Street Style: SouthPark I

The third look for SouthPark Magazine's Street Style photo shoot was one of two we granted to the SouthPark, given the neighborhood is the magazine's namesake.  This was the first time I have worked with Paul Simon or Paul Simon Women on a project.  I haven't been in the store in years, and to be quite honest, I had the stereotype in my head that this was a place for only my Mom to shop.  Not so.  I look at Chelsea's chic modern look, and I don't think "my Mom's clothes" for one second.  I always tell my client that the fit is the very most important thing with your clothes.  Secondly, the styling is what personalizes an outfit.  The three pieces; the pants, sleeveless turtleneck sweater and cape, all from Paul Simon Women, are the base pieces to this outfit. It's no secret that fringe might be the fall season's single most popular trend, so the cape was my starter piece. The end result could have gone in a number of directions.  The hat, one of my most prized pieces from my personal collection, is a total statement maker. For whatever reason, Chelsea's makeup, hair and hat, (Kudos to HMU Artist Chelsea Kimrey) remind me of a Parisian Nancy Sinatra.  The Loeffler Randall Rider Bag is also my own. After hours and hours of souring boutiques all over Charlotte and coming back to the studio with an arsenal of options, I still found this one to be the best fit for the overall look.

Model: Chelsea Lewis, Photographer: Zach Alston, Hair and Makeup: Chelsea Kimrey.
Rani Cashmere Fringe Cape, Autumn Cashmere Cotton Cable-Knit Sleeveless Sweater and Lisette Same Plaid Stretch Pants from Paul Simon Women Cole Haan Boots, Eugenia Kim Hat, Loeffler Randall Medium Rider Bag, Double Happiness Necklace at Sloan Boutique. 

What I Wear Every Day + Free Shipping Code

If I'm not the only fashion blog you follow, one thing you know about me is I love anything and everything that no one else has.  Another thing I think most others do want, however, is to be comfortable while looking good. Enter La Senorita Jolie.  If there was ever a call for every day clothes that feel like pj's for the stylish and put together, it's La Senorita Jolie. This IS a sponsored post, but I am only sharing my secret with you, because I feel 100% passionate about the product.  I wear their tees, sexy sweatshirt and maxi dresses all summer long.  I wear them on set when I am styling commercial shoots and all the time when I am with my children. Today was Fall Parish Day, which is one of two casual days at our church, and I found my new tie dye maxi and black cotton shawl perfectly suitable for the occasion.

If you're interested in hopping on the LSJ train, you can shop all their looks here.  If you're interested in REALLY hopping on the train, you might want to consider completing an application to work as an LSJ stylist. The clothing is easy to layer, understated and affordable. The product is available in sizes XS-4XL, so it's a product for REAL women.  Interested in learning more?  Check it out here, and if you order anything for yourself, be sure to use the Free Shipping Code: KMJBHC.

SouthPark Mag: How It Went Down & Get It

Model: Chelsea Lewis, Photographer: Zach Alston, Hair and Makeup: Chelsea Kimrey.
Adrienne Landau Fur from Denim House, MinkPink Crop Top from KK Bloom, Alice + Olivia Loran floral jacquard skirt from Neiman Marcus, Eugenia Kim hat, Joie taupe suede boots and Nima jeweled clutch from Sloan, Twine & Twig Cowrie Collar, Chakoor silver bracelet from ChezElle.

I shared this photo last week at the bottom of a previous post.  This project is one of my favorites to date, if not my favorite.  A big thank you to SouthPark Magazine for putting their trust in me and giving me so much creative freedom for this shoot.  When I met with the Editor to discuss ideas for their Fall Fashion editorial, she asked me for my ideas.  My first question was "Do you have any parameters?"  Her answer?  "Fall Fashion".  Okay. Well, let's play ball!  I had not given it any forethought, because I was just so excited for a second opportunity to express my love of fashion on the pages of this great magazine.  But goodness, the proverbial flood gates were wide open.  No trends. No boring catalog sales pictures. Just straight up art, created with an amazing team and the intent to showcase the fall fashions available at some of Charlotte's hottest boutiques.  

The cover shot, taken in Dilworth, is one of my favorites. Just about every single items the model, Chelsea, is wearing, comes from a different store.  If you are interested in how the outfits came together, the crew came to my house; my basement transformed into a studio.  I mixed up some Buffalo Trace and Coke, along with fresh muddled cherries. We turned up the music, and suddenly I was that little girl at my Grandmother's house. Mixing and matching her clothes with my Great-Grandmother's.  This skirt, that hat, these shoes, that shirt, no this one, these earrings, this necklace, another necklace, oh wait one more.  Oh hell, just put 'em all on.  And so the outfits were born.  Not too much time, not a great deal of thought, but certainly a fair amount of discretion. If you live in the Queen City, be sure to visit these stores, or you may shop the post straight from this page, below the above image. 

My Week Behind The Scenes

I am coming off of one crazy busy work weekend.  As you may recall from a previous post, this weekend I was a presenter at the Southern Women's Show.  I shared my tips for Fall and Winter Teacher Style on a budget that will not break the bank.  A HUGE shout out to my lovely assistant, Phanta.  I would have been in over my head in preparations without her.  Thursday afternoon and evening was a full one of creating outfits for the upcoming weekend's eight outfit changes for 12 models.  Thank you Phanta and Prosecco.

Earlier in the day I took an almost four hour bicycle adventure with Wild Nugget Worth over to Park Road Shopping Center, onto the Greenway, through Freedom Park, UP East Boulevard to Carolina Smoothie, back down East Blvd to the playground at Freedom Park and back on the Greenway through Park Road Shopping Center back home to meet Phanta, as well as a client, to give her this cool Free People jacket in time for Fall.

Back to that bike ride.... Most of our tours start with a visit at Black Hawk Hardware for some popcorn.  Like all the rest, this one did too.  Almost always, Willie is outside helping a customer, and we stop to say hello. I was trailing Worth, and as he approached Willie he put on his breaks.  With little reaction time, so did I.  And then I Super Womaned it over the handlebars, arms out wide flat on the concrete.  No idea how I was saved from a face brake... it must have been the Southern Women's Show Angels... I managed to make it out with only a handful of major bruises and a sore neck.  Willie came to our rescue with popcorn and a water for me and Sprite for Worth.  Needless to say, our next stop was to the bike shop for a new helmet for me.

Friday morning, clad in my DVF Supa Star Wrap dress, I loaded up my trusty rolling rack, and I was off to the show.  Thanks again to Phanta, to all the models, Marcia, The Southern Women's Show, The Charlotte Observer and everyone else involved.  We had a great first day.  If you missed it but want to know my top Teacher Fashion pics, do not dismay!  Pick up this Sunday's paper, where you'll find it all in the Style section. 

Bright and early Saturday morning I was off to High Point for a quick shoot with my friends at Julie Lopez Shoes.  We always have a great time on set, and I got to work with two of my favorite hotties, Jillian and Amy.

I've told you about them before, but if you haven't checked out Julie's shoes and you are on the market for a good looking, comfortable, Italian-made luxury shoe at a less than luxury shoe price, take a look. I LOVE my Layla nude python pump.  By noon, I was back down I-85 to Charlotte for another round of Teacher Style dialogue with the adorable Cristina Bolling, staff writer for The Charlotte Observer, followed by an IMMEDIATE crash in my bed before two more rounds on Sunday.

I hope YOU had a wonderful weekend.  One last thing, if you are over at Southpark Mall, be sure to grab the September Fall Fashion issue where we captured some pretty fantastic street style looks covering nine Charlotte neighborhoods.  Thanks to SouthPark Magazine for putting their trust in me.  One of my absolute most favorite projects to date!

Lizzie Fortunato

I promised to tell you more about the designers I met at Poole Shop's annual Back To School event.  In my last post I shared gorgeous designs by NOVIS.  Equally fantastic are the jewelry and handbag designs of Lizzie Fortunato.  This team is comprised of adorable twins Elizabeth and Kathryn Fortunato.  They did go to Duke, but that is the only cross thing I can say about these otherwise absolutely delightful, adorable and talented young sisters.  See... 

I believe it was at Poole Shop that I first saw Lizzie Fortunato jewels in person.  I remember their collections consisted a lot of these unique leather, suede or fabric tube necklaces with brass detailing.

They have expanded their designs and collections, including handbags, all the while producing an intriguing, as ever, current product. Here are a few favorites I found while perusing the internet.  Many have tried to emulate the eye catching designs of Lizzie Fortunato, but there is only one OG.

NOVIS

Last Thursday I attended, along with my friend Emily, Poole Shop's annual Back To School event.  If you follow me here or on Facebook or Instagram, regularly, you know Poole Shop and it's mother store, Capitol, are two of my favorite.  Both stores bear a curated collection of the most out of this world clothing and accessories you truly can't find anywhere else in Charlotte, or the Southeast for the matter.  Thursday night's event was a star studded one among the design goddesses.  The sisters of NOVIS (the two gals second from the left) the twins of Lizzie Fortunato Jewels, the sisters of our very own Twine + Twig, and the lovely Dasha from Veda all represented.

I'll tell you a little about each of these designer's work, but today, just look at Novis' out of this world gorgeous, stunning beautiful collections.  A few pieces on Sale here. These girls are just babies, and so much talent!

Southern Women's Show + Ticket Giveaway

The Southern Women's Show is back in Charlotte August 28-30 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Uptown Charlotte.  If you've never been, this is a fun and relaxing yet informative weekend just for the girls.  Thanks to the Charlotte Observer, this year, I am excited to participate not just as a viewer but as a special guest where I'll be on the Spotlight Stage talking to teachers about how to look great dressing the part!  If you are at the Southern Women's Show, please come by and see me!  As a presenter, I've been given a few extra tickets to giveaway to my readers.  If you and a friend are interested in going any day, please email me: whitley@thequeencitystyle.com. I'd love to send you tickets! 

WHEN: August 28 – 30, 2015 Fri: 10am-8pm, Sat: 10am-7pm, Sun: 10am-5pm

WHERE: Charlotte Convention Center in Uptown Charlotte

HOW MUCH: $12 at the Door, $10 in Advance, $7 for Groups of 10 or more in advance.  Teacher Appreciation Day is Sunday, August, 30th!  Faculty and staff get in FREE with school ID!

White Denim All Year Round

I met with the cutest new client today.  She was wearing her white jeans from LOFT, and they looked great on her; proof that you don't have to spend a fortune to look fantastic.  BUT, just in case the white denim you're looking for cannot be found at LOFT, I've put together a look book of white denim in every style, shape price point and size.  And if you didn't get the memo, don't put your white jeans away as early as you might expect, WHITE is gonna be big for fall.

I wore my white J.Crew denim for a recent Goodwill Back To School television segment. Sorry, Eugene, for catching you mid sentence!  I paired my white denim with my new Twine + Twig Cowrie Collar made by my friends and talented sisters, Elizabeth and Jacquelyn.

Shop your favorite paper whites here...

Vanity Fair Best Dressed List

Each year Vanity Fair, one of my favorite magazines both for their interesting journalism and first rate photography, publishes their International Best Dressed List.  This year one of my personal favorites makes the list.  Amal Clooney isn't just well dressed.  She is dressed with a striking sense of class, taste and dignity. She is exotic looking but classy and composed. Beauty, brains and refinery are always a winning recipe in my book.   See the entire His and Hers Best Dress list HERE.

Alice + Olivia On Sale!

One of my very favorite modern day designers is Stacey Bendet, CEO and Creative Director the fashion house of Alice and Olivia.  The global brand launched at Barneys in 2001 and is currently sold in over fifty countries. In the Queen City, you can shop Alice and Olivia at Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom.  I adore this three piece suit of shorts, top and jacket I used in one of the looks in the May issue of SouthPark Magazine.

Shop my favorite current Alice + Olivia items below on Sale up to 75% Off!  Now is the time to do it ladies, because these are the best prices you'll ever see for these one of a kind pieces, and once their gone, their gone! 

Work Bags For Every Budget

I do love a great work tote.  Lately, after purchasing my very own in the footsteps of several clients, I am loving Loeffler Randall's Medium Rider Bag style most of all. The tan or black version is timeless classic, but every season, they put out great styles to add a twist of fun to your wardrobe.  Shop some of my favorites below by clicking on the image.  If you are viewing in your reader and can't see the book of images, click on the Blog Post Title. 

Could I Be The Breakthrough?

People.  Do you know how old I am?  38 years old.  AND a mama to two crazy boys.  Do you think I am too old to be playing dress up and sharing my outfits here with the rest of the world?  Probably, but one thing is for sure, I know I will never stop it with the playing dress up.  I feel 25.  I am going to be on the pages of one of Ari Seth Cohen's Advanced Style books when I am old and grey.  Just you wait. In the meantime, just like my Grandmother and Great Grandmother did, I get so much joy from putting outfits together.  It's an art that fills my soul!

So, one reason I keep sharing my outfits here is because readers like you make me feel really good. You say things like "Love ya from head to toe, but even more on this inside", "You are our very own Carrie Bradshaw of a new era!", "Thank you for making our hearts sing", "Thank you for sharing your love with us" and last but not least, "There is only one you!"  Your readership and your kind words make me feel like Sallie Field when she accepted her Oscar for one of my all time favorite movies, Places In The Heart. "You like me!  Right now, you like me!"  And, so I guess part of the reason I keep sharing my passion for playing dress up with you is that I think it brings you joy.  And, that brings me joy.

A long time reader sent me an email about H&M calling for the next Breakthrough Fashion Blogger of the Year.  Can you imagine?  It seems a little comical for a 38 year old mama of two boys to hold such a title, but what the heck!  If you keep coming here and giving me Sallie Field moments, I'm gonna keep playing dress up.  So, here it goes... the below outfit is one of my very first posts.  Charged with the challenge to create an outfit of all yellow using only pieces in my closet, this is what I put together, styling a great little pair of yellow linen shorts from H&M, and to this day one of my favorite scarves, also from H&M.  So, what do you think?

Little Romper

Romper: Tory Burch, Shoes: Michael Kors (similar)

Hey, She Copied Me!

I came across the above photo of the very classy and poised Emily Blunt dressed in Michael Kors at the 2015 Golden Globe Awards back in January.  It reminded me so much of the vintage Lillie Rubin dress which belonged to my Mom that I wore to the Charlotte Magazine BOB Awards party back in 2012.  This dress is one of my favorites, and since I had just won my first BOB Award, back then for Best Blog, I felt like stepping outside of the fashion box (no surprise there) and topping off my ensemble with a silk turban.   Emily and I both paired a touch of light blue with our cream gown.  This dress is good fashion on repeat!

Below are a few long flowing cream gowns I think are simple but lovely...

My Personal Style Reminds Me Of Hers

I'm often asked how to describe my personal style.  My style changes from day to day, so that is really a difficult question to answer.  I dress for the day and give little to no thought about what I wear.  I wake up, and whatever mood strikes dictates what I reach for in my closet.  If I absolutely had to pinpoint it, however, generally speaking I would say my personal style is Eclectic or perhaps Boho Glam.  I tend to dress way down from day to day.  I don't take myself too seriously, and quite frankly I don't give a damn what anyone else thinks about the way I look.  So, if you see me during the day, unless I'm with a client or on assignment, you'll likely find me in running gear or jean shorts, a loose fitting tee and flip flops or cowgirl boots.  When I have an event, however, it's game time.  I dress for the occasion and admittedly take pride in wearing the most unique or coolest outfit in the room.  I tend to dress to the occasion, but under no circumstances would I ever want to fit in with the crowd.  So, whose style reminds me a lot of my own?  Scroll on down to the bottom...

Photo: Jim McGuire, Dress: Betsey Johnson, Dress worn as a Caftan: Indie Ella from ChezElle, Shoes: Thanks to J.Crew, Brooch worn as pendant and Belt: Belonged to my Grandmother, Crinoline: Gifted from a Client, Sunglasses: Chanel c/o  Innovative Eye Care, Bag: ASOS (similar)

You got it.  The incomparable character and real life person to so many of us, Carrie Bradshaw. This girl has a much deeper wallet than I do, but one thing we have in common is we dress to the beat of our own drum.  Mix matching a bunch of old, inherited, gifted and thrifted items in my closet, this outfit is proof that you can afford to look nothing short of fantastic whatever, whenever, wherever you want.

And For All You Two Piece Lovers

Last week I shared a post with fantastic one piece suits, so for all you two piece bathing suit wearing ladies, this one's for you.  Shop my favorite picks of the season. If you are viewing this from your reader, click on the title of the above post!

Advanced Style

For many years now I have been following Ari Seth Cohen's high fashion, documentary style blog showcasing the street style of mature women and men live from the sidewalks of Manhattan and other great cities alike.  The stylish ladies he features, and their conviction to always put their most fashionable foot forward, remind me of both my Grandmother and Great Grandmother.  If the mailman was the only person she was to see that day my Grandmother was dressed to impress, masterfully accessorized, donning a perfectly coiffed hairstyle, finished off with a bright red or pink lipstick.

Below are a few recent images from Advanced Style.  Be sure to head over there, and actually, you should lock this one in your feed.  We could all take a fashion hint from these fearless style setters. 

I ordered the documentary and cannot wait to watch it this weekend with a girlfriend over wine and pasta.  I'll be sure to share my review!

I'm a Sucker For A One Piece

I've always loved a one piece bathing suit.  Interestingly, sometimes I think they can be more difficult to wear, like they aren't as forgiving as two pieces at times.  But when I'm feeling fit, I do love a one piece bathing suit, like the one I wore below recreating a moment in time featuring my Grandmother (far right) and some of her friends.  Below are a few of my current favorites. Shop 'til you drop, because summer time starts this Memorial Day weekend!

BOB Awards Pre-Party: What I Wore

I posted this recent picture from the Charlotte Magazine BOB Awards Pop-Up Pre-Party on Facebook and Instagram, and Holy Thumbs Ups and Hearts!  I appreciate all the kind words, and so I thought I would share credits where due.  I was fresh off a new 'do from my girl Aurora (who has been cutting my hair for 14 years), and at the recommendation from my girl Bess over at Sloan Boutique, I quickly nabbed this Rachel Zoe dress.  I got the last one in the store, but I found it on line in case any of you would like one of your own.  PS-Don't miss the BOB Awards Party coming up in a couple of weeks. Way fun.

Royal Tenenbaum

Photography: Ellie Lacey and on Instagram, Shoes: Thanks to Julie Lopez, Sunglasses: Love Obsessed, Earrings: from ChezElle. Ring: Melinda Maria.

I actually have not seen the movie The Royal Tenenbaums, but for some reason when I saw these dark and moody images Cousin Ellie took, immediately I thought of Gwyneth Paltrow's character in the movie.  Perhaps it is the fur and side barrette, or again, the dark patina of the images.  It was a fun opportunity to wear this blush and metallic vintage dress I love so much from Charlotte's Hong Kong Vintage and my Julie Lopez python pumps.