What She Wore: Going Glamorous

Isabelle has done such a beautiful job with helping me bring back the What She Wore posts, I’m not sure what I’ll do when summer is over and she goes back to school for her senior year of college! Alas, I am making the most of every single second with her now. I love and want ALL of the items she chose to recreate my Grandmother’s Friday Night Party with the Neighbors look. As my Great-Grandmother would say… I mean, afterall, well, you know! HOW CHIC can one really be?

Lucky ducky for you and me and the rest of us, we can all be this dang chic with Isabelle’s linked items. I am having a VERY hard time getting past the lamp, ginger jar and ceramic plate to get to the pumps, clutch, long gloves and gown!!!

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Dress

Shoes

Earrings

Clutch

But Wait, There’s More…

Lamp

Gloves

Ginger Jar

Rug

What She Wore: Clean and Crisp

I thought it would be fun to recreate the image Lucky Magazine published in their November, 2011 issue. This is really where the Queen City Style all started. I’ve been a very lucky lady for the past couple of months having Isabelle on my team, helping me with all kinds of projects. Isabelle was supposed to be in New York City interning with Sam Edelman for the summer, but because of Covid-19, like the rest of the world, she was not able to travel for a now nonexistent opportunity. Here is the original article. Speaking of Sam Edelman, I’m kinda digging these studded gladiator sandals.

And below is Isabelle’s outfit recreation. Bear it mind, she had not seen the original before putting the new one together. Both are great, but I gotta go with Isabelle’s version! I absolutely LOVE the Lee Matthews two-toned tencil polo shirt, and those round framed Acetate sunnnies… TOO chic.

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And please bear with me for a bit if you are reading this post in your email and see little circle spinny things below! We are working on a technical issue that has come with upgrading to a new website. Click HERE to view shop the post in your browser.

The Return of What She Wore: Getting Groovy

About three years ago I started writing a series on the Queen City Style called “What She Wore.” During a very welcomed period of long continous growth with my styling business, this meant the Queen City Style blog has over time taken a back seat. One of the many more recently welcomed spaces that has come with the slower pace of life during quarantine is a chance to get back to where it all began for me; sharing my passion for all things stylish here on the Queen City Style. With that, thanks to the help of some very talented (younger/more with it/ hipper) people, I have been able to do my own little bit of work toward getting with the fancier software times. For starters, you know I got a new website (thanks Emily). If you haven’t seen, I would love for your to check it out. And, in this case, the What She Wore series has also gotten a fancier new format. Thank you Isabelle!

It seems only apropos to start with a little inspiration from where the inspiration all started, the style of my Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. In this image, it appears they are having cocktails; I’m going to go with before a debutante ball party (or perhaps a wedding), but something tells me they are sitting in a room at the Velvet Cloak Inn (RIP) or somewhere similar before a Terpsichorean Ball party. I just love their outfits, the mad style, and of course, there they are drinking from their little hotel cups looking chic as ever.

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As my Great-Grandmother, Willa, would say…

Poolside Gossip: Get Yours

I’m telling you. Year after year after year I never get tired of my favorite Slim Aarons photo. And I feel like I have to recreate it in some way shape or form every year. And another and. And since I am loving Zimmerman so much this season, and I think every piece is absolute perfection, that white top and coordinating pants outfit inspired me to recreate the look for you again here. Thanks to my super talented friend and UNC FashionMash student, Rylee, for putting together this great collage while I teach myself PhotoShop (finally). What new hobby are you taking up or what new thing are you learning during this crazy time we are living??

I just ordered a big ole umbrella for my patio. Mine isn’t quite as fancy, but if I lived in those Palm Springs mountains and by that pool, you can be your bottom dollar it would be. Carona has me movin’ and groovin’ big time.

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New Website + What's Going On

Helllloooo Everrybody! After about five years I am THRILLED to have launched my new website and business name. If you are interested in hearing my schpeel, you can read more about it HERE. If you keep up with me via Instagram, you know I have shared that while this whole coronavirus thing has been very difficult, I also feel it has been one big giant opportunity for growth. More time with children, family and friends we hold dear. More time to focus on the things most important.

Additionally, for me, I’ve had more time to catch up on work related items I haven’t been able to get to while we were all operating at a much more frenetic pace. I would love for you to take a look at my new website. Thank you to my very talented, smart and patient friend Emily Brunotte for building out this new site for me. If anyone else is on the market for help with marketing, rebranding, website development and more I couldn’t recommend Emily more highly. Thank you to all of my clients, colleagues, fellow creatives and friends who have given me an opportunity to share my passion. I am grateful for the opportunities to learn and grown you have give me. I also decided it was time for a rebrand. the Queen City Style is where it all started, and so while I am changing my styling business name to Whitley Adkins, the blog will still be named the Queen City Style. This name change meant new logo! And so, after several revisions, while being constantly inspired by every speck in the sky around me, I am thrilled with the end result.

In case anyone is wondering, this logo was largely inspired by two things; my favorite photograph by the talented Stephanie Vovas which I have placed proudly on display in my foyer and the numbers on my son’s Fitbit Versa Lite.

So there you have it. Inspiration comes from anywhere and everywhere! And lastly, in closing, during such a difficult time in society all around the world and especially right now in the USA, my prayer is that we will all be inspired to give and show compassion more than ever, and empathy where we can. Listen here.

You know we’ve got to find a way to bring some lovin’ here today….

Mother, mother
There's too many of you crying
Brother, brother, brother
There's far too many of you dying
You know we've got to find a way
To bring some lovin' here today, eh eh

Father, father
We don't need to escalate
You see, war is not the answer
For only love can conquer hate
You know we've got to find a way
To bring some lovin' here today, oh oh oh

Picket lines and picket signs
Don't punish me with brutality
Talk to me, so you can see
Oh, what's going on
What's going on
Yeah, what's going on
Ah, what's going on

In the mean time
Right on, baby
Right on brother
Right on babe

Mother, mother, everybody thinks we're wrong
Oh, but who are they to judge us
Simply 'cause our hair is long
Oh, you…

Zimmerman + Slim What Say You?

Is anyone else as gah gah over the Zimmerman line this year? I mean EVERY. SINGLE. PIECE. in their Spring/Summer 2020 collection I would love to own or at least wear. If you love it too and are ready from somewhere in the Carolinas and want to support local shops, both Coplon’s and Capitol carry the line. Specifically the two coordinating top and pants below immediately caught my eye.

I couldn’t help but think the designer took a cue from the wardrobe in that famed Slim Aarons photo, Poolside Glamour.

The photo reminds me so much of the poolside parties I would have loved to have attended hosted by my Grandparents at their home in Rocky Mount. Styling a two pieced set (on the left) my mother-in-law loaned me, it had to be recreated for SouthPark Magazine back in 2016!

I recently styled this embriodered mini dress for a photo shoot with Forme. The Brightside fluted dress makes me want to grab a pair of brightly colored heels and run through the streets. It is fair to say that this floral skirt made of dreams paired with this ruffle blouse is my spirit animal in the form of an outfit.

Anyone with me? Shop Away or Shop the entire Collection here!

Spring '20 Trend: Hotter Than Pants

Hot pants are all the rave. Popular in the festival goer community, now they are hitting the streets. Because of my age I have to be careful styling the hot pant trend myself, but let me tell you if I were twenty years young this might be the only thing you would catch me wearing! Fun, fun and hot, hot! If you easing into this trend you chould start out with a pair similar to these black ones. If you really want to go for it, the colorful mixed pattern shorts do not lack in the fun department.

If you are young and hitting the festival goer’s circuit, these orange denim hot pants are perfect for you. Once you’re all in for the hot pants trend, the cream belted or snakeskin shorts will make any outfit hotter! Floral and palm prints are so chic paired with a pattern-mixing top. Metallic never hurt anyone; reach for hot pants with a ruffled hem like this metallic blue pair. My personal favorite? This scallop hem floral linen shorts by Zimmerman is my spirit animal in a pair of shorts.

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Spring '20: Get Waisted

One of my favorite trends of the season is one of lines I don’t normally gravitate to. Because of my body shape (which includes a runner butt and thighs--that’s right), I tend to not gravitate toward fitted clothes on my buttom half. I almost always prefer a skirt or dress over pants. BUT the vest, more properly known as a waistcoat, paired with coordinating trousers is something I could not be more drawn to. Layered one more step with the coordinating jacket, this look is showstoppingly sharp and commanding.

My favorite part about a waistcoat is its versatility. You can create a head to toe look by adding it to a suit, or you can mismatch your look using a piece like this black vest paired with a bold pattern underneath. Have a sleeveless suit moment with this striped vest or create a more sophisticated one as on the blossom print waistcoat. I’m in love with this floral print vest that will stand out matched with virtually any color.

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Covid 19 Date Night + How It Has Impacted Me

About the second week into the Coronavirus madness, I started thinking about how this would impact local businesses and industries, including my own.  Special events and fundraisers were cancelled, as well as business meetings, speaker engagements, gatherings of any kind.  Any reason to put your best foot forward or even get dressed beyond basic functioning attire of jeans and a t-shirt became obsolete basically overnight.  As a stylist, this hit hard and well, right at home.  My immediate internal response to any adverse situation is: This is an opportunity for growth.  A very uncomortable one, albiet an opportunity.  I put the below together for my clients and for the sake of morale.

Favorite restaurants, retailers and other small businesses across the city painfully impacted by the Coronavirus are tugging at everone's heartstrings.  Standard operating procedures now embrace deep discounts, take out and video platforms.  The new norm, at least for the forseeable future, will involve creativity to keep our well tuned engines, businesses and even personal relationships going.   The upside of social distancing is that we are given a great opportunity to connect more intentionally, meaningfully--and creatively--with those closest to us. 

Mama always told me when given lemons, you make lemonade and so with that in mind, using mismatchec layered china and linens, I decided to create an easy but comfortable and pretty picnic dinner with my boyfriend. A bottle of wine, candle sticks, a gifted Wiliam Yeoward water carafe and fresh flowers from Harris Teeter served as delightful accoutrements in bringing traditional indoor dining outside for a picnic.  We picked up Stagioni's takeout for our meal and topped it off with a slice of my Coronavirus late night addiction, a slice of Cicely's homemade cake at Laurel Market.  Jay brought his guitar for playing after sunset, and while social distancing, we sang songs and made new friends with others walking through the park.  We both got dressed up; he wore a sport coat, and I wore a long skirt with trusty my Lucchese boots, everyday Noelle Munoz Gypsy hoop earrings, chambray button down and Polo cashmere cable sweater. We both stated that if it weren't for the Coronavirus, we may have never thought to have had such an awesome, fun date night and experience.  I highly recommend everyone do it!

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At Home Chic

So, we’re all stuck at home and comfortable is the new norm. I don’t know about you, but I have actually quite enjoyed a little comfy around the house R&R. When I am working at home and have plans to only see my two boys, you can find me in my camo snuggy pants, a long time favorite of one very stylish client. Here is my pick for current favorite.

If you too are tired of old pajama pants, tshirts, and socks, here are some funky yet comfortable spring styles for your at home work days. The perfect slippers, lounge dresses, jumpsuits, sweatsuits and hair accessories for looking your best, even when you're cooped up inside. I am completely in love with Sleeper brand. Take your pick…

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Spring '20 Trend: Feather Weather

My favorite season change is always from winter to spring. Not just because of the warm weather, but who doesn’t love the new trends?! Brighter colors, bolder patterns, and lighter layers serve as refreshers for my every day outfits. The spring 2020 runway shows gave an exciting insight for what to expect this season. One of my person favorites: FEATHERS.

In the past, wearing any type of feathers brought back my traumatic middle school memories of the feather hair extension trend – if you know, you know. Now, seeing the feathered looks on the runway, I’m actually super excited to add some fun pieces like these to my wardrobe. ­These orange and polka dot mini dresses are sure to stand out at any event. The tote bag and feather-trimmed mules can be paired with more casual looks to add personality. An all feather top will scream glamorous and a sequined dress with a feathered trim is such a unique way to mix texture! And is anyone else out there loving the Paris Texas shoe brand as much as I am?? These metallic square toe mules with feathers are show stopping heart stopping get in my closet now shoes!

How To Style A Turtleneck

What do dress coats, houndstooth skirts, jeans, and flirty dresses all have in common?  They all look great with a turtleneck! Before spring hits full swing, we’re making the most out of these last few chilly days by pulling off five jaw-dropping turtleneck looks.  For starters, we’ve picked a J. Crew black “tissue” turtleneck as our base — these turtlenecks are chic, comfortable, high quality, and I can’t recommend them enough. I recommend them to all of my clients as an easy functional item, and I layer them literally under everything to grow legs in carrying several of my favorite spring/summer items into fall.  

Our first pairing is casual but edgy, mixing leather accessories with light denim wash jeans — perfect for running errands or meeting a friend for coffee.  Florals are always in season around this time of year, so we’ve paired a beautiful Isabel Marant flowy maxi with a turtleneck.  Look three is a little more on the playful side, mixing the classic and classy houndstooth print (we love this Gucci pick!) with some bright pink stilleto boots by the hotter than hot Paris, Texas brand. Look four’s gorgeous, blue Jackie Kennedy-esque coat and leather pants have you prepped to roam the streets of Manhattan with a latte in hand, so chic your fierceness will radiate from a mile away. Our fifth and final outfit is another cute but casual pairing, flexible to lounge around the house or get some work done at the office. Of course, no plaid pant look would be complete without a fisherman cap. Which outfit speaks most to your style?

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Spring '20 Trend: Cozy Crochet

Summer vibes are arriving early with crochet, and I couldn’t be more happy! I Love this sweet, hand made throw back to grandma and the 60’s. My favorite summertime hugh, a knit yellow midi dress is something I want in my wardrobe as soon as possible! I am currently trying to determine which crochet dress will make it's way into my closet this season. You can double-up a long flowy skirt with this crisscross pink top to bring out your inner gypsy. A knit crop top is the perfect easy summer statement maker paired with your go-to pair of shorts and these sandals. For colder spring days you could opt for something more like a short sleeve sweater. But for hotter days, crochet pieces make the perfect swimsuit covers that also double as tank tops. Don’t like the idea of wearing all knit? Check out this flutter sleeve top.

Ulla Johnson continues to make it hot, hot, hot, and doesn’t stop with this stacked sandal of crochet dreams. I got to see this Lela Rose number presented by the designer herself. So class. A little dab will do ya with this House of Harlow 1960 clutch. Last season never looked so fresh when it looks like this. And let’s just be honest, no know does crochet quite like Missoni.

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Spring /20 Trend: 60's Scene

The old stuff is always the good stuff, right?? Now that most wallpapers from the 60’s and 70’s have been torn down or painted over, they are coming back to life in fashion. There is opportunity to wear floral print AND neutral colors. This Fendi runway look is one of my favorites and gives insight to the groovy patterns we can expect to see this spring. Erdem (oh yes!) and their long skirt and Pucci (on my!) and their sheath dresses boast prints straight out of That 70’s Show. The floral pants can bring your throwback style out on the town and the Prada jacket can show off a love for crazy patterns even in the office.

The best part? These looks are 100% grandma approved.

Shake What Your Mama Gave You + Shopburu

When my friends at Society Social and B Noble Styled hosted darlling Morgan and fantastic Shopburu earlier this month, I simply could not wait to finally meet her. I picked up a few of my favorite pieces from Morgan’s current line. I can never get enough of fringe or anything that shakes with a single step, and the on and off the shoulder blouse is basically a metallic rainbow on acid in the form of shirt. If you love following the whimsical on Instagram, Shopburu is one not to miss. Her clothes are fun, approachable and accessibly priced and the branding is brilliant. Morgan and her equally polite husband, Brett, recently had their third child. Thanks to Morgan, nursing and baby strolling never looked so chic. Not one to let an opportunity slip by, in light of the Coronavirus, her current campaign has been driven toward homeschooling moms. Once again, staying at home has never ever looked so chic.

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Hello, I Believe We Met A While Back...

Hello My Long Lost Friends!!!

Are you still there?

These are trying trying times. I don’t know about you, but 10 days in and I have taken to this newfound groove. In the midst of trying, difficult, unchartered, unfamiliar, uncertain times, the overwhelming, resounding feeling I have is gratitude. Maybe it’s because I realize this is completely out of my hands and there is nothing I can do but what I am doing. I am loving and embracing this slower pace which means more time to focus on my children and loves ones, even if I cannot see them all. Am I upset about finances, fearful of good health, hurting for not for profits and other friends who will not weather this storm as well as some? Yes. The outcome will not look the same for everyone, BUT we are all in this together, and I am so grateful for all of the GOOD. Does anyone else feel this way?

I have been pretty much 99% focused on trying to be a homeschool teacher. As you can see in the above picture, this is going GREAT. (ha!) Professional, calm, disciplined, experienced homeschool teacher is something I know I am NOT, but now that it is what is in front of me, I am giving it all I got. But also, in the little extra bit of downtime there is, I am excited about a new website and logo in the making thanks to my friend Emily, and I’m REALLY excited to learn some new things about the power of social media. With this enhanced focus, I have been enjoying working with some of my favorite professional photographers and makeup artists to get back to how where and how this all began….

In the coming weeks I look forward to bringing you what I hope will be intriguing outfit inspiration, enjoyable trend reports with shoppable links and some light hearted photographic inspiration. This may not be the most ideal time for you to think about spending your money on non-essentials, and believe you me— I get that. Living it full on here my friends. BUT, this doesn’t have to mean we lose our inspiration and joy in the little things.

May God Bless You and Your Loved Ones.

Affectionately Yours, Whitley

Tabor Pull x the Queen City Style: Father's Day

A while back I shared with you a stylish pull from Tabor men’s store by my friend David Wakins. David has such great taste, and I spend a fair amount of time at Tabor, so their little fashion collab was one I simply couldn’t not share! In anticipation of Father’s Day this coming weekend, my friends at Tabor asked me to share some of my favorite items in the store now. From the delightful Father/Son read, Men and Manners, by David Coggins, to the bi-colored and tri-colord interchangeable ribbon watch bands that remind me of my own Dad’s to the ideal “beach to bar” All Day Short by Faherty Brand, there is something stylish on this list for every Dad at every price point!

If you’re in the Charlotte area, hop on over to Tabor and check all these goodies and much more out for your very own self. Outside of the QC? Shop the edit below here. Happy Father’s Day to all the Dad’s!

Engineered Garments Navy Jacket

MWC Nato Watchband

WIley Slip Cinch O Ring Belt

Men and Manners by David Coggins

Raleigh Denim Jones Cotton Twill Trouser

Engineered Garments Beach Print Shirt

Faherty Brand All Day Short

Sperry Topsider Shoe

Tabor x David Watkins

A few weeks ago I had to share David Watkins’ blog post on Men’s Cocktail Attire. I think David has such great taste, and he is one of my Go-To guys for thoughts, opinions, advice —anything on men’s style. If you follow me over on Instagram, you already know I spend a fair amount of my time at men’s clothing store Tabor when I am personal shopping or editorial styling for men. Last week Tabor shared some of David’s top picks from their store right now. I loved it so much, again I had to share it with you! Go see the great threads and folks over at Tabor—and go see David at House of Abbeydale— and tell them I said hello!

Spring 19' Trend: Yellow

It’s Taylor and I’m back talking about my favorite spring trends! Whitley and I are drooling over this Spring’s hottest color: Yellow. If you read my All Dolled Up blog post, you already know I hinted at my obsession, and yes, I did order that amazing A.L.C dress. The best part about a clear color trend is that you don’t have to wait to buy it, or, in the back of your head you never wanted to throw away that “ugly” yellow sweater you swore you would never wear again! Ahead, check out the cutest pieces to start incorporating into your wardrobe NOW!

This super cute Striped Linen Skirt for a dinner at the beach, Paulina Rouched Bikini Top and Mid- Waisted Bottom, Throw on a pair of sandals or wedges with this Marietta Maxi for comfort + class, Super Lunar Sunnies, I bought a throw on yellow cardigan last summer like This RtA one, and I wear with everything! Bring style to the office with this Sleeveless Midi Coat, Little expensive but boy do I NEED this Floral Embroidered Tank, These Neon Joggers, So happy platforms aren’t going out of style anytime soon, put these Paloma Barcelo Sandles in my cart!

I am too excited to switch over my winter closet to spring and summer, fingers crossed it gets warm FAST! I hope these pieces help you start incorporating yellow into your closets!!

Have a great week!

xx Taylor

Elston

Last night—with GREAT anticipation—I attended the opening party for Elston. After years owning and operating ChezElle Boutique, Laryn Adams has returned to the Charlotte market doing her thing. Laryn’s store, like her, was known for delivering first rate on all things edgy, funky, sexy and cool….ChezElle closing left a mega huge hole in the Charlotte fashion market. Now, teaming up with Stephanie Reynolds to bring us Elston— a mobile shoe and accessories boutique for brands previously not available in Charlotte— I would call Elston somewhat of a resurrection. A very welcomed one at that.

Elston’s mobile pop up showroom is actually a glass front truck that travels from one location to the next. While the truck is still under construction you can check out Elston at their temporary location at 4101 Park Rd. next to Flourshop in the back court of Park Road Shopping Center. Sneakers, heels, booties, slides, earrings, bracelete, bangles and more… Check out a few of Elston’s fab styles here.