What I wore to a local church fair -
Always Skinny Jeans from The Gap – very out of character for me – please see below
Graphic Tee from Target
Scarf from H&M
Tie sweater from Athleta
Veronica Shortie Boots from Frye
(It was raining so pulled back hair and no make-up)
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I don’t like jeans. Okay, I don’t like pants. Or slacks if you are over 63. This includes capris and shorts.
I am a skirt and dress girl. I don’t know why exactly. I love the feel of a skirt. I like the feminine cut. I like the swoosh. I like to be a lady. Even with my sometimes foul mouth. shhh.
But I look at women who are gorgeous and confident in jeans. Who look comfortable yet fashionable and HOT and I swoon. And I want some of that. Jeans I mean – not the ladies.
So occasionally I try. I try on a casual day and I look okay but feel awful all day. All day. I cannot wait to get home and rip the jeans off and put on a swooshy skirt and breath.
Because of my jean aversion I’ve never tried designer jeans as I think how can I spend that amount of money on a piece of clothing I already despise. Would I truly love them more? So I buy a few pairs from The Gap when I have a coupon. And they are okay. Not love.
I have a weird body for jeans. Long legs, short torso but long waisted, a tiny waist but wide hips and a bubble of a butt with slim thighs. I have curves and I’ve had three kids and have that awful c-section fold on my tummy to shove in something.
I know I don’t have to like jeans but sometimes skirts are hard to wear. Hiking for example. If I do that again someday. Or on the monkey bars especially if I choose not to wear underwear that day.
So help – is it worth it to splurge for designer jeans? Will I fall in love? Is it possible to convert and love a pair of jeans? Is there hope? Share your favorites.
(I am also participating in What I wore Wednesday here wearing a dress, backwards. I know. Crazy.)
I can’t really answer your question because I am much too cheap to buy designer jeans. I have the money but I just can NOT justify it. I had to comment, though, because you look fabulous in those jeans!
Thank you! I know – I have a hard time splurging on jeans too.
I don’t do designer jeans either, mainly because I’ve always had too many curves to make them work (& we’re talking from birth) Just wanted to say I’m glad I’m not the only one trying to figure out what the hell to do with “that awful c-section fold on my tummy to shove in something.” That literally made my day. Thought maybe I got stuck with a hack surgeon & he was so proud of the work he did. #barf #ICouldCry
I stick mainly with Lee Slender Secret or Levis – can’t get much more basic than that * I don’t “love” them either.
I had 3 different docs for each of my C’s – and get this…I have THREE scars. Couldn’t they just follow the line?
I’ve seen your butt…and if you have a bubble butt then I’m the next Beyonce. Please. Your legs go from here to there! You’d look great in a pair of 7′s though….something with a touch of lycra in them…just a pinch..a dollop will do ya. You look great…but I will admit, I didn’t know who the woman was in the picture when I opened your blog tonight! XO
Did you not know how I was because of the jeans or because I was attending a church fair?
I just wear GAP and Old Navy for the most part so I’m not the best person to ask about designer. But I am EXTREMELY curvy (baby got back!) and they make the best ones I’ve found so far for my shape.
Yes, Gap has always been my go-to jean place but I just hate them so why do I keep going back? It’s like a bad teenage relationship.
Oh p.s. You look great in those!
I don’t know I have bought expensive designer jeans and regular jeans and really am never THAT comfortable…I prefer skirts and boots any day of the week!
I am glad I’m not alone. Love my skirts and boots.
Um, hello, you hot mama!!! You look fab, who needs designer jeans?
I have a penchant for them only because my body is weirder than yours. I have a couple of pairs of CK Jeans and 7′s which I love and wear all the time. I also have like 30 other pairs of jeans from goodness knows where which I used to wear, but nothing beats the stretch factor in yoga pants.
YOGA PANTS – GAH! xoxo
Dude. You look amazing!
I can’t help because I haven’t splurged for designer jeans yet either. I’m curious what answers you get though to see if they really are worth it. I have an odd shape too (thanks, kids) and have a love/hate relationship with pants because of it.
It’s like a just don’t like the feel of the fabric against my less than desirable features. My skirts are forgiving.
I never thought I would see you in pants. Jeans really suits you!
I am totally ready to come ride horses now!
I think you look adorable and I am love with your beautiful sweater! Which would look great with a skirt or dress as well!
I have this sweater in 3 colors I love it so much..and it’s currently on sale!
I love jeans but I love a good dress too. And I think that yes, you might like jeans better if you try on a designer pair. There really is a difference.
At least to me.
Everyone says so – so I am going to give it a go this season. The ideal birthday gift, oui?
Um you look unbelievable good, as always but you do look different in pants. I love my 7′s but my favorites are from Joe’s CG, I had never heard of the brand but tried a pair on and my butt fell in love.
Well I want a happy butt like yours! I will totally try those.
I think your outfit is cute! I’m a big fan of jeans. I’m a teacher, and I’m only allowed to wear jeans on Fridays, but I think I look far more professional in my jeans than a lot of my colleagues do in what their “dress clothes.” I also think I look more professional in jeans than I do in khakis. I often wear what I call denim trousers but are really jeans in disguise, and my principal lets me get away with it. I wish I could just wear jeans every day.
I don’t wear super super expensive jeans, but I do really like Big Star jeans. BKE from the Buckle is a good brand (I don’t know if that’s a nationwide store?). I really like American Eagle jeans, too, and they’re pretty reasonably priced.
I would love to do the skinny jeans and boots combo, but I don’t have the right kind of boots, and by the time I buy skinny jeans and boots, that’s a lot of money to shell out.
I buy the kid version of AE jeans(77 kids) for my girls and those are their favorites – so maybe I need to try also! We do have the buckle here too so I will investigate. Thank you!!
You look beautiful!! I’m the opposite, j love wearing jeans and dislike skirts and dresses. Ok, used to be because lately, I amiking a more girly approach. Only if I don’t have to wear underwear though
no monkeybars for me. 
I know – I haven’t done the monkey bars in years!
You look great in jeans! I splurged on a pair of designer jeans and I LOVE them, but have spent the better part of the past 3 years pregnant,so they haven’t gotten enough use to justify the cost…yet.
Maybe you should mail them to me? Oh wait, you are smaller than I am. Damn.
You know me, I don’t spend big bucks on anything, so I don’t own designer jeans, but the most money I ever spent on a pair was from Cabi, and they were AMAZING. They really know how to engineer jeans to fit a woman’s body, in all it’s glory. Now if only I was still that size…
I remember those jeans and your undying love for them!
I don’t like jeans either – the pants I find acceptable are Eileen Fisher – I tolerate all others.
I agree, you look great, but it isn’t worth it if you are uncomfortable.
I am most comfortable in pants, because I have had a job for the last 17 years or so that requires crawling around on the floor. Jeans are more comfy than pants for me, but it took me a LONG time to find a fit that works, and every time my body changes I have to go through it all over again. I feel about woven shirts or cute little jackets the way you feel about jeans.
I will say this, if you want to love them, and you have the time, search for a pair that really fits you right, and/or invest in having them tailored to fit you. For the first time ever I had jeans tailored last year. It was just to adjust the hem, but it made a huge difference to have ones that worked perfectly with all of my cute flats. For me, the “designer” jeans are Gap, since designer doesn’t really existing in my size. However, when I lose the weight (dammit I will!), I will be going on the hunt for the perfect pair.
Okay, I cannot do woven shirts either!
You look great in jeans. I only wear jeans with lycra or spandex in them as they are much more comfortable than regular jeans. If you have a day to kill, go to Nordstrom and have them help you try on every pair until you find a brand that fits, then buy a bunch
Thank you for this advice, Sasha. I really had no idea about spandex in jeans. I need to farm these kids out so I can do this as I really want to love a pair and make a good investment. I really appreciate this. xoxo
I do like jeans. But…my designer jeans are like heaven. There is a difference.
Okay, I am now totally believing this hype. Thank you!
Oh…and btw…you look amazing in that pic.
You look gorgeous! I love jeans and spend way to much money searching for the perfect pair. I don’t recommend buying more than one pair but I think you might do well with a dark dressy jean.
Uh..you don’t have a bubble butt. Or curves. You are skinny-skinny. Please refer to MY ass.
I love jeans. I love everything about them. I have a pair of Gap skinny jeans that I love, and also a pair of their trouser jeans.
However. I’m on the search for a new pair of designer jeans (I have True Religions and Sevens) because my ass deserves to be in expensive denim.
Oh you have a beautiful ass(that does deserve better) and loongg legs. I just found a pair of Gap trouser jeans that I bought myself last year – I will try those.
Well, I’m a lifelong member of the #nopants brigade, but I think we’re talking very different things here.
Without accurately being able to talk about fashion choices & the like, let me just say that I totally understand kilts after long bike rides and runs. An “open” option just seems, um, better than pants.
My husband is a kilt wearer. True story.
Yes. I swear by designer jeans. That is, when I can fit into them. So do it.
You? Are always adorable!
too bad you hate them because you look so cute in them.
I love jeans. LOVE them. I’d wear them every day if I could. But I have never – and probably will never – buy a pair of designer jeans. For one thing, they never fit me. Designer jeans are made for tall girls with legs that go on for miles. And I’m a little 5’4 stump. And secondly, I can’t justify the price. Just can’t do it. Contrary to what my husband might tell you, I’m rather frugal.
I used to buy my jeans at Express – their regular-length jeans always fit my body best. But then they changed their jeans’ cuts and suddenly they didn’t look so hot on me anymore. So now I buy my jeans at The Gap.
When it comes to jeans, I supposed I just prefer to skip designer labels and go with tried and true, baby. Tried and true.
I love you in so many ways. Also I need a jean picture of you.
The jean portion of my closet is split fairly equally between $200 designer jeans and $50 Gap jeans. I love them all equally, but for different occasions. My Gap jeans are more comfortable and are worn running about casually. My AG or 7 or Paige jeans are for dressing up (seems odd, I know). They are hemmed to require heels – no flats. I feel great in them, for sure, but in a I’m wearing a fancy shirt and great heels way.
All that said, I too prefer a dress any day!
I think I want to come live in your closet.
I’m so much like you, I’d much rather wear a skirt than pants or jeans..but on the weekends with beautiful sweaters (in the fall/winter) I do love my jeans (of course they are dressier than just denim and no I do NOT buy expensive jeans…I shop at Penney’s , NY&CO and Macy’s and Kohl’s) as long as I can wear awesome shoes and jewelry with it. If I wasn’t so cold all winter long I’d live in skirts too.
BTW you looked gorgeous in this outfit, it suited you even if you felt it didn’t.
See this is how I am – I love to spend on shoes and sweaters but have a hard time with the jeans – but I am now thinking it will be totally worth it.
A. You’re supposed to wear underwear when you wear a skirt?
B. You need to do a “how to wear dresses/skirts in the fall/winter” blog because I LOVE LOVE LOVE sun dresses but I’m at a loss when called upon to wear dresses/skirts in the four weeks a year that California is cold. (And by cold I mean 60 degrees.)
C. I wear jeans all fall/winter and any time it’s too cold/weird to wear sun dresses. I have a ton of jeans but have paid for none of them because I have two people in my life who love to shop and who buy a lot of clothes and then give them away.
I know. I know. I know. How lucky, right? I am. And also I’m pathetic and I never shop so these ladies give me their jeans because they know I haven’t bought anything for myself since 2004.
Since you’re considering going designer:
7 for all mankind (not the Seven they sell at Target – they’re different) are awesome. And so are Joe’s Jeans and William Rast (my husband loves my butt in those).
Slightly less expensive but still great are Abercombie & Fitch jeans – if you can get beyond patronizing a store that tries to prostitute our daughters.
And finally, I love a good pair of Old Navy jeans any day.
Oh and D. What bubble butt?
Yeah. I said it.
I am not sure I can get past the A&F music and cologne..let alone deal with their string bikini crap for my 7 y.o…
Also, no – I usually do not wear underwear under my skirts.
Skirts are more difficult in the fall – you need some cute boots and sweaters or some cute booties even with a cute open peep toe for Cali.
You look adorable! I wish fall would get here in northern california, so I could rock this look. I love those boots. And I looooove jeans. Love them. It’s all I wear, I’m afraid
I love Hudson jeans.
Hudson’s seem well thought of so I am for sure trying them. I am loving the Fall weather here in Minnesota.
omg…i have the same body type!!!
I saw some of this conversation on Twitter today! I SO think it’s worth it to get designer jeans and I didn’t think so until I got a pair. Now they’re the only pair I wear (and yes, that’s singular – I only have one designer pair), but they were a GREAT purchase to splurge on.
See that is all I want – just one pair.
You look GREAT in jeans especially the skinny jeans. I live in jeans, slim leg, classic fit and wide legs.
Recently, we went to a fancy restaurant. I wore a dress and thought I was in the right outfit for the type of restaurant. Well, wrong me. I looked like a fashion dinosaur. Everyone, males and females had on jeans with…..
Jeans are really IN.
It is so true – jeans are everyone from the hiking trail to the fanciest of restaurants.
Now see, I’m just the opposite…I wear jeans or at least denim nearly every stinking day on some part of my body – usually on my legs. Must be the farm girl in me coming out…either that or I’m rebelling from the mandatory private school dresses I had to wear 6 days a week, 40 weeks a year for 9 years.
LOL – see maybe it’s the private school dress as my eldest was in Catholic school and I also cannot get her out of jeans!
I think you look so great in them, but I have to admit that your love for dresses has pushed me to buy more and wear them more often.
I giggled at the slacks comment. Craig REFUSES to use that word. He, too, says that only old people say that.
Slacks is one of those giggle words for me – every time I hear it I totally lose it..Also davenport.
If I didn’t love you so much I’d hate you for being so thin.
Now that I got that off my chest…designer jeans aren’t an issue for me because designers don’t make clothes in my size. But if they did I still wouldn’t pay that much money. It actually shocks my husband just what a firm stand I take when it comes to spending what I see as too much money. $7 for risotto rice? Are you kidding??? <- that was me in the store last weekend. Loudly.
Jeans are pretty much my go-to when the temps dip. They can be so cute tucked into boots – like yours!
No advice, but of course you look hot!
you know I feel the same way about jeans that you do. But girl, you look fabulous (my thighs bulge everywhere).
I’m feeling very cute in my Boden dress.
Is that Boden in the Boston pics? Love that on you!
I don’t think designer jeans are going to make you love jeans. I think designer jeans can *look* better than cheaper jeans, but they rarely *feel* any different, and I think the feel is a big piece of it for you. You look fab in the ones you have on. I would just keep wearing the skirts that you love, and when you need jeans occassionally, pull out your Gap ones. I am a total jeans girl. It is a RARE day that I am not in denim… denim jeans, denim shorts, denim capris. I don’t even think I own a skirt that fits. I adore jeans… everything from Kohl’s to Old Navy to Lucky. If I wear anything else, I can’t get to get home and put on my jeans!!
Oh I love that you look forward to jeans – I do believe I’m in the minority.
I live in my Lands End jeans! They are so comfortable and are long enough to cover my ratty sneakers.
I am meh on Gap jeans- they do not have enough stretch. I read that you need at least 2 percent stretch. So I tried Paige Premium Denim- too stretchy, and Lucky- not enough support in the seat. I think that I am going to try J. Brand next.
Love your layers- I am a big fan of Frye boots, I have a tan pair that are very comfortable. Love your short boots.
Over from WIWW!
Thank you, Katie. I love this info on the 2 % stretch. I am shopping for jeans this week!
I hated jeans after I had my daughter. None of them felt the same as they had prior to having her and the fit was all wrong. Just recently I bought my first pair of designer jeans and am in love!!!
SOLD! I know – even though I am the same size as b4 kids – things have totally moved around.
You look sassy and adorable – as always. But I HATE JEANS TOO!!
I couldn’t wait to come back and see what everyone said about jeans
I haven’t loved a pair of jeans in a long time, but I am on the hunt for another pair. Of course, my son screams and runs like a banshee in stores, so it may take a while to find them…
I do agree that you might not like the way they feel much more than you like your Gap ones, but designer jeans do fit better.
I think we should go shopping together w/o our kids!
Fabulous outfit – keep the jeans!!!
You always look so stinkin cute, and this outfit is no exception. I too debated on the designer jeans for quite some time……very worth it in my opinion. I love joes jeans-they even make a version called “honey” for women with curves. You need to go to “hot mamma” (yes, I said it) and have the sales people work for you and bring out every kind of jean they can think of. You will not be sorry. I think there is still hope. miss you!
Okay so you and I need to go have coffee sans my 2 year old and then you can help me at Hot Mama? I would love that. I miss you too. xo
Yes!!!
Hello! I found your site through The Pleated Poppy, and just had to comment (albeit, a bit late!). I personally love BKE brand (I buy them at Buckle) because they have the perfect amount of stretch for me. They are, however, low-rise. Several people I know really like Coldwater Creek jeans because they are a slightly higher rise (for hiding any tummy) and have some stretch. And on a happy note, they run big, so if you normally wear an 8, try out a size 6! Just my 2 cents! p.s. The jeans look so cute on you!