I think I've mentioned before - I LOVE DownEast Basics.  Cute stuff at great prices.  I've purchased many a shirt and wonder tee from them, along with dresses, jewelry, etc.  But never swimwear.  I live in the midwest, so I can't walk into a store and see it in person.  Well if you're like me and wondering about the DownEast Swimwear, I hope this review will help.  DownEast sent me swimwear to review and they are offering to giveaway one reader's top swimwear choice - great!!  I'm really excited about this - so let me tell you a little about it.  I received the Sausalito Halter in Orange - like the model, just different colors.  Also the Malibu Swim Skirt in hot pink and Bodega Bay Bikini in hot pink.

First, I have to admit that before receiving the product I was a little nervous about this review.  I'm pretty particular about swimwear and expect high quality. I thought that at DownEast's prices that the quality might not be there, so I was afraid I'd have to give a less-than-stellar review.  But no worries - I was very impressed by the quality of this suit.  I've been having other people feel it to make sure it's not just me that likes it - my cousin even said "it feels just like my Land's End suit" - and I'd have to agree. 

I had her take a few pictures of me, because I don't have a model body and it's nice to see how a suit fits on a real person.  Well, her and my mom were both there - they also both happen to be avid Top Model watchers and instead of just a snapshot they had me pose, point my toes, lounge, and all sorts of craziness.  So, here you are:

So, a few things about this particular suit:

--there are removeable pads in the top - I was hoping they would be more substantial (I need all the help I can get)

--I loved how long the top was - great coverage, and I love halters - I think they give all body types a good fit because you can adjust the tie around the neck as needed.

--I love a swim skirt - I have 4 little kids, so at the pool I'm not really lounging, I'm being a mom (bending, chasing, etc) - so I'm all about the booty coverage

--On the downside of this skirt, there is NOT a built-in bottom - I just assumed there would be.  The only bottoms that come in hot pink have buttons on them - not a good look when worn under the skirt, as you can see.  I'll just have to cut the buttons off.  I wish the bottoms with the polka dots (like on the model) came in hot pink, but they don't.  Here's that picture:

--and that other picture is a better view of the top when I had it tied right (in the earlier pictures it was too loose)

--The swim bottom worn under the skirt is a bikini cut, so it's lower cut - I'd rather had a higher cut that sucks in covers my belly a little more

--I couldn't decide between 2 sizes and got the smaller one, so the suit fits a little snug, but I just didn't want it too loose.

A recap:  I would highly recommend DownEast Swimwear - the suit was cute and stylish but still practical and easy to wear.

So enough of the pictures - on to the giveaway!  Let's go with 2 entries - if you'd like to enter:

--go to DownEast Basics Swim and let me know your favorite suit here in the comments section (remember there are various color choices of the different styles - lots to choose from)

--for a second entry in the giveaway, become a follower and/or if you already are one leave a comment like "I'm a follower!"

Giveaway will end Wednesday, May 12th around noon.  Good Luck!!