eVanity.com: Inseams up to 37"
Price: $39.80 to $49.80

I have long legs, therefore I have a long inseam. Since I was a kid, I've struggled to find jeans of any shape that fit well, are long enough and won't break the bank. Do you know anywhere I can find jeans that fit this description but don't look or feel cheap? —Beth B.

Many retailers now offer affordable, stylish jeans for tall ladies—blessed with legs that go on for miles!—who need an inseam longer than 34 inches. Here are my top picks.


Alloy.com: Inseams up to 37"
Prices range from approx. $14.99 (on sale) to $54.90




BananaRepublic.com: Inseams up to 36"
Prices range from approx. $19.97 (on sale) to $98




OldNavy.com: Inseams up to 35"
Prices range from approx. $12.99 to $34.50




Jeanology by Newport-News: Inseams up to 35"
Prices range from approx. $24 to $49

[1] Leather Buckle Trim Boots, $129, Silhouettes.com
[2] Tara Extended Width Tall Shaft Boot, $40, Payless.com
[3] Naturalizer Scurry Wide Shaft Boot, $99, Zappos.com
[4] Kayleigh Plus Calf Side Buckle Boot, $70-$75, OneStopPlus.com

I always seem to have a problem finding boots for my curvy legs. I can never find a riding boot that closes all the way at the top (let alone trying to squeeze some skinnies in there!). I always have to settle for the "slouchy boot" style, though I love the look of a classic riding boot. Any suggestions?? —Maddy

I get this question a lot because let's face it: Most boots have narrow shafts, so whether you have some muscle or some curves, it can be tough to find stylish, affordable boots that fit a wide range of normal calf sizes. So I'll try to address this from a couple different angles, and hopefully other readers will share their tips in the comments!

How and Where to Shop for Wide Calf Boots

• Ideally, you'd like to find boots in stores so you can try them on. Novel idea, right? Look for brands like Bandolino, Naturalizer, Franco Sarto, and Moda Spana at department stores like Macy's as well as off-price retailers like Marshalls. Also check Payless and DSW.
  
  


• Look for styles with a little wiggle room by virtue of an elastic panel or, of course, boots made of stretch fabrics like stretch suede, and slouchy styles (although I realize you're looking for riding boots, but just saying!).
  
  


• No luck in stores? Time to head online: Make the experience an easy one by measuring the widest part of your calf before you shop. Then head to the usual suspects—Zappos.com, Endless.com, Piperlime.com, 6pm.com—and narrow your search results by width. Be sure to look at the product details to see the circumference of the boot's shaft. The words "extended width" "wide calf" or "extra wide" can be a tad vague.
  
  


• Expand your search to sites specializing in extended sizes: LaneBryant.com, Avenue.com, and Torrid, to name a few. You'll also be impressed by the great selection at lesser-known sites like Silhouttes.com and OneStopPlus.com.
  
  


• Splurge on the perfect pair of boots at AylaBoots.com. A Budget Babe reader turned me on to this site a while back, saying you can order custom made boots based on your specific calf measurements. They're pricey (like $200) but worth every penny. Yet another option: Try the extended calf riding boots at EddieBauer.com, an investment piece you'll wear for years.

I saw a girl with the most fantastic black skinny jeans imaginable and I haven't stopped thinking about them! Could you suggest any brands that make a sophisticated black pant that would look great tucked into boots or worn with flats? —LR

Black jeans combine the versatility of black pants with the comfort, durability and great fit of your favorite pair of blue jeans. If you wear jeans a lot, you should definitely consider adding a black pair of skinnies to your arsenal! And of course, you don't have to spend a ton to find a great pair. Since black denim is so popular right now, I'd suggest beginning your search wherever you buy your other jeans. Personally I own these black denim leggings from Asos.com and a pair of black straight-leg jeans that I picked up at Forever 21. I love that you can dress them up or down, and the fact that you can wear them with a blue jean jacket (because we all know you can't wear a blue jean jacket with blue jeans). For more cheap, chic options, browse my handpicked selection below.

I spotted these Tahari flyaway cardigans made of 100% cotton in purple, gray and black, still had the original price tag ($188), marked down to $39.99. A great layering piece for Fall.

Earlier this week I popped into TJ Maxx to check out their Fall sweaters, a must-have for New England's long, cold winters. While sifting through the racks I was pleased to find current styles by brands like Michael Michael Kors, Tahari, The Limited, Nine West, Design History, DKNY and more. Most were under $40 and were made with quality fabrics like cotton, wool, angora, even cashmere. When you consider the value of these items compared to the lightweight sweaters you find at many fast-fashion stores (lose their shape, aren't warm, don't wash well), it makes sense to put in the extra time to shop at an off-price retailers like TJ Maxx. OF COURSE I love my fast fashion, you know I'm not giving that up, but this season I plan on buying a lot of my clothing at TJ Maxx and Marshalls because cold weather clothing needs to be better quality than summer clothing.

Sifting through the racks at an off-price retailer can be a daunting task, so here are some tips to help you shop:

• Stick to one department at a time. It's nearly impossible to cover the entire store in one visit, so stick to one department—shoes, dresses, or handbags, for instance—which will help you narrow your focus and stay on track.
  
  
• Go in with a goal in mind. It's fun to browse, but it always helps to have a specific goal, for instance, "wrap sweater," "knee-high brown boots" or "trench coat." If you don't find what you're looking for, it's not the end of the world. Leave and try back later.
  
  
• Shop in the right foundational outfit. For example, if you'll be trying on tunics, dresses or skirt, wear leggings and flats to the store so you can easily slip things on and off and see how the items will work with what you already have. Looking for a bag to match a particular pair of shoes? Wear those shoes.
  
  
• Look beyond designer labels. If you're like me, you rapidly sift through those hangers and hone in on designer labels like a hawk. Stop! Consider items based on size, fit, and price. I need to remind myself this sometimes but it's better to buy a well-fitting stylish item by a no-name designer than something you don't really need, which costs more anyways, by a designer.

More photos after the jump...

This dolman sleeve sweater by Nine West was just $24.99 and so cozy!

Here's a Michael Michael Kors sweater I found marked down from $129.50 to just $39.99 that you could wear open or tied, as shown here. It was made from a luxe blend of angora, wool and something else, I forget...

This chunky knit sweater by Cambridge of London--made from a soft and warm blend of wool, acrylic and polyester--would look great with leggings and knee high boots. Makes you want to curl up next to the fire with a good book and cup of hot chocolate.

I was wondering if you could help me find the appropriate bag for an interview? I have the suit and the shoes, but I wanted to bring a folder that has additional copies of my resume, a pad of paper for notes, etc. —Janel

I've been struggling with this question myself over the past few days. Not because I have a job interview coming up, but because I've been reading Who What Wear: Celebrity and Runway Style for Real Life by Hillary Kerr and Katherine Power, a fantastic book and definite must-read, but there were a couple things I took issue with, including the authors' recommendations for the types of bags one should carry to a job interview.

While I thought their clothing suggestions were spot-on, Kerr and Power advised toting an oversized clutch to a corporate job interview and carrying a small chain-link handbag to a creative job interview (pp. 113-115). Chic, no doubt. But just how practical are these suggestions? What, pray tell, can you fit in a clutch or teensy handbag? Not much more than lipstick, keys and a wallet.

But these are not the tools you will need for a successful interview. As reader Janel so wisely points out, a well-prepared interviewee should bring additional copies of her resume, business cards, a pad of paper for taking the occasional, well-timed note, and, depending on the job, a portfolio of your recent work.

Therefore, I think it's best to carry a tote or satchel that's large enough to easily accommodate the aforementioned items. Look for something structured and square with one large, easy-to-open central pocket that allows you to quickly and effortlessly access your items. Avoid overpacking—you do not want to appear encumbered by your bag or disorganized. There should be no signs of overstuffing or bulging, obtuse, extraneous, or otherwise miscellaneous paraphernalia in said bag. A bag that can stand on its own would be a good bet as you can set it on the floor beside you and forget about it.

You might also consider packing something strategic to make yourself look good, for example, a copy of the Wall Street Journal if you're applying for a financial job; a copy of Vogue if you're applying for a fashion/retail job; a copy of The Omnivore's Dilemma if you're applying for a job as a foodwriter, and so on. If your interviewer happens to catch a glimpse of one of these items in your bag, it can only help your cause. Be creative and calculating!

In terms of carrying a briefcase, perhaps some of my readers can chime in here, but I'd say a briefcase is not necessary for most entry level positions; however, plenty of women carry them and they are almost a requirement for certain professions. Think lawyers and bankers. I see a lot of women in sharp suits on the train to and from NYC with leather briefcases in tow in conservative solids hues like black or dark brown. They'll crack these open the second they find a seat and work until they reach their stop.

Now let's get to the fun part and take a look at some examples:


CREATIVE JOB INTERVIEW: You want to show your sense of style without being ostentatious. Something like this Jessica Simpson Rumor Woven Satchel has personality, and its ample 12" x 3" x 14" dimensions make it the perfect size to hold everything you need.


CORPORATE JOB INTERVIEW: You want to project a professional image that will help you land a job, not compliments. This Ak Anne Klein Classico Large Leather Tote says "I can be trusted and I will be an asset to your company." P.S. If you pick a more conservative bag, you can definitely have some more fun with your jewelry or shoes, and vice versa.


CREATIVE OR CORPORATE JOB INTERVIEW: This bag seems to straddle both the corporate and creative worlds. The shape is all business, but the print is unforgettable and bold. While you don't want your handbag to be the center of attention, if it becomes a conservation starter, more power to you.