Firecracker's Blog

Today I got put on my new Everlane Barrel Utility jeans, which had finished line-drying from their initial wash, and I went out shopping.  Inspired by Angie's post and the discussion on Keeping Items that Don't Fit I thought I would look for some new jeans to replace other ill-fitting ones.

The ones I had in mind this time were black. I have dark black and faded black jeans that no longer fit well--3 pairs in all: Banana Republic Ranger Straight (faded black), Levis Wedgie Straight, and Madewell Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg (both dark black).

I looked at Madewell first, because they have a deal right now for $30 off a new pair of jeans if you bring in an old pair (any brand) to recycle. Usually they offer this deal at $20 off. So I carried along an old pair. I considered their Darted Barrel-Leg style in washed black. I wasn't sold on them. I liked the mid-rise fit (once I sized down enough--3 down from my Perfect Vintage Wide-Legs, which I think are about one size too large for me now). But I was unsure about the slight bow-legged effect of the style on me. (No pics.)

Next stop: the Levis store. I had in mind just getting a size down in the Wedgie Straights. I tried on the dark black wash like my old ones, and a gray wash that would be more like my BR Rangers. I tried both the Wedgie style and 501. Oddly enough, the Wedgies a size down felt too small and didn't give the look I was after. The 501s, on the other hand, were just right, and they come in longer lengths, so I could get them full length. Score!

Next stop: back to Everlane to see what they had in black. I tried the Mid-Way Jean, which I tried in dark blue the other day but had passed over for the barrel jeans. I tried a size up, but decided the same size as the barrel jeans was the right choice. I also tried the Way-High version (too high for me) and the Cheeky (a better fit), but the wider leg on the Mid-Way won me over. Another score!

Photos from the day. Apologies for the poor quality, but I think even with the bad lighting and focus, the difference in fit may be discernible. 

1-2: WIW shopping. New Everlane Barrel Utility jeans, with olive cashmere pullover (Madewell); olive suede booties (LaCanadienne); olive rain jacket (Lauren Ralph Lauren); olive cross-body bag (AllSaints).

3-4: old Levis Wedgie jeans.

5-6: new Levis 501s.

7-8: old Madewell wide-legs.

9-10: new Everlane wide-legs.

I'm feeling good to have these well-fitting basics in my jeans wardrobe!
Jeans are such a staple for my style. I will probably hang on to the
old Levis Wedgie jeans for a while longer, in a holding area in my
closet, where they don't interfere with my current wardrobe. It has been
about a year since my size changed from a nutrition and workout
overhaul. The other 2 pairs have enough fit issues it's not worth
keeping them.

I think the 2 new pairs are keepers. Just had to share my excitement, and a look at these styles in case others are considering them.

When Angie posted inspiration outfits in burgundy, black, and cream, I knew there were lots of possibilities in my wardrobe for putting the formula into action.

Here are a few I've worn in the last couple of weeks.

1-3: Cream floral mesh top (Z Supply); burgundy zip cardigan (Treasure & Bond). Worn with black jeans (Levis, Wedgie) and gray nubuck booties (Mephisto) (pic1) to ride my bike to a coffee shop. Worn with white cargo jeans (AllSaints) to sit around the house afterward. Tried this outfit with black Chelsea boots (Dune London) and burgundy nubuck booties (Mephisto).

4-5: Burgundy, cream, and pale aqua mod patterned mock turtleneck pullover (Maeve); black lantern cargo jeans (OSKA); gray nubuck booties; stone boiled wool hoodie (OSKA); stone crossbody bag with brushed silver chain strap (AllSaints). Pics in dressing room at Everlane, where I was exchanging jeans. Not sure if this pullover is burgundy; it leans quite purple. But it goes with burgundy corduroys that I have. I'm counting it in!

6-7: stone pants (OSKA); abstract rose patterned tee in stone, burgundy, and black (made by me); burgundy cardigan (Vince); navy quilted coat (Lauren Ralph Lauren); stone gray nubuck booties again; sage crossbody bag (Madewell).

8-9: black straight-leg jeans (The Ranger, Banana Republic); abstract pattern tee in burgundy, tan, charcoal, brown (made by me); burgundy zip cardigan again; cream, beige, burgundy, and green tweedy stripe oversized bomber (Sézanne); tan suede monkstrap shoes (Munro).

I could wear this combination of colors without repeating an exact outfit for at least a month. But I won't--there are so many other things I want to wear--and have, in the last couple of weeks! It's a good way to get me thinking about new ways to wear burgundy, though. Thanks, Angie!