Fashion Bug

Fast Facts About Fashion Bug

• It is a brainchild of Charming Shoppes Inc., the parent company of several women's clothing stores including Lane Bryant, Petite Sophisticate and Catherines.
• The first Fashion Bug opened in the 1960s in Audobon, New Jersey, where a Charming Shoppes was supposed to be located.
• Fashion Bug became a household name between the late 1970s and 1990s when a rapid expansion took place, opening up numerous locations nationwide.
• In 1990, the 1,000th store opened.
• As of 2007, more than 1,000 stores are open in 44 states.
• Each store is almost 9,000 square feet.
• Besides plus sizes, the stores carry maternity, misses, juniors and girls sizes.
• Overall, the store caters to women between 20 and 49.
• Carries plus sizes 14-32.

What the Store Offers the Plus Size Lady

Fashion Bug sells just about every inner- and outerwear item a women needs, including shoes, accessories, undergarments, jackets and formal clothing. Most of the items that are available in one of its stores can be found through its online catalog.

Name Brands

Remember the Gitano jeans that were popular in the 1980s? Well, they are back and Fashion Bug carries not only those, but other signature Gitano Collection items as well including knits, sweaters, pants and footwear. Gitano jeans run between $26 and $43 a pair. Other brands of clothing for plus size gals include:

• B. Street: Tanks, tunics, jeans and cargo pants
• Studio 1940: Tunics, sweaters and trousers
• Zana Di: Capris, jeans, cargo and textured pants
• L.A. Blues: Jeans and capris
• Essentials by Maggie: Tees and denim pants
• Lovable: Lingerie by Hanes that includes pajamas, bras, panties, stockings and shapers

Daily Wear

Fashion Bug has just about everything you need in everyday wear. Some of the more popular items include:

• Hoodies: Choose from a variety of fabrics from this season's most popular outerwear item. Hoodies can be worn alone or with a pair of matching active pants.
• Coats: If you are looking for something to wear when the temperatures dip below freezing or something just for those chilly days, check out the great coat collection that includes everything from stadium jackets to double-breasted peacoats.
• Jeans: Probably one of the store's best sellers, Fashion Bug has plus sized jeans to fit just about every lady. Choose from capri to boot cut, embroidered to pull-on.
• Work clothes: Step into the office with some great comfy work clothes. Choose from a variety of blouses, skirts, trousers and tunics.

Formal Wear

Looking for the perfect outfit for that special occasion? Select from:

• Dresses and skirts: Everything from party dresses to wedding gowns are sold.
• Tops: There's glitter and glimmer in these tops that are perfect for a New Year's Eve party or an after work gathering.
• Pants: There's only one choice for formal pants, but they do look chic!

Lingerie

Plus size lingerie at Fashion Bug is more than just bras and panties. There are:

• Robes
• Sleep shirts
• Camisoles
• Shapewear

However, if you are looking for a good bra, many come in sizes up to a 44DDD, both with and without underwire. Bra styles include push-up, convertible, soft cup and plunge. All are moderately priced around $25 each. If it's panties you are looking for, you will find them here in sizes 8-12. Everything from string, hi-cut or lace panties is available, as well as hipsters, thongs and bikinis. Many are on sale year-round.

Shoes and Accessories

Fashion Bug sells shoes in sizes 6 medium up to an 11 medium, with select styles in 7 1/2 wide to 10 wide. There's many styles from which to choose:

• Casual
• Flats and skimmers
• Dress
• Sandals
• Athletic
• Flip-flops
• Boots

Don't forget to accessorize your ensemble with:

• Handbags
• Necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings
• Watches
• Fragrances
• Scarves and wraps
• Socks
• Tights
• Hosiery

Final Note

For more information regarding Fashion Bug, check out its Web site. All of the store locations, return policy, store hours and its credit card are available. There is also a vast offering of gifts available to give throughout the year.