We have an incredible story. One that has stood the test of time, and one that we are so grateful to have shared with you every step of the way. In the midst of our 125th anniversary celebration, we invite you to take a look back – and look ahead with us, as we celebrate 125 years and growing.

Remembering Our Heritage

125 years ago, William Henry Belk opened his first store in Monroe,
North Carolina, with only $750 in savings, a $500 loan, and $3,000 worth of goods taken on consignment. He convinced his brother, Dr. John Belk, to join as his partner. The business quickly began to flourish, often through store partnerships with trusted businessmen.

Belk Fact: Although founded in North Carolina, William Henry Belk named his first store “New York Racket”, thinking an impressive-sounding name was a must.

It was in the 1950s that William Henry Belk’s sons, John and Tom, expanded into a new territory – the suburbs, increasing the fashion selection for the modern, southern woman at home, and, in growing numbers, the office. Belk further developed private brands in the ‘50s, in order to provide more fashion selections while continuing to provide the bargain value customers demanded.

In the ‘60s, Belk shed its bargain image for one of fashion, expanding its relationships with national brands. In 1967, a single logo unified the Belk brand: the Belk “B” could be seen all over the South.

Creating our Present

In 2010, under the leadership of Tim Belk, Chairman and CEO, Belk unleashed a new logo—the first logo revision since the ‘60s and only the second logo revision since 1888. With vibrant blue petals and updated lettering, our new logo represents growth. It represents who we are: Modern. Southern. Style.

Belk Fact: The three blue petals in our new logo represent three generations of family leadership, while the multiple shades of blue represent the many areas of business we partake in.

Today, in 2013, we can be found in over 300 stores in 16 states across the Southeast—and growing. What started as one man’s vision for a single store has grown to be the largest independently-owned department store company in the country.

Fashioning Our Future

Even as we celebrate our 125-year heritage, in our eyes, we’re just getting started. We’re already looking ahead, encouraging growth and change and championing innovation among our associates to create an easier, more personalized shopping experience. This means investing in every area of our business, from store expansions, remodels and better assortments to online enhancements, mobile shopping capabilities and much, much more.

Belk Fact: As of 2012, the highest whole-house grossing “store” of all 300+ Belk stores is Belk.com, almost doubling whole-house sales of the #2 store.

For 125 years, we have been at the heart of fashion, and at the heart of our customers, who we consider our guests. And here, our guests are always welcome.

From our southern family to yours, thank you for 125 years, and growing.

With his brand new MADE Cam Newton line of clothing, popular Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton brings a bold new voice to the world of fashion. This Belk-exclusive collection offers a polished look for the man who can put it all together. It’s designed for today’s man of action. It’s as charismatic as the man who wears it. Moreover, it represents a defining look for the modern southern gentleman.

Whether it’s one of the more casual pieces or some of the more dressy options, all of the items from the MADE Cam Newton line possess an easy versatility that make them as practical as they are fashion-forward. These pieces work overtime to dress your look up or down in a most effortless way.

Start with one of the classic tees or polos. Like all of the great MADE Cam Newton pieces, they’re crafted from a bi-stretch material to give you a great tailored fit and a luxuriously soft feel.  Choose from timeless solids and patterns to mix and match with jeans, slacks or shorts.

Want to look your best at the office? Team up a MADE Cam Newton long-sleeved woven button-front shirt with a coordinating pair of chinos for a modern update to the classic “9 to 5” look.

Kick that look up a notch with a sharp-looking sportcoat in linen or herringbone. Raise those style stakes even higher by putting together a set of MADE Cam Newton suit separates. Cap it off with a handsome tie and you’re ready to take on the world with renewed confidence.

No matter which pieces you pair up or layer together, everything from the MADE Cam Newton collection boasts a classically masculine color palette, and they look like they’re supposed to go together. This makes putting your new look together extraordinarily easy. Just pick out a couple of pieces and get ready for how good you’re going to look.

This season, when it comes to jewelry, the rules have changed. Forget dainty and demure. Statement pieces are in, and instead of limiting yourself to one or two , it’s time to go for the gold. You know what they say — the more the merrier!

Play with different necklace lengths. Layer a shorter statement piece with a few longer, pretty chains for a bold look. Load up on bracelets of different colors and widths. Layer a few bangles with a wider cuff-style or a fashion watch. Wooden and woven bracelets stacked together can give your look a dose of boho-chic. And don’t forget about rings. Those are meant to be stacked too. Mix and match some plain metal bands with a few bands that have more intricate details. When the weather comes up, the gloves come off, and you can show off those gorgeous hands wherever you go! (Just don’t forget to moisturize and manicure…)

You’ll probably have to stay subtle in the workplace, but when the weekend hits, get ready to shine.

Tell us what you think of the layered jewelry trend!

While there’s no one definitive piece of wisdom I have to share with these bright young folks, I can say the following to the friends and family of graduates everywhere with unwavering certainty:

A thoughtful graduation gift makes a grand gesture that will be remembered for years to come.

Here are a few ideas.

Young Men

•    Cool Clocks – Make sure they get to class, or that all-too important job interview, on-time with a good alarm clock. Better yet, make it one with an iPod dock, so he wake up to his favorite tunes. Maybe get him a nice watch, too. Remember, a good timepiece not only keeps him on schedule, but it completes his look perfectly.

•    Suit Up – Whether he’s starting a new job, or just interviewing for his first one, a good suit is key. A nice 2-piece in a neutral color let’s him wear it to weddings and other formal occasions as well.

•    Shirts & Ties – Where there’s a suit, a shirt and tie can’t be far behind. Get him a handful of each and give him the versatility his ambitious wardrobe requires. When it comes to shirts, a couple of timeless solids, a classic pinstripe and a few bolder choices give him a well-rounded palette. As for neckties, the same rule applies – mix classic patterns and stripes with a fun paisley and maybe even a bow tie.

•    Details, Details, Details – It’s the little things that set a man apart. Little finishing touches like a handkerchief or a retro-cool set of suspenders can give his look the kind of old-school charm that gets people talking. A new wallet, a monogrammed money clip or a business card holder are also great ideas.

•    Jeans & T-Shirts – Because he loves wearing these on his down time, and he can never have enough.

•    Gadgets – Guys love these! If he’s a serious music fan, he’ll more than appreciate a docking station or detachable speakers for his MP3 player. Or maybe get him a GPS to make sure he never gets lost on the way to an interview, or a date!

Juniors

•    Watch out for Watches – a nice timepiece combines substance with style.  Whether it’s a jewelry-inspired piece or something more understated, it’s always the right time to give a watch as a gift.

•    The Charm of Jewelry – Always a great gift, and it doesn’t need to be fancy either. Make it fun and personal with a necklace or bracelet of charms that speak to her unique personality.

•    Get Framed – Because so much of everyone’s life story is told in pictures, if you present her with some of those key photographic memories in some nice frames, she will surely appreciate this thoughtful and sentimental gesture.

•    Suits You to a Tee – As with the guys, young women getting ready to interview for their dream job or internship will also need a suit. Whether it’s a jacket and skirt combo or a pant suit, consider this a rock-solid investment in their future.

Perfect for All Grads

•    Get Packing – For those who are taking a break between high school and college, or college and post-graduate life, by traveling, new luggage is just the ticket!

•    The Sweet Smell of Success – It’s always important to smell nice. Choose a fragrance that best represents his or her personality.

•    Bath & Bed from Toe to Head – Whether they’re off to college, or christening their very first bachelor or bachelorette pad, a healthy supply of sheets, towels, pillows and mattress pads can help that place feel more like home.

I recently had the opportunity to try out some pieces from Karen Kane’s new Spring 2013 Electric Tide collection, and I must say, it threw me out of my comfort zone (in a good way!) Here’s the scoop on what this collection has to offer:

Electric hues

Cobalt blue and kiwi green bring a double dose of energy to the spring season. These colors are bold, bright and easy to mix and match.

Black and white

Always timeless, black and white is back and making a big statement this season. These classic colors are used to tone down the statement-making electric hues we just mentioned. They’re also being paired together on their own to make an even bigger statement.

Modern abstract prints

We’re talkin’ geometrics, Aztecs, ikats and stripes. All of these explosive patterns are reinvented in abstract ways for a fresher, more powerful feel.

Sporty-chic

Moto and scuba silhouettes bring a sporty look to sophisticated jackets and dresses.

Feminine fabrics

Just like black and white, lace and crochet will never go out of style. These feminine accents bring a softer look to some of Karen’s more powerful pieces.

Welcome to the Spring CYNTHIA Cynthia Rowley Collection– expressive designer styles for the modern, Southern woman, available this month in Belk stores and on belk.com. As Cynthia Rowley describes her collection, “CYNTHIA Cynthia Rowley is designed for the chic Southern girl-on-the-go. It’s a fresh mix of artistic prints and saturated colors created to be combined in unexpected ways. It’s a fresh spin on Southern classics for a unique expression of modern, Southern style.”

“A lot of surprises are in the print. It’s not just the straight-up floral. It’s a floral that we’ve manipulated in a really creative and artistic way.” 

- Cynthia Rowley

Take a look at the behind-the-scenes video where Cynthia Rowley talks about her inspiration for her collection, exclusively at Belk.

“Southern women are modern. They’re fashion conscious, they’re sophisticated. I understand Southern style, but I’m bringing something more.”

- Cynthia Rowley

We also had the opportunity to take a sneak peak at Rowley’s CYNTHIA Cynthia Rowley collection on the runway at Charleston Fashion Week®, where Cynthia appeared as a featured panelist for the Emerging Designer Competition.  Belk’s Digital Social Team provided an insider look at the backstage prep and runway show looks for CYNTHIA Cynthia Rowley collection. Make sure to check out Belk’s Pinterest Board  for snapshot highlights of the event and the CYNTHIA Cynthia Rowley Collection.

For more inspiration, check out the exclusive CYNTHIA Cynthia Rowley Collection and trends at Belk.com.

I love my Portfolio and how I can use it in various ways.  The “staples” I ALWAYS have with me are my Face Polish (my cleanser), Repair Eye Serum and Repair Crème.  I never go anywhere — and I mean anywhere — without my Perfecting Water.  I use this on the plane, the beach, at the hotel. I cannot live without it.

Of course to consistently look Flawless, my include must-haves include: Mineral Primer, Tinted Moisturizer Compact, Undercover Pot and Invisible loose setting powder.

I also carry the TM Compact, Lip Silk and Daily Face Shield SPF 40 with me in my removable mesh bag from the Portfolio.

I have other important items, but anyone who knows me knows that my go-to product is the new Matte Radiance Baked Bronzer with my Bronzer Brush in Intensity 4.  And every day I use Bleu Marine Tight Eyeliner to enhance my “beautiful eyes”.  The activator I use with it makes it wear all day without the concerns of smudging or running away.

Your home is fully designed and adorned by you, the paint, wallpaper, fixtures, styles and decorations are all under your control. (Feels good, doesn’t it?)

Just like styles and trends are constantly changing in women’s and men’s apparel, home fashion is always evolving. Here are some of this season’s biggest home fashion trends.

Trend: Brights

Colors can match, contrast, alternate or be a focal point. Bright colors are definitely a great accent in your home. Your choices in how to implement them are endless. From the vivid reds of the crepe myrtle and the intense yellows of the daisy to the cheerful blues of the hydrangea, brighten your home with a palette of Southern landscapes.

Trend: Florals

Flowers can be grown, given, worn or saved. Floral designs are timeless, pretty and feminine. Invite garden beauty indoors with floral touches throughout your bed, bath and tabletop.

Trend: Birds

“They don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy,” said Atticus Finch about mockingbirds. Let birds add music and flight to your home décor.  The variety of pieces and how they’re displayed is purely up to you. Whether you include bird-themed art, serving ware or collectables, this trend has something for everyone.

Trend: Geometric

As fascinating and timeless a trend as florals, the geometric trend lends the greatest element of personal creativity. You can be bold or subtle, infuse mid-century style or display a modern update. Regardless of where this trend takes you, you have an immense variety of shapes, patterns, and colors to work with.

It’s our 125th anniversary, and you’re invited to our 125-day modern southern celebration! Get ready for 125 days of prizes, 125 days of service in our Southern communities, and limited-edition, Belk-exclusive products from the designer brands you love: fashion, handbags, fragrances, shoes —125 new products total, made just for us. Take a peek.

The Names on Our Guest List

Ladies: take a look at these Belk-exclusive designs from Karen Kane, MICHAEL Michael Kors, Calvin Klein and more. They’re bright, beautiful and blooming with modern southern style.

 Ladies 125 exclusives

Of course, every party needs the perfect dress. Check out these one-of-a-kind dress designs from Vince Camuto, Ann Klein, Nine West & more, made with the modern southern woman in mind.

Dresses 125 exclusives

For the guys, it’s the return of the modern southern gentlemen with these 125th anniversary limited-edition looks from Calvin Klein, Nautica, Izod and more.

men’s 125 exclusives

Lovely Little Things 

The exclusives don’t stop with fashion. Our celebration’s celebrity guest is none other than Barbie herself! The fashion icon gets a modern southern makeover in this limited edition Barbie you’ll only find at Belk.

BELK BARBIE

And of course, you can never have too many shoes. Don’t miss your chance to put on these limited-edition 125th anniversary designs, from Yellow Box, Steve Madden, Nine West, and more, only at Belk.

125 exclusive shoes

Click here to learn more about our modern southern celebration.

His & Hers Summer Fragrances

Freshen up your fragrance collection with these lighter-than-air scents. Reminiscent of everything beachy — from a warm ocean breeze to a saltwater mist — they’ll have you packing for vacation in no time.

Eau de Toilettes For him: Burberry Brit Men Summer; Calvin Klein Eternity Men Summer; Azzaro Chrome Summer; John Varvatos; Azzaro Chrome Summer Edition

Eau de Parfums For her: Calvin Klein ck one summer; Calvin Klein Eternity Summer; Thierry Mugler Angel Aqua Chic Summer; Vince Camuto Fiori; Burberry Brit Summer

Pocket-sized Scents for Her

Ladies, these miniatures fit right into your handbag and are perfect for when you’re on-the-go or at the office. We’ve broken them up into 3 categories:

Trendy Eau de Parfums: Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy, 1.0 oz.; DOT Marc Jacobs, 1.0 oz.; Coach Poppy, 1.0 oz.

Prestige Eau de Parfums: Burberry Body, 1.0 oz.; Gucci Peremiere, 1.0 oz.; Dior J’adore, 1.0 oz.

Classic Eau de Parfums: Donna Karan Cashmere Mist, 1.0 oz.; Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue, 1.0 oz.; Oscar de la Renta Ocscar, 1.0 oz.

Over-sized Scents for Him

Treat him to his favorite luxury fragrance in sizes that last. Our 2 categories for men are:

Prestige Eau de Toilettes: Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio, 6.7 oz.; Calvin Klein Eternity Aqua, 6.7 oz.; Calvin Klein Obsession for Men, 6.7 oz.

Classic Eau de Toilettes: Montblanc Legend, 5.0 oz.; Bvlgari Man, 5.0 oz.; Dolce & Gabbana The One for Men, 5.0 oz.

Must-have Body Mists for Him

These lights mists give him a subtle scent that radiates from head to toe.

Our top picks: Giorgio Armani Armani Code; Calvin Klein ck one; Calvin Klein euphoria men; Davidoff Cool Water; Calvin Klein Eternity for men

Celebrity Scents

Pick up your favorite scents from Rhianna, Kim Kardashian, Nicki Minaj, Taylor Swift, Beyonce and more. But be warned: you might end up with the Paparrazzi hot on your trail!

Here are a few of this season’s Hot Picks to ensure yours are the coolest looking kids on the block,

Colored Pants & Shorts

All across the board, boys and girls are passing Style 101 this spring with flying colors! For the young gents, it’s all about boasting bold colors with a timeless fit. On the other side of the lunch table, everything from pastels and prints to vibrant neons are on the fashion menu for girls this season.

Star Athlete

Dressing for success begins early in life. Do your young competitors play to win?
Then looking their best equals feeling their best. Whether its tees and shorts for the soccer field, or track jackets and sweats for gym class, this season’s best features a colorful array of durable styles with groundbreaking moisture-wicking properties and UPF protection to keep them cool and dry.

Perfect Plaids         

A timeless style gets a reboot this season as plaids are rad again.  Whether it’s a classic button-front shirt or fun shorts, you stock up on tartan by the carton, and your young guy will not run out of options or color combinations any time soon.

Action Packed Screens

Boys and screen print tees go together like hamburgers and fries. Now your little guy can choose from the latest and greatest in boldly colored
superhero and character tees to pair with jeans and shorts all season long.

Flower Power Prints   

Some of this season’s prettiest styles are imbued with a garden’s worth of pastoral hues. Spring’s best and brightest florals are in bloom with prints that are ready to mix and match with her favorites.

Neon Tops

Your young miss can plug into this season’s brightest popping colors when she wears a neon top with jeans or shorts. Whether it’s an electrifying tee or vivid shorts in solids, prints or patterns, this is one look that scores high marks.

Pops of Color

Warm blush pink and coral hues bring out your best features in sunny weather. Add a pop of color to your lips, cheeks, eyes and nails with a few of our favorites, including:

Estee Lauder’s Pops of Color Collection
Laura Mercier Lip Colors
Clinique Chubby Stick Shadow Tint for Eyes
Essie Nail Color and Nail Appliques

Tools of the Trade

Refresh your makeup applicators with a few newbie items. Eyelash curlers, make-up brushes and new skincare tools are a must. Speaking of skincare tools, have you tried one of Clarisonic’s Skin Cleansing Systems yet? Talk about amazing. And they’re available in fun spring colors, too!

Age-Defying Treats

With the sun out in full force, you’ll want to make sure you’re taking extra care to prevent premature aging. Here are a few of the age-defying skincare products we’ve got our eye on:

Clarins Double Serum Complete Age Control Concentrate
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Treatments
Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Treatments
philosophy hope in a jar

Shop these collections on Belk.com!