Levi Strauss, the company that invented the blue jean in 1873, is celebrating its 75th year of women’s jeans. Resident denim expert and historian, Lynn Downey, celebrates women and their 505s and gives us a peak inside her denim closet while dishing a few hints about shopping for vintage.

Your most prized “deal?”

A pair of c1937 Lady Levi’s I purchased from a vintage clothing dealer for the Levi Strauss & Co. Archives in 2002. The jeans were part of a small collection of items that was left behind at the defunct Soda Springs Dude Ranch in Arizona. Sewn inside the waistband was a label with the name of the original owner: Harriet Atwood. Not only that, the original store label was still there – Harriet bought her jeans at Best & Co. in New York City. The collection was a very reasonable price, but these historical details were worth their weight in platinum.
[Editorial Note: Best & Co. filed for chapter 7 bankruptcy in July]

Biggest regret that you didn’t purchase?

So far, I don’t have any “non-buyer’s” remorse. We have been making clothes since 1873 so I’ve got plenty of vintage to track down!

This season you’re looking for a great deal on what item?

Right now I’m on a mad hunt for the lightweight denim sportswear we made for women in 1938 called “Tropical Togs.” This line had everything from halter tops and sailor pants to bib overalls for genteel gardening. Very 1930s Hollywood in styling.

What’s your number one shopping tip?

Vintage shoppers should always make sure they buy the best: even if you love that 1950s circle skirt, don’t buy it if it has a very obvious stain. Hold out to buy the most perfect pieces you can, they will be worth the money.

What’s your biggest weakness?

Any women’s Levi’s jeans or shirts that were worn on dude ranches in the 1930s. They always remind me of the 1939 movie, “The Women,” when all of the characters are at a Reno dude ranch waiting for their divorces to come through. Such an amazing slice of women’s history!

Is there an item for which you never mind paying full price?

A rumpled, patched and dirty pair of Levi’s jeans that came out of an old Western mine. If those jeans could talk…
[Editorial Note: They might say wash me!]

Retail Therapy is a weekly column where we ask fashion insiders for their shopping secrets. This week, Stephanie Rosenbloom, the retail reporter for the business desk of The New York Times shares her shopping insight. Prior to joining the business desk in 2008, Stephanie wrote for the The Times’ Thursday and Sunday Styles sections. So you better bet she knows her fashion and her deals.

Your most prized “deal?”
A black, leather Versace corset belt. I was shopping with my mother who spied it on a mannequin tucked away in a discount shop.

Biggest regret that you didn’t purchase?

I’ve never regretted *not* buying something. I do, however, regret buying several things. Like bellbottom jeans.

This season you’re looking for a great deal on what item?

A white wool coat to replace the Nicole Farhi stunner I’ve had for nearly a decade.

What’s your number one shopping tip?

The only opinion that matters in the dressing room is yours. Not your friend’s. Not the sales associate’s. Yours.

What’s your biggest weakness?

1970s costume jewelry by the designer Razza.

Is there an item for which you never mind paying full price?

The New York Times