Celebrating 35 years of Chico's!

Being invited on an influencer trip is always such an honor. I’m always amazed how brands find me but I am thrilled that Chico’s did. I’ve done a video campaign with them (Chic To Chic), shot a print campaign (Style My Way) and was a part of their #HowBoldAreYou campaign earlier this year. So when they said, “Would you like to join us at our original store to celebrate 35 years”? Of course my answer was an immediate “Heck YES”!

First of all, Chico’s is an amazing brand, company and all around pleasure to work with. When they work with bloggers/influencers, they treat us like rock stars! So anytime they call, my answer is YES!

I’m going to detail this three-day trip to Ft. Myers, Florida in sections with lots of pictures. We had a photographer with us the entire time so you can see everything we got to do. You will find little tidbits about Chico’s and the trip woven throughout the story. I will also link my daily outfits for you. Also, right now you can enjoy 40% OFF with code: 85372. Click here to start shopping.

A HUGE thank you to Chico’s for having me. Enjoy! xoxo- Tanya

Chico’s 35th Anniversary trip

Day 1: Arrival and welcome reception on Ft. Myers beach

Chico’s is headquartered in Ft. Myers, Florida which is on the west coast of Florida. The sand on the beach is a fine, white power and absolutely gorgeous! We stayed at the Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina which was perfect. We checked in, got settled and met that evening for a beach side welcome reception and sunset photo shoot. Cocktails and light bites while getting to know one another. It was so much fun to meet the other bloggers/influencers invited on the trip. You never know until arrival who the brand has invited and I always feel so honored to be included. This time they hand selected 11 of us and everyone was so nice! Can you believe the incredible sunset shot the photographer got? It’s the one at the top of this blog post.

I’ve worn this hi-low dress all summer and it never disappoints. Fits true to size.

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Day 2: Chico’s headquarters tour, listening session and brunch, visit to the original Chico’s store on Sanibel Island, lunch and then a dinner event and sunset cruise

Oh my goodness – what a fun day! I’ve been to the Chico’s headquarters before for a meeting with all three brands (Chico’s, Soma and White House, Black Market). All three brands fall under the Chico’s FAS umbrella and are amazing to work with. What I didn’t know is the artistry and hard work that goes into making an original Chico’s print. We watched one of the artisans hand paint a cheetah print that will be for the fall 2019 collection. Did you know that Chico’s has over 400 original prints in each collection? WOW!

We had a lovely seated brunch and listening session with Diane Ellis – brand President/Chico’s, Shelagh Stoneham – VP of Marketing/Chico’s and Shelley Broader – President and CEO – Chico’s FAS (the parent company over all three brands). And by “listening session” I mean they listen to us. It’s an informal way to discuss style trends, fit, what women want, price points and online vs. store marketing and sales. What Chico’s does so well with bloggers is that they actual listen. Your opinion matters!

We then boarded our bus and went over to Sanibel Island to visit the original Chico’s store. Y’all it’s so cute and I loved seeing some of the original decor (look at the picture of the sign below). Chico’s was founded in 1983 by Marvin and Helene Gralnick. It began as a Mexican folk art boutique, named after their friend’s parrot – Chico. The first clothing items were sweaters. From there, it grew into a women’s clothing store. That’s why the name Chico’s FAS still stands (parent company). The FAS is for Folk Art Specialties. We all tried on clothes and had so much fun shopping together! From there we went to lunch on Sanibel Island and then headed back to get ready for our evening events.

After a celebration dinner of the #HowBoldAreYou campaign, we boarded a private boat and did a sunset cruise while enjoying drinks and dessert. We saw two dolphins off the bow of our boat and I am told that is good luck! It was a packed day but I can honestly tell you that every minute of the day was so fun. These women are positive, empowered and driven. I always walk away from these trips with enthusiasm and a refreshed sense of wanting to up my game as a blogger!

I wore this outfit from Chico’s the entire day. It’s so comfortable and I’m a huge fan of an all-white look. Their pants fit me so well and are long enough for my long legs.

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I snagged this amazing cheetah print blouse and you will see me style it soon on the blog. Get it now – click here.

Are you surprised that I am the only one in a solid color dress for dinner? I just love this black one that I have one paired with the statement necklace from Amle (more about he brand here).

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Day 3: Yoga on the beach in the morning followed by breakfast and departure

Is there anything better than yoga with a bunch of your BFF’s? Well, yoga on the beach with your BFF’s is truly amazing! Look how beautiful the white sand was! And to feel the ocean breeze as you do yoga is divine. Chico’s thinks of everything and had these custom printed yoga mats for us already laid out. At every turn, there was something special that Chico’s had for us such as large sun hats with our Instragram handle written on it (@tanyafosterblog), water bottles, beach towels and beach bags, Soma Cool Nights pajamas, custom chocolates and a gift certificate! Do you see how they spoil us? I never wanted to leave.