Jeans are one of the most difficult items for me to fit. I have not bought new jeans in years, since initially arriving at YLF, learning what worked best, and stocking up on Citizens of Humanity jeans (bootcut, straight, trouser cut) and Urban Outfitters (BDG skinnies).

On a whim yesterday, after getting my hair cut, I walked into National Jeans Company. I was thinking maybe they might have boyfriend jeans I could try on (the Gap ones I ordered were not for me and have gone back). But then a pair of beautiful navy+gold brocade jeans caught my eye. Next thing I know, the sales person is pulling all sorts of jeans for me to try on.

The brocade jeans did not quite work out -- they were cute and had potential but were not perfect. So I pull on the next jeans in the pile... and I think I may have just found my personal Holy Grail of Jeans!

They are the AG Alexa Midrise slim bootcut:
http://www.frenchcuffco.com/st.....p13488.htm

I went on to try about 15 other pairs, brands/styles... and nothing could compare to the fit and flattery of these jeans. I hope YLF approves of the photos (not styled) and gives them the thumbs' up!

What I like about these:

1) They have a 9 inch rise, which is my ideal rise. They hit me right below the belly button in my personal sweet spot that magically erases any and all muffin top. Even my COH Elson's and Amber's come up a bit short on the rise at 8-1/2 inches, and I find myself needing a stretch cami and often feeling annoyed and wanting to pull my waistband up a smidge because I've got momma belly pouring out over the top. (sorry for the unattractive mental image, but it is what it is).

2) The denim is very similar to that of my COH Huttons (those also have the magic 9 inch rise). It is not too thick, slightly stretchy but won't bag out too much, and feels very comfortable on my skin, comfortable like pajamas. Comfortable as in "OMG, I could actually wear these jeans on a long airplane ride and be happy."

3) Slim bootcut is classic. In fact these fit a lot like the COH Huttons, which are my favorite jeans comfort and flattery wise, but my only complaint is that the Huttons have a fairly wide flare, so to my eye they fill the need for smart denim you can wear as substitute for dress pants to the office. I had even contemplated having the Huttons tapered in, to make them into bootcuts. Now I don't have to!

4) Dark wash, with dark thread. I do not like the yellow thread on jeans. That's just my personal preference.

5) Perfect pocket size and placement. I am very happy with the rear view.

6) I prefer them to the Paige straight legs I ordered for NAS; they are now going back. The Paige's have the 8-1/2 inch rise. They are also too stretchy for my tastes. And the denim is a lot heavier and just not as nice as the AG's.

Honestly, if I could have designed my ideal jeans, it would be these AG jeans.

If these meet with approval, I am going to duplicate, one pair for flats and another for heels, and then retire my Ambers and Elsons. They are nice jeans too, but the 8-1/2 rise has always bugged me, and the rear view is not as nice as these. I tried on the newer versions of those two jeans yesterday and the sales person and I agreed -- the pockets are just a tad too big.

Finally (and yes I've written a novel: ode to Holy Grail of Jeans), this experience yesterday made me realize that BF jeans really just aren't for me. I do admire the look on others, but it's not my style. Dark wash, polished, dressy denim is more my style. I won't rule out BF jeans entirely -- I'm just not going to deliberately hunt for them. If a pair finds me, we'll give them a whirl, but I just not a big priority and I'd see them as more of a "fun trend" wardrobe item rather than an essential. I'd be more apt to invest in perfect brocade jeans rather than BF jeans. Those look like a fun trend that is up my alley.