Ready for Spring?
I’m starting to get spring fever. It’s halfway through February, and March is right around the corner. You know what that means, right? Bright colors, cropped pants, light tees. I think it’s safe to say that DownEast Basics is more than ready and prepared for Spring to come. After previewing their new arrivals this month, and being outfitted in a darling ensemble, I’m ready to give my take on the new line.

Pros: The new line includes lots of bright fresh colors, and is organized into a 28 day style guide. Feminine ruffles, florals, chiffon, and artistic impressions  are what the line is all about. DownEast sent me the Stroke of Art Skirt, and Frosted Flowers Cardigan.

Stroke of Art Skirt
I haven’t ever owned a skirt from DownEast, so I wasn’t sure what size I needed. As mentioned in my denim review, I am tall and usually have to buy my denim in a tall size. I also like a skirt to hit knee length or below. If it is meant to be a shorter skirt, like many that DownEast features, I like it to be right at the knee. When pictured on the model, it does hit right at the knee. I would have normally ordered a small, but decided to order a size medium so I could ensure the length. The skirt is a bit big, so it sits on my hips, but as you can tell from the picture below, it hits the top part of my calf, so it was plenty long. Next time I would order a small, to get more of the length and fit I want.

The detailing and style of the skirt is darling. I like the way that it fits flat on the top 3″ or so of the skirt, and runs into the pleats, which lay nicely.  The inside of the skirt is lined with a slip which I was happy to see. I have owned a white skirt in the past that wasn’t lined, and I felt that you could almost see through it, even with a slip. The material is also nice and it’s not thin like you get sometimes with skirts. It has a zip closure, and is really a comfy skirt. I think the name of the skirt, stroke of art, fits perfectly.  The pattern is beautiful as you can see below.

Frosted Flowers Cardigan
First off, I love this color. It screams spring and summer. In the picture above, you can see the flowers that are appliqued on. They add a fun funky detail and lay better than I thought they would. It is knit cotton, and is lightweight. I feel that it fits true to size.
There are a few different ways to wear cardigans, so I love the versatility of this piece. Buttoned all the way up, or just a few buttons gives you a different look. Plus, it’s casual enough to dress down for day wear.

Cons:
Stroke of Art Skirt
Because this skirt is a cotton poplin it wrinkles a bit easy. It’s not anything that a warm iron won’t get rid of, but it was a bit wrinkly when I was done wearing it at the end of the day. Because it is a cotton, I will also wash it in cold and line dry it. Not sure if it would shrink up or not as I haven’t washed it yet, but I’m not willing to risk it.

Frosted Flowers Cardigan
I got this cardigan in a size medium and wish the length were a bit longer. I’m also going to handle it with TLC when I wash it as I don’t want the adorable flowers to come off!

Another Favorite
I do love this line, and I have my eye on these Heart Throb Shorts. They aren’t in stock in my size right now, but you’d better believe I’m going to watch to see when they are in stock, because I think need a pair of them.

Price: Stroke of Art Skirt – $29.99 Frosted Flowers Cardigan – $34.99

Where to Buy: DownEast Basics

Win It
TWO Babes and Kids readers will win their choice of top, bottom, or accessory from the new line.

Here’s How to Enter: (This entry is mandatory)

Additional Entries

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Please leave each entry as a separate comment. Contest is open to US residents and will end at 11:59 MST on March 1st. Winner will be drawn via random.org and has 48 hours to respond to winning e-mail or prize will be forfeited and given away in a live giveaway.

The product reviewed in this article was a sample provided to me by DownEast Basics.  They are also sponsoring this giveaway. These views and opinions are my own and I was not compensated by this review.

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