I had a chat with the Charming Shoppes triple threat recently to find out what is new and hot this fall. Each division has their own thoughts what is hot for their market.

Lane Bryant is considered the style leader in plus size fashions and it is actually my favourite of the three. They are consistent in hooking up the fashion savvy curvy girl with her daily wardrobe needs and wants.

With the cooler season comes layering and LB has all your layering needs. Their number one recommendation for layering is of course jackets. They come in a multitude of cuts to accentuate a variety of curves. This season, cropped, military, denim and bolero styles are making their move (but don't wear them all at once!). Next on your list of must haves is the sweater in the form of shrugs, shawl collars, cardigans and hooded sweaters. LB's pride and joy this season though is the Chelsea wide leg pant.


The Fashion Bug has a hard job ahead of them providing affordable fashions not only to the plus sizes woman but to misses, maternity, junior and girls. For a hipper look they are embellishing things this year; specifically the back pocket of jeans. Shear sweaters over camis, paired with cropped pants (I myself can't wear them past September) is still hot and their palette is moving toward wine, deep purple and brown. True autumn colours.


Catherines, which is usually for the mature woman looking for classic career and casual clothing, is also embellishing this year but with a lighter edge. But, their hot item this season is the ruana which is just a pretty name for a poncho. They are encouraging them to be belted, pinned, knotted, wrapped or left open to show off your other layers.

Charming Shoppes is trying to cover a woman's curves from every angle and stage of her life and this season things are looking even better.

What's your hot item this spring?
Stop by the Large & Lovely forum and let us know what you just can't live without?