Recently,rather than immediately chucking the catalogue in the recycling bin, I had a look and was very pleasantly surprised. I've put together my top picks. They are not going to win prizes for being at the cutting edge of fashion but they are stylish and highly wearable. It's not possible to be a trail blazing Fashionista every day !
Lands End provides exceptional quality at reasonable prices. Their Customer Services are only rivalled by Boden . A zip broke on a coat I'd had for at least 2 years. I rang to ask if it could be mended if I returned it. I was immediately offered a full refund ! You can also return goods after any period- no time limit- for an exchange or refund. The only pain is paying postage to return unsuitable items. This is refunded if you are exchanging however. They also have a free alteration/ hemming service. You can even get stuff monogrammed. But... Who on earth does that!! An insecure golfer perhaps? Someone who's forgotten their own name and needs an aide memoir?!!
But MOST IMPORTANTLY....
I have included the discounted prices in brackets.
My first picks are the sandals. I really like these Grecian style flats. I have only just noticed that they are a man made upper rather than leather, which is not ideal, but having ordered the silver and tan, for choice only you understand, I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
The black and white combination is most unusual. I haven't seen any others like it this season and it looks really high end , almost formal. It has a 2cm heel which should save you from that leaden calf feeling one gets after wearing really flat flats all day.
A soft caramel colour rather than a true tan but extremely versatile and leg lengthening-always a consideration , for me at least !
I could see Helena in these, just before they sent the ships !
Silver
I love metallics and this will look stunning below your golden and finely turned ankle. Well, it will definitely be invaluable in your holiday suitcase as it goes with all other colours. It will save on the excess baggage anyway !
The low block heel is everywhere at the moment. This heel is 3.5cm so, unlike higher versions, it shouldn't throw your foot forwards. My experience of those with a more acute angle is that, given how narrow the band across the toes , it soon begins to rub.
Amalia Leather Ankle Strap Sandals £69.95 ( £52.50 )
Black
Deep Rosewood
Deep Sea
Wedges are another favourite, allowing you to gain height without paying the price of seriously painful feet. The Striped Mid-Wedge Mule Sandal £49.95 (£37.50) has just enough height to give you lift without making walking for any period a serious challenge. It would be great under the wider leg trousers and although it is also made in a "Bright Citrus Stripe " ( a lurid green in reality ), the navy and cream combination is the most versatile.
Deep Sea/Blondewood
Striped Wide Leg Trousers £50 Next
These trousers from Next, and others in the same vein, shout out for a heel or wedge. Your legs will go on forever with the Wedge Mules under them.
The other style of wedge worth considering is the Della Mid Wedge Mule Sandal £49.95 ( £37.50 )
Cognac
Black
Lava Orange
Or, if you prefer more ankle support and a smarter looking sandal, Simona Wedge Sandals £59.95 ( £51 )
Black
Classic Tan
Ballet Pumps may seem to have have lost their edge recently to other flats- Pointed T Bars, Laces, Brogues, Skater Shoes - but they are a classic and, as such ,are still a lynchpin of your wardrobe. Other styles may come and go, but the ballet pump will be around for a long time so they are still worth the investment.
Lands End's version all come with a small bow on the front , in plain and metallic leather uppers or, for those with a cap toe, in printed polyester satin uppers, with faux leather toe caps. The leather ballets are made in two width fittings - Regular and Wide, although the toe cap version are only made in Regular.
Deep Sea (Navy )
Also in Black, Silver Metallic, Harvest Tomato and Classic Tan
Twilight Navy Floral
Black Print (Spot )
Provided you're not attempting to get onto the Red Carpet in Cannes anytime soon (what on Earth were they thinking, banning flats ?? I'd have liked to see them stop Hilary Clinton in a pair of brogues ! ), then these point toe flats are a good option. They are extremely versatile and will team particularly well with cropped trousers, shorts (yikes !) or with the majority of your Summer dresses.
The mixed material in the Oatmeal and Black, which have ankle straps in gold and silver respectively, increase their scope for pairing with different colours and the chambray pair are particularly on trend.
Chambray- fab with just about everything. This is the kind of shoe you can put on and forget. No need to worry about going without tights ( what I really mean is pop socks but I think one has to pretend one never touches such things ). There is a cotton twill lining for breathability and a cushioned heel which should please your Chiropodist !
Floral
Black and Silver
Oatmeal and Gold
Look ! Even Skater Shoes ....
Classic Suede Slip On Trainers £44.95 ( £33.75 )
Chestnut Suede
Navy Suede
Navy and White Canvas
I'm not one for shorts. My legs have sufficient patterning and texture of their own nowadays for me to feel that its kinder to all to keep them covered. I feel that there are very few occasions which warrant them and, barring a mad urge to scale Kilnsey Crag, I don't foresee a need. That said, should I buy a pair of shorts, it would be these. Although my legs probably have a similar amount of graphic interest as these paisley shorts, my patterning is not the kind you would wish to recreate ! These though are lovely. The reproduction here doesn't do them justice. They are really strong and detailed.
Low Rise Shorts
Linen/Cotton Paisley £34.95 ( £26.25)
These will look fabulous with a short length, boxy linen shirt and flat sandals. Very Mykonos !
Jumpsuits have come into their own this Season and Lands End have two , both in very wearable shades of blue , (including the ubiquitous chambray ) ,and both made from 100% lyocell. I've mentioned lyocell before. Its a brilliant fabric . Made from the natural cellulose found in wood pulp it is economical in its use of energy and natural resources and (who said "more importantly" ? ), it has natural breathability and has 50% more absorption than cotton. That is undoubtedly a good thing if its being fashioned into a jumpsuit-without that you may end up as a very sweaty chrysalis !
Anyway Lyocell is soft, breathable, lightweight and comfortable. Its smooth surface means it drapes beautifully, avoiding the dreaded cling . Great for travelling as it is relatively crease free -but you will probably need to allow a little longer in the Ladies to allow for disrobing. Worth it though.
If you haven't thought of a Jumpsuit before, give it a go . It will instantly update your look. I would suggest that you team it with flats or go with really high heels - anything in between looks a little meh !
The short sleeves have a rolled cuff (an important style detail ), there is a full elastic waistband with a drawstring to adjust the fit and the leg length is 31". The length, unless you are really short, should fit all as it can be , and should be, worn rolled.
Lands End is well known for its trousers for men and women. Particularly for their chinos. There are loads of styles to choose from but, given that cropped trousers are enjoying their fashion moment, I have selected their mid rise, chino style ones to show you. They have a large selection of colours , I have just included those which speak to me !
The trousers are made from 98% Cotton with 2 % lycra . They are made in various combinations of Petite and Regular .The Plains however are the only ones made in a Plus size . The sizing is extremely generous is my experience. Its definitely worth considering going down a size. It is an American Company after all!
Zara had a pair very similar to these, albeit last year, and they are really striking. I ordered them but had to return as they were too large, whatever size I tried. I don't think the styling in the photograph with the ankle strap shoes works particularly well though. Much better with a pair of loafers or ballet flats.
Flax (all sizes ) £44.95 (£33.75 ) and £49.95 (£ 37.50 ) for Plus
T Shirts and T Shirt Dresses are also Lands End's "thing". The dress in the style which stood out for me though is the Sleeveless Pique Polo Dress in Navy with white trim.
This looks so crisp and fresh and is brilliant to just throw on and go. Its casual yet smart. If you wanted to add a slight twist, and give yourself a little shape , I suggest a metal chain belt, fastened loosely over your hips and gently hanging lower at the front, perhaps to one side. This is especially helpful if you have a large bust. Without the drawing in action of the belt all the fabric will drop from your bust, making you look the same width all the way down. The belt here will stop that, with the benefit of drawing the eye towards it, rather than the placket, and necessarily, to your bust!
If you don't have much of a waist, the belt will create the illusion of one. The key is not too tight though, this is a casual look.
Chain belts are as scarce as hen's teeth on the High Street at the moment .That just means they are not high fashion but they are stylish and that's way more significant in my book! I'm quite sure that if you bought either of the ones I 've selected below, you will regularly be complimented and asked from whence they came !
The other dress which grabbed my attention and which is a bit of an anomaly for Lands End ,is the Broderie Anglaise Shift Dress. £90 (£ 67.50 ) .The styling is simple and chic and is suitable for a myriad of occasions. It has a lined bodice and skirt but, flatteringly has see through, three quarter length sleeves. I love it.
Classic Navy
White
Finally, Tops and Shirts ..
This shirt is a classic. You will be wearing it 10 years from now and it will still look as good as today. It is a simple, clean shape which won't date and paisley is a perennial print which always looks fresh. .As a bonus its non iron ! Wear it with jeans or chinos or under a work suit.
Chambray was heralded as the "Grown Ups " Denim by Anna Murphy in The Times this Wednesday (20 th May ). Every wardrobe should have a shirt like this and this one, particularly with the discount, represents excellent value. Like the paisley print above, this won't date and is a true wardrobe staple.
More Stripes - what can I say ? I'm clearly addicted!
I hope you have found something which speaks to you. Must close now before the discount expires. Life seems to get in the way!
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