It seems the culottes are unpopular. Thank you SO much for speaking honestly!! I see what you see in the photos. However, it's not exactly or not completely what I was seeing in the mirror and Angie especially encouraged me to try these -- so I'm going to play around with styling and take more photos this afternoon.

I do suspect that one reason hers in today's post are more flattering is the even wash. The fading emphasizes the thickness of my thighs. Like Janet, I am a bit sensitive on that point. I don't have hips to speak of, but I do have thighs -- mine is a bit like a gymnast's build, actually -- though I'm taller and not as strong as a gymnast! And while that sounds fine in theory it can actually be trickier to get proportions right than it is for a woman with wide hips to match the thighs! For instance, curvy fits are a complete no-go on me. Yet my thighs could use that extra fabric.

I say this earnestly ... IMO, you don't need to worry about your thighs, Suz. Personally, I think the culottes look great and are a fun wash. I don't find them unflattering on you and don't feel like they create any problem areas, of course, I am a culotte fan. No, they are not totally streamlined but that isn't the only key to flattery. Most important though, is how you feel in them. I believe you could work them into some cute outfits. I also think the length is definitely good for booties.

I’m back. Sorry for the delay, Suz.

Hacking a few inches off the hems of the denim culottes WILL make them more streamlined, and less maximal. The released hem has an unexpectedly overwhelming effect. Try pinning them that way, just to be sure. I do like them the way they are too - with an untucked top like this, or a fitted tucked top. They could be a fun wild card, and quite affordable to get your foot in the door. The distressing is good for your casual lifestyle, and a great way to wear dressier tops and shoes. Play around a bit with them at home. Wear them for a few ours and assess whether you like what you see when you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror. Try lighter booties too. And if all that still makes you unsure - send them back.

Personally, I think the denim culottes would be more popular on this thread if you styled them YOUR way. People are reacting to the bad light in the pics, the slight distortion of the camera angle, and the semi tuck that does not work here. Also - again, try pinning the length too.

The Halogen crops look great from what I can see, and the purple fleece top is perfect for your work at home or lounging needs.

Can I also applaud Jen, and I echo every word that she wrote. FWIW, I never see proportionally larger thighs when I look at your outfits.

(The Teddies run big, and I sized down in them. Just in case you want them too).

I sized down in the teddies too, FYI. (Did not purchase but tried on.)

I did not, but I did take the smaller of my two sizes. Reviews of the Teddies tend to rate them as TTS or just slightly larger than.

I also own the Teddies, in blush, and I sort-of sized down: I wear 0 or 2 in pants, and I got these in 0. They are even a little loose on me, especially at the waist (what's new, sigh...) but I refuse to even consider 00. I am hoping to get them in teal too for the fall.

Thx Angie!