whew! What a job this jean hunt is.
So, I tried on several pairs of premium jeans at the resale store and after debating long and hard between the COH and Paige premium, I went with the Paige. I wished the COH were one size larger, and I would have like to try one size down with the Paige, but my reasoning was that they should already be broken in, so I shouldn't expect much, if any stretch. Is that logical thinking? The COH seemed to be painted on and the Paige fit really nicely-- assuming they are not going to stretch out a size. They are in excellent shape, a darker wash, and they were $30. Did I do okay? I can take them back for store credit....
I'll spare you the butt pictures..... but here is a side view

http://www.flickr.com/photos/4.....7/sizes/m/

and, I'll add that I was not looking for "dressy" jeans. I bought these as kick around the house and grocery store jeans.