Chico’s Fashion Show Luncheon

Chico’s of South Barrington, Illinois hosts several Fashion Show Luncheons together with Incontro A Tavola.

I had the pleasure of meeting the store manager, Valerie, during a previous shopping outing with a girlfriend.  Valerie approached me and asked if I had any interest in being in the fashion show.  It was a no brainer.  Absolutely!  That was last November.  Unfortunately, I  had to decline several invitations due to work commitments.  When Valerie invited me to participate this July, I was thrilled since I’m off for summer break!

Valerie and I

Chico’s Stylists

Judy (second from left) was so patient with me as we tried to figure out what I would be wearing and that no one else had chosen to model.  I felt bad that I was acting divaish but knew I’d wear something better if I felt great in it.  I found myself apologizing for being high maintenance!  Judy hung in there with me!  Aren’t they all so cute!

The ladies that model are part of the FUN for me!  They’re all so beautiful, friendly and make participating all the better.  Many of them have been modeling with Valerie for years!

I was able to reach out to Sue of FashionablyFifty  and recommend she contact Valerie to model.  We originally met on Instagram.  Sue and I participated in events at Chico’s of Water Tower Place and at Chico’s of Naperville.  It’s always more fun to participate with friends!

We always say:  FTF is as much about Friends as we are about Fashion!

Look 1

You know that I love bling, embellishment and all things bedazzled!  Therefore, this Black Label look was a perfect fit for me especially the beaded camisole.  The camisole is embellished with beads, has adjustable straps, is fully lined and flows away from the body nicely.  It is slightly longer and gave my behind nice coverage.  It’s no secret I love wearing blue!  The jacket and pants were buttery soft!  This look can be worn so many ways – the jacket and pants are perfect for work, the camisole can be dressed down and worn with jeans for a date night or girl’s night out or can be dressed up for the holidays!

SHOP THE LOOK:

Beaded Layer Tank

Black Label Suit Jacket

Black Label Suit Bottoms

Look 2

I chose this second look because of the interesting cut of the top!  I never made it into my second look due to the fact that I enjoy chatting with all the woman dining; and I was really sharing all the wonderful things about look 1.  The Chico’s sales staff and I have decided that in the future we will only pick out one outfit for me.  HA!  In the previous show I participated in, I only got into two out of my three looks.  I don’t have a good track record!

SHOP THE LOOK:

Tonal Striped Top

MEET ELLA

55 Years BOLD

FTF:  How did you get involved in modeling for the Fashion Show?

Ella:  I was shopping at Chico’s and Judy asked me if I’d like to model.  I thought it would be a neat experience.

FTF:  Have you modeled in the past?

Ella:  One of my friends used to be a consultant for a clothing company. I modeled for her shows from time to time. It was 15 years ago. No modeling since then though.

FTF:  What did you like about being in the Chico’s Fashion Show?

Ella:  It was fun to try on different clothes and share with the ladies what I liked about each piece.

FTF:  What do you like best about Chico’s clothing line?

Ella:  I like their colors, interesting patterns and trendy details.

FTF:  How would you describe your style?

Ella:  I’m sporty on weekdays, trendy-dressy-casual on weekends.

FTF:  What recommendations do you have for others regarding fashion and style over 50? 

Ella:  Wear something that accommodates your lifestyle,  makes you feel confident, is comfortable and looks stylish.  Do not shy away from new trends! 

SHOP ELLA’S LOOK:

Paisely Striped Tiered-Sleeve Top

MEET SUE of @fashionablyfifty

55 Years BOLD

FTF:  How did you get involved in modeling for the Fashion Show?

Sue:  Julie from @fashiontandf told me about the opportunity. She had modeled in November, and I thought it seemed like fun. When the opportunity arose again, she told me.

FTF:  Have you modeled in the past?

Sue:  I have never modeled before.

FTF:  What did you like about being in the Chico’s Fashion Show?

Sue:  I loved meeting the other models and talking to the women attending the show. Having lunch at the restaurant was awesome, too. (We were treated to a free lunch and drinks!)

FTF:  What do you like best about Chico’s clothing line?

Sue:  Besides being colorful, Chico’s clothing is so comfortable! I have twelve hour days at work, and nothing is ever binding or uncomfortable. I also like that most of the clothing is washable.

FTF:  How would you describe your style?

Sue:  My style changes throughout the year, casual in summer and work wear the rest of the year. Chico’s has an outfit for every season.

FTF:  What recommendations do you have for others regarding fashion and style over 50?

Sue:  My fashion advice for those over 50 would be to be brave, wear what you like. If you like your outfit, it shows.

SHOP SUE’S LOOK:

Woven Detail Top

Cotton-Blend Dot-Striped Pocket Tunic

My Fan Club

My fan club was in attendance…my mom on the far left!  She was pleasantly surprised to run into several woman she knew and didn’t have to sit alone!  Seated in the middle is Judy.  We have mutual fashion respect and bonded the minute we met!  She is a true fashionista!

One table over was a former boss of mine, Peggy.  We hadn’t seen each other in about fourteen years!  Another pleasant surprise!  She later posted on Facebook, “Went to the Chico’s Fashion Show today in Barrington. One of the models is also one of the best teachers I ever had the pleasure to work with. Great to see you, Julie!” That made my day!

The day was filled with Fashion and Friends…nothing better than that!  Hopefully, you can join us for the next event!  If you’re in my area and interested in participating, let me know.

What is your favorite look?  Are you looking forward to fall fashions?  Leave us a comment!