DownEast Basics at Walmart?!...

I went to Walmart on Wednesday to do some grocery shopping.  When I walked in I saw a whole display of cute clothes with tags like this...

Never heard of Bella Bird.  Hmm.

But the clothes were just so cute.  There were layering tees, knit tops, skirts, cardigans and dresses that looked like they came from DownEast or Modbe or something like that.  At WALMART?!  Then I turned one of the tags over...

THAT looks just like a DownEast Basics tag to me.

So I tried on a dress. It was super cute, long enough for me (!!!) and only $22.

Normally DownEast/Modbe dresses are like $30-45.  

(And most of the knee length styles are still too short for tall people...)

So I got it. 

(It looks WAY better on.  Trust me.)

When I got home, I googled Bella Bird, but didn't come up with much.

So I got on the DownEast facebook page and asked them if they are behind this whole Bella Bird line.

And it's TRUE!!

I'd say the line isn't quite as nice as the regular DownEast/Modbe stuff, but for a lower price point that's to be expected.  Anyway, Walmart clothes just got a whole lot cuter--in Utah at least.

what we're wearing...

for the SMS! giveaway...go HERE.

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 if you're looking for some last minute gift ideas (or just sick of what's in your closet), here are some recent purchases that i think are worth sharing.  i'm not getting compensated to write this either...i just like this stuff!

you know modbe is back, right?  they went out of business a few years ago, but downeast bought them and brought them back.  and i couldn't be happier.  i bought this dress about a month or two ago...

if you are tall, buy this dress.  NOW.  it's called the long & lean dress for a reason.  i'm 5'10" and it's the perfect length.  plus, it's cute (...at least that's what the husband tells me).  and the fabric rocks...not too thin, great drape.

speaking of husbands, mine gets a lot of free tees and polos from vendors at work.  which is fine...if you like a company logo on everything you ever wear.  i, however, feel there are some occasions which an actual shirt that doesn't involve business promotion is in order.  so i took matters into my own hands.

i picked up these bad boys at old navy for 8 bucks each....yesssss. they look great on their own or under a graphic tee...and my husband likes them!  in fact, complimented me on my outfit constructing abilities.

it's nice to know i'm good at what i do. :)

more pretty books...

i posted about these lovely books about a year ago.  so gorgeous.

then yesterday, i stumbled upon these little lovelies...

how beautiful would these be all in a row on a little white bookshelf?

 the only one i'm not thrilled about is anne of green gables...

pink with frou frou cupcakes???

that is so NOT anne to me.

anne is violet vale and lovers lane and wood nymphs and poetry...

am i right?  (please tell me i'm right.)

all i want for christmas...

i have only asked for one thing this christmas...pearl earrings.

dangly earrings are NOT my thing.  they are often heavy and get tangled in my hair.  plus, i'd rather wear a flashy necklace then big ol' earrings.  i normally stick to sterling silver/round cz studs in varying sizes.  but, i've been thinking i'd branch out a little bit and rock some pearls--not pricey ones, just everyday wear kind of pearls.

i found some cute pearl sets (some on major sale!) and added them to my wishlist to help "santa" out. :)  i thought i would share them with you...you know, in case you've been wanting some darling pearls, too...

this set might be my favorite...


i like that it has a good mix of neutrals and fun colors.  plus, as of right this minute they are on sale for $19. how is that even possible?!

here's another cute set of various colors...


but i'd also be perfectly happy with one little pair of white pearls.  they'd go with anything and everything.

hopefully, i've made the nice list this year...we'll see!

art + literature = love at first sight!

so...i know i just posted, but the world must know about this!

every now and then i like to take a peek at Design*Sponge...it's a treat for the eyes, for sure.

normally, i just check out some sweet designs and then go my merry way, but as a lover of art and books i couldn't help but drool over these cloth-bound penguin classics. seriously. you should click the d*s link above to see more pics and read the interview with the designer. i'm in love.




p.s. if i was still teaching...i would TOTALLY use this for a lesson. choosing an icon representative of the literature and turning it into a high contrast, repeating pattern to create a contemporary motif for the cover? talk about perfection!

the devil's in the details...

i've been trying to be even more economical/thrifty/budget-minded since my decision not to teach full-time anymore. but sometimes colorful home decor...or an artsy necklace...or a trendy accessory...causes me to become distracted. :)

as queen of the solid colored top (no seriously. nearly every shirt i own is a plain, solid knit.), lately i've been drawn to the feminine detailing that has made it's way into casual fashions. that way i can still rock the solid colored comfy fabrics, but with a little more flair than a boring old tee.

i recently ordered this little number at a bargain price...


and i NEED this to go on sale NOW....

it comes in so many colors. if it does go on sale, i don't know how i'll ever decide. although that deep teal is right up my alley...

who knew the a frill here or a floral there could make a plain ol' shirt so much more desirable.

and speaking of frills, one of you ladies out there needs to purchase these...
i generally stick to flats these days because a) they are more comfortable and b) sometimes i tire of being gawked at like i'm freakishly tall. so i keep the heel purchases to a minimum.

but seriously. a purple, ruffled, peep-toe pump? they make my artist's heart quiver.

someone needs to rock these. asap.