I wore low rise jeans in the 90’s, but felt uncomfortable most of the time. What could you do? It was either wear low rise bottoms, or stay stuck in high-rise pleated 80’s styles. I chose the former and constantly tugged at my tops and pulled up my jeans. Tops were much shorter in the 90’s so they never stayed tucked no matter what you did. Hip slung belts threaded through the belt loops helped to keep the jeans in place, but I still fussed with them all the time.

I was elated when rises started moving upwards in the noughties. Their magical girdling effects and extra coverage fought muffin top and prevented bottom cleavage. What a win! I was so incredibly comfortable in mid to high rise jeans and pants that I vowed I would never wear low rise anything again.

Now I have been forced to eat my words. As of three weeks ago, I’m officially wearing low rise jeans again. Greg saw these jodhpur jeans on a sales assistant in Milan and fancied the way they looked. As a lover of equestrian style, I instantly fancied them too. Definitely an acquired taste for some, so no worries if they aren’t your cup of tea.

They fit well and were comfortable straight off the bat, even though the front rise is low. So low that there’s no zipper, just a stud and two buttons on the waistband. I did the “sit-down” test in the store, tucking my long camisole into the jeans, and felt reasonably covered. Mesmerized by the edgy style of the jeans I bought them and decided to give low rise another bash.

Of course the true test was putting the low rise through its paces back home. After wearing the jeans several times I’m really pleased with the results. As long as I pair them with a tucked in long top and a low slung belt, I feel covered, secure and comfortable. Bruised hips are not fun, so I make sure that the belt isn’t too tight. With these jeans, there’s no tugging, pulling, slipping off my hips or unsightly cleavage. Everything stays put which is so different to my experience of low rises in the 90’s.

In this particular outfit I’m celebrating the torso-lengthening effect of the lower rise, which is accentuated by the high neckline and flat boots. In other outfits I have neutralized this a little with heels that lengthen my leg line and a cropped jacket that breaks and shortens the torso.

I don’t know whether all low rise jeans will feel as comfortable as these do. The unique volume around the hip might be key, reducing the pressure around the waistband both when you walk and when you sit down, and eliminating the feeling that they’re about to slip off.

Anyway, don’t worry! I’m not evangelizing low rise jeans and pants. I still prefer mid rises, but wanted to share my surprisingly good low rise experience.

In this post: paired with the jeans are my recently acquired reversible python belt and the INC ruched sleeve turtleneck.

We have been affiliates of SmartBargains.com for a while now, but I really haven’t spent much time on their site. This morning I set aside some time to do so. Wow, I’m glad I did.

The concept is something like TJMaxx, where their buyers get hold of branded merchandise at lower prices for a variety of reasons (overruns and canceled orders, for example). I know a lot of people who love TJMaxx, but I’ve never had the time of patience to search for the gems in their store.

Of course, the difference with SmartBargains.com is the all important “.com”. They are online, and online rummaging is so much easier! I spent 20 to 30 minutes and these are some of the things I found (note: these are affiliate links):

• Michael Kors Argyle Grey Wool Dress: Winter dress. Sack-like but sweet with tights and boots ($199.50 $47.98)
• Tommy Hilfiger Reade Pebbled Leather Tote: Classic and clean handbag ($168.00 $66.98)
• BCBG MAXAZRIA Leather Large Satchel: A little more edgy ($498.00 $167.98)
• Donald J Pliner Betsie Patent Wedge Sandal: Donald Pliner makes a good shoe ($185.00 $81.98)
• Donald J Pliner Nura Black Patent Sandal: More Donald Pliner ($250.00 $104.98)
• Rich & Skinny White Sleek 5 Pocket Jean: White skinny jeans – size up ($148.00 $59.98)
• Rich & Skinny High Jeans: High rise jeans – size up ($192.00 $37.97)

The catch is that there is very little stock of individual items — it is common to see only one item left. So you really can’t dilly dally. And like TJMaxx it is hit and miss, but this is just the nature of the bargain bin.

One of my immediate thoughts was that I should be monitoring SmartBargains for my clients. The next step would be YLF, providing some sort of feed of the things that catch my eye. So I’m interested to know what you think? Would this be useful? And what about going further than my picks — would you contribute your own picks to the system so that we can discuss them?

The fashion world is still pushing harem pants. With them all over store windows in Europe this Spring, I can’t see the trend coming to a grinding halt any time soon.

When I first saw the trend, I thought it was ridiculous. The sagging crotch aspect of the style looked like a nappy (in America, a diaper) gone wrong. Six months after the start of the trend, my viewpoint was the same. The style still looked unflattering and a little silly.

Then in Israel last year I saw stylish women pulling off the look and I began to eat my words. Harem pants have definitely grown on me –  so much so that I’m on the hunt for the perfect pair. I can scarcely believe that my eyes have adjusted to the look.

I still think that some harem pants look horrendous. The knitted styles with low slung waistbands and overly low hanging crotch points don’t float my boat. But the styles with high waistbands and slightly higher crotch points in drapy woven silk blends have my attention. The high waistband on this style is key to lengthening the leg line, which is what makes it more flattering to my eye. So I’ll tuck in my top to show off the higher waistband with this style.

I vote a qualified yay. Are certain styles of harem pants growing on you too? Even if they’re not for your wardrobe, can you appreciate the look on others?

I’ve generally been disappointed with skirts this season. Short flouncy A-line skirts made this season’s must have list, but the selection on offer in retail are not must haves at all. At least not in my neck of the woods.

The assortment is severely lacking. Most of the skirts have either been too short, too black, too beige, too frilly or too poufy. So quite unflattering. Sometimes, short A-line skirts look spunky over a pair of leggings, which helps out the length issue. But not everyone can wear (or wants to wear) this look.

Sure, there are plenty of fabulous business like pencil skirts available, and for that I am grateful. It wasn’t that long ago when a great basic pencil skirt was also hard to find.

I’ll accept that my disappointment is completely wrapped up in my expectation. Even though I’m a dress gal at heart, I was psyched about the resurgence of fun, flouncy A-line skirts for Spring and Summer. Maybe it’s a Seattle thing. But then again I hardly saw A-line skirts in Europe a few weeks ago.

Am I alone in thinking that we’re having a bad A-line skirt season? Is the assortment better where you live? For the moment, I’m going to carry on hoping that fabulously flattering A-line skirts are still on their way.