A couple weeks ago I got an email asking if I’d review a product on my blog. If you hang around bloggers long enough, you’ll discover writing reviews on your blog is fraught with peril. Some say we bloggers are only in it for free stuff, free trips, free booze, and free love. Well, the first three, anyway.
I’ve never done a review here before. I could claim that was a principled choice on my part, but the truth is I’ve only been asked once before, and that was for something it didn’t seem likely I’d ever buy, so I thought I wasn’t the right guy to review it. I’ve written about a few products here and there, only things I bought myself, or things I helped create, like the amazing and incredibly fun iPhone app from Seismic Games, iCaroler, the world’s first multiplayer Christmas music app, which can be yours NOW for only $.99 in the iTunes App Store! It’s great for kids!
But that’s not what this review is for.
This review is for a sweater. That’s right. After weighing the ethical implications of using this blog as a platform for marketers and sifting through mountains of pitches two requests I’ve gotten to decide what product or service would claim the honor of being the very first sponsored review EVER on badassdadblog.com, I chose … a sweater. Specifically, the Lands’ End Wool Cotton Button Mock Sweater. In “Red Grape.”
Being honest here, when I got the email I wasn’t that excited about it. In my mind, Lands’ End sells well-made, durable clothes that would look right at home on A Prairie Home Companion or Northern Exposure. My parents buy a lot of stuff from Lands’ End. I wore more than my share of Lands’ End turtlenecks as an child. Let us stipulate, I was not the pinnacle of fashion.
But I clicked through to look at the sweater in question, and it didn’t seem so bad. It was maybe a bit more Vermont than Los Angeles, but not in an entirely bad way. And getting it in “Red Grape” seemed to up the hipness factor a little.
It’s 50% wool, 25% cotton, and 25% nylon. It’s pretty warm for the weather we typically have here in Southern Cal, but it’s actually been chilly and rainy the last couple weeks, so I’ve been wearing it quite a bit and digging it. It’s got these nice, big metal buttons AND a zipper, which seems overkill, having both. Like wearing a belt and suspenders. But if I’m ever caught in a freak windstorm I might appreciate the dual-fasteners. The fabric is a little scratchy, mostly on my neck, but the more I wear it the more comfortable it gets, and it’s no scratchier than most wool sweaters. I just don’t wear a lot of wool sweaters. I suspect it will get softer with cleaning, but it’s hand wash or dry clean only, so that hasn’t happened yet.
Besides looking pretty good and being cozy and warm, it helps create the illusion I’m actually prepared for the occasional appearance of something resembling weather here in Los Angeles. When I wear it with my black overcoat, I think I look a little like a post-modern Hemingway. Maybe? I at least have the crazy eyes down.
The sweater is regularly $59.50 but is currently on sale for $39.99. One thing I’ll say for Lands’ End, their prices are pretty good. Even BETTER, Lands’ End is letting me give away one of these babies, to one of YOU! If you want a chance to win one, leave a comment telling me the size and color you want (you can see the colors available here), and who I actually remind you of in this photo. I’ll pick a winner at random, email you for your shipping info, and Lands’ End will send you your sweater in time for Christmas.
EDIT: This being not only my first review but also my first giveaway, I’m a little fuzzy on how to run a giveaway. Each person only gets to enter once. Because otherwise I’ll get totally confused.
2nd EDIT: I will close the comments choose the winner on Friday, Dec 18.
3rd EDIT: Open to U.S. and Canadian residents only.
WE HAVE A WINNER! Chosen at using random.org‘s “true random” number generator, the winner is … Pamela, with comment #21!
Disclosure: For writing this review of a sweater, I was given a sweater. To review. Since I like the sweater, I will probably still wear it occasionally, even though I’m finished reviewing it.
{ 26 comments }
I like blue size L please! :
Or “true navy” rather. Blue/navy/whatevs.
oh and you remind me of… um… you! or Lex Luthor.
Your first review! Bravo, well done. Still waiting for mine to catch up to me.
I do thing you are putting off a Hemmingway-ish vibe.
I would love one of these in Charcoal heather XXL as a gift for someone who otherwise isn’t getting anything this year.
Vixen (aka ladybugsgrama)´s last blog … ode to christmas tree
I love that you look like you’re going to kick someone’s ass. That’s all.
Uh, Charcoal Medium? My husband is scrawny. DON’T TELL HIM I SAID THAT. Or go ahead. He knows.
Aunt Becky´s last blog … Further Proof For As Much As I Am Doing Wrong, I’m Doing Something Right*
Charcoal Heather and Large…I’m a girl obvs but I think a men’s large would work just fine. Love me some Land’s End. I always have 2 of their famous swimsuits and a bunch of sweaters and nighties around. Oh, and their t-shirts rock, too.
Great job on the product review! I’d like the pine in a size L.
For your first review, BRAVO!
You look like Billy Corrigan from Smashing Pumpkins. But I don’t think he could pull off the look as well as you.
And the red grape in a large would look great on my 16 yo son. Although he’d probably not read the tag & throw it in the washer & dryer & then it would fit my 5 yo son!
This would look almost as good on my husband as it does on you. In M, red grape please. It looks perfect for this Seattle-ish weather we’re having here. Or I guess I should say Wisconsin-ish.
Congrats on your first giveaway! I’m always tempted to do one, but then I’m always afraid it would be like throwing a party and no one shows….
You remind me of Jack Nicholson in The Shining; the scene when he pokes his head in the door and says, “Here’s Johnny!” It’s mostly the eyes.
If I win I’d like one on medium, Pine (yes, it’d be for me. So there.).
Trish´s last blog … Four days…
First review, Yay!! I think the sweater looks great on you, good choice of color. And as far as reviews go, they are normally boring as sin, so I think you did a great job!!
Ok I def lurves that sweater and I would lurves one in XL Red Grape, if you please! I adore Prairie Home Companion and Northern Exposure as well, and since I live in Missouri where we have winter weather specially made for us by Satan himself, such a wonderful article of clothing would be finely suited for a gal like me! And I know hows to takes care of wool garments, although for the life of me I don’t understand why you hafta be so careful ~ I mean, don’t *sheep* get wet? Do *they* shrink in the rain? No, they don’t, so there, ha! Go figure.
Anyhoo, I think you look a lot like Michael Stipe from R.E.M. – after he shaved off his hair and went all vegan and political and stuff.
So, I Can Haz Sweeeatr?
BTW, great job on the first review!
Moon HalloranLeady´s last blog … “Bitches, man…”
Nice review post. I wish mine was going to be as good.
I love the sweater. I think my dad would really like it as a gift too. So, with that in mind I need XXL in Charcoal Heather.
Angela´s last blog … For I know the plans I have for you
Quentin Tarantino for sure!!
I would love Red Grape in large size.
Excellent review!
My husband would look so hot in the Red Grape XL.
Kim @ Beautiful Wreck´s last blog … Clarity
So…you’re reviewing a sweater and judging by the picture, you either hate the cameraman, or, well, feel like a kid getting dressed up for family pictures.
I laughed every step of the way here and I have no idea why. Excellent piece.
Tyler Hurst´s last blog … Being well known doesn’t mean much, except when it does
Nice sweater – my husband likes open neck like that! Size XL (Tall if they have it).
Pick me! I haven’t won anything since I won a blue ribbon in the 7th grade, hate to tell you how old I am now!
You look totally badass in that sweater – almost evil.
Save me from toting 3 crazy animals called my children to the mall and pick me!
Large Charcoal Heather would be perfect!
DesignHER Momma´s last blog … I’ve Become "That Neighbor"
I have resisted the giveaway/review post myself (you know, that one time anyone asked) so let me know what you think when it’s all said and done.
I’d love a Charcoal Grey in an XL for the hardest person on the planet to shop for – my husband.
I’m really stuck between Lex Luthor and Michael Stipe.
You look like a pissed of Mr. Clean. Mad because he’s being forced to wear a sweater, or he found out his wife has recently been using lysol.
Red Grape in XL ovah here.
Good job on the first review!
I hope you get to do more reviews and giveaways, because I think this is the most fun and funny one I’ve ever read.
If I win, I’m getting this in Red Grape in XL for my brother because I think it would look awesome on him, too.
Oh, and you remind me of that guy in that film wearing this sweater.
Pine, size large
Bruce Willis, right? (I started to say my brother–hence the size large–and he looks like Bruce Willis, therefore…..)
ho ho ho,
Lesley
I was going to say lex luthor too
LOL
Oh you might want to add if its just for U.S residents or available for Canadian residents as well
Annnd I want Large. in True Navy
pamela´s last blog … Christmas ‘09 Wishlist
I love Lands End stuff, especially for kiddos!! Very durable & usually doesn’t shrink, fade or pil. I’ll take function over fashion almost any day (I’m wearing a fleece right now), but I think they have some stuff that stands up to “fashion” criteria too – including this sweater.
I’d love a Large in Red Grape, and I think you look mostly Lex Luther, but maybe a little Tele Sevalis (sp?). And I think the sweater looks great on you!
Thanks for the chance to enter!
Nice and fun review. I actually really like the red grape as shown. Echo the Lex Luthor look-alike opinions here.
Queen of Quirky´s last blog … No honey. You can’t register for my butt.
Nice review. I especially like your disclosure.
I like the navy in XL if I win.
I’m not gonna lie. The only bald guy I could think of was Charlie Brown. ::ducking::
Heather´s last blog … Do YOU Volunteer in Your Child’s School? Why or Why NOT?
Enter me in. If I win i’d like a M in Charcoal Grey.
Thanks Man.
I follow your tweets and really like hearing about the kidlets! I can’t usually get to your blog because I tweet from my phone and it won’t always go to the links.
Thanks for your tweets & your blogs. Yup, blue, size xl (my son-in-law would look almost as good in it as you do!)
Kelly
Comments on this entry are closed.