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!

Will You Please Help Me Grow?

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Happy Weekend Everyone!

Just one little ask of you...

This is a very ambitious goal, but that's the only kind to set, right? 

I would love to reach 1,000 Facebook thumbs ups by the New Year. 

If you are not already a fan of the Queen City Style on Facebook, may I have your stamp of love?

I often post unique things on the Facebook page and would love so much to share it with you.

Just click here.

I hope you are having a fantabulous weekend!!

Thank you, in advance!  I am so grateful!  Whitley

One Of A Kind

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Before we jump to today's post, I'm still working on my Lucky Community contest... 

Will you please vote for me here?

Shirt, Pants, Belt: Zara. Shoes: Cole Haan. Sunglasses: Blinde, similar a pair. Clutch: JJ Winters. Earrings: JoJo Loves You. Necklace: thanks to Scout & Molly's of Charlotte. Bracelets: J. Crew, Stella & Dot, White House Black Market, Green Market Girl. This one's cool. Rings: Belonged to my Grandmother, Tiffany, Diamonds Direct.

A few more pictures from the Green Boundary Club in Aiken, SC... The blouse, pants and belt are all Zara purchases from my recent trip to NYC.  I excitedly anticipate shopping Zara while I'm in the city, mainly because there isn't one anywhere near Charlotte, which means it's a relatively safe bet I won't have to worry about seeing anyone else wearing the same items.  Heaven forbid!  The shoes are a recent purchase from Constance Consignment in my hometown, Asheville, NC.  If you ever find yourself in the mountains of Western North Carolina, make a detour for this store. I've been shopping Constance Boutique since my first prom dress.  Every purchase is as special as that first one.  The shoes are made by Cole Haan.  Based on design and pattern this came as a total surprise to me.  As it turns out, they came from a consignor who lives in Spain, so I'm thinking I probably won't see another pair of these either.  There's something about having something all your own.  Do you agree?

Hope you are having a terrific day!!

xo-Whitley

Linking up today with Real Girl Glam for some Real Girl Style!  Check 'em out!

Warm Charlotte--We Need Your Help!

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I am sharing something with you of which I am very proud, if you have just a moment to lend me your eyes!  I am one of four small business owners sponsoring a new to Charlotte philanthropic effort called Warm Charlotte.  For the next four Sundays, we will be collecting cold weather items to donate to organizations and individuals in need.  The magic number is FOUR... 

Four Sundays, 

Four Drop-Off Sites 

Four Charities Benefiting

If you are anything like me and could stand to do a little de-cluttering of your closets, YOU can help!  If you live in the Charlotte, NC area, we are accepting coats, gloves, scarves, hats, jackets, sheets, towels--anything to provide warmth-- at any one of our four mobile drop off sites.  We will deliver the items to shelters and families who need them most.  Click here to see the schedule of drop off sites and the charities benefiting. If you live outside of Charlotte and still would like to help, you may make a monetary donation here.  If you are a business who would like to partner with Warm Charlotte, please contact me at thequeencitystyle@yahoo.com.  THANK YOU!! 

Hope to see you this Sunday!! -Whitley

Like Warm Charlotte on Facebook, Follow Warm Charlotte on Twitter

My Favorite LBD + Earrings Giveaway Winner

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Back when I was collaborating with Run For Your Life on the Runner Fashion series, I wore this black dress for my street style interpretation of the black runner dress.  I have had this J. Crew favorite since I was 19 years old....getting close to half of my life (wow)!  Many little black dresses come and go, but not this one.  It is my go-to classic, I can count on you LBD.  While recently perusing one of my favorite on-line shopping sites, ASOS, I saw this one which looks very similar to mine!  Then, I noticed the price, so I had to share my find in case any of you are on the hunt. Get the details HERE.  Do you have a favorite LBD?

We have a winner for the A. Liz Designs Giveaway!  Click HERE to see if it is you!

One more thing before you leave, I am now a Lucky contributor on their community website!  Will you please take two seconds to vote for my post here?  THANK YOU!!

The weekend is near... Yippee!! I hope yours is fun and wonderful!

-Whitley

Horse Country

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Shirt: Cynthia Rowley (old), here's an embellished collared shirt. Jeans: Zara, here's a pair. Jacket: Banana Republic (old), here's one. Boots: Charlie 1 Horse from Constance Consignment. Purse: Coach. Sunglasses: Blinde, similar pair. Earrings: Luv Aj. Bracelets: Stella & Dot, J. Crew, White House Black Market, Tortoise (old) from Constance Boutique, My Grandmother's. Rings: Tiffany, Melinda Maria, Diamonds Direct.

Today I'm linking up for a boots-inspired trend of the month challenge over at Marionberry Style. My new Charlie 1 Horse boots are pretty much the only boots I've worn since I purchased them a few weeks ago.  So in love :).  These pictures were taken at our recent visit to Aiken, SC, immediately behind the location of our wedding reception, which I recently posted from here. Aiken is horse country, in case you did not already know that.  It is such a beautiful place I had to pack a few extra outfits for photos for the Queen City Style.  For whatever reason this one spoke to me... each of the pieces jumped right out of my closet and into my overnight bag... Not sure how practical, but I'm calling it my interpretation of a sparkled up cowgirl outfit!  Do you own cowgirl boots?  What kinds of boots are your favorite for this fall season?  

Thanks so much for reading! Whitley

Black Tie Casual

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Top: Foley + Corinna, available at summerbird. Jeans: Zara. Shoes: Tory Burch from summerbird. Purse: Chanel. Sunglasses: Blinde, but here's a pair. Headband: ZoeLynn & Co., last seen here. Necklace: Stella & Dot. Earrings: old, but here's a pair I love. Bracelet: so old. Rings: Melinda Maria, Tiffany, custom by Diamonds Direct.

Through the Queen City Style, I am realizing my attraction for things that posses some underlying level of tension; things that requires a little more thought and introspection.  An artistic temperament?  As much as I would love to be attracted to four beige walls, "yes, dear, whatever you like," and in this case, skinny jeans paired with a cute Trina Turk top, Tory Burch flats and Chanel sunglasses; mainstream, complacency and the obvious are not me.  Exciting, sure; frustrating, certainly at times; challenging even for me, yes.  Oh, what is a girl to do?  When I arrived home with this fabulous bustier top from summerbird, I reached for a pair of black classic tuxedo pants and a pair of over the top faux emerald and diamond rhinestone earrings.  I loved the look, but I ultimately went with my first choice; the look you see here. Perhaps next time I'll go with the more obvious choice.  What about you?  Obvious, or not so much?

Want one of these lovely headbands?  Click here for one last chance to get yours at 20% off!

I love reading what you have to say! 

Thank you so much for being here, Whitley