Jean Therapy
The luxury ka-boom may be over, but that doesn't mean we're not still interested in wearing swanky jeans. In fact, it's one of the few wardrobe staples we're not willing to go quietly on (and the world agrees — high-end denim sales are on the rise when almost every other fashion category is tanking).
But our price threshold isn't nearly as liberal as it was when we dropped $225 on Current/Elliott "boyfriends" without batting an eye. We're savvy deal-shoppers now, and fortunately, there are a handful of stores in and around L.A. that practically specialize in selling discounted designer denim. And online, there are plenty of deals to be had. Here are our top picks for scoring some deeply slashed dungarees:
Nordstrom Rack
DENIM HAVEN: Stacks of designer jeans for men at Nordstrom Rack in Glendale.
The new-ish Nordies Rack on 3rd Street (in the old Old Navy spot) sports a not-too-shabby selection of designer jeans, but the chain's Glendale location is practically the Mecca of discounted high-end denim. For women, the upstairs outpost features huge spinning racks of jeans (one each) for Seven of All Mankind, J Brand and Joe's Jeans, priced from $79 to $99.
The selection was killer -- there are skinnies, acid-washed cigarettes, gently flaring varieties and wide legs. Deeper into the section are a few more racks boast mixed labels including William Rast (spotted a dark skinny for $75 and booty shorts for $69), Hudson (flares were $79) and more rarified brands such as Degaine and Goldsign (we clocked a pair of wide-leg sailor dungarees for a mere $75).
Guys have their pick of Seven for All Mankind straight-legs ($99), dark-wash Rock & Republics ($99) and True Religions of all flavors — if that's your thing — priced at $119 down from $231. All in all, nearly too hot to handle.
227 North Glendale Ave., Glendale. (818) 240-2404
Revolve Clothing
GRAY DAY: Discounted William Rast skinnies on RevolveClothing.com.
L.A. retailer Revolve always stocks cute current-season jeans for gals, but hidden on its website is a huge selection of discounted denim, too — boasting brands including RVCA, William Rast, Dylan George, Vince, Current/Elliott, Ksubi, G-Star and Cheap Monday at rock-bottom prices.
A pair of Dylan George boyfriends are currently marked down to $98 from $198, while super-funky Found Denim low-crotch trousers are only $54, down from $198. Sizes are limited, but the sheer number of discounted jeans here make it virtually impossible to click off the site without finding something.
J Brand Factory Outlet
On the edge of the Fashion District in Downtown L.A. lies one of the best kept secrets known to man: A warehouse full of discounted J Brand's that are ripe for the pickin'. Find every color and style imaginable, from 10-inch pencil legs to 14-inch straights, up to a size 32. And as an added bonus, many of the pairs here are actually from the current season.
We spotted a rack of $60 maternity jeans, black, stretch-less skinnies for $75 and shorts for $60. White jeans — sure to be a summer favorite — are $85. While pairs of Lovestory — those major bellbottoms that currently retail for $179, uh, everywhere — are only $70. As you enter, find boxes of past season goods (including corduroys and those ripped acid washed skinnies that we kind of wish would burn in hell) starting at just $30. After leaving here, you'll wonder why you ever paid full price for J Brands. Or any other jeans for that matter.
1225 E Washington Blvd., Los Angeles. (213) 748- 1408. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday noon to 4 p.m. Also open two random Sundays per month, call to find out.