This Page

You can tell Spring is in the air as I'm on a dress kick this month.

While surfing the 'Net, I noticed Lane Bryant's Ruffle Faux Wrap dress and while it seems summery and fresh with the polka dots, I thought that I'd reach out to you for your opinion.

What say you - Yay or Nay?

Labels: Lane Bryant, Yay or Nay

How many times do you, as a plus size fashionista, swear off all things poorly made and is not quality? Better yet, how many times do you buy something at Lane Bryant only to have it last three to four wearings?

That's what I'm going through with their Cacique bras. I spent quite a bit of money there recently as I finally decided to take the Oprah challenge and get the RIGHT size bra and invest in some "quality" pieces. Well, quality - that's a term that I find debatable.

Right now, after two bras either popping their underwire or falling apart after TWO wearings - yeah, I'm SO done. Those bras retail for $30-40 APIECE. Sure, many times they run the Buy 1 Get One 1/2 off or a coupon but still - after dropping a nice chunk of change on new bras, to have these fall apart was beyond discouraging. And, for that, I need to bid adieu to poorly made crap and make some quality decisions - and that means swearing off Lane Bryant. What used to stand for quality and class is now cheap, poorly made and just not worth the insanely high prices they charge. I bought a bra at Ashley Stewart that runs circles around the Cacique disaster which looked great but didn't hold up AT ALL.

Lane Bryant - how many times are you going to disappoint your target audience? The more corners you cut and quality you skew in favor of a quick profit will only make us take our money elsewhere.

Labels: Ashley Stewart, Guilty of Idiocy, Lane Bryant, Lingerie, Quality, What Were They Thinking

I was reading a kick butt article on MNS dispelling antiquated fasion advice - MSN: 5 Fashion Rules to Break - and while I was nodding my head in agreement, this dress caught my eye.

So I ask you, would you rock this Colorblock Faux Wrap Dress from Lane Bryant?

Yay or Nay?

Labels: Lane Bryant, Yay or Nay

You know it's Real Women Dollar Time, right? Well I found a dress that you might want to take another look at (I know - I'm in dress mode). Here's my reasoning with dresses: you can wear them out on the town or to work - either way it's effortless chic.

Labels: Fashion, Lane Bryant

I was shopping at the Prime Outlets in Orlando yesterday and, much like a desert apparition, I thought I saw the sign for a Lane Bryant Outlet in the distance. I thought "Lane Bryant Outlet - that's only in places like Vegas. Orlando is never that lucky".

Well, Orlando's in luck - it opened yesterday. Sure, there are some products in there from a couple seasons ago, but the Houston Pants at $39.99 x 40% off - GENIUS. The tank tops were at 40% off. Bras were at 30% off. Perfect.

I raked in the bargains, super pleased with my purchases (thanks to Kathy - the super sales gal!!) only to get home and find a coupon for $25 off a $75 purchase. After I spent $78.00. ARG!

Guess I have to go back and bug Kathy some more. Go check it out - it's right off I-4 on International Drive.

Labels: Lane Bryant, Orlando, Outlet

Dear Lane Bryant:

Let me state, first of all, I genuinely appreciate the attention you have lavished on the plus-size community throughout the years. However, as you certainly do realize, we have reciprocated by investing our hard earned money into your company. I also appreciate the many options of items for sale in huge contrast to the normally dowdy granny wear we can find at many of the other retailers that have “plus-size” departments. However, as a longtime customer (and former employee) of Lane Bryant, I have to say that over the past year, I have finally reached my breaking point and Lane Bryant, I think we need to take a break.

Now don’t cry. I know we've been close for, what is it now, close to 20 years. However, you've changed, Lane Brant. So hear me when I say that we do, indeed, need a break. No, I'm thinking it's a bit more than a Ross/Rachel “break” - more like we're on the verge of a break up. Why you ask? Well, let me cite a few items of concern that need to be addressed:

1) Sizing

About two months ago, while browsing through a Lane Bryant in Central Florida, a woman came into the store absolutely enamored with a jacket displayed in the window. Immediately, your Lane Bryant associate pounced on her, sensing fresh meat. The woman, you could tell, didn’t shop at Lane Bryant normally, however she wanted that jacket. The customer told the Lane Bryant Associate of her wish to have that jacket and, when asked what size, the customer said “I wear a 12”. The Lane Bryant Manager who was nearby answered, rather snottily, “Well in here you would be either a size 14 or 16.”. The woman, rather distraught replied “But I Wear A 12!” Again, the manager rebuffed her, saying with a hint of arrogance “Lane Bryant changed its sizing this year. In here, you are either a size 14 or 16.”. The customer then promptly walked out - without the jacket.

This exchanged confirmed my suspicions as to recent sizing issues. I have noticed that a 14/16 top is now an 18/20. Size 20 bottoms can either go to a 22 or a 24 depending on the cut. Your blouses do not allow for upper arms, cutting off one’s circulation worse than a blood pressure cuff. And, as a plus-size fashionista, Lane Bryant, please realize that some women DO have cleavage and account for it. When I go to put on a shirt, it must go OVER the boobs if I have to put it on over my head. The same goes for those that button up - it must button OVER the boobs as well. It’s not like I am shaped like Dolly Parton. My girls are absolutely appropriate for me.

2) Quality

When I buy a suit jacket for $79.50, I do not expect the buttons to fall off the jacket upon the first wearing. When I purchase a pair of pants for $59.50, I do not expect the stitching to unravel or the buttons to loosen after the first washing. When I pay $44.50 for a blouse, I expect it to not show the girls inappropriately as you have marketed it as “office appropriate”. When I pay $69.00 for a gorgeous lace eyelet dress, I do expect some sort of modesty lining or something. For cryin’ out loud, it’s EYELET throughout - which means, you can see every bit unless you have a slip. Let’s not get into the fact that much of the clothing has become more sheer and flimsy. Listen, office wear is for work, not a stripper bar.

3) Pricing

While I appreciate those lovely gift cheques, Real Women Dollars, and sales such as 2 for $59, based on some examples cited above, clearly you are raising the prices entirely too much. Now, stop sputtering and go on a defensive attack - hear me out.

Another manager, in a store in S. Florida (Palm Beach to be exact - I'm not going to be nice and shelter her indiscretions), in attempt to explain the sizing issues, told me that your products are being made in India and Asia. To go even further, she started to say China, but in an attempt to be more ummm.. shall we say PC, she then changed it to Japan. So when you hear “Ch-Japan”, you can figure out that the intent was China. So, knowing that Lane Bryant is selling, let’s say a clothing item like my suit jacket with the crappy buttons for $79.50, let’s break it down.

Note that I'm going to be overly generous here - I'm sure my estimates are leaning more on the high side as evidenced by other stuff we hear on the news. We’ll estimate that the materials are around $4 - 5. (The jacket is not fully lined, it’s not the best of materials but it is better than a jacket you might get at let’s say a discount retailer). We can then estimate that the labor to make said jacket was around $1 or $2. Let’s also factor in 30% for overhead costs (marketing, shipping, etc.) - let’s say $24. So, overall, to be generous, we can say that the total cost of the garment is $31.00. The profit is $48.50 on every $79.50 jacket. What. The. Heck?

Now, I know that many retailers raise the prices for the plus-size market, and my best guess is that your justification for that extra yard (or two) of fabric you feel that you can mark up an item 50-100% of what it would cost a skinny-mini for a similar clothing item, but something needs to change.

4) Credit Cards

I understand that your associates have a daily quota to meet. Now don’t get all cranky and act like I don’t know - because I do. I was there. I remember my “rah-rah” talks by managers to sucker people into opening accounts. I also know what your apparent company does to the credit reports of those that open the accounts. I understand that you offer it to those unwilling customers as an option to get, what is it now - 10% or 15% off of one’s order. HOWEVER, please understand the phrase: No Means No! When you push the issue with me, know that I will loudly explain to anyone within the vicinity “Do you KNOW what that hard credit pull just to get 10-15% off does to one’s credit report? It damages it whether you have good or bad credit” And if other customers in earshot hear me, that’s fabulous - because I’m sure they DON’T know. They might fall prey to that sneaky associate using the line with “I’ll still give you the percentage even if you don’t qualify - don’t you want to save 10% off your order NOW?”

5) Failure to Take Care of Your Customers

I wasn’t going to bring this up, but as we are laying our cards on the table, I feel I need to. When I was in Palm Beach, one customer easily had over $400 worth of items that she was paying for. When she asked if there was a coupon or something that could help her out - the MANAGER and the ASSISTANT MANAGER both said “No, there’s no coupon”. Which, of course, pissed me off to no end and prompted me to get ignorant with Dumb and Dumber (Dumber was the one who told me about the India and Ch-Japan matter). I interrupted Dumb and Dumber with “Yes there IS a coupon - and you know it!” They played ignorant and said there was no coupon for that time period, prompting me to hand back my two sweaters which I was salivating over, and instructed her to return them with the comment “You can put this back - obviously you don’t have enough to do”. I then brandished my coupon in front of Dumb and Dumber and gave it to the woman and then told Dumb and Dumber that it was, indeed, valid and it was sent via email. Obviously her being a manager didn’t know the company enough to know its promotions. The woman saved over $100 with the coupon and the manager aka Dumber, well, she’s just despicable in my book.

So, those are only some of the offenses I've noticed over the past year, Lane Bryant and we should have talked sooner. Now I'm not going to lie. I’ve dallied with other stores and I’ve found them more accommodating, less pushy and priced appropriately for the garments I’m getting. Am I a cheater? I think that’s a relative term because our relationship has been souring for some time. But I did used to think that no other store compared to you, Lane Bryant. Now I see that I was wrong.

So here’s my gentle advice to you Lane Bryant. Implement some procedures to correct the offenses above and you might, just might, have another shot at love. It’s not a promise but I could, perhaps, give a second chance if you REALLY work hard for it. But for now I think we need a trial separation and start seeing other stores.

I’d like us to be friends in the future, but for now we just don’t need to speak. I’m sure you’ll take my words to heart. Because, in all honesty - It’s not me, it’s you.

~Lys

Labels: Fashion, Lane Bryant, Soapbox

Holiday Parties are just around the corner - I know I know - I'm early, but better to be early than late I say. As I'm looking for *the dress* for the Grammys in February, I'm looking for a dress that will do double duty... It will be a few days of parties, dinners and more, so these are some of the ones I've got my eye on. If I can also intersperse it with some holiday planning, even better.

Check out Avenue's Starlet Dress - Comes in both Black & Red...


And they also have a Hayworth Gold Halter dress as well...


Kiyonna has a very "retro" black lace dress that catches the eye. They also offer it in chocolate brown lace over a mauve lining... tres chic!


I adore this dress, the Lorena Beaded Dress in Charcoal from Igigi:


Feel like being the "Lady In Red" - well Igigi has you covered in this fabulous red lace number with matching shrug:




Lane Bryant does the Little Black Dress in style with an embellished dress:



Now, I *heart* Nordstrom, and this Robbie Bee lattice dress has me LOOKING for an occasion to wear it - the shades of Gray, black and white are stunning...



Nordstrom has a fabulous Maggy London Tie Front Silk Dress in both green and blue (I am more of a blue gal)...



Torrid has an elegant Black Lace halter dress:

Labels: Avenue, Fashion, Holiday, Igigi, Jessica London, Kiyonna, Lane Bryant, Macys, Nordstrom, Silhouettes, Size Appeal, Torrid

Well quasi budget but still.. Tim Gunn's Guide to Style (Thanks Michelle!) states that every woman needs a basic trench. As I live in Florida, I have been on the fence about "to buy or not to buy". I mean, c'mon - I wear a jacket maybe a month out of the year unless I travel and it's always my gorgeous bronze leather coat from Terry Lewis (I know I know - Home Shopping HUH? But seriously, this woman rocks the leather and for a plus size gal to have a jacket that is so well made and classic - love it). Not to mention I did just purchase another leather jacket for future up north excursions.

Well, when Reese & I were in Philly, I encountered "THE TRENCH". You know when you fall in love at first sight and it's a mutual thing - The Trench was eyeing me, I was eyeing it and it was a tango of sorts. However, my finances wrestled my conscience and *sigh* it was not to be. The factoring decision: I live in Florida - what the heck do I need a trench for?

Again, need for a trench kept taunting me - from Tim Gunn's new show, to encountering a gorgeous sateen trench at Ashley Stewart to Igigi rockin' their trench, but would I really pay $99 for a coat I could get not much use out of. Again, the wallet spoke and the answer was "NO". (Actually the wallet told me to buy some shoes but again, later post).

This weekend, in cleaning out the wallet I found a gift card from Lane Bryant for $63 for a return I did some time ago of their city shorts (we'll get into the wonky sizing in another post). The Trench resurfaced in my thoughts again and I figured, "eeehh.. let me go look at it on the site". I couldn't see it in person because the Florida stores didn't see themselves getting it until December or so and that doesn't help me. Well, apparently Karma (or Tim Gunn) was on my heels because as I clicked into the site, I saw it was on sale - for $69.95. Now, y'all know me - I do not do any online shopping without a coupon or cash back (or both). I quickly put it in my cart as they had my size left in black and went to scour the net for some Lane Bryant Coupons. I found one for 20% off and quickly went through Mr. Rebates to check out.

Cost of The Trench after applying coupons, shipping, tax, and gift card: $5.80

Cash back total: $1.67

Overall Total Cost: $4.13

Cheaper than my Pumpkin Spice Latte (and just as toasty)...

Labels: Cash Back, Coupons, Fashion, Lane Bryant

Labels: Fashion, Lane Bryant

First, before you shop, get your gift cheque here (if you don't already have it)...Lane Bryant is gearing up for fall with a few fall fashion finds...

Labels: Fashion, Lane Bryant, Shoes

Labels: Fashion, Lane Bryant

Everywhere you look these days, summer fashion looks crisp and clean with Black & White Color prints. Here are some of my top pics for these season...

On my "must have" list this summer is a Black & White skirt...

Check out this lovely skirt from Torrid.

Perhaps this one from Catherines might also be an option.

Even Macy*s is in on the game with this charming Black/White look

Now, moving to the blouse/top front, being a plus gal, I find some halters hard to wear, but I love the look and style of this halter top from Torrid. It would pop a black suit for work and then take off the jacket and grab a clutch purse and you are ready for Martinis and an evening out.

And, for work, this top is perfect for a casual Friday (also from Torrid).

There are black and white dresses EVERYWHERE, however I did find a few that caught my eye.

Lane Bryant leads the pack with this gorgeous dress that I should have gotten for a co-worker's wedding instead of a Black & White block dress that truly did not make me look my best...

Torrid has a HOT Halter Dress that is perfect for a weekend event.

And finally, Avenue showcases a dress that is work perfect.

Now what are ya waiting for - did someone say "SHOPPING"?... Enjoy!

Labels: Fashion, Lane Bryant, Macys, Torrid

We just got scoop that there is a hot new LB Coupon Code floating around thanks to the divine Ms. Amy B. She says:

Lane Bryant has a 50% off entire purchase coupon valid through April 7. For online purchases, use code 000509336. Must pay shipping, which begins at $4.95. This coupon even works on sale/clearance/perfectly priced everyday items. And, they have a ton of stuff B1G1 right now.

Well, you know our hot little fingers are browsing the site looking for the fabulous finds and great sale pieces. And they have their "2 for $59 sale" with all the hot new finds.

Not to mention, since it's online that means Cash Back. Yes - Cash Back. If you go through Mr. Rebates or Ebates and sign up, you get a nice little chunk of change back. Don't have an account - well, you can sign up for Mr. Rebates here or Ebates here. Believe me, your wallet will thank you later...

Enjoy!

Labels: Cash Back, Coupons, Lane Bryant

Receive 25% off any online order of $100 or more. Just enter promotion code 000253635 at checkout.

Enjoy!

Labels: Coupons, Lane Bryant

To the Powers that Be:

Seriously - we have an issue that needs to be addressed, post haste. Who makes your clothing? Reason I ask is because while I love this gorgeous Manderin Collar Charmeuse top that you feature in Black, Midnight Blue, Burgundy, Teal, Dusty Rose and whatever other color various stores seem to have (but online only features 3), not one fits like the other. I bought both the Teal (Bali Blue) and the Burgundy and neither one fits exactly the same.

I worked for quite some time to go from an 18/20 to a 14/16 in size. How discouraging it can be when your Chiffon Leopard top in a 14/16 fits like a dream but the 14/16 in this charmeuse top fits like a 10/12. Who regulates your sizing? Not to mention, no matter what top I tried on, some would fit over the boobs in the 18/20, and some would gap. The 18/20 is really a 14/16 (and even then that's being nice - more like a 12/14). When expressing concern to one of your associates about this grievous oversight by your Quality Control Department, I was asked "Oh you just have to buy one size up now - that's what I did. Do you have a Lane Bryant Charge?".

Enough with the Charge question already as well - I'm not, nor will I ever, get one. I know you make your salespeople ask and I know you give your salespeople ridiculous quotas where they assure everyone, "Oh just try anyways" and not telling some unsuspecting shopper what might happen when your parent company gets ahold of one's credit report with its constant inquiries, etc. and how it lowers their FICO score. I had a long discussion with one of your managers where she confirmed that she was aware of this practice, but that's another issue for another day.

Seriously - lets work on this sizing issue. Together, we can make it happen. I mean, you want my money and I want accurate sizing - win/win for everyone, ya think?

Labels: Lane Bryant

I've made a resolution to abide by the What Not to Wear Rules - It has to look good ON ME, not on the hanger. If it looks like crap, it's going back. I refuse to settle any longer.

Labels: Lane Bryant, Macys