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

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

Mens Fall Fashion Preview at Belk

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Recently I attended the 2013 Fall Fashion Preview at Belk where Vice President of Trend Merchandising and Fashion Direction, Arlene Goldstein, reviewed the men's fashion must haves for fall. Whether you're in the workplace or out for a night on the town, you can't go wrong with a sports jacket. This is an essential piece, because you can wear it with a nice pair of slacks or throw it over a pair of jeans for a comfortable but fashion forward look. Guys, be on the lookout for a variety of wine inspired hues from textured knit shirts, fine gauge sweaters and the classic corduroy pant that is making a major comeback this year. When it comes to shoes for the fellas, invest in a nice pair of desert boots. Desert boots are very versatile, so you will be sure to get your money's worth with a pair. Men, are you ready for a fashionable fall? I know we are!

Here is the Mens Most Wanted list for Fall 2013:

1. Plaid shirt
2. Textured knit shirt
3. Corduroy pants
4. Wine inspired hues
5. Sport coat
6. Fine gauge sweaters
7. The vest, tailored or a sweater vest
8. Five pocket pants- Denim inspired fit
9. English country tie
10. Desert boots

It's been a real treat expanding fashion and material for you male readers.  

Thanks fellas, (and ladies), for reading!

-Whitley

Women's Fall Fashion Preview at Belk

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Last week I was lucky enough to attend the Fall 2013 preview at Belk, and I am so excited to share the trends that will rule the racks this fall. Arlene Goldstein, VP of Trend Merchandising and Fashion Direction, kicked off the meeting going over some seriously chic trends such as drop waistline dresses, geometric/architectural inspired patterns, as well as ankle boots being the fall go to shoe. Studs, spikes, and jewel embellishments are here to stay and you will see them on anything from boots, jackets, to oversized sweaters. When it comes to jewelry keep your eyes open for beautiful gold tones from rose gold to brass. This fall you will see clothes experimenting with neutrals and pieces that allude sexiness.  So get ready; here is the top ten Most Wanted list for Fall!

1. Slim trouser

2. Button up shirts

3. Statement jackets

4. Fashion sweatshirts

5. Patterned sweaters 

6. Anything leather or vegan leather

7. New knit dress

8. Satchel handbags 

9. Bold jewels

10. Short boots





From left to right, having fun with my amazing intern, Cassie Hayden, Charlotte Magazine Style Editor Laurel Benedum, Arlene Goldstein, and Charlotte Observer/Southpark Magazine Social Editor Olivia Fortson.

I had such a fabulous time at the Fall Fashion Preview.  When it comes to trends, just remember they are great to know, but you can always mix your own personal style to achieve a unique look all your own! Are you most excited about any of the fall fashions you see here?  I would love to hear!

As ever, thank you so much for being here.  

-Whitley

Cynthia Rowley, Belk + Me

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Finally, pics of Cynthia Rowley at Belk Girls Night Out.  I've shared my genuine admiration for this woman.  She was the first designer to make an impression on me.  I worked long and hard hours to purchase one of her designs for my junior year prom dress. Her show at NYC Fashion Week in the Fall of 1999 was my first fashion show.   Belk could have chosen any known designer, but she was the one they wanted for this special designer collaboration.  Kismet?  I'm so grateful to have found a way to channel my passion through the Queen City Style and now as a wardrobe stylist. During this time, I've felt an increasing desire to connect with authenticity. I just want real. When I first met Cynthia at Charleston Fashion Week, I couldn't resist my natural tendency to hug and smile, exchange and laugh.  I was supposed to properly interview this woman, but I just could not abide to the formality.  She was every bit as much hug, smile, exchange and laugh; but way cooler.  Fast forward to Belk Girls Night Out, as I reached to greet Cynthia, she snagged the first word in thanking me for the note I sent after we met.  Authenticity is alive and well.  Thank you Belk for including me!

Whitley:

Top: Cynthia Rowley. Pants: (similar), Boots: Charlie 1 Horse. Jacket: Belonged to my Great-Grandmother, last seen here. Bracelets: J. Crew and belonged to my Grandmother.

Cynthia:

Top: Cynthia Rowley. Pants: Cynthia Rowley. Shoes: Cynthia Rowley.

Here's a snippet from my hug, smile, exchange and laugh with Ms. Rowley...

xx-Whitley

Belk Southern Designer Showcase Winners

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You all know I've been working hard to build a strong relationship with my friends at Belk.  Like most every southerner, I've been shopping there since I was a baby girl.  To this day, it continues to be my Charlotte go-to store for everything from everyday clothing to lingerie and shoes to special occasion attire.  The best part, there's almost always a sale!  Recently Belk announced the winners of their 2012 Southern Designer Showcase Contest.  I had the fun pleasure of attending Charleston Fashion Week as a guest of Belk, as well as Girls Night Out in April, where I was able to meet and interview several of the designers personally.  An intimate and personal gathering set the stage for Girls Night Out, kicking off the evening with a Q&A between designer Cynthia Rowley and Belk Vice President of Trend Merchandising, Arlene Goldstein.  We were then introduced to several of the Southern Designer Showcase Winners.  Read about them all HERE,
including the above adorable children's clothing line, Nain and Joe.

I hope all the mamas in the house had the most wonderful Mother's Day.

Thanks so much for reading... now get on over to Belk!

xx-Whitley

RIP Lilly Pulitzer + Belk and Charleston Fashion Week

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The top image is a favorite of my Grandparents who were always so glamorous and in love.  My Grandmother is wearing a Lilly Pulitzer skirt, and I'm wearing that skirt in the image just below it.  Lilly Pulitzer's creations were born from a juice stand in Palm Beach.  Her designs hold their value in the way they seem to effortlessly transcend time.  You know a Lilly when you spot it from a mile away.  You all know I recently went to Charleston Fashion Week as a guest of Belk.  I found the timing to be most befitting to share with you images from a very special Lilly Pulitzer fashion show sponsored by Belk in conjunction with a live auction raising thousands of dollars for the Medical University of South Carolina Children's Hospital.  The Lilly Pulitzer creations on show were just as timeless as ever.  Shop current Lilly Pulitzer designs HERE and great sale merchandise HERE.

Thanks so much for reading, Whitley