We all laughed when we saw the Pajama Jeans commercial for the first time (then we cried a little when we realized it was real…). I mean, pajama jeans. The entire concept is absolutely ridiculous. Like, sometimes you just gotta put on real pants with buttons and zippers and pockets. That’s life. Sorry.

But you know what’s even more ridiculous than the concept of pajama jeans? The fact that Joe’s Jeans is now selling DESIGNER Jean Sweats for $158. And no “Jean Sweats” isn’t my vulgar slang for what their selling. That’s what it actually says on their site. Not stretch jeans, not jeggings, but Jean Sweats.

What’s next? Designer mom jeans?

As you may have gathered from my previous articles, I am a shopaholic.  Even if I have no money, I can’t help but scour the internet for deals at the online sample sales (seriously, check out Ideeli, it’s amazing).  And even though I can’t always buy sustainable products, I still try to buy in sustainable ways.

Here are my favorite shopping tips to don’t just save the environment, but they can also save you money.

Read on, my fellow “Frugalista” (thank you, Target.)

Shop in stores.  Preferably ones you can walk or carpool to.  Retailers get their shipments in bulk, which decreases the amount of packaging material used to deliver the products.  When you shop online, shipping costs (and all that wasted paper and cardboard) can add up quickly, so spare yourself and hit the local mall (with your reusable tote!). Be sure to try on before you buy so you can avoid the extra gas needed to return something to the store.

Look for local labels.  Try to buy from companies that are based in the your state to cut down on energy needed for transportation.  If that’s not possible, look for brands that produce their products within the United States.  American Apparel, C&C Cailfornia, Splendid, J.Crew, Lucky Jeans, Joe’s Jeans, True Religion, Juicy Couture, 7 For All Mankind, Citizens of Humanity, and Rock and Republic (just to name a few) all manufacture their clothing in the U.S. Read More »

While I love finding the perfect gifts for people and seeing their faces as they open them, I must admit, all this holiday shopping has got me wanting to get a few gifts of my own. It doesn’t help that there are great sales EVERYWHERE. Unfortunately, those sales are linked to the crappy economy, which means I don’t have the freedom to snatch them up right now, and yet, I want nothing more than to buy myself this ensemble to be lookin’ mighty fine into the new year.

(Note: I found most of these things on bluefly or piperlime, so they’re discounted. Does that make it better?) Read More »

During my freshman year of college I was amazed at how many girls wore designer denim to class and toted their books around in enormous Coach bags every day. How do they afford it? Why would they waste such a cute, expensive outfit on 8 AM class? It wasn’t the parade of sweats and pajamas I had been prepared for by older friends.

Instead I saw Seven For All Mankind, Paige, Primp, BCBG, Free People, Steve Madden, etc. etc. etc: What distinguishes these particular brands from Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, or those created by T.J. Maxx and Marshall’s? After questioning several of my designer brand sporting friends and trying to justify several of my own purchases, I came up with the following list:

SIX REASONS TO GO DESIGNER

1. Product Quality – Many people who don’t believe in buying designer brands say that you are only paying for the brand name and that the product is no better than any other. While you are paying in part for the “privilege” to wear the brand’s name, you are also probably purchasing a product that is high quality. For example, I buy designer denim because it fits better and lasts longer than the jeans I buy for $25.00 at Bob’s. Designer clothes are usually made from finer fabrics and have superior stitching compared to those of bargain stores.

2. Consistency – Most people who wear designer clothes swear by a few designers. For example, someone might own thirty pairs of Paige jeans but refuse to even look at Joe’s Jeans. Both are expensive, high quality brands, so what’s the difference? Paige jeans consistently fit, last, and look great, where Joe’s Jeans aren’t as flattering (this isn’t my personal opinion, it’s just an example). People keep going back to the same brands because they consistently perform well for them. Read More »

It is impossible for me to find jeans that fit me well. If they are long enough (I stand a tall 5’10), then the rise is too low. If the rise is high enough, the pants are too short. And if I am lucky enough to get those trendy little jeans over my larger-than-average thighs, they rarely make it past my larger-than-average ass (thanks mom!).

Jean shopping for me is like bathing suit shopping for most girls. I absolutely dread it. I wait until the last possible second (like yesterday when my favorite pair ripped in the crotch for the fourth time) before making my way to the store. Once there, I bring armloads of jeans into the dressing room and try on every last one. There are often tears. And there is rarely a purchase.

Recently, though, I have come across a few brands of jeans that truly are made for every body. They are longer than the standard 32” that most designer jeans (Sevens, Citizens, True Religions) run and cut a little more generously for the real female body. Some are somewhat pricey, but when you have problems finding pants like me, the price becomes an afterthought: Read More »