When I begin the design and development process for each season, one of the questions I always ask myself is whether or not I would wear or buy each piece in the line. For the holiday line, it was fun for me to think about whether or not I would love to give or get certain items as gifts! I loved creating gifts within the line and I hope you will find it equally enjoyable to both give and get them! In a time where gift cards seem so easy, there is nothing like receiving a gift that someone really felt you would love. Hopefully between all of our new accessories, jewelry, hats, gloves, scarves, hand bags, printed skirts and festive print PJs, you will find something that perfectly suits someone you love, too! 

If you’re still in the midst of finding those perfect holiday gifts for family and friends, DownEast Basics has some truly great ideas and they’re all at amazing, affordable prices! Here are a few of my favorite things…

DownEast Basics Essential Scarves 2-Pack

To make gift giving extra easy, we have two gift sets that come tied and ready to go, complete with a cute “to/from” card and grosgrain ribbon accent. Our new Cami & PJ sets (now just $20 with any purchase - enter code: PJSET at checkout) pair comfy, cotton jersey pj pants in darling festive prints with a coordinating DownEast Basics camisole. Our other gift set includes two of our very popular Essential Scarves (now $15 with any purchase - enter code: SCARF at checkout). These long, jersey scarves are extra soft and come in a range of fabulous colors – they are addictive to wear and make a perfect stocking stuffer!

Speaking of scarves, our knitted Rosette Scarf ($16.99) is romantic and sophisticated, and comes in gray, black or purple. These scarves feature a hand-knitted appliquéd rose that is super trendy and fun to wear. To give or get a complete accessorized look, combine it with a pair of Rosette Gloves ($12.99), and our Rosette Hat ($12.99).

DownEast Basics On the Town Tote

I am so thrilled to carry our own line of hand bags! The price and style make them hard to pass up. In fact, they are so affordable you can use one of our bags as a gift bag instead of a box for other gifts for double the fun of gift giving! Our trendy, metallic Main Street Tote (now $20 with purchase – enter code MAINST at checkout) goes with just about everything, and comes in gold, silver or black. Another gorgeous bag is our On the Town Tote ($29.99), which comes in either a modern flower print in colors that coordinate with the entire holiday line, or an equally versatile polka dot print. 

Our embossed, metallic Skinny Belt ($14.99) featured throughout the holiday catalog adds easy glamour to most of our fashion tops and cardigans, and is available in gold, green and silver. Did I mention these are also a perfect stocking stuffer???

DownEast Basics Classic Cord Coat

Hopefully you have had the experience of shopping at a DownEast Basics store and finding items with amazing detail and quality fabrics – and you are completely shocked by the very affordable price! The Classic Cord Coat ($49.99) is one of those items. This dress length, high-quality corduroy coat is fully lined with a gorgeous zebra print and features large tortoise buttons. This is a classic style that will be a fall/winter wardrobe essential for years to come. It comes in citrus gray, plum, and my personal favorite: cream.

DownEast Basics Formal Flowers Dress

Finally, don’t forget to gift yourself! Your frustrating quest to find an affordable, stylish and unique party dress (with sleeves) is over! Our Perfect Form Dress ($38.99) defines romance, with a soft, satin sheen and ruffled neckline, and the Formal Flowers Dress ($44.99) is an example of DownEast Basics at its finest. This style boasts a neckline that is flocked with handmade flowers while the rest of the dress fits to flatter with its simple waistline and inverted pleat detail. Let’s get this party started! I suggest you hurry - the word is out and these are selling fast.

For all of you who have become a fan of our jeans, we have more styles coming! Perfect for snuggling by the fire, we recommend our True Love Boyfriend Jean (coming soon – $44.99). Also, if you didn’t get a pair of our popular Rock Star Jeans ($54.99), don’t worry, we just received more, so get yours today!!!

Without a doubt this is my favorite time of year. What could be better than family, friends, and shopping???? Best wishes for a wonderful and safe holiday season. Thanks for making 2009 so great for us! Here’s to another year of style surprises and many fashion must-haves. Give-Get-LOVE DownEast Basics.

 CHEERS!

Andrea