DownEast Basics {Review & Giveaway} stylish and afforable clothing, bags and accessories

{This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to those who entered!}

Lately my husband has taken to saying, "Are you wow-ed with it? You need to be really wow-ed," whenever we're out shopping and I'm browsing or trying on clothes.

He'll definitely be the first one to tell you that I'm pretty darn picky when it comes to my clothes so it's actually good that he's there to be the voice of reason when I'm considering a purchase. If it doesn't meet my standards in terms of how it fits, feels, looks and the quality, well, then it just won't get worn. And the last thing I need is another item just sitting in my closet taking up space.

So, the fact that the Short Sleeve Cardigan in Heather Grey from DownEast Basics hasn't actually made it back into my closet due to the fact that I want to wear it constantly... just shows what a really wonderful and versatile item it truly is to own.

Founded in 1991 as a way to buy and resell customer returns and liquidation clothing from top retail brands, DownEast didn't add their own private label brand, DownEast Basics, until 2005. In the past 5 years, however, this line has gained incredible popularity as customers appreciate the look of the modern, trendy, high-end clothing while it is extremely affordable - what's not to love?

Instead of paying boutique prices, DownEast Basics matches the quality and fabric weight of their competitors and allows you to wear pieces that look expensive but are in fact very reasonably priced. When it comes to style, I think the fresh new silhouettes on the dresses and skirts, chic designs of the bags and casual yet fashionable tops offer women of all ages great options for dressing up or down. There's even an adorable line for girls that starts at only $5 to keep the next generation in vogue as well.

When it comes time to create the clothing for DownEast Basics, it's important to the designers that women are able to feel comfortable, confident and beautiful. Their pieces are modest and flattering and remove the constant worry of tugging or rechecking to make sure that things are covered or where they should be - something that I am typically guilty of doing.

However, the longer length of the Short Sleeve Cardigan means that even when I'm bending down I don't have to be concerned about any unwanted exposure. Plus, I'm able to wear it buttoned up as a top or unbuttoned as an extra layer over a tee, tank top or cute summer dress. I love the soft feel and the slim, attractive cut which is form-fitting without being clingy. All in all, I plan on wearing this cardigan from now until the cold weather returns next fall (and then will have it ready and waiting for the following spring)!

As someone who is not only selective when it comes to clothing but also finds it difficult to spend any large amount of money on it, I can definitely see shopping at DownEast Basics. The only thing that would make it better is if one of their retail stores opened in my area! Their pieces are contemporary and classy and don't break the bank, plus you feel great wearing them. Thanks to their generosity, one person will be stylish this spring, because...

One lucky person will win their choice of item from DownEast Basics!

To enter to win: Visit DownEast Basics and tell me which of their stylish items is your favorite.

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 (per method) if you follow DownEast Basics on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook, subscribe to the RSS feed of the DownEast Basics blog and/or sign up to receive their catalog.
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!

I want to be stylish and WIN a DownEast Basics item of choice @thxmailcarrier from @DownEastBasics! http://bit.ly/cWHSU4 #win #giveaway

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect (see sidebar), subscribe to my RSS feed or subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email.
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 Thanks, Mail Carrier and DownEast Basics. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on April 29th 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 to U.S. residents only.

A big thank you to DownEast Basics for providing a Short Sleeve Cardigan for me to review as well as an item of choice for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.