The Gift That Keeps On Giving

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Yesterday you met the lovely, sweet and dear Ms. Raquel.

Hop on over here, in case you missed it.

As a result of Raquel reaching her $1,000 goal in order to send 

30 children to camp for 10 weeks this summer, 

through the Dowd YMCA's Community Support Campaign, 

Raquel promised to wear a dress for the first time since the 5th grade.

Can you believe it?  She's a natural if you ask me!

Now of course, every smart ensemble begins with a budget, and since

we are not likely to see Ms. Raquel in a dress everyday, we set ours at $50.

This may sound feasible, and certainly it is, but this would NOT be easy.

Enter our lovely friends over at Lipp Boutique.

You know. The place I snagged this fabulous JJ Winters clutch.

Here's a similar one for you if you don't find it there.

As I said, I knew an entire ensemble under $50 would be a challenge, 

so I called up the ladies at Lipp Boutique to see if they 

would like to participate in the giving.  I couldn't finish my ask

before the owner excitedly and graciously jumped at the opportunity.

How amazing and awesome!!

Do you remember this dress from In Style Magazine I previously shared?

Well, I recently saw one very similar on the Sale rack at Lipp Boutique

and thought the bold, bright colors would be a nice complement 

to Raquel's beautiful, dark olive complexion.

Raquel and her fun sister, Debbie, met me at the boutique to get to work!

We grabbed a few options.

I know you see that dress in the background.

And what do you know, but it was Raquel's favorite!

We tried the dress on with a bevvy of accessories--belts, earrings, 

necklaces, rings, etc.  We ultimately went with a blue banded belt and 

triangle necklace, keeping in step with the dress's color block theme. 

Lipp Boutique so graciously gifted us the dress and belt!

We ventured over to Target, where Raquel immediately reached 

for this tan blazer.  At $29.99, her pick is smart and multi-functional.

The metallic shoes were a steal On Sale for $14.99, another smart buy, 

since this color will work with virtually anything.

We threw in my Grandmother's sash, (of course),

a pair of gold circle earrings from Morrison Smith Jewelers,

a blue chain link bracelet from ivy & leo,

 and a gold dome shaped ring loaned to us by Lipp Boutique.

Raquel was already styling hip green fingernails to suit!

You know we had to pay homage and bust out a little YYYYMCA!

Precious Pea number two was so excited to be in on the action!

He's seen most wonderful man in the world (AKA Daddy) 

take a gazillion pictures of his Mama, 

so he was thrilled to provide a little guidance at our photo shoot.

Raquel, I had SO much fun stylin' with you!!

And you know Hanky loves ya!

You look ravishing, my dear!

This was such a wonderful, fun opportunity to give back.

I am very grateful for my membership at the YMCA.

I couldn't have imagined a better opportunity for 

the Queen City Style's first venture in philanthropy.

Many thanks to all the friends who donated money, 

to Raquel for being so fun and easy going during her brave time, 

to all my YMCA friends and to Lipp Boutique for being so generous.

Y'all ROCK!

While the Dowd YMCA has reached their goal of sending 30+ children 

to camp this summer, there is always a capacity to do more for others.

Click HERE if you would like to donate or more learn more 

about the YMCA of Greater Charlotte or locate a YMCA in your area.

For the love of giving back, always in great style... Whitley

Clothing Credits:

Dress: Jack by BB Dakota, Mossimo Pointed Lapel Jacket: Target,

Necklace: Ours is from Lipp Boutique or try this one, this one, this one, or this one.

Bracelet: Ours is from ivy & leo, or try this one, and I love this link bracelet and watch in one.

Belt: Ours is from Lipp Boutique, here's one. Shoes: Target

Earrings: Mine are from Morrison Smith, but here's a nice simple pair.

Ring: Ours is from Lipp Boutique, here's my new statement ring.

Giving Back

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 With the exception of perhaps my inaugural post, 

I am most proud of the one I am sharing with you today.

Through their community support campaign, 

I recently joined forces with the Dowd YMCA, in a most fun and stylish 

way might I add, to send a few children to camp this summer.

How so, you say?  

Meet the lovely, sweet and dear Ms. Raquel.

(Yep, that's Precious Pea number two there she's holding).

The Dowd YMCA set a goal to raise $30,000 in order 

to send 30 children to camp for 10 weeks.  Each child watch 

staff member was challenged to raise $1,000, and in doing so, 

they were encouraged to involve families of the child watch program.

Ms. Raquel asked my family to help, and with the help of 

other friends and families, we collected $200 in order 

to send two children to camp! SOOO AWESOME!! 

Thank you, again, to our wonderful friends who participated!

BUT WAIT!

The fun doesn't stop here.

In reaching their goals, each child watch staff member had to pay up.

In Mrs. Raquel's case, payment came in the form of a dress.

You see, Raquel has not worn a dress since the 5th grade!

One day towards the end of the fundraising period, 

I was informed of just how close Raquel was to reaching her goal.

So, I offered Raquel a deal; one she was reluctant to accept...

If I donate the remainder of your balance, I get to style 

your fabulous self on the Queen City Style, 

WEARING A DRESS, for all the world to see!

After several moment's thought, Raquel excitedly agreed.

She knew what this would mean for the children of the community.

And so, I PROUDLY bring to you... wearing a dress...

The lovely, sweet and dear Ms. Raquel!

TA-DA!!!!!!!!!

I mean, how ADORABLE and FABULOUS is she?!

And all those children going to camp this summer?

Could there BE anything be more fun and stylish?!

Why, yes.  There could be, and there is, 

but you'll have to come back tomorrow to see!

I am so proud, happy and excited to share this with you, 

so please promise me you will! :)

For the love of Giving Back, in the very best of style...

See you tomorrow!  Whitley

Cinco de Mayo

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Most wonderful man in the world, 

precious pea number one and precious pea number two and I

ventured out this afternoon for a little family style Cinco de Mayo fun.

Cold cerveza for my man, chips and queso for the boys, 

tasty on the rocks with salt margarita for me.

I love the perfect opportunity to pull from my wardrobe this hand

embroidered Mexican blouse I found from a small shop on the 

Upper East Side of Manhattan almost 15 years ago. 

Actually, I think mine is a mini-dress, but I usually wear it as a shirt.

It was a beautiful day in the Queen City.

 

Embroidered Blouse: Here is a selection or Here. 

Oh, and I've also been eyeing this one.

Shorts: Loft (old), these look like mine at a great price.

Shoes: Michael Kors (mine are last season), here's a similar pair.

Sunglasses:  Mine are Blinde Natural Born Thrillers from 

Doctor's Vision Center in the Queen City,  

Here's a similar pair at a nice price.

Head Scarf: My Grandmother's.

Earrings: Gifted from a friend.  I like these.

Bangles: Green belonged to my Grandmother. 

Pink and Red gifted from the best splurge on consignment, summerbird.

Others: Stella & Dot Here and Here, 

J. Crew Crystal Rope Bracelet in select stores only.

Rings: Custom and Tiffany Interlocking Circles Ring.

For the love of celebrating in sunshiny style, Whitley

Channeling a Jumpsuit Favorite

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For over a year now, I've held on tight to this image ripped from 

InStyle magazine, aka my style Bible, 

as it's been pinned front and center to my inspiration board.

Olivia Wilde was nothing short of stunning in this sleek and modern 

Gucci jumpsuit paired with a House of Lavande 

gold neck plate and strappy black sandals.

I recently visited a super stylish friend, and what do you know, 

she had this very image pinned to the back wall of her closet.  

Furthermore, she was one step ahead of me in recreating the ensemble

with the top and pants already stowed away in her wardrobe. 

Kismet.

How kind of her to help facilitate my fix.

The red sash, belonging to my Grandmother, 

is a familiar piece to both my wardrobe and the Queen City Style.

I thought I had worn it every which way, until now.

Not to be too copy-catty, 

but I couldn't resist styling this favorite accessory just so.

I've been drooling over the Stella & Dot Pegasus Necklace 

since I hosted a party a few months ago.  

I finally placed the order for my reward, and I could not LUV it more.

Made entirely by hand, the feathers of gold are so light and airy.

Blouse: Diane von Furstenberg, similar one here,

Tapered Pants: Vince, here is a pair,

Necklace: Stella & Dot, Purse: Chanel, 

Earrings: old, but here is a pair I absolutely adore,

Shoes: Mine are Calvin Klein (old), but here is a pair similar to Olivia's.
I'm telling you, if you do nothing else, get these pants.
They made me feel like a gazillion Ben's.
Of course, I'm pretty mad over the necklace too.

Do you have a favorite look you would love to channel?

If so, I would love to help you achieve that sought after look!

Please email me: thequeencitystyle@yahoo.com

For the love of stylish, elegant simplicity... keep on stylin' xo- Whitley

Bits of Charleston

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I had a wonderful time celebrating my mother-in-law's birthday

 in the Holy City with her and my sister-in-law this past weekend.

Charleston is the loveliest place, and at just about three hours drive

time from the Queen City, it's one I could stand to take any 'ole time.

I share with you my weekend in pictures and notes...

The Charleston City Market 

is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Charleston.

Since my last visit, the Market has undergone massive renovations.

Much of the Market is now enclosed and air conditioned.  

History is beautifully restored.

Throughout the years, my family has stayed in Charleston 

by way of Historic Charleston Bed & Breakfast.  

It is such a lovely way to stay in the city,

see the sights and feel right at home.

For our stay on this particular visit, we rested in a newly renovated 

loft condominium.  Our location could not have been better.

First stop, my absolute favorite spot for lunch, Sermet's Downtown.

This quaint, Southern and hospitable dining establishment 

has also been renovated since my last visit. Along with the new look 

came this handsome, friendly father-son duo to greet you at the door.

Love, loving the bow ties, dinner jackets, curtains, ceiling, 

floors, white table cloths....Oh Heavens, loving it all!

When you go, please say hello from the Queen City Style!

 You know I had to get Precious Pea #1 a searcy.  

He is always so cool with his sunglasses on... until his loses them.

We solved that problem with his very own pair of SC Croakies!

How aprapo.

No visit to Charleston is complete without a stroll down the boardwalk.

I proudly kept my spending to a minimum with the exception of
the Croakies, a shirt for most wonderful man in the world and this ring,
which my mother-in-law so kindly helped me purchase.  LOVE!

It's by Los Angeles jewelry designer Melinda Maria 

from the adorable eclectic boutique, Cose Belle.

Did you this about the College of Charleston? 

I did not.  Wow.

So beautiful.

Not my bike.  Just posing and pretending.

Perhaps one of the most beautiful characteristics of Charleston

is all the lovely homes, their gardens and flower boxes.

I leave you with a discovery brand new to me. 

I stumbled across this Church pathway while on my Sunday morning run.
It's just off of King Street.

As you approach the gates...

... and pass through the entrance...

...and travel down this magical path...

... an old cemetery is the destination. 

So enthralling to me.

Has anyone else this?

There is so much history and richness to discover in Charleston, SC.

It is just the most lovely place.

I hope you enjoyed these images and notes from my weekend.

For the love of magical findings just down the road, 

I hope you are having a marvelous week!  Whitley