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Showing posts with label Lane Bryant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lane Bryant. Show all posts
Why, hello 2021!
While I am not relieved yet that 2020 is gone (it still felt like 2020 with all the stuff going on in the first 2 weeks of the year), a new President is in the White House today and I just found out that a major plus size brand has expanded their sizes on some items.
So today is one of those days where I am feeling hopeful for the world and the closets of women over a size 3X/24.
Without further ado... that brand is is LANE BRYANT.
Yes, you read right. Lane Bryant has been around since 1904 and now in the year 2021, I spied about 50ish items on their site that go up to size 38/40.
This was my face at first - Wuuuuuut?!?:
Then I got up out of my chair...
 |
| And walked around my living room as if it was my runway. I had to channel my inner Velvet D'Amour. See, I always get extra happy when I see brands offering above a size 3X and 24. I recognize that I have some size privilege as I am a 26/28 and can sometimes fit into a 3X on top and there are mega brands like Old Navy and Target that offer a 4X. But I know personally how clothing options dwindle dramatically once you are looking for sizes 4X and above. And I want ALL women to have access to clothing. It's a basic need, y'all. So Lane Bryant offering up to a size 38/40 is MEGA! I'm still in shock! I remember a few years ago, while at a Lane Bryant breakfast event at Full Figured Fashion Week, during Q&A with top heads of the brand, I asked if they would ever expand beyond a size 26/28 and one of the execs said NO so quickly and then went on to the next question. I was stunned at the abruptness, to say the least. Times have changed and I AM HERE FOR IT. I will always have love for Lane Bryant despite that question moment. Last year in Sept 2020, I had the honor of being a part of a social media campaign for Hispanic Heritage Month and I do believe that with this expansion, they are making an effort. You don't see many mainstream plus size brands using women my size in campaigns so it was a big deal for me to be included.   With that said, I really want brands like LB to know that the women above a size 3X and 24 do shop and that we support their efforts. Here's some of my favorites that are available in up to size 38/40: FULL DISCLOSURE: There is no size chart I could find on the site with the measurements for the larger sizes. So as always, shop with caution. If an item has spandex, there's stretch. If it's 100% cotton and looks woven, chances are there's no stretch. Be mindful of that when shopping.        You can view what I found on the site in up to size 38/40 here. I'm not sure if there are more items hiding but if the item number increases, I will post a follow-up here on the blog. There is no special category or mention on the site. I simply found it via word of mouth from ShaKera of The Real Sample Size (thanks, sis!). Honestly, I am excited they included some Livi items and I feel like this assortment is a good start. You get two claps and a runway walk for this new development, LB. Thank you! If you are on a budget and the prices are making you cringe, simply use code JANGIFT. If you spend $75, you will get $25 off your order; $50 off $150 and $75 off $225 and more. Free shipping kicks in on orders of $99 or more. Will you be shopping from Lane Bryant's new expanded sizes? Let me know below in the comments! **This blog post was NOT sponsored by Lane Bryant and all opinions and statements are my own. However, the product links in this post contain affiliate tags and I'll earn a small commission if you shop through them. This helps me continue to bring you amazing content. And your prices won't be affected at all.** |
I believe life's too short for compromises and bad fitting jeans ~ Lykke Li
Since then, I have tried jeans from a myraid of brands and still haven't found a pair that I am truly in love with. I have come close and now I am starting to think that I may not find the perfect pair, unless I get them custom-made.
(Shout out to Conchita E. Jamison and her custom denim business 2B Continued Denim Boutique!)
My issues are:
- I have a smaller waist in proportion to my bust and hips, with a 17-inch difference between my waist and hips. So I almost always have to wear a belt to keep my jeans on and not have a gap in the back.
- My calves measure 23" at the top part but then thin out towards the ankle. A pair of jeans may go over my ankle and bottom part of my calves but then be super tight in the upper area.
- I have a long torso and short legs with my inseam being 28". So I am in between petites and regular lengths. For reference, I am 5'6".
So when I heard that Lane Bryant launched a special feature called the Flexband Magic Waistband, on ALL their jeans, I had to find out more and try these jeans out.
The folks at Lane Bryant were kind enough to send me two pairs of jeans of my choice so here's what I chose and my fit experience:
The folks at Lane Bryant were kind enough to send me two pairs of jeans of my choice so here's what I chose and my fit experience:
These are not your normal jeggings! They have a three-button zip closure, which I love, because basic jeggings with an elastic waist never stay up on me and I can't wear a belt with them as they never have belt loops.
These jeggings have belt loops but guess what? I didn't need to wear a belt!!!! They actually stayed up and there was no gap in the back.
I wore them ALL day to see if they would stay up and also not stretch out and they passed the test! I was so shocked. The waistband also didn't roll down at all. It stayed up!
These jeggings also fit well in the calves and the length was perfect. Check! Check! They're so soft and comfy with great stretch and recovery.
I paired the jeggings with one of my fave tees from Feminine Funk and for a pop of color, I wore my red Adidas Continental 80 sneakers, which I got on sale for $28 recently (they were marked down to $40 and I had an promo code to get extra off). Unfortunately, these red ones are sold out.
What's great about the Continental 80 line from Adidas is that they have so many colors and prints to choose from. I'm always about a pop of color or fun print when it comes my look, including sneakers.
These jeggings get two thumbs for me and I am going to see if they come in other washes and colors. I. MUST. HAVE. THEM. ALL.
I went in with high hopes with these jeans because not only did LB promise no gaps but these jeans have a comfy built-in slimming mesh that is supposed to offer tummy and waist control, smooth your thighs and boost your booty.
I definitely felt the mesh panel doing its job and I loved how my lumpy thighs were smoothed out. But after wearing them all day, they started to fall. I could not go without a belt with these jeans.
They were big in the hips and waist. By the end of the day, I was constantly pulling them up and they didn't feel as supportive as they did earlier in the day.
I do think I need to size down on these. I got the 28 but think a 26 may fare better for me. I'm going to head in-store to try the 26 and report back.
The calves fit well and the length was great. With a belt, these jeans managed to stay up for a second day of wear a few days later. I love how they're stretchy and don't feel constrictive but still keep you supported. And the booty was looking good, I have to admit.
I just need to size down.
I paired the jeans with an old top from Lane Bryant that is one of my favorites, and my Basket Crush Emboss Heart Sneakers in Pale Pink-Hibiscus from Puma.
Pink is such a great neutral that really gives a nice pop of color to a look. These sneakers are currently on sale for $39.99 in sizes 5.5 to 11.
I do like these jeans but they are not keepers for me like the jeggings are.
Next up, I plan to try these jeans, the Signature Fit Skinny Jean in Dark Wash With Destruction... I've heard great things about them.
I'm loving that Lane Bryant has added the Flexband Magic Waistband to all their jeans + they offer so many sihouettes now and tons of high-rise jeans. I am a high-rise jeans girl, all day, every day. I like that I have options to try to see what works for me. So kudos to Lane Bryant!
Now if they can add a size 30/32 to their size range so even more women can try their jeans, I will rejoice to the heavens.
You can check out these jeans below
Tri-Sculpt High Rise Skinny Jean in Dark Iris Wash (wearing size 28 Regular)
**This blog post was sponsored by Lane Bryant but all opinions and statements are my own.
"Everybody wants me to be what they want me to be. I'm not happy when I try to fake it." ~ Easy, The Commodores
I talk a lot about my dad and how he spoke life into me on a daily basis growing up. I know I was blessed to have a dad like I did and not a day goes by, that I don't think of him. It's been 7 years since he died and he is always with me, even in my style.
I definitely got my love for camo from him. He never left the house without his camo jacket and hat. He loved combat boots and jeans. The first pair of jeans I wore as a plus size teen were courtesy of my dad's closet. I never gave those Levi's jeans back! And he didn't mind because I think he knew what they meant to me. When I wore those jeans, I felt normal and like everyone else.
Watching him in his camo and denim, I was inspired. People stared at him -- he loved his camo safari hat, which always drew attention. And my dad didn't care. That was his style and that was how he expressed himself. He wore what he loved.
And by me wearing what I love every day of my life, I am honoring his legacy of being true to who I am and embracing that. My style has always been different from others. I love streetwear but I also love being girly. I love sequins, faux fur, pearls, lace and all that. So I always incorporate a feminine vibe into my streetwear like how I paired this camo jacket from Lane Bryant and sneakers with this super girly mesh skirt with pearl details.
I love the floral embroidery on the camo jacket which gives it a feminine vibe and some pops of color. I also have issues with jacket sleeves being too short and tight in the upper arms. But this one fits well and comfortably with no snugness. I also love the frayed hem, which reminds me of when I was a teen and used to fray and deconstruct my denim with a razor blade.
And the tee... well, I had to have to it. That line "Easy Like Sunday Morning" is so meaningful to me. My dad loved the Commodores and "Easy" was one of his favorite songs to sing. I grew up in a house full of music but that song had so much meaning for me and hearing my dad's deep voice singing it, just puts a smile on my face and reminds me that it's okay to be different.
I want to be free to know the things I do are right... that may be a love song but for me, the song empowers me to live my best life. And that includes wearing camo, a girly skirt and graphic tees.
Watching him in his camo and denim, I was inspired. People stared at him -- he loved his camo safari hat, which always drew attention. And my dad didn't care. That was his style and that was how he expressed himself. He wore what he loved.
And by me wearing what I love every day of my life, I am honoring his legacy of being true to who I am and embracing that. My style has always been different from others. I love streetwear but I also love being girly. I love sequins, faux fur, pearls, lace and all that. So I always incorporate a feminine vibe into my streetwear like how I paired this camo jacket from Lane Bryant and sneakers with this super girly mesh skirt with pearl details.
I love the floral embroidery on the camo jacket which gives it a feminine vibe and some pops of color. I also have issues with jacket sleeves being too short and tight in the upper arms. But this one fits well and comfortably with no snugness. I also love the frayed hem, which reminds me of when I was a teen and used to fray and deconstruct my denim with a razor blade.
And the tee... well, I had to have to it. That line "Easy Like Sunday Morning" is so meaningful to me. My dad loved the Commodores and "Easy" was one of his favorite songs to sing. I grew up in a house full of music but that song had so much meaning for me and hearing my dad's deep voice singing it, just puts a smile on my face and reminds me that it's okay to be different.
I want to be free to know the things I do are right... that may be a love song but for me, the song empowers me to live my best life. And that includes wearing camo, a girly skirt and graphic tees.
Life is short. wear what you love no matter your size or age. That's my daily mantra.
Shop my look here:
Graphic Tee: Lane Bryant
Camo Jacket: Lane Bryant
Skirt: Lane Bryant
Sneakers: Puma
**I'm wearing a size 26/28 in the Lane Bryant pieces.**
"I am recognizing that the voice inside my head is urging me to be myself but never follow someone else." ~ Q-Tip, "Steve Biko (Stir it Up)"
For years, I wore the wrong size. I thought I was larger than I was AND I had been fed that notion growing up that wearing baggy clothing would hide my fat and draw less attention from the world. I used to lie about my size because I was ashamed to be a size 24 and wore clothing that was a size 30/32 in order to hide my body.
For me, those days of hiding and lying about my size are over. I'm still on my journey to complete self love and I know that journey is a lifetime commitment.
Now I'm a size 26/28 and I don't lie about it. I embrace it because it is me and honestly, my size does not dictate my worth in anything. My clothes fit me better -- I mean, how amazing do I look in those Lane Bryant jeans in the above pic? Baggy jeans were not a good look for me. I'm daring to step out of my comfort zone more and wearing different styles - the more fashion I try and love, the more my confidence builds.
AND... my size has actually been my strength and worked for me in a positive way. It has helped me with this blog and reaching other women who need inspiration and empowerment from someone who they resonate with. It has helped me get signed as an extended sizes fit model with State Management, it has helped me stand out in the influencer space and it has taught me how to use my voice to make change in the world.
However, these days, I am now seeing women (including bloggers) lie about their size and saying they are smaller. I see them squeezing into clothing that doesn't fit well. And it confuses me because it's evident that the clothing is too tight and ill fitting, as well as the wearer not looking super comfortable.
Girl. Why are you doing that to yourself?
I'm all for people wearing what they want but I also want to inspire women to embrace who they are, including their size. There is nothing to be ashamed of. We are all beautiful in our own right, no matter your size, age, gender, race and etc.
I want women to proudly wear their size and not think twice about it. I want them to not get caught up in the number and focus on being comfortable in what they choose to wear. Why? Because then you will feel good and will feel more comfortable and strong, wearing something that fits well, isn't stopping your breathing and squeezing the life out of you.
Another reason I personally don't get caught up in sizes anymore is because it is so inconsistent across the board. I wear a size 22 in ASOS, a size XXL (24) in City Chic, a 26 in LOFT, a 28 in Lane Bryant, and so on. Shoot, sometimes I have worn a size 5X at Gwynnie Bee! If I let all that get to my head, I would lose it.
So I shop by my measurements and wear what I love. I wear styles that enhance my curves, lumps and bumps. I know my body shape and know what looks good on me. I wear clothing that I feel good in and that includes those "taboo" styles like a body con dress, a crop top, shorts and leggings. As long as I feel good and love how it looks on me, I wear it.
If you love how that extra tight smaller size looks on, then I will be quiet and let you live. But it does sadden me that some women feel like they have to lie about their size, their weight and all of that vanity stuff because we do those things for others; to seek validation from others.
At the end of the day, we shouldn't be dependent on the validation of others because what counts is the validation we give ourselves.
The most important relationship you can have in life is the one you have with yourself. That relationship will determine how the other relationships in your life will go. And if you can't keep it real with yourself, how will you do so in other relationships?
Some food for thought...
Life is short. Be proud of you and all you have been able to do in your life in your body. Size ain't nothing but a number and has nothing to do with your beauty and what you bring to the world. There is only 1 you in the world so why not celebrate that?
"You gotta have the mindstate like: 'I'm so great,' and can't nobody do it like you do. Miraculous, phenomenal and ain't nobody in here stopping you." ~ Remy Ma, "Conceited"
It’s easier to make a comeback from a little tumble than from a steep fall. It’s a shorter road back up. So, baby steps, slow and steady. Now start with one foot and go for it. ~ Harriet Cabelly for Tiny Buddha
The journey to self-love is all about acceptance and unconditional love. We all have body parts that we don't like and nitpick at. For some of us, that makes us cover up those parts so we can hide them. Me included.
When I started this journey, I had to be realistic and accept that it would not end in a day and would require a lifetime commitment to taking baby steps to loving ALL of me. That includes my inner self too. I had to commit to not only taking chances with fashion and having fun with it but also caring for myself mentally and emotionally because the way I talk to myself impacts what I choose do in my life, including what I wear.
When it comes to body love, the baby steps I have taken became major accomplishments that have changed my life. I'm wearing more color and prints; I'm wearing sleeveless styles. I'm wearing jumpsuits and even a romper. I'm now more open to trying styles.
Basically, I'm wearing the clothes and they are not wearing me anymore.
I choose what I wear based on what I like and how it looks on my body instead of trying to camouflage areas and hide my body.
My next baby steps are wearing shorter length tops and not worrying about how my lumpy thighs look in pants.
For years, I wore tops that were at least 32" long so I could cover my upper thighs. I was so self-conscious of my lumpy thighs. This also led me to always wearing dark denim so my lumps wouldn't show.
This is why wearing a jumpsuit was major for me and that baby step led me to this place where I was ready to wear some light colored denim and a top that wasn't 32" long.
I discovered that when I wear long tops, it made my legs appear shorter than they are. I have a long torso with a waist so I had to change my thoughts towards my thighs when it came to creating looks for myself. As I said above, I wanted to wear the clothes and not have them wear me. I was dressing to hide flaws and that wasn't fun because it was limiting me in what I wore.
I realized that a better style for me to wear that would elongate my legs and show off my curves would be a shorter length top that fell lower hip or even, dare I say it, upper hip. Yes, my belly would be exposed but hmmmm, let me see how this goes. That is how I talk to myself now when dressing my body. I don't say no to much anymore. Everything is worth a try.
You know what? The world didn't come to an end and no one was staring at me. And I felt like I looked fabulous.
This is the first time I have found a pair of Torrid jeans that fit me well! I have large calves and smaller ankles so skinny jeans are not my friend. I have found that with Torrid jeans, the calf area never fits. This time, I decided to try a boyfriend silhouette, which is more baggy in the calf area than a skinny. And it fit well!
I cannot tell you how empowering it felt to be able to wear distressed jeans again. I haven't worn them since the 90's. I felt "normal".
As I went about my day in these jeans, I felt like everyone else and no one stared at me. As someone who is often outsized in the plus size fashion world, this was one of those days where I forgot my size and just had a happy day, wearing jeans that fit.
I decided I wanted to add a print and a bold colored shoe to give the outfit that Marcy "fearless" vibe.
While in California, my good friend, designer Jill Alexander gifted me this gorgeous cocoon kimono cropped sweater in a pretty pink/blue print. I then added my favorite cobalt blue flats from Lane Bryant to finish up this look.
The sweater is super lightweight and soft. It's a great layering piece when you want to add some color and print to your look. I'm not wearing it to cover my arms at all. I'm wearing it because I love the print.
The pink top from Beth Ditto that I am wearing under it is sleeveless so I have the option to take off the jacket and just wear the top on its own during the hotter months. And I got it on sale for $13! Winning...
Creating an outfit is not daunting to me anymore. And I love how fashion has helped me be more fearless in my life. I love how wearing things like distressed jeans made me feel so happy and empowered.
After this day and this baby step, I am feeling more inspired and determined to try more shorter tops and more bottoms. Hey, you never know... you might see me trying a crop top next!
Lesson learned... baby steps do add up to major accomplishments in life. And once you take one baby step, you'll never look back. You'll keep stepping forward.
Shop my look here:
Top: Beth Ditto (sold out), similar here
Kimono Cardigan Sweater: Jill Alexander Designs
Boyfriend Distressed Jeans: Torrid
Flats: Lane Bryant
Photography by Bettye of Fashion Schlub
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