Online Shopping: Land's End Spring 2014 and Clearance

So, there are some places that I've always felt too cool to shop, and Land's End is one of them. Not sure exactly why, but all I've pictured from there is elastic waist pants and orthopedic shoes... LOL!

I've liked some basic things that I've bought for the girls from Land's End over the years. Last year I took a chance on a printed summer tank dress for me and wound up loving it. So, in the interest of having an open mind, I recently placed an order for a few of their new bathing suit pieces and some other bargains I found while looking around. If you use the awesome free service eBates, you get 1.5-3% back on your purchase. Land's End items can be returned to any Sears store if that's more convenient for you than mailing them.

I'm 5'9 and about 126 pounds. I'll include sizes for references! Here are the pieces I ordered and how they worked (or didn't!) for me:

 Sleeveless Heritage Jersey Dress, $59 (on sale for $24.99) 

Size 4. I thought this would be a cute piece year-round, with jean jacket and boots or with flat sandals. Trying it on, I was kind of meh. The fabric is a little stiff and the dress is unlined. The color wasn't really exciting to me for fall or spring.
Verdict: Return.

Paisley Holiday Party Dress, $160 (on sale for $49.99) 

Size 4. This dress was just okay for me. The fit was good and the slip liner was really nice. I just wasn't in love with it, though.
Verdict: Return.

Swim Pieces (I'm going to spare you and not try these on for the camera! LOL). I like to mix and match suits so I ordered random things:

Regular Beach Living Tapestry Bandeau Tunic Top, $65 - Size 4. The fit was off on this. It was soooo tight around the top. I even had skin bulges/muffin top in the armpit area. Not a good look! LOL!
Verdict: Return.

Regular SwimMates Medallion Boy Shorts, $39 -  Size Small. I loved this print but the fit was soooo weird. The fabric on the bottom of the back was very loose and didn't fit tight to my skin??? Um... not trying to have my cheeks hanging out, not at this stage of the game! Haha
Verdict: Return.

Regular Beach Living Paisley V-Veck Tankini Top, $55 -  Size 4. Okay, fit was off on this, too. Same size as the top above but this one has major baggy fabric on the boobs. Print is adorable, though!
Verdict: Return.

Sleeveless Cotton Jersey Floral Tunic Cover-Up, $29 

Size Small. Super cute! I am in love with this print and the soft easy dress will be great to throw on all summer long. Runs a little big, could probably do with a size down, but not going to mess with switching it out.
Verdict: Keep.

Eyelet Dress, $108 (on sale for $29.99)  

Size 4. I was so excited to catch this dress on sale because I'd had my eye on it since fall. Looks like a great piece for all year round, depending on what you do with it. But... um...you can't tell in the picture but the fit was a bit of a mess. Very short for me and HUGE around the bust. If I inhaled, it basically fell down. If I sized down, the back would be too short to be decent.
Verdict: Return.

Paisley Adjustable Swim Cover-up Tunic, $49

5" Paisley Poplin Shorts, $49 (on sale for $19.99)

Top size Small, shorts size 4. Okay, obvs would never wear these together, but I needed to put them on with something for a pic! The top is fantastic. Too short for much coverage in a coverup, but love the print, the fit and the quick dry fabric. The shorts are pretty perfect, too. Fun print and a good length for daily wear! Love!
Verdict: Keep both.

Cross Back Surplice Dress, $59 (on sale for $24.99)

So, the first picture is how this dress is supposed to be worn... and, well, it's kind of awkward in person. The shoulder seams look backwards? I turned it around and it made more sense to me but the tag is in the front that way. I don't know. Cute idea, especially with how much red I wear, but not for me. It could have used some lining, too.
Verdict: Return.

Short Sleeve Pattern Georgette Pintuck Dress, $98 (on sale for $32.99)

Another fun print and cheap enough that I won't feel bad if I don't wear it much! The length is a little weird, I might have it taken up some, but will be cute in summer with a big chunky necklace and high strappy sandals!
Verdict: Keep.

So I found a few things that I think I will really wear and love. All of the bright fun colors and prints in this box made me so happy!! Have you started shopping for spring and summer? What are you loving?? Can't wait for warmer weather to get here!