$10/7/5 BLOG SALE-tops and tees

$10/7/5 BLOG SALE

$10 -1st item
$7- 2nd & 3rd items
$5-everything else
example: if you purchase 6 items it would be 10+7+7+5+5+5= $39 so (theoretically) you could get a top, three sweaters, a skirt and a dress for $39. There are no additional shipping or PayPal fees.

how it works: email me at debye@cberryfamily.com to reserve an item. Items can be reserved while you wait to see what else you may want from later posts. After the sale, I will send a PayPal money request for the amount due. Payment is due w/in 24 hours, if not receives the items will be open for purchase again. If you need more time, just let me know......I just don't want to hold an item too long that someone else may really want.
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Anthropologie Zig Zag Zinnias Tee, size Medium IRL picture here and here RESERVED

 J Crew Roses and Ruffles Tank, Size Medium  IRL pic here SOLD

 LOFT Animal Assymetrical Ruffle Shell, Size 6, IRL pic here SOLD

 LOFT Assymetrical tee (in light mint color) size Medium SOLD

 Bohemian Tunic, Size Small, seen here SOLD

 J Crew Zoey Tank, Size sMedium seen IRL here SOLD

 LOFT gray and purple floral shell, size Small, IRL pic here SOLD

 Banana Republic Twist neck top, Size Medium SOLD

 Modbe Cowl Neck Sweater, Size Small, IRL pic here SOLD

 J Crew Stone Necklace Tee, Size Medium SOLD

 LOFT watercolor floral bubble tank, size Medium, seen IRL here SOLD

 LOFT copper ruffled tank, Size medium, IRL pic here SOLD

 LOFT pleated bib tank, size Medium, seen IRL here SOLD

 Banana Republic Silk Colorblock Racer Back tank, Size Medium SOLD

 Down East Basics Starboard Tee,Size M, seen IRL here SOLD

J Crew Tuxedo Ruffe Painter Henley, Size Medium, seen IRL here SOLD

 Banana Reublic Button Back Gingham Top, Size Medium, seen IRL here SOLD

 LOFT chiffon swirl tee, Size Medium, seen here SOLD

Swim Suit Giveaway Winner........

A Giveaway to Make Swim Suit Season (a little) Easier

I don't know how it is in your neck of the woods but here in Sunny So. Cal we are climbing up to the 80's which means the dreaded "getting your winter booty that you hid in long pants back into shape for the beach" time.

No big secret, I am taller. Not amazon tall, just 5'9" have a hard time finding tops long enough tall. For me, one pieces are just a big no-no. They never fit me right , unless they are meant to pull at me like a rubberband so that the only way to be comfortable is to slouch like a humpback. A lot of tankinis are too short or they ride up exposing the dreaded spare tire, muffin top....you get my drift. I gain my weight in my mid section so the last thing I need is a tankini riding up and drawing attention to it, as if even the tank could not possibly contain my tummy flab.

Last year, after hearing rave reviews from friends, I tried out DownEast Basic's swim line and it did not disappoint. So for this GIVEAWAY, I am going to offer you what I grabbed from this summer's swim line. First up, the Oceanside Tank in Hot Pink. It is hard to tell from this picture but the chest portion is actually two layers with two straps. This gives extra support and security (no wardrobe malfunctions here) but also makes for a really cute design element. I chose hot pink because, well, pink looks so good with a tan! I love how it also has ruching on the sides which is slimming and helps define the waistline. The length  is perfect and guess what? It stays there! I found the top TTS, mine is a Medium.

Since I like to mix and match bottoms I had plenty that would coordinate with this tank so I opted for a swim skirt. I mean, the odds of me NOT spending most of the time with a swimskirt on while I chase after the toddlers is very low and I couldn't resist the femine details of the Malibu Swim Skirt in the taffy pattern. I found the sizing in the skirt a little different. If you wear the skirt up at your natural waist it fits TTS. This makes the skirt really short which is fine, it's a swimsuit afterall and it is like an adorable ruffly bottom. To make it longer (like in the picture) it is worn lower at the hips. I have curvy hips, for me the medium (my normal size) hit a little too tight here to be super flattering. If you have some extra padding here that can be, let's say er...squeezed... like me then you may want to size up one to wear it lower.

So, now that I have told you about my new swimwear I guess you'd like to know how to win one for yourself.

GIVEAWAY GUIDELINES-three chances to win!!!


1. This giveaway is open to anyone who hasn’t won a DownEast Basics blog giveaway on THIS blog within the last 90 days.

**for each possible entry, leave a seperate comment so they they will be counted as individual entries (versus one)**
2. Visit DownEast Basics website and let me know what your favorite swim item is. Make sure to leave your name and email in the comment (if they aren't accessible through blogger).

3. For a second chance to win, become a follower and let me know in a seperate entry. If you are already a follower, let me know that too :)

4. Become a DownEast Basics Facebook Fan and leave a comment letting me know. If you are already a fan, let me know that too!


**last day to enter is Monday, May 10th at 6:00pm. Winner will be announced the following day**

And the winner......

.......of the Spring Scene Skirt from DownEast Basics is:

Spring Scene Review and Giveaway...yep, I said GIVEAWAY!

It is no big secret that I am a DownEast Basics fan (in life, blogging, and on Facebook) so when they contacted me about a review and giveaway I thought it had to be dreaming. That was an easy one......YES please!!!! You can see some of the pieces I have worn recently from DownEast here

The hardest part was narrowing it down to one item to review. In fact, this proved to be so difficult that I ended up giving them three options and asked them to make the final decision. I am really glad they chose the Spring Scene Skirt because it is a beautiful budget friendly way to join in on the floral pencil skirt trend. To me, it is reminiscent of the Penciled Abronia Skirt from Anthro.

All of my skirts from DownEast Basics (and trust me, I have a lot) are A-lined and sit lower on the waist so I was really curious as to how they would do with more of a fitted, pencil shape. They did not disappoint one bit. The cut is very flattering and it is fully lined to avoid being see through. I love that it is a more mom friendly fabric that you could even wear at the park but without sacrificing any of the style. Oh, and the colors are really beautiful, deep magenta-y fuscia with navy, green, periwinkle and white. Did you see the green piping around the waistband? I love that detail. I see a lot of outfit possibilities.

This is a size 6 which is one size smaller then I normally would wear in bottoms. It is a little tight on my curvy hips so I would say it is running TTS. If you go between two sizes, I would go with the smaller (comes in sizes 0-14). I styled it a few ways for you to show how versatile this can be...
                                   

cardigan:Loft, tank:J Crew, Shoes: Banana Republic Outlet (old)

double breasted cardigan/jacket: Banana republic, tank: J Crew, Belt-Loft, Shoes: Banana Republic

Victoria look-a-like blouse-Loft, Shoes-Apt 9 from Kohls

So, I am loving this skirt, what about you......you want one too? Well, you can win one here:

GIVEAWAY GUIDELINES

1. This giveaway is open to anyone who hasn’t won a DownEast Basics blog giveaway within the last 90 days.
2. Visit DownEast Basics website and let me know what your top two wishlist items are. Make sure to leave your name and email in the comment (if they aren't accessible through blogger).
3. For a second chance to win, become a follower and let me know in a seperate entry. If you are already a follower, let me know that too :)
4. It's that simple!

**last day to enter is Tuesday, April 13th at 6:00pm. Winner will be announced the following day**

Stay tuned for a swimsuit review and giveaway coming soon too!

Polka Dotted Monday

Today is another crazy busy Monday. First I got to work in Chase's Kindergarten classroom and now I have to do some vacuuming, floor cleaning and counter/cabinet wiping in order to meet our other adoptions worker (yes, we have two of them plus our social worker) at 3:00. T-Ball practice is at 4:00 and then we have to leave at 5:30 to get to one of our required adoption classes............whew. I am tired just thinking about it.

Luckily, everything today is casual so one outfit will last me through the day if I want it to. I had on my juliet heels but flats just seemed more practical with everything going on. And although I have been dressed for hours, obviously the toddlers are not but they look so darn cute and comfy.

Top- DownEast Basics

Flutter Bow Cardigan- J Crew

Weekend Jeans-Old Navy

Flats-Old Navy

I postponed my trip to J Crew and Anthropologie this weekend when I saw that they had added the in-store promo 0f 30% off all sale items to the online (promo code EXTRA30). I plan on going to Anthropologie tomorrow or Wednesday so be on the look out for some reviews. In the meantime here is what I picked up on final sale from J Crew. I was good and kept the total low.

Roses and Ruffles Tank:  I am just a sucker for ruffles and roses done in knit. I had tried it on in store and liked it so I scooped it up for just $20.99

Jackie Cardigan: A Jackie also for just $20.99, how could I pass that up. All they had left in my size was the light pewter (now gone) but I am sure it will get put to good use all the same!

Row, Row, Row Your Boat

Today I decided to draw inspiration from the lake forming in my backyard (okay, it is really just a big puddle) and I added a touch of nautical to today's outfit. I am ready for the rain to go away, luckily that is supposed to be tonight.

I am thinking of a trip to J Crew and Anthro tomorrow for some fitting room reviews since my hubby has a coaching clinic for T-Ball. I am curious to see what is left on the sale rack at J Crew with the extra 30% off and the Anthropologie next door to it is much larger then the one I visited last week and will hopefully have more of the new arrivals. Just depends if I am feeling strong enough to resist temptation. Has anyone found any good deals on their J Crew sale rack?

Shrug-Banana Republic Winter '07

Top-DownEast Basics

Jeans-Banana Republic

Shoes-Style & Co for Macys

Bag-Nine West

Necklace-Steinmart

Here is a closer look at the shoes. High heeled oxfords, gotta love 'em!

Rushing, Boden and some styling help

I overslept a little today and when you have four kids to get ready, it can get a little stressfull. Have I ever mentioned that I hate being late? I just can't do it so todays outfit was a little (okay, a lot) rushed. Good news is that we all still got to church on time to get our regular row and all there were no signs of bed head.

Dress - Downeast Basics

Necklace-J Crew

Boots-Steve Madden

After church, I was ecstatic to see an email that my Boden Spring Preview order had shipped! Yay! This is my first time ordering from Boden but after seeing all the adorable styles that Dinagideon sports from there I had to give it a try, Plus, their Spring Line is amazingly droolworthy. 

Another note, remember the lacemaker skirt that I tried on here ? It is on sale now for $69.95. Hypothetically speaking, If someone were to buy this skirt with her credit (that isn't really shopping is it?) what do you think would work well this skirt?

The Stockings are Hung

....by the chimney with care, at least until the toddlers pull them down enough times that we give up and put them away until Christmas Eve! As you can tell, we finally got our decorations up...yippee!
My favorite part of decorating for Christmas is hanging the stockings, the more the merrier is what I say! Besides our family we also have one for our dogs and for Nana and Poppa who always celebrate at our house.

Now for the outfit of the day. I almost didn't post it because it looks kind of "blah" in the photo. I promise it looked a little better in person but either way, I still loved the change. It felt very menswear inspired and it was very comfy for a long day at work.

White Blouse-DownEast Basics

Olive Stretch Flannel Top-J Crew

Black Slacks-Ann Taylor Loft

Unisa Shoes

Polka Dot Disaster Zone

First of all, you guys had some GREAT ideas! I am going to try the skirt again with the all black like a few of you mentioned. As soon as I read the idea of pairing this top with a dark jeans, a honey/mustard cardigan and the brown from my chunky belt I was sold.

So this morning I excitedly threw it all on and you know what, I still don't like the fit of this top on me. It is too short and I can't get it to tie right and the ruffle falls strange. I think my torso is just too long for it so the decision is made.....this top has gotta go.

But, it was not a total waste. I still loved the color combo and ideas for this outfit so I just changed it out with the navy dot tie front shell from ATL.....much better IMO.

Dot Tie Front Shell from Loft

Antique Button Floral Cardigan from NY & Co.

Elle Skinny Jeans from Kohls

Mootsies Tootsies Shoes

Oh, and do I look a wee bit tired? Well it was worth it because my friend Kelsey let me tag along with her family of goofballs last night to see New Moon. It was so much better then Twilight and since it was my least favorite of the books, I was suprised to have enjoyed the movie so much. There were still some cheesy, poorly acted moments like when Jacob speeds down the hill on the dirt bike to check on Bella, his dismount from the bike looked like a Jack Black move from Saving Silverman yet it was meant to be dramatic versus the giggles we all chuckled. If you have seen it, I am sure you know exactly what I am talking about :o) Before anyone starts thinking less of me, I still loved the book New Moon I just spent the whole book waiting for Edward to come back making it my least favorite of the series. Team Edward...woohooo!

Playing With Color AND The Loft F&F Sale

I always admire how Amy of Kelinda.Kelinda plays with color masterfully so today I thought I would have a little fun. I have to admit I felt a little like Violet Beauregarde from Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, ya know when she turns into a blueberry after eating the three-course dinner gum? 

Though I don't think I mastered the color combo, it was a freeing experience to step outside of my comfort zone!

Stratton Dress from DownEast Basics

J Crew Chiffon Pleated Cardigan

Tights from Target

Shoes from Target

AND IT'S OFFICIAL! My coupon was emailed to me today. ATL's Friends & Family Sale is Tueday the 17th through Sunday the 22nd. The online code for 30% off is FRIENDS

The Best Dance Dress

Today I am wearing one of my favorite dresses, The Best Dance Dress by Rebecca Beeson. I believe this dress was sold in Anthropologie stores but I was able to snag mine off of eBay for under $50 a few months ago.

This dress is full of  amazing embellishments like criss crossed lace, blue velvet trim, a cluster of yo-yo flowers with brass studs and a chiifon under skirt. What more could you ask for?

Over it I threw the short story sweater from DownEast Basics in Navy. I had never thought of pairing the two but the embellishments on both pieces seem to flow together without going too overboard.

Here is a better look at the way the laces crosses under the cardigan:

I have always felt like the fabric bunches a little on me between the x and the cardigan really helped cover that. I should probably see about getting that tailored one of these days.

I hope you all enjoy your Veterans Day. Hopefully some of you have the day off!

p.s. I have some news regarding a Pre-Sale coming at Macy's for the Family & Friends Sale event.

GOing DownEast

Today felt like a comfy church day so I wore The Loft Dress in a glacier blue from DownEast Basics a few seasons ago. I don't think anyone does knit dresses consistently better than DownEast. They have a way of mastering a simple design that is flattering on almost every body type. Now, they aren't as durable as J Crew's but for the price, you can't beat it!

If you have time, check out their new arrivals that are coming soon. Definitely some drool worthy pieces! This, this, and this are on my wish list oh, and this, this and this too! Looks like they have been inspired by J Crew too!

Loft Dress from DownEast Basics

Mossimo Tank from Target

Necklace-Gifted

Sunday, Sunday

And you thought I was exaggerating about bringing green back to my life. I just love this green tulle skirt by Lulumari, which is a small Los Angeles based fashion line. It is a vibrant jewel toned green that really stands out (much brighter and darker then the picture looks) with unique detailing. You can sometimes snag their clothing online at Lulus, Anthropologie and eBay.

Kohls
Lulumari skirt purchased on eBay

Apt. 9 Cardigan from

Black Wonder Tee from DownEast Basics

Today Was About Comfort

I have never understood why so many of us associate comfort with jeans and a baggy t-shirt when a knit dress with a cozy sweater can be even more comfy and looks twice as nice.

I woke up tired today and knew I would be folding laundry and packaging orders most of the day so there would be a lot of floor time. If no one were to see me all day, I probably would have stayed in my jammies but walking Chase to and from school and the inevitable dash to the store make pj days impossible unless I want to end up being nominated for "What Not To Wear". So I chose my favorite go to outfit, a knit dress with a cardigan. Since it was finally chilly out, I was able to finally wear my new cashmere sweater (fits TTS) and the dress (on sale now) I bought when visiting my BFF in Idaho.


p.s. Did you get the email on J Crew's insider sale? There is a copy of it here. I have to decide between a trip to Anthro or online shopping a J Crew......decisions....decisions......

p.s.s. Don't you love how the flash made a lovely circle on my belly, just what I need!

Perfect lightweight cashmere cardigan from Ann Taylor

Leading Lady Dress from Downeast Basics

Transitioning to Fall

Today was a nice break from the heat wave which is due back tomorrow. I thought I'd share one of my favorite transitional outfits as the seasons start to change (everywhere else at least). I love to combine summery skirts with long cardigans. As it gets colder you just add tights....

p.s. excuse the photo, this was all the way at the end of a busy day!

This skirt looks really cute with a military jacket and a belt or with a yellow cardigan but today I was in a "blending in" kind of mood

Perfect-fit falling ruffles tank from J. Crew (on sale now for $14.99)

Navy Wonder tee from DownEast Basics

Trusty gray cardigan from Banana Republic

J Crew Tiered Ruffle Skirt purchased on JCA's weekly thread

Right now in San Diego we are in the middle of a heat wave which has been not only uncomfortable, but incredibly frustrating when I have so many fall looks I am waiting to try out!

When it is 90 degrees out, it can be a challenge to try to look cute while staying cool (and modest) so my "go to" pieces are my knit dresses. I love that I can have the comfort of a tee shirt and still receive compliments on being nicely dressed. I thought I'd share a few dresses I have been wearing the last few days:

The Shift Dress from Shade ClothingGrey Pleated Dress from Shade ClothingLeading Lady Dress from DownEast BasicsLayla Dress from Layers Clothing