Hey Y’all Happy FRIDAY!
I hope you’ve had a great week! I’m ready for a relaxing weekend – only a few events planned – brunch with a friend and LION KING tonight! – but mostly I just plan to rest, rest, rest! My last weekend was kind of packed but in such a good way!
We went to a Panther’s pre-season game (played Tom Brady!!), the Southern Women’s Show, a little more shopping and a couple great dinners that included BIG desserts!
I definitely feel like I need to balance out the busy with a little more calm so, this weekend, less will certainly be more!!
But that’s what life is all about, making memories . . . and speaking of memories, I have a great one to share with y’all today!
I thought I would do a little re-cap of my trip to Florida a couple weeks ago as CHICO’S Celebrated 35 Years Of Business! I was truly so honored (and seriously that is such an understatement) to be among eleven Influencers invited to share a part in this three-day Chico’s Celebration!
I was so excited – and a little nervous – as I arrived at the Pink Shell Resort at Fort Myers Beach. I “knew” many of ladies from Instagram but had only met two previously “in real life” and then there were just a couple other names I was completely unfamiliar with . . . Instagram is a Big Place ;)) Little did I realize, that after this trip, I would come to adore these women and count myself blessed to become fast friends with each and every one!
Cathy – @bayareafasionista // Lisa – @thesilverstylist // Nikki – @iamnikkifree // Alison – @wardrobe_oxygen // Tonya – @therealchiclife // Shauna – @chicover50 // Romy – @romyraves // Sheree – @shesheshow // Tanya – @tanyafosterblog // Jaime – @moreturquoise
I arrived to my room at the Pink Shell Resort and was welcomed by a room full of goodies – chocolates, pjs (Soma of course)!), a fabulous straw hat with @southernblondechic embroidered across the brim and a Chico’s Gift Card (that’s happy shopping!) just to name a few. I hadn’t even been in my room ten minutes and I was already BLOWN AWAY!!
I quickly freshened (I was the last to fly in (not surprised, are you??!) and made my way down to the Reception On The Beach to meet the other Influencers along with several ladies from Chico’s, Soma and White House Black Market Marketing Teams (all “sisters” under parent company, Chico’s FAS)!
Beauties From Chicos, Soma & White House Black Market
A Fabulous Beginning – I was greeted with a lovely ocean breeze, live Carribbean music, and delicious nibbles!
Instagram came to life as I chatted with one amazing woman after another!
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We enjoyed hours of endless laughter, photos and chatter – then Oooed and Awwwed as the perfect sunset brought our evening to an end.
The following morning we were downstairs early (I was FIVE MINUTES EARLY y’all!!), excited to board our trolley and head out for our exclusive tour at Chico’s HQ!
Honestly, it was just incredible!
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Our tour began where everything begins in fashion, Design. Did you know that those fabulous Chico’s Prints Aren’t Selected BUT Actually Originate From Artwork Created By Their Very Own In-House Artists?!! And There Are Typically Over 400 Prints PER SEASON!! That was just amazing to me! No wonder I feel fabulous when I wear Chico’s – Every Piece Is Literally A Masterpiece!!
One of their talented artists, Rosalyn, painting her version of a fabulous animal print.
As we moved to the Fit department, we were surprised to be introduced to Lynn. Chico’s sizing scale was created based on results of mass measurement research of women 40+. Lynn is their real life fit model (Size 8-10 or 1 Chico’s sizing) and all fitting forms are actually replicas of her, then sized up or down. It was all just fascinating.
Next, we met with their Visual Marketing Team and I amazed to see the “mock store” set up. Chico’s does it all – including sending marketing visuals as a footprint for each of their stores nationwide.
And lastly we got a Sneak Peek of their upcoming 35th Anniversary Collection (which is Fabulous) coming to a Chico’s near you in the next week!
Our tour ended with a beautiful Brunch which included time with Chico’s FAS, CEO, Shelley Broader, Chico’s Brand President, Diane Ellis and SVP of Marketing, Shelagh Stonham.
I’ve known for quite some time that Chico’s was a brand that believed in supporting the women they clothed, but this intimate interaction with Chico’s leadership also revealed just how much this brand valued their customer. These women were asking questions – about everything from what we loved most to how we felt the brand could be better – and we were encouraged to give honest feedback and of course we all had an opinion to share! These amazing women – and actually every single Chico’s team member we met – truly made us feel like a part of their family. Honestly, every move they make seems to be centered on what is best for their customer – knowing and understanding who she is and what she needs.
As our time at the Chico’s campus came to an end, I remember thinking . . .
“That’s The Chico’s Difference . . . This Is A Brand For REAL Women Because It’s Driven by REAL Women Who Care About The Women They Serve!”
After lunch, we made our way to Sanibel Island for the ultimate shopping experience at the Original Chico’s boutique! It was such a treat as there is so much history throughout the store – original artwork and fixtures – and, of course, so much fabulous clothing!!
Fashion Bloggers know how to shop and we put those generous Chico’s Gift Cards to use in a hurry! Fun, Fun, Fun!!
I couldn’t pass up this leopard blouse – really, who can resist a good leopard?? And I am NOT The Only One who fell for this Scarf Maxi Dress (I think at least four of us ended up grabbing it!!) LOVE! And NOBODY does accessories like Chico’s – their pieces are always great quality and so unique . . . I chose a few to take home!!
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A quick trolley ride back to the Pink Shell Resort left us with a couple hours to rest and refresh for the evening ahead. I was so excited as I made my way down to the Ballroom! Dressing up is always fun but sharing this amazing experience with these wonderful women who had now become friends was going to be next level!
Great Minds Think Alike and Women With Style Love Chico’s!
The Pink Shell Resort Ballroom was set for celebration – the tablescape was lovely, pretty flowers and endless service! And Of Course Everyone Looked Absolutely GORGEOUS! So many fabulous prints, flowing florals and Beautiful BOLD Women! And dinner, well, yes, that was divine as well!
Cathy – @bayareafasionista // Lisa – @thesilverstylist // Nikki – @iamnikkifree // Alison – @wardrobe_oxygen // Tonya – @therealchiclife // Shauna – @chicover50 // Romy – @romyraves // Sheree – @shesheshow // Tanya – @tanyafosterblog // Jaime – @moreturquoise
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With a quick change of shoes (3″ heels just aren’t the best cruise companions!), we boarded for our Sunset Cruise immediately after dinner.
Drinks, Desserts, Drums and Dolphins (yes, jumping at the bow of our boat!!)
Live Music, A Gorgeous Sunset and SO MUCH FUN!
Beach Yoga . . . YES Please!
The following morning we met on the beach to find custom yoga mats, cool towels and chilled cucumber water!
Oh, and this was MY FIRST YOGA EXPERIENCE . . . How FABULOUS!!
Almost Sad That Any Future Yoga Experience I May Have Will Never Measure Up To This!!
We had an amazing instructor who led us to soak in warm sun, cool breeze and soothing sounds of the ocean. If this amazing time with our Chico’s Family had to come to an end, this was the perfect grand finale!
A few more pictures on the beach just for fun, one more fabulous meal at the breakfast buffet and then it was time to shower, pack and board my flight back to Charlotte!
As the plane landed, I found myself texting the Beauties I’d met on this trip -all of whom were now dear to my heart!
I know these friendships are the staying-kind and I am ever grateful for these wonderful women and the amazing Chico’s for bringing us together!
Thank You Chico’s ~ We Love You!!
You Make Us Bolder and Better!!
Happy 35th Anniversary!
A Special Thanks To ARISTA Collective for beautifully capturing every moment!!
And Don’t Miss These Babes . . . So Many Amazing Women!!
Cathy – @bayareafasionista // Lisa – @thesilverstylist // Nikki – @iamnikkifree // Alison – @wardrobe_oxygen // Tonya – @therealchiclife // Shauna – @chicover50 // Romy – @romyraves // Sheree – @shesheshow // Tanya – @tanyafosterblog // Jaime – @moreturquoise
