Jeans
Designer Denim Drops in Price
What: Say goodbye to $300 pairs of “premium” jeans. Denim designers now say that jeans had become overpriced before the recession began last year, which is why shoppers began shying away from ultra-expensive brands like Dior, True Religion, and Ksubi. Now, those same brands have begun lowering pricing to reflect what consumers are actually willing to spend. According to retail experts, that “sweet spot,” in terms of pricing, is now closer to $200 a pair for most designer brands.
What the New York Times Says:
“Before the recession, premium denim was one of the fastest growing categories of the apparel business, and there seemed to be no limit to what customers would pay for the latest label, fit, finish, wash or whatever Paris Hilton wore. But the denim bubble has burst, and only a handful of such extravagantly priced jeans remain at the jeans bar — labels like PRPS and 45rpm, which, in tacit acknowledgment of the decline of the premium business, are now more often referred to as ‘artisanal’ jeans.”
What We Say: In general, $200 still seems too pricey to spend on an everyday pair of jeans—whether they’re “premium” or not. Especially considering the fact that there are countless ways to get those same jeans for less, whether that involves shopping for those same brands at stores like TJ Maxx or going down a notch and buying non-designer jeans at discount outlets. At the very least, though, it’s good to hear that the average price for denim has dropped recently. See, something good can come out of the recession.
What is the most money you have spent on a pair of jeans?
Could Gap’s Denim Line Bring Down Prices of Others Like it?
What:The Gap introduced a premium denim line called 1969 last month, and it did so with some pretty aggressive advertising. Well, now makers of other similar high-quality jeans (like 7 for All Mankind and Levi’s) are having to defend their high prices. Gap’s denim costs around $50, while others cost triple that. Many say the Gap is overstating how premium their denim really is, as most their materials come from China and Mexico - as opposed to Italy and Japan.
What They Say:
“I think the Gap is going to have some impact, but I don’t think it is going to shake up the overall retail environment,” said Stefano Aldighieri, a denim designer who has worked for 7 For All Mankind, Levi’s Premium and Hudson Clothing Co. He is also the co-founder of the Los Angeles consulting firm Another Design Studio Inc. “But you can find premium denim at any price point and at any distribution. If you go to JCPenney or Sears, you will find examples of what they call premium denim. Then you go to Barneys and see their premium denim. Premium denim has become an obsolete word.”
What We Say: We’ll take a good $50 pair of jeans over a slightly better $150 pair of jeans any day, especially right now. We doubt the entire denim industry is going to start heavily discounting their products, though, because if they do, they’ll be admitting that they’re not putting out that much better of products in the first place. Any predictions?
Holey Jeans: Yea or Nay?
It’s probably safe to assume that holey jeans were an accident; someone somewhere fell down, ripped their jeans, and thought “uh oh… wait, that looks cool.” But many of the world’s greatest inventions were accidents, so that’s not saying much. The holey jean phenomenon—new expensive jeans that look worn out and used, on purpose—is back; just look at this selection at American Eagle. Whether you paid top dollar for them at the stores or sliced and diced them yourself, you’ve been guilty of sporting see-through jeans at least once in your lifetime.
What is it we love about these torn up pants? Do they simply give us that extra edge, that “I don’t care how I look (even though clearly I’ve put a lot of money and/or effort into it)” image? Destruction is creation, and all that jazz. Or maybe we’re just running out of ideas on what to do with our eleven pairs of blue jeans.
Would you feel humiliated or happy if caught in holey jeans? If happy, would you do the cutting yourself or is there a more strategic style to them that you can’t find anywhere but at the mall?
UNIQLO Two Jeans for $49.90
UNIQLO, the Japanese H&M, now has women’s (and men’s) jeans for two for $49.90.
The jeans, which are made of the good denim, not that papery thin stuff that you wash once and falls apart, come in a variety of styles (colored skinny, embellished and cropped are not on sale). The downside? The stores are only located in the New York City area and if you’ve got back (meaning you have hips and/or wear over a size 12), skip this store all together and head to Old Navy to purchase a pair of $19 jeans.
Shop New Markdowns at Gap.com
The Deal: New Gap styles for on sale now
The Lowdown: While we have no spring getaway plans (sigh) it’s quite possible that you do—but if there’s a vacation in your near future, we’re guessing much of your budget has already been spent (seriously, who can afford plane tickets AND clothing these days?). Still, you’ll probably want a few cute, packable items to take (and with all the new baggage fees, packable is very important), particularly if you’re heading somewhere warm. Which is why it wouldn’t hurt to hit up this sale at Gap which includes, amidst the sweaters and wool pants, some very cute, vaca-worthy items.
We are now shifting into fantasy vacation mode (yes, we’re living vicariously through you) and have selected a couple of pieces we’d like to slip into before heading out for that poolside Margarita: an Plaid Empire Tie Dress, on sale $34.99, and this swimsuit: Bow Halter Bandeau Top, $29.99;
Bow Bikini Bottom, $19.99.
Of course, if you’re like us and don’t have anywhere to go, perhaps you can console yourself with one of the many pairs of fab Gap jeans on sale now—get the most mileage out of a classic denim look, like this new low rise boot cut in a dark wash, for just $29.99.
Shop: Gap.com
Up to 80% off at the Bluefly Semi Annual Blue Sale
The Deal: Save up to 80% at the Semi Annual Blue Sale at Bluefly.com
The Lowdown: Let’s get one thing straight—at Bluefly you’ll always find big discounts on designer goods, which is why we’ve got in our top ten bookmark rotation. Discounts, of course, mean just that—lower prices, but not necessarily cheap. The flip side, of course, is that you’re getting, in most cases, high quality designer goods for much less than retail prices.
Most of us budget-savvy shoppers avoid designer denim like the plague—not because we wouldn’t love a pair but because the prices are usually enough to make us, well, sick. So we’d suggest you peruse Bluefly’s selection, because you’ll find stuff like this pair of Paper Denim & Cloth straight leg jeans on sale, for just $49.99 (4). Make it an entire outfit with a fab designer top—like this Design History stretch knit empire waist tunic for $51.99 (3) or this Design History plum merino wool top, $66.99 (2).
Top it off with something that could become a signature piece, like this Robert Rodriguez tweed cropped jacket, on sale for $241.99 (1) (hey, we said it would be a signature piece, which means it might also be an investment piece, but only if your bottom line can take the hit).
Shop: Bluefly.com
HoliDAILY Contest #32: Win a Pair of Alias Premium Denim Jeans!
From now until Dec. 31st, Kathyrn and the gang at TBF will be giving away daily prizes to lucky TBF winners. Check back everyday at 9am to enter.
At midnight, one lucky TBF reader will win this prize, from Alias Premium Denim.
The Prize: A Pair of “Sweet Dee” jeans from Alias Premium Denim.
Why you want this: Free jeans. Do we really need to explain why you want this? I mean, if you don’t know why you want this, then perhaps we’re not doing a good job here at TBF, cause there’s nothing we like better than giving free stuff to our cyber friends. That’s what friends are for ... to get you the hook up.
To Enter this Contest, Tell Us Your Favorite Jeans Style in the Comment Section Below
The Rules
- no purchase necessary
- contest ends the day of the posting at 11:59pm
- must comment below in order to enter this contest
- must be a US citizen.
- recipient is responsible for any federal, state or local taxes associated with the prize package
- must respond within 72 hours (3 days) or prize will be given to another entrant
Yesterday’s Winner
Congratulations to zoecat, SockSnatcher, Sabrina, gambit78, NineCircles, Love1999, Shefali, uberlibrarian, egreen, and jr1012, who each won a copy of Kathryn’s book “How to Be a Budget Fashionista” in yesterday’s Holidaily Giveaway!
50-75% Off Everything at Aeropostale
The Deal: 50-70% of Everything at Aeropostale through Dec. 23
The Lowdown: Clearly, Aeropostale is not for every fashionista (basic requirements: being tiny and able to pull of having the words “Aeropostale Athletic Department 1987” splashed across your bosom). Still, assuming the sizing works for you, there are some good basics to be had and for 50-75% off, the prices are right.
What we’d go for? Some stock-up-worthy camis (just $8.75 apiece, and good right now, for example, for layering under long sleeve tees and sweaters), and move on to the denim. Aeropostale jeans, we’ve found, are durable, fairly classic (read: youthful but without the rhinestone butterfly plastered on the rear) and come in a range of lengths (short, average, and tall), for under 20 bucks a pair.
Shop: Aeropostale
Lane Bryant Denim Jeans $29.99 Online
The Deal: All denim jeans at Lane Bryant on sale for $29.99, through Dec. 7.
The Lowdown: Pick up quality plus size denim for less, with all jeans just $29.99 at LaneBryant.com (exclusions apply). Get great styles like this embellished flare jean, in sizes 14-28, and for $29.99, pick up more than one pair.
Shop: Lane Bryant
Color Skinny Jeans for $19.50 at Wet Seal
“THIS DEAL HAS ENDED”
The Deal: Wet Seal color skinny jeans on sale for only $19.50
The Lowdown: Whether you’re the one jonesing for some bold color skinny jeans, or you have someone on your holiday gift list who is, now’s the time to head to Wet Seal to pick up a pair for under 20 bucks. Purple is hot for the season, so this pair is sure to make a great addition to someone’s trendy winter wardrobe . . .
Shop: Wet Seal
How to Wear Knit Cuff Boots
Dear Budget Fashionista:
My sweet hubby recently went online and purchased a really cute pair of boots for me. Only one problem though, I don’t know how to wear them. They are a high-heeled brown leather pair that has a fold down knit-cuff. Much more stylized than I am used to. I was online today attempting to find something to go with, but not sure what I should be looking for. Skirt, pants, jeans? And advice on where to shop would be excellent.
Answer: First, give your husband a kiss (if you haven’t already), for trying his hand at fashion. You’ve gotta to encourage them (men) when they do something good. Second, the best way to wear the boots is with pair of dark skinny leg jeans (cause you don’t want it to look like you’re wearing pantaloons), tucking the jeans into the boots. Why should you do this? Well, if you try to wear a pair of pants over the boots it will create a lump around your knee, which isn’t cute and, unless you wear a very short skirt (3 inches above the knee), the knit cuff of the boot and the hem of the skirt will be around the same area, making your knees look quite bulky. Plus the whole point of the boot is the knit cuff, so you need to be able to show it off.
Here’s some great jean options for less than $30:
Faded Glory Lean Jeans, $15.00 at Wal-Mart
Norma Kamali Slim Jeans, $16.00 at Wal-Mart
Marisha Skinny Jeans, $24.80 at Forever 21
Xhilaration Skinny Jean $24.99 at Target.com
Baby Phat Plus Size Skinny Jeans, $52.00 at Torrid.com
$15 Jeans at Wet Seal
The Deal: $15 jeans at Wet Seal
The Lowdown: Really really want a cute pair of jeans for those weekend outings, but just can’t justify spending a bunch of cash (you don’t have) right now? Wet Seal has you covered, with a handful of cute denim styles for just $15 apiece (including both skinny and flared styles). The Jetsetter flare jean pictured is a good choice for all around wear, and for something a little edgier? Maybe these ankle-zip skinny jeans (regularly $29.50). Both styles are available in sizes up to 15.
Shop: Wet Seal
ENDS TODAY! 20% Off Jeans and Tops With Code at Shopbop.com
The Deal: Take 20% off jeans and sexy tops at Shopbop.com with code NIGHTOUT—offer ends Oct. 6 at midnight!
The Lowdown: Heat up those cool autumn nights with some hot jeans and tops from Shopbop.com—get 20% off designer deals with the coupon code NIGHTOUT. At 20% off, some designer jeans like these 7 For All Mankind straight leg stretch jeans, regularly $149, might just be a splurge you can live with.
Shop: Shopbop.com with code NIGHTOUT. Offer ends at midnight tonight, Oct. 6.
Summer Fashion: Colored Denim
“SOME PRODUCTS ARE NO LONGER BEING SOLD”
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 denim, and after all those primary colored dresses slipping into a pair of jeans is kind of a welcome change, if you ask us. The best news? If you picked up a pair last year and they’ve been sitting in your closet every since, all you have to do to be on trend is pull ‘em out and slip ‘em on. Priceless.
What? You don’t know what to slip ‘em on with? When in doubt, keep it simple—the color is statement enough. Think neutral tee or tank (or throw in a top with some horizontal stripes —like this henley—if you want to have a little more fun), with some wedge sandals or ballet flats, and maybe a chunky necklace if you want to dress things up a bit . . .
Some colored denim picks we’re digging, for less:
Straight Leg Jeans, on sale $19.99, LaRedoute
Style & Co. Petite Colored Five Pocket Jean, on sale $19.99, Macy’s
Morgan Low-Rise Skinny Jean, $48.50, Delia’s (buy one, get one half off)
Product Review: Totally Slimming Jeans from Signature by Levi Stauss & Co.™
What: Angela slips into the new Totally Slimming Jeans from Signature by Levi Strauss & Co.™, which will be available at Wal-Mart stores nationwide starting this August, for under $20 a pair.
The Lowdown: Here’s the deal—the traditional five-pocket style Totally Slimming Jeans were designed to address women’s typical problem areas—stomach, thighs, rear end—using a high-stretch fabric (more than the typical 1%) and including a built-in tummy control panel. I must admit, the pair I received was just a wee bit too big on me (one of the pitfalls of sample products) but I gave them a go anyway.
Here’s what I loved: the denim (in a really nice dark wash) felt great—soft but substantial, with plenty of give and stretch without becoming shapeless. Here’s what I did not love: the design is deemed to be “at the waist”, which, on me at least, turned out to be high-waisted. And not in an edgy, LA cool kind of way, but instead in a super-high mommy jean kind of way. According to an article on the jeans in the Wall Street Journal, testers liked where these jeans hit higher on the back, in order to avoid over-exposure when bending down, etc., but for me? The rise just seemed waaaay too long.
The big question, of course, is are the jeans slimming? Overall, probably yes—partly because of the fabric and partly because of the dark wash and lack of embellishment to break up the long visual line of the jean. Are they a miracle jean? Uh, no, but we didn’t really expect them to be.
Yea or Nay: If the high-waistedness of them doesn’t bother you, or they fit you differently than they fit me, then I would say they’re a yea, especially for the price. Just try them on before you buy, to be sure.
Buy It: Coming in August to your local Wal-Mart.
Buy One, Get One: Delia’s.com
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 Morgan low-rise skinny grey jeans are a touch dressier than blue denim—they’re so versatile you’ll keep them around forever. Now $44.50.
If you don’t want something as curve-hugging as skinny jeans, check out the Reese low-rise skinny boot-cut jeans. They’re casual, leave more room for comfort, and come in four washes. Now $39.50.
Pictured: The Sophie ultra low-rise flares have a wider leg and a bigger flare than boot-cuts. Now $39.50.
K-Mart’s Saturday Sidewalk Sale: Daily Deal
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 your beauty supplies during this sale too, and save on basics like makeup bags and hair dryers.
Check out our picks:
This studded tunic is a hot choice for going out at night. $19.99
Levi’s are one of America’s trusted denim brands, and these stretch bootcuts match with the above top perfectly.
Dress, $24.99. We love this retro and colorful, fun print. The braiding beneath the bust line is a particularly nice detail.
News Alert: $10,000 Jeans
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 a wise purchase, but $10,000 reaches new heights of spending. The makers of the jeans surely worked hard on the jeans and used meticulous details, but studded, glimmering denim reminds us of 1998. Instead, we’re going to partake in some DIY thriftiness and buy Levi’s and a Bedazzler. Check out the jeans here.
Photo from http://www.jimbocyberdoc.wordpress.com
Bluefly.com Daily Deal
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 already discounted from the retail price. Bluefly is good to check out when you want a bag that your favorite celebrity has—maybe they have it at a lower price. Alright, maybe their naked-woman ad campaign is a touch unrealistic, but check out their bargains.
Pictured at the top: The retail value of these Nanette Lepore sandals was $435. Now, they’re less than 200 bucks.
Shop it: www.bluefly.com
Best Jeans on a Budget: Reader Advice
Okay, we’ve doled out plenty of advice here on The Budget Fashionista about finding great jeans on a budget, but let’s face it, it’s enough to send even the most self-respecting fashionista running for the sweatpants.
We’ve liked Old Navy jeans in general (though the sizing can be inconsistent, and some cuts are better than others), and Levis are a tried and true option. But what are we missing? Tell us your picks for best jeans on a budget (and we do mean under $50 a pair).
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