Monday, May 23, 2011

Giveaway: Lands End $100 Gift Card

Raise your hand if you hate your body. (Mine is up there, too!) Now raise your hand if you hate shopping for a swimsuit. (Yep, still up there. That's why my last swimsuit literally disintegrated before I threw it away and finally broke down and admitted I needed a new one.)

Enter Lands End with their National Swimsuit Confidence Week. I was able to choose a Lands End swimsuit that flatters me - a tough trick. I've had great experiences with Lands End in the past, and I was up for the challenge.

Their website has a variety of ways to search for a swimsuit. For those who have experience with Lands End styles, they offer various collections to browse that - based on reviews I read on the site - seem to stay somewhat consistent from year to year. For those of us who have no clue, there are other search methodologies - from shopping by solution (flatten tummy, slim hips, conceal thighs, etc - ummm yes?!) to special sizes (for everything from mastectomy suits to larger cup sizes and more) - which I thought was very cool.

The best solution for me though was to talk to a swimsuit advisor via their web chat, although there was also the option of video chat. I didn't need that, though. The web advisor was awesome. She talked through what I liked and was looking for and confirmed my measurements before recommending a few suit styles for me to check, including passing along the links directly to the suits. It was sort of like shopping with a girlfriend who knew what she was talking about, and I definitely need more of those!

I finally settled on the Beach Living Collection and the v-neck tankini top in a long, knowing that mine tend to ride up on me. I was sort of sad that though the suit offered a long option and a D-cup option (seriously, how did I not know this was available in swimsuits?), both were not offered at the same time. I'm also all about the swim skirts now, and the ones I've had have been actually pretty flattering, so I found a nice black one that I liked, figuring I could match it up with another swim top later.

A few days later, my new suit arrived. The color wasn't quite the vibrant purple of iris that I had expected given the color swatch on the site - it had more red to it - but I liked the color, and quickly tried the suit on, hoping that measuring myself meant I might find a halfway decent suit.

The suit didn't support my top quite as much as I'd hoped - and as other similar styles I've owned in the past have - but it was very comfortable. I probably could have or should have gotten one size smaller, and that may have helped. The swim skirt fit perfectly. It was supposed to be a tummy slimming one, but it didn't feel like it was pulling me in any - again, maybe I needed a smaller size. The skirt was also a little longer than I'm used to in a swim skirt, but as I'm getting older, maybe that's a good thing! I have a feeling I'll be a little more comfortable sitting on the edge of the pool playing games with the wee ones this summer with the slightly longer skirt.

Interestingly, I was unable to take a single flattering picture of me and the swimsuit. That said, it looks better on me in person, especially when I'm moving than it does here.



I do like all the options that were available for the suits, and I look forward to alternating the halter with other swim tops to avoid any one particular tan line. Or at least I will once I hit the gym far more regularly than I have been lately - except that's not at all what this week is about. It's about having confidence in your suit. Because, really, so long as someone is wearing a suit that fits, do we really go around judging all the other moms at the pool? I didn't think so!

Lastly, join Lands’ End every day from May 23 to May 27 from 12:00–1:00 pm CST for a series of National Swimsuit Confidence Week events on Twitter. This weeklong movement was created to celebrate women of all shapes and sizes as well as educate and inspire us to embrace our swimsuit beauty (obviously we need it!) and have fun this summer. Each day Lands’ End will give away 10 Lands’ End Swimsuits, 10 Lands’ End Beach Towels and announce exclusive swimsuit promotions.

There are twitter parties each day this week - Monday is Swimsuit Coverage, Tuesday covers (ahem) Swimsuit Trends for Real Women, Wednesday is all about Swim Slenderizers, Thursday focuses on Bring Your Confidence To The Beach, and Friday is the Ultimate Swimsuit Confidence Celebration. Follow @LandsEndPR and the hashtag #landsend for the parties.

As a part of this campaign, Lands End is giving me a $100 Lands End gift card to one reader to purchase a swim suit. Yay! So what do you have to do to win? First of all, let me stress that you must follow all the rules. If you do not follow the rules, your entry will not count!

This contest is open until Monday June 6 at 7pm CST. I must have a valid way to reach you, so leave me your email address in your comment or be sure your profile has your email address visible. No duplicate comments will count. This giveaway is open to US residents age 18 and older. Winners will be selected via random.org and must respond within 48 hours of being notified by me or I will select a new winner.

Mandatory Entry: What is your biggest swimsuit challenge?

Bonus Entries (leave a comment for each entry - if you put it all in one comment, I'll count it as one entry):

1) Earn one additional entry for following me on Twitter and tweeting this contest with the following tweet: "Win a $100GC from #landsend as part of National Swimsuit Confidence Week from @honestandtruly http://bit.ly/m7y9a6" (leave a link to your tweet as your comment and make sure you do all the steps!)
2) Earn one additional entry by following this review blog publicly via Google Friend Connect.
3) Earn one additional entry by following my “regular” blog Honest & Truly! publicly via Google Friend Connect.
4) Like my blog on Facebook and let me know what name you used to like it.

Good luck!

In the interest of full disclosure, I was provided with a swimsuit by Lands End for review purposes. I received no compensation, and all opinions expressed are my own.

98 comments:

  1. My biggest swimsuit challenge is support in the top, followed closely by coverage in the bottom!

    Thanks for the chance to win!

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  2. Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/HeadlessMom/statuses/72901537818607617

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  3. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  4. My biggest swimsuit challenge is trying to minimize my thighs.

    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

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  5. I follow your regular blog publicly in GFC.

    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

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  6. My biggest swimsuit challenge is my tummy. I'm a big girl anyway and unfortunately carry it mostly in my midsection and hips.

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  7. Tweeted.

    http://twitter.com/#!/anticswithangie/status/73120343006527488

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  8. I like you on Facebook as Angie Murillo Nye.

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  9. You look great in your suit!

    My biggest swimsuit challenge is support and coverage on top. There never seems to be enough of either of them.

    Thanks!

    kim@accidentalmommies.com

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  10. My biggest swimsuit challenge is that I HATE my legs. And until we go back to those long old fashioned bloomer swimsuits there is no way to wear a swimsuit without showing my legs. Boo.

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  11. I follow your other blog on GFC.

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  12. I like you on FB as Sara Youngblood-Ochoa. (P.S. This just killed my anonymity! :) )

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  13. Trying to find swimsuits that make me not feel bad about my legs :)
    littlegray88 at yahoo dot com

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  14. I follow this blog via GFC
    littlegray88 at yahoo dot com

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  15. I like you on Facebook as Aubrey laine Fick
    littlegray88 at yahoo dot com

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  16. my biggest challenge is just feeling comfortable with my thighs and arms. I'd go with thighs the most though b/c I can get something like what you have. It's super cute by the way.

    lauren51990 at aol dot com

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  17. My biggest swimsuit challenge is hiding my tummy :) *Thanks* for the giveaway!
    theluckyladybug[at]gmail[dot]com

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  18. Following @honestandtruly on Twitter and Tweeted the giveaway
    theluckyladybug[at]gmail[dot]com

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  19. My biggest swimsuit challenge is my breasts coming out of the sides of the top! :)

    vandango33 at gmail dot com

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  20. I follow you on twitter @egood33 and tweeted
    http://twitter.com/#!/egood33/status/73762306038824960


    vandango33 at gmail dot com

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  21. I'm following you on your regular blog-Elisabeth G

    vandango33 at gmail dot com

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  22. I liked your blog on FB-Elisabeth Good

    vandango33 at gmail dot com

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  23. My biggest challenge - a suit that keeps my boobs up and stops them from flopping!

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  24. I tweeted:

    http://twitter.com/#!/mttsm/status/73770357445758976

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  25. I already like your blog on FB.

    :)

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  26. My biggest issue with swimsuits is them staying in place and not relocating to places I'd rather them not be.

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  27. -->My biggest issue is hiding my buddah belly. One frustration is the pads that always shift around too.

    http://www.websavvymom.com

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  28. My biggest swimsuit challenge is finding something figure flattering for my post-kids figure.

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  29. I am a current GFC follower. (rusthawk)

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  30. I follow Honest & Truly! publicly via Google Friend Connect.

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  31. Following you on twitter and tweeted http://twitter.com/rusthawk/status/73776353572421632

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  32. I am following you on FB @Rust Hawk.

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  33. My biggest swimsuit challenge is finding one that has a flattering fit and that covers me. altern147 [at] yahoo [dot] com

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  34. My biggest swimsuit challenge is that I am overweight and have a large stomace. I would like a swim suit that covered everything. helenkeeler@comcast.net

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  35. I follow you on Twitter @helen1949 and tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/helen1949/status/73946188591804417 helenkeeler@comcast.net

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  36. I follow you publicly on GFC as Helen Keeler
    helenkeeler@comcast.net

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  37. OY, what isn't a challenge for me when it comes to a swimsuit. I'm overweight. Let's just leave it at that.

    Megryansmom @ SBCGLOBAL . Net

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  38. swimsuit challenge-oh gah! I need full head to toe coverage, a burka? perhaps! :) I guess my bum is too wide.

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  39. I follow the trials and tribulations on the other blog :)

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  40. My challenge is a swimsuit that makes me look like I have more boobs.
    traymona[at]aol.com

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  41. My biggest challange is finding a swimsuit that gives me the right coverage.

    rawrms (at) gmail (dot) com

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  42. my challenge is to find one my girlfriend won't return

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  43. my biggest challenge is that I have a cute belly that seems to just pops out...
    mousylim@yahoo.com

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  44. I am so glad I didn't miss this!!!! I'm in the market for a swimsuit for my California trip, and I got the Lands End catalog today. My trouble spot is my stomach. I want a suit that doesn't make me look too Momish.

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  45. My Tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/Mrs4444/status/74655522200092672

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  46. Like your blog a while back via FB (and my real name)

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  47. Following Honest & Truly via GFC

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  48. My biggest challenge is top support AND strech mark cover up. So halter tankinis are my kinda thing

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  49. Biggest challenge is my belly, and while no suit can make it disappear, I'm a big fan of the LE rash guards. :)

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  50. I "like" you on Facebook, too-- as Dawn Courchaine Mooney. :)

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  51. My biggest challenge is my stomach.

    sflickinger at rocketmail dot com

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  52. I follow on GFC as sflickinger.

    sflickinger at rocketmail dot com

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  53. What isn't a challenge in wearing a swimsuit? lol - I guess I'd have to say I need help w/my thighs! TY for the contest!

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  54. I tweeted here: http://twitter.com/anashct/status/75015355428372480
    Thanks for the chance!!
    anashct [at] yahoo [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  55. I follow you on twitter @anashct
    Thanks for your giveaway!
    anashct [at] yahoo [dot] com

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  56. I follow on google connect as "anash"
    Thank you kindly!
    anashct [at] yahoo [dot] com

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  57. I follow your other blog ALSO on google connect as "anash"
    Thank you kindly!
    anashct [at] yahoo [dot] com

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  58. my biggest challenge is having few curves!! maybe i can fake it..lol! Thanks for the chance to win!! What a lovely giveaway
    anashct [at] yahoo [dot] com

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  59. My biggest swimsuit challenge is 2-fold. (1) I lost lots of weight so don't own one that fits and (2) swimsuits have gotten very expensive, so I can't buy one!

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  60. My biggest swimsuit challenge is my thighs, which is why I love swim skirts!
    maddiemb {at} comcast (dot) net

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  61. I follow your review blog via Google Friend Connect.
    maddiemb {at} comcast (dot) net

    ReplyDelete
  62. I follow your “regular” blog Honest & Truly! publicly via Google Friend Connect.
    maddiemb {at} comcast (dot) net

    ReplyDelete
  63. I follow your Facebook page (FB name: Maddie Brubaker).
    maddiemb {at} comcast (dot) net

    ReplyDelete
  64. my swimsuit challenge is finding one that covers up my upper thighs...not a pretty sight.

    ReplyDelete
  65. i tweeted
    http://twitter.com/#!/bani127/status/76358489483653120

    ReplyDelete
  66. i follow this review blog publicly via Google Friend Connect.

    ReplyDelete
  67. i follow YOUR “regular” blog Honest & Truly! publicly via Google Friend Connect.

    ReplyDelete
  68. I LIKE YOU ON FACEBOOK - VANESSA MORA

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  69. I'm top heavy, so finding a suit that fits my top and my bottom too is very difficult!

    amandastarr11 at hotmail dot com

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  70. I follow this blog on GFC. AmandaStarr

    amandastarr11 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  71. I follow your other blog on GFC. AmandaStarr

    amandastarr11 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  72. I like you on FB. Amanda Kopischke MOllenhour

    amandastarr11 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  73. My biggest challenge is that I teach in the area in which I live, so I see my students at the pool. I am fairly large chested (okay, honestly, I'm huge) and finding a suit that is attractive and modest enough to wear around students has been tough!

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  74. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  75. And I like your regular blog on FB :)

    (Kimberly Rues Bell)

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  76. My biggest swimsuit challenge is finding a suit that is slimming, but doesn't add 20 years to my age!

    Michelle Spayde
    spayde.michelle@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  77. Follow you on Twitter under ARNIEBELLE

    http://twitter.com/#!/arniebelle/status/77604395403051008

    ReplyDelete
  78. GFC public Follower

    Michelle Spayde
    spayde.michelle@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  79. Earn one additional entry by following my “regular” blog Honest & Truly! publicly via Google Friend Connect.

    Michelle Spayde
    spayde.michelle@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  80. Like my blog on Facebook and let me know what name you used to like it.

    Michelle Spayde
    spayde.michelle@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  81. My biggest swimsuit challenge is finding one that fits right! They're usually too big on the top, too small on the bottom, etc.

    ReplyDelete
  82. I follow you on Twitter as @calidreamin87 & I tweeted the giveaway:

    http://twitter.com/#!/calidreamin87/status/77667537835409408

    ReplyDelete
  83. I follow this blog on Google Friend Connect via Blogger.

    ReplyDelete
  84. I follow your regular blog Honest & Truly! on GFC via Twitter(same user name.)(New follower)

    ReplyDelete
  85. I Like your blog on Facebook(Deanna Cali)

    ReplyDelete
  86. My biggest swimsuit challenge is finding a top with enough coverage, but that doesn't flatten me in the wrong places.

    the imagine tree at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete

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