You Dress Me

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Boots: Charlie 1 Horse. Shorts: Lucky Brand/Irving and Fine. Tank: Gap. Necklace: Melvin. Bracelet: Chelsea Charles. Ring: Melinda Maria. Sunglasses: Blinde, similar. Belt: similar.

I am often asked for suggestions on how to look unique in every day attire.  Here in the Queen City there are molds that can sometimes dictate every fad from what we wear to what we eat to what kind of car we drive.  My general reaction to those fads is to run the other way as fast as possible. Not quite that dramatic, but nevertheless, my response as it pertains to dress is to wear A) typically whatever everyone else is not wearing and B) whatever makes me feel good. Admittedly, I'm obsessed with my cowgirl boots. I wore them all winter.  It is approaching 90 degrees outside, and I am now wearing them with jean shorts.  A reader recently recommended I pair my boots with white shorts. Well, here it is, my outfit for the day.  So, You Dress Me. Would love to hear your thoughts and have some fun with this.  Tweet me. Email me at thequeencitystyle@yahoo.com. Message me on Facebook, Instagram, however!

I'm hoping for some really awesome outfits!

xo-Whitley
PS-Love THIS bracelet?  Stay tuned for a Giveaway!

Cowgirl Boots To The Beach

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Howdy Y'all!  I've been so busy with great things, but I have not been able to give the Queen City Style the normal amount of TLC.  Donna and I have been working on some great outfit shoots, and I can't wait to share them all with you, in addition to my long overdue interview with Cynthia Rowley and Belk Girls Night Out; so many fun things!  For now, I'm super excited to be all packed and ready to drive to Heaven on Earth, Pawleys Island, with the family.  That mini vacation will be en route to a long overdue reunion in Sullivan's Island with my six college roommates.  Not gonna lie, I'm kinda scared of what's ahead with all of these girls at the beach.  We were kinda crazy back then.  I got my boots on though. I'm ready!

I hope you are all great.

Lots of love, Whitley

Denim On Denim

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Shirt: Forever 21, similar. Jeans: Zara, similar pair. Sweater: Ralph Lauren from summerbird, here's one. Boots: Charlie 1 Horse, mine are from Constance Consignment. Purse: Coach, belonged to my mother, current version here. Belt: old, similar. Sunglasses: Blinde, similar pair. Earrings: Jewelmint, also like these. Bracelets: My Grandmother's, Grandmother-in-law's, Stella & Dot. Rings: Tiffany, Diamonds Direct.

How do you feel about denim on denim?  I've had mixed emotions about it over time.  I think mainly because while I feel it is a very all American classic look, it can also get a little trendy.  The former I am drawn to, the latter not so much.  I paired my denim look with two more American staples; a vintage Coach bag and cowboy boots, then dressed it up just smidge with small sparkly jewels and a cashmere cable knit.  In all honesty, this might as well be my uniform.  I wear any part of this outfit at least three days a week, if not the entire outfit three days a week.  I definitely love casual and comfortable. How about you?  Any regulars on rotation in your closet?  

I hope your week is terrific!  

As ever, thanks so much for being here! Whitley

All You Need Is Love

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Shirt: ASOS (on SALE). Long sleeved shirt: Gap, best long sleeve T ever! Jeans: Zara, similar pair. Boots: Charlie 1 Horse, mine are from Constance Consignment. Jacket: Forever 21, also love this one. Purse: Chanel. Belt: old, here's one. Sunglasses: Blinde, similar pair. Earrings: Made my a friend. Rings: Melinda Maria, Tiffany, custom by Diamonds Direct. 

At some point I'll have to write a post about my favorite neighborhood spots in the Queen City.  I have my short list, from which I rarely stray, but there's only one Thomas Street Tavern. Back in the day this might as well have been my home away from home.  Totally a fraternity groupie.  If you've been there, you know the cool factor.  Now that I'm a little more settled down and all grown up (right), I don't make it over there as often, but walking through those doors felt like yesterday. If you take a stool at the bar, don't be surprised to be sitting between a truck driver and an investment banker; an actress to your left and a pool shark to your right. Thomas Street Tavern is salt of the earth cool, unpretentious and friendly; the perfect location to don my favorite new T-shirt that makes me insta-happy just wearing it.  All You Need Is Love.

Love ya! xo-Whitley

Vintage Tartan Plaid

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Coat: Pendleton, LOVE this one and this one. Jeans: Zara, Boots: Charlie 1 Horse, Turtleneck: CAbi, here's one. Purse: Coach, Sunglasses: Blinde, similar pair. Belt: old, love this one and this one. Earrings: old. Bracelets: My Great-Grandmother's, Grandmother's, Grandmother-in-law's, Stella & Dot.  Rings: Tiffany, custom at Diamonds Direct.

Have you noticed that Tartan Plaid is everywhere?  You probably know I'm more into going against the grain than following the trends, but thanks to my favorite winter coat, my Grandmother's Pendleton classic, I'll be wearing Tartan Plaid year after year for the rest of my life. I'm not kidding, however, when I tell you this is the most well-made coat I have ever owned.  I've had the coat probably 12 years, and it must be at least 30 years old.  My mother could probably speak better to that, but at any rate, it is the perfect coat... The lining is impeccable, the weight and length are just right, and the fabric is flawless.  Plaid perfection!  I was not able to find a Tartan Plaid Pendleton, but here's a solid Pendleton classic in red and one in black, and my top picks for current Tartan Plaid coats are here and here.  Thanks for reading!

Happy Top 'o the week to ya!  

-Whitley

PS-What do y'all think of my awesome new partner in photographic crime??  Donna is absolutely blowing my mind; I can't even stand it!  Yippee!!

Linking up with Real Girl Glam for some Real Girl Style.  Go check out all the lovely ladies!

Charles Emerson Designs Necklace Giveaway

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Complete Outfit Credits Here.

Y'all all know from previous posts like this how much I love a statement necklace.  Statement anything, really, but in this case a necklace.  And there is no shortage of love for the Charles Emerson Designs beauty I piled on in the previous post here.  I loved it so much so that I had to reach out to shop owner, Erin White, to see if she would be willing to give away one of these beauties on the Queen City Style.  Well, she said yes!  The necklace is available in three colors, but only one in red and green remains (perfect for your holiday party!), which she so kindly saved for this Giveaway... 

Here are all the ways you may enter:

1) Mandatory Entry: You must follow the Queen City Style by Email or Bloglovin'.

2) Join the Queen City Style on Google Friend Connect.

3) Like Charles Emerson Designs on Facebook.

4) Like the Queen City Style on Facebook.

5) Check out the Charles Emerson Designs shop, and tell me which piece is your favorite.

6) Share this Giveaway on Facebook.  

Be sure to tag the Queen City Style and Charles Emerson Designs!

7) Tell me how YOU would style this fab necklace!

Please let me know in ONE comment the ways you have entered.

This Giveaway ends Saturday, December 15th.  I will announce a winner the next day.

Can't wait to see if you are the winner?  Charles Emerson Designs is offering 20% off your order through Saturday, December 15th using code: GIVEAWAY20 at check out.

Thanks so much for reading, and good luck!

-Whitley

And the winner is...

Dana DDecember 11, 2012 8:03 AM

Hi Whitley! Have to say this is one of my favorite giveaways to date!! I love seeing your weekly emails, I like you and Charles Emerson on FB, I follow you on Google Friend connect, and I shared this giveaway on my FB page!
I LOVE the Cater necklace to go with the Ana bracelet too!

Thanks everyone for entering the Charles Emerson Designs Giveaway!  Shop one last day for 20% Off using code GIVEAWAY20 at Check Out!

Please email me at thequeencitystyle@yahoo.com

Linking up today over at Real Girl Glam for some Real Girl Style!
Go check out all these pretty ladies for some fun fashion!

This Top And Cuff + Giveaway

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Top: c/o The Boulevard at South End. Pants: Gap. Jacket: Gap. Boots: Charlie 1 Horse. Clutch: JJ Winters. Sunglasses: Blinde, similar pair. Earrings: Bauble Bar. Cuff: Green Market Girl available at The Boulevard at South End. Rings: Melinda Maria, Tiffany, custom at Diamonds Direct.

If you are in the Charlotte area, you must visit The Boulevard at South End.  This urban boutique located in the heart of South End is filled to the brim with one of a kind items from clothing to gifts to furniture to jewelry, made by local artisans and designers.  The first thing I noticed when I walked in the door was a plethora of gorgeous cuffs like the one I have worn religiously for the last three years!  I was so excited to discover who the designer was and I couldn't resist pulling this top to style here for you today.  Adore either of these items as much as I do?  The Boulevard at South End is giving away a $50 gift card to one lucky winner! (and the top is still available in sizes S,M and L!)

Here are all the ways you may enter:

1) Mandatory Entry: You must follow of the Queen City Style by Email or Bloglovin'.

2) Join the Queen City Style on Google Friend Connect.

3) Like The Boulevard at South End on Facebook.

4) Like the Queen City Style on Facebook.

5) Sign up for The Boulevard at South End's newsletter via their website here.

6) Share this Giveaway on Facebook.  

**Be sure to tag the Queen City Style and The Boulevard at South End!**

7)Follow the Queen City Style and The Boulevard at South End on Twitter.

**Tweet the Giveaway and be sure to tag tQCS and The Boulevard at South End!**

8) Tell me how YOU would style this top or cuff!

Please let me know in ONE comment the ways you have entered.

This Giveaway ends Saturday, December 1st.  I will announce a winner the next day.

Can't wait to see if you are the winner?  The Boulevard at South End is offering 15% off your purchase through Sunday, December 9th, and if you're in town, they've asked me to extend the invitation to join them this Wednesday for their one year anniversary celebration!

And the winner is....

Cindy WNovember 27, 2012 10:02 PM

1,3,4,5,6 (on GJ and personal) and 8. Yeah, love this pairing and I love the cuff - own one in green! A sassy top is perfect with a pair of jeans and boots for sure! Not sure I'd change a thing! So fun! LOVE The Boulevard! Yeah so glad you all teamed up!

Please email me at thequeencitystyle@yahoo.com.  Thank you to everyone for entering!

xx-Whitley

At The Cabin + Clutch Giveaway Winner

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Sweater: My Grandmother's. Jeans: Gap. Turtleneck: Brooks Brothers (old), similar. Boots: Charlie 1 Horse. Belt: old, similar. Earrings: gifted. Bracelets: My Grandmother's, Stella & Dot.

My family recently gathered at my Dad's to try to catch a family photo for our Christmas card.  We snapped a few outfit pics for the Queen City Style while there.  As per usual, I'm wearing my Charlie 1 Horse boots (AKA my winter Rainbows), which I loved paired here with one of my favorite sweaters that belonged to my Grandmother.  A rare item for her wardrobe, I think it speaks well to my preferred laid back boho style by day. With two little ones, getting one good picture out of 100 is not always easy.  I was thinking of going with this one.  What do you think?

Naa.  We did get one, but the majority of them looked about like this!  Last but not least, click here to see if you are the winner of my fav JJ Winters clutch giveaway from Lipp Boutique!

Thanks for reading!  Hope your week is off to a great start!

Whitley

the Queen City Style Turns One!

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Sweater: Ralph Lauren from summerbird. Shirt: Forever 21. Skirt: c/o The Boulevard at South End (call to get yours!). Boots: Charlie 1 Horse from Constance Consignment. Bag: Coach. Tights: J. Crew. Sunglasses: Blinde, similar pair. Necklace: J. Crew, similar, this one is amazing! Earrings: JewelMint. Bracelets: vintage, J. Crew. Rings: Tiffany, Diamonds Direct.

Last week the Queen City Style turned one!  This has been one of the best things ever to happen for me.  I submitted this story to Lucky Magazine, they ran it (thank you Lucky!!), and that was all the validation I could ask for; somebody out there was interested in what I had to share.  After seeing the printed article, I woke up the next morning and decided I would write a blog.  I can't tell you how much joy this have brought me.  I have met some of the nicest people; fellow bloggers, brand consultants, designers, boutique owners, stylists, industry people both afar and in my own community.  I've got a little business going here.  Awesome things have spawned from this blog. I am now working as a wardrobe consultant/personal stylist.  I've recently helped facilitate, along with three other small business owners, a new philanthropic effort here in the Queen City, Warm Charlotte.  I am so, so grateful for all of these opportunities.  the Queen City Style has become my path for creativity, fun and pursuing my passion....Finally, at the age of 35!  Hello!  This is me! Yippee!!  Thank you to each and every one of you for walking with me through this journey over the past year.  Thank you for reading, and thank you for your feedback.  Thank you for accepting me, introducing me to great people and opportunities, helping me and supporting me.  You know who you are.  If you are reading this, I am talking to you.

With all my heart! -Whitley

Here's my first post, wearing the same necklace I love so much, mama got it for me for Christmas!