Let’s get one thing straight: If you’re spending $200 on a pair of jeans, it’s not for durability. Long before stonewashing and distressing and spandex, basic Levi’s were the clothing of choice of coal miners. These days, the most rigorous job called upon the average blue jeans is a spin on the dance floor. As denim has morphed from staple into style statement, the prices have climbed to jaw-dropping proportions. And they show no sign of stopping. Earl Jeans, once exclusive at $120, seem almost affordable compared with some styles by Diesel that now top $200. While denim is more popular than ever, a new study from NPD Group, a market research firm, suggests consumers are growing wary of status-oriented jeans with triple-digit prices. The revitalized Levi’s is playing both ends of the spectrum. The original denim company has introduced Levi Strauss Signature, available exclusively at Wal-Mart for $25. Meanwhile, at the Edina boutique Len Druskin, Type 1 Levi’s, the company’s new fashion-forward line, start at $100. Most of what goes into pricing is invisible to consumers, from the quantity manufactured to the advertising budget. In some cases, more time is spent on the design and styling of expensive jeans. Aside from fit and brand-name influence — the most obvious issues in price disparity — we’ve listed some factors that determine denim prices. Fabric : Denim is a 100 percent cotton, 14.5-ounce fabric. Anything else is simply jeans wear, says Claire Dupuis, a specialist for Cotton Inc. Traditional Levi’s 501s were made with 14.5-ounce fabric, but most modern jeans — including Levi’s — are 10 to 12 ounces. Stretch : A little bit of spandex makes the fabric break down more easily, but it also makes the pants fit better. Spandex is an expensive fiber, Dupuis says, and adds to the price. Wash treatment : Oh, the abuse jeans endure to look good. Some companies pound them with rocks, others douse them in ammonia to smooth out the fibers and create a wrinkle-free finish. Then there are those that drench them in indigo. The more abuse and darker the color, the higher the price. Style : The goal with high-end brands like 7 for All Mankind is to stay ahead of the trends, which means sending designers on expensive trips to Europe to find the most cutting-edge looks. In contrast, the Levi Signature line at Wal-Mart is “designed for the value-conscious mass consumer.” Shortcuts are taken to keep down the price, like the bare back pockets–no embroidery, no iconic red tag. Hardware : Rivets — the little copper bits you find on many jeans — were originally included for functionality. Now, Dupuis says, they’re often nothing more than a fashion statement. You can tell by placement. If they’re at the hip pockets, they add durability in a spot where seams tend to rip easily. Stitching : Double-stitched seams, common on jeans at all price points, are sufficient, Dupuis says. Anything more than two rows of stitches is for show. The best test is to pull fabric at the seam. If it starts to come apart easily, the jeans aren’t well made. BLUE JEAN SOLUTION On another note, jeans don’t have to take over the lion’s share of your fashion budget, especially if you’re a teen looking for fall fashions. A relative newcomer on the Pittsburgh scene, but already steadily popular, Plato’s Closet is able to offer designer fashions, including jeans brands such as Lucky, Gap and Guess, at prices well below retail. Three Pittsburgh area locations offer designer resale clothes of all kinds — not just jeans — which means it’s not only a good opportunity to find a bargain, but also a place to sell clothing that no longer fits. Plato’s Closet is located at 3747 William Penn Highway, Monroeville, (412) 372-2544; 7775 McKnight Road, Ross, (412) 358-0330; and 5219 Library Road, Bethel Park, (412) 851-8542. YELLOW MANMADE DIAMONDS They’re not fake. They are not mined. Rather, they are cultivated in a Sarasota, Fla., laboratory. And if yellow is one of your favorite colors, you’ll love them. We are talking yellow manmade diamonds that are moving into the fine jewelry market. The stones are created by Gemesis, a company that bought the equipment from Russian chemists about three years ago. Companies have been trying to make diamonds for years, says a company spokesman who asked not to be named, and it has taken a long time to perfect the stones. This production actually starts with a diamond seed and accelerates the carbonization process that normally takes millions of years. It’s reminiscent of the cultivated pearl first made by Mikimoto in the 1930s. The diamonds are priced about $3,250 a carat, about the same as a clear white diamond but far less than the rare yellow mined diamonds. Loose stones are available at www.takaradiamonds.com. More information is at Gemesis.com. And the company expects to have them placed with jewelry designers by the holiday season. Other colors such as blue and black are in the works. GRAPEFRUIT FOR THE BATH? Once, beauty products just had to help you look good. Now the idea is to taste scrumptious, or at least sound like they do. The number of products with fruit and sugary ingredients has accelerated. Nylon magazine lists such products as Joey Delicious Lip Balm in Chocolate Dipped Strawberries (www.beauty.com), Caswell Massey Cucumber Body Wash (caswell-massey.com), Philosophy Strawberry Milkshake (beauty.com), and Burt’s Bees Wild Lettuce Toner (burtsbees.com). Meanwhile L’Occitane is using scents such as creme caramel, candied fruit and honey in candles and moisturizer, The Associated Press reports. Fragrances, of course, are well-known memory triggers, and sweet and citrus flavors are supposed to remind people of happy childhood times. If not, try a slice of apple pie. BELLY UP TO THE BAR AND BREATHE If you’re feeling tired or stressed, you can head to the nearest spa, pack up for the beach or drop by your favorite bar. But in the future, you won’t rely on just any old bar. You might look for an oxygen bar. The idea started overseas, hit California and Nevada and is now moving across the country, the Wall Street Journal reports. They’re likely to show up in spas, malls and tanning salons for starters. They offer scented oxygen, which they maintain will do many wonders including cure headaches, boost energy, improve digestion and boost the immune system. The oxygen is delivered through a disposable plastic tube placed in your nostrils. You get about 21 percent oxygen mixed with nitrogen and other gasses. And you have choices of scents such as pineapple, lime or eucalyptus. It costs about $1 a minute and sessions run from five to 30 minutes. There are no licensing requirements. The Food and Drug Administration does forbid claims that the sessions can actually cure conditions. Most doctors see no benefit for healthy people, according to the Journal. But the American Lung Association acknowledges supplemental oxygen prescribed by a doctor can improve mood and stamina for people who have lung diseases. And there is no evidence small quantities will do harm. So even if you have the time and money, don’t get your hopes up. – From staff and wire reports

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