Thank you all for the advice on updating my bluejean self. Thank you, thank you!
I stopped at Old Navy yesterday and tried on these. Compared to some of the other styles, they seemed pretty conservative. But let's just say, they don't work on me. At all! I will continue my search.
And at the risk of going all TMI here, I will add that I'll probably need some new underwear to go with my new jeans. Apparently I have Mom underwear too! (VS Mom underwear, but Mom underwear nonetheless!)
Also, I have some store credit here, so I'm considering this pair. Not tapered.... below the waist. Non-Mom, right?
Oh, and one more poll... what's the greater offense -- Mom jeans or muffin top? (or in my case, jello-top)
Maybe I'll just bag the whole jean thing, and start a new trend.
Muffin top is WORSE!!!
I like the LL Bean jeans you picked out...boot cut is good. I have a jello tummy (and it's horrid!) and I gave up mom jeans about 3 years ago. I don't do low rise, but the below the waist styles can be flattering, even with the tummy. I found a great pair from Land's End (trouser jeans) that are very slimming (got 'em on sale, though, since I will not pay 60 bucks for jeans) and I am wearing my Levi's 512's today. With the right top (a tunic sweater) they hide a host of sins!
Good luck with you continuing search!
Posted by: nat | Wednesday, January 09, 2008 at 03:07 PM
Muffin top is definitely worse1 I figure the waistband on my jeans doesn't matter, because I never wear a shirt tucked in. And wide legs on someone who's less than 5'2" and long-waisted to boot are just not flattering. I may stick with my Lees.
Posted by: Bluegrass Mama | Wednesday, January 09, 2008 at 04:54 PM
Nat, We have a Lands End outlet store here -- I'll have to look for those! (though actually they call it an "inlet.")
You know, I've thought the same thing, BGM. I'm not going to tuck a shirt in anyway, what difference does the waistband make? I'm 5'6", so I can wear something other than a straight leg. I'm finding that I need "petite" or "short" though -- regular pants are ridiculously long now!
Posted by: Marie | Wednesday, January 09, 2008 at 05:33 PM
Don't forget to check out Land's End online first..they have a great tool I use often called Virtual Model. You personalize it to your fit and your hair, height, etc, and it tries on the clothing. My model really does look like me (body, hair, etc.) and that is how I discovered the trouser jeans I liked.
Posted by: nat | Wednesday, January 09, 2008 at 07:09 PM
I kind of like the muumuu. I might get one of my own. :) Oh, and the mom underwear thing is such a battle with non-mom jeans. I fight it all the time.
Posted by: InterstellarLass | Wednesday, January 09, 2008 at 11:44 PM
The waist makes a difference as a high waist means the seam is longer so, unless you are wearing a long shirt (like past your butt) you will get "flat butt" from the long seam.
Mid-rise straight leg. Trust me. And if you don't trust me, trust Stacy & Clinton.
As for the underwear... If you want to avoid a panty line get a boy short style with no heavy seam stitching. "Cuz I'm assumong you aren't going to go for a thong (which I would first recommend). Otherwise, just look for panties that don't have heavy seaming around the legs.
Posted by: Jody | Monday, January 14, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Hi Marie,
My suggestion, for what it is worth, is to buy this book:
How Not to Look Old: Fast and Effortless ways to look 10 years younger, 10 years thinner . . .blah, blah, blah
http://www.amazon.com/How-Not-Look-Old-Effortless/dp/0446581143/ref=pd_ts_b_16?ie=UTF8&s=books
I bought it, and it is chock full of tips for looking more stylish including a whole section on jeans NOT to wear (and conversely jeans to wear). I have the book and can loan it to you if you want (although I'll need it back since I'm sort of using it more as a reference).
It's really good because they give you an expensive way to achieve the results you want, a mid-priced way, and a cheap way.
Also, I have found great jeans at TJ Maxx. You need to try jeans on - - really - - don't order them online. I hate shopping AND am the queen of online ordering, but jeans are something you have to look at on your body. You don't want them baggy. And a bit of a flare at the bottom is much more stylish and also more flattering. Of course, you can't really wear that look with a sneaker - - but a boot or anything with a chunky short heel works great.
Posted by: Anita | Friday, January 18, 2008 at 08:38 AM
Thanks for the book recommendation, Anita! I'm going to put it on my list for next time I place an order...
Posted by: Marie | Monday, January 21, 2008 at 09:32 AM