Has anyone bought men's jeans lately? I tried buying Ryan some for his birthday. I had bought him something at the Apple store and decided to just try to be as quick as possible (because of the accompanying trio), and so I went in to the next store - Abercrombie and Fitch. First of all, can you still shop at A&F when you're in your 30s? I'm not sure. I would have hesitated for that reason, but I was in a hurry. So I explained to the salesman what I was looking for, he made some suggestions. Of course the first pair I looked at looked like they'd been worn by a fat sweaty man for 15 years and I knew Ryan would wonder why I had stolen someone else's nasty old pants. The next pair was ok, but it was $79. I knew exactly what Ryan would say: "79 dollars?" So I left and thought I'd try the next place.
Which happened to be Diesel. Ok, bad idea already since I know Diesel is expensive, but I love their stuff. So this time the super chic salesman helps me and I explain that my husband hasn't bought jeans in years, so his are all from the super baggy era and I'd like to modernize him a
little. I'm not going for the kind that are so tight that they won't go over your butt so you wear them below, possibly with a chain attached hoping to grip at something in the chance that they start to fall down. Which they probably won't because you probably had to grease up to get them on in the first place. Not that trend (pictured, in case you don't know what I'm talking about). But I'm thinking I should go for a more fitted jean. Because let me tell you - men down here can dress. Granted, half of them are gay, but whatever, they always look good.So he goes through his explanations and I find a pair I really like. He has to go over to someone else he was helping for a minute and I look at the price tag. Gulp. $209? Oh man, I can't spend that much on jeans. So I sort of motion to him that I'll be back. (Stupid, I know, since I know I am definitely not coming back.) He sort of gives me a what? And I sort of mouth that I have to go change a diaper or something. Seriously, stupid. Why am I finding excuses? Acting like I'm the one who should be embarrassed that his jeans are $209? When I know he's probably going to see me walk across the hall to the next store anyway?
Which happens to be Seven for All Mankind. Yeah, if you know your designer jeans, you're wondering why I'm even bothering to go in there. But I'd never been to one before. What's the big deal with their jeans? I had to check it out. This time at least I'm smart enough to ask what their price range is. $150 to $350, but I've already spotted a pair that look really cool. They're $200, but I'm almost debating it since I know Ryan will return whatever I get anyway, that way at least he can try on designer jeans. But I know he'll flip out, so I pass.
I finally decide I'm just getting something in the next store no matter what. I see a J Crew. I buy a pair that are called Vintage Slim. They were $100, but I don't care any more since my kids are starting to get cranky. Fast forward to his birthday when Ryan tries them on. They're ok. We decide he needs to try them with some shoes. HOLY COW. Guys with big feet apparently do not wear slimmer jeans. It just leaves so much foot. Waaay too much exposed shoe. I am not exaggerating when I say it looked like he had flippers on. He seriously looked like he was just trying to be a trendy snorkeler or something. We laughed so dang hard.
So is that it? Tall guys with really just proportional feel (he wears like an 11 or 12 and is 6'3", which I'm sure is pretty normal) just can't wear more fitted pants? Really, help. If we have to get jeans anyway, I'd like to try to go with fashion, but oh man, not duck feet fashion.
In other fashion news, can I just say I'm really hoping this little runway trend doesn't catch on?
17 comments:
I have NO idea when it comes to this. Lane has a problem of his own, in that his football butt from HS never receded. So anything that actually fits that is a plus! :) I know that Lucky's are awesome, and I've heard raves about Big Stars (I think they are at Buckle). Good luck!
Jeff has a pair from BR (which we got for a bargain in February) and a pair from JCrew (which we got at the outlet). I think they both work, but we weren't going for uber hip. He is 6'3", but his feet are only 10.5. Never noticed his feet, but his jeans aren't slim. Can't imagine anyone would notice. Opposite problem for Jeff from Julie M.'s Lane...Jeff is buttless. It would be funny to see him in skinnies.
BWAAA-ha ha ha! Love the short shorts. How can he even have a serious face in that pose?
Have you tried the old Gap and Banana? That's where James usually gets his and he always gets comments on how well he dresses. But that's mostly for business dress, I guess. But the gap jeans seem to usually stay more classic with just a hint of trendiness.
Too funny! You know fashion is not up my alley.
Julie
That last picture is awful! ha ha. Let's all hope that doesn't catch on!
I have no fashion sense, but oh, Jen, I LOVE reading your blog!
Jen, you have me laughing so hard! I actually wanted to buy jeans for Bryant, as it has been 5 years since he bought his last pair. No luck. It sounds like I will need to start saving my pennies to get anything decent. Then again, if he wears them for another 5 years, maybe I ought to just buck up and buy the expensive ones, justifying that we won't have to spend any more money on jeans for an awfully long time!
Hey I really like Boot cut from the gap. They also have a loose boot fit and those are also really nice. The 1969 series are what I am wearing right now. Levis also has some good cuts. I only buy them on sale though and dont like to spend more than 25 and can often find them for under 20. I have a store here in China that has all the jeans I just mentioned. We could pick up a pair here and have them to you no later than this summer. I love shopping for other people so it would be no problem.
Ya...I have to say that the slim jean thing only works on a small population of the men out there...and most of them are more like boys. IT really is less attractive on the older crew. Gav still does the wider leg...not too obnoxious...just ordinary sized...definitely not tapered.
Funny shopping experience! I cannot believe you even made it that far with the kiddos!
I'm all for Gap and Banana Republic--my hubby's the same build and shoe size as your hubby is.
As long as you can't see the guys "package" They are good jeans to me!!! I had a hard time getting Zach jeansat Christmas because they all looked dirty...
Jen you know I am a thrifter. With all the fashion going on Miami, there have to be some incredible thrift stores. Scott and I have found some great finds in Portland, Seattle, and Boston. Try it. You won't even spend close to $100.00 for a pair of jeans. Even here of course in lowly Provo.
hey take Andrew up on his offer. He and Kimi are fashion royalty.
You seriously crack me up Jen-you're posts have definitely been a ray of sunshine for me the past week or so. I was telling Adam about the new trend with jeans, then tonight on American Idol Kayne West was totally wearing it! When I pointed it out to Adam his comment was, "What, so only people with a serious butt can be trendy now???"
Good luck finding a good pair of jeans for Ryan!!!
Ok so American eagle is no brand name but Jed loves the jeans he buys there. The skinny jean thing I think is silly but then I think Im just getting old. I have caught myself saying "Kids today..." what am I 90!
I'm impressed you went to that many stores with your three kids - good for you. I saw Seven For All Mankind jeans at Costco the other day. Really. I think they were $100 - so still pricey, but less than in the store.
I have the exact same problem. I have some baggier jeans from a while ago and when the tight jean came into style, I refused to give in. I decided to go try some on. I have a good sized upper leg but my calfs are birdy. I also have a size 15 shoe. I looked probably a lot worse than Ryan did. I will never buy skinny jeans. THe jeans I do like and that fit me well are all over $100 and that wont happen for 7 years. Until then, I will wear shorts in this warm state.
oh yeah! If I wear tighter fitted pants, I have to wear a skinny shoe like a puma or converse. My feet are not that comfortable but I wont look like a duck
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