Update your Wardrobe with Spring Looks for Less

While I received one complimentary item in this post, and a coupon code (which is available to anyone now), all opinions and love of Spring clothes is my own.

Spring is finally here! I love Spring since it means finally putting away the boots and fuzzy socks that keep my feet warm all winter, and a return to dresses!

I’m a big fan of wearing dresses both for everyday wear and more business or formal events. They are easy to wear, less expensive than separates, and can be dressed up or down depending on how you feel and where you’re heading.

Since I had Spring shopping to do for the whole family I ended up on LandsEnd.com shopping for my girls’ bathing suits. They make modest cuts that actually fit my skinny minnies (even if I do get them in sizes that are 2-3 off their actual age!), and they last all season long. A boon for busy parents.

We purchased the SmartSwim sets because they provide sun protection and are quick to dry. Each girl got one set of swim shorts with a tankini top. My oldest also got a bikini top and a second pair of swim shorts. It was my compromise on a more traditional bikini and we found the top fit will keep it perfectly in place.

I love the flexibility of having two pieces, not to mention it makes going to the bathroom easier, but they aren’t skimpy. The girls can play all day, dig in the sand, walk to get ice cream on the boardwalk, and more without worrying about too much skin showing.

I received a 25% off coupon for my order, but they are currently having a 25% off everything sale right now (details on LandsEnd.com) and I took advantage of an additional cashback bonus from UPromise to earn an additional 13% back on my purchase! 8% was for UPromise members, the additional 5% from using my UPromise credit card. That’s a savings of 38% so I decided to do a little digging to see what else I could check off my list.

I found a few options for dresses, shorts and other items for myself, but headed to my local Sears to try them on before I purchased anything. I highly recommend this since their sizing tends to run large.

I found about half the things I liked weren’t a good fit, and a few were perfect, so I ordered those online for the additional savings and cashback.

Here’s one of my looks. I just happened to have shoes and a cardigan that went nicely with the dress-a very happy accident!

My look:

• Land’s End fit and flare dress in Ink Blue Print (originally $59, on sale for $44.25, available here  with 25% off listed on site)
• J.Crew flats (orginally $125, on clearance for $26, find similar shoes here)
• Target cardigan (two years old on clearance for $12.99, find cardigans at Target here)
• Lily Pultizer belt (orginially $48, purchased on eBay for $38, similar found here)
• Jewelry: Eddie Bauer necklace (clearance $9.99), not shown Banana Republic bracelet (clearance plus additional discount, $4.99)
• Sunglasses: Coach RX sunglasses (same pair found here, half was covered by our insurance since they are RX glasses, and half was covered by our flexible spending account)

Here’s the same dress in another pattern. I bought this one too since I have a thing for Kelly green. Not only because it’s my name but it’s a great color on me. Learning what colors work for you means you can snag anything and everything that works when it’s ‘in’ and trendy.

{image courtesy of LandsEnd.com}

I also picked out this dress online, and am seriously  in love! I can wear this just about anywhere, and the wrap style is perfect for getting in shape without having to buy a whole new wardrobe. 😉 The navy dots are fun, flirty, but still very classic. With red accessories this says nautical all over it, which is very ‘in’ right now.

{image courtesy of LandsEnd.com}

Here are some of my other Land’s End picks. I wish the floral printed dress was still available in my size. Isn’t it pretty?!

More Ways to Save at Land’s End

• Currently there is a 25% off discount for everything. Just look on the website for info.
• You can also sign up for  UPromise, you don’t need their credit card to save 8%.
• Look for additional discounts if you purchase two or more items from  SmartSwim  sets.
• Additionally if your order is under $50 (so that you don’t qualify for free shipping) you can  order at your local Sears store for free shipping.  

Once I had the dresses, I was pretty set. I also needed a new pair of wedges with a closed toe, and found adorable pairs at Target. While I tend to buy for comfort over fashion I find that Target wedges and flats are usually priced great and comfortable to boot! (or foot ;))

I picked up black espadrille style wedges since I already have some rather colorful ones. I also found a few other colors and styles online that are all under $30!

We fill our prescriptions at Target so I used a 5% off coupon, and the shoes I purchased were also on sale for $5 off. I love stacking sales for something that was already cheap to begin with! 😉

I was also lucky enough to find the perfect pair of jeans at the MomMixer I attended last week. Lee Jeans was a sponsor and we got personalized styling and fitting from some of their designers! It was so much fun to chat with them about what looks good, and doesn’t, what’s in, and what they love.

I picked a pair of slightly short jeans in a lovely lavender gray color. There are zippers at the ankles are cute and fun without being too overly 80’s. I lived through that decade once already, thank you very much! {sorry, having trouble finding a link-will take a pic soon!}

The thing I love most about LeeJeans is that they are made for movement. I have a long torso so low-cuts are REALLY not flattering on me. Lee’s cuts tend to be slightly higher (which hides my belly nicely) and they suck you in where you need it without being suffocating.

Here are a few of my favorite spring picks from Lee Jeans (available at multiple major retailers or online at LeeJeans.com). The price can’t be beat either! At under $50 a pair and often closer to $25 their jeans are a must-have. If you visit their website you should get a popup notice that you can save 15% by signing up for their newsletter.

I’ve already ordered two additional pairs that will be perfect for Spring, Summer and Fall. For more on their fit, see my previous post on Lee here.

What are you shopping for this Spring? Any advice on saving on new clothes?

Kelly

Disclsoure: I received a pair of LeeJeans and a discount code at the Spring MomMixer event for Land’s End.

About Kelly

Kelly Whalen is the founder and editor of the Centsible Life. She started the blog in 2008 as her family faced a mountain of debt and the fixer upper they purchased became a FIXER UPPER. The website was born out of her desire to share what was working (and what was not) on her family's journey to financial security. Kelly lives in Minneapolis with her family.

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