Downeast Basics

A few things in my carry on.

Posted in Downeast Basics, Jeans, Lime Ricki, Nordstrom, Swimwear, Tops on September 1st, 2010 by Natalie – 2 Comments

I’m leaving for the airport in 2 hours!! Wahoo! Then a short 10 hours later… I’ll be in Maui. Above are a few of the things that I will have in my one and only carry on. (I hate when they make you pay to check bags!)

Limericki Swimsuit, Forever 21 Top, It Jeans, DownEast Cropped Pants (I have the shorts version in my bag…) DownEast Swimsuit.

I won’t be posting while I’m in Hawaii, but I am confident that the lovely Livi will give you many good posts to look at. Have a great week!

Fashion Bits: L.A.M.B.

Posted in Anne Taylor, Downeast Basics, Plus Size on August 29th, 2010 by Livi – 1 Comment

SO,

I realized that I am all out of my L.A.M.B. Fragrance and was price comparing on line.  This led to me to having lots of bits to tell you.  Click around to find the links!

ON has plus sized maternity line

lamb harem pants on sale

lane bryant has a 40% off sale everything in store!

payless has a bogo sale

ann taylor bathing suit on sale

LAMB pumps

LAMB boots

DownEast Bathing Suit Sale

DownEast skirt on sale

Torrid BOGO Sale

Red Target Dress

Any sales or finds you want to tell US and SS Reader’s about?  Leave a comment, we love them!

Out of town…

Posted in $25 - $50, Downeast Basics, Tops, Under $25 on August 5th, 2010 by Natalie – 3 Comments

Hey guys! I’m leaving out of town in one hour! So, I am posting real quick to say that posting won’t be regular until August 16th… I’m going to WA to visit my family and Zach is coming with me! So we are going camping and whitewater rafting! Yipee!!! So…  here is something to hold you over…

Raise your hand if you love these new arrivals at DownEast!

DownEast Giveaway Winner!

Posted in Downeast Basics, Giveaway on July 23rd, 2010 by Natalie – 1 Comment

Congratulations Savannah!!! Please email me with your size (for the jeans and the top) and your address!!! Thanks so much to everyone who participated! And a HUGE thanks to DownEast Basics and Jessica for making this giveaway so great!!!

I’ll post my Friday Finds a little later… stay tuned!

DownEast Giveaway!

Posted in Downeast Basics, Giveaway on July 19th, 2010 by Natalie – 407 Comments

YAY! Giveaway time again! SO this weeks giveaway is a little more fun than usual. I have paired up with Jessica Feely Photography and DownEast Basics to give you something fun! So… here’s the deal. Above you see three beautiful models sporting some seriously cute clothes from DownEast… If you want to WIN ONE OF THE OUTFITS PICTURED ABOVE…

Simply head on over to Jessica Feely Photography Blog and vote for your favorite outfit (Voting poll is at the bottom of the post), as well as browse around at the rest of the photos from the DownEast photoshoot

Then come back over here and leave us a comment telling me which DownEast outfit you voted for!

If you win… you get the whole outfit! (Well… minus the shoes) VOTING AND ENTRIES MUST BE IN BY JULY 22nd AT MIDNIGHT!

Winner will be announced Friday. Good luck.

Thanks so much to Jessica for putting all the time and energy into this amazing photo shoot. And also a BIG thanks to DownEast for being awesome as always, and supplying the goods :) . Don’t forget to also swing by DownEast to look at all the new arrivals. AND if you are in the Seattle area and need a photographer… Jessica is your lady!

Color Wednesday: Okay, not a color, FLORALS!

Posted in Anthropologie, Boden, Downeast Basics, Dresses, Etsy shop, Swimwear, Target, Tops on June 23rd, 2010 by Natalie – 4 Comments

Seriously, who doesn’t love a good floral print hanging in their closet? One thing that I love about florals is how feminine they are. I also love that each pattern is so different, yet give off the same feminine feel. (minus the dress on the bottom left… that is definitely a different look than the others)

Clockwise from top Left: Dress, Top, Dress (Thanks Heather!!!)  Skirt, Swimsuit, Dress

AND here is an awesome offer from Charlotte Russe (Is this what you mean Beth???)

Get an extra 30% off sale styles! Valid from Thursday, 6/24 through Wednesday, 6/30. Enter promo code: Extra30 at CharlotteRusse.com

Cute scarf and skirt.

Posted in Downeast Basics, Shade, Tops on June 15th, 2010 by Natalie – 3 Comments

Wouldn’t this skirt look great with this scarf? I love it.

DownEast Basics

Posted in Downeast Basics, Tops on June 4th, 2010 by Natalie – 5 Comments

Here are a few of my favorite items from DownEast right now! Cardigan, Top, Umbrella (This is SO cute!!!)

Color Wednesday: Turquoise

Posted in Ann Taylor Loft, Anthropologie, Banana Republic, Downeast Basics, Emily's Favorites, Forever 21, Gap, Lane Bryant, Old Navy, Uncategorized on May 19th, 2010 by Emily – 4 Comments

I think that turquoise is one of those great colors that is so likable that it’s hard to overdose on turquoise. Is there anyone out there who doesn’t like turquoise?  What’s not to like?  It’s cheerful and bright, it’s just perfect for summer, and I bet it’s a color that flatters just about everyone.

I’m a little obsessed with the belt and necklaces here, as well as that floral tee.  I don’t know how those gathered sleeves would look on me, but I think I’m going to give it a shot.  It reminds me (in a good way) of a top I would have worn in the fourth grade.  Sometimes this 80’s trend happening right now can get a little ugly, like a redo of the worst the 80’s had to offer.  But I can appreciate some of the good that the 80’s brought us, namely a bright floral print.  Remember bodysuits?  I can distinctly remember wearing floral bodysuits with ruffled skirts in elementary school.

How about you?  Are you on board with the 80’s?  And am I guessing correctly, is turquoise a universally loved color?


striped tee, cardigan, beaded belt, ring, necklace, shirt, swimsuit, floral tee, swim wrap, skirt, necklace, tankini top, bikini bottom, swimsuit, earrings, skirt

Friday Finds: Woot! To super cute summer dresses!

Posted in Downeast Basics, Dresses, Old Navy, Shabby Apple, eShakti on May 14th, 2010 by Natalie – 7 Comments

Loving the dresses I’ve been seeing! Magenta Dress, Patterned Dress (this dress is called “Watering Can” I LOVE that name, it makes me want to buy it and then garden while wearing it!), Striped Blue Dress, Yellow Dress, Purple Dress.

DownEast Giveaway Winner!

Posted in Downeast Basics, Giveaway on May 13th, 2010 by Natalie – Be the first to comment

Congratulations Jana! Please email me with your swimsuit size and address! Thanks to everyone who participated and a HUGE THANKS to DownEast Basics for such a great giveaway!

What to wear: Great outfits to wear to the beach!

Posted in Downeast Basics, Old Navy, Plus Size, Swimwear, Target on May 11th, 2010 by Natalie – Comments Off

Tunic, Yellow Sandals, Pink Swimsuit, Straw Hat, Colorful Bag.

We decided that this week we would showcase some outfits that would be great to wear to the beach because we have had several swimsuit giveaways lately. I love the idea of wearing a tunic as a cover-up with a straw hat, something about straw hats sings: BEACH! I would probably go shoeless, but you need something on your feet from the car to the sand… Enjoy!

-Natalie


So, if I can be real here, I need a swimsuit with serious support. I have a large bust, and after having twins I have a smooshy stomach that just doesn’t know what to do with itself. Tankinis are great, but not really for me anymore. I don’t want any spillover. This swimsuit isn’t the vampiest I’ve ever seen, but it gets the job done while being decently cute.  Plus, it has an underwire in it and it comes in bust sizes D and up (as well as short torso/long torso/plus size/mastectomy/you name it). This cover-up is so lightweight and easy, and after your beach time you could add some breezy linen drawstring pants and make it a tunic.   I think this hat is so cute, and Target has a cute line of hats right now to choose from.  Of course, the most important thing here is the sunscreen.  Seriously, I saw an older lady yesterday who looked like she spent many days of her youth laying out in the sun.  I don’t want to look like that when I’m 70, so I’m going to do my best now to minimize sun damage.  If you come to central coast California, I’d love to meet you at the beach!

-Emily

swimsuit, cover-up, pants, hat, sunscreen, sandals

DON’T FORGET: the DownEast Basics Swimsuit giveaway ends tomorrow! Click here to enter.

DownEast Swimwear Giveaway!

Posted in Downeast Basics, Giveaway on May 10th, 2010 by Natalie – 276 Comments

Alright ladies… we have another awesome giveaway today! One lucky winner will receive a DownEast Swimwear top and bottom of their choice!!! Leave a comment by midnight on Wednesday the 12th telling us what your favorite swimsuit is! YAY for giveaways!

Review: I got the Riviera Tank with the Waikiki Bikini bottoms and let me just say that I LOVE the colors of the Riviera Tank (Taffy Strips) It is so fun and colorful! I love the ruffle detailing on the bust line and the material is surprisingly thick. (You know how sometimes you can see the outline of someones belly button when they are wearing a swimsuit? Well, I don’t think that could happen in these suits because the material is double layered). Unfortunately my bust was too big for a size small… so I just sent it back and am getting a large! So… be aware, order big (if you are big busted). I do have to say that I had a hard time picking which swimsuit to review because DownEast has SO many cute ones this year! Happy looking, and good luck! Oh… and if you really want a suit I would suggest buying one ASAP because last year DownEast had a suit I wanted and it sold out too fast for me to get it… boo!

Friday Finds: great summer tops.

Posted in Charlotte Russe, Downeast Basics, Forever 21, Shade, Tops, Under $25, Wet Seal on May 7th, 2010 by Natalie – 5 Comments

navy top-plus size, pink top, (perfect for hiding a small baby bump!) mint top, t-shirt, purple top, white and yellow top. Everything minus the yellow and white top are under $25!

Color Wednesday: Spring Greens

Posted in Ann Taylor Loft, Anthropologie, Banana Republic, Boden, Downeast Basics, Dresses, Emily's Favorites, Mod Cloth, Old Navy, Shabby Apple, Shade, Uncategorized on May 5th, 2010 by Emily – 3 Comments

I’ve had my eye on that cute short-sleeve jacket from Shade Clothing (bottom left) for a little while now, so a light spring green color came to mind this week. I’m definitely feeling the freshness of green lately. Oh, by the way, you know that these Color Wednesday boards are just a big round-up of lovely things all in the same color, right? I was thinking about it this morning and wouldn’t want someone to think I’m implying that green chino trousers would look great with a striped green cardigan, green earrings, and green espadrille wedges. Yikes, that’s a lot of green! These are just fun options to consider adding to your wardrobe to liven it up with some color, but color when it’s all matchy-matchy looks kind of silly, no? What do you think?

striped cardigan, button down shirt, floral skirt, cardigan, earrings, v-neck tee, dress, skirt, slingback flats, pants, knit dress, lightweight jacket, slingback wedges, espadrille wedges

DownEast Basics Giveaway Winner!

Posted in Downeast Basics, Giveaway on April 15th, 2010 by Natalie – Be the first to comment

Congratulations Kacey! Please email me with your skirt or top size and your address! And thanks to everyone who entered and a huge thanks to DownEast Basics for hosting such a great giveaway!

Color Wednesday: Golden Yellow

Posted in Ann Taylor Loft, Anthropologie, Boden, Downeast Basics, Shabby Apple on April 14th, 2010 by Emily – 1 Comment

Natalie and I both fell in love with the yellow striped pencil skirt from Downeast Basics (see photo, bottom right), and so it was easy to decide on the featured color for today. It just had to be that bright, golden yellow. Yellow is a fun color. I think it would be hard to be in a bad mood while wearing such a cheery color. So, give it a try. If a full out yellow dress or cardigan seems a little too loud for your taste, try a fun bag or cute yellow flats for a bright punch of color.

p.s. Are you as obsessed with that striped skirt as we are?  You could win it!  Don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

Clockwise from top left: floral tunic, cardigan, ballet flats, ruffled skirt, dress, ruffled cardigan, striped skirt, sunglasses, swimsuit, leather satchel, short sleeve tee, necklace, bag with tassels

Spring time is here which means: Another DownEast Giveaway!

Posted in Downeast Basics, Giveaway on April 12th, 2010 by Natalie – 302 Comments

YAY! Time for another DownEast Giveaway! For this giveaway you get to choose your favorite DownEast item from the New Arrivals section!

Just go on over to DownEast Basics, pick out your favorite item (in the new arrivals)

Leave a comment telling us what your favorite item was by Wednesday April 14th at midnight

A winner will be announced Thursday… simple.

However, this giveaway is only open for people who have not won a DownEast Basics giveaway on Sensibly Styled in the last 90 days. Alright, good luck! (and I must say I will be jealous of whoever wins! DownEast has so many cute things right now. I LOVE the whole look of the girl in the pink cardigan and flowered skirt above, and that yellow striped pencil skirt is to die for!)

Review: I reviewed the Corsage Top and I really like it. It is super light and has a great flow which is great for Spring and Summer! I have been in need of a simple but dressy white top and this was it. Not only did it meet the requirements that I wanted for a white/simple/dressy top, but the corsage part just gives it enough character to make it unique. In the picture on DownEast’s site you can’t see the whole top because it is tucked into a skirt (just like the picture of me in it…)  but just so you know, it is smocked at the bottom. I’m not a huge fan of smocked tops, however, it makes it nice for tucking into a skirt… I wore it today and it was very comfortable and it completed my look!

DownEast ‘Centerpiece Dress’

Posted in $25 - $50, Downeast Basics, Dresses on March 15th, 2010 by Natalie – Be the first to comment

I Love the bold flowers on white!

At DownEast for $34.99

DownEast Basics ‘Sunday Best Dress’

Posted in $25 - $50, Downeast Basics, Dresses on March 15th, 2010 by Natalie – 2 Comments

The skirt of this dress looks super flowy, like somehting that should be worn on the beach.

At DownEast for $39.99

Shabby Apple Giveaway Winner:

Posted in Giveaway, Shabby Apple on March 11th, 2010 by Natalie – 1 Comment

Congratulations Marci! Please email me with your dress size and address! And thank you to everyone who participated in this giveaway! And a HUGE thanks to Shabby Apple for being so generous!

Shabby Apple Dress Giveaway!

Posted in Giveaway, Shabby Apple on March 8th, 2010 by Ashley – 345 Comments

About a year ago a friend of mine told me about Shabby Apple… and oh my goodness I was in DRESS HEAVEN! By a mile, Shabby apple has the BEST selection of stylish, modest dresses! I cannot tell you how excited I am that we are hosting a SHABBY APPLE Dress Giveaway!

One lucky winner will get to choose one of the following four dresses to add to their wardrobe!

Anchors Away, Barefoot in the Park, Tuxedo 390 Words Per Minute

Here are the Rules:

Check out all of the Women’s Dresses on Shabby Apple and leave us a comment telling us:

1.) Your very favorite Shabby Apple dress

2.) Which of the four dresses listed that you would like to win

*All comments must be received by midnight on Wednesday*

The winner will be announced on Thursday!

Good Luck!

DownEast Giveaway Winners!

Posted in Downeast Basics, Giveaway on February 18th, 2010 by Natalie – Be the first to comment

Congratulations Julie and Leah! Please email me your address along with what size you would like! And thanks so much to everyone who entered, and to DownEast for such an awesome giveaway!

And yes, I know the layout of this post is all funky, but I can’t seem to fix it… sorry!

DownEast Giveaway!

Posted in Downeast Basics, Giveaway on February 15th, 2010 by Natalie – 267 Comments

Hey guys! We are having another DownEast Giveaway! YAY! All you have to do is go on over to DownEast Basics 28 day style guide and pick out your favorite item! Then leave a comment by Wednesday February 17th by midnight telling us which item you wish to win. Then on Thursday TWO winners will be announced. That’s right, TWO winners!!!

And a quick review on the He Loves Me Dress, I LOVE it! And the inside is lined with a silky fabric which is awesome for a couple reasons. One, it makes it so you don’t have to wear a slip. And two, it’s great because it makes it so the dress isn’t see through. (Which happens pretty often with white dresses!)

I also got the Heart Throb shorts because I was in desperate need of a new pair of shorts. And they are great! I am short, so they are pretty long on me (they are more of a short capri) but that is great news for those of you who are tall! I love the wash on them, and they are super comfy!

Ready for Spring!

Posted in Ashley's Favorites, Downeast Basics, Dresses, Forever 21, Jcrew, Skirts, Tops on February 10th, 2010 by Ashley – 1 Comment

Okay, I know it’s not Spring yet… but these are a few things I couldn’t help but post anyways!

He Loves Me Dress , $34.99 @ DownEast Basics

Fab Chiffon Flower Bobby Pins, $1.50 @ Forever 21

Perfect Fit Cascade Tee, $29.50 @ JCrew

Frosted Flowers Cardigan, $34.99 @ DownEast Basics

Floral Fixation Headband, $2.50 @ Forever 21

Scalloped Leaflet Cardigan, $19.80 @ Forever 21

Fergie ‘Kappa’ Sandal, $69.95 @ Nordstrom

Still Life Skirt, $29.99 @ DownEast Basics

Vote for your favorite outfit!!!

Posted in Downeast Basics, Outfit on January 31st, 2010 by Natalie – 23 Comments

Hey! So here are all the outfits! Please vote for your favorite! And yes, rally all your friends to vote for your favorite outfit as well! (via facebook, twitter, blogs etc) Be careful that you are voting for the right outfit! The outfit number is labeled BELOW the outfit!

Outfit number ONE by Ema G.

Outfit TWO by Mandee G.

Outfit THREE by Katie G.

Outfit FOUR by Jes C.

Outfit FIVE by Emily H.

Outfit SIX by Genivieve C.

Outfit SEVEN by Jessica M.

Outfit EIGHT by Ashlin W.

Outfit NINE by Evelyn J.

Outfit TEN by Julie S.

Outfit ELEVEN by Jessica O.

Outfit TWELVE by Stacy A.

Outfit THIRTEEN by Gena P.

Outfit FOURTEEN by Summer C.

Outfit FIFTEEN by Leilani V.

Outfit SIXTEEN by Alissa H.

Outfit SEVENTEEN by Jenny

Outfit EIGHTEEN by Carrie G.

Outfit NINETEEN by Marylin C.

Outfit TWENTY by Bonnie D.

Outfit TWENTY ONE by Tina C.

Outfit TWENTY TWO by Mary P.

Outfit TWENTY THREE by Christa B.

Outfit TWENTY FOUR by Nic R.

Outfit TWENTY FIVE by Jenny G.

Outfit TWENTY SIX by Chelsea F.

DownEast Giveaway!

Posted in Downeast Basics, Giveaway on January 25th, 2010 by Natalie – 7 Comments

101_1844

Woohoo! Another giveaway! So, we are going to do another FUN giveaway like the one from here. So… You get to pick the DownEast item that you would like to win (out of the three pictured below) and make an outfit including that item, email it to me by Thursday January 28th, and on Monday February 1st,  the voting polls will be up! I can’t wait to see what you come up with! If you don’t have Photoshop or another program to make your outfit with, use polyvore (simple, easy and free to use), or email me the links! Whoever’s outfit gets the most votes, wins the item they chose! (And yes, you can use whatever means you want to get votes, posting your outfit on Facebook, blog, or wherever else! But it will only allow one vote per computer!) Good Luck Ladies!

Picture 14Picture 15Picture 16

I am lucky enough to own all three of these items and I love them all, I’m wearing the longitude cardigan right now and it is so comfy! I got it on Monday and think I have worn it around the house everyday since! And this lost in love dress… well I LOVE it! I think the cut, the fabrics and the color choices are amazing! I obviously chose the navy color… because for some reason I am really into navy. And this adorable tulle flower headband… I got it in black, and again, have worn it several times since getting it, and it’s only been a week! So ladies, do your magic. Make me an outfit!

(In the picture of me above I am also wearing tights from We Love Colors (I’m just now realizing I probably should have worn a different color…)and my shoes are Crocs!)

Only $25.00 Each!

Posted in $25 - $50, Downeast Basics, Dresses, Sale items on January 23rd, 2010 by Ashley – Be the first to comment

DownEast Keep it RealDownEast Lost in Love DressBoth of these fun dresses are only $25.00. That is a great deal!!!!!!!

DownEast Basics ‘Lost in Love Dress’

DownEast Basics ‘Keep it Real Dress’

DownEast Basics 50% off clearance items starting tomorrow!

Posted in Downeast Basics, Sale items on January 14th, 2010 by Natalie – 10 Comments

HOL09_TimelessTrenchThis weekend only (January 15-18th) DownEast is giving an additional 50% off their clearance items! Wahoo!!! (Including the Timeless Trench Coat!) So… I would definitely recommend heading to their site first thing in the morning, to score some awesome deals!

UPDATE: Use code FIFTYN2 at checkout to recieve the additional 50% off!!!

The perfect top. And a giveaway from DownEast!!! Merry Christmas!

Posted in Downeast Basics, Giveaway, Outfit, Tops, Uncategorized on December 18th, 2009 by Emily – 199 Comments

wrap top copy
So, if you’re like me, what you need for the holidays is the perfect piece to add to your wardrobe. Something that works with what you already have. Something that is easy to wear, but looks festive and put together.
Seriously, DownEast Basics’ Reunited Top is the answer to all of our prayers. I have had my eye on this top for a while, and am so glad that I have it.  I have the top in black, and all of these outfit ideas are built around the black top.

I think you need one.
Need proof? You need this top if you fit into any of these categories:
clockwise starting at the top left
1. you have a satiny or sparkly number that would be perfect for a Holiday party, if only you had the right top to make it more modest/winter appropriate/formal/etc. (wear the sparkly top underneath the Reunited Top with some skinny jeans or black cigarette pants and bright heels)
2. you’ve been working up the guts to try a fun headpiece and want to keep the rest of the outfit on the simple side. (I love this cute headband, and with the Reunited Top, your favorite patterned skirt, cute black heels, and some red lipstick…you’ll have the headpiece trend mastered)
3. you have a fun dress that you want to give new life to. (Look in your closet, say you have something that you used to just LOVE, but you’ve worn it to a bunch of events and it’s feeling a little overdone.  Wear it underneath the Reunited Top and you’ve got yourself an entirely different look.)
4. you have a statement necklace that you adore, but struggle with how to make it look statement-ish without being ostentatious. (I struggle with this all the time.  I’m not an everyday jewelry wearer, so when I wear something, I want to make a statement.  A bold statement, but not a LOUD statement.  Here’s my solution: pair your favorite necklace with the Reunited Top, a pencil skirt, and some heels.  The top is fancy enough to hold it’s own against the necklace, and it has the perfect neckline to put your favorite necklace on display)
5. you have a dang cute pair of heels that you want to build an outfit around, but keep the heels as the star of the show. (go in your closet and find your favorite black skirt, a camisole to layer underneath the Reunited Top, put on some bright colored tights, and kick up those heels!)

101_1723And for me… (Natalie) this sweater is just beautiful and perfect for any holiday occasion, or any occasion for that matter. I am so happy with it. The only thing that I wish was a little different… on the DownEast site it says this is 3/4 sleeves, on me… it’s more like 7/8 sleeves, so I would order a size smaller than normal if you want the sleeves to be fitted. But seriously, I think this cardigan is perfect (even if the sleeves are long on me). I wore it to my husbands work party last night, and was glad I did!

But enough about us… what do you want from DownEast for Christmas?!!?! Go on over to their site and pick out one item that is on your wishlist… leave a comment telling us what it is and we will announce the winner on Tuesday morning! Merry Christmas!

Holiday Dress Part 2…

Posted in $25 - $50, $50 - $75, Downeast Basics, Dresses, Nordstrom on November 19th, 2009 by Natalie – 4 Comments

holidaydress

Hey guys! Just thought I would post some great holiday dresses today!

Calvin Klein Tie Sleeve Sheath Dress $58.90

Perfect Form Dress $38.99

Silk Chiffon Empire Waist $158.00 (Thanks for this link Maria!)

Formal Flower Dress $44.99

Taylor Ruffle Jersey Sheath Dress $78.90


Giveaway winners!

Posted in Downeast Basics, Giveaway on November 9th, 2009 by Natalie – 6 Comments

Congratulations Brittany and Jennifer! Please email me with your addresses and jean size! And thanks to everyone who participated! It was a lot of fun to look at all of your outfits! And a big thanks to DownEast Basics for such a great giveaway! Winning Outfits:

DEBbrittanyDEBJennifer

DownEast Denim Giveaway!

Posted in Downeast Basics, Giveaway on November 2nd, 2009 by Natalie – 6 Comments

Picture 31Picture 30Picture 29

Picture 28This week we thought we would have some fun and do our giveaway a little different than our norm.  Want to win some cute jeans? Here’s how:

1. Pick out your favorite pair of DownEast Basics jeans.

2. Put together your ideal outfit using the jeans you selected using: any tops, shoes, or accessories from any brand you want (including DownEast Basics of course).

3. Put together a style board with your complete outfit and email it to me. OR email me (natalie@sensiblystyled.com) the links to the items you want posted into your outfit and I will put together a style board for you. Also, don’t forget to include with your email a link to your personal blog that will be posted next to your outfit… if you so choose.

4. All outfits submitted by Tuesday November 3rd at midnight will be posted to Sensibly Styled by Thursday November 5th and a poll will be taken to determine the winner, which means you (Sensibly Styled readers) get to be the judge! The two outfits with the most votes will win their choice of jeans from DownEast Basics.

We are really excited for this giveaway and hope that you will all participate! Can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Interview with Andrea of DownEast Basics!

Posted in Downeast Basics on November 2nd, 2009 by Natalie – 2 Comments

Picture 31Andrea, we are so excited about DownEast Basics new denim line and are excited to talk to you about it!

The excitement surrounding the new denim line has been far beyond our anticipation. This is great news because it means more styles in the future. We have the best fans and customer base ever! So thank you everyone for your feedback and requests! Keep them coming – we are listening!

What made DownEast Basics decide to come out with a denim line? And why now?

We have discussed trying denim for a couple of years. I decided to start with denim skirts to see if the fabric, washes and quality would meet our expectations and target pricing that all DownEast fans have come to love. All of our denim skirts were very successful, so we discussed the idea of denim further and started with these four styles. It is very exciting for us to see such brand loyalty from our customers. There is nothing more rewarding than when I hear about women wearing the new denim styles with such pride and excitement! Also, it was always so frustrating when styling the photo shoots to use other brand name denim, even though it was carried in our DownEast Outfitters stores. We are striving to sell everything you see in the catalog, so denim has put us one big step closer to achieving that goal. We have welcomed customer feedback and I am trying to make sure we offer many different fit options for different body types. So far the most popular style is the Rock Star Jean.

Picture 28I read on your blog that you have five more styles coming out in your holiday line. We are SO excited to see them! Will they only be available for a limited time?

The holiday denim line will hopefully hit stores for Thanksgiving weekend. The styles include: The True Love Boyfriend Jean, which is a slouchy low-rise boot fit jean, and the Double Take Jean, which will be a hit with everyone who likes the Rock Star Jean. It’s a great boot fit jean with stylish washes, wide waistband and similar pocket detail. Also, the Tall & Trim Trouser Jean is a great dark rinse jean that is super flattering. Every woman should own a pair of these jeans. There are also two skinny jeans – the Must Have Matchstick Jean and Miss Slim Skinny Jean – that have back pocket embellishments and look amazing tucked into your favorite boots. We also have our Matchstick Cords coming in for the holidays in two great colors. They are a skinny cut but boast a tried and true comfort I can’t seem to get enough of. We plan to evaluate the demand of all the denim styles and will re-order the most popular styles, but right now we plan to always offer denim as part of the DownEast Basics line going forward.

Will we be seeing men’s jeans anytime soon (or petite, tall, maternity and plus size)?

We are adding an extra long length in the holiday denim styles which is a 36” inseam. Right now we do not have plans to offer men’s denim, maternity or plus, but as our customer base grows we will evaluate how to meet its buying needs.

Picture 30What’s next for DownEast Basics?

I am anxious for the debut of the Holiday line. Catalogs should hit homes by the second week of November. There are some amazing pieces that will make great gifts, for yourself and others. Some of my favorites are the Classic Cord Coat, Perfect Form Dress (quite possibly the most perfect party dress ever made), First Lady Skirt, and Graceful Drifts Top. We also have a fun camisole/pj pants gift set that comes packaged with ribbon and an adorable To/From gift tag! The pj pants come in fabulous prints while the price and quality live up to the DownEast Basics name. I have my fingers crossed this will be the start of an ongoing sleepwear category. Our Fall 2 jewelry was a major hit, so we are expanding our offering of jewelry including some rings that I cannot wait to wear. You will see a much larger selection of all accessories going forward including scarves, belts, bags and even shoes in 2010. Speaking of 2010, our swim line has shaped up very nicely and will arrive in stores in early February! We have more styles and prints that you will love to wear in the sun, sand and sea.

Overall, you can count on many more styles that will help women of all ages get even more gorgeous and feel even more fabulous than ever.  After all, fashion should be fun. Take a ride on the DownEast Basics fun bus! ALL ABOARD!

Thank you Andrea! And as always, it is fun to hear from you!

DownEast’s Straight Up Skinny Jean

Posted in Downeast Basics on November 2nd, 2009 by Natalie – 2 Comments

101_1677First and foremost… isn’t my daughter Jane SO cute? hehe. Okay, well I just wanted to write a quick review on these cute straight up skinny jeans from DownEast Basics.

I got these jeans about a week ago, and I love them! They have a lot of stretch to them which make them super comfy. I wasn’t in love with the color of the jeans in the picture. However, when I received them in the mail, I was pleasantly surprised! The color (to me, anyways…) is a lot more of a deep blue. I still have to get them hemmed :( but other than that, they are perfect!

P.S. these shoes I am wearing are from Ocean Minded and I love them! If you are looking for some cute sandals… I definitely recommend them! They are comfy and cute… what more can you ask for? (oh yeah, AND I’m pretty sure Rae from ANTM was wearing them when she got booted from the show… which make them even cooler! haha)