Thanks all. I have to admit to feeling squirrelly about my body and about fashion this weekend so I think I really was looking for jeans that would FEEL good - not constricting. Angie's CE cropped straights came closest to what was in my head. I ended up buying at consignment - for $8 - a pair of Lucky cropped wide legs, or maybe short BFs. Anyway, the effect, in terms of feel, is what I was after. They will tide me over for now.
The AG Nikki's worked for me like crazy for a while but ultimately had a terrible rear view for me and one that was quite out of sync with the close-ish thighs. I didn't like the look, but maybe they stretched out oddly from so much wear.
What I was hoping for was a pair I would love and wear as much as the Nikki's.
Doesn't surprise me that I was inarticulate - I was not in a great place. But thanks for all of your ideas.
