Let's discuss jeans, shall we? A recent conversation about denim with three of my favorite ladies has had me rethinking my denim strategy. The thing is, I feel I do pretty well in the jeans department, but I figure there's always room for improvement.
I've been buying Gap jeans for years because they're easy, definitely on the affordable side of the denim spectrum, and fit well [enough]. But that's just the thing, now that I've had a baby, clothes that fit well [enough] are clothes that I'm not sure I want to be wearing anymore. I have what I guess would be considered a classic hourglass figure. Let's not all go thinking I look anything like Scarjo, though. I look a lot more like an un-photoshopped Scarjo... who eats her fair share of cookies, remembers to do her ab workouts roughly twice a year, AND grew a 10 pound baby. At barely 5'2, I am sadly short, but I have longer legs for my frame so petite sizes never fit me quite right. As you can see, I don't exactly have the easiest figure to dress for. Well, at least when it comes to jeans.
I decided long ago that I was never going to find the perfect jean, so it would probably be best to stop while I was ahead and stick with Gap jeans forever. I still do like the couple pairs that I own, but seeing as the last time I went shopping for pants I still had some leftover baby weight to lose, and am now a few pounds lighter than I was pre-Cheech, I should probably look into buying at least one pair that I'm not constantly having to pull up. And I'm ready to venture out into new denim horizons again.
As I'm sure you can tell, I'm quite picky (still have not picked a bag or a cake), and it's easy for me to find something, any little thing, wrong with just about every product out there. My criteria for the perfect pair of jeans is as follows:
1. They must be tight. I wear skinny jeans exclusively, so they've got to be snug. Baggy skinny jeans are so sad.
2. When I say skinny, I mean SKINNY. I want them to be tight down to the ankle. Straight-leg jeans are not skinny jeans, and happen to look horrible on me.
3. I know all denim stretches with wear, and I am very diligent about sizing down when it comes to jeans, but they need to last me at the very least two wears before looking like they need to be re-shrunken in the dryer. Having to wash my jeans every single time I wear them is not an option I am interested in.
4. Ok, this might be a weird one... I have serious issues with back pocket placement. TOO MANY designers get it wrong. See what's happening here? Those pockets have been placed too low, resulting in giving that poor woman a saggy-ass look. Guys, I don't know about you, but I want my ass to look happy and excited to greet the world in my jeans... not sad and droopy. I have to admit, considering my age and the fact that I'm allergic to exercise, my ass is still in quite good condition. Why not let it shine in all its glory?
5. Too low of a rise is not going to cut it. Remember about 10 years ago when jeans got so low that everyone was walking around with their vagina hanging out? Those were some serious bummer times, and I cannot tell you how happy I am that they are over. On that note, like mentioned above and all over this blog, I've had a baby. And what happens after you have a baby, unless you stick to a stupidly strict diet and remember to do those ab exercises WAY MORE OFTEN than I do, or just happen to have amazing genes (I don't), is that your mid section gets a little soft. I need to keep my shit contained; Anything that falls more than an inch below my belly button is going to offend all parties involved. Personally, I like a true high rise (fits right at the waist) because I find it to be the most comfortable fit, but am willing to branch out to something slightly lower if the rest of the fit is amazing.
So go ahead and feel free to arm me with your denim knowledge. I like to do some serious research before taking on such challenges as trying on jeans, so give me all you've got. Cevd claims J Brand is her favorite maker of jeans, but she also insisted that asking someone their "favorite" is a very personal question. Still, I'd like to hear your thoughts.
I agree with Cevd, J Brand are pretty fabulous if you're happy to spend the dosh. I bought some on sale not long ago and by some miracle, they don't stretch, they actually keep their shape from the moment you put them on.
ReplyDeleteOn the cheaper end of the scale, my other favourite pair are from H&M and are super skinny and tight around the ankle just like you requested. Worth having a look anyway!
(btw, my vintage jacket arrived in the mail yesterday and I LOVE it. Can't wait for it to get cooler here in Sydney so I can wear it!)
YAY! when i was packing that jacket, i thought, "DAMN, this is a good one". ;)
Deletewhen you find the perfect pair pleeassee let me know- su criteria es mi criteria.
ReplyDeletei wear quiksilver skinnies every day when its chilly. i love them enough to put em on even when its hot as hell down here in the islands. quiksilver released a line for women, no juniors/teenie bopper shit all the surf brands have succumbed to. they're IN all the stores i shop at & have the beachy feel that goes with the rest of my things. but i'd like to expand my horizons- so yeah, keep us updated.
i was told by a friend who works for lucky brand "jeans are like bras- go get fitted!" (at a storefront of the brand you want to buy them at)
i like that your friend compared them to BRAS. it all makes so much sense now.
DeleteYour body type and requirements are pretty much exactly the same as mine. And I have a pair that fit all those requirements and are very nearly perfect on me.
ReplyDeleteThey are Nudie brand, and the style is TIght Long John. On their website they are styled on a guy, but don't be fooled. They are perfect skinnies for a lady with hips and they are NOT low rise as described, but that perfect balance between belly button and hipbone.
They are my perfect jean. I have them in black and indigo. The only non-perfect thing about them is the kind of expensive price.
i have to admit... these are definitely the most intriguing of the bunch.
DeleteI say you go Levis. I've always had a lot of trouble finding jeans that I love and often try everything on in a store and still find nothing that doesn't gap at the back. Gap jeans used to be my "best bet" but still not perfect but was able to find 2 pairs of super skinny / jegging style jeans at Levis that I'm in love with. Similar price point too :)
ReplyDeletei ALWAYS forget about levis. good call!
Deletei second the levis comment. I thought their new curve ID thing was not for me, until I tried on a pair while the boy was shopping for jeans and have never found a pair of jeans that fit my arse and waist at the same time. normally what fits one, does not fit the other- we are blessed with booties in my family. Not surprisingly I am their bold curve, but they make them in non-stretch variety which are awesome. Also J.Crew toothpick jeans are pretty great if you like a skinny ankle jean, on my short legs they are just normal length, they are also not stretchy.
Deletelooks like I need to check out j brand though, with all this j brand love here.
check out the cigarette jeans by BDG at urban outfitters. they are SKINNY, don't stretch out and are super affordable. i'm pretty tall and they fit me well, but my friends who are a little more vertically challenged than I ;) love them too. And, they're cheap enough that if you need to get them hemmed, it's worth it! I'm a firm believer in paying a bit more for the right fit -- that way you'll actually wear them and get use out of them!
ReplyDeletei've tried those, and i have to admit that the fit is lovely, but they are WAY TOO LONG on me. i bought a pair once and took them to my tailor for hemming, but the thing is, once you take that much of them off, they're not skinny enough at the ankle for me. damn you, taller girls! :(
DeleteCelia, it's been forever since I commented, but such a reason for it - I'm your same height with longer legs and same requirements, too; I have been in this boat forever. Agreed with Cevd, you must check out J Brand, they're quite fantastic (Anthropologie often throws them in the sale section, that's how I afford to buy them).
ReplyDeleteHowever, I found a pair of {dream} jeans about 6 months ago, the kind that you declare, "eff, me, I'm going to buy 34 pairs of this exact cut!": super tight - even around ankles, quality & heavy looking - by heavy, I mean, thick, 'real' jeans looking, not that flimsy jeggings crap, this will last for quite awhile - slightly higher waisted but not decidedly nor overtly retro, and SUCH a perfect shade of blue, matches everything.
The only problem is that I'm at work and can't remember for the life of me what the name of the brand is. P-something. I will write another comment once I return home...!
(Also, disagree about the BDG jeans, I've tried them, on short girls like us they bunch up in the crotch area all silly. Also, far too long, and a waste to spend money hemming Urban jeans.)
-melina
holy crap, melina! i'm so happy to see that you're still reading. i clicked on your blog a while back, just to see if you had come back to it, but it looks like you keep it private now. bummer! 'tis ok. maybe you'll come back to public blogging again?
Deleteanyway, please give me the info if you remember. after reading these comments, i've realized i am way out of the loop when it comes to jeans.
I'm going to keep an eye on these comments because I have yet to find the perfect pair of jeans... I have a few not-quite-right pairs in my closet. And I don't have the patience to try on 40 pairs to find the perfect fit.
ReplyDeletei will let you know. i am determined!
DeleteLike you, I have an 11 month old baby- but I'm excited that my J Brand skinnies (I actually consider them jean leggings) still work with my body. They have a high enough waist- and are skinny all the way to the ankle (it's most flattering for me as well). I like my jeans really tight too. I also have citizens for humanity skinny jeans that I like.
ReplyDeletehmmm... these j brands really seem to get around.
Deletetrying on the madewell skinny skinnies is worth a shot, they are well under $100 depending on wash. i wear mine 2 or 3 times between washes and though they stretch a bit they never look loose. i swore i was never going to wear anything other than james but once i found madewell i was so impressed at the price plus it's easy to find a store and my ass looks good in them.
ReplyDeleteoooh, good suggestion!
DeleteI would recommend going to Slash Denim on College Avenue in Berkeley (near Ashby)http://slashclothing.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteThey have a downstairs store with vintage Levis and an upstairs store that has a huge variety of jeans from small and bigger name brands. Also the store has ladies who will take your very specific denim needs (as you stated above) into account and pull 5-10 pairs that fit your requirements. They are also honest. They will tell you if your butt looks good or if the jeans give you flat butt. They also have a hemming service if you need your jeans hemmed. I love this store and get all my jeans there!
say what?! i am always in that area... how have i never seen this place? i am DEFINITELY gonna give it a try. thanks, home slice!
Deletethank you for sharing!! just moved to this neighborhood, and loving all the unique shops in elmwood; had not discovered this one yet, and i desperately need new jeans.
Deletedid just discover 'tail of the yak' though, on ashby @ college. definitely a favorite.
Okay, don't laugh too hard, but I am going to recommend two pairs from Forever 21. I am an hourglass shape also and wore these for about 2 years (until they were see through). They have a higher waist on me, I am 5'5" and they hit me about 1" below my belly button, so on your shorter frame they should be about perfect. For $11, it's really worth a shot. If you hate them I'll buy you a mocha.
ReplyDeleteBlue:
http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=btms_jeans&ProductID=2000040028&VariantID=
Black:
http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=btms_jeans&ProductID=2000025806&VariantID=
p.s. I think you're a genius for having your readers do your shopping for you... sneaky, Celia, very sneaky.
you may call it "sneaky", i call it "smart".
Deletei have tried forever 21 jeans, and you;re right, they are actually totally rad. they're also great for apple bottom girls... BUT, the last time i stepped into forever 21, it felt SO WRONG. it coincided with me turning 30, and very obviously not being "forever 21". maybe i just need to get over myself?
so personal and so super subjective. for example, if you take your beautiful self, ms. hanna, ms. hoffmann and myself jean shopping, there's no way in hell that we would all come out with the same pair. that said, i am firmly on the j brand bandwagon. but here's my j brand secret: they have a "curvy" ladies line and it is AMAZING. i bought my first pair at Jeremy's over on college (you know that place, yes?) for $50 and buy them on ebay now that i know my style/size.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.jbrandjeans.com/pl/c/113.html
you're right, but apparently j brand fits EVERYONE?
DeleteMadewell - Rail Straight in Madewell Wash. Real Awesome. http://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/DENIM/railstraight.jsp
ReplyDeletethat's two for madewell!
DeleteI love topshop jeans. You can buy them in a 28", 30" or 32" inseam and mine can go a considerable amount of time without washing. They're also pretty reasonably priced.
ReplyDeletewhoa. there's another good one i would have never thought of. thanks!
DeleteI second, third and fourth the Jbrand claims---also recently a mum and they are the BEST!
ReplyDeletegosh, now i'm starting to think i'd be an idiot if i didn't try j brand.
DeleteI second, third and fourth the Jbrand claims---also recently a mum and they are the BEST!
ReplyDeleteI've tried J Brand (even bought a pair, tried them on every day for a week and then returned them) and they were pretty good but not GREAT enough to justify the price tag.
ReplyDeleteI have major issues because I'm ready to invest in something decent but have yet to find a pair of skinnies that I like more than my F21 pairs. And I'm not going to spend nearly $200 on jeans if I'm still going to be consistently reaching for my $30 pair, you know?
I'd like to recommend the F21 skinnies but I think they might be a little low for your tastes. Also, my body is nowhere near hourglass, sadly (wide hips but not much butt = really tricky to fit).
"sadly". rachel, you've got a super cute figure. i've seen it with my own eyes, and there ain't nothing sad about it. ;)
DeleteThis is the perfect post and I will be waiting patiently for more expert advice. I love Citizen Thompson jeans (I have a big bootie). They are already tailored but they stretch - definitely need to buy a size down.
ReplyDeletethanks, i will look them up!
Deletelevis! Which surprised me but they have new curve selections and I find the demi curve great.
ReplyDeletei did own a pair of levis years ago that i really loved. if i remember correctly, they're pretty good about not stretching.
DeleteYup! I actually bought a pair a tad too small thinking they would stretch more... which led to many lunge laps around the house with some deep squat action to get comfy.
Deletesorry, but i only have time to skim and have to skip the comments. you forgive me yeah?
ReplyDeleteOK, i returned my jbrands. in order to get them tight enough that they dont look saggy later they were cutting my waist too much in the beginning.
i exchanged for paige and i am LOVING. bought some SUPER skinny, REALLY soft REALLY tight, NOT TOO LOW royal blue skinnies and paige jeans though they *have* stretch don't seem to stretch over time.
a week or two in and i am LOVING them.
holy crap, i want all of those jeans! ALL OF THEM.
DeleteI usually wear BDG jean from Urban ("ankle cut" if I can find them), and I only have one pair that bunch up on me (I have 7 pairs), even though they're all the same size. They have great butt-pocket placement, but I think you're looking for something higher up.
ReplyDeleteI have a really hard time settling on a pair though, because I'm even shorter than you (five foot even) and have hips and a butt to boot. I'll be taking notes from the comments.
clearly you should try the madewell skinny high risers. i am SO PLEASED with my high riser wide legs, and i've got a butt on me too ;)
ReplyDeleteI HAAAATE the Madewells.
ReplyDeleteI'm horrified to say that I'm with Rachel on the $10.80 F21 jeans (well, $10.80 + a little of your soul). I looked for YEARS for fancy skinnies and haven't found a damn pair that fit.
I'm also sensitive to low rises, and I do pretty well with these.
I'm not the only one! Thank god. I tell myself it isn't so bad because they are surprisingly sturdy (I'm on one year of nearly non-stop wear with my three pairs).
DeleteOkay Celia!
ReplyDeleteDid some research. I thought that the brand was Pippa jeans, as that's what the label says. But I searched online and quickly found out that that's actually the cut name - Topshop is the brand. But SADLY they no longer sell them (I bought mine secondhand). If you had any idea what size you were in Topshop world, I'd blindly buy them off Ebay - there are still pairs out there, and that's how good these jeans are, I promise. Even a google image search proves it, they just look hot. But perhaps Topshop has similar other styles?
I'm almost embarrassed now that I know they're Topshop. My ex boyfriend used to wear [womens'] Topshop skinnies and when I found this out I was mortified and claimed I'd never touch the brand - even though he swore they were the best, longest lasting jeans. Bah.
And yes I'm still reading! I have been, almost all along, I've just been silent. The past year or so has been ridiculous. Utterly. Complete meltdown, off into the woods to contemplate life and death and planets and stars and read poems and wear flowers in your hair and that sort of thing, pissing off far too many friends and family but reaching the point where you don't even care, that's what I've been up to. Then I got hitched and now I'm starting my own business, so I'll probably come back with a new blog once the dust settles :)
Also, just happened to run across this if it helps:
Deletehttp://blogs.babble.com/family-style/2012/03/07/25-best-jeans-for-spring/
Another vote for J Brand. Just got a pair and don't know how I lived this long without them! Plus, seem to fit your qualifications (tight, skinny, high)
ReplyDeleteAlthough I probably WILL read through this entire comment thread, it'd be great if you shared whatever jeans you choose and how they work out for you! I'm on a mission for good solid black pants.. if you happen to know of any :)
ReplyDeleteOkay, I'm definitely late to this party, but I have a pair of Banana Republic skinnies that I got for $17 years ago, and I still love them. They aren't stretchy at all, so I wash them because I want to, not because they're baggy. They're high-waisted and the rear pockets fit high as well. I bought them a size smaller than I normally wear--here's a picture of them. I'm also partial to Gap skinny corduroys. I wear them more often than jeans.
ReplyDeleteJ brand!!! I own four pairs and won't wear anything else. I buy them on ebay and colors that go on sale at places like Totokaelo and the like, I can usually get them for $50-80 cheaper. I have a hunter green and terra cotta color that are so rad. But the regular denim ink colored pair I own I had to pay full price for at Barney's Co-Op. But I've owned them for like, 3 years? 4? And they only just recently ripped behind the knee. But have not stretched out one single bit. I recommend the 811 mid-rise.
ReplyDeleteAlso good are Cheap Mondays, they sell them at Urban Outfitters sometimes. They're only like $80-100, too. They're just a bit hard to find in person, I find. Or they'll be some weird color or strange cut, but I once tried on an amazing pair at Urban that I just needed one size smaller that I was bummed about. For some reason I never looked into ordering them.
for skinnies, my hands-down favorites are Joe's Jeans.
ReplyDelete