Jeans Jeans the Magical Suit
Once upon a time (or about 18 years ago) I HAD to have a pair of Guess Jeans. The familiar upside down triangle with the red outline and question mark embroidered on a small white patch on the right back pocket was the ultimate status symbol in sixth grade and throughout junior high. Fast forward two decades later when premium denim exploded on the scene bringing more options than my 2 short legs can handle.Â
It all began about 5 or 6 years ago when a little brand called Seven for All Mankind changed the fashion world forever, making it OK, even recommended, to wear jeans to work as the perfect transition piece for happy hour cocktails. The familiar embroidered gold scroll on the pocket of Sevens in this millenium became what the triangle patch was in the 80’s. What makes this phenomenon even more fascinating is how millions of women are able to justify spending a small fortune on an item of clothing that, back in the day, was only worn by farmers and blue-collared men, where Levis were your one and only choice. But if you know any woman, spending $200 to make your butt look better is a miniscule price to pay.
So through the years, I’ve amassed a collection of premium denim that would make any Nordies, Saks, or Bloomies shopper jealous. What began as a couple pairs of Seven Jeans blossomed into an array of boot cut, skinny, wide leg, strait fit styles channeling the closets of the Sienna Millers or Lindsay Lohans of the world. What I’ve learned through the years is that you actually do begin to obsess over a handful of brands, so much in fact that buying 2 pairs of the same cut and style seems normal and necessary. Just this week, as I slinked into my Taverniti So’s before work, I looked at the full length mirror, thanked the designer who created this masterpiece where I can actually possess a butt for a day. I patted my back and thought how brilliant and resourceful of me to have gotten a second pair stashed in my closet for future use.
As insane my jeans addiction may seem, I find great pride in trying out the latest and greatest brands, to see what the fuss a $200 pair is all about. I never EVER pay retail (c’mon, it’s me you’re talking about here) and go to countless of discount retailers or sample sales to feed my compulsion without breaking the piggy bank. So far, I’ve found brands that I love, some I feel so-so for, and some I’ll either return to the store or hock on eBay. The thing is, in the premium denim domain, every woman has her favorite label since no two bodies are exactly alike, so if you don’t like it, someone else certainly will.
I’ve had years and years of experience sorting through racks of denim, knowing what looks good and what doesn’t. I even forced my sister into a pair of Earnest Sewns that I had bought 2 of (I swear I don’t do this THAT often), to get her out of a wardrobe rut. When she wore them to her office, coworkers commented how much more stylish they were from other jeans she’s worn in the past allowing me a special and infrequent “I told you so” call.Â
My love for denim began at my youth and continues to grow even with the fickle trends of fashion. The versatility and simplicity of these pants are irreplaceable and can always be the dependable staple of a style I’m putting together. If you want a rocker look, put on some True Religions. Feeling a little funky? Some skinny leg Serfontaines are your best bet. A laid-back, west coast frame of mind has Hudsons written all over it. If you’re into basics, a classic pair of Citizen of Humanity or Joes Jeans won’t ever fail you. My ability to spot good jeans is in my genes and nothing can take that away from me. I honestly think it’s completely normal that I have maybe 30 or 40 pairs of jeans, in different shapes, colors and sizes.  Only when I start wearing a Canadian Tuxedo or Mom Jeans can you then call the fashion police stat, because that’s the only true indicator that something is seriously wrong with me.
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