Saturday, October 7, was my big day.  For the last two months, I counted down to this momentous event: Chico’s NYC MeetUp.   I must say, it was a fabulous day to forge new fierce friendships with fashionable women from New Jersey, New York, Washington, D.C., and Michigan.  The Forever Fierce members were there to model inside the store, but Broadway, located in New York City, became our runway.

While I planned for a fashion show to happen in-store, we could do so informally. We spent a lot of time outside of the store, on Broadway, trying to utilize the natural light while we took photographs and Boomerangs to capture all of the fun we were having.

All the models selected their respective outfits.  Interestingly, no one chose the same items. We all represented our style, and that’s a beautiful reflection of Chico’s, a reminder that the store offers variety to suit multiple styles in one location.

Meet the Models:
♦  Dawn writes Plumage59, a smart, chic, and fun fashion blog for women of a plum age.
◊ Michele, who writes the blog Shelbeeontheedge, writes about “living her 40s on the edge! On the edge of style.  On the edge of sanity.  On the edge of midlife.  Feeling fabulous all the while!”
♦  Cherie writes the blog StyleNudge, an inspirational and unexpected style giving you a little nudge.
◊ Catherine, who writes the blog CatherineGraceO and is a Fierce 50 Founder
♦  Tracey, who writes the blog  ChicClassySpicy, is dedicated to helping women of all ages express their personality & zest. Tracey motored from D.C.
◊  Kim, who writes the blog KandidlyKimBeauty, a LimeLight by Alcone Beauty Consultant
♦  Jannetta, who writes the blog Jmbradd and is a Forever Fierce Member
◊ Michele, who writes the blog Seechele_Styles and Hosts the Instagram #thriftedchicstylechallenge

The spotlight celebrated the camaraderie of women who came together to meet and embrace each other as bloggers over 50. Check out the ladies that shared their blog/business/their story:

♥  Lydia, an attorney, shared about her BiraBiro jewelry business
◊  Diana, Diana Gabriel, Jewelry Designer and African Art Curator
♥  Caytha, a writer and producer of The Other F Word, told every one of the films on aging punk rock musicians
◊ Angie, Your True Self has a blog for women over 60 to highlight their true selves. Angie flew in from Detroit.
♥  Sandra, Boostwr, a new lingerie line for full-busted girls. A special thank you to Sandra for the pink balloons provided for the refreshment table
◊  Elle, The Elle Diaries, a former accessory/jewelry designer and twin
♥  Brenda, Avalon_NYC, former NYC Boutique Owner and Photographer
◊  Netta, Health Partners Manager from Philadelphia
♥  Victoria, Forever Fierce Member
◊  Ginger and her sister, Forever Fierce Members
♥  Catherine, Atypical60, over 60 blogs with a fun outlook
◊  Nancy, Bellecore, former 80s Supermodel and creator of Bellcore body buffer

A special thank you to Chico’s, including Michelle and Jennifer on their PR team; Tina, the store manager and her staff; and the district manager, Michael.

I also want to give a special thank you to my gift bag sponsors: The Hall Center for providing Dr. Prudence Hall’s book, Radiant Again & Forever, Montagne Jeunesse for the 7th Heaven Face Masks, Simply Venom Day & Night Creams, and finally, to for the Chico’s Luna Stretch Reversible Bracelet.

I can’t thank Chico’s enough for hosting the NYC MeetUp and providing the yummy lite bites and sparkling water. Oh, the beautiful fresh calla lily arrangements. This event allowed like minds to empower and support one another by the opportunity to connect.  We are grateful for the virtual connections that have become real.

My niece Kenya Pickles, her debut as a professional photographer, and James, Tracey’s beau, assisted.  You made us street stars. We appreciate the fun and creativity of taking our photos.  We didn’t strut our stuff, but we sure turned heads on Broadway that day when passersby wanted to know if we were all models for Chico’s.

I must thank Channing, my daughter and Refinery29’s Fashion News Writer, for putting me in touch with vendors willing to donate to our group. I also thank Dawn for securing the Simply Venom samples and custom feather affirmations for the ladies.

Finally, thank you to Beth Briggs, the resident Forever Fierce fashion illustrator who created a custom invite that reflected our group in New York City. It was indeed a fantastic event, and I have to say, I’m proud of how my first meet-up turned out.

Thank you for reading.  Have a fabulous and stylish week.