The Denim Debutante’s “Jean” Therapy!

Posted on 06.17.09 to Fashion / Style by Lindsay

Today’s guest blogger is JP, the infamous Denim Debutante and online marketing genius at RedTagCrazy.com, which you know I’m into. I’ve asked her to give us the down-low on how, where, and when to get the best quality denim on a budget. For more tips on denim, and the trials of being a denim debutante, check out JP’s blog!

Photo: .bradi.

Denim is, to be perfectly honest, a specific art form. And, like all types of art, some people just don’t give a crap.

I, however, do give a crap. My name’s JP (or the “Denim Debutante”) and I have an undying, passionate love for denim. I truly believe that a pair of great jeans will take you far, change your perception of life, joy and the human condition, and can absolutely give you a level of confidence where you once felt inadequate.

And I know what you’re thinking. Good jeans are NOT cheap. A great pair of J Brands can retail anywhere from $150-$400… and don’t get me started on higher-end designer lines like Marc Jacobs. They’re so far out of my price range that I can only dream about them. But there are far more affordable options that won’t leave you disappointed in any sense of the word.

1. Scope out Sample Sale Sites.

Consider yourself a loyalist who only shops in brick and mortar storefronts? Change your perception. Times like these, money is tight and if you want to look good, sometimes a little fighting for that dream pair of denim is exactly what you need to do. I’ve had success on RueLaLa, Gilt Groupe and HauteLook personally, all of whom have gotten me some great deals. Of those three, the best prices can almost definitely be found on RLL. Sign up for an account (Elle has invites over on the right of your screen!) and pay attention to the calendar!

2. Stay ahead of site/store events!

Know where you shop and what you can get. I work for the undeniably popular site RedTagCrazy.com, and we’re having our second Denim Day sale this Friday, June 19th which will be going from 7am to 7pm PST (that’s 10am to 10pm for all you East Coasters!), and while I can’t divulge much, I can say that the prices will all be under $100. That’s right… high-end denim for under $100. CitizenBlues.com is absolutely fabulous for this reason as well, featuring a single pair of jeans (in multiple sizes, of course!) a day that are usually about 70% off, and they sometimes have days where they have a new pair of jeans every hour. It’s a dream for anyone who needs a well-priced denim fix.

3. Set a budget.

You want that pair of dream jeans, don’t you? Mine were the Anlo Jaime Jean… because it has my name in it (sometimes, it’s just that simple!). Did I ever get them? Nope. They never dropped low enough in price when they were available in my size. But the benefit about denim is there’s always a new pair around the corner, and you can definitely get some other dream pair. My current dreamboat denim pair are my J Brand “The Deal” in Sea which I just can’t get enough of… and they were on sale! There’s absolutely no reason whatsoever that you should have to spend more than $100 on a pair of jeans (unless they’re an absolute must-have) if you pay attention to the available sales.

4. Treat your denim right!

This means do not, I repeat, DO NOT put your denim in the dryer. It blows out the elasticity. And really, follow the directions. If it tells you to wash in cold water, do so. Personally, I wash all my jeans inside-out in cold/cold on Delicate, then lay them flat to dry. Also, make sure to hem jeans that are too long. Dragging them along the ground will destroy them… I know, I’ve done it. It’s not a pretty sight. Treat them well and they’ll last longer, look better and you won’t have to spend money replacing them.

5. And (shameless plug, sorry Elle!) check out my site, DenimDebutante.com.

Yes, you’ll get that occasional (and sometimes not-so-occasional) blog about randomness, but most of my writing is about denim, whether it’s a pair review (like the link above), an overall brand review or my musings on denim itself, you’ll learn more by reading.

If I’ve convinced even one person to try out some great denim, then my love won’t be in vain. And if you ever need any help at all, I’m just a mouse-click away.

Visit the Debutante in her own digs, at DenimDebutante.com!

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