Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Ready To Style, Consign and Shop!

This post is primarily dedicated to my friends of the Queen City, but I am super excited to share with everyone a little itty bit that applies to the Queen City Style.  Green Jeans, the consignment sale of the century, is back!  This weekend, August 3-5, is the weekend for shopping fun! 


To help kick off the big sale, I am one of three Charlotte fashion lovers who will be scoping the sale's massive inventory to style it out with three shoppers.  I will have one hour to create an ensemble under $100 with my model and partner in crime.  Shoppers, there are over 20,000 items in this sale, including designer demin and bags, costume jewelry and accessories, dresses and more.  Green Jeans' fans will judge and decide whose style is their most fav.  The model with the most outfit votes will get to keep her fabulous garb.  If my outfit is the chosen winner, I will get to donate $100 to the charity of my choice, YWCA Central Carolinas.  The competition is fierce, but I say, bring it on!  In all seriousness, I am so delighted to be a part of this fun event.  I can't wait to shop the event, myself, and if you are interested in consigning, there is still time.  If you read the Queen City Style regularly, you know I am an advocate of usin' what you got!  There is no need to break the bank in order to look and feel good.  Below are some examples from my own closet.  I am so excited put my hands on the racks at Green Jeans!  Wish me luck!!  Click HERE for info.





For the love of stylin' and consignin',
Hope to see you at the sale!  Whitley

Monday, July 30, 2012

Interpreting Yesterday's Runner Fashion Outfit

Hi everyone!!  For today's post I incorporated some major oldies (but goodies) with this tank and skirt, to interpret yesterday's runner outfit.  I cannot remember the last time I wore this skirt.  I remember loving it when I purchased on major sale many eons ago at some cute boutique here in the Queen City.  It is super comfortable, and I think the tye dye pattern is so fun.  It's always good to reconnect with an old friend!

Tank: Gap. Skirt: Lauren Moffatt. Shoes: Maria Sharapova by Cole Haan, mine are from Step by Sloan. Sunglasses: Blinde, similar here. Clutch: Coach (old), but here's one I adore, or here. Necklace from KK Bloom. Bracelet: Belonged to my Grandmother-in-law.  Earrings: JoJo Loves You. Rings: Tiffany and Custom by Diamonds Direct.

 








Runner Fashion: Skirt, Ruched Tank, Wrap Top

Hello!  I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!  I went to Charleston, SC for a little getaway and had a full weekend of quality time with some old friends.  It was gorgeous and sunny, albeit a bit hot, but a fulfilling diversion from life on the homestead.

Tank: Moving Comfort, c/o Run For Your Life. Skirt: RunningSkirts, c/o Run For Your Life. Wrap Top: Saucony, c/o Run For Your Life. Shoes: Mizuno. Sunglasses: Native. Sport Watch: Garmin. Earrings: JoJo Loves You

Today I am sporting my third of four runner fashion looks in my collaboration with Run For Your Life.  I was intentional in picking four looks that were completely unique from one another.  First I wore the black running dress, then I got a sporty with tight running shorts and a tank, and today I'm wearing a pretty skirt and ruched tank topped off with a comfy wrap.  Certainly not exclusive to, but I think this is a perfect style for moms on the go.  It is cute enough to wear all day--first and foremost for exercise, but also great for preschool pick-ups, errands and play time.  Comfortable, functional and cute.  I think we all feel good when we look good.  This runner outfit allows you to put your best foot forward in your gear!  What do you think?   Want this outfit for yourself?  Head to Run For Your Life and mention the Queen City Style for 15% off any purchase on apparel.








Oh, and here's a sneak peak at tomorrow's fashion interpretation!



For the love of running around, in great style...
Have a wonderful day!!  Whitley

Friday, July 27, 2012

The IT List: Week Two

Happy Friday Friends!  Today I am participating in the wonderful stylish, fabulous and fun IT List for my second of four times.  I am so thrilled to be featured among such a stylish group of ladies.  I hope you will check them all out and see more for yourself!


  • Rachel's Look Book shares with us her summer "go-to" items that are fit for running errands or lunch with the girls! Cute! (find Rachel's Look Book on Twitter!)
  • A Fashion Fixation is walking on the wild side with her fashion choices lately and it's paying off! She looks fabulous in her new red pants! (find A Fashion Fixation on Twitter!)
  • Ash 'N' Fashn is gearing up for the start of the Olympics with an adorable graphic tee! Perfect for watching the opening ceremonies tonight! (find Ash N' Fashn on Twitter!) 
  • Pink Margarita Pearl looks gorgeous in a neutral outfit - head over to find out how she uses a hint of shimmer to keep the look interesting!
  • Urban Frill is wearing her own version of the primary colors and knocked it out of the park! And she thought she had nothing to wear! (find Urban Frill on Twitter!)
  • Here & Now mixes masculine and feminine for a layered summer look! Pop over to see how she pulls it off! (find Here & Now on Twitter!)
  • Fabulously Average is taking style cues from Betty Draper while sporting an updated vintage look complete with a pink lace skirt! Love! (find Fabulously Average on Twitter!)
  • Runaway Style is channeling her inner free spirt with lace and pastels - a beautiful nod to the 60s!
  • the Queen City Style is shopping her own closet and trying out a new combination she has never thought of! Head over to see the unlikely pair! (find The Queen City Style on Twitter!)
  • Olive and an Arrow goes Aztec with an amazing pair of shorts! She pairs it with a top that has an unexpected twist - go check it out! (find Olive and an Arrow on Twitter!)
  • 100 Inspirations recreates a casual Rosie Huntington look for under  $115! It involves boots and shorts - a must see!
  • Second Street East is sharing a little office inspiration with us, which will be her future workspace. One hint - pink and yellow! (find Second Street East on Twitter!)
  • Lipstick & Lollies pairs a neutral top with some pops of color! Don't forget to check out her fun hair accessory! 
  • Sweetie Pie Style runs us through this fall's shoe trends! Be careful because you will want every. single. pair. (find Sweetie Pie Style on Twitter!)
the IT list is brought to you weekly by Jill of Good Life and edited by Michelle of Second St. East.
 For more information on how you can be involved - click here

For the love of collaborating in great style...
Thank so much for reading, and have a wonderful weekend!
Whitley

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Guest Post On J's Everyday Fashion

Hello Everyone!  I am SO excited to be guest posting today on the wildly popular J's Everyday Fashion!  If you are visiting from J's blog and this were my home, I would welcome you in for a cup of tea or lemonade or the drink of your choice!  In any case, I welcome to the Queen City Style!  I hope you'll enjoy your visit here and that you will come again soon.


A friend introduced me to J's Everyday Fashion with a tip that J was calling for 12 bloggers to guest post while she was off to Africa.  I hopped on over to see what the recommendation was all about, and it made perfect sense.  Each of J's posts consist of an inspiration outfit and her own interpretation of that outfit.  She credits the individual pieces she wears and gives additional options for similar items.  The cherry on top; all of J's outfits are designed on a budget, so many of us can relate!  With close to 35,000 followers on Facebook alone, I was as giddy as a school girl to learn I made her short list!


J recreates an outfit by the always stylish Olivia Palermo in the above photo.  I've been looking for a similar black and white tuxedo blazer, so I nabbed this one for myself! At $39.99, it's a steal!  Thanks SO MUCH, J, for this fun opportunity!  Visit J's Everyday Fashion here to see my outfit recreation! 

For the love of discovering great style at a great price,
Thanks so much everyone for visiting the Queen City Style!  Whitley
PS: Dying to share with you my new video intro!!

Monday, July 23, 2012

Simple And Sleek

Hello Everyone!  I am so excited about today's post!  I never would have thought to put these pieces together had I not the assignment of interpreting yesterday's running outfit into a street style look.  This outfit speaks to my love for bold and bright colors, simple and classic elements, getting creative and using what you got!  No need to go spend money when you can shop straight from your closet! 


Tank: Gap. Skirt: J. Crew (old), but here's one. Belt: Forever 21. Shoes: BCBG (old-mine are from Recycle Boutique), but here's a pair. Sunglasses: Blinde, here's a similar pair. Earrings: JoJo Loves You. Bracelet: belonged to my Grandmother-in-law. Rings: Tiffany and Diamonds Direct.

Gap Ribbed Tank, J. Crew Black Mini Skirt, Forever 21 Belt, Blinde Eyewear, BCBG Wedges

Earrings by JoJo Loves You, Gap Ribbed Tank, Forever 21 Belt, J. Crew Black Mini Skirt, Vintage Bracelet, Blinde Eyewear

J. Crew Black Mini Skirt, Forever 21 Belt, Vintage Bracelet

Tiffany Interlocking Circles Ring, Custom Sapphire Bands by Diamonds Direct

Blinde Eyewear, Gap Ribbed Tank, Vintage Bracelet, Earrrings by JoJo Loves You, Tiffany Interlocking Circles Ring

Please nominate Run For Your Life as One of the 50 Best stores in America!
I would love for you to check out the Queen City Style's new video intro! HERE
For the love of being inspired by great style all around you...
Thanks for reading!  Whitley

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Runner Fashion: Tight Shorts and Tank

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!
Today I resume my collaboration with Run For Your Life by styling my second of four picks showcasing women's runner fashion.  I wore a black running dress last week, and today I'm taking things in a slightly different direction with these tight shorts and tank.  As per one of my training partners, I'll admit, in the past I have fallen victim to cotton.  I do love the fabric of our lives, but running in the dead middle of the summer's heat is not the time or place.  Thanks to this collaboration, I'm thrilled to know there is some super stylish running attire out there just waiting to be worn!

Tank: Saucony, c/o Run For Your Life. Shorts: Saucony, c.o Run For Your Life, also in plain black. Shoes: Mizuno. Sport Watch: Garmin. Sunglasses: Native. Earrings: JoJo Loves You.





Of all the runner outfits I will be styling here, this one definitely reminds me most of what all those marathon record holding female runners wear on the cover of the magazines.  I could not bring myself to wear an athletic sports bra that shows the midriff, but if you are as ripped as those ladies are, go for it!


If you are in the Queen City and would like this runner outfit for yourself, head on over to Run For Your Life!  Mention this post for 15% off your purchase!!  See you at the $100 Gift Card Giveaway!
One more thing... Please nominate Run For Your Life as One of the 50 Best stores in America!

Here's a peak at tomorrow's street style interpretation of this runner fashion outfit!


For the love of running in great style...
Thanks for reading!  Whitley

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Double Take

As I shared in the original post, this vintage Lillie Rubin keyhole maxi gown that belonged to my mother is a wardrobe favorite.  Don't you feel sometimes they just don't make clothes like they used to?

Vintage Lillie Rubin Keyhole Gown

Then they make us do a double take when they make it again.
I'm in love with this dress by ASOS Collection, the two colors available and the price.
What do you think?  If you love it, which color do you prefer?

ASOS Collection Pleated Keyhold Maxi Gown Cherry Red

ASOS Collection Pleated Keyhold Maxi Gown Antique Moss

For the love of great style, coming around again... Whitley xx

Friday, July 20, 2012

Charlotte Web Award Nomination

I am proud to share that the Queen City Style has been nominated as one of 10 blogs in the category of Best Personal Blog for the Charlotte Web Awards.  What a pleasant surprise it was to open my email and read the news of this nomination.  A very warm thanks to all of you for reading the Queen City Style and the to responsible party for submitting my nomination.  I am beyond flattered by this vote of confidence.


Here's where I could use your help!  If you would like to vote, please click on the image below before July 23rd, and then click on the "Like" Button in the bottom left hand corner to


THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for your readership and support of the Queen City Style!
I am excited every day to share my passion with you!


For the love of great friends, always in great style--Whitley

Fun Fashion with the IT List!

Hello Everyone!  Today I am participating in the IT list, a fun fashion initiative designed to introduce awesome style to our readers by way of other uber stylish fashion bloggers. This will be my first of four times participating, and I am so exciting to be included in such a fun group of stylish ladies.  I was tickled when I found out, my black running dress post was the one chosen for the feature!  Do you see your style reflected in any of the images here?  I hope you will check them all out!



  • Rachel's Look Book is showing us some European flair by recreating outfits she saw while across the pond! A must see! (find Rachel's Look Book on Twitter!)
  • Crazy Style Love is in full-on "ladies who lunch" mode with a pretty pastel look. Monochromatic at its best! (find Crazy Style Love on Twitter!)
  • 100 Inspirations recreates a casual Jessica Alba look complete with mint jeans and pink loafers. Head over to find out where to get the goods - all for under $140!
  • High Heeled Style is having a polka party with her fun top! Paired with green accents and a pencil skirt, it makes for an office look that is sure to stand out! (find High Heeled Style on Twitter!)
  • Ash 'N' Fashn loves the classic combination of red and blue together long after Independence Day! Head over to see how she pairs blue with a little red dress! (find Ash N' Fashn on Twitter!) 
  • Pink Margarita Pearl remind us how important accessories are to our look! Pop over to see how she turned an all black outfit into something special with a few key pieces!
  • Urban Frill goes red-hot while pairing a long, flowy vest with her usual work attire for an unexpected twist to business causal! So cute! (find Urban Frill on Twitter!)
  • Here & Now is sporting a little drop-hem number that is reminiscent of the 20s. A seriously sassy look for date night! (find Here & Now on Twitter!)
  • Fabulously Average shares with us her "Tall Girls Guide to the Mini." Head over to see how she puts her rules to use! (find Fabulously Average on Twitter!)
  • Runaway Style is letting her shorts take center stage in this California cool look that is ready for any warm weather you can throw at it! Love those shorts!
  • The Queen City Style has discovered something all you fashionistas need... a running dress! Yes, a running dress! Go check it out! (find The Queen City Style on Twitter!)
  • Olive and an Arrow is channeling Jess from "New girl" with her adorable polka dot number! I'd say she wears it better than Zooey, what do you think?? (find Olive and an Arrow on Twitter!)
  • Second Street East is letting her hair down with a geometric skirt and denim top - a fun look to brighten the day! (find Second Street East on Twitter!)
  • Sweetie Pie Style looks ahead to cooler weather with Madewell's fall preview. Head over for tips on how to predict fashion trends for next season! (find Sweetie Pie Style on Twitter!)
the IT list is brought to you weekly by Jill of Good Life and edited by Michelle of Second St. East.
 For more information on how you can be involved - click here

For the love of fabulous style, whatever your style...
Have a wonderful weekend!  Whitley

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Easy Does It

Today's outfit is my street style interpretation of yesterday's runner fashion outfit, a black running dress.  I've never worn a dress to run in, but I'm kinda loving this one.  Really, it is suitable for tennis or golf and a host of other fitness activities!  The dress you see here is a J. Crew oldy but goody.  My oldest memory of wearing it, also paired with this bracelet, was to my Grandmother's funeral.  I remember having my very first scotch on the rocks at the after party hosted at my Grandparent's home.  Old family friend Mr. Harris, probably in his mid 80's at the time, asked me what I'd like to drink. I accepted whatever he was having, a "real drink," and to this day I don't see how anyone could enjoy that taste.  I'm guessing it's not about the taste.  At any rate, everyone was there to celebrate her, and we all did in great style, just like her.  The dress is simple but has served it's LBD purpose better than any other I own.  On this day, I kept the accessories to a minimum, pairing the dress with my newest favorite pair of slingbacks.  I think easy does it well.






Dress: J. Crew (old), but here's one. Shoes: Kate Spade Purse: Chanel. Sunglasses: Blinde, here's a similar pair. Earrings: (old) from J.T. Posh.  Bracelet: Belonged to my Great-Grandmother. Rings: Tiffany and Diamonds Direct.

For the love of keeping it easy, in great style...
Thanks so much for reading!  Whitley

Monday, July 16, 2012

Runner Fashion: Black Running Dress

I'm so excited about my collaboration with Run For Your Life.  If you run in Charlotte, more likely than not, you are familiar with the store.  I have always purchased my running shoes from their store, possibly because of the close proximity to my home.  Or perhaps, it is because I worked with the company on races they helped facilitate and sponsor way back when I worked in not for profit.  It's fair to say the main reason I continued to buy my shoes there was because of their knowledge and expertise, but above all, for their excellent customer service.  In Run For Your Life's case, you get it all.  I was more eager than ever to get back into shape after Precious Peanut #2 was born, and after a tip from one of my husband's co-workers, I contacted the store about joining a training group.  On a personal note, it turned out to be one of the best things that's happened to me in a long time.  It was like being reunited with an old friend (running) and making some new friends in the process.  I have so much enjoyed my reunion with running and my connection with Run For Your Life that I reached out to them about collaborating for this series on runner fashion.  I mean, we all work so hard to not only look but feel good in our clothes.  Why not want the same while exercising?


Moving Comfort Running Dress, Garmin


Moving Comfort Running Dress


Running Dress: Moving Comfort, c/o Run For Your Life. Under Shorts: Mizuno, c/o Run For Your Life. Shoes: Mizuno. Sunglasses: Native. Sports Watch: Garmin. Earrings: JoJo Loves You.

A running dress you say??  It's not something I've worn before, but I REALLY like this dress!  It's easy to move in, and it's comfortable.  Not to mention it would be perfect for tennis or even golf!  I kinda feel like it's time to set a new trend.  Do any of you own a running dress?  

Here's a peak at tomorrow's fashion interpretation of the running dress!


For the love of running in comfort and style, thanks for reading! Whitley

(Credits are listed for all items.  However, if you live in the Queen City, please call or visit your local Run For Your Life store for inquiries about anything you see worn here!)