Fashion Girl Answers: Inexpensive Jeans

While I know that wearing non-name-brand jeans can be totally dorky, a girl's gotta save a buck somewhere.

If your summer or back-to-school budget doesn't leave room for True Religion or Joe's Jeans, I have personally road-tested these bargain alternatives, and can vouch for their style, fit, and comfort:

JC Penney isn't the hippest place on earth, but I've found two styles of jeans there that are fab.

First of all there's Levi's Too Superlow Skinny Jeans, which I like in a dark wash, above. They're on sale for $29.99! They fit great, just buy them extra-tight because they stretch out a lot.

The second Penneys jean to which I want to give a personal plug are the Arizona Favorite Flare Rinse Jean, which are on sale for $24.99 to $26.99. They come in Short, Average, and Tall, as well as Plus.

They're a great-fitting low-rise jean that doesn't have the stretching-out problem we all hate so much.

Forever 21 is still selling their Lindsay Skinny Jean, and now their Fab Skinny Capris, both below, for the ridiculous price of $12.50, but you need to be lean to fit into their sizes.

I have a pair, and I can attest that they're real jeans, looks- and fit-wise! There's nothing about them that screams "I only spent $12.50!" They look perfectly fine on.

Wearing these jeans might not make you the envy of other girls, but the guys won't even notice your "no brand" jeans. They'll just think you look hot!

No need to break the bank, or invest all your allowance, in premium jeans unless you absolutely have to! --Fashion Girl

Back In Style: Dry Shampoos

In the Sixties, dry shampoos were a great new invention. I never tried them, of course, but they're back, and hopefully they're better than ever.

The product above, Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo Spray, absorbs excess oil and product build-up and increases hair volume at the roots. Sephora carries this product as well as other brands.

If you have your hair blow-dried straight, a dry shampoo product could make your straight style last a couple of days longer. --Fashion Girl

Fashion Girl: How To Clean Stuff

Not so glamorous, I admit, but I hate when stains ruin my favorite tops and dresses. Here's a site that offers answers to stain dilemmas on your everyday and special occasion gear.

For instance, did you know that you can clean ballpoint ink with aerosol hairspray? Or that you can clean salad dressing from clothes with Fels Naptha soap (available in the supermarket)?

P.S. Never put a stained item in the dryer -- the heat will set the stain and you'll be unable to get it out, even with these tips. --Fashion Girl

Who Will Invent Semi-Permanent Makeup?

Last night I was browsing through West Hollywood's Beverly Center, perhaps the most up-scale mall in Los Angeles, where L'Oreal has an entire store devoted to their cosmetics, skin care products, and hair colors.

I tried on their Infallible Never Fail Lip Colour in Crimson, which is one of those long-lasting lip colors. L'Oreal claims it's supposed to stay on for 16 hours and that it won't flake out or fade out mid-lip.

That didn't happen, but I do have to say, some of it (not all) was still on today, 12 hours later, after I ate dinner and breakfast.

Which led me to wonder, this morning, as I walked onto FIDM's L.A. Campus, who will invent semi-permanent make-up -- make-up that lasts anywhere from two days to two weeks?

Something between that lip gloss that has to be reapplied incessantly to the tattooed-on kind that Michael Jackson sports?

Come on, people, is this rocket science?

Perhaps someone from FIDM's Beauty Industry Merchandising & Marketing program will be the genius who solves this annoying dilemma! --Fashion Girl 

Getting Dressed: Fashion Girl Recommends ...

A new book by Stylist Bridgette Raes looks like it might help us to get dressed.

Style Rx: Dressing the Body You Have to Create the Body You Want tackles issues such as protruding tummy, large thighs, large chest, and large calves and ankles, among others.

To see examples of how she camouflages the top five, go here.

Related FIDM Major(s): Visual Communications --Fashion Girl

The New PromAdvice.com!

Have you checked out the new PromAdvice.com website yet? Because if you haven't, you are missing out on tons of great advice, fashion talk, contests, deals, PromAdvice exclusives and so much more!

Like the chance to win one of the two full-year scholarships to FIDM worth up to $23,000 each! 

Or PromAdvice exclusives, like our monthly prom themes! Each month PromAdvice.com is sharing the most divine looks for Prom 2008, put together especially for you by our celebrity stylist!

Or Ask Fashion Girl, Prom Edition. Where Fashion Girl answers all of your most important prom questions... like how to find the perfect evening dress, even if your super super tall!

 

If that weren't enough, PromAdvice.com is chock full of info on dresses, make-up, hair, accessories, and guy stuff to make your big night absolutely perfect.

So what are you waiting for? Head on over to the new PromAdvice.com!

-- Alaythia

This Month On FashionClub.com: Get Inspired by Exotic India

In the first episode of our exciting new feature "Where In the World is Fashion Girl?" we'll take you on a jetsetter's journey to incredible India! --Kim

* Spice Up Your Wardrobe with India-Inspired Fashion!

* Throw an Exotic India-Themed Slumber Party!

* Meet an Award-Winning Designer Who Works with Bollywood!

* Head to Planet Bollywood with Reel Good Fashion!

India Extra: Head to FashionClub.com Haute Link, Haute Mimi for "Bollywood Glamour Made Easy."

Related FIDM Majors: Fashion Design, Visual Communications, Film & TV Costume Design

Fashion Girl Answers: Where Can I Find Stylish Vegan Products?

I sometimes get asked about finding products, not just shoes, that are both stylish and non-leather, non-fur, and non-wool, for those who want to dress the way they eat.

Often, these products are not available at the local mall.

Things like jackets, bags, and coats now come in fab vegetarian options.

PETA publishes PETA's Shopping Guide to Compassionate Clothing, and is it ever long!

Who knew that Dr. Martens come in non-leather varieties? That there are non-leather ballet shoes? Non-leather baseball gloves and biker jackets?

Do you know anyone who needs a vegan guitar strap?

The mind boggles!

This list will really help those who want to make a difference and live cruelty-free. --Fashion Girl

Fashion Girl Answers: How To Wear Bermuda Shorts This Fall/Winter

 

In case you're wondering, bermuda shorts are still in style, but be careful how you wear them.

This article says it's all about a narrower silhouette, dark tights or sheer hosiery, and an oversized bag.

As you can see, black and gray are the big colors this season!  

The site, Fashion Directory, also recommends patent accessories and answers other fashion questions. --Fashion Girl

Fashion Girl Answers: Brushes Make All The Difference!

One thing about makeup that I wish I'd learned a lot earlier is that it really matters what you put it on with. Specifically, the right brushes make all the difference!

There I was using my fingers or the teeny sponge applicators that came with the shadow when I should have found the proper synthetic or real blush, eyeshadow, eyebrow, powder, and foundation brushes, which are really worth the money.

Since I discovered brushes (I went for a makeup application at M.A.C. Cost: free!), my makeup has looked a lot better. Here's an illustrated guide to the different brushes makeup artists use and what they do. For high-quality, less-expensive brushes, I'd try Sephora.

Related Major(s): Beauty Industry Merchandising & Marketing --Fashion Girl