What I Wore: Lunch At Rooster's

I had lunch today with a very fashionable sweet friend.  We met at Neiman Marcus of all places. I'll never forget.  She was walking out of the store, and I was entering.  I am fairly certain it was one of "those days".  I was dressed a disheveled hot mess, doing a quick client pick up between taking Precious Peanut #2 here and before retrieving #1 from here.  She looked like a million bucks, this gorgeous lady.  I mean it, ONE MILLION DOLLARS ya'll.  I smiled in star gazing amusement.  She was one of the most well dressed women I have seen in this city.  So classic and striking.  Then, she approached me with the warmest heart and most beautiful smile, "I know you! I follow you on Instagram!"  And then followed with so many nice things and I just remember thinking this woman is so real.  Love, love the real people.  We exchanged numbers right then and there, and now I look forward to each every lunch date with my friend.  So this is what I wore to Rooster's for our lunch date today...

Normally one to run from trends, the bag InStyle Magazine refers to as the "IT" bag of the season, I carry my Cult Gaia (the knock off HERE) Bamboo Ark bag almost every day.  It works with everything, so I can't not.

I wear my metallic pleated skirt from Anthropologie four seasons out of the year.  This Gucci number... if only! And this Missoni. Also love this rainbow one from Anthropologie.

Blair wore it first, but I just had to have this blue and white check gingham ruffle blouse for Carolina ball games!

Shop the look below or click HERE if you are unable to see the pictures. 

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.

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. 

Ahead From The North

Photos: Ellie Lacey and on Instagram

Skirt: Mossimo Supply Co., Vest: Ralph Lauren, Shoes: thanks to Julie Lopez Shoes, Sunglasses: Blinde (similar), Earrings: thanks to Geoflora, Black Ring: Melinda Maria, Bracelets: Calf Hair, Geometric Cross Cuff thanks to Blydesign, Necklace: Jan Michaels

As you know, it's been a long, long time since I've hit the streets of Charlotte in search of the next coolest place for pictures here on the blog.  I ran into my precious cousin Ellie a couple of weeks ago while having coffee at 7th Street Public Market.  Can I just say I love family?  On my father's side my Grandmother was the youngest of 11, so as I'm sure you can image, there are a whole ton of them.  I was so excited when Ellie asked if we could take some photos.  I'm always up for an adventure, so when she suggested a spot North of the city that boasted amazing views of the skyline, I said let's do it! This expansive piece of pavement soon to be light rail served as a fun location for several photos to come.  It's a good thing we captured it when we did, because like most every other remaining piece of undeveloped land in the QC, as we look ahead, it is only a matter of time before it will be no more.

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.

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! 

Boho Chic

Photography: Moments by Donna. Dress worn as a Kimono: Indie Ella Shorts: Free People. Shoes: Ann Roth Shoes, (similar). Tank: Honey Punch. Belt: Target. Hat: Nine West (similar). Ring: Melinda Maria. Bracelets: thanks to Blydesign.  Earrings: email Back Yard Baby.  Necklace: thanks to Melvin.

Stroll

Shirt: Gap. Shorts: J.Crew. Shoes: Cole Haan, similar here and here. Bracelets: Jook and Nona and thanks to Blydesign. Ring: Melinda Maria.

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!

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.