Street Style: SouthPark II

Model: Chelsea Lewis, Photographer: Zach Alston, Hair and Makeup: Chelsea Kimrey.
Alice + Olivia Luisa A-Line Midi Skirt at Neiman Marcus, Enza Costa Printed Cashmere Sweater from Denim House, Joie Paxton Laser-Cut Bootie, Ceri Hoover Pony Hair (also here) and Heather Benjamin Antique Tusk Ring from Sloan, Vintage Chanel Chain Necklace at Monkee's of Charlotte (also these earrings), Kristin Hayes Jewelry Vintage Brooch, Chain and Stone Necklace, Earrings from ChezElle, Blydesign Brass and Floral Cuff, Alexis Bittar Assorted Lucite Braclets from Denim House (also here and here), eb jewelry Studio Green Quartz Cleo Cuff

Julie Lopez Shoes

I'm way over due sharing my excitement for this wonderful high fashion comfortable shoe handcrafted in the heart of Tuscany.  I was drafted to work with Julie Lopez Shoes to style their Spring and Summer catalog, and I fell in love with everything about the company... the shoes, the comfort, the fantastic mother daughter power duo running the company.  Check out all of their styles here, including my personal favorite, Layla.

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.

A New Peachy!

I am so excited for my feature in the newest edition of Peachy the Magazine!  These ladies are so talented in every way, and the material is... STYLE FOR DAYS!  There is a wonderful feature on my very sweet dear incredibly talented running pal Taylor. Check it out here!

Rick Lee Photography, Model: Amy Werho, Marilyns Model and Talent Management, Hair and Makeup by Deme Fourtounis, Featuring Julie Lopez Shoes.

GoodWill Good Deeds Week + Me

Goodwill Industries recently celebrated their 50th Anniversary. In observance, Goodwill of the Southern Piedmont teamed up with Charlotte Today for Goodwill's Week of Good Deeds, one for each week day. Goodwill was so kind to include me in this celebration.  As I said in a teaser on my Facebook page, it's not about the designer shades, fancy handbags or shoes. THIS is what it's about.  Thank you again Goodwill for letting me share this wonderful experience with you, sweet Raven and my friends at Charlotte Today!

Olivia Palermo + Charlotte Style Icons

This girl kills it. Every. Single. Time.  Olivia Palermo and your style, be still my beating heart.  Since my Grandmother, she may be the only one I have so admired. Honestly, at times, and I say this with total poise and confidence and without fear or hesitation (because I realize the bold nature of this statement), I truly feel she is one of the few I feel who gets it like I do.  Except for maybe Blair Eadie.  And, if you are here in Charlotte, Chezelle Boutique owner, Lauren. Girl is a trend setter.  The incomparable Alex Holleman and Interior Design one of a kind, Barrie Benson. None of this copy cat head to toe preppy prissy stuff.  Straight up original, craft, strength, talent.  

One thing I do want to point out is that money CAN buy you amazing garments that not only ARE but aldo look and feel rich.  We cannot all dress this way, but that does not mean it cannot be achieved.  I would like to think I am an example of this.  More on that later... Below are a few of Olivia's recent shots for Cosmopolitan Magazine. And, yes, I have already reached out to Zach to shoot me as close to this as possible.  I have an email into said person to borrow house for location, and I hope the stores will see it their worthwhile to lend me their most magnifique clothes and accouterments!

Belk Spring Fashion Preview

I recently attended the Belk Spring Fashion Preview with Belk VP of Trend Merchandising, Arlene Goldstein.   According to Belk, Spring 2015 is going to be all about the "Modern Mashup"  As with each preview, Belk presented their take on the versatile yet striking trends for the season to come.

• Garden Party - I for one, can't imagine I'll ever tire of flowers used in fashion.  Belk presented this trend for Spring to include dreamy pales and mid-tones, a wardrobe of whites, florals and beautiful botanicals. Lace-like textiles, sheers, intricate appliques, embroideries, and crystal pleats. Flower-motifs and amazing accessories like colorful stone treatments, pearl variations and statement earrings.

• Sport Chic -Borrowed from the gym. Performance fabrics like jersey, double knits, nylon mesh and scuba complemented by innovative perfs, color blocking and contrast zippers. Athletic-inspired hoodies, bombers, halters and jog pants paired with more polished items. Stylish sneakers, new-age backpacks and totes.

Spare Me - Architectural forms like A-line, columns and trumpet skirts, along with tunics, over-sized shirts and trapeze dresses. Advanced shine, sheers, unexpected fabric mixes and coated surfaces. Bold stripes, artistic scribble, and grids. Bold cuffs, chokers, over-sized clutches, mini bags, and shoes with bottom interest.  You had me at "Unexpected"

• Islander -Pattern mixes, wraps, ties, tassels and fringe. Exotic details include beading and embroideries with eye-catching bright colors. Arm candy, big gold hoops, statement earrings, head wraps and strappy sandals with bold bottoms.

Be sure to also check out the Women's Most Wanted and Men's Most Wanted List!  Fellow stylist and my new friend Chelsie Ravenell styled the Men's Most Wanted List.  Check out his Instagram here.  So fly.

Even Paris Hilton Does Not Have This Closet

Pictures via Pink Peonies

If you are a fashion blog-o-sphere junkie, there is no way you've missed Rachel Parcell's uber popular blog, Pink Peonies.  Rach is the leading brunette beauty fashion blogger of all beautiful brunette fashion bloggers... with amazing clothes... for days.  And shoes. And bags. And so on and so forth.  But her closet is what I am drooling over most of all.  I mean have you ever seen anything more magnificent than putting your home office IN your closet surrounded by the beautiful things that inspire you most?  One day.  I will say, however, I've done quite an amazing job DIYing my way into an aspiring home office.  I mean, I have kelly green quilted artichokes dancing across my prized vintage sofa couch.  Paris NOR Rachel have that.  SO. There you have it.  OR, below, you really can have it. 

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!

Purchase a Stylist's Opinion

More and more these days I get picture texts and emails from friends, clients, neighbors, family members, etc asking me for my opinion on their outfits.  And I love it.  Fast forward to this week, I was sitting in the car with a client, looking through clothes we ordered for her on-line and brainstorming outfit ideas.  She is a busy mom and business owner who manages a large team and spends a lot of her time coming and going.  Then some days she works from home. For those of us who do, me included, we know it is easy to fall into the trap of wearing our comfiest yoga pants and hooded sweatshirt.  Case in point... 

Anyway, she was saying how much she liked our most recent shop and share method... She just needed a few great going out tops.  I'd hit most local stores and couldn't find exactly what I was looking for, so I did a quick search of my favorite on-line sites and came up with about 20 for her to consider.  I sent her over a link, she purchased a handful of favorites and then sent me pictures for approval.  Easy peasy and done.  Not everyone can afford a personal stylist, and not everyone needs one.  What I have often found is that many of my clients, friends and family members, just need permission.  And with that, the birth of Purchase A Stylist's Opinion!

Not sure what to give your Sister In Law for Christmas?  For $75, I'll send you images for 25 items.  You tell me you need a dress, you get 25 dress selections.  You tell me you need three outfits for an upcoming wedding weekend, you get four outfits head to toe...whatever the case may be, I'll send images for the very coolest and most unique items on the market. Just like that.  I love helping others look and feel their best, and I'm excited to offer this opportunity that is attainable to everyone.  

Email me at whitley@thequeencitystyle.com 

Happy Weekend! xo

American Town + Italian Style

If you're into fine Italian fashion, be sure to check out my latest styling project, featuring Brunello Cucinelli for Fort Mill Magazine.  The story accompanying the photo shoot shares conversations with the designer from a small town with big time dreams, also highlighting Rock Hill, SC native country recording artist, Zach Ludlam, serving as a clever analogy to Cucinelli. The publishers of Fort Mill Magazine are tireless in their efforts to put a heartbeat back into Main Street while maintaining a strong focus on local business. Read the entire story here.  I am proud to say my Grandfather operated the Easy Pay Store, Fort Mill's general store, for 43 years.  It was located behind me in the below picture, right on the corner of Main St. and Confederate St. 

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!

Clever Clutch

This post is precipitated by that lovely little lad in the far left bottom corner.  I saw the lucite blox clutch (by Rafe New York) with it's tortoise and marble pattern swirling right off the pages of my InStyle Magazine, and it had to be mine.  Then, I got to wondering, how many other stellar box clutches are out there just waiting to be had.  Turns out there a right many. The only determination will be which one will you be carrying with your LBD this holiday season and to forever and eternity?  Shop below a few that caught my eye.

Shopbop Til You Drop

My favorite on-line retailer is having a sale.  If you haven't shopped Shopbop, you are definitely missing out, but I'm guessing if you come here often, you already know how much I love them. That, and you're already on top of your shopping game as it is, so you don't need me to tell you yin from yang.  BUT... Shopbop is having a big ole hunkin' sale.  Dresses, denim, the very best bags, booties galore and hats... HATS!  A few of my 'favorite, how will I say no', are pictured below!  Have fun! 

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!

LIKEtoKNOW:IT

For those of you who follow me on Instagram, you may already know about it, but I want to introduce you to an exciting website called LIKEtoKNOW.it. Just in case you aren't already familiar, LIKEtoKNOW.it is a fantastic and convenient way that you can easily shop my Instagram photos (along with all of your other favorite bloggers). Once you sign up on LIKEtoKNOW.it with your e-mail, whenever you like one of my photos tagged with @liketkit you will receive an e-mail detailing my outfit or design collage for that photo! My favorite part about the service is that you can choose to receive e-mails ASAP, daily, or monthly and then conveniently shop right from your inbox. It’s that simple! It is the best way to simply like a photo and get the details you want as opposed to commenting and getting lost in the sea of others asking the same thing. It’s always nice to have quick access to easy information, so I hope that you enjoy using  LIKEtoKNOW.it as much as I do!  Happy Shopping!

Outfit Details: Mom On The Go

Here's my Mom On The Go outfit from yesterday's segment on Charlotte Today.  In case you missed it, you can watch it here. I combined items from J.Crew Factory and Banana Republic Factory for my exciting collaboration with Concord Mills.  I already own the blazer and pumps from J. Crew. The buttons on the blazer are the EXACT same, and the pumps feel just the same on my feet as those from J.Crew.  I seriously cannot tell a difference in quality, yet the price is so much lower at J.Crew Factory. Same goes with the Banana Republic items.  Head on over to Concord Mills, or shop any of the items straight from this page! 

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!

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!