I swore off jeans years (probably about 8) ago. My list of their faults was long, and included (but was not limited to): poor fit for my figure, too stiff material, stupidly low rise, stupidly long inseams.

Two weeks ago, while waiting for my husband to try on a shirt, I felt a pair of Citizens of Humanity jeans. OMG! I had no idea! They were soft, pliable, decadent. I asked the salesman what makes a $200 pair of jeans, and he told me about how they're hand-stitched, made in the USA, etc., etc., etc. I'd only ever bought Levi's or Gap jeans.

Then I made a mental montage of all the different shapes & sizes that I have seen rocking fabulous jeans. Hmmmm....maybe they've come a long way since the turn of the century.

So now I'm considering what suddenly feels to me a maybe-not-so-doomed endeavor: a new pair of jeans.

I'll be starting grad school in two weeks. It's a science program at a natural health-oriented university, so dress is smart casual (for me, at least, it might be pajamas for other people, IDK). Any input into what I should look for, including brand, rinse, cut?

I'm 5'2", hourglass with full thighs, a stick-out bum and a small waist. Usually if a pair of pants fits in the hips & thighs it's too big in the waist. Can anybody suggest jeans that can accommodate my hourglass? I especially like bootcut & flares.