Hi Amy,
I'm going to try and answer your question using pearls of YLF wisdom gleaned over time. If Angie and the girls have seen pictures of you, they may be able to offer more specific advice.
Yes, skinny and straight-leg jeans are different, with straight legs having a slightly wider opening at the bottom. For curvy people, Angie often recommends a good pair of straight-legs over the conventional skinnies (I'm a fellow curvy hourglass, and that's the route I've gone). If you get them fitting right, a good pair of straight-legs can serve the same wardrobe function as skinnies (look good under voluminous tops, provide a streamlined, slimming bottom, etc). If the dimentions are right, they could maybe even work tucked into slouchy boots, though I think that's somewhat harder to swing.
Boot cuts are obviously flattering and pretty much flop-proof, but I'd suggest giving either skinnies or straight-legs a try to see what you think. You just never know what you can pull off. And you can be assured of constructive, tactful feedback from the ladies here if you're struggling with your decision.
