The Great Jean Debate

I know, another post about jeans. This is part venting too.
Anyway, I have been searching for jeans lately. I have two pairs that fit, one of which is a little short. I have another pair that is a size too big, but still fairly new and in good shape so I wear it about as often as the other two. So, in essence 3 pairs, with only one being close to perfect. Not counting, the old, faded, ripped, 2 or 3 sizes too big jeans that I bought in high school and college (which I usually wear to my nanny job, to save my nicer ones from the filth that can sometimes be childcare).

That's not enough jeans, right? I feel like if I had more, I would wash each pair fewer times and they would in turn last longer. Right?

OK, so, I've been on the hunt for new ones but my problem has been that I want them to be cheap. And I mean cheap. Long story short, I have discovered that cheap jeans just don't fit well.

I have in the past been of the mindset that paying over $90 for jeans is ridiculous. I know, every fashionista would probably laugh at me, but you have to remember that I was the anti-fashion for a long time. So now I am thinking that someday (someday) designer jeans just may be a worthwhile investment. Because I am really, really, really tired of striking out on jeans and buying jeans that don't fit well. And seriously, jeans should be comfortable and I/we wear jeans all the time. They are a wardrobe staple, a go-to item, can these days be dressed up or down. It makes sense to invest in a great pair (or two or three).

So that's my goal. Someday I will have designer jeans.

Skinny Jeans

I have mentioned before that I am a thin person but I don't think I mentioned that I really can't wear skinny jeans. I know, it doesn't exactly make sense. But with skinny jeans, it's not just about what size you are, but also what shape you are. I know some people just plain hate them and think they are unflattering on anyone (I kind of sort of used to feel a tad like that). I don't think that is true, though. I do hate them on men and boys. I like them for the "gamine" look, with black ballet flats and a sort of indie-chic look, short hair and such but also on people like Heidi Klum in a more fashion-y, trendy context. But even Beyonce can wear them.

Here's the deal: I think if your hips are proportionate with the rest of your legs, skinny jeans may work. I, however, have a badonkadonk like you wouldn't believe if you only saw my twiggy legs and tiny ankles. I am just so round around the hip area that I just think the skinny jeans taper too much on me. Beyonce is more proportionate than I am.

Anyway, I decided to try straight leg jeans because I had a feelin they would actually look like skinny jeans on me, because of my wide hips. This is a great option to try for anyone who thinks they can't pull off skinny jeans, but would like to try them. Also, all skinny jeans are not created equal, so try a few different styles on and you may just be able to work it.
I tried these on today at the Gap (on sale):I know - light jeans? I never buy jeans in a light wash. These are more gray-looking in person and for some reason I was drawn to them (perhaps because they were the only straight-legged jeans on the sale rack in my size). I actually kind of liked them, but they were low-rise and I am so over low-rise jeans. Also, I even went up a size, but they were tighter in the hips than I could tolerate. Back to the "curvy" jeans for me. I ended up walking out with another pair of wide leg jeans. Probably still my favorite jean ever.