On The Hunt: Spotting A Sweet Pair of Jeans ~ The Sweet Life Of J and E

I recently posted some advice on what to look for when buying a pair of jeans.

[Need a refresher? Click here ]

Now are there some things to consider when going jeans shopping, like:

How many jeans do you need?
Are expensive jeans better?
How important is the brand name?
Where do you shop for jeans?

How and Where you choose to shop really just depends on your wallet. But In today's economy we're all looking to save a buck. And you can do that without sacrificing fashion, without sacrificing quality, and by saving enough bucks to splurge on that golden pair for just the right event.

Although the answers to the questions above are purely subjective, hopefully this will lead you in the right direction.

1. How Many Jeans Do You Need?

When it comes down to it, you don't need a closet full of jeans (I have about ten pairs of jeans in different shades of blue, plus two pairs of white jeans, one pair of black jeans, three pairs of jean shorts and two jean skirts. I only use 5 of my jeans regularly).

You have to decide whether you feel comfortable in jeans, and what events you can use them for.

Personally, I can make jeans work in almost every scenario, and do so because I love wearing them. But if you're only going to use them to go to the park or to do chores, then obviously, jeans are not your feel-good type of clothes.

However, if you think you might wear them on a night out with the girls, on a date, or on a regular basis, then it really is worth investing in a few cute pairs.

2. The More Expensive The Better?

In short - no. The cost doesn't dictate the quality or whether they are guaranteed to look good on you.

You don't need to spend $100+ on a pair of jeans. I've spent anywhere from $20-$80. However there's nothing wrong with spending a lot or a little. It's up to your tastes and your wallet. (I've got a pair of jeans that I spent $20.00 on that I love love love and use all the time. The pair I spent $80 on only comes out once in a while).

I will say this - a good pair of jeans - one that fits, that is classic in color and style can be timeless and stay in your closet and on your booty for years [given weight fluctuation they may sit on the shelf at times, but that's neither here nor there]. In that instance, it will always be a good investment.

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3. Should I Only Go For Popular Brand Names?

No one knows what you've got on that tag. However, there are jeans with the brand very visible on the jean. This is how I see it - I love Coach bags because they last and last and last (I buy them at the Outlets). But I like the ones without all the logos everywhere. A simple leather is what I like. And so I think of my jeans that way - simple. Not too much flash. Just quality.

The question you have to ask yourself is whether that matters to you. Sometimes, depending on your mood, you gotta go for the yea-celebrities-wear-these-jeans-and-i-can-afford-it-too look.

I own a pair of Joe's jeans and two pairs of Seven jeans that I got at a crazy sale. When I wear them I feel fancy, like hey, check out my jeans. But sporting popular brands is not my goal - I go for the brands I rely on.

I love Refuge jeans (my current fave) from Charlotte Russe. I personally don't like Calvin Klein jeans. I don't think they envision someone with a booty like mine - my heart has been broken by an ill fitting pair enough times to skip that brand. Levi's is a fail safe. I've got a pair from the 90's that I still whip out - they're straight leg w/ a slight boot cut, uniform wash jeans...definitely a good brand.

4. Where Should You Shop For Jeans?

Macy's usually has a sale rack with tons of jeans. Pass all the Brand name sections (DKNY, INC, etc) and there is usually a rack of mixed jeans. These are lesser known names that will cost you about $25.00-$50.00.

Check out different fashion magazines: Life &Style magazine will typically show you an expensive brand pair compared to a less expensive version and that's how I learned about the Macy's rack. You can also see something similar in InStyle magazine as well.

If you're not feeling so adventurous, avoid Macy's and head to the mall, and go into Charlotte Russe (I know, I know, have faith). Ignore the teeny boppers, keep your head high and head straight to the shelves of Refuge jeans. These jeans sizes go from 1 - 11 and they stretch. You can usually get two for $40 or something along those lines and it is worth it if you like the style (uniform dark wash, variety of waist types, lengths, and styles). I own three pairs of Refuge jeans. They are my current faves.

I've also found good jeans and/or jeans shorts in Rave (another teeny-bopper store), Forever21 and even Target. Don't underestimate these types of stores. You can find some cool jeans at a good price. I recently bought a pair of jean shorts for $1.50 at Rave! No joke! It was a clearance, mind you.

It's in stores like these that you might find a gem - it's worth going in if the promise of a good pair of jeans might be there.

On the flip side, don't hesitate to check out Nordstrom (or better yet, Nordstram Rack) and Bloomingdales. If you can snag a good sale, I wouldn't turn my nose up at these stores!