that I always only enter Southpark Mall through Belk if I can help it? It's not that I don't love the other stores, but there is just something about feeling home. Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago, and can you imagine my excitement when I was invited to the most recent Belk Fashion Preview as presented by VP of Merchandising and Fashion Direction, Arlene Goldstein?
I wore my most coveted suit which belonged to my Great-Grandmother, paired with the purse my Great-Great Grandmother needle pointed and my favorite Cole Haan pumps from Brazil (here).
Belk offers many of my favorite everyday lines, as well as several of the more artistic, fashion-forward brands I go to for individual statement making pieces. Quite possibly the most exciting thing I took away from the presentation is that Belk will be carrying Cynthia Rowley by the end of March, and certainly in time for Girls Night Out at the Southpark store on Thursday, April 4th. Ms. Rowley, herself, is slated to attend. I am hoping for a hand shake-hug, which is my professional greeting combined with the real me greeting. The below dress and shirt are a couple of my oldest but most favorite Cynthia Rowley garments.
Most of you know that the majority of my fashion inspiration comes from my Grandmother and Great-Grandmother who were department store fashion buyers. I'll be back later to share some of my favorite pieces from Belk's spring offering, but for now, I just had to tell you about my fun meet and greet with Arlene at Belk. It was just one more indication, for me, that the Queen City Style and where it is leading is the path for me. Thank you for walking it with me. Hope to see you on the 4th at Belk Southpark!
With gratitude, Whitley
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In true southern fashion, what New Year's meal is complete without a big 'ole hearty pot of fat-soaked collard greens? Take fashion inspiration from your surroundings; even your food!
Thank you SO much for all the Facebook love!! With two weeks remaining in 2012, I set out to try to reach 1,000 thumbs ups by 2013. At the time, 780 was the number; a high goal on which to set sights. The power of grass roots and your support made it happen in about a weeks time. If you are one of those new thumbs up, right back atcha! I hope you will enjoy visiting the Queen City Style as much as I enjoy sharing it with you.
Here's tomade a carefree, creative and Happy, Happy New Year!
I can't wait to share with you some of the fun projects in store for the Queen City Style!
Many blessings and lots of love,
xx-Whitley
One more day and 2012 is a wrap! Keeping this short and sweet... Grateful for my blessings and (yes) struggles, I entered 2012 saying out loud "This is going to be a great year!" For many reasons it was one of the most difficult years and for many reasons, including the Queen City Style and you, it was one of the greatest. Thanks for being here with me. If the Queen City Style delivers you a fraction of the joy I receive sharing it with you, I consider 2012 a W-I-N. May 2013 bring you and your loved ones many blessings, great opportunity, hope, faith, patience and understanding for others, will, determination and strength, good health, and most importantly, lots and lots of love... and anything else I may have neglected to include that you are seeking. In my best effort to choose my favorite looks for 2012, counting backwards, here are my personal Top 10 favs. I've looked at these, and I wonder, is there consistency? What do these images say about my personal style? Do you have an opinion?? Do you have a favorite here? Is there something more or different you'd like to see? I would love to know. Once again, a big 'ole THANKS for being here!!!
(Click on each image to view original post)
I wish you all the best for a stylish, happy and love-filled 2013!!
With much gratitude, Whitley
#1-I hope you ALL are having a wonderful weekend! Since I've been getting a little more personal here lately on the Queen City Style, I thought I'd proceed by sharing with you a little on how mine started. Here's evidence of my totally not awesome quadruple barrel roll on concrete during my Saturday morning run. Fan-freaking-tastic. Am starting to feel more and more uncoordinated here lately. Must. Get. To Bed. Earlier.
#2-I am working really hard to reach 1,000 likes on Facebook by 2013! If you are not already one, will you become one by clicking HERE? I often post different things there :). THANKS!!
#3-Last but not least, click HERE to see if you are the winner of this gorgeous Charles Emerson Designs necklace! Thanks to everyone who entered!
I hope you have had a wonderful weekend!
My very best, Whitley
It is Friday night, I have Christmas cards to label, stamp and stuff, presents to order, the tree is finally up, but there are still boxes of decorations spattered across my den and living room. I've hugged my two boys tightly. Today's tragedy in Connecticut is a devastation. Like yours, my heart is completely broken. I listened to the awful news while I was going through my emails. I don't get much TV time, so I only know the basic facts, but I understand the shooter suffered from depression. If so, it is horrible that his state of mental health went so far in this direction. I shared in yesterday's post some of my own personal struggles. This anger, jealousy, hate, whatever it is, locally and globally... why must we be cruel to another? We must start by teaching our children well and show them a lot of love, and we must learn to deal with our pain in a different manner.
My favorite new shirt, now on sale :)! Get it here.
I just want to thank you for being here. Your support in response to what I shared yesterday was and is amazing. I heard from people I've never spoken to or even knew read this blog! I can't tell you what a wonderful feeling it is. It is so awesome to know the Queen City Style has made an impression on so many of you. Please know you've made a huge impression on me. Through the Queen City Style, at the age of 35, I have finally found a way to channel my creativity, passion and love for great style, writing, sharing, collaborating and making new friends. You have made this ALL the more meaningful and fun. This about sums it up how good it feels...
THANK YOU!!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
xx-Whitley
PS-Today is the last day to enter to win this gorgeous necklace by Charles Emerson Designs!
Click Here to enter.
For quite some time now I've contemplated the level of personal information sharing I would dispense here. Though I've always felt over-sharing isn't that cute, I make a miserable authority on hiding behind insecurities. So I suppose this first self induced therapeutic post comes in the form of a message I want to share with you amazing readers. Neither me, nor my life is perfect. In fact, at most times these days I feel more or less off kilter (to put it lightly). It hasn't always been this way, but I would say, given the circumstances, there has been an underlying case of the blues for the greater part of the last 12-18 months.... and I have no effing idea why. Well, I have ideas, but in keeping the over-sharing to a minimum as aforementioned... I have many blessings, and I count them all, but that doesn't mean I have it all checked in perfect form.
I feel a strong desire to share this information with some of you as it has come to my attention that I may possibly be portraying the persona of having it all. Not so long ago a good friend called to congratulate me on a Charlotte magazine award the Queen City Style received. She went on to explain that she was recently at a gathering where some girls were asking “did you see that so and so Whitley was wearing” (on the Queen City Style)? “Whitley, you are all the buzz,” my friend proceeded. Immediately I felt insecure and shared that I hoped people were saying only nice things. Soon after, someone (a male) who I am fairly close to by association, asked me in front of others, “So, I don’t get it; taking all of these pictures of yourself… ‘Hey, look at me!’ What is it you are trying to do?” I get it. I understand his lack of understanding, but the delivery of his message hurt. I just want to put it out there that I am NOT a super confident person; quite the opposite, but that is how his comment made me feel I might be interpreted by someone who sees me here.
On some minuscule level, I understand what it must be like for those famous people in magazines whose lives are judged, berated and torn apart based on perception. I'm guilty of it. Admittedly, I stand in the longest line at the supermarket just so I can get my fill of glamour sleaze and dish. It's so totally intriguing to look and ponder. But let me say this; I do not and will not judge. Perhaps, however, this is a perfect example for my own insecurities, and so, if me or this fashion blog delivers some false sense of self or persona for having it all, I feel compelled to tell you I am filled with insecurities. I do not think I am ugly, but I tend to think I am not all that pretty, not terribly bright and I have a lot of ground to gain as it pertains to worldly contributions. The worst part about all of this, for me.... I know that confidence is far more attractive than a lack thereof. I wish I did not care as much what others thought of me, but I do. I want to be liked. Being kind and doing nice things for others brings me joy. Perhaps the reaction of thanks and approval serves as a source of validation. I know it's what it is on the inside that matters. I feel good about what is on my inside, but I'm just REALLY ready to make the morph from caterpillar to butterfly.
I am going to cut this for now, and perhaps come back later with more some other time. I am not seeking your pity or praise. I just want to share this side of myself with you, and I want you to know how much I appreciate you being here. Your readership makes me happy beyond words. I would love so much to meet each and every one of you, and so if you ever see me across the produce aisle or catch me in the check out line taking in a dose of someone else's picture perfect life, please introduce yourself and give me a hug!
I hope you are having a fabulous week! All my lovin'... I send to you :) -Whitley
