Nothing but gorgeous when you GLO and BLo!

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There are two totally stylin' hot spots in town I want to tell you about today, assuming you aren't already in the know.  Chances are, you are.  And if not, well, behold. Both will leave you feeling like a million bucks.

                            

                       

The first is gorgeous GLO, Charlotte's Premier Custom Spray Tanning Boutique, located at 1518 E. 3rd St, nestled in a corner pocket of the Myers Park/Cherry/Elizabeth neighborhoods of the Queen City.  gorgeous GLO offers an all natural sunless tan that will leave you looking, well, downright deliciously edible.  I've visited gorgeous GLO a couple of times prior to a night out on the town, and let me tell you...  Getting on your GLO prior to will instantly vamp up your night from lovely to Va Va Va Voom!

Enter to get on your gorgeous GLO

How this works... All you need is about 20 minutes.  You'll undress in a private room, then you'll be perfectly, seamlessly GLOed (by hand) by one of gorgeous GLO's master-GLOers.  Then, just a little time in the "fan" room ensures your gorgeous GLO has had the opportunity to permeate your skin like sunshine on the horizon.

It's kinda like going for a pedicure, except all over your body, so I do suggest wearing your scrubs.  In case you forget your flip-flops they have these handy little stick-on shoes that adhere to the bottoms of your feet, as well as disposable undies and even a hair elastic.  You can choose to be sprayed with your undergarments on or.... hhhhmmmm... OFF!  Oooh-LA-LA-LA.

Next up for my big night out, I hopped on over to the new BLo ouT next door.  And when I say next door, I mean open the door from my GLO, sit down in the chair, and get my BLo.  Tre convenient!

gorgeous GLO owner, Anne Pipkin, had been a long time customer of gorgeous GLO, then one day she decided to buy the place.  As if that wasn't enough to keep an already busy woman busy enough, before you could say "get your GLO on", she was opening the next hottest thing in the Queen City... A blo-out bar!  At BLo ouT, it's pretty straight-forward. No Cuts. No Color. Just Style.  I got just that.

In case you're not exactly sure what you're seeking, they have a menu of styles from which to choose.
Here I am getting my BLo ouT.  We decided somewhere between the 'Myers Park' and the 'Dilworth'.

What do you think?  Sunshine on the horizon?

Just in case you noticed the GLO in the below previous post, now you know why!

I absolutely loved my gorgeous GLO and my BLo ouT.  My GLO lasted for a full week (and lingered a little bit longer)... totally Au Naturel.  And dahhling, I felt like a million bucks.

Walk-in's are welcome, based on availability, and of course the gals of GLO and BLo will gladly make an appointment for you.  Pricing for gorgeous GLO, click HERE and for BLo OuT, click HERE.


Mention this story for $5 off either service!  You will L.O.V.E the gorgeous you even more gorgeous!

For the love of stepping out, million dollar style... Whitley

Fashion Friday PTO

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Whew!  I am totally wiped out at the end of this week.  Do any of you ever feel like your days turn into nights and the next thing you know another day has passed before your very eyes in such a whirl-wind fashion that you've seemed to be propelled into light speed orbit up to the galaxy for just a flash and flutter, then it's a full speed fall back down to earth, launching you flat on your back--if you are lucky--in your bed, but sometimes no further than your kitchen floor because let's face it, scrubbing mud from the grout between the tile on your hands and knees while listening to the pleasant shrills of three-year-old end-of-the-world- nearing screams over a juice box can often times be SO much fun that you can't fathom pulling yourself away from it for the notion of crawling your way toward your snuggly wuggly pillow and mattress at an hour that would leave college fratties feeling like they made it just in time for an ABC after school special?  Do you know that feeling?

Well, it is Friday, and the sun will come out tomorrow!

Can't keep this good woman down for too long, but she IS going to grant herself a little Personal Time Out, and in place of your usual Fashion Friday wardrobe styling, I share with you images of Fashionable Duds I deem Oh-So-Fabulous.  I hope you enjoy!

Chanel Byzantine Look PreFall 2011

Alll Red and Fabulous in Diane von Furstenberg 

Vintage Valentino. What I would do to wear either of these.

Are any of you already longing warmer temps?
With a suit like this, how can you not?

Sexy, Fabulous Casual via here

Gaaaa... Missoni! 

How am I doing?

One day this WILL be me.

... And why not?  My Grandmother did it.
She is first on left with some of her most stylish gal pals.

In the meantime, I'll strive for this level of fabulous.

Don't you love this totally achievable daytime look?

Does Nude and Rust look any better than this?

And, of course, if you love sequins like I do...

It is my hope that this will leave you
longing for the next Fashion Friday!

For those of you equally obsessed Pinterest-loving fiends, see more of what I'm drooling over during grout-scrubbing breaks.  Just click on the below link...

  

For the love of fabulous fashion; I hope you have a weekend full of marvelous fun and excitement, or if your pleasure, like me, is one filled with some good old fashioned R&R... For you, I wish nothing more.  xx Whitley

Restaurant Review - e2 emeril's eatery

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Hello friends!  I hope this post finds you having a wonderful week thus far!  Did you know that Emeril Lagasse and his crew have set up shop in the Queen City?  Well, they have, and it is one hip spot.  Most wonderful man in the world and I were fortunate to be included for one of the restaurants private practice rounds last night, by way of a college friend (GO TARHEELS!) of mine with Crown Communications, who works with the restaurant on their local public relations.  I could not wait to share with you our very fun dining experience.

Below is the entrance to e2 emeril's eatery, located at the street level of the Levine Center for the Arts in Uptown Charlotte; 135 Levine Avenue of the Arts, Suite 100.

Though it WAS only Tuesday night and perhaps traditionally a bit early in the week for such a heightened level of fun, most wonderful man in the world and I decided to put on our fancy hats and cozy on up to the bar for a little pre-dinner imbibing.  Hhhhmmmm... what to have?

And let me tell you, it was not an easy choice.  Like many other e2 crew members, master mixologist, Miki, comes to us with quite a resume, and in Miki's case, he brings with him some seriously tasty hat tricks. I mustn't fail to mention that Miki's wife, Stephanie, is the head pastry chef at the eatery, and they have relocated to the Queen City all the way from Las Vegas.  Y'all... I kinda feel like Emeril's crew is bringing along the food industry's red carpet with them.  It's pretty neat, all the talent they have relocated to our city.  So.... I went with one heck of a Manhattan, and most wonderful man in the world had himself a Duck Rabbit Amber Ale.

Can't leave out these little bar snacks of paprika-sauteed chickpeas and brussel sprout leaves.  YUM-MEE.

We unglued ourselves from the bar to make our way through the dining room to our table.  I describe the ambiance as contemporary meets rustic.  Chic, yet cozy.  With bottles of wine, panels of raw wood and cut glass in fall-ish tones lining the walls, the image of a rugged yet sophisticated North Carolina Mountain home is holding onto my mind.

First up, Fresh Point Judith Calamari.  This isn't your usual run-of-the-mill fried calamari, folks.  The preparation?  Perhaps, a pan saute.  How so ever, very light and absolutely flavorful...

And, how could we say no to the Oyster Shooters?  Prepared with parsley oil, pickled melon and tomato water... OH so delish!  We ordered ours straight from the menu, but I understand you can opt for a little splash of Vodka in yours.

I can think of no better time to throw in the words of the man himself... BAM!  Don't the hatch.

I excused myself from the table momentarily for a quick peer into the kitchen, which is situated on one wall of the restaurant, surrounded by a half glass wall.

We were seated at a table in the dining room, but you may opt for a seat front and center to watch the culinary kings and queens hard at work.  Next time!  Note the chalk board listing local and regional fresh catch...

And low and behold, look who it is in the kitchen...

What?  Were you expecting Dinah?  Strummin' on the old Banjo?

They WERE having fun, though not too much fun.  I never actually saw Mr. Lagasse leave the kitchen.  I kinda like that he wasn't in the front of house workin' the crowd, but rather he was in the kitchen workin' my meal.

We did not order this, but I just had to share with you the Fried Ashley Farm Chicken Thigh served over a House Made Waffle.  Drizzled, of course, with a bit of molasses.  Next time! (Again!)  Back to my table...

Our meal was prefaced with some deliciously baked fresh corn bread; the perfect pairing for a rather uniquely prepared, yet out of this world Shrimp and Grits dish.

Perhaps some Creole/Cajunesque characteristics by way of Emeril's extensive time spent in New Orleans. Honestly, my initial thought was "this is going to be more flavor than my mouth can handle."  Do you know how some Shrimp and Grits dishes can be down right too heavy?  Well, not this one.  The ingredients complimented one another adoringly.  Feng Shui for the mouth.  Might I add, they use Anson Grits, the real deal.

Most wonderful man in the world ordered the Citrus Tea Lacquered Five Day Duck prepared over slow cooked Anson Mills Farro.  And, yes, the preparation of this duck is a five-day process.  e2 emeril's eatery + quack quack dressed to impress = one happy hubby.

We ordered dessert to go, so I will share with you what remains... though not for long!  Sweet Potato Cheesecake and this Sinful Chocolate Bomb.  I vouch for their divinities.

I love to take notice in all the little things.  There were many unique qualities that set this dining establishment apart from others.  In the below picture are two of those little things that caught my eye over the course of the night.  Do you notice the server's shirts, and do you notice the number of servers? 

It's not because they didn't get the memo on which shirt to wear, and it's not because they are confused about who ordered what.  Intrigued, I inquired about both.  Each server and bartender receives three shirts from a plaid varietal, and they get to choose which one they will to wear for that day.  The second fun fact is that if there are two or more guests dining, there will be at least two servers bringing your food.  No trays, no tray stands, no arsenal of plates lined up the server's arm just waiting to crash into your lap.


At e2 emeril's eatery, there is a lot of attention to detail, and (I say this in all caps) there is a LOT of creativity on display.  I leave you with this one last image that most wonderful man in the world caught at just the right moment.  Totally candid.  He said I look like I've just seen the best meal in my entire life put in front of me, and I'm about to dig into it.  And boy, oh boy, was I.

If you are a foodie living in the Queen City you already know Charlotte has a number of dynamite dining establishments prior to e2 joining the ranks. I give the new kid on the block a swell high five.  e2 emeril's eatery general manager, Jeff Wakem, was conversational and friendly but had work to do.  What I took away was that this is a group of professionals here to do one job- serve up a dining experience of delightfulness.  Welcome to the Queen City Emeril and crew!  I hope you will find yourselves right at home here with us.  Click HERE to visit the e2 emeril's eatery website to learn more about the menu, hours of operation, etc etc.

For the love of dining in most hospitable style... vino is calling.... xx Whitley

Stylin' Sunday - Golden Globes Top Picks and a BIG Thank You to Most Wonderful Man in the World

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Happy Sunday!  I hope you all enjoyed yourself this weekend.  I sure have, and I will tell you why... Most Wonderful Man in the World decided last weekend that he would surprise me this weekend ...

... by taking himself and my other two precious little men on a road trip to visit their Grandparents, which... you got it... left me and the Booch, (our precious lab, Macy) HOME ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL ALONE! FOR THE ENTIRE WEEKEND.  If your day to day life looks anything similar to mine, you know why I have used all caps.  There is no exact way to express the emotion involved for a weekend all alone.  Most wonderful man encouraged me to meet up with some girlfriends for a drink, and I wanted to, but I just could not.  Silence. Sitting at home all ALONE, all weekend, working on this blog... while listening to the soft, melodic rhythms of Chicane, Bent, Thievery Corporation and the likes... is all I wanted to do.  The wine has never tasted so good.  

Thank you most wonderful man in the world... I guess that 10 day fishing trip is my way to repay you for such kindness?  Yes. Gladly.  THANK YOU.

Back to the GG's...

It was a lovely night.  Your Queen City Stylist, Frank, and I had a hard time picking just one for Best of the Night, so we each picked our Top Two.

My picks, Evan Rachel Wood and Julie Bowen.  For me, it was all about the dresses.  While I think both ladies could have done a little more accessorizing, I just die over both of dresses. Evan's dress was unbelievable with all the different textures, the pattern and structure, and Julie was reminiscent of Old Hollywood Glamour, so graceful and classic.

                     

   
Frank's Picks, Claire Danes and Charlize Theron.  Frank loved the design of both dresses, noting the classic design of Claire's dress, the color blocking, as well as the flawless fit on her. He pointed to the high slit and gathered waist of Charlize's dress, as well as the color of the dress being a match for her skin tone, and the headband being a fabulous addition.

So, did either Frank or I choose your pick for best of the night?  I would love to know your top picks!

For the love of admiring beautiful dresses from afar in total peace and quite on this chilly, rainy weekend in the Queen City... I hope yours was every bit as lovely as mine!  Whitley

Fashion Friday - 2012 Golden Globes Review with our Queen City Stylist (and yours truly!)

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Since I now have the platform (SO fun!), I feel I would be remiss if I did not share with all you fabulous people my two cents on one of this year's most star-studded, red-carpeted main events, the Golden Globe awards.  And just to make this week's edition of Fashion Friday that much more fun... Are you ready for the fun?... Oh, how much fun is this going to be?... Our very own Queen City Stylist, the one and only Franklin Headen, is going to weigh in on some of the evenings most noteworthy ensembles. It's a Whitley and Frank Face-Off.  Head to Head Folks...

And we mean business... Ggggrrrrr...

As a disclaimer, Frank has sent me his remarks, and prior to this post, I have not viewed them.  I am uploading the picture, writing my remarks, then pasting his remarks.  Since I know this guy knows his stuff, I do not want the remote opportunity to be swayed by his opinion.  We weren't able to get to every single red carpet stunner, but we tried to cover most of the big ones. So, grab your popcorn, Sour Patch Kids and Coca-Cola (Wine), and let the fun begin!  In alphabetical order... this is fair game, folks.  Let's go!

Angelina Jolie

WH: This does nothing for me.  We are only commenting on Aesthetics, correct?  If that's the case, Angie is an absolutely gorgeous girl.  Very old Hollywood beauty to me, but this dress washes out her complextion. The red pops of color do nothing for me.
FH: Atelier Versace... 2nd year wearing something from the line. Pretty dress but wasn't as amazing as it could have been. Great fabric, nice red accent. Loved the hair.

Charlize Theron

WH: Gorgeous, ethereal, great color on her.  So soft and flowy, hair to match.  I think if you had to put yourself in her shoes, this is probably NOT an easy dress to wear.  She is totally wearing it. I give her an "A".
FH:  Never disappoints. Amazing Dior couture. Obsessed with the nude blush tone on her. Love the high slit and the gathered waist at the top of the slit. Gorgeous embellishments. Her headband was definitely a 'do' and I like that she used that accessory.

Claire Danes

WH:  She looks sophisticated and channels the Old Hollywood look I love so much, with the hair and make up.  Great poise.  That is a unique dress, and I think you would have to have a totally rockin' body to pull it off so well, which she does. I like how the design of the dress trims the appearance of the waistline even more.
FH:  Stunning, classic design. Loved the black and white. Fit her body well. Nice color blocking. The paillettes on the back were gorgeous. I loved the open back too. Its surprising from the sleek looking front. 

Elle Macpherson

WH:  Wow! Is that a Mermaid??  Seriously.  The dress, the hair, everything.  She is gorgeous.  How old is she??  I really am not crazy about the dress, but I think she looks radiant.  Love the stack of bangles on her wrist.
FH:  I was floored. The design of that dress was fabulous. She can pull anything off and that nude looked perfect on her. Of course her hair and makeup looked stunning as well.

Emma Stone

WH:  She is fierce!  Her eyes are piercing.  She can wear cutting edge clothes so well.  On an unrelated note, I think she looks best with this hair color.  Love it.  I do like the dress.. a little "casual" for me, for such a big event, but she looks hot.  I know Frank likes this designer, so I think he is going to say she is totally rockin' it (or something like that).
FH:  Lanvin is always one of my faves each season, so it was great to see it on the red carpet. I love the fabric, to start out with, and the two-tone is fabulous. I like the eagle belt too. 

Evan Rachel Wood

WH:  This is a little daring and dark.  Call me a little traditional and old fashioned... I do love "Old Hollywood" Glamour, and I would say this is definitely not that.  Again, maybe it's the colors... just a little Goth for me for this event.  All that said... given another time and place, I think this dress is insane (in a good way).  Judging on the dress alone, for me, this is a contender for #1 pick.
FH:  So you may not know this, but I am obsessed with feathers... Especially peacock. I can't tell if this is actually peacock or not, but the colors of this plumage is wonderful all over!!! This piece definitely falls into the art category as well as fashion. I love the plunging neckline (in a perfect world she would have a bit more boobage). She looks amazing.

Guiliana Rancic

WH:  I do think the dress is really neat... I love the high collar.  Is it formal enough for the Red Carpet?  I feel like there is perhaps a little too much make up there.
FH:  the black gown overpowered her. The nude gown did the same and the neck was weird. She is so thin and has a great body. I would have liked to see her in a bright color showing more skin.

Heidi Klum

WH:  Do like the bedazzled collar on this dress, but overall, I am not blown away by this look.  I think it is definitely too casual for the event.  Gorgeous girl.
FH:   Great color. Loved the neckline/turquoise necklace. 

WH:  She looks fabulously regal!  Love the color of the dress, love the diamond-esque encrusted belt (or who knows.. they are probably real!), love that flowery, fluid fabric.  She looks like a million bucks.

WH:  I feel like she was the favorite of the night for many.  I am not totally blown out of the water.  This is not to say I don't think she looks dynamite.  She does... After all, she is very pretty.. And just had a second baby?!  The dress is gorgeous, hair, jewelry.  Okay.. there's really not anything missing.  "A+".
FH:  Amazing color on her. Great embellishments. Really looked like something she would wear.

Jessica Chastain

WH: I am not crazy about any of this, and I realize this is a review about the the look and not the acting, but can I just say Jessica Chastain played my favorite character in the book, The Help, and I think she (and perhaps her side-kick, Minny) played her character the best in the movie.  Love her!  She is SO pretty.
FH:  I love Givenchy but that piece was not for her. Made her look sickly pale and something made her torso look a bit disproportionate 

Jodie Foster

WH:  I did not actually watch the Golded Globes, so I don't know how much camera time Jodie Foster got. I don't think she was the center of attention, but I included her here, because I think she just looks so fresh and pretty and happy. It is great to see her again!
FH:  Great design and embellishments. Wasn't crazy about the color, but it was pretty.

Julie Bowen

WH:  Okay, so for me, THIS is the look of a red carpet.  Love the dress, love her poise, love her hair, make up, coloring, clutch.  The only thing missing perhaps, for me, was a little jewelry.  Perhaps a diamond cuff.  Everything is flawless. This might be my overall top pick.
FH:  Fabulous dress! The encrusted sleeves are beautiful! The Fabric falls wonderfully on her body, and I like how the one piece of horizontal fabric breaks her up and cinches her waist. Although the gown was beautiful, it was not for her. The color is so off, and that type of nude doesn't work for Julie. 

Kate Beckinsale

WH:  The dress is just okay for me.  I'm not crazy about the way the tops of the dress are pointy... it is like windshield wipers to me, or kinda makes me think of the motorcycle corset in George Michael's Too Funky video. (Next year's Halloween costume perhaps?.. I'm sure my mother would love that ;).  Anyway, she's a bombshell.  Gorgeous.
FH:  Stunning. I loved the cut at the bust (squared off). Embellishments were fantastically placed. The color was a nude purple blush that I haven't seen in a while, but it was fabulous. The back of the dress was fabulous and the little slits where it opens to the lighter fabric was pretty too.

Kate Winslet

WH:  This looks like something she would wear.  It is not my absolute favorite of the night. However, I think she has a consistent, very sophisticated look, and she looks increasingly regal to me.  She seems very classy.
FH:   Bodice was nice, but the white totally cut her up and made her bottom portion look bigger.

Kelly Osbourne

WH: I can't say I'm a fan of this girl or really know why she is "famous"  (kinda like the Kardashian crew.. am I spelling that correct?), other than for her father.  I feel like I have only seen negative reviews of her in this look.  However, I think she looks quite nice.  Not a fan of the purple hair, but again, considering her more previous looks, I think she is heading in the right direction in terms of cleaning up her look.
FH:  I love Zac Posen and even that dress, but shes's a mess. Horrible hair. The dress didn't really suit her. I can't get the idea of Kelly osbourne (the former tacky punk rock chick) as a style expert.

Lea Michele

WH: Gosh, I really don't know what to say about this.  Perhaps a little inappropriate?  I feel it is too sexy for what I feel like is supposed to be a historical and sophisticated evening.  Kudos for confidence, however.
FH:   Turning into a Marchesa-whore. Didn't fit her personality. It wasn't even a pretty dress on her skin. I can see either Amber rose (ew) or Angelina (yes please) wearing that.

WH:  Is she in a movie this year?  I think she looks absolutely gorgeous.  One of my top pics for the night indeed. This color is fabulous.  I am just seeing the back of the train and am not sure I am loving it, but everything else is totally dynamite and regal (like the color!). She has lovely posture. "A".

Madonna

WH:  My girl from day one, though I've never been a huge fan of any of her clothing choices, including this one.  Not good.  Still gets the award for most insanely toned arms, however.
FH:  So ugly.  It looked horrible! She looked like a man.

Michelle Williams

WH:  The dress is growing on me, but I still give it just a "C+".  I think the fit is lovely on her, but not quite exciting enough for me.  Also, the headband?  This isn't the first day of kindergarten.  I do think she ranks near the top for most poised, however.
FH:  Fabulous. It was a super cute gown for a super cute, yet sophisticated girl. Great fabric print too.

Nichole Richie

WH:  She is one of my favs for street style.  I love boho.  She rocks boho impeccably. I am not, however, crazy about this look.  I do love the jewels on her wrist, but it stops there for me.  I almost feel like that is a high school prom dress.
FH:  Loved her hair and the neckline of her dress. I didn't really like the diamond pattern but the silver color as a whole worked for her.

Nicole Kidman

WH:  Hhhhmmm.  I am torn on this.  Not my favorite.  I do love the design on the dress, and I love the "tough metals" look, but for some reason I am thinking of the Bedazzler.  I've seen her look much "wowier".
FH:  Absolutely horrible! She could not pull that off. It's totally not her style, and the color was so off. Her boobs and waist looked strangled.

Reese Witherspoon

WH:  One of my favorite leading ladies.  I feel like many say she was "The Pick" of the night.  However, I am not blown away by this.  I think the hair is way to informal.  That is my hair when I wake up in the morning.  The dress is lovely, don't get me wrong, and I love her taste.  I just think she in the past has brought her "A" Game a little more than she did here.
FH:  Definitely had some boobage going on. Great color and design though!

Salma Hayek

WH:  HHHMMMM... Possible tie for first place.  She is a little busty in this, but sizzling.  The Dress: Insane. Hair: Sexpot. Earrings: Fabulous. Make-Up: Stunning. Overall:  Ball Out of the Park Hot.
FH: Horrible. Cheap female gladiator. Didn't like the pleats. Weird metal embroidery pattern. Her boobs are way to big to go strapless.

Sofia Vergara

WH: All woman.  She seems to have such great self-confidence, but she does not seem overly-confident or unapproachable.  I think everything she is wearing is perfect for who she is.
FH: Loved the mermaid on her. Great color too. Didn't like the hair and makeup though. I love her waves!!

Stacy Keibler

WH:  This dress is lovely, and so is she, but did she go so "simple" for fear of upstaging the hunkiest man in Hollywood?  It isn't really possible, so maybe she went so simple BECAUSE the hunkiest man in Hollywood was her accessory.  Sophisticated, just not quite enough pizzazz for me.
FH:  Wayyyy too simple. She looked good in red and the bow was cute but she could have stepped up her game.

Viola Davis

WH:  She looks like somebody I want to meet.  Such a happy, nice face.  The color of the dress is lovely, very Grecian Goddess to me.  Her hair and make up look great, not to mention she looks super in shape.
FH:   I liked the high slit on her, and the color really complimented her skin tone.

And last, but certainly not least...

Zooey Deschanel

WH:  This dress reminds me a little of an Atari?!   But still, I do love the dress.  So unique.  I love her adorable personality, and she looks great.  A top pic for me, for overall look.
FH: Loved the subtle color blocking, and the embellishments on the body were so pretty.

So, you tell me.. Whose look did you love most at this year's Golden Globes?  Did we leave off your favorite? Tell us.  We want to hear!  And, do you dare say... is there anyone's look... hhhmmm, not so much??

I'll reveal to you my pick and Frank's on Stylin' Sunday.  Until then...

For the love of fabulous Hollywood fashion, here's to a wonderful weekend!  Whitley