CityMama's™ Stuff People Send Me

You by Crocs Sandals

Yes, these are Crocs.

Structured sandals are in for spring (apprently, not like I follow trends that closely) which is why I was really excited when the Crocs PR peeps pitched me on trying a pair. Actually, they pitched me on trying any pair of Crocs, but I went immediately for the cute wedge sandals knowing that I'll probably live in them all spring and summer long.

Now, I know that people feel strongly about Crocs (love 'em or hate 'em), but no matter how you feel about them—and especially if you think they only make colorful gardening clogs—you must try their You by Crocs line.

I chose the Mimilita wedges in black-on-black (I'm just not a fan of cork heels) and I adore them. Not only do they envelope your feet in the comfortable, marshamallowy-softness that Crocs are known for, they are sexy to boot! I'm thinking I also need them in the silver color. They (along with a sunny pedicure) are the perfect was to say, "Hello, spring!"

You By Crocs "Mimilita" sandals

Cost to you: $99.95

Cost to me: FREE

Bottom line: LOVE. One of the best sandals you can buy.

Yummie Tummie [a $100 gift certificate giveaway!]

"No more muffin tops!" says the Yummie Tummie site. That's enough to catch my attention although, let's be real, muffin tops are the least of my worries...What is the Yummie Tummie? It's essentially an undergarment (tanks and camis) with a stretchy spandex panel sewn into the middle that holds in your tummy. Genius! It smooths your silhouette so that you can minimize muffin tops and bra "back fat." It's feminine and fun and completely comfortable.

I am someone who often wears some form of shape-wear, especially under tanks and dresses. I feel like it helps to suck everything in which makes me feel more confident. I was sent a gift certificate to try the products and chose the Boyfriend style and the strappier Tank.  I've been wearing them around for a few days and, overall, I think it's a really great product. Finally, shape-wear that is comfortable and moves with you and doesn't dig or pinch.

What I like about Yummie Tummie:  First, thank you for having plus sizes.  It cracks me up that flat-ab'ed chicks would feel like they need a Yummie Tummie (although I understand the need to take all the help you can get), and I always feel a little left out when a garment that's meant to help you look slimmer or more shapely leaves out the plus-sized ladies. So again, *thank you!*  I also love that the tanks come in a "long" length, because not only am I plus-size, I am also tall. It is really hard for me to find shirts that are long enough for my torso.

The shape wear also provides a little lift to your cleavage. Not sure if that's intentional, but it's a nice fringe bennie!

The quality is evident from the moment you feel the garment.  The cotton is soft, the spandex panel is lined, and it's sewn beautifully.

Also a nice touch: they make a nursing Yummie Tummie top. Hooray for breastfeeding mamas!

It's comfortable to wear (really does keep you cool), and I really did notice that it held in my gut and provided a smoother look. Best of all, it doesn't stick to your clothes and look clingy. I wore it under and shirts, tanks and dresses and was comfortable all day. No one needs to know you have something on underneath your shirts or dresses, but they are nice enough to peek out from under tanks or strappy dresses. Yummie Tummie takes shape-wear to the next level.

What I didn't like about Yummie Tummie: Sometimes when I sat down, the tank had a tendency to roll up a little bit (despite what the site says).  However, I noticed that when I had the tank pulled down all the way this didn't happen—the tank stayed put—so make sure when you put it on that you pull it all the way down. I wish the camis came in plus-sizes because I like to wear dresses, especially in the summer time.

Cost to you: Two boyfriend Yummie Tummies and a Tank Yummie Tummy, about $200 total

Cost to me: Free

Want to try one?  I'm giving away a gift certificate worth $100 so you can win your very own Yummie Tummie shape wear garment. Leave a comment below telling me a shape-wear horror story (or fear)--like Spanx that won't come off when you have to pee?--and make sure you leave your email so I can contact you if you win.  One entry per person per day, please.  I will close comments on Monday, April 27 at midnight PST.

Congrats to #15, payal! If you are unable to fulfill your duties as Yummie Tummie winner, #22 will take your place.  And so on.  Yeah!

Lands' End Winter Goodies [+ Giveaway!]

I'm delighted to be hosting yet another Lands' End Giveaway featuring your choice of three items to make your winter warmer and cozier.  Any of these items would make great holiday gifts, don't you think? And best of all, you never have to set foot in the mall when you order from Lands' End.  (We've ordered all our gifts on line for the past 10ish years. Malls at Christmastime = hell on earth.)

For Her: The first item is a pair of terry travel slippers with matching bag.  If you are like me and your bare feet never touch hotel carpet or bathroom tile (Athlete's Foot? No, thank you!), then you will love these slippers. They'd be a great choice for any traveller on your holiday list or just for padding around the house.  Lands' End sent me a pair and I can vouch for the coziness! And the bag is cute, too. $25 value.

Includes monogrammable travel bag!

• Soft terry cloth upper
• Extra-flexible for easy packing
• Comfortable padded footbed
• Slip-resistant rubber outsole

For him: Lands' End also sent me a pair of these which I ordered up in Sasquatch size 13 for my husband.  They arrived, he slipped them on, lay down on the couch, crossed his legs and then asked, "How do they look?"  They looked great and I have a feeling they will be getting a lot of use around our very chilly house this winter.  The sole is sturdy enough so they can be worn outside for quick jaunts to get the paper or check for reindeer tracks on the lawn. $45 value.

Possibly the coziest lounger you'll ever wear.

• Warm, luxurious 100% shearling lining
• Soft sheepskin suede upper/leather trim
• Padded footbed for walking comfort
• Flexible, durable sole works indoors/outdoors

For the kids: Have I mentioned that our house is freezing in the wintertime? Such is life in a 1940's rancher with no insulation and drafty, single-paned windows. We do have forced-air heat which is a godsend, but in the winter time we need to fortify against the cold with electric radiators in the bedroom. That's why I jumped at the chance to try out these cozy fleece jammies for my girls (boys, too).  They are soft as can be and Bunny said she slept in them without a blanket they were so warm.  (They were too hot for Wallie, who is like me and can sleep in a t-shirt even if it's snowing outside.) $29.50 value (for me x 2)

For a softer slumber.

• Angel Fleece® is warm, yet lightweight
• Top has a 2-button front for easy overhead dressing
• Ruffles add a touch of sweet
• Elastic-waist pants won't pinch or twist
• Flame-resistant 100% polyester

So there you have it.  All you have to do to enter the contest is leave a comment (with working email) below with your choice of item. Sorry, you can only pick one! (Awww, I know!) And if you want the jim-jams, specify boy or girl.  Contest ends on Tuesday, Nov. 18!  One entry only, please.

Update:  We have a winner!!!

Congrats to winner Karen!  (Em was actually #55 but didn't leave a working email. DOH!)

Wallaroo "Bella" Hat

I love accessories, always have, always will, and one of the accessories I love most is hats. I own too many in too many styles to count and they are a staple of my fall and winter wardrobe. When I'm at the beach or pool, I am never without some kind of protection for my face. 

I recently received this lovely angora Bella hat in gray from the folks at Wallaroo. You may know their hats already--they are known for their UPF 50+ hats which provide great sun protection.

What I like about it: It has an elastic band inside the brim so that it stretches to accommodate women with big ole heads like me. I love that it's made of soft, warm angora, but it's also breathable so even after a day of wearing, my head isn't hot. I love that they've updated the classic brimmed hat with the gathered material in front and a less-structured look. It feels modern, not frumpy.

What I don't like about it: The fact that they didn't send one in all the colors.

This would make an excellent holiday gift.

 

Cost to you: $40 +shipping
Cost to me: Free

Lands' End Weatherly Jacket [+give-away!!]

Lands' End is one of my favorite brands. I own four Lands' End bathing suits because they suit my queen sized-ness without making me look like too much of a whale on the beach. Yes, they are pricey but we spend our summers in Hawaii and they get lots of wears. I also own at least 3, probably more like 4 of their cashmere sweaters, both their long-sleeved t's which are a staple of my winter wardrobe and cardigans which are a different staple of my winter wardrobe. Needless to say, I am a huge Lands' End fan. They are a beloved brand to me.  I love that I can order online and know that the item will fit and I love their excellent customer service.

Last week, they offered to send me a women's Weatherly jacket and I jumped at the chance, are you kidding me?  I am on the hunt for a new, sporty winter coat and this fits the bill nicely. I was tempted by all the colors, but in the end I chose a black one. I am so freakin' predictable.

Features include:

• Exclusive PolarThin™ insulation for warmth without bulk
• Fleece-lined patch outer pockets with side-entry handwarmer pockets
• Inside MP3 player and security pockets
• TEMPERATURE RATING: -10°/-5° Fahrenheit. Over layering pieces, this Weatherly Jacket will keep you warm in -10° weather; over a light layer, in -5° weather.

What I like about it: It's cute. It's sporty without being frumpy and it's warm.

What I don't: Is there such a thing as too many pockets? I wish the furry collar was made out of real faux fur instead of the nubby material used. Minor complaints.

Cost to you: $59.50
Cost to me: Free

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But wait!  There's more! One lucky CityMama reader will win a Women's Half-Zip Pullover or the Women's Sherpa Fleece. Just leave a comment below and let me know which item you prefer.  I will draw winners at random on October 22 (also my birthday, but hey! you get the present!)

UPDATE: CONGRATS to winner David Damore!

 

Finally, if you'd to order other items from Lands' End, here is a promo code for free shipping using UPS Basic, valid until October 20.

Code: OUTERWEAR
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