As promised, I wanted to share the back story as to how I was selected as one of Chico’s Holiday Style Experts and how this new position of mine landed me in their current Holiday 2016 catalogue, as well as highlighted on their blog.
So as a blogger/influencer, you hope to gain followers such as YOU, dear readers. You also hope to catch the eye of designers, manufacturers, agencies and brands. I am astutely aware of the companies and brands that are following my blog, however I had no idea that Chico’s was ~ until I received an email from them in early August of this year. It turns out that not only were they following … they wanted to TALK!
After a few phone calls and numerous emails, I found myself flying to New York City (again, back in August) for two jam-packed fabulous days because I was invited to the party!!! … also known as the Holiday catalogue.
This is how it all went down:
I woke up the next day in downtown Manhattan and hunted down the building where my outfit fittings were going to take place. I was the first Style Expert to arrive and was warmly welcomed by all of the Chico’s design, marketing and print team. Everyone was so nice and really made me feel comfortable.
The team had already pulled outfits for me and the outfits, along with my name and numerous images of me from my blog, were hanging on a rolling rack. They had also gathered a fine selection of shoes.
Heaven.
Now, I would have snapped all kinds of pictures of the clothing … but none of the items were available for sale yet and the outfits were considered somewhat “top secret”.
It was right around this time when the other Style Experts arrived. The first two were fellow influencers, Kim Mitchell Stokes and Danielle Rollins. I would have been excited just to hang out with these two fab ladies but then Chico’s model, An Hayward, (who is so stunningly beautiful your jaw drops) walked in the door, along with Maye Musk. YES!!! THE Maye Musk. #FreakOutMoment
The fittings took quite some time and consisted of about 20-30 people standing around you, assessing your outfit and deciding whether or not you should really wear that top with those pants, etc. One thing that really surprised me about this process was that Chico’s would ask me questions like: “What do YOU think, Jamie?” or “How would YOU wear this, Jamie?” … It was pretty fantastic that my opinion was being taken into consideration.
Although I had had a mani/pedi before leaving for New York, the team thought my nails should be red, so off I went to a salon.
I literally walked 5-6 downtown Manhattan blocks back to my hotel wearing these. Not one person seemed to care. #GottaLoveNewYork
The next day was the actual photo shoot and I woke up feeling like I was coming down with a cold AND I had a slight hint of an eye infection. Ugghh, this was so not good. I had to pull myself up by the bootstraps and did a lot of “Get it together, Jamie” self-talk as I walked to the shoot.
I was met by the most fabulous group of makeup artists and hair stylists would made me look glam and stuck with me the entire day. They gave me more of a “no makeup makeup” look and I did sneak a bathroom selfie of it. Shhhh … tell no one.
We were actually allowed to post glimpses of what we were wearing … they just didn’t want us to let the entire Holiday collection out of the bag.
And just like everything Chico’s does ~ the shoot was pure perfection. We were in most beautiful penthouse, surrounded by the most beautiful packages and holiday decor and noshed on the most beautiful and yummy foods. This was, after all, the Holiday catalogue.
.
My favorite picture and my favorite outfit is this one. … Sure hope Santa is reading this.
[ wearing this jacket, these jeggings, this necklace and these earrings ]
When can we do the next one? 😄
You look great ! I think Chico’s is designed for YOU !! Perfect look ….. perfect fit.
Awhh, Thanks Joyce! I’m especially enjoying their Holiday collection. Now is THE time of the year for bling!
That must have been so much fun! They picked a winner, too! You look fabulous! 🙂
It WAS, Beth! Thank you for your sweet comment.
You look beautiful, especially love the black velvet jacket with jeans. It was very exciting to open up my Chicos catalog & see Jamie! Smart of them to feature you.
Thank you, GF!
Congratulations, what a super exciting opportunity , you should be very proud
I am, Renee. It was a fantastic experience and EVERYONE from Chico’s was just so fab!
You make Chico’s style look fresh. Nice work.
Thanks so much, Melinda! I have found the past few seasons at Chicos have been top notch. Can’t wait to see more!
AHHHHHHH! This is an incredible story. WOW.. Love the pictures! It is so cool to have a view from the “inside” of a catalogue shoot. Of course they were scouting you. You have that to-die-for figure and are so beautiful. Everything looks beautiful on you. You would make a burlap bag look good…just hang some turquoise on it and give us a smile. Love the pieces. My favorite is that top with the Issey Miyake like pleats. Definitely checking that out! Kudos to you…and thank you for sharing …with the great sneak peeks.
Lisa – I have officially dubbed you my new BFF! 😄 *** I always appreciate your kind words.
So incredibly cool! I love this story so much! Went to Chico’s yesterday and bought the jeggings you’re wearing in the last photo and the jeggings with the jewels on them. Love them and couldn’t believe they were long enough for my crazy long legs! You, my friend, are a fashion inspiration to us all!
I’m going to wearing the jeggings with the crystals on TV next week. I just bought the sequined pants from the cover. They are SO me (which means they are so US -twin!)
Finally! New Mexico makes the top of a GOOD list! What an honor and you look fantastic. I was just about to pitch the catalogue after tearing out the coupon. I put you up against any of the “real”models!
Thanks SO much, Teresa! I love that I can get New Mexico “out there”.
(Wait … there’s a coupon??!!)
$25 off $50 or more purchase!
WOW!! WOW!! I am so proud to know you. And, that necklace blings blings, if you get my drift!! Great photo shoot, as those reflections off the store window simply glitter!!! WOW!!
XOXO!!!
Oh my gosh, this is shoe heaven! <3
https://eurochique.com/
Totally!
Just got my catalogue a few days ago, called my sisters and said, “Mira, Albuquerque en la Casa!” You look stunning as always. So thrilled to say my girls and I are coming home for the Thanksgiving week!! Uptown here I come!! We are also going to the St. Nicholaus Ball put on by Catholic charities, time to dress this Momma up. Can’t wait, I miss my home state!
The military spouse,
Carol K.
Come back home, Carol. Come back home.
😘😘😘
My Chico’s catalog arrived a few days ago and there was Jamie on several pages – big time fashion model!! I’m happy to say “I knew you when”. Congratulations on your accomplishments! I just think your cute little dog should have been in the shoot with you.
awhh… me, too. But that dog sure was a cutie.
You look amazing! Would love to have chico’s in germany, too! Only have twice a year shopping with chico’s – during vacation in states – so sorry about it!
Love your blog
With kindest regards
Angela
Note to Chicos: need stores in Germany!
Thanks for your fab comments, Angela. 🙂
Awesome Jamie! How coooool!
Thank you, Susan! XO
Cheers to you my friend for stepping marvelously outside your comfort zone!!💃🏻🍾😉 Once again you’ve proved there’s more than turquoise.
Thank you, my friend! I SO appreciate your support. xoxoxo
Jamie,
You are the greatest! And no one deserves the notoriety more than you! All your hard work has paid off. Now people will know New Mexico is rock’en! When I opened my Chico’s catalogue I was so excited for you. Great pictures of a beautiful woman, as usual. Chico’s is my fav store for shopping!
Joanne, Thank you for taking the time to write. Your sweet comment really means a lot to me. The entire experience was just so fantastic. (*** I’m loving their clothes, too!)
giant congrats to you, jamie, how exciting!!!!!
Thank you, my friend! 💗