Goldilocks and the 16 pairs of jeans (on the floor) –

One pair is too tight, another too long, too short, too big, too low, too high, too flared, too narrow. I found this out recently when I was trying to get dressed and they all ended up on the closet floor. I had it in my mind that I wanted to wear jeans but really there was only one pair that I LOVED. And of course they were in the wash. And yes, I debated pulling them out of the dirty laundry to wear them.

I have multiple pairs of jeans that I can and should get rid of. Something holds me back.  Oh but I paid so much for these! If I just loose those last 5 pounds! These are so comfy for when I am just going to lay around the house. The beaded denim I just have no excuse for… But it doesn’t matter if I spent a lot on them if I continue to go out and buy more in search of the perfect fit. I won’t really lose those last 5 pounds – at least not in the places I want to! And I have never put on jeans to “lounge” in. That’s what my workout clothes are for! …but that’s another story.

I am not listening to my own advice that I tell clients and friends. Which is – take the time to find a pair that you LOVE. I realize this is easier said than done. But there is a way.  Go to a store or department that specializes in denim. Use the knowledgeable staff who know denim and the fits and the rises. This will save you money and time. Locally, Chantilly Blue on State Street in Kennett Square  is fantastic – the owner and her staff are virtually denim whisperers. Tell the staff your issues, tell them a price point – (keep in mind a good pair is worth every cent and there is a difference in the quality of denim and fit). Then try, try, and try some more.  Sit in them. Bend over in them. Do not buy unless you are IN LOVE!

Then buy 2!  Hem one to wear with flats and one to wear with heels. If you want take a sharpie marker to the tag and write S for shorter on one and L for longer on another. Once you have these 2 basic pairs then you can go out and look for additions to your denim stock. Try sticking with the same brand but vary the wash – maybe lighter for spring? Darker for fall? Add in a color – white really is great all year round. Maybe go for a crop pair. Vary the leg – do you want a skinny pair? Wide leg? Flair? Ask the staff and they will know which styles are most complimentary to your shape and height – not all trends work for all bodies.

Then go into your closet with confidence and wear your denim! Imagine yourself like Goldie Locks going in and going right for Little’s Bear’s chair and knowing everything is going to fit just right.

So now I need another pair of Paige Premium Denim, Canyon Ranch Flare, dark rinse – which I vow to take right away to the tailor to hem shorter for spring to wear with cute flats.

* Insider tips – always wash new denim once – even if it is brand new before taking it to the tailor. It ensures any initial shrinkage is taken care of right away. And be sure to ask to keep the original hem so no one but you knows they were altered.  Bring the shoes you will be wearing with the jeans with you so the tailor can shorten accordingly.