Grid of images of inspiring women

The Year of You 2021 You are our muse and this is your year.

2020’s silver lining? The power of togetherness — even from a distance.

We’ve created this new page to kick off 2021 and celebrate you — all of you — with inspiration and wisdom from the women supporting women in our Lane community. You’ll find perspectives on a little bit of everything from fashion to family to the life lessons that unite us all. We hope you love it.

01/
21 January

Rejuvenate you

We know you’ve been putting others first but it’s time to put the zoom lens back on you — because being your best self, 100% inspires everyone else to be theirs too. See how these women are rejuvenating and starting the year right.

Meaghan O’Connor photo 1

Meaghan O’Connor

A loyal Lane “lifer,” Meaghan was a stylist in her local Lane store throughout high school and college. Fast forward and she’s still with us today! Since the early days of quarantine, Meaghan has kept us connected, inspired, sane and insanely stylish with her Instagram Happy Hours. Join us every Friday at 5 @lanebryant 🥂.

When the world stopped it was really difficult for me to stop with it. But once I did, I gained clarity, focus and a fresh perspective.
Meaghan O’Connor photo 2

Her style

Meghan’s 2021 rejuvenation plan:
Staying active, practicing gratitude daily, spending as much time with my family and close friends as possible and taking it all one day at a time. Whatever that looks like, whatever it takes, that's the priority!
How she stays active:
Family walks & bike rides are my favorite but I just got a Peloton, so that’s been my go-to lately. Staying motivated can be a challenge, but I find getting dressed in a fun look keeps me excited. My LIVI activewear is on constant rotation!
On 2020’s challenges:
For me, it was about slowing down. For so long I’ve equated the hustle and “go-go-go” mentality with success. So, when the world stopped, it was really difficult for me to stop with it. But once I did, I gained clarity, focus and a fresh perspective. Now, I’m grateful for that gift of time.
On community:
Community is a support system of people who lift one another up and lean on one another in times of need. Community offers love, support and inspiration! I think WFH and social distancing has strengthened the way we support one another. Thankfully, kindness & encouragement does not lose its impact via zoom!
Hobbies that define you:
Traveling! I love exploring new places & cultures and I’m always on the hunt for the next perfect beach sunset! I’m a huge Disney fan and I collect Disney coffee mugs! I’m a total foodie and I love wine. Exploring wineries and learning about proper pairings, winemaking and tasting is definitely a passion of mine.
Your style:
Classic, polished & fun.
Your personal “power suit”:
Either classic skinny jeans + a crisp white button down + a blazer combo or a perfect little black dress. Of course, all of my “power suit” looks get topped off with a red lip and a pair of sunglasses!
Can’t-live-without comfort:
LIVI leggings (& joggers), bralettes or no-wire bras and comfy tees.
WFH uniform:
I usually do LIVI leggings + a tee or sweater + a blazer and earrings for a touch of zoom call polish!
Every woman needs blank in her closet:
I need more blanks! My Top 5: Leggings or joggers of some sort (duh!), a crisp white blouse or button down, your perfect jean (mine is a skinny), a great-fitting blazer & a LBD.
Your role model(s):
I come from a family of strong, independent, intelligent, hard working women and they’ve all made an impact on my life. My values, morals and work ethic all come from them. But lately, my nieces are my inspiration— their joy & magic makes the most impact on my day to day life.
Best style/fit advice:
My grandma used to tell me, “All you need is lipstick and a pair of sunglasses,” (she was right!). Aside from that I think it would be “stay true to you,” meaning you don’t have to jump on every style and trend. I think it’s important that when we express ourselves through fashion, we don’t lose who we are.
Best life advice:
“Always remember who you are, and where you come from,” is a saying in my family. It’ a gentle reminder to stay humble, stay kind, and always remain connected to your roots. Without them, we wouldn’t be where we are today…
Steal her style
Meaghan O’Connor photo 3 Meaghan O’Connor photo 4
Ruthie Fonseca photo 1

Ruthie Fonseca

We’ll add one more title to Ruthie and that’s “Optimism Expert.” Ruthie was a long-time Lane shopper before starting her fashion and lifestyle blog. We love her eternally positive outlook— just one of many reasons that make us proud to be a collaborator.

I have a very close-knit group of women (friends and family) who have collectively changed my life.
Ruthie Fonseca photo 2

Her style

Ruthie’s 2021 rejuvenation plan:
I’m focusing more on myself, taking the time for spiritual and emotional growth— a combination of therapy, going to church and being with friends.
How she stays active:
During quarantine I actually started jogging, swimming and doing virtual classes with the Lex Effect.
Active gear:
You’ll usually find me wearing comfy black leggings and my favorite LIVI sport bra.
On 2020’s challenges:
Dating! Dating is hard no matter what. Add quarantine and social distancing and it’s almost impossible LOL!
On community:
Community means unity and friendship. My friends and family are the most important thing to me, so I stay connected with weekly virtual calls. It’s been fun and it’s something we have kept up, even now that things are getting a little bit more back to normal.
Your style:
Sassy. Sexy. Classic.
Your personal “power suit”:
Black pants, black tank top and a statement blazer.
Can’t-live-without comfort:
My must have is a cozy blanket. There’s been a lot of working from the couch and being comfy is a must!
Every woman needs blank in her closet:
A great coat!
Your role model(s):
I have a very close-knit group of women (friends and family) who have collectively changed my life. They have each played an important role in different stages of my life and have been paramount in helping me become the woman I am today.
Best style/fit advice:
Don’t try to fit into something, make it fit you.
Best life advice:
You can have faith or you can have control. But you can’t have both.
Steal her style
Ruthie Fonseca photo 3 Ruthie Fonseca photo 4
Lynette Thomas photo 1

Lynette Thomas

This communication queen has been in the Lane fam for 17 years! As a kid, she’d come in to shop with her mom. As a college student, she worked in store as a stock associate. And today, she’s our VP of Stores & Communication. Who better to lead our stores crew than a community-minded woman who has (literally) grown up with us?

You hear kids say they want to be ‘just like mommy’ when they grow up. Well, I am grown up, but I still want to be just like her.
Lynette Thomas photo 2

Her style

Lynette’s 2021 rejuvenation plan:
Be more intentional with my time & interactions. Volunteer with a local Domestic Violence Shelter (very dear to my heart because I am a VICTOR). Learn something new monthly to broaden my horizons. Take more time for ME.
Hobbies that define you:
Anything outdoors…I love nature & being close to the water & warm temps (though I live in Columbus, OH).
On 2020’s challenges:
Family & friends are a huge part of my circle and not being able to connect in person was tough. However, I am grateful for the zoom and/or socially distanced parking lot convos over the past year.
On community:
Community is not just a group of people coming together with a common purpose. It is the commitment, openness & willingness to extend across barriers that transcend race, age, sexual orientation & religion to genuinely get to know and build a better tomorrow for all of us. I believe that we are still finding ways to build community through social distancing and WFH.
Your style:
Classy. Chic. Fun.
Wfh uniform:
LIVI leggings or pull-on jeans and, of course, a chic top. I dress from the waist up.
Every woman needs blank in her closet:
CONFIDENCE!
Your role model(s):
I have been blessed to have many great women mentors and role models in my life; however, my mother stands out above them all. My mom isn't just my superhero, best friend, role model & my rock — she is my inspiration. I find so much strength in myself just knowing that I'm a part of her and I'm incredibly thankful to have someone like her to look up to. You hear kids say they want to be "just like mommy" when they grow up. Well, I am grown up, but I still want to be just like her.
Best style/fit advice:
“Clothes are not going to change the world, the women who wear them will.” – Anne Klein
Best life advice:
As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.
Steal her style
Lynette Thomas photo 3 Lynette Thomas photo 4
Dominique Beck (Raymore) photo 1

Dominique Beck (Raymore)

In a word, Dominique is goals. She balances mom life and work life with style & ease and has plans to take on more. We love her motivated energy & compassionate spirit (not to mention her stand-out style). She came to us almost three years ago and has been killing it ever since.

As people, we’ve been forced to slow down, make new agendas, adjust to the now and open our minds & hearts.
Dominique Beck (Raymore) photo 2

Her style

Dominique’s 2021 rejuvenation plan:
I will plan more. I usually prefer spontaneity; however, I have set a goal for myself to keep organized. Planning will allow me to reduce the stress of meeting timelines & to help me develop — personally, professionally and financially. This will aid in the idea of going back to school to obtain my Master’s degree, and God willing, expanding our family.
How you stay active:
Walks & bike rides.
Active gear:
LIVI Active or Nike.
Hobbies that define you:
Some may say shopping is not a hobby, but for me it is. It is a way to show my creativity, forecast upcoming trends & connect with my community. I also enjoy the outdoors. This is a hobby that has come along since I have been with my husband. As a family, we love to take road trips, hikes, bike rides & go camping!
On 2020’s challenges:
Professionally, it was opening up a brand-new store which happens to be a flagship location. Through the process, I was able to learn and grow and I am thankful for the team and the backing we had as we opened our doors in February 2020.
On community:
Community means togetherness. Understanding different viewpoints and walks of life. Taking ownership in actions that may and will impact the lives of those around us and listening to the needs of others. I feel things did change with social distancing. As people, we’ve been forced to slow down, make new agendas, adjust to the now and open our minds & hearts.
Your style:
Polished. Trend-driven. Modern.
Your personal “power suit”:
Blazer, chic pant, white sneakers
Every woman needs blank in her closet:
Black jeans & a great hat.
Your role model(s):
My mother, as cliché as it may seem. I’ve always looked up to her and even more as an adult. I see the time she took to make sure I had everything I needed,as well as raise me and teach me. My mom now battles Alzheimer’s Disease and although she cannot mentally understand how well she raised me, my family is always there to remind me of how proud she would be!
Best style/fit advice:
Honestly, wear the right bra. The correct bra can make a world of differencefor the way your top/outfit presents itself.
Best life advice:
Always do your part and do it with the best intentions. If someone else is doing your job for you, what would be your purpose?
Steal her style
Dominique Beck (Raymore) photo 3 Dominique Beck (Raymore) photo 4

#CreateYourLane

We’re kicking off 2021 with a celebration of you, so keep on sharing your pics (and we’ll keep loving them). Because you are our muse. And this is your year.

Follow us @lanebryant

Shop the Look