How My Fashion Week Dream Got an Upgrade

Fashion, Life Advice, Lifestyle, , , , , 18 Comments

I’ve been thinking a lot about being open to creative opportunities. As someone who is used to having a plan, that can be a bit of a challenge for me. If you’re familiar with Gabriel Bernstein, the author of The Universe Has Your Back and several other inspirational books, you may have heard her say that it’s one of the mantras she frequently uses. I have to be honest it really doesn’t come easily to me. I am learning to trust my path more and every time I do I find that I end up exactly where I am supposed to be.

Last weekend I hopped on a plane for Fashion Week in Palm Springs. I had listed Fashion Week (imagining NYC) on my vision board and I almost went this year but the pieces didn’t seem to align the way I wanted. Like many of you, my life consists of work, family, and other social obligations. I do not spend it jet setting every other weekend and I do have to use a little balance when it comes to managing my life. So that being said, I shrugged and said “maybe next year” to myself and moved on.

Then one of my favorite brands- Chico’s reached out to say they had something very special planned for us-Fashion Week El Paseo!  To say I was blown away would be an understatement. Not only would I be attending the fashion show I’d been dreaming of, but I would also do it with people I adore, and although I love NYC the weather would be much much better. I’d also get to visit a city I had not yet visited before! It reminded me of the saying that sometimes we don’t get what we want right away because there’s something even better in store.

If you are following along on Insta you know that I went on this trip with 4 other bloggers who I really enjoy spending time with. We are all so different yet we gel perfectly. I have to give kudos to Chico’s for appreciating those differences. Many times I look at pics from blogger trips and while I am sure those women are amazing individuals, I’d be lying if I said I could tell them apart. Similar looks, ages, and styles and while there may be something to be said for consistency you know that I love diversity and inclusivity! And I love brands that push back against ageism. Here was an amazing group of beautiful (inside and out) women over 40 living their best lives and sharing it with other like-minded women on the gram.

If you didn’t see it on Instagram here are some of the fun things we did

Cocktails and shopping at Chico’s El Paseo-their largest store

 

The Pop Up Shop at Fashion Week-check out their new collection here

 

 

El Paseo Fashion Show

 

Pictured with More Turquoise, Fashion Should be Fun, Wardrobe Oxygen, The SheShe Show and Ari Seth Cohen of Advanced Style!

Coachella Valley Red Jeep Tour

 

And of course, the very best part was that we ate, talked and laughed until we just couldn’t keep our eyes open anymore.

Girl trips aren’t just for 20-year-olds and neither is opening yourself up and letting life happen! Trust the journey friends!

Id love to hear your thoughts on being open to opportunities or about the best girl’s trip you’ve taken!

Until Next Post,

 

xo Tonya Parker

 

*This trip was hosted but this is not a sponsored post. As always all opinions are my own.

 

 

 

 

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Tonya Parker is a counselor, author and certified life coach who believes in helping women look and feel their best! Ambassador for O, The Oprah Magazine and author of Single Mom Chic

18 thoughts on “How My Fashion Week Dream Got an Upgrade”

  2. Sounds like it was a wonderful time! Pictures are great. I haven’t been on a girls trip since 2009 when I graduated from college and went to Atlantic City! It was fantastic. Most of my friends have kids or a husband or both and its hard to get together now. Thank you for continuing to share your journey. I look forward to your blogs 🌹🌹💕

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      1. You’re very welcome! I love your blogs 😍😍 Atlantic City was alot of fun. But it was a very dirty place, lol! You’re not missing out on anything 😂😂

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  3. Great blog post! I love what you said about diversity and inclusion. So many brands do try to lump similar influencers together and it is boring to constantly see the same thing. Good for Chicos for planning such a fabulous trip with a diverse group of ladies.

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  7. Oh my goodness Tonya, I love your blog and your style! I saw you on Dawn Lucy’s blog and hopped over here. After reading your About page I was surprised to see you’re not only a mom but a grandma too – I thought you were a 20 something! I’m a school counselor as well – used to work in an actual brick and mortar elementary but now I work for a virtual school. Anyway, I am thrilled to have found you and look forward to following along!
    xo,
    Kellyann
    http://www.thisblondesshoppingbag.com

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