I love to travel, and I hope to be able to do more and more of it. But one thing I always hated was picking out outfits for a trip. It seemed like travel outfits for women over 40 that were practical weren’t really very fashionable. Well, Chico’s came to the rescue with their Traveler’s Collection, clothes that are perfect for travel AND oh so stylish!
Those of you who follow me on social media know that I’ve just returned from an amazing trip with Chico’s and four fab fellow bloggers (Wardrobe Oxygen, More Than Turquoise, She She Show, The Real Chic Life). This is the first in several blog posts about our fun adventures .. and of course all about the chic outfits I wore!


On our first day, we all glammed up for a party, dinner, and fashion show. I was super happy with the way this outfit turned out! Doesn’t it look like a designer dress? It’s the Striped Bell-Sleeve Top and Striped Maxi Skirt from the Chico’s Traveler’s Collection! Everything in this collection is wrinkle-free and packable, pieces that are versatile enough to mix and match for a trip. How cute would this skirt be with a white tee and denim jacket? Or the bell sleeve top with a pair of trendy jeans? I could go on and on of course.
The Artisan Drop Hoop Earrings are reversible so they’re basically two pairs of earrings in one. Also perfect for traveling! The Sleek Tassle statement necklace is also versatile; it converts from this long pendant style to more of a collar length. I like the hearty feel of it, but if you’re trying to pack very lightweight, it may be a bit heavy. Still, isn’t it sharp?!
Of course the bottom line is that l will wear this outfit for much more than just traveling! How cute would it be for a day of teaching? Lunch and shopping with the girls? Even a date night with the hubby, right?
The Palm Desert Chico’s is located on El Paseo, which is known to seasoned fashionistas as the Rodeo Drive of the desert. This store is the largest in the chain, with the most business too. I loved checking out the huge store and seeing all the items. I would wish for more large stores like that, but I know that we all shop mostly online these days, myself included.
We arrived at the store, ready to party! Chico’s generously gave us all gift cards, and of course we couldn’t wait to shop. We also got to meet the local Chico’s team, along with many sweet and fun customers. When you have fashion in common, the connection comes quickly and before we knew it we were all munching on delicious snacks and talking about style.
After the party, it was off to a luxe sushi dinner with the ladies, and let me just say this squad was the sweetest, funniest, and most badass babes I know, and that includes not just the bloggers, but the Chico’s team as well!
Then it was on to the Fashion Week El Paseo tents, complete with a Chico’s pop up shop, showing fun and fabulous brand new spring items. Along with checking that out, we also got to meet Ari Seth Cohen, author of the books Advanced Style and Advanced Love. It’s always a pleasure to meet someone who supports mature fashionistas. By the way, Ari was very nice and happy to take photos with us.
After that it was time for the first fashion show of our trip, California Unzipped. It was a fun combination of three California designers who were all very different and unique. If you’re following me on Instagram, you saw bits of the runway show. My favorite was Zandra Rhodes, who is just rocking of-the-moment style, at 79 years old!
After a full and fun day of fashion and excitement, we turned in for the night. Just wait to see what the next day brought!





16 Comments
Oh my goodness, I was waiting for this post after seeing your adventures on Instagram Stories! What an absolutely fabulous trip with Chico’s! From the pop-up to the hotel to their store to the fashion show, it all looked incredible. Love the pieces you chose to rock while traveling!
You so perfectly captured day one of our trip! Day two was so different but yet equally as fab!
Yes both fab days in their own way! And a totally FAB experience all the way around!!!
OXOX
Thanks a million,Kali! I wasn’t 100% sure when I picked this set that it would work just right and be flattering, but I’m so glad I did because I love it …!! Several customers in the Chico’s store came up to ask me to ask if it was Chico’s and wanted it for themselves!
OXOX
What a great recap! And I’m honored to been able to see your fierce fashion in person. Such a blast hanging with you this weekend! <3
Alison, I just had an amazing time with you .. and with ALL the girls. What a group! It was so fun meeting you person and you’re exactly who I thought you would be: real, funny, fun, & badass!!! Can’t wait for our next adventure together (fingers crossed!) …!!
OXOX
Such a great post Dawn! Loved your chic travel separates from Chico’s. The way you paired them was perfect and it does look like a designer dress!
Aww thanks, Tonya! Had such an amazing time with you ladies … get out your vision board for the next one, Girl … and don’t forget to add me!! 😀
OXOX
Your outfit is amazing, Dawn Lucy, love the stripes and the shape of the skirt. It seems like you had such a great time
http://lookingfabulousat50.blogspot.com
We really did have an amazing time! I was pleasantly surprised how flattering this skirt was. I took a bit of a chance, but it worked out perfectly! Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. I always appreciate it!
OXOX
Chico’s is fabulous and I absolutely love what you’re wearing! So chic!
xo,
Kellyann
Thanks so much, Kellyann! Chico’s has totally stepped up their game in the last several years and it’s my favorite brand now!
OXOX
Hi Dawn,
Wowsa, looks like you had a fabulous time! And you looked fabulous too! It’s fun to go to new places and meet fellow bloggers. So far everyone I’ve met through Instagram, or blogs I read, has turned out to be super nice, fun and talented. Of course I only follow COOL people! ?
BTW I love that b&w outfit, you look really fashionable, but comfy too!
I’ve got something really exciting coming up that I want to tell you more about, it involves fashion and my paintings. When I have more info I will email you! I can’t wait!
The school year is winding down- Spring is here!,
Xo Heidi
Oooo I’m so excited to hear your news!! Gosh, I really did have an amazing time and felt so spoiled! Yeah for the school year winding down … coffee this summer for sure!
OXOX
How fun! What a super opportunity for you Dawn!
It really was an amazing opportunity! I was so excited and everything was just as fabulous as I had hoped it would be! Thanks so much for stopping by, Shelly!
OXOX