Let’s Talk Swimsuits *GIVEAWAY*

This contest is closed.  The winning number is 55 — congratulations Gretchen!  And thanks to Lands’ End for sponsoring such a generous giveaway!

It’s that time of year again — time for my annual swimsuit post.  I have long been a fan of Lands’ End swimsuits.  They are the perfect combination of quality and style, and I am a particular fan of their mix and match separates.

I’ve been wearing the same Lands’ End tankini for about five years.  I absolutely love it.  It’s from the faille line, and this is the only picture I can find of me wearing it, which I realize does next to nothing for showing you the suit, but I couldn’t resist the picture of 6-month-old R in her swimsuit and sunhat.  JUST LOOK AT THOSE CHUBBY LEGS!  Don’t you just want to nosh on them?

There are may debates among mothers — breastfeed vs bottlefeed; co-sleep vs crib; work vs stay at home; and I daresay, skirted swimsuit vs non-skirted swimsuit.  Yes, I’ve read convincing arguments on both sides, but I firmly believe that there comes a time in every woman’s life when she should no longer bare her hind end for the world to see, and my time has DEFINITELY come.

Enter the Lands’ End Swim Mini.

I like the swim mini because it’s not frumpy like many skirted suits, and it comes in two lengths (I prefer the longer style.)  And this year it also comes in a control version to help with that pesky belly bulge so many of us moms battle.

My suit is still in remarkably good shape, considering how much I’ve worn it the past few years.  With a pool membership and 3 kids at home during summer vacation, I’m in the sun and chlorine ALL summer long.  But I’m ready for something new, and I was particularly interested to try some of the newer features — namely the Trim Lines collection.  I also love the fact that you can now order a suit in your specific bra size.

So one day last week I spent about 30 minutes on the Lands’ End website perusing swim suits and ordered 3 different styles to try.

I absolutely LOVE the new patterns this year.  I had a hard time deciding which ones to order.  As it turns out, my favorite pattern that I received is this Daylily Orange floral.  Isn’t that just so summery and fun!?

But in the end I am keeping this suit because the top fit so well.  It’s supportive and flattering and CUTE, and the Trim Lines Swim Mini with control lining is simply the best invention since the tankini was born.

My only complaint is that I could use about another inch in the waistband of the skirt — an inch in height.  I find myself stretching it as high as I can so that it doesn’t create a bulge of skin at the top of the skirt.  I know that I’m high-waisted, so perhaps it’s my body shape that is the problem, but it sure would be nice if it gave me another inch of material to work with.

The top comes down over the band to that horizontal seam that you see in the picture so there is plenty of overlap, which allows me to bend and stretch and pick up naughty children without exposing my midsection to the rest of the pool — a gift to everyone involved.

If money grew on trees, I would order this halter tunic swim top in that gorgeous Daylily Orange with a navy blue skirt, but unfortunately there are no money trees growing in my yard at the moment so I will be content with my one new Lands’ End suit and wear it joyfully.

WIN IT! After receiving my swimsuits in the mail, I emailed my contact at Lands’ End and asked if they would be interested in sponsoring a giveaway, and guess what!?  They do!  So one lucky Chic Critique reader will win a FREE Lands’ End swimsuit of her choice.  Here’s how to win.

1) REQUIRED:  Visit the swimsuit section at LandsEnd.com and look around.  Leave a comment on this post telling me which suit you would choose if you win.

2) OPTIONAL:  Tell your friends about this contest on Facebook, Twitter, your blog, or via email.  Leave a 2nd comment telling me which you did.  You can do more than one if you desire.

3) OPTIONAL:  Give yourself a 3rd entry if you’re a subscriber to Chic Critique.

You MUST leave separate comments for each entry; it’s the only way I can count them.  I will use a random integer generator to select the winner on Saturday, May 16th.  Good luck!

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Tagged as: Giveaways, lands' end swimsuit giveaway, swimsuits