Last week I tested out the latest ear infection and flew … YES, gurrrl, I flew and I was absolutely TERRIFIED … to Florida. This trip had been planned for quite some time and my ear had basically healed since I had to cancel my trip to France. I was so very glad that I was able to go on this trip because I had been invited to Chico’s corporate offices in Florida to celebrate their 35 years in business. (35 years, y’all!!) And it wasn’t just me they invited … but 10 other influencers/bloggers as well!
It was a FABULOUS whirlwind trip that started with a cocktail party on the beach in Fort Myers.
[ Meet the girls – Me | Tanya Foster | SheSheShow | Romy Raves | Chic Over 50 | The Real Chic Life | Wardrobe Oxygen | Nikki Free Style | Southern Blonde Chic | The Silver Stylist | Bay Area Fashionista ]
And although there was a lot of eating, drinking, mingling and posing … there was also a lot of this, too.
Anyhoo ~ the next day we all loaded on a trolley and headed to Chico’s corporate offices where Soma and White House Black Market also live.
We learned quite a bit about the conception of an item all the way through to completion. Can you believe that many of the designs are hand-drawn? This design is coming to a scarf near you!
There’s also a fit model for EVERY size and a very complex digital system where they can change the scale of a print, the length of a skirt, etc. It was all quite fascinating.
Oh – and there’s even a “mock” store where the team decides what items should be displayed where and why. *** Hopefully I put this handbag OF MY DREAMS back in the correct place.
We then hopped back in the trolley and went to the original Chico’s store on Sanibel Island.
And shopped ’til we dropped.
The night ended with a beautiful dinner with the influencers and the Chico’s team …
We then all boarded a boat for an evening cruise. It was fantastic!
The last day we were treated to a morning yoga session on the beach. It was the PERFECT way to end this celebration.
After this trip, and getting to know Chico’s even more than I do already, I have to say … they know how to throw a PAR~TAY! Thank you Chico’s for such a wonderful experience and Happy Anniversary! #HowBoldAreYou
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*** photos via Arista Collective.
It looks like you girls had fun! Chico’s is a great company.
We DID, Larsa, and all of these girls are just SO fab!! And you’re right — Chico’s is really awesome!
What a great trip, love the outfits! 🙂
More Fashionistas than you have fingers, Veronica!
How Fab! Love all the color! I am a new Chico’s shopper and only have a few items but the fit is great for me. Also, great looks for us embracing the 50’s! Always the simple fashionista!
We are definitely women not afraid to wear color! XO!
I’ve recently become a Chicos fan now that they’re open in Canada and have purchased some of the items you’ve featured. Thanks for sharing. Boomerbroadcast.net
They’re opening more stores outside of the US now. Yay!
So much fun… So much COLOR!
I loved following you on your trip through your insta-stories! I felt like I was right there with you, GF!!
Why Instagram rocks!
I have been shopping at Chico’s for about 17 years. I can always find something that fits into my lifestyle. Lately, I have gone totally bananas over boyfriend jeans. Ripped or dark wash- I like them all. Amazing how you can dress them up or down. Great post! Ready to take a trip to Florida!
Their jeans are really getting great, aren’t they??!
Florida was amazing —- but oh so hot!
Love Chico’s! Just wish my town had a boutique. I buy online.
Been there. ALTHOUGH —- I do know my size so I often order online for the largest selection!
Apart from the obvious fun, it must’ve been fascinating learning about what goes on behind the scenes? Great insight Jamie, thanks for sharing xx
It WAS! So much thought and discussion goes into every piece!
Jamie, I have been a Chicos gal for 25 years and different sizes through the years. I love Chicos clothes and their sales approach too! I will be 70 soon and I am truly not afraid of color! Hope to see you and John soon at Chicos Uptown! So happy you had a great time celebrating 35 years of Chicos!!
Karen – it was THE best! I know you love Chico’s and everything they do is just top notch.
I’d like to see u on a Saturday there sometime. (I want the early access! Ha!)
I love love love the pictures. Looks like a fabulous time by all. And I love the yellow dress!! So glad you had such a great time!
We had a blast!!
Love this Jamie!!
It looked like a fab trip and I absolutely love how you styled everything, but always do!
xoxo