Over the summer I was invited to a Born To Fit party sponsored by Brand About Town and The Gap. I have the hardest time finding jeans because apparently I’m an awkward size. I’m too short for the big girl jeans, but too curvy for the juniors. Woe is me! I was excited to attend in hopes of finding the perfect pair of jeans. Unfortunately, I didn’t, but my sad face turned into a happy one when I was given a chance to go back to the Gap and pick out a pair of jeans that fit (perfectly) and walk out with them (for free.)
I’ve been putting this off to avoid the disappointment. I have yet to find a pair of jeans that I absolutely love that didn’t have to be hemmed or tailored. Inspired by Erini’s post I decided to put on my big girl panties and go to the Gap.
At first I was disappointed because no one was asking if I needed help, when I obviously did. I didn’t understand their sizes and I probably looked like I was solving math equations in my head instead of buying jeans. Eventually I was greeted by a wonderful saleswoman who piled up the jeans and stayed outside my fitting room the entire time, making sure I a) didn’t look like an idiot and b) was happy. I left with two pairs.
First I went after an Always Skinny jean. I know. I’m a trend follower. But I assure you they’re not glued onto my legs and/or ass. I was worried, but they’re surprisingly comfortable. The best part: I don’t have to have them hemmed AND they’ll go with a really cute pair of flats I have.
Then I had to balance out the skinny jean purchase with a comfier jean: the Sexy Boot. I was happy when I found these because the color is perfect for work or play and they don’t have to be hemmed! They’ll work with flats or a wedge. Oh happy day!
I used the money I saved, thanks to Brand About Town, on a cute pair of flats and a cozy sweater. It’s safe to say that I’ll be checking the Gap in the future, but I’ll definitely be watching for sales!
P.S. It is impossible to take a flattering fitting room photo.
Where’s your favorite place to find a pair of comfortable (and affordable) jeans that don’t have to be altered (does that place even exist?!)
{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
Glad I could offer the inspiration!
Those skinny jeans look great on you! Seriously. I’m jealous.
I love my new Really Straight jeans. I still don’t believe they’re the perfect cut for me, or that I’ve even found the perfect cut, but I like them a lot.
There were a lot of salespeople at my neighborhood Gap, but none gave me the attention you got. (Though one did dig and hunt to find my size for me…)
Anyway. Yay jeans!!
Erini´s last blog ..Aural-gasm: My Gold Mask giveaway.
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Jenn Reply:
November 17th, 2009 at 9:51 am
Thanks! I’m not sure that I would die in these jeans, but I really like them.
I think you’ll have to come shop in LA. Can you tell I’m trying everything to get you out here?
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both of those jeans look super cute on you! I’m totally J.
my favourite are the Curvy style, I can’t pull off the skinny jean look
Maggie´s last blog ..And the Winners are…
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Jenn Reply:
November 17th, 2009 at 10:18 am
Thanks Maggie!
I don’t think I would have found those jeans if it weren’t for the awesome saleswoman. I apparently can’t dress myself.
P.S. You look awesome in whatever you wear!
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I have never bought a pair of jeans that didn’t need to be hemmed at least. But I think when clothes shopping you should assume that every thing should be tailored, at least, any investment piece, which I think jeans are. It seem silly to me to pay $100 for an item of clothing that mostly fits, and not pay the extra $15 to have it hemmed/tailored/whatever it needs. I just build that into the price in my brain.
Not that I have everything I buy tailored, but jeans, which I’ll wear 4-5 times a week? Totally worth the $15 to make them fit just right.
The Maiden Metallurgist´s last blog ..Oh Honey, You’re Drunk
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I also opted for the skinny jeans and wear them about twice a week. They’re so comfy! Good choice.
Leahchristine´s last blog ..Exceptionally Exceptional!
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Jenn Reply:
November 17th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
I’m surprised by how comfortable they are. You wouldn’t think so by looking at the mannequin!
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You look great in them!
phampants´s last blog ..Wheezy Waiter – Crepe
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Jenn Reply:
November 17th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
Thanks Pham!
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The GAP is actually my go-to place to purchase jeans. For whatever reason, theirs have always fit me really well. My favorite pair is their long and lean dark wash. I love that I can wear them to work!
And I’m so excited that you found two pairs that work for you! Jean shopping is so frustrating sometimes!
E.P.´s last blog ..Featured
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Jenn Reply:
November 17th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
I’m excited too! Hopefully my next trip there will be just as positive
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I have a difficult time finding jeans that fit, but I always find a good pair at American Eagle. My favorite is their Artist jean.
Megan´s last blog ..It’s Okay Friday
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Jenn Reply:
November 17th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
American Eagle is my second favorite place for jeans. I’ve had good luck there. I think my favorite pair were the boyfriend jeans. Hm…or girlfriend jeans? I think they were boyfriends.
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Congrats! I have two pairs of the skinny jeans (well, I think I have one now because I somehow lost the other…) and even though I’ve got mad hips, they still look awesome. (They look great with heels too!) They look amazing on you, lady
jenniferalaine´s last blog ..appreciating those close to me.
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Jenn Reply:
November 17th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
Thanks! I won’t ask how you lost the other pair.
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I don’t think the Internet can adequately assess the fit of those jeans without a shot from the back. On that note, why must I always be the one to actually say what everyone else is only thinking?
Jay´s last blog ..It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Blasphemy
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Jenn Reply:
November 17th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Because no one is as awesome as you are. You’re not getting extra pictures though. Nice try.
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I used to get Bandalino jeans from Gottschalks. They were the only ones that fit well for someone who is a bit roundy and short like myself but then our local Gottschalks went out of business. Thanks for the GAP update. Next time I take the hour drive to the nearest mall I’ll check them out.
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Jenn Reply:
November 17th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
I’ve never heard of Bandalino, but I’ll be sure to check them out!
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I see your tattoooooooo!
Angela´s last blog ..Woot!
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Jenn Reply:
November 17th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
I always think of my tattoo buddy when someone asks about it!
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…What are big girl panties?
Wait. You know what, I take that back, I probably shouldn’t know.
They don’t offer this program for guys, do they? I only wear jeans and knowing where to get an ACTUALLY good fitting pair would help immensely!
nicopolitan´s last blog ..Sharper Wit. Smarter Ass.
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Jenn Reply:
November 17th, 2009 at 6:54 pm
I don’t know of anything like this for men, but that doesn’t me it doesn’t exist. I’d check out http://www.brandabouttown.com/ and set up a profile. You might be on their list of male bloggers should something awesome like this arise
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I’m really glad you came to my party
And I’m glad you found two pairs of jeans you love. You look great!!
Jessica´s last blog ..Healthy train mini-derailment
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Jenn Reply:
November 17th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
Thanks for the invite! Sorry it took foooorever for me to write this. P.S. I heart the tote bags we got. It’s my favorite bag to use.
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I love my Gap jeans, especially the Sexy Boot cut in the dark wash. I’m glad you got to experience to amazingness as well.
AshleyD´s last blog ..Breaking Down The Wall
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Jenn Reply:
November 17th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
We’re jean twins now.
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for me, it’s american eagle. AE was always my go-to jean company in high school and college… then last year they changed their cut and fit and I was so distraught! I could not find a pair that fit! then this year, I decided to give it another go and lucky me they had fixed the problem. while I still have to get a size larger than I used to (which I can’t completely blame on AE, I’ll admit) I can get a pair of jeans that fit and look good and don’t cost that much (especially if there is a sale!). it is always an uplifting experience when you can find a store that sells a jean that doesn’t make you hate yourself, or shopping!
Carissa´s last blog ..An Ode to Coffee (and its cup)
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Jenn Reply:
November 17th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
Next time I’m in need of jeans I’ll have to give AE another shot.
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Those jeans are adorable and make me want to go shopping! I am short and have similar issues—junior’s jeans are too slim, but the plus sizes don’t fit either! And I’m 5″1! I’m excited to try both of these…
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Jenn Reply:
November 17th, 2009 at 8:52 pm
Thanks! I’m 5′1″ as well and it’s such a hassle. I think stores forget that short people can have curves too.
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I’m short enough to be able to buy the jeans labeled short at most stores, but I highly prefer AE and Old Navy. Love them there. And it’s nice knowing the exact size that’ll work so I don’t always have to try something on.
MinD´s last blog ..He’s heeeeeeere!
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