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What to Pack: Jeans

January 25, 2010 By 207 Comments

rock star jean downeast basics What to Pack: JeansIf I had to only wear one thing over and over and over again, it would be jeans.

Jeans are stylish, figure-flattering, and totally practical for a mom’s active lifestyle. Plus, they can be dressed up or dressed down with ease. Pair with flats and a tee – ready for a picnic at the park! Add heels and a sparkly shirt – ready for a night out! See? So easy!

The trick is to find a great pair for your body-type. I personally prefer bootcut or flare.

Just recently, I discovered DownEast Basic’s denim line and they have some super fun offerings. These aren’t just Plain Jane boring jeans. The washes are interesting and the pockets are elegantly embellished.

jeans from downeast basics What to Pack: JeansI was given the opportunity to try out the Rock Star Jean and I’ve been wearing them all over the place. Here I am rockin’ out in them…or something like that. Coincidentally, my sweater is also by DownEast Basics. It’s the Closer Look Cardigan (which is no longer for sale on their website…but it looks suspiciously similar to the Long Sleeve Cardigan).

The jeans retail for $54.99 and are available in sizes 0-14 with 2 inseam options.

If you’re looking for items in the $5-$25 price range, be sure to check out the Sale section. I particularly like the look of that Perfect Portrait Top ($14.99) and the 3/4 Sleeve Barberry Top ($21.99 – I would prefer it in darker/brighter colors though – pastels just wash me right out!).

YOUR TURN: Do you wear jeans very often? Which brand(s) are your favorite?

Screen shot 2009 10 31 at 10.19.09 PM What to Pack: JeansWIN IT! One winner will receive a pair of Rock Star Jeans ($54.99) from DownEast Basics. To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Tuesday, February 2nd at 11:59 p.m. (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

* I received a product sample for review purposes.

*UPDATE* The winner is #37 Kim. Congratulations!

Filed Under: Giveaways, Products I Like, What I Wear Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Are you “down” with DownEast Basics?

October 31, 2009 By 106 Comments

My “rule” for buying new clothes is that I generally stick to a $20 or under price tag for each piece of clothing. I make exceptions, however, for jeans, bras, coats, and the occasional piece that I just *know* I’ll wear everywhere.

Because I am a deal-seeking kind of girl, I appreciate boutiques like DownEast Basics.

The cool thing about DownEast Basics is that the most expensive item that the brand carries is $44.99. Most of the tops, bottoms, dresses, and skirts actually run in the $15-$30 range. And, if you are a bargainista like me, you’ll appreciate the sale page with discounts up to 70% off (If you’re pregnant, be sure to check out the maternity tanks and tees on-sale for $5.00).

DownEast Basics recently sent me two items from their fall line to review – the Closer Look Cardigan ($24.99) and the Out and About Skirt ($33.99):

downeast basics closer look cardigan out and about skirt Are you down with DownEast Basics?

Here’s a close-up of the skirt:

downeast basics out and about skirt orange Are you down with DownEast Basics?

And me in the sweater (Thanks to my cosmetologist sister Kathryn for doing my make-up for all these shots. She just started her first job at a salon and clearly has a knack for it.):

me october 20091 Are you down with DownEast Basics?

The Closer Look Cardigan is soft, easy to wear in hot or cool weather, and has that slouchy look that is all the rage this season. The sweater extends beyond the hips and has two mini front pockets.

The Out and About Skirt, on the other hand, is excellent for petite types like me because the A-line is flattering and the length is just right. The corduroy is lightweight, yet perfect for fall – and the tiers are just plain fun. And I already told you I’m all about the orange this fall. As such, I’m loving the pumpkin-inspired hue of this skirt.

YOUR TURN: How much money do you generally spend on new clothing pieces?

Screen shot 2009 10 31 at 10.19.09 PM 150x84 Are you down with DownEast Basics?WIN IT! One winner will receive the Closer Look Cardigan ($24.99) and Out and About Skirt ($33.99) by DownEast Basics. To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Sunday, November 8th at 11:59 p.m. (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

*UPDATE* The winner is #20 Sara. Congratulations!

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Fashion Finds: for the Pretty, Preppy, Penny-Pinching type

August 9, 2009 By 220 Comments

So now you know.

I am a breastfeeding mom. I am an environmentalist. I am a bit of a cowgirl.

AND I can be quite the prep. Especially when it comes to fashion. I like classic pieces and polo shirts and argyle sweaters.

Am I becoming harder and harder to pigeonhole as the days go by or what? I think that is how I’ve always been. Even in high school. I never had a particular “group,” per se. I had dramatic friends and rocker friends and athletic friends and student council friends and…well, in many ways, everyone was my friend (and I liked it that way). I try to be the same way today – meaning we totally don’t have to always think alike and we can still be friends.

On to the topic of this post: CLOTHES (that are reasonably priced).

Check out these items from DownEast Basics, a company that specializes in modest, stylish fashions at affordable prices:

F109SchoolBelleTop L 94x150 Fashion Finds: for the Pretty, Preppy, Penny Pinching type F109ShortStoryCardigan L 94x150 Fashion Finds: for the Pretty, Preppy, Penny Pinching type F109UptownCordSkirt L 94x150 Fashion Finds: for the Pretty, Preppy, Penny Pinching type

  1. School Belle Top, $26.99
  2. Short Story Sweater, $29.99
  3. Uptown Cord Skirt, $34.99

DownEast Basics primarily caters to women in sizes XS-XXL (0-18), but they also have maternity clothing, men’s clothing, plus size clothing, and clothing for little girls (sizes 4-12, see examples below).

F109 GirlsDarlingDotSkirt Brown L 94x150 Fashion Finds: for the Pretty, Preppy, Penny Pinching type S09 ringaround larger 94x150 Fashion Finds: for the Pretty, Preppy, Penny Pinching type S09 bestbuds thumb 94x150 Fashion Finds: for the Pretty, Preppy, Penny Pinching type

Most of the DownEast Basics pieces range in price from $9.99-$36.99, but you can find items as low as $5.00 in the sale section! That sounds just about right for my pocketbook.

Here’s me in the school belle top and short story sweater:

downeast basics 41 Fashion Finds: for the Pretty, Preppy, Penny Pinching type downeast basics 11 Fashion Finds: for the Pretty, Preppy, Penny Pinching type

My take on DownEast Basics is that they offer pretty pieces at great prices. These aren’t, however, “closet staples” that will withstands years of wear. I would describe them as “seasonal” pieces – for example, let’s say you want to pick up a new, trendy top or two for the summer that won’t break the bank. DownEast Basics is a great “go-to” shop for that kind of thing.

WIN IT! One winner will receive a full outfit (top & bottom) from the DownEast Basics women’s line and a full outfit (top & bottom) from the DownEast Basics girls line. To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Monday, August 17th at midnight (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

*UPDATE* The winner is #135 amandasue. Congratulations!

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