paying full price?

Many have come to associate the outlet malls with great deals especially for certain coveted brands.  And retailers are also known to start separate product lines to cater to those who shop at outlet stores.

I found this pair of jeans at clearance going for $40

Just the other day, I needed to shop for jeans which is probably one of my least favorite activity.  The vocabulary of denim jeans are mind boggling - fit (skinny, boot, straight, flare), wash, etc.  Personally, jeans are workhorses (durable and able to withstand wear and tear) so they shouldn't cost an arm and a leg.  So I thought the best place to get them, with my budget of under $50, would be at the outlet mall since I was there to run some errands.

While browsing, I discovered certain brands of denim are classified as "premium" and many of the brands were unfamiliar save for a few.  And it was because long ago, a friend attempted to educate me after he paid quite a tidy sum for a pair of "premium" jeans.

Being poorly versed in this area, I did some "research" online and learned that some of these jeans can set you back a few hundred dollars (seriously!?). And some of these brands are highly susceptible to fakes.  There are sites that are devoted to discuss the brands and offer tips on how to spot a fake!

The way I decide is as long as there is no bunching and sagging at the wrong places, cutting into the skin, and fits comfortably, it'll do. I eventually found something within my budget and while I did not pay full price, I fully expect it to be a workhorse no less.