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

Girls Night Out

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As most of you know, I was in Charleston, SC two weeks ago for my inaugural visit to Charleston Fashion Week.  Thanks to my friends at Belk for the lovely invitation to join them for some great fashion and the opportunity to interview several fantastic designers, both budding local and internationally known. 

I can't wait to share it all with you, but on the topic of Belk and great designers, this Thursday night, April 4, is Girls Night Out at Southpark Mall.  It is going to be a fun, fun night, and I hope you will join me!  Girls Night Out will take place from 5 to 8:30 p.m. There will be a special presentation at 6:30 honoring fashion designer Cynthia Rowley celebrating the debut of her new, exclusive line to Belk, CYNTHIA Cynthia Rowley.  If you've followed me here for a while, you already know I am a big fan of the gal.  I recently wore some of her old school designs here and here.  Girls Night Out will be a great time to shop some of the prettiest spring looks, at 20% off regular price, including rarely discounted designer brands with very limited exclusions.  Shoppers will have the chance to win a Georgia Girlfriend package valued at $3,750.  Anyone want to enter with me?  I'll take you, if you take me.  Dead serious.  

Get more details here for this super fun event, and I really hope to see you there!

-Whitley

Belk: Modern. Southern. Style.

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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