A Visit to Lands' End

So after leafing through the current Lands' End catalog and reading everyone's comments and opinions, I just had to make a run to Sears today to check things out in person.

First off, look at this cute set-up:

There was an extensive sale section for Fall/Winter (most of the department), which they are calling Winter's End and marking prices 20% to 50% off (I saw a LOT of 50% off), and shoes were 70% off (yes! they have shoes!). I am pretty sure these percentages were off of already reduced marked prices. Some great deals, but I didn't find anything I loved left in my size.

There was also a big swim/resort section but I didn't see the sailor tee I was interested in so asked the sales associate. She was extremely helpful and nice. She said that they would be starting the new store-set that night and that most all of the Spring merchandise was still packed up in boxes in the back and offered to check and see if the tee was back there. When she checked, they only had the petite size in the navy w/white stripe. I'd like to get the other colorway and in a regular size so I passed but I did get to feel the fabric and it is a very nice, thick, heavy knit. Not a regular tee shirt material - almost a sweater knit, if that makes sense. I love it. It's on the list.

I was also happy to see these:

The classic Tretorn Nylite shoe! They had this one with navy and one that was all white. They are priced at $55.00. I remember these from school days way (way) back and these are a must-have on my list. Besides, the only other slightly similar shoe I have are the ones I work out in (or will soon be working out in again, I promise) and Hubby has told me it's not good for running shoes to be worn day to day & out and about.

I tried on a couple of the current cardis:

Fine Gauge Drape Cardigan in Pewter Heather, size small - $69.50

Supima Fine Gauge Cardigan in Soft Fern, size small - $39.50

I really like this cardigan! This was the last one in my size and was on a display (hence the one rolled up sleeve) and had a little grease mark on it so I didn't get it, but I will be ordering. This is very similar to the J Crew Jackie but it is a more substantial, thicker fabric. I do prefer J Crew's colors -- I wish this came in a baby pink! -- but I have to say that the Desert Brown and Misty Lavender Jackies I bought last year are looking a little worn these days. I need cardis that can hold up to a good bit of wear, being wrapped around my waist, tossed in a bag, and machine washed. I think this one will!

The sales associate also told me if you want something that they don't have in the store, they will order it for you with free shipping to your home.

Lastly, I must share this adorable look for the little ones. I am going to show this to my girls and I really hope one of them likes it:

I love baby pink with navy. They also had an outfit like this put together with the jacket in navy, a skirt out of the same fabric, and a yellow/white stripe tee. Also adorable! The tee looks much like the mommy one but it is a true t-shirt knit. Very soft.

We used to live in Boston and were able to visit a lot of the beautiful surrounding area. While I haven't been to Maine or Rhode Island in years, I can totally picture the family on a rocky beach having a clambake or eating lobster rolls when I look at this outfit!

Happy Weekend!

xoxo

The Hawaiian Villages, Waikiki

I hadn't even thought to get a sunset pic but Beth reminded me just in time and I took several snaps our last night! -- thanks, Beth!

Traveling with three little ones is not the easiest! Anyone who has three or more children and has tried to book a hotel online has probably run into the same thing we do all the time: over max capacity for room/suite. We don't want to split up and be in two rooms... vacations are such great family together time... but often even in suites, hotels won't let you book for over 4 people.

Grand Waikikian to the rescue! We were able to easily book this place online as part of a package with our airline tickets. It is either a newly renovated or newly built tower (not sure which) and beautiful! They do time-share sales there but going to a presentation is optional and they don't push it -- in fact they barely even mentioned it which was very nice! This place would also be great if you are traveling with grandparents along or with another couple. I believe max capacity for our place was six.

There are many acres and towers and pools and shops (Hawaiian jewelry, island-style clothing, a nice sized Louis Vuitton, etc), restaurants, ice cream, Starbucks, etc that comprise the Hawaiian Villages. All that info is best gotten directly from them, but I wanted to share some IRL snaps I took while there. These are of the grounds as well as some interior shots of where we stayed:

love the crocodile made of towels!

Didn't find this till the 2nd night, and so happy we did! They even supplied laundry soap!

Yay Friday!

xoxo

Lands' End Spring

Lands' End's Spring catalog arrived in my mailbox today, and while I haven't purchased anything from them in a long while, I must admit there are some cute things in there! I just love this picture... doesn't it make you want to go for a bike ride?! (if it weren't freezing and raining/snowing?!)

The driving moc shown comes in some great colors and is priced at $89.50. It looks very J Crew-esque to me. The classic ballet flat is such a lovely, simple style and is only $39.50.

I've got my eye on the classic sailor boatneck tee on page 93 too:

Sailor Tee $29.50 to $34.50

Lands' End's tee, Lands' End's pic

I have one or two more Hawaii posts coming up... lots of pictures to sift through!

Happy Thursday! We're almost to Friday!

xoxo

OOTD 2.1.10: Featuring My New LV!

So here's what was in that big brown bag:

The Totally MM in Damier Azur

The size and shape is similar to a Neverfull MM -- I use my Neverfull sooo often so I know I will enjoy using this a lot -- I like the lighter colors of Damier Azur for Spring and Summer (and I think it looks great with pink shoes!). This style differs from the Neverfull in that it has a zip top and outer pockets and doesn't have quite as much interior capacity.

I've been asked about price differences in Hawaii vs. the rest of the US and have been told they are around 3% and 10% less in Hawaii by different sales associates. I think it depends on if you are factoring in sales tax. Here tax is 4.7%. The savings before tax on retail prices is closer to 3% or so.

I found out this specific current pricing info during my two shop visits:

Neverfull MM - $675 Hawaii, $700 mainland

Keys Pouch Complice (Damier Azur) $250 Hawaii, $255 mainland

Speedy 30 - $675 Hawaii, $700 mainland

Totally MM - $950 Hawaii, $970 mainland

I love this feature -- two outer pockets sized big enough to hold magazines... or airline tickets... even my camera - I like to have it handy!

the inside is very simple - two small pockets on one side and one larger one on the other with a ring at one end you can use to attach keys or smaller LV pouch

And here is my first outfit with it:

J Crew Pop-Art Pleated Tissue Cami, ATL cardi in white, Vigoss jeans, Tory Burch Miller sandals, Louis Vuitton Totally MM in Damier Azur

xoxo

Sunday: Dinner at Duke's and a Visit to Louis Vuitton

We spent most of yesterday at the hotel pool - at The Hawaiian Village they have a round man-made beachy one with an island in the middle where you can rent paddle boats and canoes as well as the big pool with hot tubs and slides. The kids could stay in the water all day.

For lunch we went over to Tropics again where I had a watermelon mojito and cheeseburger & fries -- the slaw was really good -- spicy with cilantro and edamame. After that -- back to the pool. We finally got our three out of the water in the early evening and Hubby went for a run up to Diamond Head while the little ones and I rested a bit and cleaned up and dressed for dinner.

For that, we took a quick taxi ride over to Duke's, conveniently passing kate spade, Dior, Louis Vuitton, and many more interesting sights. Also, conveniently, we had a little wait at Duke's so I had some shopping time and I spent it at LV!

After dinner, we let the kids pick out some fun souvenirs at Little People, right outside the restaurant. They also have a website www.alohakids.com.

And here are some snaps from our Sunday dining:

Watermelon Mojito at Tropics Bar & Grill

Burger with Cheddar & Fries at Tropics Bar & Grill -- the slaw was spicy and great!

Seafood Luau at Duke's - this was very good - a mixture of shrimp, scallops, mushrooms and other vegetables in a nice coconut sauce. It reminded me of Thai food although it was very mild. I would have loooved it if it were hot and spicy!

Happy Monday!

xoxo

OOTD 1.30.10: Cultural Center Outing

our Sunday morning view

Good Morning!

Yesterday we took a guided tour of the Polynesian Cultural Center on the North part of the island. A tour bus picked us up in the morning -- and after a full day of a guided tour, lunch, luau dinner and show, brought us back by about 10:30 pm. I don't know that I've ever done a guided tour before but this made it so easy and enjoyable with our three small children. They had a blast. They were engaged in the demonstrations and activities and all three were mesmerized by the amazing show in the evening.

I 've been taking loads of pics and will get more snapshots and reviews up probably in the week or so after we return. If anyone is heading out to Oahu soon, please feel free to email me questions - I just don't have time to put together any well thought out posts right now -- plus, working on my laptop takes me a little longer than my usual set up at home and pics are uploading rather slowly.

So anyway, here is what I wore:

J Crew Lisa dress in Navy, J Crew cotton cardi in Ivory, Tory Burch Miller sandals in Hibiscus Pink, gold hoops, Target yellow enamel flower ring

OPI's Flashbulb Fuschia is a near perfect match to Tory Burch's Hibiscus Pink patent

xoxo

Aloha!

We're here and the fun has begun! This is my second time to Oahu - last time was our honeymoon, many years and three kids ago. We've brought the girls along to Kauai and then all three to Maui after our little guy was born, but this is their first trip here - and I must say this is where I would bring them next time.

We have a beautiful two bedroom suite at the Grand Waikikian by Hilton (at the Hawaiian Village) and it is absolutely wonderful... the accomodations, the pool, the location. Everything. The little ones are having a blast.

Reviews and pics to come, and hopefully some OOTDs and shopping squeezed in too.

Happy Friday!

xoxo