DownEast Basics Review + Giveaway

Today I am stoked to offer a giveaway from DownEast Basics. They also asked me to review a piece from their new arrivals.

They sent me the reporter dress:

(Dress - c/o DownEast | Belt - Inherited from Grandma | Shoes - Kohl's - $17 | Bracelet - San Fran Street Vendor - $5)

The dress is a made of a minty jersey knit and is super easy to wear. It also has the wonderful bonus of fantastic nursing access without having to wear a tank to cover cleavage that most cross front dresses put on display. Though I am planning to sew a snap in at the bust just to make sure I don't accidentally flash anyone. It fits true to size and will definitely be part of my regular Sunday lineup. It's a wee bit clingy, so you might want to wear it with a slip.

(Reporter Dress - $36.99)

DownEast Basics is being generous enough to let the winner pick their favorite thing from their new arrivals to take home.

Here are the rules:

You can enter in either way listed below. Your entry must be notified in the form of a comment on the blog. One entry only, please.

• Pin your favorite new arrival at DownEast Basics on Pinterest + leave a comment telling me about it.

or

• Leave a comment telling us which new arrival at DownEast Basics is your favorite.

Make sure your first name and a valid email address so I can contact you if you win. The winner will be determined by giving each entry a number and using random.org to select the winning number.

The Giveaway ends on Sunday, February 5, at 10 PM (Central Time).

Good luck.

Sale: J.Crew 50% Off Clearance

 Edit: J.Crew is offering up to 50% off in their clearance section (online only). Check out my favs:

1 - Mohair Cardigan in Leopard - $69.99 (Orig. $110.00)
2 - Flair Skirt in Floating Rose - $89.99 (Orig. $168.00)
3 - Vintage Cotton Lace Tee - $39.99 (Orig. $54.50)
4 - High-Waisted Skinny Cord - $59.99 (Orig. $89.50)
5 - Skinny Glitter Belt - $19.99 (Orig. $29.50)
6 - Suzette Blouse - $69.99 (Orig. $128.00)
7 - Vintage Matchstick Cord - $59.99 (Orig.$79.50)
8 - Pocket Polka-Dot Tank - $29.99 (Orig. $39.50)
9 - Café Capri in Harvest Tweed - $99.99 (Orig. $148.00)

MY APOLOGIES! I misread J.Crew's email. The prices are as marked and I have corrected the prices in this post.

Look for Less: Madewell (Polka Dots + Mint)

I have had my eye on this look from Madewell for months. I would love to wear something similar!

Here is my best take:

Mossimo® Ultrasoft Scoop Neck Sweater - Target - $12.98 (Orig. $17.99)
Gingham Woven Shirt - Forever 21 - $19.90
Life In Progress™ Skinny Jeans - Forever 21 - $24.80
UO Suede Pump - Urban Outfitters - $39.00 (Orig. $49.00) (I also like this option)
total:  $96.68

I could not for the life of me find a golden polka dot sweater (go figure, you'd think they would be everywhere, right?) I like the option I chose though, and if you really wanted to go for it, all it would take is a bottle of fabric paint and freezer paper. (Freezer paper stenciling directions). I don't think it would be a difficult project at all.

What do you think of the look? Something you would wear? Leave your thoughts below.

Spied: Old Navy Dresses for Spring

One thing I love about spring? Dresses in fun patterns. I am usually ogling the new arrivals of Anthro and J.Crew right about now, but I was pleasantly surprised to see these sweet dresses pop up at Old Navy. 

Printed Tie-Waist Dress - $34.94
Pleated Chiffon Tie-Belt Dress - $34.94


What do you think? Something you would wear? Leave your thoughts below.

Like Über Chic on Facebook

I have changed things up for the blog on Facebook. I originally created a group which required you to be added to in order to receive updates. It also didn't link in to my social media manager and wasn't getting used the way it should. 

So, I now have a Über Chic for Cheap page. To see all the goings on at the blog, just give it the thumbs up.

xoxo
Madeline

Babble Posts

I write daily for Babble's Baby's First Year. Here are my recent posts:

Tate is super close to crawling. Check out this cute video of his almost new skill in all it's almost glory.

I have found the key to postpartum exercise.

Tate makes the craziest noises! Listen to him go all Gollum on us.

Baby Naps and roof replacements don't mix. Usually.

And if the crawling skills weren't enough, he's trying to pull himself up on furniture! Slow down, baby.

Refashion: DIY Color Block Tees

I wear a lot of jeans + tees these days. It is just my go-to mom wardrobe. Layering in my current climate is basically a no-go, so I like to wear tees with a little something to them. I saw two basic scoop neck tees and thought, hey now, I could take these bad boys and make two color block tees.

{JCPenney Necklace}

I started with two white stag scoop neck tees. They were cheap (under $5 each), readily available (at Walmart), had a reasonable scoop neckline (which as hard to find, I can assure you), and came in colors I liked.

I cut each shirt in half just under the sleeve with my handy rotary cutter.

I then swapped pieces and pinned.

Then, I sewed them together. I used a zig zag stitch on my simple machine. If you have access to a surger, I am sure it would work really well for this.

The total cost was less than $10 for two shirts. Not bad, if you ask me.

Easy. Peasy.

Have you refashioned anything lately? Leave a link to your project below!

Hair Inspiration: J.Crew

I am looking for some new hair inspiration. Moving to a humid climate has completely changed my hair and the way I think about it. I have made the decision that my beloved bangs have to go. It is far too windy and sticky to manage them and of course my hair is curlier than ever.

As my hair grows a few more inches, I fully intend to channel this unnamed J.Crew model's hair.

It is perfection.

Where do you look for hair inspiration?

PS - Since we are talking J.Crew hair, I should mention that J.Crew is now offering 40%  off of their clearance section!

Look For Less: Anthropologie Pave Posts

Long time reader Tamara, sent me this fabulous look for less:

Pave Posts - Anthropologie - $24.00
Rachel Stone Dome Stud Earrings - Nordstrom - $8 {free shipping}

I adore both sets of earrings. If I weren't allergic to any post that comes within 12" of my ears, I would jump on the Nordstrom pair.

What do you think?

Snapshots

Here are a few shots from this weekend. 

+ I wore this on Sunday
  (Pacsun Floral Shirt - $20 * Thrifted Skirt - $2 * Charlotte Russe Necklace - $8 * Thrifted J.Crew Gold Belt - $1.50)
+ Naked baby ready for a bath
+ Beautiful oak trees a few blocks from our house
+ South Texas weather makes peeptoes appropriate for every occasion
+ We decided to paint our walls on a whim this weekend
  (we went from a very warm tan to a grey + it already feels more like home)
+ Because we finally painted, I made the effort to start putting our things on the walls. I am loving it!
  (i love us print + SLC Temple print)


Follow me on Instagram.

Babble Posts

I write daily for Babble's Baby's First Year. Here are my recent posts:

I love being close to Tate, but sometimes the physicality of motherhood completely wears me out.

Crafting for boys gets totally overlooked. Here are 18 Fabulous DIY Projects for Baby Boy (+ a few for Baby Girl)

Read about my 7 Absolute Must-Have Baby Products.

Tate and I made a trip to the pediatrician, and I found out something surprising about Tate's feet.

Having a baby can put you in the corner. 

Sale: J.Crew 30% Off Discounted Styles

I know I just did a post on J.Crew sale items, but they just added a 30% discount to sale items as well as a lot of new discounted goods.

1 - Drapey Sequin Tank - $13.99 (Orig. $78.00)
2 - Wildflower Sash - $9.09 (Orig. $39.50)
3 - Flair Skirt in Double-Serge Wool - $34.99 (Orig. $128.00)
4 - Silk Scarf Tank in Floating Rose - $27.99 (Orig. $118.00)

Make sure to check out the J.Crew post I did earlier this week.

Enter MUSTHAVE at checkout. The deal ends at midnight tonight!

Trend: Dots are the New Stripes

Dots are my new fave. Liz tweeted that dots are the new stripes and I have to agree.

Crackled Polka Dot Tee - Forever 21 - $13.80
Kensie Sweater - Macy's - $33.74 (Orig. $68.00)
River Island Polka Dot Pencil Skirt - Asos - $35.81
Polka-Dot Canvas Flats - Old Navy - $24.94
Ribbon Back Top - Forever 21 - $15.80

What do you think? Are dots the new stripes?

Anthropologie Sale

Some of my favorite Anthropologie sale picks:

1 - Plaited Shoulder Tee - $39.95 (Orig. $58.00)
     {I have this top in orange and I adore it.}
2 - Tile-Quilted Mini - $49.95 (Orig. $98.00)
3 - Aomori Crops - $39.95 (Orig. $298.00)

Anything you would spring for?

One Million Views

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This morning my stomach did a little leap because Uber Chic for Cheap hit 1,000,000 all time page views. 

Whoa.

Thanks for being a part of it.

XOXO

Madeline

Look For Less: J.Crew {Stripes + Leopard}

I am such a sucker for a kelly green + navy pairing (especially when there are striped involved!) I saw this look on J.Crew's website and had to recreate it:

{$738.50}

The 7th Avenue Sateen Slim Crop - New York & Co. - $42.95
Essential Striped Sweater - Forever 21 - $12.80
Leopard Handbag - Tilly's - $17.95
Harris Leather & Canvas Wedge Sandals - Asos - $24.17 ($80.57)
    {I also like these shoes}
total: $97.87

What do you think? Is this something you would wear?

Babble Posts

I write daily for Babble's Baby's First Year. Here are my recent posts:

2011 was a doozy for the Petersen crew. Read a short rundown of what changed.

After our family got a stomach bug on vacation, I learned the difference between spit-up and throw up.

The 10 Funniest Baby's First Year Posts of 2011.

I want this absolutely genius nursing tank.

I have written the Bible on Baby-Wearing Mom Style. Check it out.

Tate is on the cusp of mobility, and boy, is he frustrated.

Introducing J.Crew's newest addition. Their brand new baby line is here.

J.Crew: 30% Off Sale

J.Crew is offering 30% off of their sale section, and they have added a ton of new goodies to said sale section. Here are my favs:

1 - Daisylace Tee - $27.99 (Orig. $58.00)
2 - Greta Suede Wedges - $55.99 (Orig. $198.00)
3 - Pintuck V-neck Tee -$10.49 (Orig. $39.50)
4 - Smocked Box Tee - $17.49 (Orig. $48.00)
5 - Tippi Sweater - $27.99 (Orig. $72.50)
6 - Button Box Sweater - $27.99 (Orig. $128.00)

Also, J.Crew has launched a baby line, did you hear?
I have gone through my favorite picks over at Babble. Click here to read it.

Enter WINTER at checkout to receive the 30% off discount (good through midnight tonight). 

Also available on Factory Sale Items.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Spied: Forever 21 Denim

For Christmas, my mother gave me my favorite kind of gift: a chance to go shopping. A little cash and a lot of time later, I had brand new clothes to bring home to Texas. I was in desperate need of a new pair of jeans, and with deals like these I got two:

Fab Ankle Skinnies - $10.50
Dark Skinny Ankle Jean - $10.50

Due to my petite stature, these hit just at the top of my feet. They are both a light weight (which is ideal for the humidity I live in). I don't imagine they will hold up very well over time, but as I consistently wear out the knees of my skinny jeans within a year, I find that inconsequential. 

I give both pairs a solid thumbs up. 

Any deals or finds you want to share? Leave your thoughts below.

Sponsor

Would you like to sponsor my blog? I'm currently accepting new sponsors for January and onward.

My sponsorships are small-business friendly, with low monthly rates and opportunities to maximize your exposure.

Click the picture for details and email me at madelinepetersen@gmail.com for more info.

XOXO,

Madeline

16 Style Rules for Babywearing Mamas

Having a baby shook my fashion world to the core. It left me feeling like I didn't know how to get dressed. The hardest thing for me to figure out was how to dress around my baby carrier. I have spent the last 7 months figuring out what works and what doesn't.

Please take a minute and check out my

16 Style Rules for Baby Wearing Mamas

xoxo

New Layout

The blog has a fresh new layout, thanks to my very dear friend, Mary.

If you are reading this in a feed, please click over and have a look around.

What do you think?

Spied: Polka Dot Crew-Neck Pullover

Bold, fun, and graphic. I totally dig this sweater. I just can't decide which color I like better.

Printed Crew-Neck Pullovers - Old Navy - $24.94

What do you think? Is this something you would wear? Leave your thoughts below. 

Blogging Thoughts

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To those of you still reading, bless your heart. Seriously. I probably don't deserve your attention with my general lack of posting. 

This blog has been the casualty of my entire world flipping upside down. 

In the last year I 

had a baby, 

quit working, 

moved to a tropical climate, 

and started living on a grad student budget. 

For months I have found myself standing in front of my closet (and computer) feeling completely unsure. 

How do I flatter my postpartum body? 

How do I dress so I can easily nurse the babe? 

How do I write about buying clothes all day long when our new budget leaves nothing for new purchases? 

How do I translate my layers only wardrobe to a hot and sticky climate?

And as I have mulled over these questions, I have come to a realization. This blog has to change because my life has changed. 

In the new year, I plan to post way more than I did in 2011. But I also plan to shake things up. 

In 2012 look for:

Style Posts

Tutorials + Refashions

Outfits of The Day

Thrifting Tips + Tales

Budget Home Decorating + Projects

Bits + Pieces About Our Life + Doings in South Texas

What would you like to see more or less of in the coming year?

xoxo

Madeline