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Connect the dots

Polka dots. One of fashion’s most enduring trends, they pop up every few seasons to bring a little fun and frivolity to lacklustre wardrobes. And this summer is no exception – you’ll find fabulous dresses and tops, swimwear and accessories everywhere that will hit the style spot…

If you love the classic look, you can’t go wrong with navy (or black) and white polka dots. Completely effortless and flattering for all, this is an easy look to wear to inject a touch of sophistication and retro style into your summer collection. If you’re hitting the beach, protect delicate skin with our fun Swim Tee or cover-up in our cute dotty Vest Top. If it’s a special occasion option you’re after, go flirty and feminine with our pretty Jersey Crossover Dress that’ll take you from garden party to dinner date with ease.

But while darker polka dot looks have timeless appeal, it’s important to keep your look fresh – and this season that means energetic, colourful graphic dots to liven up any look. Have fun with your kids’ wardrobes and dress them in our cute polka dot Sophie cardi; or why not add a touch of sparkle with our Embellished Graphic Tees adorned with pretty payettes (shimmery, circular sequins to you and me!)

If you’re not quite ready to stand out in bright, bold colours yourself, make use of accessories to rock this summer’s trend: our Painted Dot Print Scarf is a lovely lightweight addition which will pep up a plain outfit in no time. However you wear them, have fun – and you’ll soon be dotty for spots too!

Day to evening party dressing: the 10-minute makeover!

 As the Christmas party season looms large in the social calendar, women everywhere turn their attention to choosing the correct outfit for out-of-hours dining and dancing. But as seasoned party-goers know, this isn't quite as easy as it sounds: you can't really go into work looking like you belong in a cocktail bar…. but who has the time to start from scratch come the evening festivities? The solution is to make one outfit work to transition both day and night. Read on and follow our guide to getting it right this Christmas…

Rule Number One: Pick a staple that will work for both looks. A simple shift dress will look professional from 9-5pm but can also be easily transformed into a head-turning LBD for an evening out. Black or red are great colours for this time of year – but keep the hemline and neckline conservative to avoid an office faux pas. But how to wear it? This leads me neatly on to….

Rule Number Two: Accessorise, accessorise and accessorise some more! In case you hadn't already guessed, it's the little extras that will make all the difference. For daytime, I recommend wrapping a pretty scarf around your neck and finishing off with a simple pair of earrings… keep the diamonds and bling for the nighttime do! This is where you can afford to be a little more adventurous…so whip out a bright skinny belt to cinch in your waist and add a selection of necklaces and bracelets for visual interest.

Rule Number Three: This is all about perfect pairings. Look the part in a smart blazer during the day; and simply add a pair of cute co-ordinating flats to finish the look. Replace with a pair of killer heels come the nighttime for instant sophistication (and remember; practice makes perfect when it comes to dancing in them!)

Rule Number Four: The transformation doesn't stop there: don't forget to pack your make-up bag as you'll need to add a touch more colour to cheeks and lips and some darker eye make-up too. Spritz the roots of your hair with a volumising spray for a slightly fuller evening look and finish off with a spray of your favourite scent…no-one will ever guess your glamorous look was achieved in a matter of minutes!

 

Just the two of us: cosy coats for him & her!

When the cold, rainy weather rumbles in, getting out and about is usually the last thing on anyone's mind (who would trade a cosy cuddle on the sofa for a wintry walk?) But the correct coat can make all the difference - wrap up warm and a trudge through the sludge can soon turn into a romantic stroll for two! We've picked our favourite coats & jackets for 'him & her' to snuggle into this season...

 

Men's Down Jacket              Women's Down Jacket

Winter time = lots of layers. And the last thing you want when already trussed up against the cold is to pile on even more weight!  That's why we use a higher fill power in our Down outerwear, (which provides better insulation) to pack on the warmth, not the weight. The result? Cold-weather protection with a flattering, bulk-free fit.

 

Women's Polartec® Fleece        Men's Polartec® Fleece

A softer winter staple is the Polartec® Aircore® 200 fleece - created exclusively for Lands' End by the inventors of fleece. This innovative fabric uses unique yarns in an ingenious knit that traps more air, producing more warmth, more softness - and more comfort for you both.

 

   Men's Marinac Jacket        Women's Marinac Jacket

It's no softy! Unexpected showers are no match for our perennially popular Polartec® Windbloc® Marinac. Windproof and water repellent, the lofty fibres trap air so it has plenty of warming power too. Perfect to throw on for a quick weekend walk in co-ordinating colours for couples who love to match!

 

Women's Wool Pea Coat            Men's Wool Peat Coat

For an altogether smarter affair, our refined women's and men's Wool Pea Coats are the best-dressed option. A luscious blend of rich wool and sumptuous cashmere, our women's version is a traditional double-breasted style with princess seams to flatter your figure. For him, the Wool Pea Coat provides a safe harbour in rough weather, thanks to the water-repellent finish and lightweight insulation. Authentic details include a double-breasted front, an oversized collar with removable throat latch and handwarmer pockets. Cosy and oh so chic too!

Seasonal trend: Fair Isle Sweaters

I LOVE the Fair Isle knit. It conjures up cosy images of Christmas time and roaring log fires, without being, well, too Christmassy. Easy-to-wear yet siginificantly more sophisticated than their Rudolph-embossed counterparts, Fair Isle sweaters should be a staple in every woman's wardrobe this winter.

But where did the Fair Isle knit get its popularity? For that we need to delve into the history of a miniscule island (really - it's only three square miles!) halfway between Orkney and Shetland in northern Scotland, with a population of only 70 or so islanders. 

 

 

Local knitters on Fair Isle discovered that fine yarns stranded into a double layer produced durable, warm, yet lightweight garments. It is likely that the island women developed the distinctive horizonal geometric patterns when a piece of patterned knitting was bartered into the isle from a passing ship – probably from Scandinavia.

 

 

 

For hundreds of years, demand for hand-knitting kept the islanders busy but it wasn't until the Prince of Wales (later to become Edward VIII) wore Fair Isle tank tops in public in 1921 that the popularity of the knit saw a meteroric rise!

The use of dyes from local sources meant the garments originally came in rather muted shades, but modern dyeing and knitting techniques now mean that Fair Isle gloves, scarves, hats and clothing abound in the brightest of hues.

So how to wear it? Well, if you're not shy of mixing your prints and patterns, then pairing it with tartan is THE way to wear it this season. The Chanel Pre-Fall 2013 fashion show saw chunky Fair Isle scarves nestled amongst a multitude of tartan, argyle and plaid. Our top seasonal tip? Team a cute Fair Isle jumper with a pleated tartan skirt, add some brogues or loafers and you'll have a perfectly wearable preppy look - festive without the flounce!

Buyers' Top Picks!

Ever wondered which styles our fashion experts love, love, love? We've asked our team of buyers to choose their favourite items this season and tell us what sends them to the top of their wish list...

 

 

     Women’s Print Calf Hair Skinny Belt

 “The perfect accessory for your autumn wardrobe. A mix of stylish print and soft leather calf hair, this statement piece is great for adding colour and fun to any outfit.” Alison Sheath, Accessories

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Men’s Slim Fit Easy Iron Straight Collar Shirt

“We love the new collection of Formal Shirts from our 'Made To Work' range, especially the new Slim fit style; perfect for any modern working man. And best of all, the price is amazing…..£29.95 each or 4 For £100. Great value for money!” Matt Deadman, Menswear

 

 

 

 

 

Women’s Pleated Scoop Neck Top

“Stop the press! Our front cover style is a real favourite at the moment within the office – it’s like spot the top here at Lands’ End HQ! The choice of patterns is great; so whether you're dotty about dots or think florals are fabulous, there's something to suit everyone.” Emma Manson, Womenswear

 

 

 

 

 

           Men’s Reversible Squall Jacket

“You can't get better than two coats in one! On one side a sleek nylon shell features a water-resistant finish, whilst the other side is a waterproof, windproof, breathable Squall shell - a fantastic multipurpose jacket that will keep you ahead of the weather!” Sandeep Mahil, Outerwear

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Boys’ Graphic Tee

“My favourite tee in our range is our boys' glow-in-the-dark moon graphic tee!  It’s amazing! If I was a little boy it would be just what I wanted to wear!” Ruth Skinner, Kidswear

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Kids’ Chukka Boots

“I luuurve the kids' cool chukka boots!! If only I could have fluro laces for my shoes too!!” Gareth Jolley, Kidswear

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Girls’ Owl Skort

"Twittwooooo! Perfect for every little girls' wardrobe with its beautiful embroidered owls. It’s one of our famous skorts too with built in jersey shorts – perfect for cartwheeling!! Ruth Skinner, Kidswear

 

 

 

 

 

 

        Girls’ Duet Dress

"Is it a top? Is it a skirt? Nope, it’s our lovely duet dress that does both jobs in one. Saves having to co-ordinate in the mornings - a ready-made outfit straight out of the wardrobe!" Ruth Skinner, Kidswear

Top of the class!

It’s the time of year that lulls every parent into a false sense of security…six weeks of endless sunshine and no 6am alarm call to do the school run. Plenty of time to get them sorted with all the kit they need for September. Right? Wrong!

Leave it any later than the first few weeks in, and the shops are filled with mums and dads fighting over the last pinafore dress and pencil case! So avoid the mad rush and enjoy the stress-free experience of shopping online at Lands’ End. With our no-quibble returns policy and quality guarantee, getting all your back-to-school stuff has never been easier.

 

Here’s our pick of the best kit & caboodle for the classroom…

 

Liven up lunchtimes with our lovely lunch boxes! Choose from our innovative Madbox™ (designed by kids for kids to keep food super-cool), the ClassMate® Soft-Sided Lunch box in funky patterns and prints plus our Neoprene Lunch Bags which are de rigueur for all little ladies. Even more reason for it to be their favourite part of the school day! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Too cool for school? No way! Our bright, bold coats and jackets will take them through break time and beyond. The all new waterproof Squalls® for boys and girls take on the toughest of autumnal weather; whilst our down outerwear is great for kids who hate wearing heavy jackets - they’re light, warm & incredible value to boot!

 

 

Backpacks that score an A+ for fun, function and all-round fabulousness! In a recent Lands’ End Back to School Survey, 92% of parents reported the humble backpack as the number one item to have for the first day back. In patterns and plains, we’ve got oodles of options for kids including the ClassMate® medium and large backpacks for carting all of their heavy books and first term essentials. Check out our handy video link below to see what fits in each bag!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 For the rope swings and more – our classic pull-on joggers and yoga pants are perfect for your lively little monkeys. Made from soft, jersey cotton they’re wonderfully comfortable to wear – but are built to withstand PE sessions in the gym hall or out on the field; and all the muddy patches they can muster!

 

 

 

Even better value than the high street, our great back-to-school shoes take the pain out of one of September’s most expensive purchases! We’ve got boys and girls styles in genuine suede and leather complete with slip-resistant soles, stay-fresh finishes and easy-on, rip-grip fastenings to make weekday mornings that little bit easier.

 

 

The Carry-on Luggage Challenge

I can remember the days when packing to go on holiday involved squashing the entire contents of my summer wardrobe into a variety of suitcases. And whilst I got to spend the week showcasing my fashion flair in a different outfit each night, the majority of my holiday attire came home completely unworn (but still needing to be washed after mingling with the other sandy garments in my suitcase).

Fast-forward 15 years and the increasingly strict airline baggage restrictions have meant that my holiday packing now has to be approached with military precision. The ultimate aim: to pack everything I need for a long weekend (or even a week) into a carry-on bag that fits in the overhead locker, so the airlines don’t get any more of my money than is absolutely necessary. I call it the ‘Carry-on luggage challenge’. Sounds impossible? Of course not…just follow these simple rules:

1. Pick one base colour. Neutral is best (tan, black or navy are great options), but if you have a particular colour that comprises a lot of your wardrobe, go with that.

2. Keep the coordinates simple. If you have navy trousers and a navy skirt, you can mix in tops in a few other colours; try white, red, turquoise or hot pink. Stripes or prints add interest and will jazz up an outfit too.

3. Pack items that can double-up. A swim cover-up can work as a dress, a tunic over some trousers or even a nightdress. Roll them up so they can be squashed into every available space; non-crease fabrics are a godsend here!

4. Think double-duty with shoes, too. Which means don’t pack a pair that will only go with a specific outfit…a pair of beige flats are probably best as you can team them with everything in your suitcase.

5. Accessories take up almost no space at all. Scarves, jewellery, belts and hats can be tucked into your bag and will help you get even more mileage out of your basic pieces.

6. Wear the heaviest (or bulkiest) stuff on the plane. If you think you’ll need a cardigan or jeans for chilly evenings, don’t pack them – wear them. The plane is almost always freezing cold anyway. Just ensure they’re easy to remove as you disembark the plane and hit a wall of 40-degree heat.

 

And the conclusion is…

Above all, plan what you’re going to take well in advance and mentally check-off what you will wear each day. Make a list. Be disciplined – don’t deviate. It’s always the last minute packing panic that will result in you paying an excess baggage charge. And most of all – enjoy the freedom of striding through the airport unencumbered by suitcases, smug in the knowledge that this year, you’ll be coming home to one small bag of washing. Bon voyage!

49 Years Of Shopping Lands' End

 

Lands’ End has been doing business for 50 years. Malcolm Scollay Low has been shopping with us for 49.

That makes him the longest-serving Lands’ End customer we know of. Remarkable, but less remarkable than the man himself, as we realised when he told us his story.

“The first thing I bought from you was a Barient halyard winch for my new Bermuda 40 sailboat in the spring of 1964,” says Malcolm. “I had seen a terrible accident at sea – a man’s hand had slipped when he was raising a sail with a winch, and it had smashed him in the face. I didn’t want that to happen to me, or anyone on my crew, so I bought the best winch there was.”

Who sold it to him? An affable, crewcut young man named Gary Comer, who had started Lands’ End a year earlier.

“Gary was a wonderful fellow,” says Malcolm. “We got to be friends. A few years later, he was coming out to Boston near where I lived for a Star Boat race, and I invited him and his wife to stay with us. He arrived in an enormous Cadillac towing his Star Boat. He opened the trunk, and there was a large commercial sewing machine inside. He was prepared to recut his sails if he needed to.”

Malcolm doesn’t remember how Gary did in his race – he was frantically preparing for one of his own. It was a race from Bermuda to Copenhagen, to celebrate the 100^th anniversary of the Royal Danish Yacht Club.

“Mine was one of the two smallest boats in the race, with a crew of seven,” recalls Malcolm. “I was unprepared for the rigors of the race. It took us 27 days to reach Copenhagen! We had to go all the way up to 60 north looking for wind, into Arctic waters – it blew and snowed, terrible weather. But even so, at one point or another, every one of my crew came up to me individually and asked if once the race was over, we could re-provision and sail all the way back to Bermuda!

Malcolm’s boat ended up finishing the race dead last, but only because it spent 20 hours waiting with another boat whose rudder had broken, until someone could rescue them.

“I had promised my crew that I’d get them all to the party that the king was throwing, once we reached Copenhagen,” says Malcolm, “but we were all too seaspun to attend.”

Malcolm never saw Gary Comer again, but they corresponded off and on over the years, and called each other from time to time.

“Gary did a wonderful thing,” says Malcolm. “He went into the clothing business, and made clothes that were very seaman-like – very well-made, very well-priced. As only Gary could have done. So I’ve continued to shop with Lands’ End.”

Malcolm, we’re honoured to have you as our customer, and hope your voyage with us continues for many more years.

Dive into summer...

Let’s face it; with the weather doing its best to put a dampener on everybody’s summer plans, there seems little incentive to turn your attention to what you’ll be wearing on the beach. But there’s one very important reason to ensure that the humble swimming cossie is still an integral part of your summer wardrobe…

THE ANNUAL SUMMER BEACH HOLIDAY – usually eagerly anticipated and dreaded in equal measure, this two week fiesta will see you spending more time in that tiny piece of clothing than anything else.

But choosing suitable beach attire can seem like a minefield; which bits to hold in and which to expose? And is the current trend to match tops and bottoms or not?

But before you panic at the very thought and resolve to stay completely covered in a Nigella-style burkini, check out our simple guide to finding the perfect beachwear for you:

Wear your curves with confidence!

Want a flatter tummy and smoother hips? No problem! Our NEW Shape and Enhance range uses innovative technology to provide control at the points of the body where you need it and allow natural shaping where you don’t. This exclusive collection combines great design features with a higher leg cut for a truly modern look.

Shop Twist-strap Swimsuit

Shop Halterneck Swimsuit

Shop Belted Swimsuit

Or Shop Shape and Enhance Swim Collection

Adventure-ready styles

If lounging on a sunbed isn’t your style, then you’ll need swimwear to keep up with your demanding activities. Our AquaFitness and AquaTerra ranges are made from chlorine-resistant XtraLife Lycra for longer-lasting shape and fit plus UPF 50 sun protection to shield skin from the sun whilst you play beach volleyball!

Shop AquaTerra™ Batik Tankini Top

Shop AquaFitness Butterfly Swimsuit

Shop AquaTerra™ Brazil Scoopneck Bikini Top

Or Shop AquaTerra and Aqua Fitness Collections

Skipped your gym sessions?

Don’t panic! Our Slender Swimsuits have all-over control to make you look slimmer in seconds. Designed with a Slendertex base suit for firm control and a more defined silhouette, these timeless styles are perfect for giving you ultimate beach body confidence.

Shop Keyhole Slender Swimsuit

Shop Princess Slender Swimsuit

Shop V-Neck Slender Swimsuit

Or Shop Slender Swimsuits Collection

Need versatile packing options?

Take the headache out of trying to co-ordinate tops and bottoms with our Beach Living Collection. Mix and match cute tankini tops in plains and patterns with our swim bottoms, swim minis and swim shorts – all with a discreet tummy control lining which means no breathing in required!

Shop Jersey Cover Up

Shop Halter Neck Tunic Top & Tummy Control Bottoms

Shop Bardot Floral Print & Tummy Control SwimMini

Or Shop Beach Living Collection

No-fuss swimwear

Described as the ‘Queen of Swimsuits’ by one adoring customer our classic Tugless swimsuit continues to make waves as part of our swim collection. A best-seller for years, it’s sensibly cut with a simple scoop neck and modest leg height and is guaranteed to stay put as you swim, stroll and sunbathe!

Shop Tugless swimsuit with soft cup bra

Shop Tugless swimsuit with no bra

Shop Tugless swimsuit with shelf bra

Or Shop Tugless Swimsuits Collection

 

So don’t cower under a beach towel or kaftan this year, strut your stuff on the sand and wear your Lands’ End swimsuit with pride. Happy holidays!

 

Monkeying Around!

Where better to test our new kids' spring/summer clothing range (including our award-winning Iron-Knee® trousers) than climbing through the trees and tackling the tarzan swing at 'Go Ape' Forest Adventure Park in Norfolk?

Joining Ruth and Charlotte from our kidswear team on their Treetop Adventure were Daisy Bridgewater from The Telegraph Magazine, Catherine O'Dolan and Kate Donoughue from Junior parenting magazine, Julie Player from Take a Break & of course, nine of their little monkeys!

The wet and windy weather was no problem for our intrepid adventurers who were all kitted out in a variety of practical clothing, including the mums who were delighted to be looking stylish whilst scaling new heights.

Ruth told us: "It was great fun, but absolutely terrifying…I'm not sure I could handle the adult's course! Even though the weather wasn't very kind to us on the day, I still managed to stay warm and dry in my lovely Lands' End Cropped Trench Jacket."

The Essential Kit:

Iron Knee® Classic-Fit Jeans  - a universal success, everyone thought these were great quality and easily stood up to the inclement weather conditions.

Boys' Waterproof Navigator Rain Jackets – perfect for everything from a drizzle to a downpour, these certainly lived up to their name and kept the boys completely dry.

Girls' Heart Pocket Hoodies – adored by the girls for the cute heart pockets but for being scrumptiously soft and warm too; especially on those with sensitive skin.

Our Fine Gauge Polka Dot Cardigan and Rainstop Parka went down really well with all the mums who loved the bold, bright colours and flattering styles – after all, getting wet and muddy should be no barrier to looking good!