Lane Bryant
Save 10% On Your Order Of $100 or More at LaneBryant.com
The Lowdown: Get 10% off your total purchase of $100 or more at LaneBryant.com by entering promo code 000102728 at checkout. Promo is valid through November 11, 2009 at 11:59 pm ET.
Our Picks:
Knit cocoon shrug, was $49.50, now $39.99.
Mesh overlay tube top, was $39.50, now $6.99.
Knit convertible jumpsuit, was $79.50, now $49.99-$79.50.
Dot print lace cami, was $32.50, now $24.99.
Shop: LaneBryant.com
Plus Size Bridal Gowns on a Budget
Q: I am a plus-size bride in dire need of a beautiful wedding dress on a budget. I live in the New York area and everything seems to be in a size two.
A: There are many options out there for brides on a budget, including plus-size brides. Here are a few:
Lane Bryant.com
The fashionable plus size bridal company has created a line of beautiful and budget bridal gowns for plus size fashionistas. Collection features simple sleeves dresses, similar to the weddings dresses designed by J.Crew, for under $150 dollars. Read my review of the line
The Bridal Building
1385 Broadway
New York City
This is the place where many designers have their showrooms and sales offices. These showrooms are open to the public on Saturdays and you can find designer dresses from 30% off retail prices. Tailors are available on the spot.
The Bridal Suite of Manhattan
262 West 38th Street, Suite 1701
New York, NY 10018
Tel: 212.764.3040, Fax: 212.764.3018
Contact: Bernadette Pleasant
bpleasant@BridalSuiteNYC.com
A large selection of styles and prices. Call ahead to see if they are having a trunk sale.
Last Call Neiman Marcus
Woodbury Commons (Central New York) and Franklin Mills (outside of Philadelphia, PA.)
These outlets of the high-end Neiman Marcus store carry a wonderful selection of gowns, for up to 80% off their retail price. Sizing is hit or miss, though I have spotted plus-sizes before.
Kleinfields
110 West 20th Street
New York, New York 10011
Phone (646) 633 4300
e-mail: info@kleinfeldbridal.com
THE place to shop in New York for bridal gowns is Kleinfields and the store featured on TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress”. Brides travel here from as far away as Washington, D.C. Kleinfields has a large selection of gowns to fit every size and price range. Call ahead for an appointment.
David’s Bridal
location: wherever there’s women…but one Manhattan location on 25th and 6th Ave
A large selection of affordable, but somewhat plain, plus size wedding dresses.
Local Thrift Shops
Thrift shops can offer wonderful bridal treasures, if you don’t mind wearing a second-hand dress. It’s always worth taking a look at your local Salvation Army or Goodwill stores. In New York City, also check out Housing Works Thrift Shop in Chelsea.
If you can’t find your perfect dress at any of these stores, try finding it on the internet. Online bridal shops like CocoMyles, Watters.com and Bridal Shop at Yahoo can offer a wide range of sizes and cheaper prices because there is little store overhead. Also try eBay, which has a huge selection of plus-size bridal gowns, some new and some not so new. When using eBay, make sure you ask for several pictures of the item and purchase with a credit card that has buyer protection—not a debit card. That way, if any problems develop, you might be able to get a refund from your credit card company.
Happy Shopping,
The Budget Fashionista
Mother of the Bride Outfits for Hot Mamas
Dear Budget Fashionista,
My daughter is getting married in the fall. She is having a casual wedding and I still have not bought an outfit. I am interested in either a dress or a pants outfit. Any suggestions. Color is my choice—I do not prefer black. I am in my early sixties and wear a size 8-10. I would like to get something a little more than the run-of-the-mill outfit. Can you help? I live in northern NJ and drive so I am flexible on where to shop.
Answer: Why not try wearing a casual pants suit? Budget Friendly stores from Macy’s to Lane Bryant to Off Fifth, Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet (Jersey Garden Mall and Bergen Mall), all carry stylish yet simple pant suits (stay away from the sequins) that you can easily jazz up with a large bright flower or stylish church lady hat. Depending on when in the fall your daughter is getting married, you could wear a nice khaki color or fabulous orange (early fall) or a darker green/navy blue (late fall). For the most part, avoid colors that are too bright (shocking red, bright yellow, etc), as that will take the focus away from your daughter and you will dominate the photos.
Another idea is to check out the dress collection at stores like Lord & Taylor (Which, by the way, ALWAYS have coupons. Head to the store on Fridays for the best deals). Inspired by 40s sirens like Rita Hayworth and Greta Garbo, this season’s dresses provide coverage (knee and below length, with sleeves), while adding a bit of pop (form fitting and hint of cleavage).
And, make sure to ask yourself these two questions before purchasing: 1—How does it make me feel? and 2—Can I wear it again? For more tips on finding a great mother of the bride outfit, head here.
Save 30% Off at Lane Bryant
Save 30% off at Lane Bryant March 7th- 8th
The Deal: Coupon is good for 30% off your entire purchase (except SPANX) on March 7th & March 8th—plus you’ll earn $25 Real Women Dollars for every $50 you spend in the store. The coupon also has a promo code, so you can use it online. early on March 6th.
Get It: Download the coupon above to your desktop, print it out, and bring it in store.
Plus Size Bra BOGO at Lane Bryant
The Deal: Plus-size bras—buy 1, select 1 for half off at Lane Bryant
The Lowdown: Think the words “plus size bras” translate only to something as feminine and sexy as an ace bandage? Yeah, that’s the case too often, but Lane Bryant has become a plus size stand-by because they understand that curvy girls are, um, girls too. Duh.
Right now, go BOGO on plus size bras and get half off on the second bra. And yes, Valentine’s Day may be over, but that doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to basic white—we love this Eyelash Lace Balconette Bra, $40 and this Contrast Underwire Plunge Bra
, $32. Of course, if full-coverage and/or simple neutrals are what you need, they’ve got those covered too.
Shop: Lane Bryant
Save on Plus Size at Lane Bryant’s Cacique Semi-Annual Sale
The Deal: Save on undergarments and sleepwear for plus size girls at the Cacique Semi-Annual Intimates Sale
The Lowdown: Cacique is one of our favorite budget undergarments line for full-figured women, particularly when we can pick up pieces on sale (seriously, we know that larger sizes require a little more fabric, but the regular prices are more, er, inflated than they should be). Shop the semi-annual sale at Lane Bryant and get 2 bras free when you buy two; get five pairs of panties for $25; and find plus size sleepwear for just $12.99.
While the sleepwear is a good deal if you really need something new, we’re all about focusing on the bras here (after all, a good foundation garment can make or break an outfit): the smooth Balconette bra, for example, may not be exciting but it will be invisible under a smooth tee or satin top, and this Lace Plunge Bra is a good choice for those deeper v necklines (and if you’ve got it, might as well show it off). And if you, like most curvy girls, would like a little more support in the form of wider shoulder straps (but in a bra that does NOT look like an ace bandage), we’d pick this Bali Seductive Curves bra.
Shop: Lane Bryant
Lane Bryant Denim Jeans $29.99 Online
The Deal: All denim jeans at Lane Bryant on sale for $29.99, through Dec. 7.
The Lowdown: Pick up quality plus size denim for less, with all jeans just $29.99 at LaneBryant.com (exclusions apply). Get great styles like this embellished flare jean, in sizes 14-28, and for $29.99, pick up more than one pair.
Shop: Lane Bryant
Lane Bryant Coats 15% Off Online With Code
The Lowdown: Cute coats—we’re talking wool, leather, down, and more—at 15% off when you order online at Lane Bryant. As the days get more dreary (overcast gray is so not chic) we’re all about a mood-lifting pop of color—like this
Yoke Detail Swing Jacket, on sale for $132.65.
Shop: Lane Bryant
Take 15% Off Your Outerwear Order at Lane Bryant
The Lowdown: ‘Tis the season for outerwear, and right now at Lane Bryant, take 15% off your online order with promotion code 000152443. Pick from wool, leather, down, and more, with styles ranging from casual to dressy. This cute yet classic Swing Coatis on sale now for $69.65, and this Double Breasted Trench Coat
is also on sale, $69.65.
Free Shipping on Right Fit Pants at Lane Bryant
The Deal: Free Shipping with any Right Fit order at LaneBryant.com! Use Promo Code 006952464. Offer expires 10-14-08.
The Lowdown: You’ve heard us extol the virtues of the new Right Fit pants (both denim and trousers), and right now you can pick up a pair—or two—from the comfort of your own home, without spending a bundle on all those pesky shipping charges. Right Fit pants come in three unique fits, depending on your body type, for the best and most personal fit possible. Not sure where to start? Maybe these very modern Right Fit Trouser jeans, $44.50.
Save Up to $75 on Your Lane Bryant Order: Daily Deal
The Deal: Save up to $75 off your purchase with special codes at LaneBryant.com, through Oct. 14, 2008.
The Lowdown: Save between $25-$75 off your Lane Bryant order with special codes—which makes this a good time to see what the plus-size retailer has got lined up for fall. Our picks? This single button long cardigan sweater —you can wear this anywhere—for $59.50, and the Right Fit Houston pant, $29.99.
Shop: Lane Bryant, with codes.
Budget Fashion Advice: Finding the RightFit Pants
Dear Budget Fashionista,
I’m a teacher & I’m looking for new pants to wear for work. I want longer pants so I can wear heels with them (I’m also 5’10”) & I’m having trouble finding pants that I like. Do you have suggestions on the best places to buy some good quality work pants on a teacher’s budget?
Answer: It’s always hard to find great fitting pants, but there’s a few options out there. We’re fans of the RightFit brand of pants at Lane Bryant and coming this fall, Fashion Bug stores. The system, developed after scanning over 14,000 women nationwide and compiling the data to get the 411 on how to make our pants fit better. The line features three fit categories based on individual body shape and size — not just the size that fits your largest body part. A Yellow body type is straight from the waist through the hips (us flat bootie girls), Red fit are slightly curved from the waist to the hips (those of us stuck in the middle), and a Blue body type has a small waist and is fullest at the hips (aka for those of us with A LOT of extra junk in our trunks). And, this is what we really love—most of the pants are well under $50.
Other options include the Express Editor pants, which run under $50 (less if you have a coupon or catch them on sale) and also have a pretty good fit, and pants by the INC line at Macys, which are crazy expensive full priced, but can drop below $30 once they hit the sales racks.
Online Only Sale at Lane Bryant
The Deal: Head to the the Get Fabulous Sale at LaneBryant.com and get 40% off your order. Use promo code 000409971 to save. The sale ends tomorrow.
What We Say: Lane Bryant is a great store for plus-sized women. They always have affordable prices on stylish clothing that complement a multitude of figures.
Check out some picks:
Pictured: The Printed smocked top, $44.50.
A new little black dress, perhaps? Embellished sleeveless dress, $59.50.
The Colorblock faux wrap dress has a surplice neckline, great for bigger bustlines. $49.50.
25% off at Lane Bryant
What: Save 25% off your order of $100 at Lane Bryant. Enter 000256766 at check out. The offer expires on August 8.
What We Say: Lane Bryant is a great source of casual wear, office clothes, swimwear and more for women sizes 14-28. An entire category of their website is dedicated to career wear, so head here for work clothes or interview outfits. Their bright array of basic T-shirts for hanging around the house is fun and at only 15 bucks a piece, you can get tops in several colors. Lane Bryant gives you the ability to build your entire wardrobe up, which makes this 25% off deal awesome.
Check out some of our picks:
This floral print tunic has unique colors of tan, khaki gold and blue, which is a refreshing change from the usual floral colors. $44.50.
The solid micro-sanded Bermuda short has the ability to transform from casual, with sandals and a cotton shirt, to dressy with heels and a blouse. Black and stone are $34.50, while the brighter colors are $19.75.
Pictured: This black and white short sleeved textured jacket matches with almost any solid color office wear you have—contrast it with bright colors! $54.50.
Best Bra: The Rules
If your undergarments are stretched, stained, damaged or otherwise abused, throw them in the garbage… Now. Here’s some tips on scoring the best bra and undergarments.
The Rules
Our bodies change for all sorts of reasons over the course of our lives (age, weight variations, pregnancy, and use of the contraceptive pill). So, if you want to look and feel as good as you deserve to, follow these rules.
Do…
- Get measured for a bra at least twice per year by a professional bra fitter
- Wash your bras in lukewarm water, using a gentle soap like baby detergent, Ivory Snow, or even baby shampoo
- Never, ever, ever place your bras in the dryer
- If you’ve got love handles, always buy briefs (not bikinis) with light stomach support
- For health reasons, make sure your underwear has a cotton crotch
- Wait at least 1 week after your period before trying and purchasing new bras
- Always try on bras before purchasing them—you will not wear the same-sized bra in every bra
- Wash unpacked panties before wearing them (people DO try on the undergarments before purchasing)
- Rotate your bras every day to extend the life of the bra
- Focus on fit rather than fashion when looking for everyday bras
Don’t
- White pants with bright-colored panties (you know better!)
- Too-tight panties (horror humps)
- Too-tight bra (boob spillage/back bulk)
- Visible panty-line (I see London, I see France…)
- Thongs peeking from the top of jeans- no more muffin top
- Showing more rolls (of flesh) than a Thanksgiving dinner (try a body-shaper)
- Form-fitting top with heavily detailed bra (you can see bra imprint through top)
- Slip longer than dress or skirt (“the Chicken Little,” a.k.a. the slip is falling! The slip is falling!)
- Tube top with no bra (and you need one)
Fashion Advice: Conservative Fashion Tips for Plus Size Student
Dear Budget Fashionista,
I am a plus size, 28 year old college student that is currently working in a pizza restaurant. Where should I start? I have taken the quiz in your book and it said that I am conservative.
Answer: First take a deep breath. A long deep breath. Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither will your closet. First start with the Perfect Ten, the ten things every woman should have in their closet and adjust them for your lifestyle.
As a college student, you might want to focus on purchasing a pair or two of nice jeans, jeans that you can dress up with a nice pair of black pumps and a nice top (don’t wear these jeans to work). Avoid low-low rise jeans and jeans with sequins, embroidery and other types of embellishments (no Baby Phat or Apple Bottom jeans). Look for jeans that have a wider leg and/or a boot cut. Make sure when you sit down the seams of the pants aren’t stressing (you can tell if the jeans are stressing because you will be able to see the seams stretch, like it’s about to pull apart). Try stores like Lane Bryant, Ashley Stewart, Avenue, Marshalls, Ross, TJ Maxx (which often has nice plus size jeans for less than $20) for jeans. Wal-Mart
also makes a good quality jeans.
Then you want to look for tops, purchasing at least two tops for every pair of jeans/pants you in your closet. Why? Because you can wear the jeans over and over again and no one will notice, but it’s harder to do the same with tops. Since you’re more on the conservative side, look for collared shirts (wear them tucked in if you have defined waist) and shirts made of cotton, rather than clingy knit materials. Always make sure you iron your shirts. Check out the stores I listed above, but also don’t forget to look at Dillard’s, Macy’s and Lord and Taylor’s, which often have amazing sales on summer items that you can also work during the fall months.
You’ll also want to check out wrap dresses, in black or brown, because you can instantly dress them up (for interviews, meetings, church, etc) or dress them down (for school, night out). Make sure it’s a dress that makes you feel good, feel beautiful, and wraps completely around without showing too much cleavage. Wal-Mart’s George Plus Size line and Target’s Plus Size Mossimo line is a good place to look for these dresses.
Also visit these sites, which have excellent tips and advice for plus size women:
BBW Magazine, Curvychicks Online, and Bombshell Magazine.
Again, start small, even $10 or $20 a month can go a long way in building your wardrobe.
Fashion Advice: Where to Find Affordable Plus Size Bras and Undergarments
Dear Budget Fashionista,
I wear a size fourteen and have quite a large chest. I’m looking for comfortable, sexy and affordable cotton bras for the summer. Do you have any advice on where I can find them?
strong>Answer: This is a topic I know, oh so well. One of the best places to find affordable, sexy bras if you where a C cup or higher and/or are plus size is Lane Bryant. Their Cacique line of cotton bras and panties are crazy stylish (even my thinner friends wish they could wear the line) and cost well under $35. If you hit the store, or the site- which has a larger selection of sizes, at the right time you might even be able to score a Buy-One-Get-One Half Off deal.
Also, if you live near a Dillards, they have a wide selection of sexy plus size bras as a part of their Cabernet line.
Discuss this topic in the Fashion forum.
Everyone’s Getting Ready for Fall (Fashion)
Some recent shopping scoops from fellow TBF readers:
Many of you are in love with the new George ME line at Wal-Mart. I’ll be writing a review of the line and my many trips to Wal-Mart this past weekend, later this month.
A rash of new store openings has prompted several readers to write in. Kelsey reports on a new Lane Bryant opening in the Yorktown Center in Edina, MN (right across from Target Greatland) on September 14th. As a part of their grand opening on the 14th, the store is offering 40% off on just about everything in the store and after that, offering 20% off through the 18th.
Michelle reports on her great finds this past holiday weekend. At Marshalls, she found a short gray (hot fall color) Micheal Kors wrap sweater for $7.00 (original price $70.00) and a pair of Roxy winter pants for $5.00! At Nine West, she cleaned up at the summer clearance sale with shoes originally $59.00, now $14.99! She reports that all belts are marked down, with an additional 50% off the lowest price. She picked up a wide brown leather belt for $9.99!
And, on an international note, Marilyn reports that the “Top Shop in Madrid looks like Forever21”. Let’s hope the New York version is better.
Coupons and Deals at Lane Bryant
Get ready for fall at Lane Bryant online. Get free
shipping on orders of $75 or more or Save 20%
off your purchase. Plus bring this printable
coupon to your local Lane Bryant outlet store and save
an additional 25% off any single item when you spend $50 or
more.
Fall 2006 Fashion Preview: Black Leggings
There were three things you HAD to have in your closet in order to be cool in the 80’s: a pair of acid wash jeans, an off the shoulder sweat shirt, and a closet full of leggings. Fortunately, the fashion gods spared us the return of acid wash jeans and let the more fashion friendly black leggings return. Black leggings are not only incredibly comfortable, but offer a great covering options for those days when you don’t have the energy to shave your legs or apply the self tanner (only you, and the leggings, know what’s underneath). Plus everyone from Old Navy to Hanes Her Way to Lane Bryant
are featuring the leggings for well under $20 dollars, making them an affordable fashion option.
Here’s How to Wear Black Leggings:
- Layer underneath a jersey dress for a hipster look
- Pair them with last year’s tunics and a wide belt for an updated look
- Wear underneath a short skirt to provide additional coverage
- If all else fails, wear them to the gym
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