Made by Me Files: Preppy Roar! Fabric Mart Bundle Challenge (McCall's 6711 and Butterick 5922).

Before I begin this "made by me" file, Boden is continuing their mid-season sale (post I wrote was here), and from what I can see, the sale seems to be successful.  Neither of the items I am watching are sold out, so I may or may not participate.  They also started a "up to 30% off EXTRA off clearance items" this week, but because I have been so hyper-focused on getting better from my bout with the flu, sewing this project up, and the mid-season sale, I didn't even notice.  The extra 30% off prices are good, but only some items received that full percentage off.

Okay onto this week's Fabric Mart Fashion Challenge Sewing Competition entry, the Bundle Challenge.  A couple weeks ago I received a ten yard bundle from Fabric Mart (LOVE THEIR FABRIC BUNDLES, btw), and in the hyper-focus of trying to finish the challenge of that week (I believe it was the fit challenge with the sheath dress), I didn't even open it until I started the next challenge.  (Which was still too early, but I did abstain at least a week, normally those bundles are like candy for me--ooh, what pretty fabric has come my way this time that I get to play with and make something from?)

I received two amazing pieces of wool yardage, a white wool and a light tan/blue plaid.  I also received two pieces of knit fabric, a maroon horizontal rib knit and a "funky" crinkle animal print knit with a solid black nylon reverse.  In the package was also a piece of iridescent mint green poly, or possibly silk, can't tell from just looking at it (didn't have the time to fully investigate it since I knew it wouldn't play well with the others).  So I knew when Julie said to use four fabrics, I had my four ready to go.

When she mentioned a TWO-PIECE GARMENT, I was sort of "huh?"  I looked back at the bundle challenge from last year and the contestants in general made a two-piece outfit from their fabrics (coat/dress; top/skirt, etc.) but one made a three-piece outfit, and three made two-pieces that needed an additional garment from their own closet to fully create a look.  So I just went with what I think was the safest route and created a two-piece outfit with my four fabrics, using three for the top I created, and one for the pants.

The top is made from Butterick 5922, view A, with a collar, and with view B's long sleeves.

The pants are from McCall's 6711, which I chose specifically because they had pockets, a back zip, a waistband facing instead of a waistband, and would be easy enough to fully line in a blue cotton I had in my stash.

The top was sewn up in a size 10 at the neck, bust, and waist, with a *slight* grade out to a size 12 at the hips (only the very bottom couple of inches are the 12).  This shirt is shorter than a lot of sewing patterns out there, so for once I didn't have to shorten the top for my short torso self.  Yeah!  (Bear that in mind if you are a petite sewer!)

The pants were sewn in the size 14, whose crotch curve looked almost exactly like a pair of Burda shorts that I sewed up last summer.  These pants are meant to be more fitted, like a classic pair of cigarette trousers.  The model's are quite baggy on her, which I think is a combo of them being unlined, the fabric they used, and the fact that she is very thin and that the sample size they sewed up (probably a size 10, if what I have read of the big sewing companies is true) was too big on her.  Normally a 14 wouldn't work on me, but McCall's does run big, so I wasn't surprised, either.

Throughout this competition, no matter what Julie has given us, I knew that I would only want to sew up something I would wear again.  I have three little children, I sub in a school, and so my time is very limited for sewing.  I didn't *not* think I could make a look for me from the four fabrics, I just felt initially that it may not turn out enough like "me" to be wearable again by me.  I knew the pants would be fine, because plaid straight pants on a preppy person, well, lol, yeah, but the top, even with the cute collar?  Mmm.  That animal print had me worried.

Which is why although the above photo shows straight preppy...

The side starts to hint at something else less preppy...

And the back gives it to you straight up...

Yes, it is preppy with a roar.  Get it?  I know, I'll stop.  It looks fine.  Kind of a party in the back, business in front...I can dig it...and wear it again!

I didn't show you this picture so you all could stare at my butt.  Seriously!  I tucked the shirt in so you could see HOW PERFECTLY I lined up the plaid on the seams there.  It isn't that easy, really.  This fabric required me to spend TWO FULL hours cutting it out to ensure that all the seam notches and lines would match up (add to that the wool was a bit off grain in a few places, UGH double UGH).  I also spent a LONG time at the sewing machine after pinning the seams up very carefully (checking and rechecking that all the plaid lines were matching perfectly).  I used a walking foot, which ensured that my plaids did come out even, but I knew that if I put in the back invisible zip and the plaid didn't match up, my biggest asset (hardeehar) would look ridiculous in these pants.

And because I know how hard it is for me to find a pair of pants that actually and properly shows off my bottom, I am beyond stoked that I accomplished a pair of fitted pants, in a plaid wool, fully lined, just after getting over the flu.  Hallelujah! 

I do have plans to increase the thigh circumference on my next pair, since though 95% of the pants fit very well, the straight, horizontal lines there on the back (below the butt) signify a need for some extra room.  I have athletic thighs and slight saddlebags, so this doesn't surprise me.  From what I read, this is not a difficult thing to change on the pattern pieces.  Those lines, though, don't mean the pants don't feel great, they feel awesome on, and when sitting don't pinch, bind, or jab.  YAY!

*BTW, I am not going to be tucking tops into this pair of pants unless I am wearing a long suit jacket.  I specifically made these so I could wear tops untucked, which is why I specified I wanted a pair with no waistband so the waistband wouldn't irritate me when sitting down in them (my belly button is unnaturally high!).  I just HAD to show you all the awesome plaid matching, yeah!

**GREAT TUTORIAL ON PLAID MATCHING HERE.  

Pockets!  They are useable for me for my hands, but really too small for anything else.  If I make these again (probably, 'cause holla, they feel so good), I will likely make them a bit deeper and wider.

Fabrics all at once!

Front of the top is the horizontal rib knit.

Collar of the top is the white wool.

Back of the top is the crinkle animal print knit.

Sleeves of the top are the reverse black nylon from the animal print knit.

Pants are from the so soft gorgeous plaid wool (still at Fabric Mart--well at least it looks like the same fabric!).

I smile because I did it!  I felt so good and accomplished after getting it all done.  :-D

The top is very "Boden."  They have a ton of Peter Pan collar type tops and dresses, and have even done some colorblocked versions in the past, so after completing it, the smile was also because I had duplicated my favorite retailer so well!

Collar detail with button.

I know that if you want a pair of pants to last a long time, you make sure they are lined.  I chose to fully make this lining (waist to hem) and added it right before the waist facing was attached.  I hand sewed the lining to the zip for precision, and also hand sewed the facing to the zip.  It would be more "tidy" on the machine, but less precise.  I also hand tacked the facing to the lining in a few spots to keep it from flipping up (though the facing is properly understitched, etc.).

Front Detail of the facing and lining.

The lining is also very soft against my skin and during the winter will add an extra layer of warmth.  I could have used a poly lining, but there is something kind of luxurious to me about using a cotton with wool.  Normally I prefer silky linings in dresses and skirts (like a poly would provide), but I don't have to wear these pants with tights, so the "slippy" feel was unnecessary.  I just wanted comfort and softness.  They will also extend the life of the wool, which is important to me as I don't really want to make another pair of plaid pants for a long while.  ;-)

That's all for now. 

This is the second to last competition.  The only way I will make it is with your votes!  So PLEASE, with loads of yummy sugar on top *and a preppy ROOAARR*, would you all mind throwing me some votes your way if you are so inclined? 

Talk soon!  I should be back tomorrow with the Boden Spring 2015 preview picks post, so if you have a few items you just love from the preview, make sure you comment in tomorrow's post!

OOTDs: Striped in Specs.

Before I go into the ootds from two weekends ago, I wanted to mention that those of you who did dabble in the *up to 80% off* clearance sale may have done VERY well for yourselves.  I bought the jewelled collar sweater in the nude shade for a mere $30 and today it is back up to over $100.  Wowza.  I didn't think that would happen.  Most of the items went back up a little, at least, but some, clearly, were truly a one time price reduction of insanity.  (I received the sweater today, btw, and it is lovely and fits true to size, I took a 6 and its length and width match my upper body nicely.  Can't wait to wear it out!)

But in true Boden form, today brought another deal to the table.  Today and through the remainder of the week, you can find 20% off selected styles here, and for anything else you may want, you can grab them at 10% off with free shipping.  I put the link to that at the bottom of this post for those of you who want to go there right now.  ;-)

Day: Sunday, February 9, 2014.

Where: Dinner Out, I think.  I was going to say church, but I took this photo at 4:50 pm and had I been headed to church, I would have taken it earlier than that.  I will probably remember exactly what I did after I publish the post.  (This is the problem with publishing posts late at night after drinking a glass of wine...memory fading.)

UPDATE: I went to church in it.  We just were really late that day.  We didn't realize till we got in the car just how late.  But we did stay late to make up for it.  :-)

Ease of Wear: (5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  I felt so comfortable in this outfit.  I could sleep in it, if need be.  The LouLou dress has its fans for a reason (this year's version is called the Libby dress and can be found here in the clearance section).  The Boden Penny Loafers are also very comfortable, and have been worn by me multiple times since they came to me (in early January, when you first spied them here).

Cool Factor: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.)  Very put together and presentable.  The glasses (Bookclub from Madewell, got them for $35 on sale, yay!) help up the cool factor, if hipster glasses are your thing, of course.

Anecdote from the Day: Since I don't remember what I was actually doing, I have none.  If I do remember, I will come on in and change the anecdote to what I was actually doing.

UPDATE: That night the church was giving out pretzels and beer (BEER!!!) after mass.  Yay!  It was to thank us for supporting the church (read: giving them our money).  I happily ate a yummy pretzel and drank a yummy beer.  My PE teacher was there (she teaches my kids, too, how cool) and my daughter told her she looked so pretty in her dress.  It was a really cute jersey dress. 
 

Day: Saturday, February 8, 2014.

Where: Pants Patterning Class at G Street Fabrics, Bethesda for yummy Cajun food at Louisiana Kitchen, and a brief trip to Madewell.

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  Leggings and a soft sweatshirt and the awesome Blakeley boots (find them here at Lands' End on sale for $99) and a warm coat and a "made by me" scarf equal very comfortable.  I was a bit unsure of showing my bottom off in public, but I had a reason (see anecdote on why), hence the 4 rating.

Cool Factor: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.)  Not over the top cool, but it's a good look.

Anecdote from the Day:  That day was my very last pants patterning class, the one in which Ms. Annette would finalize our pattern to our exact body shape.  I wanted to make sure she could get up close and personal, without me having to disrobe completely, so I wore these leggings.  Great news is that the pants pattern is very much perfect for me, bad news is I wore leggings as pants.  I think my body looks okay, but I know a lot of people getting bugged by leggings as pants, so yeah.  I walked the edge of irritating others by my sartorial choice and being okay with my body in the leggings with a shorter top.

The trip to Madewell was to return a top that fit poorly, and I knew I needed glasses to replace the pair my son threw in the trash (agh!), so I went in with a mission to find a pair.  I tried every pair in the place on, and all the sales assistants and my daughter wanted me to get the grey pair you see in the first outfit.  Now if only I could find the time to actually get them filled with proper lenses so I can use them to see...

Okay, below is the link to get you to the sale at Boden on selected styles.  :-)
20% Off Select Styles + 10% Off Everything Else plus Free Shipping & Returns

Hope you all have a great night, talk with you tomorrow!

OOTDs: Thursday, Friday, Sunday.

Hey, all!  Happy Monday.  If you have today off in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr., I hope that your day off has gone well.  We have kept it fairly sedate here, but sometimes sedate is the best kind of day.  :-)

Anyhow, onto the outfits from my recent days.  (I have some from earlier last week, but these three "go" best together.)

Day: Thursday, January 16, 2014.

Where: G Street Fabrics/School Run/Little Gym.

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear) The pants are now kinda big, but since I am a big fan of comfort, especially when going to the Little Gym (all three kids had classes that afternoon), I keep the "they're just a touch too big" pants just for that purpose.  I wish that they wouldn't have that weird whiskering at the crotch area, but any pair of pants is going to have that, *unless* you get the exact right size for your body.  And I can tell you from all this sewing experience I am gaining, that even if you sew the exact right size for your shape, that still doesn't mean anything, you could still end up with weird lines everywhere.  Sigh.  (Even really loose pants will whisker if you put your legs together, you will have very deep frown lines radiating from your crotch.  LOL.  That sounds funny.)

The rest of the outfit was super comfy, and even though I don't wear the Fiona jacket that much anymore, I am glad to pull it out once or twice a year since it is so pretty and warm.

The shoes are the Penny Loafers from Boden that I just received the day before.  It took me less than twenty four hours to pull them out and wear them in real life.  Yep, like I feel about all my Boden loafers, it is love.

Cool Factor: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.) This is a pretty preppy outfit, so I think in some circles it would be cooler than in others.  Fortunately most of you who read here seem to like this brand of preppy, so I think there will be a few fans of this look.  :-)

Anecdote from the Day:  I went ahead and purchased a class at G Street that starts this Saturday (the 25th) on drafting a pants pattern to your exact measurements.  Maybe, just maybe, I will eventually have a pair of pants that have no whiskers, at all.  (Crosses fingers!)

Day: Friday, January 17, 2014.

Where: Little Gym/Harris Teeter/Sushi Dinner.

Ease of Wear: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear) Overall a very comfortable, weather-appropriate outfit, but I wish that I looked less "matron of a German women's prison" when the jacket is buttoned up.  I rarely button it up, but it was chilly enough that day to have a need for the full buttoned-up look.  No biggie, I am sure no one was staring and saying, "get back to the Fraus, dear lady," but still.  I guess the more severe cut is emphasized in the name, the Military Wool Jacket ( here--and on deep discount in all shades). 

Cool Factor: (3.5 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.) I like this look.  I really like it most without the jacket, but again, cold day and all.  :-)

Anecdote from the Day:  That is not a typo, we went to the Little Gym twice in two days.  I had missed so many of their classes when we were gone in December, that I have had a lot to make up with them.

And I went to Harris Teeter with all three kids.  They were very well behaved, by some minor miracle.  Hallelujah!

Day: Sunday, January 19, 2014.

Where: Day out in DC with the family.

Ease of Wear: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear) It was windy and cold, so any plans I had to wear anything other than a thick cashmere sweater and snood went away after I went outside briefly that morning. 

On the fly, I kind of dig how easy this outfit is and how cute it looks all together.  The Anthropologie boots (made by Pied Juste, more on the brand's history here) are super cool, but not super warm, so they are the reason the outfit had a point knocked off.  (Well and the fact that I triple-looped the snood around my neck, which meant it felt rather tight...warm, but tight.)

Cool Factor: (4 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.) I reckon this is a pretty cool look.  I felt cool anyhow.  My girl was probably the coolest.  Standing at the J. Crew, trying to figure out what time it opened (we had a return to make), a lady remarked on how well-dressed CW was.  Aw!  (She picked out her outfit completely on her own, btw.)

Anecdote from the Day:  We had intended to have me take the oldest two to the city on Friday (they had the day off--hence why they were so well-behaved at the Harris Teeter), but those plans fell through after Angus's babysitter fell through.  In the end, we decided to all head to the city on Sunday instead and I took CW to the Portrait Gallery, while Mr. Dina took Rex and Angus to the Spy Museum.  I then grabbed Rex and CW and went to the Pret a Manger, while Mr. Dina took Angus to the Shake Shack.  (Rex, CW, and I LOVE Pret a Manger, and we go whenever we can.)

Okay, that's it for tonight.  If you haven't had a chance, don't forget to enter my five-year blogoversy giveaway here. 

OOTDs: The Rest of Mississippi.

Hey, all!  I spent today lounging around in a Johnnie b. sweatshirt and a pair of really old cords, so I didn't really have this *huge* desire to photograph the outfit, but figure I have plenty of stuff in my files to more than fill any gaps I have for quite a long time.

Today's post features two outfits I wore while in Mississippi and Louisiana.  I won't go into a ton of detail, but below each photo (as a caption), I will mention things of interest.

The outfit was exactly right for the day since I wanted to wear something comfortable and appropriate for church (I went to mass while my husband was at the Saints game). 

Still love that there are horses in Mr. Dina's childhood home's backyard.

This is a strawberry mai tai.  I don't drink at his parent's house so I very much enjoyed this while at Middendorf's, a yummy seafood restaurant smack dab in the Bayou.

Angus was thoroughly enjoying his water, too.

This is across Highway 51, that is how close Middendorf's is to the water.  Above us is the Manchac Swamp Bridge (Interstate 55) that gets us to New Orleans from where Mr. Dina's family is from in Mississippi.  It is really cool to travel this way a few times a year.  :-)

Here is Angus enjoying the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas.  This was at the penguin tank.  He ran around like a crazed sugar fiend at the aquarium.  Benefit of that is that I had a sleeping baby at church.  Woo!

I did change jackets.  This is from Three Dots and I bought it Anthropologie, which is located at Canal Place.  The cardigan is only $88 at Anthro, but is a whole lot more at Three Dots.  I wonder why?  I can't find it online at Anthropologie, but if it comes to be available, I will update this post.

I had seen this wool dress/tunic (so so short) at Anthro years ago, but never bit the bullet on it.  I then saw it on ebay a few years later and grabbed it for next to nothing.  I love it!  It is so comfortable and warm.

Love how pretty the knit detailing is...I have started taking a knitting class on Craftsy, but I will be honest with you, I am not so sure I can wrap my head around knitting.  Sewing seems so much easier to me.

Okay, that's it, I hope you all had a beautiful Thursday and will have a wonderful Friday!

OOTD/Review: Whale Critters and a Pencil Skirt.

Hey, all...Happy Monday night to you all.  I hope everyone had a lovely holiday weekend, whether you were celebrating Memorial Day here or the Bank Holiday in the UK.

Up first is the review, followed by my very casual outfit of the day.

Linen Tippi Whale Sweater and Factory Printed Pencil Skirt (succulent green).  Tippi is a size extra-small and the pencil skirt is a size 8.

I rarely get to the stores anymore, but I have been able to get to the Pentagon City store twice in three weeks, since I have had so many returns lately.  Of course I can't resist walking around seeing what pretty is laying on the table, and one of them was the tippi whale sweater.  I hadn't thought I would be interested when it debuted on-line (even though I love a critter) because I thought the whales were screen-printed on the sweater.  Instead I discovered they were embroidered green whales, which made the sweater much more appealing to me.  I also love the linen tippi I own in neon orange since it offers great coverage against the sun but is still fairly lightweight.

I had read that the sweater ran tts, and I would say it does since the extra small is just fitted enough without being too tight.  It does stretch out, so if you are between sizes, go down because it may be too slouchy by the end of the day if you size up.

The skirt is wonderful.  I liked the last "regular" J. Crew rollout, but man, the prices were so expensive.  The factory rollout happened one day beforehand and I fell hard for two of the skirts (the poppy mini was the other) and because the prices were actually reasonable, I could bite on both without feeling super guilty.

The skirt fits true to size, and because it is a stretchy cotton sateen, it moves with you and with your curves, which is awesome if you are curvy in your lower half.

The print is so pretty, and the succulent green name is perfect for the color the green is...sort of a delicious mid-green that is neither too lime or too kelly. 

I don't know that the two pieces work well together, but they do match.  :)  I tried them on together because I happened to be wearing the tippi and the shoes with a pair of green shorts that day (last photo in this post), and I was being a tiny bit lazy. 

Side view.  The tippi's length is a touch shorter than my other tippis, so if you have a longer  torso, this may be a deal breaker for you.

The skirt is longer than my other factory pencil skirts, so yay for that.  Tall ladies, rejoice!

Back view.  I didn't snip the thread on the back vent, but there is a back vent that will make moving around even easier.

See the Tippi on beach chic girl and rynetta.  See the pencil skirt on Gigi.

Day: Friday, May 24, 2013.

Where:  School Pickup.

Ease of Wear: (4.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  I almost contemplated not putting this outfit on the blog since this outfit is not anything special, other than the fact that I am preppy enough to happily wear a whale embroidered critter sweater alongside a pair of really bright green Bermuda shorts.  It is like living preppy heaven here in VA.  I just need to get a pair of navy blue sperry top-siders like I had in high school and I would be the preppiest person at pickup (not hard with all the lululemon butts, lol).

The shorts are from J. Crew and although I find their shorts usually too restrictive in my size (they fit but are too short in the crotch depth), the lightweight version have a stretchy cotton blend which makes them fit so much better.  And because I am a huge sucker for comfort, I sized up to a 10 and it feels like I am wearing pj bottoms out in public.

Cool Factor: (2 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest.)  This guy would think I look "cool."  And so would anyone who regularly shops for clothing at Vineyard Vines and/or their grandpa's closet.  The Lululemon moms probably were blinded by my shorts, though.  Thank GOD they were wearing their expensive Chanel sunglasses.  ;)

Anecdote from the day:  Really stupid day for me to wear shorts, though, since it was raining and 55 degrees outside.  Oops.  I can't believe that after the last few years of crazy hot we have had here in VA, we can't get our summer properly started.  (We went to the pool today and basically put our feet in the baby pool so we could at least say we went to the pool.)

Okay, that's all for tonight.  Have any of you tried the above items?  I would love to hear your thoughts on them, especially the pencil skirt!

Lands' End: Friends and Family Promo Picks.

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!