Get ready to meet another of our DownEast campus brand ambassadors! In our interview with Utah Valley University junior Aaron Jaynes, he talks about what DownEast has to offer for men, and also about the “special lady” in his life. So let’s get to know Aaron!

Who is your favorite band/singer?

This isn’t even a contest – my favorite band of all time is Electric Mayhem!! Their style is so unique.

What era would you like to revisit again from a style perspective?

I feel like I was born just a little too late! I would’ve loved to be a teenager in the 1980s. I consider the style to be “controlled chaos.”  At first glance, outfits seemed to be comprised of whatever the person had on their floor that morning, but when you look a little closer there is definitely a method to the madness.

What does being a DownEast brand ambassador mean to you?

I was pleasantly surprised to find out what DownEast offers in the way of clothing for men. Like many of the guys I’ve talked to, I only thought DownEast carried items for women. I’ve loved having the opportunity to educate guys on the fact that not only does DownEast carry clothes for men, it has some amazing designers to choose from, as well.

What is your favorite class this semester?

I really enjoyed my Infancy and Childhood Development class that I had this semester. I’m a fairly new dad (my daughter turns one next Saturday) and I loved learning about the developmental stages that she is currently in. It truly opened my eyes to all the amazing things children go through during the early stages of life.

Where did you go on your last vacation?

Instead of talking about where I went on my last vacation, I’m going to talk about where my wife and I plan to go on our next BIG vacation! As I mentioned before, our daughter is almost a year old and we are having so much fun introducing her to new things. We are dying to take her to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. My wife and I adore the books and can’t wait to take a vacation to Florida to go to it. We realize that since our daughter is only one, it will be quite some time before we can take her there, but we certainly get excited thinking about it.

Be sure to follow Aaron and the DownEast brand ambassador team as they “stylize” the campus this spring on Instagram @DownEastUVU!

To see our fun and trendy yet affordable clothing styles, go to www.downeastbasics.com or visit one of our 50-plus store locations.

*DownEast Home & Clothing and DownEast Clothing stores also carry items for men.

Sorry guys, it was a ladies-only event. And even though it was three weeks ago, we’re still talking about what a great time we had!

The Pleasant Grove 5K took place on a beautiful spring morning in late April. The race was part of The Pink Series, Utah’s largest women-only running event and party. It just gets bigger every year!

Granted, all the fun we had was for a good cause. Each year, The Pink Series selects a charitable cause to donate proceeds to, and this year’s charity is Image Reborn Foundation, which provides no-cost healing retreats to women diagnosed with breast cancer.

DownEast is proud to sponsor The Pink Series. And, the fun still isn’t over! Another race – actually a 5k and a half-marathon – will take place on Saturday, October 12, in Park City, Utah. There’s plenty of time to start training and planning a weekend getaway to Park City for just you and the girls!

For more information or to register, visit www.thepinkseries.com.

DownEast employees participating in The Pink Series 5K on April 27

(from left to right): Julie Bell, Katie Farrer, Alliy Sahagun, Sheryll Thorell, Ashley Morch and Candy Friedli.

Meet Sophie Miller, one of our DownEast campus brand ambassadors and a senior at the University of Idaho! Sophie shares a few of her favs with us – from the television show she still loves the most to her favorite fashion trend. Welcome to our blog, Sophie!

What is your all-time favorite movie or TV show?

Even in reruns – Friends!

What is your favorite fashion trend right now?

Chevron Dress

I’m really in love with the maxi dress as well as the long skirt/crop top combo. Match either of them with a pair of cute sandals and you’ve got the perfect summer outfit!

What’s your favorite DownEast item in your closet?

My Long Love Maxi skirt.

Are you involved in extracurricular activities?

Yes! I’m the PR and presentation director for the University of Idaho’s advertising team.

Tell us a little about your family or hometown.

I grew up in a small town in Northern Idaho, living with my parents and two sisters. Growing up there, I couldn’t stand that there was nothing to do. But now, I go home every opportunity I have

If you had a million dollars, what would you do with it?

Good question! Honestly, I’d probably have a huge shopping spree, and then buy a new car and a lake house in my hometown.

Be sure to follow Sophie and the DownEast brand ambassador team as they “stylize” the campus this spring on Instagram @DownEastUIdaho!

To find the Chevron Dress, go to www.downeastbasics.com, or visit one of our 50-plus store locations.

Today we’re introducing you to Alexandria Frank, another DownEast campus brand ambassador and a senior at Washington State University. Alexandria shares with us her favorite fashion trend and what she’s currently reading for fun!

What is your all-time favorite movie or TV show?

I’m addicted to the television show Scandal on ABC. There is so much drama and action – I can’t get enough!

What is your favorite fashion trend?

I love that everyone is starting to accessorize! Rings, necklaces, bangles – they’re all really “in” right now. I love the way that accessories can bring a whole look together.

What’s your favorite DownEast item in your closet?

For spring, I am definitely loving DownEast’s Chiffon Button-Down Top. It’s so effortless and versatile, and it has that pop of color that can brighten your day. I usually pair it with shorts or jeggings and some wedges, but it is freezing here at the moment so I am forced to wear it with some boots and black pants.

What do you like most about your school?

I love that everyone can come together in this small town. We all have that “Cougar Pride” that sticks with us long after we leave. I can’t imagine being anywhere else than at WSU.

What’s the last book you read?

I am currently reading Sophie Kinsella’s Twenties Girl. It’s so hilarious! I love all her novels – they make me want to pack my bags and move to London.

Be sure to follow Alexandria and the DownEast brand ambassador team as they “stylize” the campus this spring on Instagram @DownEastWSU!

To find the Chiffon Button-Down Top, go to www.downeastbasics.com or visit one of our 50-plus store locations.

Get ready to meet another of our DownEast campus brand ambassadors! In our interview with Arizona State University junior Brooklyn Brown, she tells us about her favorite fashion era and what she likes most about her school. So let’s get to know Brooklyn!

What is your all-time favorite movie or TV show?

One of my favorite TV shows is The Bachelor on ABC. I love watching everyone on the show trying to fall in love while they travel around the world. It’s so entertaining with all the dating drama and I especially love getting to see all the women’s clothing styles.

What era would you like to visit again from a fashion perspective?

I love the fashions of the 1920s. From flapper dresses to pearls, it’s all just so fun and flashy! I wish those looks were still popular!

What’s your favorite DownEast item in your closet?

I love DownEast’s Favorite Cardi in gold. I can throw it on with any outfit I have. It’s so comfy and adds a pop of color. The gold or mustard color is super popular right now and I wear it all the time!

What do you like most about your school?

What I love most is the school spirit. It’s so fun to support ASU! The students go all out to show their enthusiasm even when they aren’t at school events.

Do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?

“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.” – Audrey Hepburn

I love this quote because it’s about being a beautiful person both inside and out. I think everyone is beautiful, especially when they magnify those great internal attributes.

Keep up with Brooklyn and the ASU DownEast brand ambassador team by following them on Instagram @DownEastASU.

To find the Favorite Cardi, go to www.downeastbasics.com, or visit one of our 50-plus store locations.

Meet Sara Kaelin, Washington State University senior and one of our DownEast campus brand ambassadors! Sara shares with us why she loves being a WSU Cougar and also reveals some of her go-to clothing items that are in her closet right now. Take it away, Sara!

Who is your favorite band/singer?

My favorite band right now has to be The Fray. I saw them live a few years back and really hope to see them again.

How do you like to accessorize?

I love to add a watch to any outfit. I have two watches I wear all the time – they make any outfit look a bit more put together.

What’s your favorite DownEast items in your closet?

My favorite DownEast item is probably my Bow On The Side Fedora or my Multi Chevron Scarf. They make me feel like warm weather is just around the corner!

What do you like most about your school?

I love the school spirit at WSU. On any day, if someone yells “Go Cougs!” you are sure to hear people yell it back. It’s great being a part of the WSU Cougar family!

Where did you go on your last vacation?

I went to Bonners Farry, which is north of Spokane, Washington. I went to a spa there with my mom to get facials and our nails done. It was a lot of fun!

If you had a million dollars, what would you do with it?

I would start by paying off my college debt and then I would buy a Subaru Impreza hatchback. After that, I would put a good amount of it into savings and also donate a percentage to The Humane Society. I’m an animal lover!

Be sure to follow Sara and the DownEast brand ambassador team as they “stylize” the campus this spring on Instagram @DownEastWSU!

To find the Bow On The Side Fedora or Multi Chevron Scarf, go to www.downeastbasics.com or visit one of our 50-plus store locations.

Today we’re interviewing University of Idaho sophomore Caroline Lincoln, who gets personal on what it means to be a DownEast campus brand ambassador and what program at UI inspires her the most.

What is your all-time favorite movie or TV show?

My all-time favorite TV show is Gilmore Girls. To me, it’s a timeless classic. The constant pop culture references and phenomenal mother-daughter relationship make this show easy to fall in love with. The Gilmore women are ambitious and confident people that you can look up to. It’s rare when television provides younger viewers with such positive characters to idolize.

What era would you like to revisit again from a fashion perspective?

It would have to be the 1980s. The hairstyles haven’t quite come back, but the bright colors and jean jackets sure have. I’d like to see what other pieces the 80s have to offer us as throwback styles!

What does being a DownEast brand ambassador mean to you?

To me, being a DownEast brand ambassador means being a trendsetter and role model not only for my university, but for my generation. Fashion should be innovative, creative and most importantly – tasteful. A lot of popular young adult brands seem to miss that third component, but I believe that DownEast knows how to keep its brand classy! I’m proud to be affiliated with a company that holds itself to high standards.

Are you involved in extracurricular activities?

The activity I’ve participated in that I’m most passionate about is the Alternative Service Break program operated by the University of Idaho’s Volunteer Center. UI sends teams of student volunteers to various locations nationally and internationally for service learning. On my ASB trip to San Francisco, my team worked with two different food programs. The programs serve those who have a serious need, such as homeless or disabled individuals. It was the most rewarding and eye opening experience I’ve had in my life so far.

Do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you make them feel.” – Maya Angelou

Be sure to follow Caroline and the DownEast brand ambassador team as they “stylize” the campus this spring on Instagram @DownEastUIdaho!

To see our fun and trendy yet affordable clothing styles, go to www.downeastbasics.com or visit one of our 50-plus store locations.

We’d like you to meet Kanyinsola Ibiyemi-aluko, team leader of DownEast’s campus brand ambassador program at Arizona State University. Kanyinsola is a junior who is majoring in Public Policies and Public Services. She shares her favorite fashion era with us, as well as her experiences as a DownEast brand ambassador.

ASU student Kanyinsola Ibiyemi-aluko enjoys sharing her style as a DownEast brand ambassador

What is your favorite movie or TV show?

My favorite movie as of right now is without a doubt Pitch Perfect. I’ve seen it three times already and each time it gets funnier!

What era would you like to revisit from a fashion perspective?

I would revisit the 90s. I’m all about overalls, baggy pants and half tops. I also love the music of that decade – De La Soul, Salt N Pepper, Run-DMC, TLC, Genuine, Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson and Whitney Houston.

What does being a DownEast brand ambassador mean to you?

Being a DownEast ambassador means getting the chance to explore my creative side, while also promoting a great company. To be able to wear DownEast clothes proudly and not worry about whether I look inappropriate to prospective employers is such a relief – and, I get to look fashionable and wear the latest trends. My passion is to do marketing and public relations for companies. Working with the other campus ambassadors to come up with different strategies for representing DownEast allows me to put my skills to the test.

Do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” – Marianne Williamson

Follow Kanyinsola and her ASU brand ambassador team on Instagram @DownEastASU.

For great fashions perfect for school, go to www.downeastbasics.com, or visit one of our 50-plus store locations.

Meet our new Guest Stylist Stephanie Abbott from The Salt Blog and see her favorite DownEast Basics items, just click HERE! Pictured: Top, Earrings, Belt, Shoes, Bag, Pants.

Today we’re introducing you to another DownEast campus brand ambassador – Anna Evans from Utah Valley University!

Ambassador Anna Evans sporting her favorite DownEast styles with friends at UVU

What is your favorite movie or TV show?

Oh, man, that’s a really tough question. I’m torn between Psych and The Office, but I’m going to have to go with The Office. I’ve been faithfully watching it since I was like 10 years old. I’ll be sad when it ends (this is the last season)!

What is your favorite fashion trend right now?

I love the trend of wearing oversized sweaters or cardigans with leggings, scarves and boots. It’s so cozy! I literally wear something similar to that twice a week – it’s perfect for winter.

What’s your favorite DownEast item in your closet?

There are soooo many DownEast clothes in my closet right now, but my favorite are my Boom Boom Jeans. I love them so much that I wear them basically every day. They add a nice pop of color to any outfit and are perfect for winter and fall.

What do you like most about your school?

The campus is all connected, so I never have to walk outside in the freezing cold. It is wonderful! And I also love how all of the teachers care about every one of the students. About 35 students is the average class size.

Do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?

“What can I do to make life happier for someone today?” – Marjorie Hinckley. I love this quote – get out there and do some good!

If you had a million dollars, what would you do with it?

Build orphanages all around the world and try to get every child placed in a good home. Nothing makes me happier than playing with little kids. They’ll make you smile no matter what.

Be sure to follow Anna’s DownEast style adventures this semester on Instagram @DownEastUVU!

For great fashions perfect for school, go to www.downeastbasics.com, or visit one of our 50-plus store locations.