I got my new DownEast Basics catalog in the mail today, and I'm excited about what they have in store for spring!  Here are some of my favorite items:


1.  Fancy Tee, $16.99 {link}
2.  Pearl Bib Necklace, $14.99
3.  Union Square Top, $19.99 {link}
4.  Silver & Black Jeweled Bib Necklace, $12.99
5.  Frosted Flowers Cardigan, $34.99 {link}
6.  Satin & Bead Necklace, $14.99
7.  Impressionist Skirt, $29.99 {link}
8.  Top Tier Skirt, $34.99 {link}
9.  Outside the Box Top, $24.99 {link}
10.  Chiffon Flower Necklace, $12.99

One reason I'm so excited for these new designs is that I feel like I've seen them before.  The Impressionist Skirt reminds me of this adorable pencil skirt from Kate Spade, the Fancy Tee looks like something straight out of J. Crew, and the Silver & Black Bib Necklace resembles almost exactly this one {that I blogged about here} from Max & Chloe.  I love the direction in which DownEast Basics is moving, and I'm going to scoop me up one of those Fancy Tees as soon as they get some in stock!

Which item from DownEast Basics is your favorite?  Are you {like me} waiting with bated breath for some items to become available?  If you could ask DownEast to make a more affordable or modest version of something, what would it be?  Leave a comment!

NOTE:  Not all of them items I've featured in this post have corresponding links because not all of them are posted on the website yet; I took the pictures, names and prices straight from the catalog.

I know I've mentioned this before, but I am all about wanting spring to be here already.  {What with the possibility of Punxsutawney Phil seeing his shadow and the Lost Season 6 Premiere finally airing, I have a lot riding on this year's Groundhog Day.}  I think that's why I keep dreaming about new arrivals, instead of scouring stores' sale sections for good deals.

For example, I think these two tanks at American Eagle are adorable.  I love the details... the flower appliques, the sequins, the chiffon.  I want them both:


Cut It Out Cami, $24.50 {link}
Sequin Cami, $39.50 {link}

What do you think?  Do you love these tops as much as I do?

Have you seen the new arrivals at Shade?  I love their Straight Skirt:


It's so cute!  I especially adore the pockets.  It reminds me a little of Shade's Double-Pocket Tulip Skirt, which I discovered only after they were sold out in my size.  I was very disappointed that I didn't snag one for myself, and my disappointment has only increased as I've watched Elaine of clothed much look so cute in hers over and over and over.  {sigh}

This skirt is 23 inches long, which is a little short for me, but you can clearly see a nice wide seam allowance at the hem -- just perfect for tailoring.  You can find it online here, or click here to find a location near you.

I was browsing the new arrivals at Ruche this morning...

{...a much less traumatizing and more budget-safe pastime than looking through the new arrivals at Anthropologie, which I had to learn the hard way...}

I was looking over the new arrivals at Anthropologie this morning...

{...as a sidenote, why was I looking at the new arrivals at Anthropologie this morning? To torture myself? Usually I confine myself to the humble sale section, knowing that anything I could even hope to buy will be there. Today, however, I slipped up, and am now paying dearly for my mistake...}

...and I saw two things that just made me catch my breath. The first was this:


Unlike the cardigan, I have no idea what I would wear it with... {...white top and cardi, maybe? with navy pumps and a tweed trench? none of which I own...} ...but it is gorgeous. The intricate detail is delicious, and the yellow is so sunny.

What do you think? Is there anything that you are hopelessly longing for this holiday season? What would you wear these items with?