DownEast Basics {Review & Giveaway} Flattering mix-and-match swimwear for women

{This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to those who entered!}

Having participated in a review and giveaway as my introduction to DownEast Basics stylish clothing last month, I've found that every time I go back to their website, there is something new that I would like to own. "Where did that top come from?" or "I didn't notice that skirt before..." and "That dress would be really cute this summer..." seem to constantly run through my head as I browse.

But with the sunshine finally upon us, it's not only warm-weather clothing that sticks out in the minds of shoppers everywhere, it's swimwear. And with the release of their long-anticipated Mix & Match Swim Separates, DownEast Basics has taken their fashionable, flattering line and brought it to the beach and pool.


I think that all swimwear should be sold as separates, it just makes sense for women to be able to purchase pieces that fit their body correctly both on the top and bottom. DownEast Basics not only offers a helpful sizing chart (complete with hints to where your natural waist or inseam is truly located) but a 1-800 number as well. If you have any questions as to how their swim tops or bottoms might fit, simply call up and talk to someone who has tried them on.

For me, after going over all of the attractive swimwear options that DownEast Basics offers multiple times, I found that they are pretty true to size as my Mediterranean Tank and Waikiki Bikini fit perfectly and arrived just in time for my family vacation to the beach.


When I chose the color for this top and bottom, the swim portion of the DownEast Basics website was still being constructed, so I actually wasn't able to see what "spinach" would look like. I figured it would be green, but even when opening the package I was pleasantly surprised and really happy with the shade. It's not too dark or too light, nor is it too bright or gaudy that I wouldn't be comfortable wearing these pieces in public.

In the website picture (at right showing the giraffe print), the pretty, probably-doesn't-have-children model makes it look as though the Mediterranean Tank doesn't come down very long, leaving a gap between the top and bottom. Even though that's not an area that I would want exposed, I decided to give this top a shot anyway and found that it wasn't the case at all.

As soon as I put the Mediterranean Tank on, I discovered that there was plenty of the high-quality, stretchy fabric to not only meet the Waikiki Bikini bottom, but overlap it so that I didn't worry about any blindingly white skin peeking out when I was bent down playing in the sand with my daughters.

As well as the long length of this tankini top, I really like the flattering style of the gathered pleats and the way that the halter straps can be adjusted to fit each individual. As for the Waikiki Bikini, I was concerned that the "low-rise" description would be too revealing for my taste, but it provided plenty of coverage that I didn't feel exposed. Plus, it has a cute flower detail on the hip just for a little extra fun to an already-cute swimsuit.

Keeping in line with the DownEast Basics' designers mission to have women be able to feel comfortable, confident and beautiful in their clothing, the Mix & Match Swim Separates fits right in. Select the style, color and size of a variety of tops and bottoms to create the perfect swimsuit for your body and taste. There is even a really cute Sunset Swim Dress (at left) for something unique and fun.

Whether you have plans to go to the beach, pool or just want an updated, flattering look this summer, DownEast Basics has the swimwear that you'll feel secure wearing. If you're not lucky enough to have one of their retail locations nearby, there is no worry about ordering online with their no hassle exchange/return policy. Even better than that, one person will be ready to look good this summer, because...

One lucky person will win their choice of swimwear top and bottom from DownEast Basics! ARV $57!

To enter to win: Visit DownEast Basics and tell me which of their stylish swimwear pieces (including color) is your favorite.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry (per method) if you follow DownEast Basics on Twitter, subscribe to the RSS feed of the DownEast Basics blog, sign up to receive their catalog and/or become a fan (Like) on Facebook. Plus, 1 more Extra Entry if you leave the following message on their wall: I just entered to win my choice of gorgeous DownEast Basics swimwear top and bottom at Thanks, Mail Carrier! You can too: http://bit.ly/bnubaa
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

DownEast Basics has SWIMWEAR! WIN the top & bottom of choice @thxmailcarrier from @DownEastBasics! http://bit.ly/bnubaa #win #giveaway

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect (see sidebar), subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email or Like me on Facebook.
3 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to Thanks, Mail Carrier and DownEast Basics. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on June 3rd at 11:59pm CST. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

A big thank you to DownEast Basics for providing a Mediterranean Tank and Waikiki Bikini for me to review as well as a swimwear top and bottom of choice for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.