Cardigan Empire

Salt Lake City Fashion Stylist

Denim Affordable: DownEast Basics Giveaway

Sometimes tiny budgets are even more troublesome to fit than tiny waists. And while I believe denim is worthy of a modest investment, given the complexity of perfectly swaddling durable, twill cotton cloth about a unique sets of curves, I was actually rather delighted and surprised by this diminutively priced option from DownEast Basics.

But before we get down to the denim, let us start by admitting that I am a blue blooded, blue jean snob. To be fair, it’s just my thighs and seat that are snooty in the presence of modern dungarees, well my waist too. But my entire upper body and calves are completely unpretentious around indigo cloth. So you can imagine my entire lower body’s unabashed surprise when DownEast Basics delivered their Platinum Jeans which were not only affordable but also flattering. Let me explain:


1. Wash. Delightfully dark causing my lower figure to recede into proportion with my upper figure. And no messy whiskering or sandblasting to highlight my prominent thighs and hips.


2. Cut. Not to clingy through the thigh, not to flared on the ankle, just a flattering, perfectly proportioned bootcut.

3. Rise: A bit low for my ideal, (I dream in denim mid-rise). Pair these with a longer top or regret it everytime you bend over or sit down. And while I appreciate that the waistband was not overly snug (thereby squishing soft delicious centers everywhere) it was a little too roomy around my waist. Not an uncommon problem for me, and not difficultly corrected by my neighborhood tailor.

4. Length. Comes in 32 and 34 inches from crotch to hem. Perfect for me and my shorty legs, but you 36 inchers will want to keep shopping around.

These jeans were in fact so affordable, one can afford an entire outfit (see suggestions below) for the price normally surrendered for premium designers. There’d probably even be a few dollars left over for me to get the waist altered.



You can win your own pair of DownEast Basic Denim too missy, here’s how:

Either: Go to DownEast Basics, inspect their denim selection, and leave a comment detailing the pair you think may be a match.

And/Or: Become a DownEast Basics fan on facebook and leave a confirming comment on this Cardigan Empire post.

The winner of the Denim Giveaway will be selected on Friday, October 16th. The winner gets to select a pair of DownEast Basic Denim in her cut and size of choice. I’ll even help you decide which pair to get, should you desire assistance.

In the meantime, feel free to assemble the rest of your ensemble using any of the fashionable, affordable options at DownEast Basics and enjoy free shipping. Enter “cardiganempire” in the promo code, valid, 10/13 – 10/27.

1 hundred 98 cents = your own denim fashion look book cheat sheet.

Procure your own empire constitution. Your personalized fashion look book can include your own rules of denim conduct and much more.

Feed me fashionably fresh

Comments

  1. I think I’m with you: Platinum is the way to go. But, like you, I need a mid-to-high rise jean. Where, oh fount of clothing knowledge, does one find a pair?

  2. I just adore their new denim line. I have been a fan of DownEast basics clothing for awhile (now I am fan on facebook!) but the new cardigans and jeans made me fall in love all over again. I need a pair of Rock Star jeans!

  4. I love the look of the Platinum jeans too; the pockets have the perfect amount of detailing to look designer without being too busy.

  5. Platinum for me too! I love the whole outfit. You should post more outfit choices…I love the way you pull your look together!

  6. I would probably go with the platinum jeans as well since they are a classic bootcut style. I might go out on a limb and get the skinny jeans to wear with boots – although my booty would look huge sporting them with regular shoes.
    Starr, I’ve found that the “Loyal” line of jeans at H&M fit me perfectly. I normally have a problem with a low rise being too wide at the back of the waist and poking out. The Loyal jeans have more of a mid rise and actually fit me on the waist without being too snug on the seat and thighs. They are also around $40. It’s worth a try. Happy shopping.

  7. Platinum for sure. And I am dying to know where the handbag in the first picture is from! I want I want!!

  8. YAY! I’m an official “D.E.B.” fan on facebook! Thank you for the inspiration!

  10. Platinum is so lovely and affordable. I am terribly saddened that we do not have a down east basics here.

  11. I am a fan of Downeast on facebook. I’ve never tried their jeans but I’m always in need of a great pair of jeans.

  12. I love DownEast! And now I am a fan on FB : )

  15. I really like the look of the Platinum jean…and the pockets are way cute! very classy jean!

  16. The Cat Walk jeans for sure…if only for the fun name & cute pocket detail.

    I am wondering if you have tried Gap’s re-design of the tried & true Long and Lean jean? I think they are fabulous!

  19. I’m with you as well. I’m a sucker for dark denim and the bootcut is the most flattering on me (I think??) so I’d go for the Platinum. Although, being nearly 6’1″ I’m not sure 34″ would quite suffice, maybe with flats, but certainly not with my heels.

  20. first i thought these platinum, then i saw the rock star and loved them and then i saw the catwalk’s….hmmm, such a tough decision. if i wim, i will indeed need some assistance:0)

  21. Platinum works for me!!
    Also became a fan on Facebook.
    Woo hoo!! What great company, I’m in love with their sweaters.

  22. My problem areas are hips and thighs, so it looks like platinum would be perfect for me! I have been on the hunt for the perfect pair of jeans for a while, and I have come to the conclusion that it is almost as tortuous as swimsuit shopping! Maybe these will be my dream jean!

  25. I agree – the Platinum jeans for sure. So cute, and so affordable!

  26. I think the Platimum would work well for me. Thanks for doing this.

  27. I’ve been wanting to try skinny jeans, but haven’t found the right pair. These look great.

  28. Great jeans for a great price, what’s not to love? I personally am a fan of the ‘Cat Walk Jeans’ though the ‘Platinum’ are a close second.

  30. platinum would be the ones for me! They look cute on you.

  32. I love the Platinum jeans as well. I love that type of wash.

    I just became a fan on facebook as well!

  33. Probably catwalk for me, though I love the platinum as well.

    Also, I’m a facebook fan

  34. I love the Cat Walks and so many other items on the site. Thanks for the find!

  35. My lower figure shorty legs NEED the platinum jeans in 8/32. But my muffin top does NOT need low rise. When will the trend end?

  36. I’m leaning more towards the catwalk jeans. I like the back pockets.

  37. I’d go with Platinum. I like the detail on the other jeans, but I always end up regretting buying jeans with the bulky pocket on the back.

  40. I’m hooked! And a new fan of DownEast Basics on facebook. I love the platinum jjeans!

  42. I think the Platinum looks great. I can never find jeans that fit my squishy center, flat behind and thinner legs. This may be the find. I love their skirts too!

  43. The Platinum jeans are adorable, but I think I’d love a pair of the rock star cut even more! Cute!

  44. Oh, how I dream of the perfect pair of jeans…I hope I win and finally find them!

  45. i’ve been looking for the perfect pair of jeans! wish the waist was higher on these, but i’d choose the platinum.

    i’m also a facebook fan now. 🙂

    and my little girl wants the purse at the top of your post. 🙂

  46. After your review I think I’d go with the Platinum jeans!

  47. I’m a facebook fan of Down East Basics and I have been for a while…love them!

  48. I started loving the Rock Star pair, then switched to the Cat Walk pair…then I decided they are both great jeans and I would need help picking!! (decent prices too…though I would have to double check the length of the jeans in my dresser since there isn’t a 36″).

  50. i’m with everyone, it seems: platinum. can’t go wrong with a dark wash; i love how you can dress up or down a pair of jeans like those.

  51. I’m a fan on facebook! Here’s to a great giveaway. 🙂

  52. Definitely the Platinum…but are they roomy enough in the seat and thighs??

  53. My bottom is curvy enough that flap pockets would not be needed. Skinny jeans are too trendy for me. Unusual washes look cool on everyone else. For those reasons, Platinum may be the best way to go.
    Thanks for the link…reasonable prices!

  56. Platinum for me. Also, I think I can hear the Wonderful World Dress whispering suggestive things to me! Too cute.

  57. The platinum looks like my perfect match. I have your body shape and am always looking for something that will fit my waist whilst not putting my thighs in a death grip. The fact that they cater to shorty legs is even more special.

  58. Seriously, that’s all they cost??? I would love the Platinum jeans! And, I know that if I don’t win, I wouldn’t break the bank if I bought them.

  59. I love the Plantinum jeans. They are so affordable! Now if only I could find a mid-rise jean for my post baby middle.

  60. I am LOVING the Rock Star Jeans. I like stretch and a low-rise in my pants.

  64. Facebook fan – the Platinum jeans are so cute! Stylish but not too fussy.

  65. I’m a Platinum gal myself! Love that yellow shirt they have, too. Thanks for showcasing another great brand to try! 🙂

  66. I think Platinum? I’ve been eyeballing them for post baby dressing!

  68. Platinum for sure – you & I have similar leg shapes.

  69. I like the Platinum, they would probably be the best for my lower figure, but I would also be willing to try the Cat Walk- hmmmm.

    Thanks,
    Jamee

  70. I’m definitely a fan of the Platinum Jeans!

  71. As a lower-figured girl as well, Platinum would be the most likely fit. I do admit to keeping a low-rise pair around for use with baggy tops, but I know I shouldn’t, LOL….

  72. Wow, nice jeans. I, too like the Platinum. 100% cotton is my fave and hard to find.

  73. I could never wear Straight Up Skinny. I’d go for platinum too!

  74. Oh, Platinum all the way. The others are just too… fussy for me. And, yes, mid-rise would be dreamy, with this post-babe bulge that I can’t seem to shake. I’m intrigued by this shop–the prices seem awfully low. Does anyone know what sort of quality their goods seem to be?

  75. Like you I think I would go with the platinum! I love the dark shade and the detailing on the pocket!

  76. Platinum is just right for my lower figure. Loving the half-sleeve v-neck tees as well! I just became a fan of DEB on FB. Thanks for the opportunity to enter such a fun giveaway.

  78. me + the platinum jeans = heaven! 🙂 what gorgeous jeans for a great price!! fingers crossed!

  80. They all look great. I will need your help for my soft delicious center!

  81. Wow! You are so right. Cute denim, no crappy whiskering or highlighting, and a fabulous price!
    I quite like the Platinum but I don’t have much of a derriere so I might just go with the Cat Walk Jeans. The back flap pockets will help my hind view a bit.
    Thanks for another great post!

    [email protected]

  82. I’m on the bandwagon with the Platinum

  83. I’m a sucker for flashy pockets, so I’d have to say the rock star jeans. Platinum would be a very close second.

  85. I’m a Downeast Fan on FB
    (Erica Wallace Zimmerman)

  86. I love the Platinum Jeans… but I’d also be happy with Rock star!

  87. I’m also a fan on facebook!e

  88. I’m a fan now of DownEast on FB, and I love those Platinum Jeans. Dark wash is the only way to go.

  89. i <3 dark wash jeans, especially for winter outfits. i’m now a fan on facebook!

  90. I am a downeast fan on facebook. I have been dying to try on a pair of their jeans so I hope I win.

    Melissa Stringham

  91. Oh, twist my arm to become a fan of my favorite clothing company! Done! I am so excited to try a pair of DEB jeans, everything I own from them I LOVE!

  92. My jeans are so sorry right now, I’m long overdue for a new pair! I’d have to have you help me decide between platinum & cat walk.

  93. Yay for D.E.B. here in town! I’m a fan on Facebook, now 🙂 *crossing fingers* 🙂

  94. I love the platinum! Basic and stylish. Although I love a good pair of skinny jeans!

  95. Definitely the Platinum Jeans!

  97. OH I’d def what the Platinum Jeans! What a fab giveaway! I love DownEast Basics!

  98. Oh Wow! Thanks for the tip ~ I’ve never heard of DownEast Basics, but am anxious to place an order. I like the platinum jeans.

  100. Cat Walk jeans for me please. I think I’m in love with the whole store…thank you for the introduction.

  101. I like the Platinum jeans too. I am a little worried that they are described as low rise–but they look great on you, so I’ll give ’em a try (especially if they’re free)!

  102. I think the Platinum is just right for me. I need some new jeans…I’m going to have to head down to my DE and check them out.

  103. Since this is such an affordable jean I am going with the jean less traveled…put the STAIGHT UP SKINNY JEAN on me, tucked into some good tall boots for the fall.

  104. Platinum or Cat Walk for me! I would love my first DownEast label 🙂

  107. I love DownEast Basics but have not tried their new jean line yet! I think I’d be best suited with the platinum, just the right amount of detail on the back pocket!

  108. I am a Facebook fan! Entry numero dos!

  110. Love the whole line of tghe Basics…and I love that they have jeans. The Platinum look great and I love the detail on the Rock Star.

  112. Became a fan!! Love the whole site! Thank you for sharing so many amazing finds with us all!!

  113. This comment has been removed by the author.

  115. I never seem to buy the right jean. I will say I will need the advice that was offered to help me choose if I’m the winner. By the way, I was in Fashion Place mall in SLC,Utah at J Crew and I swear I saw a girl who looked just like you. I took a double take…is that her? Could she give me fashion advice right now if I asked for it? Alas, it was not you.

  116. I love the simplicity of the platinum jeans and also the dark wash!

  117. I’m a facebook fan! I can’t wait for regular jeans again after spending the last 6 months in maternity- only a couple more weeks to go!!!

  118. I think the Platium jeans would work for me too! I also liked the catwalk jeans, but I think my rear’s too wide for the buttons 🙂 Thanks for the tip!

  119. I think I am a Platinum Jeans kind of girl. The ones with all the back pocket detailing are so cute, but I don’t really need to draw attention to my hinder. DownEast Basics is new to me; I had never heard of them before, but their clothes are awesome. I will definitely be checking out their site–and your blog–again!

  120. I love Downeast Basics! I’m already a fan on facebook.

    As for my preference, I’m going to go with the Platinum as well. Less whiskering is best for me.

  124. I’m loving me some platinum jeans. . .with some Rockstars on the side for special ocassions!

  125. I would need some assistance, for my lovely pear shape. Which would cling less to my thighs and balance me out? Platinum or Cat Walk? Either are lovely. Sigh, if only we had these in Canada.

  126. Catwalk for me. Or maybe Platinum. See? This is why you are the expert.

  127. I would love the platinum jeans!

  128. I like the cat walk jeans.

  129. OOO, the Rock Stars are AWESOME! I think my derriere could handle them! :o)

    And I’m now a fan on FB, too!

  130. Platinum looks best for me, but I also like the looks of the Cat Walk jeans.

  131. The platinum jeans are really cute. But yes, mid-rise-mom jeans are the elusive grail… non

  132. Ooh! I think the Platinum jeans are my favorite as well (might just have to order a pair even if I don’t win!)

  133. ooohhh i love the platinum jeans. i just bought a pair of skinny jeans and now i’m in the market for a dark wash boot cut pair! i just had a baby so i’m dying for new jeans!

  134. i was so excited to see you do a post on this amazing store that i have missed so much since leaving salt lake a few months back. i had no idea they have their own jeans. cant wait. and yes, i’m now a fan on facebook. i really hope these jeans can help my ‘have to fit my waist so they sag on my behind’ problem. sounds like you and me are complete opposites.

  135. what a hard decision… i like either the rock star or the platinum jean! they are both so cute! i love that downeast has jeans now! thanks!

  136. I like the cat walk jeans 🙂 I have some undershirts from this store and I LOVE them!!!

  140. I think I would have to go with the Rock Star Jean. Thanks for all your advice, I need all the help I can get!

  141. Wow, will my husband like these prices! I, too, am a total jean snob because of my thigh area. I’m all over the Platinum and all over the price! Going to do a little shopping now.

  143. I adore their dresses as well, especially the fancy shmancy dress, but its platinum jeans all the way for me!

  144. Platinum please! I too dream in mid-rise, but these look great on you and I hope they look great on me. I will also become a FB fan right after I leave this comment. I promise.

  145. Grandma thinks she would like the platinum jeans, Are the pockets too much for my age?

  146. I would go with Cat Walk. After having three kids in four years I appreciate the bootleg to balance out my thighs. Oh, and since it’s cold here in New Hampshire, I could wear boots too!

  147. I am also now a fan on Facebook

  148. WOW these look wonderful. I would be a Cat walk jean kinda girl I think.. it’s hard to pick. the platinum is nice too

  149. I think I’d go with the platinum!

  151. I am also a fan of the “non-affordable” jeans, but due to having a baby, I can’t really fit into those quite yet. I need an affordable jean that fits! I think I would definitely choose the Platinum Jean.

  152. I love the clean and simple look of Platinum.

  153. The catwalk has got me. Thanks for the tip!

  154. I’m a fan of downeast on facebook

  155. I really like the platinum jeans as well. Very cute! I am also a fan on facebook.

  156. I love the look of the platinum jeans. I love the pocket detail.

  157. I’m a fan of DownEast Basics catwalk jeans. I think they would be great for my postpartum new look! Thanks!

  158. I too think the Platinum would work well for me. You are right, great price!

  159. I am now a DownEast Basics Facebook fan!

  160. jill simmons: platinum jeans

  161. I like both the platinum and the the rockstar — great pockets! I would need them in the 34″ ‘er. Fingers-crossed. I could REALLY use a new pair of jeans!

    thanks.

  162. I also like the Platinum jeans, but would have to actually try some on since I am a middle figure. I don;t want to get a muffin top after all. =)

    My friend and I just went down to the store to use some of your shopping strategies– I walked away with my first cardigan! =)

  163. I would go with the platinum also, because I also don’t enjoy pants that highlight my large thigh area and those seem to be best suited to not doing that!

  164. I love the Platinum and the Rock Star! I will have to but whichever one I don’t win! Yea!

  165. I am fan on facebook Janna Runolfson

  167. Platinum denim is my pick. Would these be flattering for a celery body type? Hmm.

  168. I would love to try the straight up skinny jeans. I want to get some skinny jeans but do not think I can justify the major invstment. These are perfect.

  169. I would love a pair of Rock star jeans. But I might need some assistance if it is the pair for me.

  171. I love the Platinum jeans however I think the Rock Star jeans are super cute too! Too many choices…

  172. I need these jeans. I so need, need, need these jeans. I’m a fan.

  173. Platinum is probably more so my fit. It’s a nice dark wash that’s slimming for a lower figure. The pockets are also great to camouflage a little “junk in the trunk” 🙂 Too much pocket detailing (the other jeans) can make for some unwanted attention to a round rump! The straight leg is typically not my style but the jeans have enough other positive features about them that justify the lack of a boot cut. (I’m a mid-rise boot cut kind of girl myself 🙂

  174. I became a fan of DownEast Basics on facebook. I wish they had a store near me. I would like to try the jeans–they look so cute on you. I love the price of course. Your outfit looks very well put together.

  175. I’d go with the platinum. Cute!! And cheap. Like you said. 🙂

  176. I believe that the cat walk jeans would be best for me because they are a bit roomier in the thigh area, or so it looks. But I might need your help in choosing!

  177. I like the platinum jeans and I think the 34 inch length will be perfect for casual wear.

  179. ooh la la! Those platinum jeans in a size 6 wiht a 34″ inch inseam are calling my name!! Love the whole ensemble!