The Budget Fashionista

Recently, my mother, who is fabulous 50+ midwesterner, asked me what are the best jeans for women over 40. It appears that most jean companies think that after age 40 , a woman’s waist shrinks 10 inches, starting slightly below their armpits.  The only other jean options for more mature fashionistas tend to be crack exposing low rise jeans. So what’s a mature fashionista to do? Here’s some alternatives: Seven7 at Lane Bryant.  More stylish fit and a wider selection …

Yep . . .you heard right . . . break out the mommy jeans, the high waist is back. I have mixed feelings about the re-emergence of the high waisted jean. On one hand, high waisted jeans help cover the extra lovin’ most of us have in our middle section and have the power to stop the current crack (butt, that is) addiction sweeping the world. On the other hand, many will see this as the okay to pull their …

I’m proud of the Gap—the mall staple has gone back to its closet staple roots and I’m ecstatic.  In a world of $250 jeans, it’s nice to know that you can still find a quality pair of jeans at the Gap for $19.99.  Plus they just recently added petite and tall sizes. Target.com

Dear Budget Fashionista: Is there anyway to unshrink a pair of jeans?

A: I don’t think you can unshrink jeans, but it doesn’t hurt to try. So here’s something to try at your own risk . . .

Soak the jeans in lukewarm water for a few hours. Do not wring, but hang the dripping wet jeans up on a clothes line or over a drying rack. There’s a possibility that gravity (along with the additional weight added to the jeans by water), might stretch the jeans lengthwise.

Staying awake in Physics class finally pays off.

Dear Budget Fashionista: I absolutely love the “7 for all mankind” jeans—but don’t want to spend $120+ on DENIM! Any clue as to where I can find these jeans without hurting my bank account?

Answer: Try outlet stores like Off Fifth the Saks Fifth Avenue outlet, Last Call Neiman Marcus Outlet. You should also take a peek online at Bluefly.com and the sales section of Shopbop.com.  You might want to take a peek inside of your local Marshalls or TJ Maxx as well.

THIS PROMOTION HAS ENDED Haven’t seen the Devil Wears Prada? Want to see Pirates of the Caribbean 2? Why not see them for free? To celebrate the new collection, AE is inviting customers to the movies ... From now through JULY 25 in any American Eagle Outfitter Store, every customer who tries on a pair of AE Jeans from the new collection will receive a free movie ticket from AMC Theaters. You can also visit www.ae.com to enter a national online …

There’s something about this fall’s new “it” jeans, the skinny jeans, that makes me feel uncomfortable. Maybe it’s the fact that the jeans are a “camel-toe” incident waiting to happen. Or the fact that I know this style is going to be as abused as its lowrise sister. Whatever the case maybe, the skinny pant is here and there is nothing I can do about it.  And because I love you and only want what’s best for you, here is …

Fueled by a recent down turn in sales, Old Navy is getting both a new head and a new outlook on style. According to the San Francisco Business Times, the store is planning to go back to its style for less roots. Now, I’ve shopped at Old Navy since the beginning and I remember it always focused on the basics—head into an Old Navy anywhere in the country and you know you can find a pair of jeans for $29 and …

The Deal: Take up to 75% off in-season styles on separates and accessories at Chicos.com The Lowdown: Whether you’re hunting for quality wide leg pants, high-waisted jeans, or just a glimmering tank top, Chico’s offers a few stylish classics at a terrific discount. The Royal Palace Pauline Jeans are just $22.49, reduced from $88 and offer plenty of comfort with a straight-leg fit; enjoy a little shimmer with the crystal and topaz embellishments. Pick up the Chilia Turtleneck for just …

The Deal: If you haven’t shopped from Bluefly yet, you’re missing out. Perhaps I can encourage you. Bluefly is offering a sale to new customers--enter AFF30 at checkout to take off $30 off purchases $150 or more. The Lowdown: Bluefly is a great site to go when you want to purchase designer items. If you’re like us, you find something you absolutely want, but you go to every length to find it at the lowest possible cost. Their merchandise is …

The Word: Key Closet, an exclusive and innovative design company founded in 2006, has created the latest in sartorial decadence--a pair of jeans made of handcrafted denim, Swarovski crystals, a few diamonds, handrawn designs and white gold buttons. They cost $10,000 and will be premiered on June 26 at a fashion show in LA. Click here for the full story. What We Say: Premium denim. We thought paying a few hundred dollars for a designer pair of jeans was not …

The Deal: On June 14 from midnight to noon, head to kmart.com for discounts for you, your home and everyone in it. It’s worth it to stay on your computer instead of fighting the crowds that are always in K-Mart on Saturdays. What We Say: Don’t be afraid to shop from a discount store--their clothes are stylish and fun, and trusted brands such as Levi’s and Route 66 make great jeans for women of all body types. Stock up on …

The Deal: Buy one pair of jeans or pants at Delia’s, and get the other half off! What We Say: Don’t be afraid to take advantage of this sale just because Delia’s is conventionally a younger woman’s store. If you want stylish and affordable denim, head here. The shapes and sizes range from skinny jeans, wide-legs, to cropped pants and bright colors. Fall is approaching rapidly (unfortunately) and you’ll need to cover up. Check out some of the choices: The …

What: Colored denim is cycling back to the top of the trend heap. What We Say: More than a year ago colored denim (a la 1985) started to make the fashion rounds. It’s popularity had been marginal on the whole (meaning it didn’t quite make any waves between the coasts) and we were pretty much ready to write it off completely, but a recent resurgence has us taking a second look. We’re seeing lots of teal blue, red, and yellow …