The Perfect Multi-Seasonal Sweater from Lands' End

I've been meaning to post a review of my fabulous Lands' End holiday sweater for some time now, but I think now is actually the best time, as I have found that it's the perfect sweater for transitioning from winter into spring.



I received the Lands' End Women's Regular Original Fine Gauge Argyle Cardigan Sweater in true navy/ivory for review, and while it's kept me warm in the winter, I'm looking forward to wearing it open-buttoned over a white tank in the spring. The colors are perfect to pair with a white tennis skirt or capris for a boaty, breezy spring look.

Best of all, the sweater is on sale for only $34.99 (regularly $69.50), so it's the perfect time to buy!

Here's the description of the sweater from Lands' End:

• 100% Supima® — America's finest cotton
  
• Classic Argyle pattern
  
• Flattering, gently shaped silhouette
  
• Fine Gauge Argyle Cardigan falls to mid hip

This Fine Gauge Argyle Cardigan ensures softness that lasts wash after wash — Guaranteed. Period.® It all comes down to incredibly soft Supima® cotton — America's finest — spun into silky, pill-resistant yarns and knit into our smoothest sweaters that hold their color beautifully.

The classic argyle pattern makes it a sure bet for layering over shirts and tees in any season. Fully fashioned with rib-trim cuffs and bottom. A striped inside placket adds a refined finishing touch. 100% Supima cotton. Machine wash. Imported.

I can attest to the softness guarantee! The sweater definitely retains its shape and softness after washing. You do have to lay it flat to dry after washing, though. All-in-all, I love the sweater for its design, comfort and the high-quality that I've come to expect from Lands' End.

Click here for more details and/or to buy. Spring will be here before we know it!

Lands' End Holiday Giveaway

I have a fantastic review coming soon for a Lands' End Women's Regular Original Fine Gauge Argyle Cardigan Sweater. But while I wait for my sweater to arrive for review, Lands' End and Fleishman Hillard want to make sure one lucky ready of So a Blonde Walks Into a Review wins one in time for the holidays.

Made of 100% Supima® — America's finest cotton, the sweater comes in various colors in a classic argyle pattern. The softness lasts wash after wash and the cotton is pill-resistant. It's a Lands' End "Fit 2," which is their original, classic fit. It lands at mid-hip and is neither too loose or too slim.

Please be aware that Black/Charcoal Heather and Rich Red/Ivory are both sold out. As of this writing, all of the eight other color combo options are available.

To enter to win, simply leave a comment on this post letting us know something you love about Lands' End. Due to the timing of this giveaway, the winner must claim their prize and provide contact information within 48 hours of winning notification so that Lands' End can get your prize to you in time for the holidays.

Be sure that there is an email address for you that I can find, or your entry will have to be disqualified. By entering, you automatically agree to all the rules and disclaimers listed here. Please also see my disclosure policy here.

You can receive additional entries by doing one or all of the following (one entry for each step):

~Twitter with a link to this post. Then leave a separate comment here with your Twitter link.

~Blog about this contest with a link to this post. Then leave a separate comment here with the link to your post.

~Follow this blog. Simply click on "Follow this blog" found near the top of the sidebar to the right (under "The Blonde"). Then, leave a separate comment letting me know you are following.

~Post the button below on your blog and then leave a separate comment here letting me know it's posted and where. Here's the code for the button:



<a href="http://www.soablondewalksintoareview.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="So A Blonde Walks Into A Review" src="http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll303/BlondeBlogger/dawn_125button.gif"/></a>

~Add So a Blonde Walks Into a Review to your Technorati Favorites (just click the button below and follow the simple steps). Then, leave a separate comment here letting me know you've added this blog to your favorites:



Deadline to enter is 11:59 EST, Wednesday, December 16, 2009. Winner will be selected at random using Random.org. Good luck!

Keds Green Label

Green is the new black. But black can be very green as well.

Confused? Click here and check out the cool, new, black Keds Green Label Canvas shoes I received for review.



Keds Green Label shoes are both fashionable and friendly to the environment. Here are the features that make these shoes so special:

• 100% Organic Cotton
• Laces are made from 100% recycled water bottles
• Recycled rubber outsoles (20%)
• Non-toxic, soy and vegetable-based inks and dyes
• Nickle-free eyelets
• ISO-9001 certified factory and recycled insoles

There are two styles: Willow Lace Up and and Meadow Mock Toe. Mine are the former and I love them! They're extremely comfortable and I love the design inside the shoe and on the sole. It reads, "The world is at your feet. Tread lightly and change your footprint. Every small step makes a difference. Be true, Keds.'

My favorite aspect of the shoes' design is how they make the laces out of recycled water bottles. How cool is that?! Such a perfect way to keep those bottles from filling up our landfills.



The colors, made from non-toxic dye, are gorgeous! I chose classic black, though, since it goes with almost everything.

Check out the Keds Green Label Website for more information and/or to purchase these fabulous shoes. You can also enter to win a $250 shopping spree while you're there. Good luck!

Lands' End Holiday Giveaway

Doing any last minute shopping for the holidays (like I am)? Look no further than Lands' End, where there is something for everyone on your holiday list.

Cashmere is definitely one item that most women would love to receive. I was fortunate enough to review Lands' End's Women's Regular Long Sleeve Cashmere Tee Sweater. Oh my gosh! It is SO comfortable I want to sleep in it! Land's End uses Inner Mongolian Cashmere — the world's finest — in an exceptionally soft yet substantial knit. You really have to feel it yourself to believe it.

The very first time I wore it out, I got a compliment from my friend on how much she loved the look of it too (including the color I chose...True Blue Heather). Here's a photo:



If you're looking for gift ideas for the women in your life, I highly recommend this tee sweater! Right now, there is a $10 discount ($89.50 marked down to $79.50)

I also received Lands' End's Men's Regular Down Vest in Loden Green for review:



At $29.50, as Lands' End states, it's such a good deal you'll want more than one! Right now, if you buy three or more, you'll save $3 on each one.

I was so impressed with the jacket that I'm gifting one to my dad for Christmas. As with other Lands' End outerwear, the jacket is so lightweight, yet keeps you warm. The fill is made of 500 fill power goose down (70% goose down/30% feather). Warm AND snugly soft.

Finally, for the children in your life, Lands' End offers an adorable selection of Sleeping Bag Sets. Natalie was able to try out the "Soft Jade Horse" style:



Lands' End really is the King of Comfort. As with all of their other products we've tried, this sleeping bag is SO comfortable and soft. The 100% cotton cover is quilted with 100% polyester fill, making for a cozy night's sleep. Natalie loves it so much, she's tossed her regular comforter aside and wraps herself in the sleeping bag every night instead.

The set comes with a sleeping bag, coordinating pillowcase and a storage bag. The pillowcase and storage bag can be monogrammed with up to 10 characters including spaces. You can monogram their name, initials or a simple phrase like, "Good Night." (how sweet)

I was really impressed with the design, too. Natalie loves horses so this was right up her alley. There's also a "Pearl Pink Floral" design, as well as a "Light Sea Blue Stripe" that's perfect for boys.

The set is $59.50, and you can add a monogram for $5.00.

Want to win one of the above products for yourself (in your choice of style, color and size)? Thanks to Lands' End and Fleishman-Hillard Inc., one lucky person will win their choice of either the Women's Regular Long Sleeve Cashmere Tee Sweater, Men's Regular Down Vest, or Sleeping Bag Set.

To enter, simply leave a comment here letting me know what you love about Lands' End. Be sure there is an email to be found or your entry will have to be disqualified.

For a bonus entries, you can do one or all of the following:

~Blog about this contest on your site with a link to this post and to Lands' End, then leave a separate comment here with your link.

~Post about the contest on Twitter for another entry, then leave a separate comment here with the link to your Tweet.

~Subscribe to this site (found under "subscribe" in the sidebar), then leave a separate comment here letting me know you've subscribed (if you're already a subscriber, you will still need to leave a separate comment so that I can give you an extra entry)

By entering, you automatically agree to all the rules and disclaimers listed here.

Deadline to enter is 11:59 EST, Friday, December 12, 2008. Winner will be selected at random using Random.org, posted here and contacted by email.

Good luck!

Lands' End Review and Giveaway

If your area is anything like mine, the temperature is dropping fast. We've already had to put our heat on in the evenings and I've been caught outside, unprepared for the cold, a few times already.

Now, thanks to Lands' End, I'm ready for the cold with my new Women's Windfall Snow Sport Jacket.

I am in love with this jacket! I have two coats, one dressy and one bulky, so I tended to avoid both when out and about my regular day. The Windfall jacket, however, is light, sporty and trendy.

But don't let the word "jacket" fool you because it will keep you warm without the heaviness that comes with other coats. The Polarthin™ insulation inside gives you the warmest protection without bulk.

It has a temperature rating of -5°/5° Fahrenheit. Over heavy layers, this Windfall Snow Sport Jacket will keep you warm in -5° weather; over a light layer, in 5° weather.

Other features include:

• Fleece-lined, zippered outer pockets
• Multiple inner pockets for MP3 player, cellphone
• Exterior ski-pass attachment

I can't wait to go sledding with my kids in it!

Here's a little peek of the jacket in black:



And it comes with a hood that easily tucks away into a button-up fold in the back:





Click here for more details.

In addition to the jacket, Lands' End has SO much to offer. I'm thinking of ordering a pair of their Women's Windfall Gloves to match my jacket.

Want to win something fabulous for yourself from Lands' End?

Thanks to Lands' End, one lucky winner here will receive either a Women's ThermaCheck 100 Half-zip Pullover or the Women's Sherpa Fleece Half-zip Pullover, in the color and size of your choice.

Check out the wonderful features of each:


Women's ThermaCheck 100 Half-zip Pullover, the world's only permanent antistatic fleece:

• Exclusive antistatic treatment resists static cling, static shock, lint and pet hair
• Permanent antistatic finish never washes out
• Famous ThermaCheck softness is still here
• Lightweight ThermaCheck 100 Half-zip is ideal for layering and cool-weather exercising

Women's Sherpa Fleece Half-zip Pullover, Land's End's thickest, coziest fleece:

• Feminine fit
• Cotton/jersey lined for comfort
• Half-zip style looks great and helps regulate body temperature
• TEMPERATURE RATING: 0°/10° Fahrenheit. Over layering pieces, this Sherpa Fleece Half-zip will keep you warm in 0° weather; over a light layer, in 10° weather.

Be sure to click the links for each to learn more, see all of the fabulous color choices, and even try it on a virtual model that you can create to match your shape and size.

To enter, simply leave a comment with your favorite choice of the two (you can always change your mind later). For a bonus entry, blog about this contest on your site with a link to this post and to Lands' End. Then, leave a separate comment with your link.

Deadline to enter is 11:59 pm EST, Thursday, October 30. Winner will be selected at random via Random.org and will be notified via email. Winner has two weeks from the time of notification to claim their prize, or the prize will be forfeited.

Good luck!

Doodlebag Winner

Congratulations to Keri from The Redhead in the Corner!

She has won a personalized Doodlebag from Princess Linens!

Thanks to all who entered and thanks to Princess Linens for sponsoring this fabulous giveaway.

Remember, even if you didn't win, you can save 15% off your ENTIRE purchase at Princess Linens! Simply enter the code "Blonde" (without the quotes) when checking out to receive your discount. Enjoy!

Princess Linens Doodlebag Giveaway and Discount

My little girl Natalie recently had the privilege of reviewing an adorable, personalized Doodlebag from Princess Linens. Princess Linens is now officially a licensee of Crayola, so Doodlebagz include fine Crayola crayons and chalks.





As soon as Natalie's Doodlebag arrived, personalized at that, she was beyond excited. She went to the chalkboard section first (yes, the bag has a chalkboard!), and after drawing on the board, she then stored each piece of chalk into the individual slots and the eraser into its holder:



Then, she tried out the doodle pad in the crayon section and loved it just as much. She stored each of her crayons in their individual slots, zipped up her bag, and ran outside to show all her friends:



This bag is SO adorable! Even the front (where her name is) is a pocket with Velcro that can store items and opens and closes easily with Velcro:



Natalie now has a trendy bag to carry with her wherever we go. Long wait at the doctor's office? She has all she needs to keep her occupied, all in one bag.

Crayons? Check. Paper? Check. Chalk? Check. Chalkboard? Check. She brings it along with her everywhere now and loves to create her own "masterpieces."



I myself have fallen in love with Princess Linens. The company designs and manufactures clothing and art accessories for children. In addition to the Doodlebag, they have a line of personalized Crayon Keepers that are just as adorable:



As for their clothing, well you need only take KATIE HOLMES word for how good it is. Here she is featured in People magazine with her daughter Suri wearing Princess Linen's Camelia Pink and Baby's Breath Trim Garden Princess Dress.



The photo also appeared in OK Magazine. And that's not all. Click here to see the numerous press attention Princess Linens has received (including Parents Magazine and Parenting.com).

Take a look at a close-up of this gorgeous dress:



You can even order a diaper cover to match:



Is it any wonder there's such a buzz with such adorable clothing? My favorite is their line of personalized scrubs:



Your child can play doctor in style with the "Dr. (your child's name) on the shirt. I love it!

And there's so much more! Like luxury baby clothes, big brother gifts, big sister gifts, personalized bibs, personalized burp pads, crayon aprons, and chalkboard placemats.

Thanks to the generosity of Princess Linens, readers of So a Blonde Walks Into a Review can save 15% off their entire purchase! Simply enter the code "Blonde" (without the quotes) when checking out to receive your discount.

Princess Linens is also giving away a personalized Doodlebag to one lucky reader!!

To enter, simply visit Princess Linens, then leave a comment here letting me know what your favorite product is and why. For a bonus entry, blog about this contest on your site and leave a separate comment here with your link.

Deadline to enter is Monday, July 28 at 11:59 EST. Contest open to U.S. residents only. Winner has two weeks from the time of notification to claim prize, or the prize will be forfeited.

Good luck!

Zazou - European Flair for Kids

I was given the opportunity to review a product from Zazou, a chic European boutique for children.

They sent me an oh-so-comfy and VERY stylish shirt from their Most Wanted Shirt line for Natalie:



Natalie LOVES this shirt! And she loves bragging to her friends that it "came from a boutique in Europe." :)

As you can see, the shirt appropriately says, "Sister." The material is soooo soft, and it looks as good as it feels. Rather than just an ordinary t-shirt, the sleeves are made to look "inside out" with a sort of reversal of the inside seam. It's totally adorable!

In fact, Zazou specializes in "kids' fashion with a twist." Check out this ultra-retro, vintage 70's, leather scrap skirt:



Don't you just love the colors?

New summer merchandise is coming out in March, and according to Zazou, it's going to be hot! And that means that you have the chance now to get ultra-savings on their winter line! Prices are being lowered up to 50%! (The "Sister" shirt is one of the sale items, so snatch it up while you can!)

Here's another skirt I love from their Petit Louie line, marked down from its original price:



Zazou offers a no-fuss return policy. If you're not completely satisfied, you can return your purchase for a full refund. You can't beat that!

Check out their blog while you're at it, too, and be sure to subscribe to their newsletter so you don't miss out on any good deals!

Hanes Kids! Review and Giveaway

Note: I apologize for the lack of clarity in the photos..I'm in the middle of trying to get a new Memory Stick for my camera.



If you're looking for comfortable, stylish and affordable clothing to put under the tree for your kids this year, you must check out Hanes!

Recently, Hanes contacted me and offered me a huge box filled with apparel that my kids and I fell in love with, along with different styles of undergarments and tees that are extremely comfortable on my kids.

These outfits aren't your plain, every day sweats that you may be used to (although we love those, too). You can pair such sweats, though, with tops and bottoms to make them more "dressy," as we learned after receiving the Hanes package.

Check out these gorgeous outfits:



For this look on Natalie, I paired a white, tagless, cotton-rich fleece sweatshirt with a pair of stylish, yet comfortable, pair of stretch-cotton, cropped leggings.



My favorite of all the outfits, this is actually a skort paired with the cute owl puff-sleeve shirt ("Hoot Parade - Yellow Star")...again, all soft and comfortable (in fact, ALL of the apparel that Hanes sent us was super comfortable so I won't keep repeating myself with that particular quality...just assume - Hanes=comfortable!)

Now that winter is approaching, I plan on having Natalie wear tights and boots with this outfit to keep her warm.



This rainbow sweatshirt ("Super Shine - Jubilee Red") reminds me of a cool 70's look, again paired with stretch-cotton, cropped leggings.



Matthew loves his gray, tagless sweatshirt and Natalie is wearing a beautiful, blue, puff-sleeve shirt ("Crown Town Hanes Navy") with blue, tagless, cotton-rich sweatpants (pairing the plain sweats with a matching print).

Then there's the fabulous assortment of underwear and tees:



All cotton, all tagless and all with a comfortable waistband.



The classic A-tank tee, perfect for showing off those muscles!



I myself love the prints available. The tagless, knit boxers are Matthew's fave. He couldn't get over how comfortable the waistband was.



For those who prefer "hybrid" underwear....the popular boxer briefs.

Matthew's favorite of all is his comfy, blue hoodie:



He wears it to go skateboarding outside with his friends all the time. It's easy to just grab it and throw it over whatever he's wearing.

For fun and play, or casual dress, you can count on Hanes to provide you with comfort, style and affordability!

Want a chance to try out Hanes' fabulous line of apparel yourself? Hanes has offered to provide a $50 gift certificate to one lucky winner of the Holiday Scavenger Bloghunt Party. So click on over to enter! Happy hunting!

Hanes' Halloween

My daughter Amanda is having surgery today, so if you would kindly keep her in your thoughts and/or prayers, I would be so grateful. This, and a new puppy, have kept me very busy so I have not been able to update you with contests around the blogosphere. I promise to get back to posting those soon. And don't forget to enter my Barefoot Books contest below! Thank you!

Halloween is fast approaching! Still haven't gotten a costume for your kids yet? Tired of spending $25 or more for cheap costumes that fall apart after one night of trick or treating?

Hanes has the perfect solution! If you missed my previous article with tips on creating costumes (and other topics) from Jacquelyn Mitchard (in an exclusive interview with Hanes), be sure to click here.

Now on to the adorable costumes you can create with simple and affordable Hanes tees!

This is the one I created tonight for Natalie in about an hour or so:




You can find the instructions for making this oh-so-cute gypsy costume here. (Click on "Family Fun Zone" once you're there).

Now don't let the instructions turn you away! I am VERY blonde and I was able to figure it out easily once I put my blonde mind to it. *grin* And it was super fast and super easy!

I'm a VERY busy homeschooling mom with tons on my plate and no sleep because of my newborn new puppy. And it was still easy enough to fit it into my hectic schedule, as well as relaxing and fun to make.

I am so kicking myself for purchasing a Fiona from Shrek costume for Natalie before I found out about this! ($25) Natalie loves the gypsy costume so much that she doesn't want to be Fiona anymore, and I can't return the Fiona one because, of course, she's worn it all over the house and applied all of the tattoos that came with it, lol.

Natalie said that the store-bought Fiona costume was itchy and uncomfortable. The gypsy costume is made with all Hanes comfy t-shirts and that was her favorite part about it.....that it was so comfortable.

I'll be making the other two costumes from the Hanes site soon and will post photos of those as well. They require less t-shirts than the gypsy costume, but I'm telling you....it's SO worth it to purchase the tees for the gypsy one. It's our favorite and it really is adorable. And the tees are affordable (and high quality) so you'll still save money over a store bought costume!

I was also thinking that these costumes would be perfect for a school play! I've participated in a few plays produced by our homeschool group and I'm going to be sharing these instructions with my fellow homeschool moms. I'm sure we could get creative and come up with some of our own using Hanes' tees, too.

Keep an eye out for the other two costumes, one of which I might offer as a giveaway if I can convince my kids to part with one, lol.