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. 

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. 

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.

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!

Hat Obsessed

Yes, I'm totally and completely hat obsessed, and now that it's that whole Black Friday/Cyber Monday/Whatever It Takes To Get Consumers Spending time of year, so everything is marked way down so you will buy, I am thinking about putting my money where my eyes are.  Adding a piece of Eugenia Kim perfection to your accessory repertoire is like having a purse with double C's, or anything that comes from a little robin's egg blue box tied with white satin ribbon, or a tan trench with black, maroon and cream plaid lining the inside, or nude pumps with a shiny red bottom.  I'm sure you get it, and I really want it. This Eugenia Kim piece of perfection to keep me warm all winter long that is.  There are many others to be had too.  Shop above a few of my favorites.

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!

Meeting Betsey Johnson

A big, huge thanks to Belk for including me in a private meet and greet with American fashion designer icon Betsey Johnson.  I've loved and worn Betsey's designs for years.  Known for her whimsical designs often considered over the top, I adore Betsey's ingenuity and joyful spirit. Three of my wedding party dresses were Betsey Johnson designs, all from Belk Southpark.. who knew?!  The day of the event was a typically frigid November one.  My satin plunging sweetheart neckline frock was the most temperature appropriate fabric, though still the furthest thing from warm.  That did not stop me from finding a way to wear it, and I'm so glad I did, because Betsey got very excited.  She spotted her "vintage" design immediately, and just as she did with everyone else she posed, she threw her arms around my neck in precious glee. If I had to narrow her (little) known attributes down to just two, aside from her effervescent splendor, it would be she still busts out a cartwheel like few 72 year olds can do, and I just read that she graduated from college Phi Beta Kappa.  Cool as sh&t and smart as a whip. Betsey Forever!

The SoGood Feature

Thank you to The SoGood for the very kind and most generous article.  If you are not already linked in to The SoGood, it is an amazing one of a kind, trend setting network of artists, makers and entrepreneurs, in some of America's coolest cities, all working to serve the same purpose: to make life SoGood.  In the article I share some quick and dirty fashion advice for the new mom, the first date and more, as well as my Top Recommendations in Charlotte.  See it here.

73 Questions With Anna Wintour

This interview with Vogue Editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour, which I found via Domaine, might be the most clever I've ever witnessed.  Whether it's fashion you are in to, Roger Federer, tuberose, or well, if you just really hate selfie's, you are in for a real treat.  Watch it here. 

Bon Weekend!

House Reveal: Hall/Boys' Bathroom

Last month I shared my inspiration board for a new hall bath design.  Because this bathroom is shared by our two boys, ages six and three, as well as any guests, I wanted to come up with a design that would be fun for the boys but still chic for everyone else. After a trip to my favorite interior design store in the entire U S of A, Furbish Studio, in Raleigh, NC, I was able to add some whimsical pops of color to the room which was originally planned to be Kelly green, white and navy, designed around the Serena & Lilly alligator shower curtain.  

The bathmat was a gift my mom graciously picked up in Georgetown, SC, and my talented, sweet mother-in-law painted the watercolor.  Reminiscent of our family sailing trip around the BVI, the picture depicts your back toward the Soggy Dollar Bar, birthplace of the deliciously refreshing Painkiller, looking out onto White Bay, Jost Van Dyke.  It's safe to say I'm happiest near blue green waters.

The capiz shell sconces I eagerly snagged from West Elm right after we moved into to the house. These are the closest I'm able to find, and I'm very excited to have just purchased the pendant shade version recently for our foyer.

The orange bikini girl is a print made by a long time family friend.  I wish she still produced them!

My girl, Jessica, painted the Beverly palm print, and the Turkish towels and cute little donkey are from Furbish Studio.  Those are my two friends (one real life friend anyway) in the picture taken at a very long ago Carolina Cup!  Good memories, they never fade, but I'm so glad we have this one documented on paper...

And last but certainly not least, those crazy fantastic crazy snake prints, also from Furbish Studio.  My new favorite is this donkey.

And there you have it, viola!  Until the next itch to change comes a creepin'...

How To Be Chic At Any Price This Fall

Am very excited to be talking shop with Belk VP of Trend Merchandising, Arlene Goldstein, in today's Charlotte Observer.  With a bevvy of trends from which to engage your wardrobe this fall, Arlene and I weigh in on those we love and how to wear them.  As the below image states, grey is the IT color for fall.  I dig it.  You may read the entire article here. Thank you to the folks over at the Charlotte Observer for including me!

Dying Over This Hand Bag

It's ALL here.  Check it out in my recent post over at Charlotte Parent Magazine.

View fullsize

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...

Darius Rucker's Home Featured

Photos: Julia Lynn

As a lover of all things stylish, interior design is, behind fashion, my second favorite form for channeling my creative frustration. Domaine is one of my favorite websites these days for a peak into lifestyle's of the rich and famous' most gorgeous dwelling spaces. We ALL love Hootie and the Blowfish's front man turned country super star, Darius Rucker. This week Domaine featured Mr. and Mrs. Rucker's charming Charleston, SC home designed by one of my favorite interior designers, Charleston-based, Angie Hranowsky. With a penchant for creating spaces by way of a colorful palette, combined with her modernist style and incorporating a mix of vintage and contemporary pieces, Hranowsky's work lends a personal and collected vibe in the Ruckers' home. I love the welcoming nature created in the master bedroom with the use of two chairs and a small table at the end of the bed, and the soothing color palette incorporating splashes of pink,peach and purple is just exquisite. Check out the full story here.
 

Project Adkins Family Cabin

Perhaps you saw this post last Spring.  The pictures were taken at my Dad's cabin on our family farm.  I was really hoping they would catch the attention of my favorite print publication, Garden & Gun.  Maybe they'll be looking this time!  At any rate, I am really excited, because Dad and I are about to get started on a fun little addition to his cabin.  Currently, the cabin is what you see here, all 850 sq feet of it!  We are adding a new master bedroom, updating the downstairs bath, and I am getting five more feet in the kitchen!  I am so excited to have a project to work on, even if it is not me acquiring the new digs in my own home.  It is going to be so great.  My Dad is a simple man who does not need a lot of things.  This cabin is reflective on that philosophy, but what is there; the land, the large covered porches on front and back and that on the back which looks out onto the pond, is all oh so dreamy.  I look forward to it all, but the thing I look forward to most is the outdoor shower.  Is there anything better in the world?  Maybe an outdoor shower at Pawleys Island, but this is going to be an amazing second.  Below are a few inspiration photos for the new addition.

What do you think?  Do you love an outdoor shower as much as I do?  I can't wait for a BIG FAT white farm sink in the kitchen.  I also reclaimed a few items from my old apartment building recently torn down (TRAGEDY!) in Historic Dilworth, on the corner of Morehead and Kenilworth. I was able to grab the glass cabinet doors from my old kitchen, as well as crystal door knobs and the most amazing slatted door.  Check out my Pinterest board for more cabin inspiration. I would love hearing if you have any awesome one of a kind ideas for me and Dad!

While We're On The Topic of Tory Burch...

In case you missed my post discussing American designer Tory Burch and her collaboration with Bank of America, Elizabeth Street Capital, an initiative designed to support women entrepreneurs with capital and mentoring opportunities, you may read that review here.  The evening was nothing short of awe-inspiring.  And so while we are on the topic of Tory Burch, I thought it to be only be apropos in sharing a handful of my favorite designs from her summer and fall collections, some of which are currently on sale.  Check 'em out here...

Oh, and just in case you were wondering...

This Dress Made Me Do It

Dress: Free People.  Shoes: B Brian Atwood. Bracelets: Thanks to Blydesign. Earrings: Lettees by way of Back Yard Baby. Sunglasses: Blinde. Ring: Melinda Maria.

Yes, this dress made me put my hands on my hip and strike a pose.  And maybe the shoes, which are now on serious sale.  I think that is an occupational hazard of working with real live models.  What else is a girl to do with her hands than put them on her hips?  Well, I learned from one photographer friend this week that, as it turns out,  putting your hands on your hips in photos is like saying "I have no idea what to do with my hands."  Well, Ok.  And, since I am no model, on the hips they go.  Interesting stuff though. Anyway, as I said, the dress made me do it. I love the cuts on this dress which show just a tiny peak of skin in the front and back.  Below are a few currently available cut out dresses I love.

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.

Bringing Booty Back

My girlfriend sent me this.  It is so fabulous, I can't stand it.  No matter your size, this is a great message about loving yourself and your body and, as the singer, Meghan, states, loving all your insecurities.  In the spirit of sharing, the biggest insecurity I have worked to overcome?  Giving a rats fanny what silly girls may say.  And so "if that's what you're into, then go ahead and move along." Anybody out there want to celebrate their insecurities with me?  You know you like this bass...

Oh one more thing, on a different but equally fun note.  Here's my current obsession as it pertains to my home.