Welcome to another edition of Style & Scopes, your monthly plus size style horoscope!
My Lane Bryant Conference Experience
When I received the invite to attend the Lane Bryant Conference, I was shocked- shocked for a few reasons! One, I have never, as far as I can remember, shopped inside the store AND I have never featured any of their looks, why?
I had always thought Lane Bryant to be a bit dated or just not my style, but let me tell you…
I am now a Lane Bryant Believer!
and boy was I wrong!
Them reaching out to not only myself, but 11 other bloggers to bring them into their world, headquarters, and behind the scenes was one of the most amazing things (next to the Ashley Graham commercial) they could have ever done!
Being extremely humbled, I was really excited for the chance to be flown out for a two days, visit the headquarters, get all made up for a photoshoot, and to meet with the buyers and designers and ask your questions- AH-Ma-ZING (answers below!). Although there was loads of fashion and flair, the real purpose of this event was to talk about Lane Bryant’s focus for productive partnerships between Lane Bryant, social media, and the blogger community and the celebration that beauty comes in all sizes.
Running on coffee and excitement (jet lag kicked my butt) our day kicked off with us heading to the Easton Lane Bryant to pick out looks for our shoot later in the day! Lane Bryant’s own version of Tim Gunn, Robert Rustkauskas! He even favored him!
I immediately was drawn to the leopard maxi! In addition to the maxi dress, I picked up a floral ring, and stacked bracelets! OOOH! I also was fitted for a strapless bra! Fancy that And let me tell you, this strapless (The classic bra is back!) was amazing! It lifts and separates! I could wear this bra all DAY! Not the usual running home at the first moment to snatch it off! Do not act like you don’t do it!
Our next stop was Lane Bryant headquarters, and upon entrance, I loved the mannequins, so I Had to get a picture with the model in the dress I chose! We headed into a room and sat down to chat it up with Lane Bryant President-Brian and VP of Marketing- Jay Dunn as they welcomed us and shared the purpose behind the conference- their platform, Inside Curve and moving forward to create a richer experience in all aspects of the full figured woman.
After they spoke, we met the senior design director David Albow. He shared the design aesthetics and what to expect for Fall! Inspirations of fashion’s leading ladies I was intrigued and could not wait to go on tour! As we headed upstairs, Tim Gunn, oops I meant Robert, walked us through their design boards! So much fun! We could not take pictures, but I already have my eye on a green bomber jacket- and that is all I am going to say!
After we sashayed through the ready to wear, we landed one floor down in LINGERIE! Here we met the fierce Gill Herr, senior designer for intimate apparel! Let me just tell you, this holiday- I will have quite a few items on my wishlist! HAUTE!
Sitting down with the designers was the knitty gritty of our conversations! We sat down with those who bring you all the juiciness you see in the stores! They were extremely gracious, open, and receptive!
You Asked, They Answered
- Cacique sports bra? Be happy to know that as of this week, there are four NEW styles of sports bras available! Thanks to the help and partnership of Marika.
- Including higher band sizes for some of their prettier bras? In the Core Bras, they will add up to a 46DDD AND that they will add F, G, and H in the fashion colors in the store!
- Bra6? Only available online, BUT they are bringing back the classic fit bras, in which you will find the strapless you will die over! (I think this is the one I got!)
- Bra colors in a varied shade of nude? They will be introducing a new shade called toffee and it will be carried in the back smoothing bra and the t-shirt bra!
- Accessories? Particularly the belts! This is a newer focus (and from seeing first hand, you will like!)
- I love the Icon brand but am unable to find that in my local stores? Their focus right now is perfecting their core area, ensuring the fit of their bottoms and their core elements of the brand. So right now, it’s on pause, but only to bring you back the amazing core fashions!
There were some questions some of you had that I did not get the chance to ask, as there were 12 of us! LOL! However, do not hesitate to hop over to the other bloggers share their experiences!
Lights Camera Action!
Last but not least, was the photoshoot! SOOO MUCH FUN! In betwixt and between, I had to pop over to the full mockup Lane Bryant store! Ah-Ma-Zing- stocked with newness that has not even hit the floors yet! It was lovely! However, back to hair and makeup: the whole process- a blast! Here are a few of the pics!
Whew! Did I miss anything?
About the Author
Marie Denee
I am the Editor in Chic of The Curvy Fashionista. Often goofy. Forever emo. Always a Virgo. You can find me somewhere grooving to 90s R&B.
Looks like you ladies had an amazing time. I honestly don’t shop at Lane Bryant for clothing anymore. Only for intimates and really, only when they have their annual cacique sale. Once upon a time, I only shopped at LB because they were the ONLY option for me…that was back in high school. Now, I think it’s hit or miss. The fit of their clothing seems a bit off to me and well, the clothing isn’t as fashion forward as I’d like. I really hope that they take what you have all given them and push buttons a bit more. Great stuff sis!
I literally gasped when you said Tim Gunn LOL So glad to see Lane Bryant take the right steps towards social media expansion and more importantly meeting their customer needs. Thanks for sharing Marie!
.-= Kimmoy´s last blog ..How to Wear Your Maxi Dress to Work =-.
Hey Kimmoy! Yesss! Hey was very poised and dressed down to the shoes! I cannot claim or take credit for the nickname as one of the other bloggers called it! lol… I just do not remember who did, but it was aptly used and so on point! 🙂
Just recently found you blog and have been enjoying it very much. Lane Bryant is one of my go-to stores since there aren’t too many plus size shops in my area. but my biggest complaint was the lack of bras in larger sizes!! I’ve spoken to the store managers and written to customer service many times. I was getting the impression that they didn’t belive that large women have large breasts. My dress size is anywhere from an 18-24 (depending on cut) but I wear a 42G/H (depending on the cut) and finding sexy ones in my size is a very, very hard task. Sure I can find them, but they’re ususally styles my grandmother would have worn 🙁 The really cute ones I find at LB tend to stop at DD (sometimes DDD). So I’m hoping what you said about the larger sizes coming is a good thing 🙂 CHEERS, Julia
Welcome Julia! Yes! Yes! and YES! to the bras! They were very excited and forthcoming about fashion colors, styles, and their availability! Now do not forget that they have their whole collection available online, but they are working on bringing their extended sizes to stores… it may also help to if you visit a bigger store (as from my experience) they tend to carry wider selections! Thank you for visiting!Please come back!
Julie K-
You and I are in a similar position. I recommend you check out a line of bras called Elomi. I relied on Lane Bryant for a long time but found it more and more difficult to find my size (42GG) and a comfortable fit. I was prepared to get a few bras specially made until I found a store in Chicago, My Intimacy, that specializes in hard to fit sizes. They did a fitting and we tried several different labels and sizes until we came across the Elomi line. They come in beautiful styles and are of EXCELLENT quality. In fact, My Intimacy, will even make alterations, if you like. Hope this information helps.
I totally agree with NikStar. Lane Byrant has always been hit or miss for me. But I do love their under garments! Otherwise, I hope this conference is as step toward more fashionable pieces. By the way, you great despite the jet lag!
I love that Lane Bryant did this. I have been shopping Lane Bryant since the 7th grade (espcially since I was tall and had very thick thighs) but now that I am 27 it’s great to see that they have transitioned and are keeping up with the latest fashion trends— when I was young I use to think their clothes were OLD– but not anymore!!!
OH, that was sooo nice. I have been buying my bras there for the last few years. I am looking for a good racer back. Any suggestions???
What an amazing opportunity! And you look just beautiful in the video.
Thanks Darlin!!!!!!!!
I can’t wait to get the toffee color bra. Smart to add a wider variety of color choices in the nudes. I always disliked the limited options for darker skin. I also had stopped shopping in LB because I was finding them to be basically plain boring. They had lost their appeal. I recently went in a store during the week, I was the only customer and so shocked to find the store empty. I did find quite a few cute pieces.
I love the dress with the white jacket. You looked like you were delivering it for the camera!
Hi MD! I’m so jelly! You are WORKING that dress. I’m keeping an eye on it, I hope the price goes down soon. Lane Bryant has always been my go-to shop for undergarments only. I wish they would bring back their traditional bodysuit shapewear. I detest the Bra6 shaper I bought a few years ago and I refuse to buy that awful bra6 bra. I’m not a fan of Spanx so….. After reading your post I ordered the traditional convertible (it’s now BOGO!!!!) I hope I love it as much as you do.
I am impressed by their initiative and I hope to see some fun and on trend fashions from them soon. I have not purchased their clothing in many years, Ashley Stewart fit leaves a lot to be desired as does Old Navy and YoursClothing lately, Evans selections haven’t been the greatest lately either. I am getting frustrated to the point of trying to starve and work myself out of plus size. Ugghhhhhh…