Dear Budget Babe,

I have recently come across a huge fashion problemo!!! In the past year I had gone through not one, but TWO pairs of extremely pricey designer jeans. Both of them ended up ripping in exactly the same spot, and I've had enough!!! I refuse to give this company any more of my money! So Budget Babe, my question is this - can you tell me where I can find a pair of long, or stacked, skinny jeans (longer inseam so they bunch at the bottom) on a budget? Please!!!

Sincerely,
Desperate and Drafty

BB: I've bought jeans at just about every price point and what I've learned from experience is that a great pair of jeans doesn't have to cost a small fortune. At the same time, finding a perfect fit is nothing short of a miracle (also speaking from experience), so when you find amazing jeans that make you look and feel great, by all means, buy them. Just make sure you're doing it for the fit, style and comfort and NOT the label alone.

With that in mind, here are a few places to look for those extra-long skinny jeans you so desire (great taste, btw!):

Delia's: Shop for jeans by cut AND inseam length (up to 36"!!), which is an extremely helpful search option. We recommend: Morgan Low-rise Skinny, available in 6 washes, just $39.50. What's more, if you buy one pair now, you can get a second pair HALF-OFF.

LeviStore: The great American classic (even if they're made overseas these days) has undergone a fairly recent facelift, offering a wider selection of current styles. We recommend: Ultra Low Skinny 521 Jeans, 3 different washes, up to 34" inseam, $58.00 to $68.00.

Charlotte Russe: Stylish jeans at Forever 21 prices. We recommend: Lapis Ultra Low Rise Skinny Chelsea Wash (featured above), $29.99

Bluefly: Designer denim at a discount. Browse their selection of Joe's Jeans, Paper Denim & Cloth, Sass & Bide, Earnest Sewn, Diesel and Habitual. We recommend: Joe's Jeans Dark Blue Stretch 'Chelsea' Skinny Jeans, $159 $95

Urbanoutfitters: The latest trends in denim are always at Urban. Check out brands like Lux, Levis and Free People. We recommend: Free People Stretch Denim Skinny Jean, $68

Dear Readers: Where do you shop for budget-friendly jeans?

No, not THAT kind of B.J. - we're talkin' super cheap, super cute lingerie from Betsey Johnson!! Surprise your sweetie this Valentine's Day by wearing one of these ultra girly, ultra chic babydolls from the wild-child designer's intimates collection. Each style costs just $33.99, marked down from $68.00! So hot.


Left: Betsey Johnson Lace Trim Swing Babydoll with Matching G-String, $68.00 $33.99
Center: Betsey Johnson Microsatin Floral Lace Slip, $68.00 $33.99
Right: Betsey Johnson Swing Babydoll with Ruffles and Matching Thong, $68.00 $33.99

These hot pink denim jeans from Forever 21 have got me singing...

"Some say it's mystic
It's electric
Boogie woogie, woogie
You can't resist it
It's electric
Boogie woogie, woogie
You can't do without it
It's electric
Boogie woogie, woogie
Jiggle-a-mesa-cara she's a pumpin' like a matic
She's movin' like electric
She sure got the boogie..."

>> Hot Pink Kaira Skinny Jean, $29.80

Related Links:
>> Spring 2008's neon & neutral trend

Twelve by Twelve's Jeweled Silk Minidress is the cat's meow with it's soft leopard print, rhinestone embellished neckline, and vintage silhouette.

Replace the velour band with a skinny leather belt to cast off any element of Fall, and you'll instantly be in step with some of Spring's top trends instead: The print says urban safari, the color palette consists of classic neutrals, and the fabric choice is light and sheer. And buying things on sale? Well, that's always in style.

>> Twelve by Twelve Jeweled Silk Minidress $59.00 $28.99

J. Crew's notoriously pricey duds are now on sale and at prices we can afford! Take an additional 20% off FINAL SALE items at the preppy-chic retailer, now through Sunday January 20. Here are some deals we spotted...

Save big on a fantastic selection of elegant dresses - if you're a fast-acting bride-to-be, this Sophia short silk dress would be a stylish option for your bridesmaids. Now just $139.99 (plus an additional 20%), it's still available in sizes 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10!


Heck, if you're a bride on a budget - or simply a bride with better things to spend her hard-earned cash on than a dress she'll wear once - this Goddess Long Dress is gorgeous and looks like it was meant to be a wedding gown! It's on sale for $159.99, plus an additional 20% off when you add it to your cart.

And, remember our earlier obsession with the Balenciaga blazer? Well now you can get J. Crew's version, the Double-faced wool Lexington jacket, on sale for just $99.99 (plus 20% off).

Take your pick of gray or ivory. This piece will never go out of style.

Here's another great buy that will always be fashionable: classy and comfortable Brewster leather high boots, on sale for $99.99 (plus 20% off). Also available in extended-calf sizes, these boots were made for walkin'.




There are a ton more great deals, especially on cold-weather must-haves like cashmere sweaters, cable-knit cardigans, plus cozy hats, gloves and scarves - so be sure to check it out - the sooner the better!