Surprisingly, I've become a big fan of Old Navy denim in the last couple years. The price can't be beat, they've got three or four different fits, and petite, regular and tall lengths in store (at least in the US). I would recommend them for a stopgap jeans solution if nothing else.

Last year was a horrible time of year for me. I really needed jeans (or so I thought) but I couldn't find any that fit the shape of my body and didn't hurt my stomach. Nothing I bought was going to look good on me because I was so depressed in general.

I don't know if I would spend a ton of time trying to buy jeans right now. Find some other alternative that is good enough (I found two pairs of cargo pants) and then I would use your energy trying to "fix" what is really wrong.

Whether it is exercising more, going to church, reading inspirational quotes, or journaling for a bit. FLYlady has amazing self help tips that helped me tremendously. It is great site for a recovering perfectionist.

After spending tons of time on my mental health, I am so much happier and my closet reflects it. I finally found the perfect jeans for me ($35 each) so I bought 3 pairs of the exact same jeans. In my case premium denim did not fix my jeans problem because it wasn't really a denim problem.

Oh god. I just wrote the longest reply highlighting everyone's name and talking about my interest in doing my own project 333. I went back a page to check that I didn't miss anyone, and "poof" my reply was gone as if I never wrote it.

Alright , again.

Marley and shiny ,- thank you both for such long and thoughtful replies. You both have hit on things that i need to think about and I so appreciate this.

to all of my YLF friends - thank you all for indulging my (what turned into but i didn't mean to) whining. Where else can you get support, help, real-time answers and valid suggestions from experienced and intelligent women of all ages? This is so wonderful. Thank you.

I am going to launch into my own version of project 333. I'm not interested in including jewellery and scarves and shoes in this - that doesn't matter to me nor really make sense at this point because I'm not rolling in tons of useless footwear. But I think I can quite easily dress in 33 or 37 or whatever number of pieces it will be . I don't wear that much of what I own anyways! Simplification, downsizing, and being organized is my goal and is also interesting to me, which makes me think I can really nail it. I am not organized and tend to live in a clean and tidy mess. I have read that simplifying your closet can be the start to simplifying your life. I'm signed up

Wait late to the game here. I totally missed the October blog post on essentials, to boot. These were my essentials from 2012 - a review is definitely due:

1. Puffer coats: I'm not sure if this one hasn't become a basic for me at this point

2. Rayon trousers: Gone, gone, and gone. Replaced by crops, but see next item...
3. Skinny jeans/jeggings: Totally taken over everything
4. Long sleeve tissue tees, crew and turtle neck: Not so much, but not tossed. Have acquired some drapey tees that I'm liking a little better. Am doing a lot of Uniqlo heattech and airism under-layer thingies - layered that is under sweaters or silky blouse.
5. Collarless blouses / knit tops with long sleeves: The collarless still holds
6. Cap sleeve tops: Wow - tossed and burned. Lol. Trying to exorcise Baby Jane.
7. Patent court shoes and flats: Replaced by plain block-heeled pumps, oxford heels, and d'Orsay flats
8. Walking shoes: Current editions - Saucony black/white sneaks, slip-on sneaks, navy and dusty brown walking-walking shoes
9. Brown knee boots: Knee boots are getting a rest. Short boots rule the roost now. OTK boots coming on line.
10. Wedge heels: Still a yes - barely there wedges, that is

11. New Balance trainers: Yes, but need a new pair
12. Timex Easy Reader wrist watch: Yes, this is a quintessential
13. Cross-body purse: Yes, but semi-replaced with a flat-lying "fanny pack"
14. Knit cap that covers my ears: Yes
15. Straw cloche: Yes
16. Big wool scarf: Yes, but "wool" can be eliminated

New would be dresses. I'm relying a lot on sheath dresses.

Lisa, where did you get these Vince pants? Return them! Seriously, if cannot survive a single wearing they are defective and the store should take them back.

cinnamon fern - I only wish. I bought them on sale (I can't quite figure out what season they were from on the Vince website) at a local boutique. You know the type - never offers refunds, only store credits, and marked down pieces are absolutely final sale. If they weren't the only game in town for the lines I like, I'd not shop there. It's such a nebulous "flaw" to have to explain to anyone, and I can just see the look of doubt on the owner's face now. I'm going to write to Vince HQ when i have a moment and see if I can get anywhere there. They are the most expensive pair of pants I've ever bought, and I am just ill over it.

if I had a simple, unpatterned cashmere sweater, I'd wear it over a patterned T that peeks out at the neck and hip line. I'd add interest in the pants and shoes, by choosing something with a pattern or deliberate fading, or shoes or booties featuring buckles or something. I love the sound of the lilac color!

I think your modified P333 is a great goal. Wishing you success!

annabelle - wow, thanks for the simple, yet bang-on suggestion! a layering t would be just the level of "cool " I want, and same with an interesting pant. Most definitely adding these two things to a new list I'm starting for future buys. Thank you!!

This discussion is PERFECT for me. I am experiencing the exact same thing as Lisa so all this advice has been wonderful.
Lisa--I can so relate to the jeans issue... I haven't gained weight but after age 50, the weight definitely 'moved' around. I hate that. It makes jeans buying such a time-consuming chore. I also have "narrow" legs, which now are not in proportion to my stomach/hips so if I get jeans to fit in the stomach/hips--my legs seems to drown in them--especially at the knees. And then of course the mysterious stretch factor. The sales girls (who are always a size 0) always tell me in the fitting room to walk out with them pretty tight so they fit correctly when they stretch. Most of the time when I have done this, they still feel tight and stretch out in the wrong places. I have tried all brands--from the very expensive to cheaper. Gonna try the Old Navy brand--that's one place I have not been.

Hey Lisa - I'm sorry I haven't added to this thread yet. I really don't think I can add anything of value since I wear mostly denim in my casual lifestyle. I can say, however, since I do have so so many pairs, that there is a pair out there that will fit and flatter you. Just keep trying. There have been some fab suggestions out there already. My essentials are jeans & sweaters. Pretty boring. Off to check out your thread about your day off yesterday. Hope it went well!!

Ps are we going to see a WIW from your party???