I am a lifelong customer of Belk department stores, and chances are, if you were born and raised in the south east, you are too. I remember entering the Asheville mall, always, through the Belk department store. Conveniently enough, the doors opened to the children's and teen section, and my little girl Saturday excitement began at that moment. Is it ironic that I always only enter Southpark Mall through Belk if I can help it? It's not that I don't love the other stores, but there is just something about feeling home. Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago, and can you imagine my excitement when I was invited to the most recent Belk Fashion Preview as presented by VP of Merchandising and Fashion Direction, Arlene Goldstein?
I wore my most coveted suit which belonged to my Great-Grandmother, paired with the purse my Great-Great Grandmother needle pointed and my favorite Cole Haan pumps from Brazil (here).
Belk offers many of my favorite everyday lines, as well as several of the more artistic, fashion-forward brands I go to for individual statement making pieces. Quite possibly the most exciting thing I took away from the presentation is that Belk will be carrying Cynthia Rowley by the end of March, and certainly in time for Girls Night Out at the Southpark store on Thursday, April 4th. Ms. Rowley, herself, is slated to attend. I am hoping for a hand shake-hug, which is my professional greeting combined with the real me greeting. The below dress and shirt are a couple of my oldest but most favorite Cynthia Rowley garments.
Most of you know that the majority of my fashion inspiration comes from my Grandmother and Great-Grandmother who were department store fashion buyers. I'll be back later to share some of my favorite pieces from Belk's spring offering, but for now, I just had to tell you about my fun meet and greet with Arlene at Belk. It was just one more indication, for me, that the Queen City Style and where it is leading is the path for me. Thank you for walking it with me. Hope to see you on the 4th at Belk Southpark!
With gratitude, Whitley