Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Statement Necklaces

For the last several months I've been linking up with sweet Marion over at Marionberry Style for her trend of the month get together. When she announced that this month's topic was Statement Necklaces, as I'm sure you can imagine, I was totally on board.  Statement Necklaces, Bracelets, Earrings, Clothes... Whatever.  Any of it.  All of it.  I try so hard to subscribe to the less is more mantra, but I just can't seem to stay away from more is more. Am I alone on this?  That said, if it is okay with all of you, I'm going to post a collection of photos showcasing some of my favorite statement necklaces.  I hope you like!  


Here's the above red necklace, and below here I wore the white.

  
And, yes, I have the necklace in three colors.
I wore the turquoise version here.


This next one, I received on Christmas day and was too excited not to put the baby on me...


Here, I found it to be the perfect New Years Eve bling.
This is not the same one, but I love it, and it is On Sale.


This one is kind of less is more, no?  One of my more successful attempts here.


See?  I try so hard, but rarely succeed.  Here's the below J. Crew statement maker.


I recreated a favorite jumpsuit; Gucci with a House of Lavande necklace, as worn by Olivia Wilde.


I wore my beloved Stella & Dot Pegasus necklace...


I wore it again here, pretending to be a bad biker mama chic.


Hammer don't hurt 'em. (here)


Really.  Please.  Don't hurt.


That's all from me, but here's that precious Marion (and the bun she's brewin').  Go see her!


As always, thank you so much for reading!!!  Lots of xxxoooo-Whitley

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Onesie


While I am aware I'm no Carrie Bradshaw, I couldn't help but share this picture which was sent to me by a reader in response to yesterday's post.  She indicated that all the harem pants I've been styling as of late had her dreaming of Carrie's outfit in the above image.  A girl can dream, no?

Forever 21 Motorcycle Jacket, Woman Shops World Harem Pants worn as jumpsuit, Kate Spade Heels, Blinde Sunglasses, JJ Winters Clutch, Melinda Maria Cocktail Ring, Stella & Dot Pegasus Necklace and Bracelets

Forever 21 Motorcycle Jacket, Woman Shops World Harem Pants worn as jumpsuit, Kate Spade Heels, Blinde Sunglasses, JJ Winters Clutch, Melinda Maria Cocktail Ring, Stella & Dot Pegasus Necklace and Bracelets

Blinde Sunglassese, Stella & Dot Pegasus Necklace

Forever 21 Motorcycle Jacket, Woman Shops World Harem Pants worn as jumpsuit, Kate Spade Heels, Blinde Sunglasses, JJ Winters Clutch, Melinda Maria Cocktail Ring, Stella & Dot Pegasus Necklace and Bracelets

Forever 21 Motorcycle Jacket, Woman Shops World Harem Pants worn as jumpsuit, Kate Spade Heels, Blinde Sunglasses, JJ Winters Clutch, Melinda Maria Cocktail Ring, Stella & Dot Pegasus Necklace and Bracelets

Forever 21 Motorcycle Jacket, Woman Shops World Harem Pants worn as jumpsuit, Kate Spade Heels, Blinde Sunglasses, JJ Winters Clutch, Melinda Maria Cocktail Ring, Stella & Dot Pegasus Necklace and Bracelets

My Outfit:
Harem Pants: (worn as jumpsuit) Woman Shops World. Jacket: Forever 21, here's one. Shoes: Kate Spade. Purse: JJ Winters, mine is from Lipp Boutique. Sunglasses: Blinde, but here's a pair. Necklace: Stella & DotBracelets: Cuff from Sloan Boutique, Others: Stella & Dot, J. Crew, my Grandmother's. Rings: Melinda Maria, Tiffany, custom by Diamonds Direct. Earrings: (old), here's a current pair I love.

I can't help but share with you the way these pants were most recently described to me.  I emailed the owner of Woman Shops World, Carter, to confirm I was using correct terminology to properly convey the style of these harem pants.  I wrote something along the lines of "the inseam of these pants create a more dramatic harem effect."  Carter approved, adding I could alternatively use the explanation her husband does, more along the lines of  "this part has a really low crotch, so you can wear it like a onesie."  Then it dawned on me, I AM wearing these pants like a onesie!  Now I just want to know when they'll start making these versatile garments for babies.  Maybe I'm onto something.  Thoughts??  Tomorrow is a Giveaway!

Thanks so much for reading!  Whitley

Monday, August 27, 2012

Third And Final (sort of)

Harem Pants from Woman Shops World, J. Crew Bouse, Kate Spade Pumps, JJ Winters Clutch, Blinde Sunglasses

Harem Pants from Woman Shops World, J. Crew Bouse, Kate Spade Pumps, JJ Winters Clutch,

Harem Pants from Woman Shops World, J. Crew Bouse, Kate Spade Pumps, JJ Winters Clutch, Blinde Sunglasses

Harem Pants from Woman Shops World, J. Crew Bouse, Kate Spade Pumps, JJ Winters Clutch, Blinde Sunglasses



Harem Pants from Woman Shops World, J. Crew Bouse, Kate Spade Pumps, JJ Winters Clutch, Blinde Sunglasses

My Outfit:
Pants: c/o Woman Shops World (15% off entire shop through September using code QCSTYLE). Shirt: J. Crew (old), similar here. ShoesKate Spade. SunglassesBlinde, but here's a less expensive pair. BagJJ Winters, mine is from Lipp Boutique. EarringsWorld Market. Cuff BraceletSloan Boutique. OthersStella & DotJ. Crew, my Grandmother's. RingsMelinda MariaTiffany and custom by Diamonds Direct.

I told y'all I was crazy wild over these harem pants, and I cannot believe they are only $25!  This is the final pair I was lucky enough to bring home from my visit with the lovely and adorable Carter, owner of Woman Shops World.  Among the pairs upon styles upon fabrics available, it was all I could do not to come home with more.  I carefully narrowed my choices down to three.  Of all three pairs, these have the lowest inseam, allowing for a more dramatic harem style.  With so much color in the pants, I had lots of options for the shirt, shoes and accessories.  My new Kate Spade slingbacks (love!) were calling my name, so black it was.  I can't wait to show you tomorrow one more way I styled this same pair of pants.

Thanks so much for reading! Whitley

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Simplify

Blues

Outfit Credits Here

I've been a busy bee working on some exciting projects, one of which includes the simplification of the Queen City Style.  This was originally a place to share anything and everything I deemed stylish--fabulous fashion, great home design, stylish places, entertaining and my enjoyment in writing.  Since November 2011, I've had such fun sharing my love of all things stylish, and more so, reading what you've had to say about it.  I was soon able to see that I was getting the most feedback on fashion-inspired posts, so I began tailoring my content to reflect that. I've enjoyed every step of the way, and I have excitedly embraced your interest in fashion.  I will continue to work to incorporate non-fashion topics of style into the content, be it through photos and/or abbreviated writing.  As the Queen City Style has evolved into a fashion blog, I've realized the look needs to be simplified.  In the world of fashion blogging, it's true; a picture says a thousand words. I feel this is exactly where I need to be, and I am so, so grateful you are here with me.  I write this post from Pawley's Island, SC, a place of joy, simplification and calm since childhood.  Thank you for making the Queen City Style that place for me now.  I hope you like the new look!  

So happy and grateful to share with you my style... Whitley

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Genie In A Bottle

Vest c/o Cigi Guz, Harem Pants from Woman Shops World

Beaded vest c/o Cigi Guz, Harem Pants from Woman Shops World


JJ Winters Chain Purse, Cole Hann Shoes

Later, alligator!

Beaded Vest c/o Cigi Guz

My Outfit:
Vest: c/o Cigi GuzPants: Woman Shops WorldTank: GapShoes: Cole Haan, mine are from Sloan BoutiqueClutch: JJ Winters, mine is from Lipp BoutiqueSunglasses: Blinde, but here's a less expensive pair. Earrings: Luv Aj, last seen hereBracelets: Stella & DotJ. Crew, My Grandmother's. Rings: Melinda Maria, Tiffany, Custom by Diamonds Direct.     

Today I'm styling another bad mamma jamma pair of harem pants from Woman Shops World.  I cannot get enough of these trousers.  Most of the articles here I wear on a daily basis... the sunnies, the bracelets and rings, my favorite pair of earrings, fav Gap tank which I own in four colors, and the shoes and bag which I've worn all summer long.  When local budding clothing designer Cigi Guz loaned me this vintage beaded vest, I about went over the deep end. I'm not sure what you would call this outfit, but if it's okay with you, I am calling it bad ass.  Woman Shops World is offering 15% off all merchandise using code QCSTYLE at check out.  Stay tuned for still more fab to come from both Woman Shops World and Cigi Guz!

For the love of styling it with fun...
Thank you so, so, so much for reading!!!!  Whitley

Monday, August 20, 2012

Style Path

 I've had an obsession with cocktail dresses since I first started wearing them.  I would buy a dress without an occasion (and still do) when I felt I could not live without it.  I never rid of the dresses. This Cynthia Rowley has always been a favorite.  I purchased it my senior year of high school from the first boutique I ever came to love, Constance Boutique, in my hometown of Asheville, NC.  The owner is a friend and one of the most inspirational people in my life when it comes to fashion. Constance has always had a strong sense of style that is all her own.  I look at this outfit, acknowledging it is a little off the beaten path with the layering of the belts and the pattern repeat, and it reminds me of Constance.  She always did her own thing, much like my Grandmother.  It's not for everybody, but it is for me.

Blinde Eyewear, Luv Aj Earrings, Cynthia Rowley Dress, Raina Belt, JJ Winters Clutch, Henri Bendel Clutch

Dress: Cynthia Rowley (so old!), from Constance Boutique, but this one's pretty fun. Denim Jacket: Gap. Shoes: Nine West. Gold Belt: Raina (old), here's one. Circle Belt: Target (old). Clutch: JJ Winters, mine is from Lipp Boutique. Sunglasses: Blinde, but here's a less expensive pair. Earrings: Luv Aj. Cuff: Henri Bendel. Rings: Tiffany, Custom at Diamonds Direct.

Blinde Eyewear, Luv Aj Earrings, Cynthia Rowley Dress, Raina Belt, JJ Winters Clutch, Henri Bendel Clutch

Luv Aj Earrings

Blinde Eyewear, Luv Aj Earrings, Cynthia Rowley Dress, Raina Belt, JJ Winters Clutch, Henri Bendel Clutch, Nine West Flax Pumps
Nine West Flax Pumps


The Duke Mansion Charlotte, NC

I wear my jean jacket with everything...

1969 Gap Denim Jacket

1969 Gap Denim Jacket, Nine West Flax Pumps, Cynthia Rowley Dress, JJ Winters Clutch

For the love of a style all your own,
I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoy sharing it with you!
Thank you for being here!!  Whitley

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Harem Glam

Hello!  I am so excited about today's post.  Driving home one day I spotted an unknown neighbor wearing a shiny silky pair of wicked trousers across the lawn.  I immediately threw the gear in reverse, apologizing to the lady for such an awkward meet and great, but I had to know about her pants.  Turns out they were authentic harem pants from India.  Next, how could I get my hands on a pair, and how long would it take?  So it is, my neighbor bottles up more creativity than imaginable, in the form of several retail businesses encompassing everything from hand made glass jewelry to wholesale beads to dog leashes made from recycled Indian garb to the fly boys I'm wearing here.  This was one lucky meet and greet. I now have three pairs to share on the Queen City Style and something else pretty cool...


Harem Pants: c/o Woman Shops World. Shirt: Banana Republic (old), but here's one. Shoes: Sam & Libby (SO old). Sunglasses: Blinde, but here's a less expensive pair. Earrings: Luv Aj. Necklace: Stella & Dot. Purse: JJ Winters, mine is from Lipp Boutique. Bracelets: My Grandmother's, Stella & DotJ.Crew (old) here's one I love.  Rings: Melinda MariaTiffany, Custom by Diamonds Direct.

Melinda Maria Grecian Beer Ring

Blinde Eyewear, Luv Aj Earrings, Stella & Dot Pegasus Necklace


JJ Winters Chain Bag

And just in case you need a refresher course. 



I got no shame.

Luv Aj Earrings

... so, you want to be cool and break it down in your own pair of bad boys?  Seriously, I am so excited.  Woman Shops World is offering 15% off to all readers of the Queen City Style through the end of September, using code QCSTYLE at check out. Not to mention, you'll freak when you see the price.  Stay tuned for more fun merch from Woman Shops World!

For the love of having fun in fab pants, always in style...
Thanks so much for reading!!  Whitley

Thursday, August 16, 2012

For The Boys And The Bag

As you probably suspected, I've been playing dress up for a long time.  You also may or may not know that I am a tomboy.  Perhaps it's because I have an athletic Dad who loved to throw the ball with me as a child and a Mom who possessed a take no prisoners sense of determination.  Maybe it's because I grew up an only child in a neighborhood predominantly of boys; boys that I tried so hard to keep up with (and I pretty much did, albeit against their wishes much of the time), but needless to say, if the boys could do it, nothing was going to stand in my way of doing it too.  But then there's this other side of me.  I am obsessed with playing dress up.  I seriously could do it all day long.  So, when my lifelong friend, Ann Roth, actress, fellow dribbler, shoe and bag designer sent over this gorgeous ODBF Tote, I was all girly girl squealing in delight.  I previously considered pairing this skirt and top for an outfit, but I haven't until now, and it is all because of is this killer bag.  Big, bold, bright and fun- perfection!  The best part...

Ann Roth Shoes ODBF Tote, J. Crew Big Shot Dot Skirt, Anthropologie Shirt, Steve Madden Nude Pumps, Blinde Sunglasses, Bauble Bar Boho Drops

Shirt: Anthropologie (old), I like this one. Skirt: J. Crew, last seen here. Shoes: Steve Madden. Bag: c/o Ann Roth Shoes. Sunglasses: Blinde, but here's a less expensive pair. Earrings: Bauble Bar (LOVE these in every color!). Necklace: Vintage, belonged to my Grandmother-in-law. Cuff: Henri Bendel. Rings: Tiffany, Custom by Diamonds Direct, belonged to my Great-Grandmother. 

Bauble Bar Indigo Boho Drops, Blinde Sunglasses

Bauble Bar Indigo Boho Drops

Vintage Cocktail Ring, J. Crew Big Shot Dot Circle Skirt, Blinde Sunglasses


Ann Roth Shoes ODBF Tote, Blinde Sunglasses, Steve Madden Pumps

Ann Roth Shoes ODBF Tote, J. Crew Big Shot Dot Skirt, Anthropologie Shirt, Steve Madden Nude Pumps, Blinde Sunglasses

...100% of profits from the sale of this bag will be donated to the Orange Duffle Bag Foundation, an organization that provides ongoing support for at-risk and homeless youth. The cherry on top?  Ann is offering the Queen City Style readers 35% off this bag when you use code QUEENCITY at (very important) Step 2 of check out.  And the sprinkles?  Ann's got to make some room for fall merchandise, so all styles of Ann Roth Shoes are being offered at 50% off through the month of August. A few of my favs... Hotsy TotsyVegas, and the Cape Cod Day Bag.  Enjoy!

For the love of styling, shopping and giving, in the very best style,
LOTS of love to each and every one of you!!!  Whitley