Lane Bryant Blogger Conference Retrospect

It is hard to believe that two weeks ago I was wrapping up on a great day in Columbus, OH at Lane Bryant's first ever Blogger Conference*. I have been thinking about what all I wanted to write and share from the day, but it is still hard because so much awesomeness happened that day. So please excuse the rambling and here are some highlights.

First, a big thank you to Lane Bryant for providing for such a wonderful day. The 12 bloggers they pulled together for this event were diverse in nature yet all wonderful women with great points of view. I am especially glad I was able to meet Tina of T Minus T Plus and Sara of Bombshell Beauty whose blogs I had been reading for a while already. I ♥ these ladies and look forward to our future rendezvous.

In addition to all these fabulous gals, it was wonderful getting to meet and talk with the great people of Lane Bryant. We met the president, VP of Marketing, Designers, Marketing (the fab ladies behind Facebook and Twitter) and Merchants. They all have something in common - they care! They genuinely care about Lane Bryant customers and the real women they hope will be their customers. I have a wallet full of business cards from these people that want on-going feedback on their brand and stores. It isn't just lip service.

Lane Bryant understands the world is changing and the huge importance of Social Media. In addition to Facebook and Twitter they also have a site called Inside Curve that shares behind the scenes looks at the designers, models, current hot topics for the full-figured woman, groups, photos and more. Also, they are involved with Sonsi which is a great multi-retailer site that incorporates shopping with blogs and other fun info (Sonsi is a sponsor of Full Figure Fashion Week that is happening in NYC right now!). Be sure to check it all out often for the latest!

They are continually assessing their offerings and full-figured women and in turn, making changes to their designs. In the past couple of years they have stopped buying the majority of their offerings from 3rd-parties and brought a huge portion of their design process back in-house. They are also focusing on their "Right Fit" offerings as just one the many ways to make their core offerings stronger than ever.

Their Cacique (intimates) line is getting rave reviews and from the sneak peak I received will continue to offer items that are supportive, sexy, cute, colorful and more. (All I can say is I cannot wait for the Vintage French Linen inspired items to hit the stores - love what I saw as part of the preview!)

They want to be the destination for wide width shoes in sizes 8 - 12. Come September they will be rolling out an expanded selection of shoes in the majority of their stores along with their e-commerce site. Along with this, they are also going to be offering a "younger", trendy line called Loop 18 that will be available beginning in about 6 weeks at some of their outlet stores. Check out the Loop 18 Facebook page for more information.

I know I am a bit partial, but I encourage you to check out Lane Bryant if you need sizes 14 - 28 (and don't forget all of their great accessories and jewelry are One Size Fits All!). Not only do they have a great selection for all shapes and ages, but they truly do care about full-figured women.

To read more about the conference from my eyes and ears click here and here for links to the other attendees.

*Lane Bryant provided my travel and accommodations, along with complimentary clothing as part of my participation in this conference. As a participant in this conference I am committed, along with Lane Bryant, to full disclosure pursuant to FTC Guidelines.