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Nov 2009 | By Joan Vesselinovitch | Comments (3)

Where to Buy the 'Must-Have' Jeans for Less

TAGS: jeans, consignment, designer, J Brand, Joe's Jeans, Rock & Republic, True Religion, Citizens of Humanity, Seven for all Mankind

Denim is at an all time high in price and prestige. The price of jeans reflect this. Sure you can still buy a decent pair of Levi’s at some discount department store for under $25, but the jeans that are turning heads can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.

DGjeans High fashion jeans cost $300-$10,000. These jeans are often highly embellished with beads, precious gems or embroidery. They have labels such as: Escada, Chanel, and Dolce and Gabbana.

The “must have” labels are selling between $150 to $300 at high-end department stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale's or Neiman Marcus. Brands include: Seven for all Mankind, Citizens of Humanity, and True Religion have been status symbol jeans for a few years now. But newer designer jeans that are taking hold are J Brand, Joe’s and Rock & Republic.

Where to buy “must have” jeans for less:

To spend $250 dollars or more on premium jeans can be a little pricey for bargain-hunting fashionistas. If you love designer denim, there are lots of ways to score a pair of cheap designer jeans without blowing your rent money.

Consignment Stores

Designer consignment stores carry a lot of designer jeans for cheap. On a recent trip to The Designer Consigner in Glenview and Selections and Thread Lounge in Chicago I saw a large selection of high-end jeans including Joe's, Citizens and Sevens.

Designer Consigner, Glenview

Selections, Chicago

Thread Lounge, Chicago

Off-Price Retailers

Shop any of the stores listed below to find premium denim straight from the runway. I have often seen Citizens of Humanity jeans at these locations at up to 50 percent off department store prices.

Loehmann's, Morton Grove

Loehmann’s Northbrook

Neiman Marcus Last Call Store

Saks Fifth Avenue: Off Fifth Outlet

Online Sample Sales

Visit online sample sales to get jeans at wholesale prices: www.Hautelook.com, www.Ideeli.com, www.beyondtherack.com, www.ruelala.com, www.gilt.com upscale online sample stores that sell cheap designer jeans for less. These Internet sites have different luxury clothing items every week. Get on their mailing lists and then pay them a visit when your favorite jeans go on sale.

Now that you've got those hot jeans, chances are you'll need to get them shortened. Where do you go to preserve that hem? Check out our Mibs' approved list of tailors.

About The Author

Joan Vesselinovitch For years and just for fun, retired attorney and mother of three, Joan Vesselinovitch, has followed the Chicago and North Shore dining and entertainment scene. She organizes fabulous outings for all of her friends. Now she's doing it for the entire community.

User Comments

Great article. Dont forget Nordstroms Rack for great deals on designer jeans.

Posted by Mindy at 06:28 pm on Nov 11, 2009

Once I've tried on and found the jeans brand and fit that works for me, I go to ebay! I've made some fantastic purchases of high-end jeans that are very gently used, at a fraction of store prices. One pair was even shortened (original hem no less!)to fit me perfectly.

Posted by Sara Nelli at 10:51 am on Nov 12, 2009

I love looking for jeans at Clothes Mentor, the sister store of Plato's Closet. These stores only carry quality designer items. They carry everything from Levi's, J Crew, and GAP, to Lucky, Citizens of Humanity, Joes, and Sevens. --I was in my local shop this week and found 3 pairs of 7s in my size, all under $30. They also have a huge inventory of women's sizes as well as a large selection of maternity items. You won't believe this place or their sales. Like Plato's Closet, CM pays you up front for your items. Don't expect a lot for your items. They use software to determine offer prices. While you may get more for your items if you went with a traditional consignment store or sold them yourself on Ebay or Craigslist, you get cash immediately with no hassels. They are very selective in what items they take. They are very experienced in authenticating the merchandise and only take quality items that will sell quickly. There are several locations all over the Chicago area. They have a staggering selection of handbags and shoes along with racks of really nice clothes. I have scored several fabulous handbags and wallets from a cognac leather Michael Kors bag with braided leather strap, to an adorable leather Kate Spade ladybug coin purse. I've also gotten some gorgeous scarves and wraps from silk Oscar de la Renta and Ann Klein to wintery woolen J Crew and Calvin Klein. My best find was an Eileen Fisher lightweight wool jacket for $25. (I saw the same item on Ebay for $300) *I am in no way affiliated with this company. I just wanted to share my amazing find with fellow consignment devotees.

Posted by Micah Rogier at 04:04 am on Apr 25, 2010

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Where to Buy the 'Must-Have' Jeans for Less

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