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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!

Filed Under: fashion, Giveaways Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

early to bed, early to rise…

July 12, 2009 By 214 Comments

I go to bed early.

In the morning, that is.

On most days, I sink into bed at around 1 a.m.

Such is the life of a work-at-home mom.

Fortunately, I pretty much fall asleep the minute I hit the pillow.

There are some nights when I stay awake, pondering various ideas and mentally checking things off my to-do list. But, on most nights, I close my eyes and I’m immediately asleep.

Seriously. I can crawl into bed and be asleep in about 1 minute.

The weird thing is I’m not a particularly deep sleeper. I sleep well and I awake rested, but I am constantly checking on my 3-month-old (who is sleeping beside me) throughout the night and I wake up instantly if I hear our 2-year-old stirring through the monitor.

In case you’re curious about our “sleeping arrangements,” my husband and I have a king size bed – where our infant cuddles up with us. Our 2-year-old sleeps in her own room on a full size mattress on the floor. Believe it or not, she has nicer sheets than we do because we found a fabulous Lands’ End set for 75% off at Sears about 6 months ago.

CSC12 page 93x150 early to bed, early to rise...That said, my husband and I have some pretty awesome pillowcases, thanks to DreamSacks, Inc., a company that specializes in natural fiber clothing, nightwear, and bedding sets. The company sent me two Charmeuse Silk Pillowcases ($58 for a set of two) to review. They are positively luxurious – so soft and silky and cool. And supposedly sleeping on a silk pillowcase slows the onset of wrinkles. I’m not sure if that is fact or fiction, but I love the pillowcases either way. They are lovely to lay on.

In fact, my girls and I were laying on our bed today – and my 2-year-old said, “I want these pillows in my room.” My answer was “no.” I do want her to have nice things, don’t get me wrong, but she already trumps us in the sheets department.

DreamSacks, Inc. also carries some cute and comfortable looking clothing/sleepwear options.

Check out this cool “Circle Top” ($49). I like the high neckline and the forgiving, graceful cut – it looks perfect for postpartum mamas.

BWCT820 detail4 90x150 early to bed, early to rise...

I also like this modern, slouchy Clara Circle Tunic ($55). Tunics aren’t really my style, but this one would look super cute on the right person. And I totally love that it has pockets.

CCT800 detail 01 90x150 early to bed, early to rise...

And let’s not forget this cute and summery Cleo Pajama Set ($89). So, so pretty.

BTPJ700 page 93x150 early to bed, early to rise...

YOUR TURN: What time do you typically go to bed? Do you have a “nightly routine” for yourself? How long does it take for you to fall asleep?

BUY IT: Want to make a purchase from DreamSacks? Use discount code METRO15 for 15% off your order, now through July 25.

Picture 13 150x48 early to bed, early to rise...WIN IT! One winner will receive a Charmeuse Silk Pillowcase Set ($58 or $64, winner’s choice of color). To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Monday, July 20 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 #54 Troy Rockwood. Congratulations!

Filed Under: fashion, Giveaways, sleep Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,