fashion |

Spring is here at DownEast Basics

February 27, 2013 · by Organizedisland · 6 Comments

Lately, the weather has been warming up here on the west coast. As much as I love fall and winter, this southern California native really loves her spring and summer. Mostly, because I love wearing dresses and skirts instead of pants and jeans. With spring around the corner, I am getting excited about the Spring Fashions for this year.

The other evening I went to DownEast Basics at the Irvine Spectrum Center.

I was so happy to see so many cute offerings in their store. There were some cute lace tops that are one of this years top trends. Look at these cute top and capri separates.

They also had an array of colorful shirts, shorts and skirts that were perfect for spring.

With a wonderful selection of bold brights, These are all cute skirts!

DownEast Basics is one of my favorite stores for clothing. Not just because they clothes are well-made, on -trend and fun, but because they are reasonably priced as well.

Check out this cute geometric print dress for $30.

I am all about frugal shopping. Here is a cute floral print dress that I loved.

Wouldn’t that be perfect for a summer BBQ or a walk along the beach?

DownEast Basics also has accessories for spring. Those little bows are hair claws! Adorable!

So, what did I come home with?

I also got this cute pencil skirt.

They also had some cute t-shirts that are slimming, which I posted on Instagram.

If you are in the area, it is worth a stop to check out their store. But you do not have to wait for that. Check out their website here and their online catalog here. They are having an amazing sale right now, and they are having a Pinterest contest as well (note: contest ends March5, 2013).

What is your favorite trend this spring?

DownEast Basics was hosting a special event the evening I visited and there was a $25 gift card in the gift bag. All opinions are my own.

Filed Under: Frugal Fun, Shopping, Spring · Tagged: DownEast Basics, fashion, frugal fashion, OC Shopping, shopping in orange county, spring fashion, the irvine spectrum

My Biggest Fashion Mistake

January 6, 2013 · by Organizedisland · 49 Comments

One of one of the benefits of beinging of a “certain” age is that I can look back through decades, yes decades, of photos and see all the former fashion trends that I have followed and lived through.

In the 70′s, I was just a kid and I discovered fashion through the art of the Sears catalog. I loved the maxi skirts and peasant blouses (which are back in style by the way). I wore my hair in braids and tried to look groovy, even as a kid. In the 80′s I was all about big hair, big shoulder pads and leggings. Notice that while leggings are back in style, big shoulder pads are apparently, still waiting for their comeback.

In reviewing the photos, for the most part, I embraced several fashion trends. No, I did not wear socks with pumps, or lacy tops a la Madonna, but I did have a couple of missteps. My biggest fashion mistake was wearing my padded shoulder leather jacket with my leather skirt. Yep, I wore them together. Here is the photo from the late 80′s as proof. The big shoulder pads are hidden a bit by my big hair.

It is fun to look back at my photos and wonder what was I thinking or in some cases, why the heck didn’t I save that? Actually, I did save both of these pieces and gave them to my grown daughter who will assuredly, will not wear them together.

In all honestly, I would not change a thing. Part of the joy of life is being able to explore new fashion trends and at this point in my life, I can embrace my fashion past. This year I am all about color blocking (which was big in the 60′s, by the way).

This post is part of a blog hop for Generation Fabulous, a wonderful group of women that I have met through blogging. We are all sharing our fashion mistakes here. I will be posting about how I organize my present fashions in an upcoming post, so be sure to follow along. What was your biggest fashion mistake?

Filed Under: Uncategorized · Tagged: 80's fashion, fashion, fashion faux pas, fashion memories, fashion mistake, GenFab

A Plan For Shopping At Outlet Malls

October 9, 2012 · by Organizedisland · 6 Comments

Do you shop at outlet malls? I am a fan and I enjoy some outlet malls more than others. The key for me is not the number of stores, but the brand and types of stores that are there. I shop the outlets frequently because they often have some really good deals. In order to get the most out of your shopping trip, I am suggesting a few tips to maximize your experience.

1. Download a map and directory to the mall that you are planning on visiting. Note the hours of operation. Some outlet malls open up earlier than traditional malls and you can shop when it is less crowded.

2. Wear comfortable shoes that you can walk miles in, trust me you will be glad at the end of your trip. Sa). the heels for later,( or find some new ones at the outlet mall).

3. Make a list of what you are looking for and have a budget so that you do not overspend. Check the directory listing to see if the type of stores you want to visit our listed. Outlet stores vary from mall to mall.

4. Follow the center on Facebook or Twitter or email as many centers offer discounts via this route. If you do not have these accounts, stop by the visitor center and ask if there are any coupons or special offers. I have yet to go to an outlet mall that did not have coupons or special offers and I have been to quite a few.

5. Bring bottled water or snacks in case the shopping trip in case you get hungry or if the visit goes longer than planned.

6. Check the return policy at the stores you shop in so that you are fully aware of the policy. Ask if they have a rewards program. Many do and this is another added bonus.

7. Try to avoid busy times (late weekend afternoons). You will be able to shop more comfortably and get more assistance from employees when you are not competing with lots of other shoppers.
The Outlet Mall that is closet to me is The Outlets at Orange. They have a wonderful selection of stores and more are coming in a few months. They also have some wonderful restaurants there. There is even a brewery. This week they had an event that I attended for bloggers. Here are some pictures of the event below:

The event was nice, but the shops are better. They have a wonderful selection of clothing, housewares, accessories, electronics and beauty in over 120 stores. If you are in the area, check them out on their website, they are worth a visit while you are in the OC. They are close to Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farm.