Lane Bryant and Workwear

by Skinny Emmie on August 31, 2009

Even though I LOVE fashion, I am hardly a fashionista. There are so many other fashion bloggers (plus size and straight size) that usually blog all about the latest designers, trends, etc. While I feel I dress well, it’s nowhere near “fashionista” status. There’s been some Twitter talk I’ve noticed about Lane Bryant’s clothes not being “my style” (meaning, the fashionistas style). You know what? That’s fine! But their style isn’t mine either. So, instead of being influenced by these fashion bloggers, I just figured I’d post my own thoughts.

As I’m losing weight and fall approaches, I have the urge to hit the mall and buy all new things. Since my size is changing (started in a size 32, now in a 28…) it’s not practical for me to hit up all kinds of stores and buy a million pieces. The clothes I have the most trouble with is workwear. My corporate job requires me to dress in nice clothes (preferably suits) and it’s always been a struggle to find functional, stylish pieces I can mix and match. One of the few places I’ve been able to consistently find pieces is Lane Bryant, and right now is no exception!

From Lane Bryant's current eCatalog

From Lane Bryant's current eCatalog

I love this set of looks. All are 100% work appropriate for me, and I can mix and match them with ease. In addition to these looks from their current line, they also just launched ICON, what they’re calling “elegant interpretations of fashion’s top trends.” This line is a little more out of my comfort zone as I never really set out to wear anything “inspired by the runways” (oh, and no way that a harem pant would look good on me). That being said, I LOVE this blouse and riding coat (that’s equestrian, not Harley!). Not sure if it’s the Kentucky girl in me that would want to wear a riding-inspired coat, but I would totally rock this to work.

Page 2 from eCatalog

Page 2 from eCatalog

What do you guys think about these items? Anyone else have any great wear-to-work finds they can share with me?

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  • Anonymous
    Discovered your blog today and I just wanted to say that I agree with a couple of the other commenters on love/hate with LB. Their style has definitely changed over the last year or so and it's not as work-friendly as it used to be. They are much more about separates now than coordinated looks. If you need a suit for work, LB is not the place. Just today I was looking at their Career section online and while they had a couple cute jackets, the matching bottoms were ridiculously trendy. As Tim Gunn would say "this concerns me"!
  • I think that the whole fashionista thing, combined with something being or not being acceptable to be described as such, is a crock. Being a fashionista, to me, is being creative with what you have, and rocking looks that are uniquely you. And you can get an entire outfit at a thrift store, or SAKS 5th AVE and do that. It's all up to you.

    I <3 LB undies.
  • Mary Ann
    I do look at Lane Bryant, but I don't find much for me there. Their prices are usually out of my comfort zone. Most of my work clothes: slacks, blouses, sweaters, etc. come from Macy's and Belk. Macy's seems to have a very good collection of plus size clothes. Or at least the ones near me do.
  • I've always had a love hate relationship with LB. I consider myself to be adventurous so I tend to go in a different direction for the "fashion" pieces in my wardrobe. But I have to say, I always find myself going back to lane bryant for the basics.(trousers, wovens, etc) I didn't know anything about this new line they're doing, thanks for the info. I love what your doing here!
    .-= Amina (thecankle)´s last blog ..Fitting In =-.
  • LURVE that shirt and jacket!! I also agree that Lane Bryant has great wear to work pieces that can be mixed & matched. Congrats on the weight loss. A tip that I got from a fashionista friend of mine is that a GREAT tailor is a girls best friend! Similar to you, I work in a client facing corporate environment & wear suits; suits that I've paid a good bit of money for. When I started losing weight, I was initially getting all huffy cause my old clothes didn't fit (and I didn't want to spend $300 - $400 to buy more), however, a friend recommended I see her tailor & now my suits as well as other outfits are a perfect fit! Just something to keep in mind! :)
    .-= Ebony_Jewel´s last blog ..It's Best For Me To Remain Single Until.... =-.
  • For some items, it's hard to beat LB. Their jeans are phenomenal, and I've found some good work clothes there. It seems like a hit-or-miss some seasons with the designers, but when it's good it's good! I just hate that the prices seem to be getting higher and higher each season. I started shopping at Avenue over the summer (out on Richmond Rd close to Man O'War)...you have to dig around a bit, but once you get past some of the frumpier stuff you can find some really cute things, and it's waaaay cheaper. The quality isn't as good, though (I guess you get what you pay for). For shoes though, Avenue can't be beat!!! Work, play, boots - their sizes fit so much better than "regular" shoes and for the price you can play around with lots of new looks.
    .-= katie´s last blog ..kapi:Electric Feel — MGMTI CAN’T GET THIS OUT OF MY... =-.
  • Hey Emily, I was also impressed by the new collection. I actually wrote a post about it for tommorow. I used to shop at LB quite a bit but in the past few years I have been unable to find much that I like. I'm glad they are back on board and I loof forward to seeing the collection in person when I travel across your side of the border.
    .-= Lola Vanguard´s last blog ..Fall 2009 Trends: Studs, Studs, Studs =-.
  • I love Lane Bryant and always have. If you find functional, fashionable pieces there, then good for you. I wouldn't be influenced by any of the fashion bloggers because none of them know exactly what YOU like and what looks good on you, etc. Love love love the riding coat and the other pieces that were posted in the picture. Makes me want to buy some trousers! <3
    .-= TashaLee´s last blog ..Yes, I'll admit I have a tweeting problem... =-.
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