Men's Most Wanted At Belk

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Last week you got a glimpse at some of the fantastic ladies fashion coming to us from Belk.  This is what Spring is shaping up to look like at Belk for men.  All items will be available at Belk spring 2014. I don't hate #9. Can you blame me? With my Dad as the point of comparison, I'll always blush for a well dressed southern gentleman.

-Whitley

Emily Maynard on Instagram

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As you may recall from my previous post with her, thanks to my friends at Belk, I had a great opportunity to sit down with Emily Maynard to discuss her jewelry line in partnership with local designers, Towne & Reese. Through a unique collaboration perfectly in step with Belk's ever growing modern product line, select Belk department stores will be carrying pieces from Emily's designs.  As I discussed this partnership with Emily, we touched on everything from her wedding plans with fiance Tyler Johnson to her top pics for beauty products (stay tuned) to wrapping with a little fun as we disected a few of her photos on her Instagram. Watch it here. Thank you again to Belk, Towne & Reese and Emily for fun opportunity!

Weekly Inspiration: Lupita Nyong'o In Prada

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I spent Sunday afternoon at a photo shoot, then dinner with the family, then bath and bedtime routine and well, at the end of a full weekend with my Precious Peanuts, AKA Thunder Foot and Little Thunder Foot, it was all I could do to fall into bed.  That didn't keep me the next morning, however, from taking in all of the fantastic fashion from one of the most stylish nights in Hollywood.  Who was on your Best Dressed List at this years Oscars?  Lupita Nyong'o is one girl who's been tearing up headlines not only for her powerful role as supporting actress in 12 Years a Slave but also for her simple yet equally dynamic choices in dress this award season.  With her smooth dark skin, well toned arms and sweet smile, I have loved all of Lupita's choices in opting for solid colors and clean lines.  This pleated Prada number she wore to the Oscars reminds me of the thin cafe curtains at The Seaview Inn in Pawleys Island, looking over the marsh at sunset, flowing in the warm summer's gentle breeze.  Anyone else ready for summer?

Hangin' With Ninja

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I already told you here how much I love my business manager, friend, runner extraordinnaire, beyond creative cool home girl Harriet.  She's moving back to her native land, England, at the end of March, and I am sadly counting down the days.  On the awesome side, however, the Queen City Style will be gaining a correspondent in the queen's country! And, as much as we love Harriet, we love her little dog too.  Ninja is a superstar.  The girl has run marathons. Twenty seven miles with Harriet on her twenty seventh birthday, to be exact.  Follow all of Ninja's happenings on her facebook page.  Everyone's doing it.  PS-That's our sweet Macy girl.  Did you ever see a prettier 12 year old?

Hope you enjoy these dog days of winter.  Springtime is almost here!!

-Whitley

Front Row Charlotte

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I dare not label anything "the best", but I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it, Front Row Charlotte is the Queen City's fashion show you really should not miss.  I tell you that half-heartedly, simply because not unlike every other Front Row, this one is sold out well in advance of the day of the event.  That said, I whole-heartedly recommend you do NOT miss the next show.  Founded by fellow stylists Erica Hanks and Joey Hewell, March 5th plays host to the second annual spring show + shop at Center Stage NoDa. With an ever-changing roster of boutiques showcased at each season's show, spring 2014 will highlight current trends as presented by Coplon's, Coral, Our Place, Poole Shop and Social Dress Shop.  Additionally, local jewelry designers Erin McDermott jewelry and Melvin jewelry will display their own spring collections.

There are several things that make this show different from all the rest:

• Short and sweet.  Front Row packs just the right amount of punch giving fashion lovers of Charlotte a reason to want to attend each and every show.  
• Show + shop.  Everything you see on the runway is available for purchase from the featured boutique's pop-up shop, right there on site, following the show.
• Everyone sits on the Front Row. With a serpentine shaped runway, the only neck craning you'll be doing is in attempt to get a glimpse of the killer threads worn by other viewers.
• Great Fashion. This isn't just on the runway (see above).  I say this with a dose of humor; one step in the door and you may fear you've forgotten your combat gear.  In Charlotte's ever image-conscious fashion arena, keep watch on your back for those dressed to kill.  
• Front Row gives back.  All proceeds from ticket sales benefit a different charity at each show.  This season, proceeds will benefit Baby Bundles.

For more information on Front Row Charlotte, check out their Facebook and Twitter pages.  I look forward to sharing pictures from the show, and if you're going, I hope to see you there!

-Whitley

Women's Most Wanted At Belk

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This is what spring is shaping up to look like at Belk.  You all know I love me some Modern. Southern. Style.  In particular, it is coming in the shape of those chunky tortoise heel shoes and that perfect little black sheath.  All items will be available at Belk spring 2014, but you can shop Michael Kors' newest shoe arrivals here, as well as that perfect black and white handbag. Stay tuned for the men's review next week!

Bring on Spring!

Whitley

Revolve

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If you live in the Queen City and ever shop for quality men's clothing, you're sure to know Revolve upscale men's consignment.  Voted Best of the Best by Charlotte Magazine 2011 and 2013 and Best of the Best by Elevate for years 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013, Revolve offers savvy fashion forward men a more accessable way to shop the best of the best in fashion.  Revolve specializes in everything from t-shirts to tuxes in brands from Brooks Brother to Prada.  One of the hardest working, most community-centric people in the biz, I am proud to call shop owner, Amy Pickard, my sweet friend.  I couldn't resist not sharing with you the 411 on her Annual Winter Blow Out Sale.  As you see, most of the store will be up to 90% off the already killer prices, so this is a great time to stock your closet for next year.  You say you're ready to pass along your threads to another great closet?  Consign them with Revolve!

Happy revolving!  -Whitley

Don't Miss It

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Clothes available at TOPSHOP at Nordstrom Southpark Mall.  Photography by Doug Brooks and Carl Miller.

In case you missed our first post Chelsie Deese is a Bachelorette in this year's Guys & Dolls Auction to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.  Chelsie will be auctioning herself off on-stage THIS SATURDAY with her James Bond themed package, complete with a TOPSHOP dress for the winning Bond Guy's Bond Girl.  This year's Guys and Dolls Auction will take place at the Hilton Center City.  Over 700 Charlotte professionals attend the black tie optional event every year, which includes a beer and wine open bar, hors d-oevres, a live date package auction, silent auction and dancing.  The event is open to the public. Tickets may now be purchased at the door.  Forward fashion lovers, have you been to TOPSHOP at Nordstrom yet?  Go grab yourself a great frock, and come join the fun!  If you do go, please find me and say hello!  

-Whitley

Rethread Your Threads

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Need an excuse to clean out your closet?  Tired of your significant other's enormous t-shirt collection? Donate your old t-shirts for a great cause!  the Queen City Style and Simplicity have teamed up to collect 300 T-Shirts by March 1st to donate to Rethreaded, an organization which provides a paid four-month holistic training program that includes sewing art and life skills for women who are coming out of lives of sex trade and human trafficking in our country.  The products, made out of old t-shirts are funky, cool, and, of course, totally unique!  Check them out here, and if you are interested in donating your old t-shirts, please email me at thequeencitystyle@yahoo.com to arrange for drop off or pick up.  I know much of the country is getting snow.  We are experiencing a true Winter Wonderland here in the Carolinas!

 Thank you so much!  Whitley

Find Your Own Sexy

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Chemise: CLO Intimo c/o I.C. London. Photography: Moments by Donna. Hair and Makeup by: Deme Fourtounis

I am so excited about this collaboration with I.C. London.  For the next few seasons, we will be showcasing some amazing lingerie here on the Queen City Style and in several local publications, (see ad on pg 80 in Urban Home!) encouraging women of all shapes, sizes and lingerie preferences to Find Your Own Sexy. We all know it's not really about the sexy lingerie.  It's about embracing who you are and being confident in that.  I'm sure there are many men out there who do enjoy the garter belt and pin-up attire, but for most of us, this is not real life.  I am a boxers and t-shirt girl all the way.  The nature of this collaboration was out of my nine dots, but I am so glad I was encouraged.  Being a working and stay-at-home mom of two young boys, I almost always take on the carpool line in ripped flannel jammie bottoms, down puffer and cowgirl boots. I need this push, and I am hear to encourage you the same. Treat yourself to something nice, whatever your style. Whether you are in a relationship or not, wear something that makes you FEEL sexy. This could be a simple sophisticated matching pant and tank to lounge around the house in or an elegant slip, and if you are in a relationship, I know your man will welcome your effort.

Mention this post all week at IC London, and take $10 off your purchase of $50 or more.  

Happy Valentine's Week! xo-Whitley

Endure

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Dress: J. Crew (old, bridesmaid) Jacket: Forever 21. Coat: Beth Bowley (oh wow). Hose: Gap (here's a pair). Booties: Stuart Weitzman. Purse: Chanel. Sunglasses: Blinde. Hair: BLo ouT Photography: Moments By Donna

During this photo shoot, two and a half year old Precious Peanut #2 was having the most horrific head turning melt down temper tantrum you could ever in your life imagine.  I'm telling you people, what I do here; it is TRE glam.  Speaking of all things not so fabulous, I am back on the injury train.  You may know I am training for the Boston Marathon which is Easter Monday.  I was out all summer with a broken bone in my foot and chronic plantar fasciitis.  Embarrassingly, I strained my ankle eight weeks ago after a not so glamorous fall while trail running. Whether or not that is causing this latest ailment, I don't know, but mark my words.  If no three headed monster disguised as a cherubim is going to stop me from making fun photos to share with you, then no way is this annoying bump in the road keeping me from crossing that finish line in April.

Two, Four, Six, Eight...

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Hi Everyone!  Since inception the Queen City Style has increasingly been the most fun little place in my world, and it has been one of the most gratifying channels for me to connect with others. the Queen City Style is what it is as a result of collaborations with amazing local businesses, designers and individuals in the Charlotte community as well as some great talent outside of Charlotte.  It brings me joy beyond measure to be able to bridge my love of great style with these entreprenuers and in turn share it all with you in my own fun way.  That said, it's Charlotte Magazine voting time again!  Today I am asking if you love the Queen City Style as much as I do, would you consider voting HERE in the category of Local Shopping/Style Blog?  Thank you a bushel and a peck!

I think I love you!

Whitley

Valentine's Day Wish List At Belk

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Y'all know how much I love me some Modern. Southern. Style.  So much so that today's Weekly Inspiration comes in the form of my Valetine's Day Wish List from Belk.  Here are a few things I need, want and love or just flat out day dream of having.  I'm kind of letting a secret out of the bag with this one. I've been wearing the same perfume since I was 15 years old when I first caught a wiff of it via a best friend's vanity. Compared to the millions of other options on the market, two things about this one work for me; it costs next to nothing, and it works.  Kind of it Katy Perry Dark Horse works.  I've been carrying my Coach Classics Leather Stewardess hand me down for 15 years.  It's a durable and classic bag well crafted of understated quality.  I think my boys would look precious in these matching hoodies, and can you belive I don't have fighting Aries jewels to adorn me?  Several of the items I've featured are on sale.  Gotta love a Belk sale. What better reason to go gifting and getting!

Happy shopping darlins!

-Whitley

I.C. London Lingerie Sale + Teaser

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So, I'm kind of a little bit scared but really excited about what's about to go down with me and Charlotte's most awesome lingerie store in the world (yes), I.C. London.  Stay tuned in the coming weeks, or keep your eyes peeled and fingers flipping through some of the city's hottest print publications... Charlotte Urban Home, QC Exclusive, Society, just to name a few. Here's a hint: Find Your Own Sexy.  In the meantime, don't miss out on I.C. London's Customer Appreciation Sale going on now through February 2nd.  Select items 30% off, and mention this post and you'll receive 20% off your entire purchase!

Snow Day!!!  

Can't wait to head out to the farm to tear up Snow Sled Hill on the Radio Flyer!

Keep Warm, Whitley

Weekly Inspiration: Spring Roses

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1. Tiki Earrings  2. Crop Top  3.Cat Eye Sunglasses. 4. Stripe Clutch 5. Ball Gown Maxi Skirt 6. Glimmer Glassware 7. Horned Bottle Opener 8. Palm Springs Cocktail Napkins 9. Sandals

Inspired by roses my mama painted and those you can get yourself at ProFlowers!
Happy Friday!  Whitley

Baby Mama

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Hey Y'all!  I would like for you to meet my new friend, Izabelle.  She's the most versatile, go with the flow, sexiest thing since the days of Flashdance. Yes, I am talking about my sweatshirt!  If you haven't yet heard of Charlotte's most popular line of casual wear, La Senorita Jolie, consider yourself introduced.  And for those of you wearing your sweatshirt and messy pony tail through the carpool line instead of a more desirable and polished outfit with perfectly coifed hair, I want to personally thank you for not leaving me a soldier of one on Team Survival.  Izabelle is the perfect way to take things up a notch. The kangaroo pocket is perfect for stowing that extra pack of wipes and with the slouchy fit, you never have to worry about baby pulling your shirt down to expose your shoulder.  What's more to love, she can be yours in Carolina Blue too!  Use code LSJ-QCS at check out and get free shipping!  Heeere's Izzie!