Remember last month when I blogged about the half-off-clearance sale going on at DownEastBasics.com? Well I took that opportunity to place my first order from the site, which carries a small but chic selection of affordable fashions for women, girls and men. I had worked with DownEast Basics once before to bring you this giveaway, but I had never actually shopped with them myself. Keep reading to see what I bought (anonymously and with my own money), and to find out how I think this site ranks overall!

The bag in question...

During my trip to T.J. Maxx yesterday, I fell in love with this black leather bag by Hype, on sale for $99. It was the perfect size, nice lining, lots of pockets, and "fit" just right on my shoulder. Since most Hype bags sell for $200 to $300 or more, I think it's a good deal but I rarely spend over $40 for a bag. The closet comp I found online was this Hype Janice bag in brown leather for $177 at Bluefly.com. So I need a second (or third or fourth) opinion: Should I get it? Does anyone own a Hype bag? Are they worth the price? Help!

Another random photo from my trip: I saw a lot of studded bags at Fashion Week, so this bag by Nicole Lee caught my eye. Not bad for $29.99. It looked like real leather and the studding didn't look cheap. Going to keep my eye on this new-to-me brand.

A shelf at T.J. Maxx stocked with Pour La Victoire "Bridgett" and L.A.M.B. "Jaco" leather sandals priced at $149.99.

Yesterday morning I ducked into T.J. Maxx in hopes of finding a stacked crystal ball lamp—no such luck—but I did spot a shelf stocked with designer shoes in just about all sizes, namely, the Pour La Victoire "Bridgette" and the L.A.M.B. "Jaco", both on sale for $149.99. Still pricey but much less than what you'd pay elsewhere (see details in the captions below). Then, last night as I was reading the March issue of People StyleWatch, I saw the very same PLV's staring back at me on page 135! Hence, this post. The moral of the story: T.J. Maxx does in fact carry the latest trends for less! If you're in the market for some fierce heels, head to your nearest T.J. Maxx ASAP to snag a pair.

L.A.M.B. "Jaco" leather sandals for $149.99. These are currently $299 at Nordstrom.com!

Pour La Victoire "Bridgette" leather sandals, also $149.99. According to this month's issue of People StyleWatch, they sell for $290 at Bergdorf Goodman! See them in black at Piperlime.com for $285.

See?! Here are the Pour La Victoire "Bridgette" leather sandals as seen in the March 2010 issue of People StyleWatch on their "Laser Cutouts" trend page. Color is sliiightly different.

Here's how the Herve Leger-inspired bandage dress (above left) looks styled on a mannequin...

During a recent trip to H&M, I spotted a Herve Leger inspired bandage dress made out of a sort of stretchy sweater material gloriously displayed in the window, so I ducked in to try it on. It didn't work with my body type but I think it's a great find for under $50 (sorry I can't remember the exact price). Elsewhere in the store I admired all the new early spring arrivals, from perfect trench coats in black, coral or khaki to ironic floral print dresses to lots and lots of nude, taupe, beige and otherwise neutral garments, perfect for brightening up a late-winter wardrobe. My only problem with the neutral trend is that those washed out colors tend to make my skin look sallow. Maybe the right makeup and accessories can fix that, we shall see! More pics after the jump.

Here's how it looks on the rack...

Here's how it looks on me (wasn't really working with my rectangular build, but the construction seemed good)

The print on this floral dress reminded me of a Marc Jacobs dress from last season. Note the fierce gold shoes below.

COLORED Denim

In many ways, American Apparel stores look the same every season. Whether it's the middle of summer or the dead of winter, you can always count on AA's neatly displayed racks, rows and stacks of famous basics in a rainbow of colors. But whereas winter stock includes hoodies and long sleeves, spring means lots more tank tops, skirts and dresses. With Valentine's Day right around the corner, it begs mentioning that American Apparel also has a fab selection of sexy unmentionables including supersoft cotton panties, boxers and thongs. If you think about it, many of the crazy clothing items they carry (think silver lame hotshorts and sheer lace leotards) are perfect for spicing things up in the bedroom! And they are affordable to boot. Check it out, you'll thank me later.

More photos after the jump >>