Doomed to Be Forever in Blue Jeans?
Dear Fashion Police: I have four different pairs of jeans, but only two are adequate for school (I am 10 years old). Of those two, one is my favorite. It has trim and fringe on the hem. Because these jeans are so remarkable, people notice when I wear them for three days in a row. I simply can’t afford a pair of jeans for every day of the week, because now they can get up to $40 or $50 a pair. I don’t particularly like khakis because they get dirty faster. Is it OK to wear only two pairs of jeans during the week? If so, how could I change this?
P.S.: Skirts are my worst enemy.
--A JONES FOR JEANS
Dear Jones: Your dilemma is shared by lots of girls and women who have a few favorite outfits or items of clothing that they wish they could wear every day. Alas, females do not live by two pair of jeans alone, so we must supplement our wardrobes with other items.
Look at this as a great opportunity to learn how to be a smart consumer, as well as a stylish dresser. As we say here at Fashion Police headquarters, you’re never too young to learn how to bargain shop.
Clothes can be expensive, even for someone your age, but you don’t always have to pay full price. You can save tons of money by shopping store sales, as well as outlet and discount stores. It takes a little more work, but believe us, it’s worth it. Check local newspaper ads and look at catalogs and flyers that tell you about special savings. Then plan a day with your mom or dad and hit the stores, mapping out a sensible route that won’t leave you exhausted. Finding great items on sale is like a treasure hunt, and it’s a wonderful feeling to know you saved a lot of money.
But remember: Only buy something if you really love it. A sweater that’s only $1 isn’t a bargain if you never wear it. When you see something you do like, think about what you already have that you can wear with it. If you find a fabulous pink floral top but it doesn’t go with anything, it’s going to cost you more money to find something that matches. Stick with a few favorite colors that go well together, such as yellow, blue and green, and that will make it easier to build a wardrobe.
If you’re not crazy about skirts, there are lots of styles of pants to choose from. Try capris, stretch pants or jeans in different colors. It really isn’t good to wear the same pants three days in a row. Not only do people notice, but clothes need a break between wearings.
P.S.: If you like the look of embellished jeans, you can save a lot of money by decorating them yourself. Craft and fabric stores carry lots of iron-on trims to add to your jeans, skirts or jackets to make them one-of-a-kind. Get some friends and make it a party, but be sure a parent is there to help you.
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Write to Fashion Police, 202 W. 1st St., Los Angeles CA 90012, fax to (213) 237-4888, or send e-mail to socalliving@latimes.com.
