Conversations with a Queen City Stylist... and a Little Something for the Kiddies

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I imagine most or all of us know what it means to be frank, correct?  Well, for the sake of prefacing today's topic, I will refresh.  The definition of the verb frank: direct and unreserved in speech; straightforward, sincere. And one more for our little English lesson here, when used as a noun, the definition of hedonist: a person whose life is devoted to the pursuit of pleasure and self-gratification.  If you pair these two words, frank and hedonist, for the sake of this style blog, then I would say yes, I sincerely unequivocally get pleasure and self-gratification from seeing, touching, feeling and loving fabulous style.  You?

I haven't seen the movie, but Isla Fisher's character in Confessions of a Shopaholic seems to feel the love.  In reality, I know there is at least one other who feels the same as I do, and it's a native Queen City lad by the name of Franklin Headen.  Know him?  If you are a high fashion, fabulous style desiring local seeking a trademark for your own unique look, chances are you do.  If not, then I am delighted to make the introduction.  


Readers meet Frank.  

Frank is a 17-year-old Charlotte native who, to me, knows more about current fashion than possibly the next five most fashion-educated people I know, combined.  Seriously.  I have a true love for fashion.  I don't claim to know anywhere near a fraction of all there is to know on the subject, but in the first five minutes speaking to Frank, I realized I know very little.  We were recently introduced through a mutual friend, and I was literally squealing with excitement after our first meeting.  This was me on the phone with most wonderful man in the world, driving home, telling him about meeting Frank...

Like a child in a candy store.  Finally someone as obsessed with fashion as me.  Well, more.  On a day to day basis, I don't openly share my love of fashion quite like this, but I was as high as a kite talking to Frank.  I mean, he knows SO much.  I could barely contain my excitement.  There are people out there who know a lot about their craft, and there are those who put off airs for whatever reason.  This guy knows his craft, and what I took away is that he is completely unaffected.  Thanks, Frank.  Me likey.

With a little shopping to do for Frank's A-list clientele, we decided to meet at the South Park Mall.  Perfect, I thought.  I can just follow him around the mall, and watch him work!  We met at Starbucks and meandered through the heavy crowds seeking the perfect watch for a client.  First stop, Michael Kors.  Frank said Michael Kors is making some great watches right now, and they might have something of interest for this particular client.  

Could this have been the one?
Me, personally...
I would have absolutely zero wearing this watch.

We were greeted by multiple associates who seemed to know Frank personally, jotted a SKU number and said goodbye as we continued our search.  Next stop Burberry, and onto Neiman's.  Through previous research, Frank already deduced Neiman's didn't have the particular watch he was seeking, but it was the most logical place to continue our little walk and talk.  A stylist is always working, and arguably, Neiman Marcus is Charlotte's finest for high fashion one stop shopping. Personally, I would not know, but I CAN look and dream with the best of them.

We made our way up the escalator to the Chanel boutique, where I of course was in Heaven, and how conveniently situated were there but two club chairs and a little coffee table welcoming us to rest our soles for the remainder of our chatter.  I can't begin to tell you all of the details of our conversation or even a fraction of them, because what I do know is that my mouth was moving exponentially faster than my brain. The questions just kept flowing, outpacing all else but my fascination.  As a result to this, I will bringing forthcoming posts "Conversations with a (do I dare say "The"?) Queen City Stylist.

I hope you will join me in the fascination and fun as I share fashion tips, stylish advice and more from my Q&A with Frank. In case you need a reference point for the experience we are talking about here...

Know this man?

Yep, you got it... Oscar de la Renta

Recognize this dress?

Cameron Diaz in Oscar de la Renta, 2010 Oscars

Well, you see, Frank had a hand in the execution of the the Oscar de la Renta fashion show this past Spring presented by the Queen City's own Mint Museum Auxiliary for "The Art of Style".  He learned a lot from his experience, and I am convinced the learning is taking him places.  Where?  Sssshhh..... we'll never tell.

Oh, and he paints... talented guy, huh?

!!Bonus!!Fun!!

Switching gears real quick...For those of you who love to dress your Queen City Kiddies in nothing but the cutest cuddliest duds, here's your opportunity to get a taste of some good 'ole Southern Shrimp and Grits.

If you were Southern born and raised, chances are you've grown up eating this dish your whole life.  If you've joined the Queen City from other parts, then you probably caught on real quick to authentic Southern cooking, and thus what to serve your relatives with they come to visit.  Yummy, yummy, yes siiiirreee!  But, I'm not talkin' 'bout the food in this case.  I'm talking about the kind of Shrimp and Grits your precious little girls and boys can get ALL dolled up in, totally Southern Style.

Please join us to view these adorable fashions for the little ones.... this Thursday, January 19, from 9:30am-12:30pm and 6-9pm at the English Room, 519 Fenton Place, Charlotte, NC 28207, located in the heart of the Eastover/Myers Park area of the Queen City.  Please contact product representative Lauren Thompson at lauren_slocum@yahoo.com if you have any questions, or visit the Shrimp & Grits Kids website HERE.

For the love of knowing who's stylin' some of the Queen City's most stylish, and stylin' those Southern Kiddies ever so deliciously, until Fashion Friday... Whitley

Stylin' Sunday - Black and White

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Hi everyone!  I hope you enjoyed my mad rush black and white ensemble earlier this week.  This fast job was a lot of fun!  So, here's how it all came together...

I spanned my closet for black and white elements. I saw a few of the other interpretations HERE and the first thing in my head was "it has to be unique".  This means no black pants, no white shirts.  Not that I don't love classic, timeless staples, this just has to be different.  This had me springing for the front hall closet to inspect my wardrobe overflow, mostly summer pieces but also some non-everyday dress-up garments.  I found a white skirt suit I wore to my first son's Baptism... pretty, but not "the one".  Then, I spotted this dress which belonged to my Grandmother...

Front

Back

I've always loved this dress.  I wore it has as my "bridal trousseau" the evening of our wedding.

Since this dress is vintage, I'm thinking I won't be able to find an exact replica for you, but here are some unique flowy fabulous options that I do love.  Click on the link below the image to shop the look.

I love how flowy and soft these next two are...


Totally unique, strong and sexy all in one...

Day Dresses by Kimberly Ovitz

This is a Target steal at $27.99.  In the below image it looks plain and simple, yes, but visit the website to see the dress on a model which will give you a much better visual aid.  The dress is fabulous and SO versatile!


Another excellent price...

Dresses by Three Dots

Styling of the dress came to me immediately.  Black opaque tights, black pumps, black trench, Channey love, vintage bracelet belonging to my Great-Grandmother.

Here are the pieces coming together...

Black Trench from Banana Republic.  The construction of this coat is PERFECT.  Several years ago my mother and I were shopping over at South Park and spotted this.  She generously gifted it to me for Christmas later that year, and it has become my all around classic, go-with-anything dress coat.

Black Cole Haan Pumps from Recycle Boutique over at my home away from home, Park Road Shopping Center.

Truth be told, these shoes are a half size too big, but I could not say no.  They are the kind with the Nike Air stuff in them, which means uber comfy and that much more stylish at a nice price.  If you haven't been to Recycle Boutique, they have fabulous finds for not only your wardrobe but also for your home.

My Channey Love.  Read about her HERE...

Favorite Vintage Bracelet that I wear all the time...

Then, searching.....hmmm... for something different.  Something chic.  A look I have been wanting to style for a long time.  So long I haven't sported it since riding passenger in my Dad's former beloved 1979 Silver Volkswagon Bug Convertible, "The Volks".

Oh, those were the days.  Riding top down passenger, or perhaps in the far back, perched on top of the roof folded down. And always styling a red handkerchief around my head.  Dad kept a blue and red one in the side pocket of the door, so his passenger's hair would only faintly, ever so stylishly, be blowing in the wind. Here is my modern day attempt.  Regardless of the outcome, unmistakably, I felt totally chic.

As you can see, I reached for my classic Burberry scarf, certainly a favorite.  Next, for an instant pop of color, I grabbed this bright red sash which belonged to my Grandmother, which I wear quite often.  It's sort of a signature staple for me... something to amp up the look of a garment that would otherwise be, simply off the rack.

I like to cinch it around my waist as a sash...

Where else than Summerall Chapel at The Citadel for a lovely spring wedding?

I have wrapped it around my hair like a wide head band/scarf, and often times I just tie it on something for the extra pop of color.

Scarves are so multi-functional and fun.

Lastly, for the jewelry, I knew I wanted more prominent earrings.  I love the look of large hoops, which Jennifer Lopez so stylishly often times sports with her head scarves.

My large gold hoops are very thin, and since the dress is so simple and without a pattern, I wanted something that would be a little more eye-catching.  I love these black and gold statement-makers from the Queen City's own super savvy consignment boutique, J.T. Posh.  While more prominently known for their fabulous consigned couture, did you know J.T. Posh also carries a wide selection of knew VERY affordable jewels and accessories?  I think I scored these dazzling darlings for $18.

Since I'm all dressed up really with nowhere to go, I might as well make myself a cocktail and enjoy the moment.

For the love of wardrobe styling in classic black and white, xx-Whitley

Black and White: A Challenge for Me!

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Hellllllo Readers!  Wow, two posts in one day.  Seriously??  This is not what I intended, and I really hope I haven't catapulted you all straight into the arms of Snoresville!  I have been working on my inspiration board to get all of my many goals organized, so I can slow myself down and take ONE. STEP. AT. A. TIME. Wreeeeeeeeeeek!  Bam!  Derailed....

A very stylish friend of mine, Lori, sent me a nice email this evening around 9pm telling me about a site titled EVERY BODY every wear, where readers may submit their stylistic interpretations for the given theme. The opportunity to play along with this fun game is once a month, and today happened to be that day... Theme: Black and White.  

So what totally insane thing do I do?  You got it.  In jammies, bedroom shoes and all, I ran straight up the stairs and down the hall for my closet, pouring over the items in my head, because what if this opportunity is over by 9:30pm??  I've got to hurry!  I literally pull this outfit in 2 minutes and take 10 minutes to put it all together.  It took me 7 of those minutes to tie the scarf on my head!  It is really hard to tie a slippery silk scarf when you are moving so fast, and you can't seem slow down enough to even roll the scarf through your fingers.... There's a saying... "The Hurrieder I Go, The Behinder I Get".  That is me.

Anyway, I got it on, and I'm ready!  Racing back to the top of the stairs I yell down to most wonderful man in the world... "Jon, grab the camera. Please hurry!"  Kinda like a real emergency only not.  Anyway.  So here you have it. For now, I gotta go to bed.... hopefully I'll be able to sleep.  I'm a little wired.  Black + White...

Well what do you think?  How did I do??  I am thinking this will serve as Fashion Friday, on a late Tuesday night, and I'll bring you the deets on Sunday.  
For the love of classic basic black and white gone stylish... Have a wonderful week!  Whitley