Hunt for Non-Prem Denim is on!

Mamapicklejuice

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I have been promised a mall trip tomorrow, but it's to a smaller non-Nordstrom's mall...at this point, I just need jeans, ANY JEANS WILL DO, so I'm not sweating the non-availabilty of premium denim.

I scooped up some names of shops at this mall that might have good denim...any comments on yay or nay, styles, anything? I'm mainly looking for bootcuts ("baby flares") or trouser jeans that I can wear with cowboy boots, low heeled boots in a variety of washes...

* Abercrombie & Fitch
* Ann Taylor
* Banana Republic
* Express
* LOFT
* Lucky Brand Jeans
* Macy's

Thanks!

Edited to add: I currently have two pairs of Gap straight leg...dark and medium washes - although I don't see a lot of difference in the washes. They are bagging a bit because I put them in the dryer (gasp!) but I still wear them.

15 years ago

Shopping

8 replies

Latest reply was from Kari

April

Veteran

I used to have a couple of great pairs of jeans from Ann Taylor, but they changed the cut and now their jeans don't work for me at all. Might be worth a try, though. I would try BR as well. And Express has an excellent variety of lengths, so if you wanted to hem for a little heel, you could do it. (Ann Taylor's petite sizes are too short for that.)

15 years ago

(website)

Veteran

I really liked Express's trouser jeans years ago. Haven't been back in a store in over 5 years though so I don't know if that still holds true!
Not sure if Macy's will carry them or not, but Miss Me by MEK are awesome jeans! They run just under $100 when not on sale so I guess they are mid priced in the jean world.

15 years ago

Anonymous

Everyone's fit is different but I've been happy with (thrifted) non-premium jeans from BR, Lucky Brand, Gap and Calvin Klein. I bought these used and have worn them all heavily for a couple of years and they still look great. These are all at least 3 years old and quality may have changed in that time.
Kut from the Kloth jeans are also fantastic, but i don't know if Macy's carries them.
I like Express pants but have not trried their jeans.

15 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

LOVE Lucky Brand's Maggies. This is a low rise boot cut that accommodate some junk in the trunk. In general, Lucky's are great quality. I still have my very first pair from them, purchased in... '04? They don't "bag out" per se, but the sales person advised me to purchase a size smaller, because they will stretch to mold to your body.

Abercrombie is my favorite in terms of distressing (not sure if that is your thing). The washes and any rips, tears, etc. always look the least "mass produced." This brand does not tend to leave room for a bootie.

Miss Me I have also had good experiences with. Even when I've bought them at thrift stores, the denim still feels and looks good. Their stretch seems pretty forgiving.

Macy's carries a lot of different brands. I think they carry Lucky at most locations. I believe they still carry Guess, which I have also enjoyed. My Guess Daredevil Boot Cuts still magically fit me after four years and 15 lbs of weight gain (NO clue why), and the denim still looks great.

15 years ago

Mamapicklejuice

Veteran

Wow - you guys are a treasure trove!!! Thank you so much! I will have a husband and two little kids in tow, so it is SO helpful to have a targeted list. I am so taking notes!

I also appreciate notes on what brands/styles tend to fit what body types. I should have mentioned more about my body type in my first post, but fwiw, I am long waisted, and definitely need jeans that will accomodate a defined cabose (haha). I am almost 5'7", and so length can be a problem (regular a hair too short, long is sooo long). I don't think I have pronounced thighs or what have you, but I will say I don't like super tight fit through there.

I'm open to distressing if only to give my jeans wardrobe some variety. Excited for my trip now!

15 years ago

mary pickering

Member

I just got some Long and Leans at The Gap yesterday, based on Angie's post about them. I really like them and can't wait to wear them; they come in ankle length for us shrimpy people, regular and long. I liked them better than the Curvy or the Regular or Sexy Boots. They also have a trouser jean but I didn't try those on. Right now they're having a 30% off sale. Yesterday, there was a super secret facebook deal 45% off. Good luck!

15 years ago

courtneyf1216

Active Member

I am wearing a pair of Lucky jeans right now that I got on sale! They are boot cut.

I love the color (dark wash) and the denim is soft and comfortable. I maybe should have gone a size down like rae said so they wouldn't go baggy in the butt...but then again, I have no butt ; ) They have held up well and look great with my cowboy boots.

I had a pair of Abercrombie jeans I bought, but I got them in "short" which I shouldn't have. I loved the wash of them, but had to give them away because of the length. : (

15 years ago

Kari

Veteran

I've had great luck with Kut from the Kloth and Jag jeans.

15 years ago

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