https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pants-i-dont-believe-this-there-goes-my-july-budget--d-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 09 May 2026 21:46:31 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pants-i-dont-believe-this-there-goes-my-july-budget--d-long#post-644962 Wed, 13 Jun 2012 14:35:08 +0000 Jem 644962@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you look adorable! Your pants look amazing and you got a fantastic deal! I can see why you went ahead and bought them, you can't pass up a great fitting pair of pants when you find them! I'm really happy for you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pants-i-dont-believe-this-there-goes-my-july-budget--d-long#post-644951 Wed, 13 Jun 2012 14:23:02 +0000 Jonesy 644951@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gorgeous pants in a perfect, versatile color! Score! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pants-i-dont-believe-this-there-goes-my-july-budget--d-long#post-644858 Wed, 13 Jun 2012 11:33:46 +0000 ManidipaM 644858@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Harmonica, sadly they don't seem to make any other colourways. I thought of doubling up immediately! In fact, for a few minutes I even wondered about getting BOTH pairs and trying to widen the thighs --- but letting out never goes as well as taking in, except in a few higher-end brands with really generous seam allowances.</p> <p>But then I do have a (slightly tired now) tan pair of dress pants too. I should be okay for a bit, between the two... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pants-i-dont-believe-this-there-goes-my-july-budget--d-long#post-644843 Wed, 13 Jun 2012 09:21:21 +0000 harmonica 644843@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The trousers were ABSOLUTELY worth the July budget! They are fab and you will be wearing them in so many different settings and you will always have a pair of trousers just to grab! Can you get another one of these trousers later (in a pinstripe pattern or another colour maybe?)? I was just thinking it would be good to "bunk up" when you finally find a good pair I guess the missing belt loop in the back can easily be sewed on (even by hand) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pants-i-dont-believe-this-there-goes-my-july-budget--d-long#post-644831 Wed, 13 Jun 2012 07:05:27 +0000 catgirl 644831@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>WOOT! Love the trousers and look at your smile! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pants-i-dont-believe-this-there-goes-my-july-budget--d-long#post-644793 Wed, 13 Jun 2012 04:33:06 +0000 Anonymous 644793@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great pair of pants and story, Manidipa. The color is wonderful, seasonless and will go with everything </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pants-i-dont-believe-this-there-goes-my-july-budget--d-long#post-644787 Wed, 13 Jun 2012 04:22:21 +0000 ManidipaM 644787@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Christieanne, I actually surprised myself with the persistence thing. My SO thinks I've gone suddenly stir crazy, walking into every shop I see and trying on five (or fifteen!) pairs of pants... </p> <p>But it is thanks to all you lovely ladies and Angie *showing* me each day that persistence pays and the sought-after item can be in the most unlikely places (I'll never forget the story of Claire's H&amp;M jacket; or Shannon's 'boot-fresh' thrifted one) that I found this at all! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pants-i-dont-believe-this-there-goes-my-july-budget--d-long#post-644779 Wed, 13 Jun 2012 04:12:18 +0000 christieanne 644779@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That anthracite is such a perfect color for work trousers! Versatile and spans seasons better than black imho. Congratulations on a good day in pants shopping - proves the point that persistence pays off. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pants-i-dont-believe-this-there-goes-my-july-budget--d-long#post-644775 Wed, 13 Jun 2012 04:01:21 +0000 ManidipaM 644775@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Christy, am still thinking hard! :-)</p> <p>Yes, I have two pairs with the same height, but one of them are relatively casual suede wedges. The other are brown mary janes. I think in terms of dressy vibe (and these are definitely not my everyday workwear pants!), I'd be most likely to wear either the black low heels I'm wearing in these photos, or the brown mary janes --- which are different heights, so I'm getting slightly commitment-phobic here! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pants-i-dont-believe-this-there-goes-my-july-budget--d-long#post-644727 Wed, 13 Jun 2012 02:58:47 +0000 christy 644727@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These look GREAT on you! Yay! Hemming is always such a tricky decision, isn't it? You really need to commit to a heel height and then stick with it. Which shoes do you think you'll wear most often with it? Sounds like you have two pair with about the same heel height - that might be the most practical option. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pants-i-dont-believe-this-there-goes-my-july-budget--d-long#post-644718 Wed, 13 Jun 2012 02:48:05 +0000 ManidipaM 644718@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mona, it's funny to think that used to be a great compliment in our culture, and yet it is so far from today's normative silhouette that I can't get clothes to fit me because of said thighs! :-D</p> <p>Yes, that lack of central belt loop is bothering me too. I wonder if I can make one to add, if I get fabric off the hem from shortening it. OR I could just cross my fingers and remove all the loops if I can tighten it enough from moving the buttons an inch or a half.</p> <p>ETA: Elle, I do that too --- lots of leggings and skirts and several pairs of jeans. But some days, I just *want* pants to make a point or let me clamber over things without clutching at my clothes, you know? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pants-i-dont-believe-this-there-goes-my-july-budget--d-long#post-644460 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 20:27:51 +0000 Mona 644460@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thighs like banana trees, LOL! You just crack me up. I understand your frustration with trying to find a well fitting dress pants (and jeans too, in my case). These pants look really good on you and I hope that you can alter the waistband. If there is no belt loop in the centre, the belt won’t work. Fabric just slips out under the belt. Just my two cents worth.....Also, this is the first time I am seeing you with your new haircut and i really like it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pants-i-dont-believe-this-there-goes-my-july-budget--d-long#post-644440 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 19:48:34 +0000 fieldmouse 644440@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nice and fitting trousers are definitely hard enough to find that they're worth bending the rules for! Maybe you can consider them a lucky extra, a one-off outside the budget? No reason to make things too hard for yourself. And hopefully all goes well with the alterations!</p> <p>I had the same experience with being in between sizes when shopping for trousers this past weekend, a UK 12 was way too tight while UK 14 was too big. This is why I prefer skirts! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pants-i-dont-believe-this-there-goes-my-july-budget--d-long#post-644161 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 14:13:20 +0000 ManidipaM 644161@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Claire, yes, indeed! I'd been really, really, really good about sitting on my hands this weekend, until I saw these pants. I fell for red jeggings that fit smoothly; a conversational patterned blue slouchy shirt; a breezy trapeze-cut top; red ballet flats that could replace my existing weary pair; orange and nude (finally, right 'nude' for me!) heeled sandals; blue perforated oxfords --- and determinedly told myself 'next month, or the month after, or maybe in autumn if they're still around in my size and go on sale, or maybe I don't need so many trends/tops/shoes in my life'. But this one garment made me really rather snap-happy! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pants-i-dont-believe-this-there-goes-my-july-budget--d-long#post-644149 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 13:58:22 +0000 Anonymous 644149@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Those are great trousers, Manidipa! I can't believe how good they look without *any* alterations! And you could just slap on a heel and go? That's terrific. I wouldn't worry about a belt too much if you will wear your tops untucked (since it won't show). You could just use whatever you have that has a low profile. I know I shouldn't encourage you to spend next month's clothing allotment this month, but sometimes you just have to grab something while your size is still available. And at that great price? I would have done the same. I'm so happy you found these! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pants-i-dont-believe-this-there-goes-my-july-budget--d-long#post-644145 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 13:50:19 +0000 Transcona Shannon 644145@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yahoo for fab fitting pants Manidipa! Trousers seem to be a difficult thing to find for most on the forum. I'm happy that you were able to find a good fitting pair - you look lovely! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pants-i-dont-believe-this-there-goes-my-july-budget--d-long#post-644141 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 13:47:14 +0000 ManidipaM 644141@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for dropping by, Angie! Your expert approval means so much to me, as after repeated misses I'm quite uncertain what to look for in pants, while you have the hawk eye of experience to zero in on problems!</p> <p>Interesting what you say about my leg line. I always thought my legs were rather short, but maybe the extra length from waist to leg break makes enough of a difference to overall length? Now that you mention this, I could wear these pants unhemmed (as in, not shortened further) if I wore 2.5 inches of heel (just checked!)... which should be pretty insane for a 4'10" person! Either I have unusual petite proportions or these pants are oddly short? What do taller (average-height) people do with these, then? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pants-i-dont-believe-this-there-goes-my-july-budget--d-long#post-644111 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 13:28:04 +0000 Angie 644111@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thumbs up from me! These trousers look smashing! You have an extremely long, natural leg line, Manidipa. WOW!</p> <p>You look so pretty in #1. Just gorgeous! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pants-i-dont-believe-this-there-goes-my-july-budget--d-long#post-644106 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 13:19:01 +0000 ManidipaM 644106@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the stamp of approval, people! </p> <p>They aren't quite perfect, of course, though my standards aren't very high here. And I'm still worried about how well they'll do after alterations. But hey... in the first place, it's nice to have pants that sorta fit decently without breaking the bank entirely, even! (That too after I factor in the cost of a belt.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pants-i-dont-believe-this-there-goes-my-july-budget--d-long#post-644073 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 12:44:43 +0000 Tanya 644073@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What an awesome find! Congratulations! They look really good, and I am sure they will be perfect after a little waist alteration. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pants-i-dont-believe-this-there-goes-my-july-budget--d-long#post-644067 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 12:31:27 +0000 Astrid 644067@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>They look good to me, congrats on finding these! Pants shopping can be a nightmare, I know. Btw, you look beautiful and so happy in #1, you have a great smile! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pants-i-dont-believe-this-there-goes-my-july-budget--d-long#post-644061 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 12:22:20 +0000 marianna 644061@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yay! So happy for you. Pants shopping is a nightmare for me too so I understand completely. I think these fit you so well! Lucky, indeed. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pants-i-dont-believe-this-there-goes-my-july-budget--d-long#post-644059 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 12:21:52 +0000 Jaime 644059@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't usually offer opinions on pants fit because I am never quite sure myself. I think these do look very nice in the leg, and I like the high waist. If they feel comfortable I think they will work well for you - hope more expert fitters chime in. Congratulations for finding them at all -it sounds like it was not an easy feat! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pants-i-dont-believe-this-there-goes-my-july-budget--d-long#post-643979 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 07:28:53 +0000 ManidipaM 643979@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've messed up SYB --- June's budget was already spent on shoes in May, and now I'm drawing on July! Again with the mad math! And I'm blaming my shoes :-p</p> <p>Sona's Birkenstocks are not just comfy, they're apparently a lucky charm, like I was saying here: <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sonas-a-saint-she-sent-me-old-slippers" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....d-slippers</a> --- fitting, I suspect, coming from an angel!</p> <p>Because on Sunday, at the mall, they led me to these pants. I'd just been trawling M&amp;S and Debenhams, my usual haunts for formalwear that fits my style and longer rise (okay, the second store is typically way beyond budget; but I was just looking...)</p> <p>At M&amp;S, *every pair* of dress pants or smart-casual I tried was just tight enough to be straining in size 10 (my usual size) and just loose enough to bag/wrinkle around the crotch in size 12. EVERY. PAIR. Tried about 14 different pairs. Legs were great, which was sorta nice, given that in most other brands they aren't... but so close, yet so far!</p> <p>Don't even ask me about Debenhams. Or Esprit. Or a few of the other 'working women's' brands in India (Park Avenue Woman, Van Heusen Woman, Arrow Woman, Wills Lifestyle for Women...). They refused to so much as slide up my thighs in sizes up to four inches over my actual waist size. I didn't even get as far as the usual cameltoe issue. </p> <p>Then, just for the heck of it --- because 'leave no stone unturned' --- I walked into an old favourite brand I'd fallen out of love with a couple of years ago, as their designs turned too teenybopper/college freshman's first job-ish for me. They're called Westside. The store brands are typically a value-for-money range (think H&amp;M or Primark, depending which side of the Atlantic you inhabit? Not great quality, but good value for that price point, being far better than similar-priced peers). </p> <p>Most of their range remains distressingly (for me) 'youthful'. However... They had these charcoal ('anthracite', per label) dress pants, two pairs, the last of the line. Size 28 (my actual waist size) and size 30 (what I sometimes have to choose to accommodate my behind and my 'traditionally built' banana-tree thighs).</p> <p>BOTH fit! In rise length as well as hip circumference. The size 28 fit great in the waist (naturally). BUT. They were too tight in the thigh --- looked like I was wearing jeggings to the knee, and then trouser legs below that. A year ago, I would have bought them and told myself I'd lose weight and fit in... one day. The size 30 was of course gapping at the back waist, but the thigh fit was perfect. </p> <p>I usually prefer a little 'nicer' detailing around the pockets, waistband etc and a better 'hand' in the fabric --- but this is about $30, compared to the M&amp;S pairs at $60-80, so perhaps I shouldn't complain too much. Yes, it IS a compromise. Hopefully, 'style' can come from other elements, though. So I exercised my credit card... </p> <p>Now, I'm not sure about the waistband alteration --- the material is a viscose/polyester blend with elastane, which gets tricky on the traditional old-fashioned mechanical sewing machines our tailors still use. So I'm going to first try moving the buttons and adding a belt. I wasn't sure what length to alter them to either --- the lower heel of my new black Clarks (worn here) or the higher heel of my black Hush Puppies wedges and brown mary janes. And I was wearing Birks at the time! So I didn't even ask about the free hemline alteration at the store.</p> <p>But hang on... I'm getting ahead of myself! These are the first dress pants I've bought in 6-7 years! What do YOU think of the fit, folks? The shape and pattern...? The fabrication is unusually forgiving (you can really see my short waist, sway back, big butt and thighs, and apple belly in these UNforgiving pics, can't you!) and drapes well, but is it too clingy? Colour seems versatile. What say you? Any niggles? Problem areas I'm being blind to? </p> <p>Will need to buy a black belt or grey, which I don't have, if I'm to tuck (I'm not much of a tucker generally). Concerned about the absence of a belt loop in the center back, where the waistband dips on me (so belts tend to pass visibly *over* the waistband, which is a V there), which you can see in the side views but not the back, where I was fiddling with the waistband and pulled it forward. Not sure how to fix that issue. Or what kind of belt to look for. The brown pairs I have are pretty casual, jeans-worthy, and the narrow coloured ones are too dainty for the wider loops here. I've never really had a formalwear belt! Do I look for a style typical for menswear, or is a feminine version in existence? Ideas, please, if you have any?</p> <p>PS: Don't panic! Will NOT wear with this T-shirt. And I never tuck in knits. Just couldn't wait to show you... </p>