UPDATE: The winner of the $100 Lane Bryant gift card is Sarah Cooke!
Light with dark, fragile against sturdy, relaxed yet structured – spring fashion is all about a “study in contrast, opposites really do attract” — Robert Rutkauskas
Color, print, and pattern. In the past were these terms that came to your mind when you thought about Lane Bryant online or in their stores? If the answer is no you are not alone honestly they did not come to mind for me either.
With the Spring 2011 Collection these are terms that for sure will come to mind among other plus size fashion gems revealed during my interview with Robert Rutkauskas, trend and color director for Lane Bryant.
In three years with the company Robert and his team as part of product development have built into the Lane Bryant brand excitement through color, print, and pattern. This came from careful research into trends from around the world regardless of the origin to make it suitable for the plus size customer.
For Spring the influence and emphasis is on contrast of application or contrast of colors. The goal is to mix items that compliment as well as contrast. For example, a long shirt with slim pants or a long skirt with short jacket.
Specifically for March/April blues were featured with delicate details such as oversized and mini florals to go with the contrast of print and pattern. Lots of floral blues, aquatics, and whites will be available for late spring and early summer to give you a island look. Additionally, post card prints are being paired with contrast ensuring the chosen color will be the catalyst to make it stand out.
The large color spectrum combined with offering the latest in trends as well as traditional pieces helps send the message that Lane Bryant clothes are “not about size but about attitude”. Furthermore, the final products come from lots of research into design and fit. The goal is building a foundation that is built on fit and comfort as well as self sustainability.
What do you think about the direction Lane Bryant is heading? Comment for your chance to win a $100 gift card. The winner will be chosen at 4/15/2011.
For summer its all about capturing the feel of exotic destinations aka dropping anchor to have fun with fashion. Blue, turquoise, aqua, saffron, sage, and coriander will be some of the colors you will see this Summer.
“This season is about finding a balance – a ying and yang – and creating a feminine look with an edge,” said Robert.
He offers the following tips on how to incorporate spring trends into a fashionably modern wardrobe:
- Combine casual wear with more formal pieces. For example, a worn jean jacket could be paired with a satin dressy floral skirt or comfortable cotton cropped pants with a bright satin top.
- Mix light and dark shades. Take a bold graphic black and white floral printed skirt and make it pop with cardigans in electric shades of yellow, pink or purple.
- Create a delicate feminine look with an edge by pairing a cream-colored lacy top with a military detailed jacket or cargo pants in khaki, olive, grey and black for a utilitarian touch and a perfect contrast.
- Add sparkle and shine by pairing a sequin blouse or a shiny short-sleeve ombre top over a pair of white matte pants, creating a contrast that subtly brightens an outfit without overdoing it
- Integrate different textures by pairing a fluid style ruffled shirt or blouse with structured trousers, skirts, or even jeggings.
Additionally,
- Available options for customers include the ability to build a wardrobe from buying separates to create an evolution within your closet. Imagine pants in different lengths from classic to Capri’s, in an exciting array of colors and prints to choose from paired with different tops to create a look that fits your mood.
- Multiple complimentary items are offered for a complete look with fewer pieces. Its all about the coordination of tops and bottoms that have a more feminine feel that can easily go to work or be casual.
- Shoes will be matched with exclusive styles to Lane Bryant. Expect an appeal to a wider calf to allow a coordinated look from head to toe with once again an emphasis on color, pattern and print. Finally, because the collections are designed month to month you can experience one stop shopping year round.
Remember, color, print, and pattern when you think about LB. It was nice talking to another Lane Bryant insider about what goes into putting a collection together. I want to thank Robert for taking the time out of his day to talk to me. If you have not checked out the latest offered by this plus size fashion leader then you are in for a treat. Also don’t forget to leave your comments for the chance to win the gift card.
FYI: The Spring 2012 collection is being worked on right now if you have any suggestions leave your comments here and I will pass them along.
While I am a shopper at LB, I’ve seen some of their things go right past fashionable into strange territory. While I realize a lot of plus size ladies stay away from dresses and skirts, I love them, and am finding them harder and harder to find, so I’m glad to see some of these items in their new things. I would love to see more bermuda shorts, as capris are often too long and look weird on a petite plus size woman.
While I continue to shop at LA (sporadically), I have found that the buyers get stuck on a trend, and neglect the fact that not every LB shopper is 18 years old and that we do have jobs. I understand tha plus-size women want to be fashionable, but I agree with the previous poster that LB tends to bypass fashionable into unwearable.
I am loving the variety of accessories now available from colored tights to handbags, shoes and jewelry color pops for spring! I love it!!
Keep up the good work LB.
I love the idea of more floral prints, I just wish LB were more affordable overall. How about a small collection of more casual, affordable pieces? Pieces that you could mix and match with some of the dressier/more professional looking pieces?
I love the Cacique bras that LB carries and wear only them. There is such a huge demand for clothes/dresses above a size 16 and LB does a decent job in providing larger sizes but could do better. Sometimes I feel as if large size clothing stores still have the mentality that fat women can’t be pretty so why have pretty clothes, thus the huge flower prints, wild patterns, etc. Then I walk past “normal” sized clothing stores and see the most beautiful clothes available to them, but not to us. And, just because the clothes have 2-6 inches of extra material doesn’t warrant an additional $5-$10 cost. I’ve purchased material, and unless it’s a yard more…
I would love to see LB carry dresses with sleeves, and are knee length; shorts that are about 2″ above the knee, blouses that are more wide than long. Why do clothing manufacturers feel that just because a blouse is a size 20+, that the length becomes so much longer instead of wider?
I do enjoy shopping at Lane Bryant but have been disappointed in the clothing selections recently. I do hope it changes.
I love Lane Bryant for my bras and shape wear I have seen them really step up their game as far as fashion (Trendy) Fashion is concern I walk into lane Bryant now and instead of going directly to the bras I will totally look around because they have really cute things and i9t doesn’t feel like am looking at a bunch of grandma stuff ! Great interview and tips
LB is definitely starting to look more modern and less “plus size.”
I have several work wear pieces that are the foundation of my clothing. I love them! I would like to see them continue to refine the fit of the sleeves on their dresses and flowy blouses. Less raglan, more tailored will help to update this part of their line. I do like their colors and prints – they have really come a long way! Bottom line for me is gift card or no, I will continue to be a customer of Lane Bryant. Thanks for this story – it was great!
Catherine
I have shopped at Lane Bryant and I am happy to see a store that caters to full figured women, petite full figured as well. It is difficult to find clothes that fit right and also do not make me feel older than I am. I like the idea of the bright bold colors and some patterns, however I feel that many floral tops seem to make women look older if the floral patter is too deep or mixed with too many colors. I think Lane Bryant is headed in a great direction and obtaining feedback from full figured women.
I feel that lately Lane Bryant is hit or miss. For a while, I was buying just about everything they had. I do like their more classes pieces – suits, dresses, skirts. I wear a LB cami and some sort of cardigan or blazer just about every day. The other blouses and tops are sometimes not flattering on me. I was excited about the DKNY, but it’s a little too trendy for me. I would also like jewelry that holds up for the price that it is.
I love Spring colors and styles at Lane Bryant. As a pear shape the dresses and pants work best, the tops not so much. But I always manage to find something cute and fashionable.
I went into LB the other day and overall I loved the new collection. The colors were bright, bold, and fashionable. My biggest complaint are the prices! I guess that is why I am entering this contest. *smile* But I will say that LB is pretty good about sending customers coupons which helps with the prices. Another complaint for me personally is that I’d like to see more tops with short sleeves that go to at least to above the elbow.
Loving that LB is bringing shoes intoo ttheir collections. I often look to the catalog for my wardrobe ideas and itts great to be able to get the entire outfit in one trip! Thanks for keeping the “real sized” woman fashion forward!
I am a regular LB shopper. I love the Cacique line and I am a sucker for the Houston pant! I agree that sometimes it is hit or miss when it comes to trendy fashion, but they always have the classics covered!
I love LB. I think the new sping collection is fab. I just wish that they hay slightly larger sizes. I’m a 32/34, and you are lucky if you can find anything in a 30/32.But the accessories rock.
I’m all about LB for the Cacique line, and I’m glad to see them bring some life into their new line! Looking forward to see what’s next!
-Desiree
The Frugalista Fatshionista
http://www.frugalistafatshionista.com
I agree with Kate, some thing in LB I just don’t understand. I’m interested in seeing their new collection in stores.
I love shopping at LB. Not alot of plus size store around that cater to the younger full figure woman. I enjoy all the new spring colors. Their dresses fit my body size perfect. I love wearing clothing that make me feel good.
I love the direction that LB is going. I think the colors and shapes are much more playful and can be mixed in many ways. I was getting bored with their selection for awhile, it seemed like everything was so plain and similiar.
I have been watching Lane Bryant grow and change over the years and I love this new direction they are going in.
There was a time when I wasn’t quite big enough to wear their clothing. I was right in between the size 12 and Size 14 – too big for mainstream shops, too small for Lane Bryant.
I would pick through their racks and find good staple pieces that I could wear with lots of other things. Now, I pretty much shop with them and Fashion Bug, which is a less expensive and more casual version of Lane Bryant.
I love the new colors for this season, the blues and greens are beautiful!! And I am going to try some of his suggestions.
I’ve never been that big of a fan of chunky jewelry.
I generally LOVE LB’s selections, and the previews I’ve seen so far are rather appealing. I just lost my job, so while new clothes are a bit out of budget, I really need some interview clothes! =^.^=
LB was the very first store that I ever walked into that I could fit into everything and the clothes didn’t look like they where bright orange tents that someone just pulled out of a Grandmothers closet. Instead they were fun, flirty, sexy, feminine and totally elegant. Now that I’m a seasoned LB shopper I really love how regardless of what occasion I need to find an outfit for they always have a couple of different options to try unlike other places where first you need to pray that they have something that is even remotely similar to what you need and that the color doesn’t make you cry lol and of course that it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. LB is and always will be my first point of call when I need something new because they never disappoint.
i am a plus sized forty year old who is still very young at heart!! i shop lane bryant because they offer clothes for every style. excited about the spring line, keep up the good work!!
To be honest I only shopped LB for my BRa. I am a 42 f and they have a great selection of bras for Busty women. But to be honest i always thought their clothes sucked (catherines still does…well great for great grandmom..but even my grrandmom wouldnt shop there) but recently I see that they are moving in a better direction. Their clothes are more trendy and hip but still work friendly. I think they could still use a bit more of a edge and not play it safe all the time. Todays plus women wants to celebrate her curves not hide them….besides that Ashley Graham Rocks!!! and LB Fashion Shows Rock also!!!!!
I love how Layne Bryant is becoming more fashion savvy and even trend setters in some areas. It’s great that clothes for full figure ladies can be stylish, fun and sexy. While you have always been able to depend on LB to be there to fill your fashion needs it’s clear that today’s Lane Bryant is not your mother’s Lane Bryant.
I LOVE the new collection. I like the colors and definately the shoes. I just wish their sizes went a little higher like Fashion Bug and Catherines.
I think it’s great, the direction Lane Bryant is headed! I’ve been a long time fan/shopper of LaneBryant and it’s exciting to see how, finally, the colors, styles and variety of accesories are soo much more broad! I love the fact that I can got my local LB shop and find almost everything desired for whatever look i’m wanting to achieve.
I’m a young woman who loves the flexibility of exploring new trends while staying classy and sheek at the same time! I love to be daring and buying things that make me feel vibrant and eye catching! This is exactly why I love Lane Bryant and is excited they have chosen to go in the direction they have. Sorta like a one stop shop for plus size women who love fashion!
I think that Lane Bryant has a wonderful selection. If you have a problem they are very good at resolving the matter no matter what it is. The quality of their clothing line is better than most of I have come across and always in style.
I have been plus-sized all of my life. I have seen the growth in LB because when I was younger, I wanted to look younger. Now that I’m older and more career-driven, I want a power suit. And I have bought several from LB. But I am a DIVA first. I’m trend setter and follower so I really like the new things. The bold colors says see me, in the boardroom, in the bedroom, or on the beach.
I have been a customer of Lane Bryant for more than 20 years; I’ve seen them go through a lot of hits and misses over the years but they have continued to be one of the most iconic retailers in plus size fashion. I agree with other comments in regards to some of their items crossing the line into the “who would actually wear that?” category and I most emphatically agree with the comments regarding prices! The quality though has usually been above average which somewhat makes up for the prices (I have a well worn sweater from them that my mother bought me over 20 years ago and the only thing wrong with it is faded color–I’m going to re-dye it.
It’s a tunic length deep vee sweater that is conveniently back in style again lol)But I do admit that pricing is def what keeps me from shopping there more often.I discovered the Cacique bras last year and now I almost never wear any of my other bras, but I can’t really afford to shop LB unless there’s a sale AND a coupon.Some of the patterns are just too much for me but I admit I’m not much of a pattern person per se.Some of the DKNY and Seven7 lines are my fav looks but they are DEF out of my price range!I have been working on adding more color to my wardrobe but sometimes I look at the colors being offered there and kind of shake my head at the combination of colors some items are offered in–I may like the garment itself but find I don’t really care for any of the colors it comes in. I would really like to see them (and other plus size retailers) offer more in tall sizes. esp shirts–tall plus shirts are VERY hard to come by.Bottom line is I continue to shop LB always looking out for sales and coupons because I can usually find something there I really like each season.What I’ve seen of the Spring line I kind of feel neutral about–the things I do really like are out of my price range so I will watch for mark downs etc. For instance I like the new zip front polos but nearly $30 for what is essentially a tee shirt w/a zipper is pretty steep, so I will keep my eye on them and watch for an opportunity to pick them up at a more reasonable price.But I have been a loyal LB customer–as my mother had been–for many years, to one extent or another, and will continue to keep an eye on their offerings. And I would like to add, heaven bless Lena Bryant, the founder of this company for her pioneering and courageous spirit–she paved the way for the existence of the plus size fashion market that exists today.Without her creation of this company, we may not have made it to the variety of choices that we have in the market today! <3
I love the direction Lane Beryant is heading with their variety of looks for each occasion. I did a fashion show at Lane Bryant last summer and the salesteam who helped us with all the looks and accessories for the show did a great job! I got to wear four great looks from that show and LB is still coming out with some great styles with their clothes!
I am a plus sized women and find it hard to find solid bold colors, they either are stripes or have flowers. I have gone from a 24w to a 18w and I seem to always find my old size clothing and not my new size. I love to shop at LB but sometimes the styles are not cute especially for us thicker women.
I love LB’s Cacique line. Their bras are great and they’re the only ones I wear. I also like the shapewear, especially Spanx. LB also has cute clothes but the prices are a little steep. I like the new vibrant colors that they have now. Before I really didn’t care for LB clothes because they looked dull and non-trendy. They appeared to cater to an older population (hey I’m 26 & I want to wear trendy clothes & not look like a grandma). But now LB has become more hip and I would definitely buy more than just bras & shapewear.
An added plus that I like about LB is the continuous coupons and the real women dollars. Keep that going.
One thing I wish LB offered was a size 12 plus. Also more affordable options. With the way things are going economy-wise people are more frugal about the way they spend.
Xoxo
Nique
This year and 2010 has been a great year for Lane Bryant. I have been a follower for years, and in the past I have seen Lane Bryant at its highest and its lowest. For years I have purchased everything from cacique, accessories, and clothes. 90% percent of my closet is Lane Bryant. Lane Bryant’s past collections have featured apparel for younger ages which I would love to see more of. For plus size we have a real problem finding quality clothing and Lane Bryant has quality items for the price. Like the saying goes you get what you pay for. I would love to see more social wear, and a little less pricey lingerie and accessories. Accessories are a big key in a fabulous outfit and after spending maybe $300-400 we would love to buy a nice quality piece of fashion jewelry for under $10.00. I love the colors which are a sure thing for me. I believe a great eye catcher is a beautiful colorful piece which can be worn from day to night and I have been finding a few of those latley. I was looking for a little black dress and was on a budget in the winter and went to Lane Bryant peeking through the racks. I came across a classic simple knee length black dress with a slanted neck line that is to die for for $22.00 on sale. I must say Lane Bryant you are A OK with me. Now And forever. I may give you a break from time to time but I must say you have never let me down. Great Job !!
I love the idea that Lane Bryant will be offering more contrast to the Spring Line. I have found that some of the clothes, tend to lean towards the older woman. Thus, not being appealing enough for young career women. Every woman wants to feel, young and sexy in her clothes. And I think that Lane Bryant will master the balance with the Spring 2011 Collection.
Lane Bryant has always impressed me with the Full Figured Fashions and this is exactly what their trends are leaning towards to capture the woman who wants to look professional yet fashionable. We can look attractive in the new fashion trends of Lane Bryant today!
As a Full Figure woman myself, I have always enjoyed Lane Bryant Fashions and I feel the direction it is taking today will put them
ahead of the department stores who do not carry a size over 14 for
women of full figures.
One of the most important considerations, Lane Bryant is working with is their existing client base and enhancing how they dress this group of women and it will attract a new population of full
figure women who have never purchased a Lane Bryant Fashion.
It brings new customers and enhances the existing population who
love Lane Bryant such as I do.
Keep up the market trends, it keeps you visible and out in front of the competition of Full Figure Fashions.
I love the direction their clothing is headed, I still wish they would use more big girls in their ads.
I like the concept of taking a few pieces and building a wardrobe around them. That keeps the consumer focused and close to the original budget. And I was inspired this year to add more prints into my wardrobe, so this is right for me.
lenikaye@yahoo.com
I’ve started shopping at LB again after many years of not doing so. Overall I really like their offerings!
I love Lane Bryant’s clothes, but I shop at Fashion Bug more (they’re owned by the same company) because it’s cheaper. Whenever we’re at the mall, though I always look and want EVERYTHING!
Love the spring collection, I’m really into floral right now… and it seems like everyone else is too! I definitely think Lane Bryant is becoming more fashionable and less about stereotypical “plus size clothes” and I think that’s really a step in the right direction. Hopefully, other plus retailers will follow suit.