Whitley Hamlin’s home is a little slice of her personality: It’s warm and bright, filled with luxe little details and surprising (often whimsical) touches.
And—more than anything—the space is arrestingly chic. I mean, really, it is one heck of a stylish house. Hamlin launched her career in New York City before returning to the Tar Heel State where, by 2011, she began Queen City Style. Today, she is a personal, editorial, and commercial stylist – the “working woman’s stylist” as she off-handedly called herself.
As she sipped a glass of prosecco perched atop a velvet-y royal blue couch in her living room, Whitley answered a few of our questions about how she carved out her style niche in the Queen City.
How did your style career get started?
My earliest experiences are as far back as I can remember, perhaps age two, when I started playing dress up in my grandmother and great-grandmother’s closets. Both worked as stylists and buyers for a department store in Eastern North Carolina, and both were always way ahead of any style curve. I would say my interest in style and fashion is ingrained in my DNA. In 2011 I wrote a story and submitted it to Lucky Magazine that ran on the back page of their November issue, and that was the catalyst of it all for me personally.
You’re a mom and plenty busy, so how are you able to juggle family and work life?
I’m going to keep this real and not paint some perfect picture that doesn’t exist: I have room to improve in this area. My two boys come first, paying the bills comes second. As a working mom, everything else has to fall into place wherever it may, but I really love my work and I really love people. Because I am pursuing my passion as a career, I more often than not have a hard time saying no.
Since your work is a passion, what would you say is your favorite part of your job? Everything. More specifically, the people. I love learning and I think it is through meaningful relationships with others that we learn and grow and continue to want to do it some more!
You have an effortless, unique style. How would you describe your own taste yourself?
Eclectic. I’m with my two boys a lot so typically well-fitted jeans and tee with cowgirl boots by day and high fashion glam dress with big shiny accessories by night. I’m a tomboy with a strong fascination with fashion and style.
What are a few career highlights you can share with us?
The launch with Lucky Magazine was a great start, but I’ve had too many to name. Pretty much every new client, project, or opportunity to style is a highlight in my book. I am so grateful for them all!
