Karen Kane Clothing {Review & $100 and $50 Gift Certificates Giveaway}

{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, amber and ewhatley!}

Normally when it comes to thinking about new clothes for fall, all of us moms immediately think of our children. Do our daughters have pants that are long enough in length but not too loose in the waist? Do our sons have t-shirts that don't ride up too short?

This year, however, it's time to add another name to the back-to-school shopping list. Along with ensuring that junior is going to walk out the door wearing new, clean socks and jeans without holes in the knees, it's time to take a look in our own closet as well.

Because hopefully we'll find something in there that will have us looking classic, well put-together and highly fashionable thanks to Karen Kane.

One of the most respected names in women's apparel today, Karen Kane has become truly synonymous with style, comfort, and sophistication. While trends have changed since Karen launched her first collection in 1979, her approach and personal philosophy toward fashion has never wavered.

During my first visit to KarenKane.com, I was immediately drawn in by the styles and elegance of the unique fashions. Each piece manages to combine style, luxury, and longevity and it is easy to see that the fashions and quality will last for quite some time to come.

As I'm continuously searching for versatile apparel that can be worn while running errands, hanging out with my kids or going out to dinner, I knew that a great pair of jeans and a classic sweater would be essentials in my wardrobe for this fall... and when I saw the Texture Stripe Sweater w/Pockets and Palisades Flair Jean, suddenly the rest of my closet seemed a little drab in comparison.

The day that a white box arrived from Karen Kane, I couldn't wait to see just how amazing these items looked in person... and I already appreciated that the company takes the time to package their items in such a crisp, clean way.

As I removed them from the tissue paper, I found that my guess that these two pieces would be sophisticated, fun, and different from what is found in all of the mall stores was completely correct. With cooler weather right around the corner, I couldn't wait to see how Karen Kane would be able to update my look from plain to pizazz!

Having seen Dolman sleeves making a splash in the fashion world recently, I found the width of the Texture Stripe Sweater w/Pockets slightly daunting but knew that it would drape beautifully when worn. I love the slim, black cuffs that provide contrast to the gray stripes and the drooped front pockets are such a cute added detail.

The Palisades Flare Jean has a great dark wash and although they contain only 2% spandex, they are very stretchy and comfortable in a form-fitting way. When wearing the same size in these jeans as I do in any other, I find that they have more of a legging-type feel to them than a loose fit, but they still feel great and the slight flare is just right.

The jeans are also quite a few inches too long on me (they're tucked under in the picture) and the sweater is dry clean only, but other than those issues, I'm fashionably ready for autumn to arrive!

Both pieces can be dressed up or down and will be perfect for any number of occasions that might arise... which is a description that fits nearly every piece of apparel found at KarenKane.com. From flowing, gorgeous dresses to casual, chic tops...

...you're sure to find the items that will fit your style this fall. The prices are higher than what would be found in many stores (the Texture Stripe Sweater w/Pockets retails for $99 and the Palisades Flare Jean for $108), but the timeless look and high quality will surely last for many, many years.

Whether you're shopping for a specific event or for an everyday addition to your wardrobe, KarenKane.com is sure to have the unique piece that will blend with your existing outfits yet stand out as something truly special. And, thanks to their generosity, two people will be able to shop for their new favorite item, because...

One first prize winner will win a $100 gift certificate to Karen Kane and one second prize winner will win a $50 gift certificate to Karen Kane!

To enter to win: Visit the Karen Kane and tell me the name of one of the stylish items that you would like to wear.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry if you follow Karen Kane on Twitter and/or Like them on Facebook.
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

WIN a $100 or a $50 gift certificate to Karen Kane! Gorgeous fashions for women! http://bit.ly/n6xQ5t @thxmailcarrier #giveaway #win

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email, become a fan on Facebook or add Thanks, Mail Carrier to your blogroll.
3 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to this post. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on October 3rd at 11:59pm CST. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open worldwide! If you're reading this, you can enter!

A big thank you to Karen Kane for providing apparel for me to review as well as a $100 gift certificate and a $50 gift certificate for two lucky giveaway winners. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.