Finding fashion to love at Chico’s

 

On Thursday evening I had the pleasure of being invited to attend the Girlfriend Event sponsored by the Napa Chico’s in the Bel Aire Plaza. It included one of my favorite things: a style show with models! When I go to Chico’s by myself I can’t possibly try on everything so to see looks others in a style show is a great shortcut to discovering looks I might want to try this year.

I’ve found some favorite pieces at Chico’s before. Last year I bought an outfit that had slits in the shoulder/arm area. This was daring for me! But the way they’d designed the sleeve, it still gave me a sense of modesty. I was indulging in the cold shoulder trend (good for you, Brenda!) without being too exposed (good job, BK). (I have an inner fashion cheerleader who talks to me a lot. Do you?)

 

If I get nervous about bringing attention to my open arms (I know, I’m a Warrioress, but I’m a modest Warrioress) I can add this beautiful scarf to my outfit.

I wore those Chico’s navy pants in summer and winter

I’ve worn the pants to that outfit in countless ways. The pants have a drape to them that always makes me feel classy and pretty. Above, I’m wearing them in summer with a short asymmetrical navy cotton cardigan, a sleeveless ivory fancy T-shirt, and favorite accessories. This winter (below) I’ve worn the same pants with sweaters and jackets. This was one of my favorite winter combos, mixing shades of blue with pearls and my fancy AGL shoes. (Way to go, Bee.) (Boy, my cheerleader is out in full force today!)

 

 

Finding new ideas at the fashion show

So I’m definitely a Chico’s fan and it was so much fun to meet more fans in Napa and to get inspired to try new things. I always feel safer trying new trends at Chico’s because the price points aren’t astronomical and because I know they are thinking of real women and real women’s bodies when they design their clothes. Right now I’m forever in my 60s and grateful. I don’t need to be shopping at Forever 21 to discover new fashion looks for my luscious self. (Tell it like it is, BK!)

So let me introduce you to other fans I met and some new fashion I was introduced to.

 

 

This is Barbara Hansen. You’ll meet her granddaughter in a minute. She was one of the models that night. She brought the party, let me tell you! She had the moves and danced her way across the floor with each outfit change. She told me afterwards, “To make my runway debut in my 70th year is just plain fun!” Barbara has lost 60 pounds this year. She said, “Chico’s has accommodated my reduction in size.” She told me specifically that it wasn’t weight loss, it was weight reduction. I like that! She went to a health retreat a year ago and realized her habits weren’t matching the goals she had for herself. To say Barbara has now checked ‘runway model’ off her bucket list would be a mistake. I’m sure she could turn this into a regular gig!

While I love my wardrobe, the one place I see a gap is in outfits I could be wearing for girlfriend events. You know, when you meet your girlfriends for cocktails or oysters or shopping. Or you get together for dinner and catching up. I feel like I don’t have enough fun, socializing clothes. So I especially took note of this first outfit Barbara was modeling. She’s wearing a botanical print ruana. I mean, wow, you could style this in a bunch of ways! I have some white linen wide legged pants that this would be great with. I’d like to check out flowy things like this. It would definitely be more adventurous then what I’m generally wearing. (Take some time for yourself, Brenda, and try new things. This gap in your wardrobe has been bugging you for a while. Your heart will be happier for it!)

Like grandmother like grandchild: modeling runs in the family!

The other thing that made Barbara’s first fashion show so memorable is that her granddaughter, Tessa Satariano, was modeling with her! This is Tessa in a great casual outfit on the left (below) and a denim dress with shoulder detailing on the right. It was awesome to see these outfits look so great on a young person. (Good observation, BK. You could bring younger clients to Chico’s!)

 

Giving us the cold-shoulder at Chico’s

 

There were plenty of cold-shoulder looks in the fashion show and I know that’s what I need to get into the dressing room and try. Last year’s version that I embraced in navy was the first grade version of the cold-shoulder look. I think I need to graduate into the next level of this trend. I know it will be outside my comfort zone (loosen up, Brenda!) but it would be so perfect for all social girlfriend events, wouldn’t it? Wait, why I am singling out girlfriends? Russ would LOVE to see me in outfits like this when we go out on the weekends here in the wine country. The next birthday party I’m invited too, I could wear an outfit like this! Jeans and a top with shoulder cut outs. (You said it! Try the pick pants on first. Wow, you’re going to surprise the girls!)

The model on the left in our roundup of cold-shoulder looks is Liliana Guzman from Napa. She’s thirty-four. She said, “Once I walked into Chico’s and started trying on the clothing, I loved how everything fit.” She wears it well! As does Tessa!

Need a motivation to get out on the trails this spring?

 

This yellow jacket and print legging made me want to take an exercise class. That’s the power of fashion! Our model Liliana is crazy about the Zenergy line. She told me, “Everything is so lightweight and comfortable. I’m a fan!”

Guess who needs more yellow in her life? Me! And that yellow jacket looks fabulous for casual wear and lounging about. (Go ahead and get it, Brenda! You’ll probably find a way to wear it every day whether you’re in a class or not! You’ll love it! Heh, yellow’s your new color, Babe. Don’t hesitate!)

 

 

Whenever you get a chance to go to an in-store fashion show anywhere, jump at it. It can really inspire you to think about fashion in a new way. I spent the evening helping others but did manage to go home with that adorable polka dot jacket at the top of the post. I never met a polka dot I could walk away from. (So true, Bren, but that’s your comfort zone. Don’t wiggle out of going back to try on the cold-shoulders!)

Another quick note: Chico’s in Napa is going to be getting petites soon, so be sure to check it out! You’ll love their staff just like I did! Can’t wait to go back!

Maybe I’ll plan my own girlfriend shopping event where we could all play with new trends! How about you? Would you take an exploration into a new store and try new things? Let me know about your adventures!