I need jeans help!

[jse107]

Okay, I'm trying to look more put together and continue to scour these boards for advice. I created a Pinterest account and have realized that every outfit I love has a base in jeans. Problem? I don't really own a pair of jeans I love and feel good in. I think I need a pair of skinny/slim-straight fit, but I can't find something I like. I'm short (5'1'') and about 143lbs. So I need something that will control muffin-top. I'm not going for a Britney Spears look.

Thoughts? I really can't afford to spend $200 on a pair of jeans, but I would like to look better than I do now. Help me out!

(Boots is the next issue, but that's another post.)

[arivecchi]

I would look at 7 for mankind. Amazon has quite a few styles on sale (and free returns if you buy from Amazon.com):

http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=sr_nr_n_0?rh=n%3A1036592%2Cp_4%3A7+For+All+Man kind%2Cp_36%3A1253490011%2Cn%3A%211036682%2Cn%3A10 40660&bbn=1036682&ie=UTF8&qid=1315924597&rnid=1036682

They are very well made, flattering and comfy (if you find the right size). I would not get skinny ones unless you want the painted on look. I would actually recommend a bootcut - I think it's the most flattering style for most body types. You will probably have to get them hemmed because they are fairly long. Make sure you have the tailor reattach the original hem or the jeans will not look as good.

These styles are high waisted:

http://www.amazon.com/All-Mankind-Womens-Highwaist-Bootcut/dp/B003WT1W80/ref=sr_1_8?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1315924616&sr=1-8

http://www.amazon.com/All-Mankind-Womens-Highwaist-Straight/dp/B004IYJNCK/ref=sr_1_17?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1315924616&sr=1-17

Size chart:

http://www.7forallmankind.com/size_chart.htm

I tend to size up with 7s, so even though I am a 4-6 in most brands, I get 28s and 29s. I wore 26s and 27s when I was a size 2.

HTH.

[bubbaray]

I would look at Old Navy. Try their Sweetheart fit (http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=70345&vid=1&pid=781348&scid=781348032). It is a mid-rise (not low) and they have a skinny leg jean in different lengths. Very reasonably priced. ETA: the Sweetheart d/n sit naturally on *my* waist, I would call them mid-rise despite what the description says. The Diva is also a mid-rise cut from them. Gap Perfect Fit bootcut are also nice.

[jse107]

I would aim for bootcut, but will I be able to wear boots over them? Shoudl I not worry about that and just get flats or wear jeans over boots/wedges/footwear?

[arivecchi]

I can tuck in my 7 bootcuts inside my rain boots and riding boots (because they are wide on top). A straight style is easier to tuck in but does not go with as many kinds of shoes IMO. I have worn bootcut jeans with ballerina-type flats and flat sandals (I cuff the ends), high heeled sandals and high heeled boots (uncuffed) and flat boots (either tucked inside or cuffed over the boot).

I also love the ava straight leg jeans from citizens of humanity that elektra recommended, but they are more spendy. Those are great if you manage to find them on sale.

[jennilynn]

Try Ann Taylor Loft. I got a pair of dark wash skinnies from there and they are the first pair of jeans I've had that I love (never had designer jeans, tho.) Try a petite in about a size smaller then you normally wear. They have the perfect rise for me and they're reasonably priced. Like these: http://www.loft.com/loft/product/LOFT-Apparel/LOFT-Denim/Curvy-Skinny-Jeans-in-Dark-Wash/265313?colorExplode=false&skuId=90274589&catid=cat500014&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=1264

[goldenpig]

I would go to Gap, they have a lot of different styles and it's cheaper than premium denim but almost as nice. They have a lot of petite styles. I would go with high-waisted ones...I had good luck with Long & Lean & Always Skinny. It's really important to try them on to see what size and style works best for you.
I also got Paige Hidden Hills on sale at Amazon, which is another high waisted style. The 7's that Arivecchi posted are nice too. You will probably need to order multiple sizes though.
Citizens of Humanity Dita is a petite style similar to the Ava that Arivecchi suggested, but I don't think they're on sale.

I posted about my jeans search here:
http://windsorpeak.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=3261773&postcount=4

Whatever you get, just make sure you size down! They should be super snug when you try them on. If you're comfortable when you put the jeans on, they will stretch out as you wear them and you'll get a baggy butt. As long as you go with high waisted styles, that will keep the muffin top under control.