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.

Engagement Gone Gorgeous

Donna recently took these photos of my family's precious neighbors and good friends, Lauren and Sterling, along with their babies Simba and Bear, and they are just too gorgeous for me not to share.  Congratulations to these two beautiful people!  You may contact Donna here.

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.

Burning Torch

Dress: Burning Torch (here's one) from Our Place. 

Are you familiar with the line Burning Torch?  If you like Free People and Lucky Brand, you need to check out Burning Torch.  Donna took me to the most beautiful field of sunflowers, a true hidden gem, located in York County just beyond Rock Hill and near Historic Brattonsville.  Sadly, bloom season is now over, but if you would like to visit next summer, this is how you get there. With more than 10 miles of trails and two stocked fishing ponds, this little spot is a wonderful place to sneak away any time of the year.  Happy Friday y'all!

My House Project In Print!

It has been such a fun opportunity to partner with Fort Mill Magazine, a gem of a publication, which happens to be about a little town just south of the border that is a big part of my heritage. When the owner said they were interested in featuring my completed Living Room and Dining Room Redesign in the Texture section of their newly revamped publication, I really couldn't believe it.  I still can't!  Go figure, yesterday when I was vacuuming in the dining room, I realized the foyer needed to be painted... a fantastically fabulous bright happy shade of plum!  My husband already found the paint cans in the corner of the room. Can you imagine his tone of surprise when he asked what room I am painting purple?! In all actuality, he handled it quite well. After all, we have the rest of our lives to live in beige, don't we?  You can check out the entire story here.  What do you think?  Is my love affair with bright over the top or just right?

Alexander McQueen Copied Me

When the above image from Shopbop's awesome Lookbook of the day came through yesterday, I immediately thought of my Grandmother's classic Pendleton Tartan Plaid Coat.  I love how the Shopbop editors styled the Alexander McQueen swing to showcase their look of Sophisticated Prep. Just goes to show you classics never go out of style.  Check out our original shoot here.

Shopbop is one of my absolute favorite on line shopping hubs, and if they say it's so, well it's so. Looks like tartan plaid is in for Fall!  Shop a few of my favorites below. 

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.

Head To Toe, Hold The Middle

My mother-in-law wore this outfit for her first date with my father-in-law at a pool party in August of 1971.  As you can image, with her long legs, barely there midi and the cutest smile under the sun, for my father-in-law, the rest was history!  Knowing my obsession with one of a kind fashion, Mary pulled this precious two piece out for me several years ago.  I've worn it a couple of times, and it really does make the most fun pool party outfit I could imagine wearing.  In all honesty, it is this photo shoot that lit the fire under me to get cranking on the abs.  Breeze is da bomb! More to come there. In the meantime, I've pulled a few matching crop top and bottoms for your next pool party.  Ladies, trust me on this one...

Vignettes In My Living Room + Dining Room

Last week I excitedly shared my Living Room and Dining Room redesign with you, and so today I wanted to follow up with some photos of a few vignettes around the room.  Thanks so much for all of the sweet comments and complements.  Fashion and style are all such a personal matter of opinion and taste, and so regardless of you what your own personal style is, thank you for allowing me to share my latest design project with you!  Interior decorating is my second favorite form of channeling creative frustration, behind fashion, of course.  I am no trained expert, but one thing I do know how to do is have fun.  I think these two rooms are a reflection on my passion for having as much fun as possible with whatever it is I am doing in this life.  Hence the disco ball!  I LOVE to accessorize, and they do say it's all in the details, no?  With my attraction to so may different styles, it will be an accomplishment if this room makes it three years in its current design state!  Cheers y'all!

Towne & Reese Sample Sale

Y'all ready for this?  The jewelry line responsible for bringing us Emily Maynard's designs is having a sample sale.  New items being brought out every hour, and everything priced at $15 and under, this is one of those big time jewelry opps you don't want to miss.  I have no idea how many of Emily's designs will be available at the sale (the above earrings are my favorite from her collection), but chances are you already know a thing or two about Towne & Reese designs. Regarded for their on whimsical, on-trend designs available at prices truly accessible to anyone, Towne & Reese has something for everyone.  Get on your shopping wheels!

BLo Baby BLo

Jacket: J. Crew. Shirt: thanks to La Senorita Jolie. Jeans: thanks to Chip & Pepper. Shoes: Cole Haan from Constance Consignment. Ring and Hoop Earrings: Melinda Maria. Necklace: thanks to Melvin. Bracelets: thanks to bly design and Chelsea Charles.

As of late, I've been getting lots of questions and kind remarks on my updo's.  So, without further adieu, it's all thanks to BLo ouT.  If I have a big event or speaking engagement, my new favorite "pick me up and see me ready" is getting my hair fantastically did from these lovely ladies.  Charlotte's trendsetter of the blo-out craze, BLo ouT, now has three locations; SouthPark, Myers Park, and a brand new third at Jetton Village Shopping Center in Cornelius for those of you living near Lake Norman.  I'm big on updo's since my own craft stops at the ponytail, but whatever style it is you desire, BLo ouT will take the very best care of you, and send you on your perfectly coiffed way!

My Love For Running + Run For Your Life

Many of you know about my love for the sport of running.  I was a competitive runner in high school and ran some road races in college and after that.  I put it down for several years, then picked it back up after Precious Peanut #1 was born, when a couple of girlfriends talked of the idea of running a half marathon to work off the baby weight.  In high school, the one and two mile events were considered long distance, and the longest I had ever run was a 10K.  I ran the Kiawah half marathon with my girlfriends, and it was so much fun.  I continued to run some through my next pregnancy, but after clumsily breaking my pinkie toe, I took a break from it. The baby weight from Precious Peanut #2 seemed so much more, well, GROSS, than the first, and I wanted to do something about immediately.  I heard about running groups at Run For Your Life, for all ages and speeds, so I joined.  Through this group I met some really great people who shared my passion for running, or physical fitness, or determination... for so many things.  THIS is when I caught the bug, and my running mates are some of my closest friends.

While running is a means of physical fitness, it is so much more.  It is something you can do almost anywhere.  Just strap on your shoes and go.  When I decided to take a step back from my previous business, running became my channel for personal accomplishment.  Nursing a baby for a year, whilst a toddler running circles around me was definitely a challenge, and as much as I loved my new role of mommy to two children, I needed more for ME.  What started out as a means of accomplishment truly became a best friend for me.  At the end of the day, whether it was good or bad for me, running was always there.  It is my time to decompress, think about the day behind or think about the day ahead of me.  When I run alone, it is a time that allows for creative thinking. I think about my styling my next photo shoot, what I will write for my next article with Charlotte Parent, or what I will write here.  If I've had a bad day, within minutes of hitting the pavement, the stress is gone.  And when I run with friends, it is therapeutic. Runners come from all different backgrounds, but everyone shares the same passion for this one thing.  Everyone is supportive of each other, regardless of your pace.

To learn more about the Run For Your Life training programs, click here.  Now that you've seen how much fun running can be, (or in this case, dancing) I'll be back next time with David for some helpful demonstrations and talk about the important of stretching.

Happy Running!

I Love You Coffee And Harriet

Harriet, Donna and I had a fun little team meeting a few months ago at Mugs Coffee.  Have you been there?  Don't get me wrong, I enjoy my Bucks and Bou too, but if I have my choice, it's always drink local for me.  For those of you who live or work in or pass through the Myers Park/Southpark area, Mugs Coffee is at the intersection of Park and Selwyn, in the Park Selwyn shopping center next to Portofino's.  Just prior to my first visit to Mugs, I met Magnolia Coffee Roastmaster, Jay Gestiwicki at a Warm Charlotte event.  This is some GOOD coffee y'all. Anyway, our meeting was great, but the not anywhere near great part is that our beloved Harriet is moving to London on Monday.  I'm very, very excited for her, of course, but Lord knows I'm going to miss this girl.  On the bright side, the Queen City Style will be gaining a London correspondent!  Does it get any cooler than that?  I can't wait to see and share what oh so stylish, fashionable and awesome things Harriet finds for us!  In the meantime, get on over to Mugs and get your Magnolia Coffee on.

Get Ready To Shop!

If you've been coming here a while, you know how much I love a Green Jeans Consignment Sale.  Founded by my dear friends, sisters Cindy Williams and Dana Degan, these girls know how to turn out a fashionable bargain sale like no other.  With two sales at two locations on two separate weekends, there is some awesome garb to be had.  Just in time for Spring, the Lake Norman sale takes place THIS weekend, March 26-29.  For those of you living in South Charlotte or Charlotte proper, the Southpark sale will be held May 2-4th.  Get all the info. here. 

Yep, that's me.  The poster child for Green Jeans Consignment.  Woop!

And, if for some crazy reason you don't need any more clothes but what you really need is to purge your closet (that's me, always), now's your chance to clear out the clutter and make a little coin.  Green Jeans Consignment pays up to 65% commission on the sale of your items.  The very best part of consigning your clothes with Green Jeans?  If you simply do not have the time to get your clothes organized and ready for the sale, they will do it for you!  The Green Jeans Express Tagging Service pays consignors 50% of earnings.  I'm most definitely one of those people.  Get all the consignor information here, and see in photos how my own church carpool line trunk to trunk secret clothing swap went down.  YES, Cindy and Dana will even come to you!

Emily Maynard On Instagram

My Dress: Milly (old), this one is a home run, as well as this one. Shoes: Stuart Weitzman, similar. Tights: Nordstrom. Photography: Moments by Donna.  Videography: KQIIFilms

As you may recall from my previous post with her, thanks to my friends at Belk, I had a great opportunity to sit down with Emily Maynard to discuss her jewelry line in partnership with local designers, Towne & Reese. Through a unique collaboration perfectly in step with Belk's ever growing modern product line, select Belk department stores will be carrying pieces from Emily's designs.  As I discussed this partnership with Emily, we touched on everything from her wedding plans with fiance Tyler Johnson to her top pics for beauty products (stay tuned) to wrapping with a little fun as we disected a few of her photos on her Instagram. Watch it here. Thank you again to Belk, Towne & Reese and Emily for fun opportunity!

Poolside Gossip

Caftan: My Grandmother's, here's one. Shoes: Cole Haan (on super sale) from Step. Sunglasses: Blinde, similar. Earrings: From KK Bloom. Necklace: old. Bracelets: Bakelite from summerbird. Rings: Custom from Diamonds Direct, Tiffany, my Grandmothers, and thanks to Tasha Hussey Designs. 

A Slim Aarons Poolside Gossip recreation seemed the perfect opportunity for me to style my Grandmother's caftan. I say this all the time, but this might be my favorite piece of hers in my collection.  My Aunt Lee had it first.  I think she needs to have it back borrow it next spring for a little poolside gossip over her own.  I'll bring the shaker.  Thank you, Donna, for the amazing photos!

I love that you are here!  Whitley

PS-I'd really just love to walk around my house all the time wearing this and this.