Fashion Advice

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?

Fashion and the figure go hand in hand. Not because of rail-thin models, starved celebs or any myriad of body-conscious images that permeate the (oftentimes) shallow world of fashion, but because fashion is dependent, nay, inextricably linked to the body, the human form. Yes, fashion is physically as well as visually expressive, from the fit to the movement to the tactile pleasure that it stirs.

This is not to suggest that fashion and one particular type of figure are married in a sartorial alliance, rather, that everyone should happily consider how their unique shape, weight, build and gait informs the clothes they wear.

Which brings us to fashion and fitness. At the start of every New Year, millions of Americans resolve to lose weight in order to feel healthier, boost their energy, live longer and above all, fit into their favorite pair of jeans. If you count yourself among their noble ranks, then read on for some tried-and-true tips on how to lose weight—and keep it off.

Ever since we saw images of legwarmer-clad models coolly strutting down the Fall 2007 Y-3 runway, we've become determined to try—and tame—this trendy winter accessory.

On the Fall 2007 Y-3 runway, legwarmers add a pop of color and welcome texture when worn with a skirt, dress, or even shorts.
Style.com writer Meenal Mistry calls the latest collaboration between Yohji Yamamoto and Adidas "an approximation of the consciously haphazard way teenagers dress themselves," no doubt in large part because of the casual and functional way that leg warmers were scrunched, bunched and layered throughout - but in our opinion, this is a compliment. Intentional chaos can be a good thing in fashion, especially when it echoes the reality of winter weather (and sometimes, our tastes in fashion). So block out those unsavory memories of '80s aerobics classes past, and consider with an open mind the many fresh, new ways you can rock this look today (click pics for details...)

1. Pair leg warmers with a gray dress and black tights for a sleek, modern look. (Asos.com)


2. Wear legwarmers over leggings or footless tights with flats (never with flip-flops unless you live on an island). (Target.com)


3. Allow leg warmers to peak out anywhere from 2-6 inches beneath boots (or ankle booties). Try it with UGGs, too. (Forever21.com)


4. Slip legwarmers over skinny jeans and pair with booties. (UrbanOutfitters.com)


5. Pull leg warmers over the heel of a pair of killer pumps, with sheer hose. (These are by Alice & Olivia; we found a similar pair at Urban Outfitters.)


5. Take your cues from the dance world and don legwarmers to your next yoga or Pilates class. (American Apparel)

Dear Budget Babe,
My hands and cuticles get very dry and icky this time of the year. Can you suggest an inexpensive way to combat the harmful effects of harsh weather? — Chilly in NYC

BB: In many parts of the United States, low humidity coupled with cold winds and hot, dry indoor air can all wreak havoc on skin during the winter. Your first line of defense: Be sure to wear warm gloves every time you venture outside, and go easy on harsh soaps when washing hands.

Next, try a hand cream or lotion that contains oils to help lock in moisture and protect your skin - we recommend Alba Botanica Cocoa Butter Hand & Body Lotion. It features a balance of rich skin softening emollients and essential fatty acids derived from cocoa and shea butters and nutrient-packed oils of kukui, macadamia and flax designed to restore your skin's natural elasticity and softness.

What's more, all Alba products are hypo-allergenic, pH balanced and use 100% vegetarian ingredients, with no synthetic colors and no animal testing. Get a 7 oz. tube for $6.26 at GotBody.com (regular price: $8.95). You can also find the Alba line at Whole Foods stores.

Another thing you may want to consider is getting a humidifier. The budget version: Simply put a bowl or dish full of water on top of a radiator or near a heat source, and it will naturally evaporate and add moisture to the air. If you've got children (or aren't afraid to express your inner child), try this frog-shaped "Crane Adorable One Gallon Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier", just $27.99 at Amazon.com.

Your skin will thank you!

Dear Budget Babe,
I love shopping online at UK retailers such as TopShop but I have trouble converting pounds to dollars. As a result, I end up spending much more than I bargained for! What's the easiest way for a computationally-challenged gal to, well, do the math? — Twiggy

BB: These days, you don't have to be a jet-setter to shop overseas - purchasing fashionable fineries from around the world can be achieved with the click of a mouse. It's important, however, to pay close attention to shipping costs, return policies, and to know exactly how much you're spending when you're not dealing with familiar dollars and cents.

"Guesstimating" is great, but for a foolproof way to convert currencies down to the penny, head to (where else?) Google: Simply enter the conversion you'd like done into the Google search box and hit "Enter" or click the Google Search button.

Here are some sample queries:

£45.00 in dollars
37 british money to US money
20.50 pounds in U.S. dollars
98 euros to British pounds

Number-crunching was never so simple - or so chic.


Got a question for The Budget Babe? E-mail us at info(at)thebudgetbabe.com

At the start of the New Year, it's customary to pause and consider where we've been and where we'd like to go. New Year's resolutions come into play as we set a course for a better and brighter future - and that includes upping the ante when it comes to our personal style, health and beauty. Why not pledge to make this year your most fabulous year to date? Here are a few suggestions to help get you inspired:

• Reduce your credit card debt. We all know what it feels like to have a hefty credit card balance looming over you - it makes you anxious, upset and less able to enjoy shopping when you know you shouldn't be. So why not tackle it once and for all? Begin by paying more than the minimum payment required each month, on time. Cut up your current cards or hide them so you won't be tempted to use them (just don't cancel your accounts as you'll still need these to build good credit).


• Quit an ugly habit like nail biting or smoking. We know it's tough and won't happen overnight, but offer these suggestions: Go for manicures to lessen the temptation to bite your nails. Find a support network to help you kick that smoking habit for good. Replace your bad habits with something positive instead.


• Experiment with new fashions or beauty routines. In addition to the usual style ruts to which we all succumb, many of us feel obligated or pressured to dress a certain way all the time - perhaps it's what others expect of us, or the sole way that we imagine seeing ourselves. Give yourself permission to branch out and be fearless with fashion, even if it means ruffling some feathers and getting questioned by family and friends.


• Adopt one healthier eating habit and one healthier exercise habit. Rather than set yourself up for failure with some unrealistic fitness goal, why not take just one small step (that will yield big results over time) towards better health? For instance, consider eliminating soda from your diet, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator at work.


• Organize your closet. Was there ever a more daunting obstacle? Overcome this Herculean task with the proper storage containers - shelving, shoe bins, padded hangers and the like. Take stock of what you own and then edit, edit, edit!


...and of course, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!