Loretta Devine on High Boots, Blue Jeans and the Horror of Bathing Suit Season

She is absolutely devine.

Loretta Devine isn't just one of the nicest women in show business. At age 61, she's also a savvy and frugal fashionista.

The star of the new film "Jumping the Broom" and "Grey's Anatomy" is reminding me how you don't have to break the bank to look good.

Who knew? Loretta isn't just here to give us family dramas like "Broom."

She's here to save us some cash!

"I always end up at the discount version of Nordstroms," she says during a phone interview from her LA home. Talking with her is like catching up with your long lost best friend.

"Give me the Off the Rack. I just hate to spend a buck. I go to the discount Loehmann's too because you can buy some fun things and not spend a fortune," she says.

What's in her closet these days? If she doesn't mind us asking… Afterall, Loretta is the woman in "Waiting to Exhale" who flirted with the late, great Gregory Hines, turned around and then said: "Is he looking at my butt? Yes, he's looking…."  (A-dor-a-ble!)

Loretta says that she will often take a little risk in real life…a risk that makes 'em look. "I did get fabulous knee high boots that I would have never bought for myself in a million years, but I saw them and had to have them.

"They're not some big designer boots and there are millions on the market today. Ladies, try them," she advises. "I even said to myself, 'Why the hell would I get these?' But now I love them."

SO WHAT IF YOU'RE NOT A SIZE 2

Devine must navigate an industry that celebrates "Lollipops" – women with large heads and bodies the size of an anorexic twig. Devine isn't one of them, which doesn't mean she's hiding in all black tent dresses.

Yes, she will try jeans. "Absolutely! I do jeans. I think Lee Jeans are perfect because they have just the right amount of a little stretch in them. I'm not really a jeans person, but if you get the right jeans, they're comfortable and look really great. Now they have all these jeans with stretch in them, so I'm excited."

She says to remember your undergarments. "Lane Bryant has the best bras for women who aren't teeny. They have this great leopard skin bra and a rose colored one, too. I love when designers make beautiful things like this for the full-figured woman."

GORGEOUS SKIN

Devine says her skin care regime hasn't changed much over the years.

"I know people have heard it a million times, but you must wash every single night no matter how tired you are," she says. "You have to do the whole thing: wash, toner, moisturizer. It doesn't matter what brand you use.

"I also finish the wash by closing my pores up with cold water," he says. "I've always used plain Vaseline as a facial moisturizer.

"It's cheap and it works," she says.

A QUICK HAIR CARE TIP THAT ALWAYS WORKS

Devine says she has a line on the best hair care secret in show business.

"I have a best hair tip: Buy a wig," she says. "It's just so easy. I can't stop wearing them. Plus, I love how wigs can change your look in a minute. I got into wigs through acting. I'd wear character wigs and then I started wearing them in real life."

SHE REVEALS HER SECRET PASSION

"Oh God, yes, I love shoes," she says. "I have tons of them. I have flip flops for LA and boots for the East Coast," she previews. "I can't play favorites with my shoes. I do love all the wedge heels because you can get very high up and they don't hurt."

Amen!

Guess where she shoe shops? It's not Nordies.

"I will buy shoes from Payless depending on what they look like. You can always find your size at Payless. I wear a size 11 and there is nothing I hate more than shopping at a major store and finding shoes you love, but they don't have my size," she says.

"Payless is good. They have the sizes and I don't feel like I have to be so careful in their shoes. If they get wrecked, who cares?" she says.

WORDS THAT SCARE ANY WOMAN

I hate to bring up three words that strike horror in most female hearts: Bathing Suit Season! Personally, I tell her, I'm going into the Poolside Witness Protection Program.

Loretta, any words of wisdom, I beg?

 "Oh God, no, no, no! I never buy bathing suits?" she cries. "Where do you even get them? Costco? Who cares about bathing suits!"

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