I'm on the train coming home from NYC as I write.
The past few days have felt like a wonderful dream.
And I have Chico's to thank.
Chico's #HowBoldAreYou campaign is so much more than clothes! It's about promoting women's empowerment at ANY age. Their message to women is to grow bolder with age, push limits and defy stereotypes.
We can be anything and do anything.
For age should have no limits.
I'm a prime example of this.
56 here. I'm doing things that I never would have attempted in my younger years. The older I get, the stronger I am and the bolder I become.
I want to share my "How Bold Are You" experience.
Here are the highlights:
The women
I follow these beautiful and inspiring women on social media, but meeting them was such a gift. They are all truly lovely inside and out...and yes, they are BOLD!
My dear friend Catherine Grace O'Connell, is the founder of Forever Fierce Revolution and poster woman for what it means to be BOLD and STRONG! I adore her passion for helping women--she has a huge heart.
Because of the snowstorm in Boston, my train was canceled. And as a result I had the chance to meet up with some of the most incredible bloggers who are all doing bold things in their 40's, 50's and 60's.
The company
Talk about bold! Chico's has shaken things up in a big way by promoting and empowering women who are midlife and beyond. Age is just a number and Chico's is a leader in setting the stage by showing the "over 40 woman" in a positive and powerful way.
The event
It all started at Joe's Pub for the #HowBoldAreYou launch party. I knew this would be fun, but I had NO idea of what the night would hold for me.
Red carpet treatment
On arrival at Joe's Pub, we were greeted by the press. The bloggers were photographed together, then separately (GULP). I could feel my anxiety rising as I was asked to step in front of what felt like 100 cameras. Was my hair ok? What if I looked goofy? What if I had a panic attack and froze up? But the words "be bold" were stuck in my head. Even if I wasn't feeling very confident, I think I looked like I was (fake it 'til you make it!).
The celebrity line-up
Lesley Jane Seymour (MC)
Tracee Ellis Ross (spoke about self-love)
Molly Ringwald (sang--she's amazing)
And yes I met all of them!
And yes I met all of them!
My photos were on the press release and look who I'm next to (Molly!) OMG.
But what's with that awkward leg pose (middle left)???
Dinner
SURPRISE!
We were escorted to our tables...I had number 7.
But how could that be? Table 7 was occupied by Adam Glassman, Tracee Ellis Ross, Lesley Jane Seymour, Chico's own Shelagh Stoneham (Senior VP of Marketing) and Diane Ellis (Brand President) and Andrew Bailey. Me, seated here? There must have been a mistake! I asked the hostess to check, but she assured me that I was at the right place. BIG GULP. Negative messages flooding my brain...
I don't belong here.
What will I say?
I won't fit in.
What if no one talks with me?
Negative self-talk can be brutal.
But I pushed myself. I sat down and started up a conversation.
Then I made a VERY BOLD move.
I got up, walked to the other end of the table and introduced myself to Adam Glassman and Tracee Ellis Ross and told them all about Uncommon Threads (the non-profit I started). I mean style and empowering women---it's right up their alley!
I have no idea what came out of my mouth. I may have blubbered, but I don't think so. And I have to say that it felt WONDERFUL being bold! Stepping out of your comfort zone is a fabulous thing and it's truly
the only way to counteract that critical voice. Just do it!
I think I did good. I passed out my cards, talked for a bit, and then sat down feeling very proud of myself.
I reversed the negativity.
I DO fit in.
I'm smart.
I'm interesting.
I'm fun.
I'm accomplished.
I'm worth knowing.
And yes, Tracee and I have the same earrings on!
Thank you Chico's for empowering ME! I'm so honored to be a part of this wonderful campaign.
My Outfit:
Chico's girlfriend denim jacket I love the unfinished hem!
Chico's Travelers dress I need 10 of these--amazing fit and no wrinkles!
Chico's Clara Chandelier Earrings --these are clips but super comfy and a nice change from heavy pierced earrings.
Taryn Rose ankle boots -on sale and amazingly comfy
Travel outfit in first photo (can't say enough good things)
BE BOLD!
XO Susan
The Chico's outfit was gifted but I only post what I love. PROMISE!
BIG thank you to Robert Jason Salon for coming in to trim my hair during a power outage. They are truly the best!
(Go Helen!)
- Wednesday, March 14, 2018
- 20 Comments
