It's been a while since Lands' End has had a really good promotion. I felt spoiled at Christmas time with all of their constant sales. :) It couldn't have come at a better time since I was able to get both uniform clothing for Rex and presents for people at the same time and at a wonderful price.
Now it's February, and if you are anything like me, it is hard to spend money. It's cold, it's grey, tax time is coming, etc., etc. That said, if there is a decent promo, and the item is something that will serve a purpose before it goes to clearance, I will bite, but more prudently than I would have in December.
Below are some of my favorites from Lands' End right now. I am especially loving the fact that they have NOT lost their preppy roots. As much as I love the clothing at J. Crew (the hummingbird print is so beautiful, for instance, as are all their Liberty print pieces), they are really expensive and also really not very preppy. I have no problem stepping outside of my preppy comfort zone, but it is great to have a place where we can still purchase the classic style. I tried to only choose pieces that were mostly natural fabrics, but there are a few choices that are a poly, or poly blend. Although Lands' End has more natural fabric pieces than not, they have started incorporating the cheaper manmade fabrics in some of their items. I will note the ones that are manmade.
Fit and Flare Dress. I immediately was eyeing this dress for a couple of reasons. The printed versions are interesting, but not so much that it would be difficult to wear, while the solid versions (above in mushroom) are incredibly versatile. The shape is pretty much universally flattering, although take note of the empire seaming if you find that kind of waistline not as good for you. The bodice's v-shape is wonderful for drawing the eye upward and usually helps elongate the neck. This dress is made from cotton, but nearly half of it is a rayon/modal, with a touch of lycra for stretch. This one can definitely be worn before summer, add a cardigan and a pair of boots, and you have a perfect outfit for early spring.
Surplice Back Dress. I heart both prints and the shape of this one SO much. Such a bummer that it is made completely from polyester. At $89, it is still too expensive for all poly (even with 30% off). However, if you have a need for a pretty "church" kind of dress, and you need it now (rather than waiting for clearance time), the 30% will take some of the ouch out of it. I try to NEVER buy all poly dresses at full price, and the only time I did it was for the pleated blouson dress that I wore to Angus's baptism and a wedding. (And even then, I still managed to get it with an additional amount off--came at one of J. Crew's cardholder "extra percentage" off times. It still stung, but it helped a lot to get the discount.)
Cap Sleeve Embroidered Dress. The shape on this is super easy, and its cotton lawn is exceedingly breathable. Great for summer, obviously, but with tights, booties, a great scarf, and a leather jacket, and you have a look for when temps are not in the boiling zone. This dress is nearly sold out, though. Hmm...maybe watch for popbacks!
Gatas Slip-Ons. I don't own any Toms shoes, but I have heard from just about everyone that they are so comfortable and so adorable and so "blah blah blah," I can see why Lands' End decided to create their own version. I don't think they are for me, except as shoes that I would travel in (love that they are easy to get on and off for airport security), but unlike Toms shoes, the sole seems to be very sturdy and meant to last (the Toms ones seem much more likely to wear out based on what appears to be a very thin sole). I will yield to anyone who has worn these or the Toms, since I have no basis for my opinion other than what is visually there. :) (I do think that Toms idea of "if you buy a pair, someone else gets a pair for free" is really cool, though.)
Paisley Chino Shorts. I have a weakness for printed shorts that have a longer inseam. These have a five inch inseam, which works on most women. (Even those of us with a longer leg line, these are our version of short shorts, since the 3-inch inseam is really really short on taller women.)
French Terry Maxi Dress. The only picks I had from Lands' End Canvas are this dress and the paisley shorts (above). Normally, I have more picks from Canvas than from the traditional Lands' End. I think Canvas will get its groove back eventually, but it doesn't appear this is their season to do it. That said, this maxi dress is beyond adorable, and one that I will probably at least try (not now, but maybe in April or May when the temperatures get a bit warmer).
Print 10" Bermuda Shorts. Yay! More long length printed shorts. :) I especially like the khaki print, which is visually interesting, but neutral enough to work as a great background piece for brighter tops and shoes.
Lawn Cloth Easy On Popovers. I adore pretty lightweight cotton popovers for the hottest days of the year. It is nice to have a top that will (somewhat) protect the skin from the damaging sun rays, but not be so cloying that it is impossible to wear. Plus these tops work so well tucked or untucked.
Belted One Piece Swimsuit. After having had three kids, I definitely understand the allure of a well-shaped swimsuit that covers the belly, but still enhances the curves. This does that, and in spades. This one is a "on sale" only kind of swimsuit, though, since it is (GULP) $169. I am a big fan of spending my summers pool and beachside, but yipes, even I think that is a lot of money. :-P
Twist Back Bikini Top and Bikini Bottoms. I still wear bikinis, even though I am older, but I just try to stay away from "itty bitty" styles, or styles that don't stay on well (you try chasing toddlers in the pool in some of those styles, dare you to keep them on completely, lol). These two items are exactly right, pretty and printed, but very practical.
Blakely Riding Boots. Of course, these are still full price, and are likely to stay that way since they are a best seller. I really did luck out in getting these at 40% off, but since Lands' End is unlikely to do another 40% off for a while, the 30% off is definitely okay. (They deserve all the praise they have received in the reviews, btw, I love mine so much.)
Do you have any picks from this sale that you would like to share? Do you disagree with any of my picks? (I love to hear about fit issues, especially, since it is hard for most of us to get to Sear's and try these items on in real life.)
Below is a direct link to the sale. It goes until the 26th!
