can we talk designer denim?

[tacom]

I only have AE jeggings right now and they make me feel so dumpy sometimes. I love them with tunics/boots for the fall, but I need something with a little more structure for shorter tops. it's also possible that I'm still just not used to dressing my body since it changed so much in such a short time, in which case $$$ jeans won't help.

Is there a specific brand I should try? I am short (5'3") and pear shaped and prefer bottoms with a higher rise to suck everything in. I have to size up for my thighs/butt so waist gap is often a problem unless the pants are "curvy" fit or allow for more room in the thighs. 

I've never even tried on a pair of designer denim but I've heard others (@songforyou) praise their value. thinking of running to the rack/nordstrom today to try some on but jeans shopping is the absolute worst so I'm looking for direction first.  

TIA!

[v]

I really like Paige (Skyline Skinnies in particular).

[CloudBee]

I'm 5' 1" and slender. I usually wear Joe's Jeans. I wore 7FAMK for a few years, and still have one pair in rotation. But I much prefer the comfort of Joe's. 7FAMK scoop down too low in the back.

ETA: I think this is the style I normally wear. shop.nordstrom.com/s/joes-honey-bootcut-jeans-bridget-online-only/3755452?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=881&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-1_3_D

[tacom]

Aug 19, 2014 11:08:36 GMT -5 CloudBee said:

I'm 5' 1" and slender. I usually wear Joe's Jeans. I wore 7FAMK for a few years, and still have one pair in rotation. But I much prefer the comfort of Joe's. 7FAMK scoop down too low in the back.

oh yeah, bad. lol. 

[shopgirl07]

I've been wearing a ton of Current/Elliott and J Brand lately.

I recently bought these J Brand skinnies and they are the best, the length is perfect for shorties (I'm 5'2").

piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=1555770020030&cid=1017290&locale=en_US

[carfar]

Aug 19, 2014 11:01:36 GMT -5 v said:

I really like Paige (Skyline Skinnies in particular).

Love these, too! Nordstrom rack usually has them a bit cheaper, too!

[betsyray]

My favourites are the Citizens of Humanity Ava straight leg. I even have them in the maternity style.

I also like Paige but usually have to size down once in them.

AG Stevies are sooo comfortable but stretch out quite a bit. Love the fabric, though. Much softer than average denim.

One thing with designer denim is that it generally comes long. Be prepared to have them hemmed. You can also buy to fit your hips and have the waist taken in. I'm also very curvy on bottom (10 inch difference between hips and waist) and find that the best solution.

[iheartbanjos]

I am tall and boy shaped, but I love the quality of Rag and Bone. I'm not sure which different fits they offer, but the sales ladies at Nordstrom are great at helping pick out jeans.

[electricmayhem]

I am also extremely late to the bandwagon on designer denim; prior to this summer, every pair of jeans I owned came from ON/Gap/BR. And the. I saw this article floating around Pinterest explaining how all of their jeans are mom jeans :-), so I figured it was high time I upgraded.

I got a pair of Paige skinnies at Nordstrom Rack, and tried on a bunch of other brands there and at regular Nordstrom. I liked AG jeans and Joe's too. FWIW I also just got a couple of apirs at AE for fall when they were running their $30 sale, boyfriend and boot cut.

[Deleted]

Paige is the only premium brand I've found that fits my chubby chubby thighs and um ample backside.

[tacom]

how much should i expect to spend to get jeans tailored? (hem or hem + taking waist in?)

[electricmayhem]

My tailor just hemmed a pair of trouser jeans for $15.

[emilyinchile]

Honestly, I would just go with plenty of time and try on every pair of jeans in the whole damn store. I am another who likes the Paige Skyline Skinny, but jeans are so dependent on body type that I don't think there's a good general recommendation.

And yes, designer denim does tend to be long, which is why I like it! I'm not sure how much hemming jeans costs in the US, sorry.

[iheartbanjos]

Aug 19, 2014 11:20:34 GMT -5 tacom said:

how much should i expect to spend to get jeans tailored? (hem or hem + taking waist in?)

For your first pair, I'd skip the Rack and go to Nordy's. The hemming will be included in the purchase and I'd expect to spend around $200-$220.

The reason I'd skip the Rack is because this is your first pair and the sales person can help you with style and fit.  You may think a pair is too tight, but if the sales person says that it isn't.  TRUST HER.  These suckers stretch.  You won't get this kind of service or expertise at the Rack.

Also, at the regular Nordstrom, if you decide after a few washes and wears that you made the incorrect choice, you can exchange them with no hassle.

Something else to think about, there are Nordstrom debit and credit cards that include $100 of free alterations a year, so once you have the hang of picking out your own jeans at the Rack, you can use that credit to get free alterations.

Good luck!

[genet313]

My favorites are:

Mother (I particularly like their high-waisted skinnies b/c the fabric is so, so comfortable, but good weight) and they're good for hippier people (no junk in the trunk, all my junk is in my hips)

rag & bone

j brand

[bettyfinn]

I'm 5'1 with a butt so I have the same issue with needing a curvy fit. Joe's, J Brand and AG are my favorite. I highly recommend going to Nordstrom or the Rack and trying on every brand you can find. That's how I stumbled upon these brands. At the time everyone was all about 7s and a few other brands and they were less flattering on me.


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[Deleted]

Echoing the suggestion to go to Nordstrom's and let them dress you. Alterations will be included on full-price jeans. I've been a jeans snob forever, but I never thought my HUSBAND would be wearing designer jeans until I took him to Nordstrom's. OMG such an improvement.

[boiler717]

I was also going to suggest going to Nordies. They will walk you through brands and fits. You can then look at Rack later to save money.

[tacom]

so I broke the rules and went to the rack first because I had a return there and I don't know if I was ready to drop $200 anyways.

I tried on Joe's (hated both the ultra slim skinny ankle and the clarissa), J brand (didn't like the feel of the material but I only tried one pair), AG (absolute legging was the best jegging ever, but I wanted more of a true jean feel), current elliot (the worst waist gap I've ever seen), and like 10 different kinds of Paige jeans.

I am now the proud owner of the Paige Skyline Skinny (Eva). they fit so great I don't think they need any alterations (maaaaybe 1/2" at the waist, but I want to see if they stretch out more from wear or shrink in the wash first). I got the rewards debit card so I also received a $20 nordstrom note and have up to $100 in free alterations.

thanks for all the help. these jeans rock and I can't believe I waited so long! they were $79, which doesn't make them that much more pricey than my old crappy gap jeans.

[Deleted]

Joe' has petite styles but they are the perfect length for my 5'9 frame in flats. I like Joe's, 7FAM, and Hudson the most. I used to really like True Religion but I think they are a bit too flashy with the bulky stitching and my butt is just not as flat as it used to be

[shell24]

Joe's stretch like crazy.

Paige skyline or AG stilt would be a great first pair of designer denim. My personal favorite brand is AG.

[ddi741]

I'm not sure if they count as 'designer denim' but I love the JLo jeans at kohls. They are mid rise but come in long, regular & petite. They are the first jeans I don't have to take to the tailor.

[Deleted]

tacom could you share.more about your wedding dress? Non sequitur but meant to ask you when you mentioned you bought it!

That is all...

[thejen626]

tacom wear them while sitting on the couch for a few hours, do some squats and lunges, etc. Most of my jeans stretch out one full size after a few hours of wear.

Glad you found a pair you like!

[tacom]

Aug 20, 2014 13:31:25 GMT -5 @shoegal said:

tacom could you share.more about your wedding dress? Non sequitur but meant to ask you when you mentioned you bought it!

That is all...

Did you see my PIP before? It's a lace Jenny Yoo that I got for 20% off, which made me overly excited to the point that my bridesmaids repeatedly told me to stop worrying about the price so much - lol.

I hated wedding dress shopping until I went to the Jenny Yoo store. The consultant and I clicked right away and it ended up being a blast. It probably helped that she didn't say things like "don't worry - my daughter is a size 2 and she had to buy a bridal TEN!!!" as I struggled to pull something over my ass. There was champagne and happy tears, which is how I always envisioned the process.

My favorite part is the back, which is sheer lace. I didn't post the back view before because the sample is too tight and my black bra is hanging out but I'm going to trust that you have bridal vision. :-)

[Deleted]

You look GORGEOUS in that dress!

[Deleted]

tacom I am obsessed - I love your dress!!!!! I totally missed the PIPs.
OK, so my favorite parts are the shape (I adore that shape, and it looks great on you), the little mini cap sleeves, and the BACK. THE BACK is awesome.

Are you doing veil, headpiece, anything up top?

AND WHAT ABOUT THE SHOES!!!!!!!!!!!!?

[tacom]

Thank you both! @shoegal, those are all the same reasons why I fell in love!

I think a traditional veil would be too much for me. We tried a bird cage on in the store and I liked it but I don't know if I'm sold. I'm also considering skipping the veil altogether and finding a clip in hair piece that a stylist could work into a loose, romantic updo. I feel like I need to try a bunch of these things on though and I'm not sure where to do that.

Re: shoes I have no idea! I told my BM I think I want my shoes to be my something blue and I immediately got "YOU MUST GET BADGLEY MISCHKA!"

Please feel free to link anything that speaks to you.

[Deleted]

Well obviously the shoes in my profile picture I highly, highly recommend if you are looking for something blue! I adore them and they are COMFORTABLE.

AND - I am very much in alignment with your perspective on the veils. I think you could absolutely find a lovely veil / birdcage....but I would do a lovely gemstone / rhinestone hair accessory. With that dress, you don't need anything on top of your noggin to distract!! (Humble opinion of course.)

[tacom]

Yay! I'm going to need help though. There is such a fine line when it comes to headpieces/hair accessories, and I don't want to look tacky!