It’s Laundry Day and time to unbutton your pants and have a snack.
I like to shop.. I know that’s a real shocker. I enjoy the hunt, the discovery and the pure joy that I get from trying things on, even if I don’t buy. I do not however, love shopping for jeans. Trying on all the many styles… on and off…on again… shit my foot got stuck in the tight ankle leg. Does my butt look good? Do I need to unbutton these when I sit down and eat? Am I too old for this style? All of these questions and concerns just really test my patience and now I’m just hungry, get me out of this dressing room. I digress. I’m not saying I have all the answers to the perfect pair of jeans for you. There are plenty of styles, brands that I haven’t tried or even know about, but here is a small sampling of what I love right now. With the denim business showing no signs of slowing down, I’m sure I’ll love even more jeans tomorrow and again the next day.
Follow my boxes, left to right, top two bottom.
Box 1 Khaite
Hands down my best investment jean. These Khaite jeans aren’t cheap, but I wear them so much —with so much— I can justify the price. The jean is soft and an easy choice for when I feel tired and uninspired headed to school drop off. They look just as good with a tee and sneakers as they do with a a heel and sexy top or blazer. The ripped holes at the knees, which I paid extra for, have held up despite the many times I swore I created a larger less desirable hole.
Box 2 B Sides
I think B Sides is an amazing brand and the women behind it are just as cool. The reconfigure vintage jeans along making their own inspired but vintage denim. This brand has tons options to pick from. I find that when shopping vintage I need to size up and when shopping their new jeans I tend to size down. The Louis is an easy straight fit jean that you don’t need to think about. It doesn’t hug my butt much and I am ok with that.
Box 3 Joes Jeans
These Joe Jeans are cool, plain and simple. Frayed hem, light and a not totally an acid wash jean. The high waist and the full leg looks great for an elongated look.
Box 4 Veronica Beard
This jean from Veronica Beard is a barrel cut, so it has a relaxed shape and slight kinked leg. The seam details around the knee give this jean a more trendy look without feeling like you won’t wear it in a year. I love a good ankle cleavage and this jean shows it off nicely. This jean in a larger size would look great belted for a slouchy paperbag look with a belt. Another post coming on what the hell “paperbag” actually means.
Box 5 Lee
It doesn’t get more heritage than Lee. This brand has been around for over a 130 years. That is insane! The price point is friendly the quality is solid and I really love this slim- fitting, slightly flared jean. The flare doesn't feel like it is trying to hard. Looks great with a flat or heel. Because of the flare, try pairing boxy or slim fitting tops (tops that also have a flare at the waist or sleeve may be too much with this flare leg.)
Box 6 Still Here
Ok, I know many are a fan of a black jean and oddly I don’t own many. Not sure why, I love the color black. I tend to stay away from a black jean until now. Still Here is a unique denim brand. I love their mix of fabrics and colors in their denim, often playing with the lines of the jean with fabric and color inserts. This jean is a relaxed fit, higher waist and is really comfortable.
Box 7 Abercrombie
Good thing Abercrombie doesn’t ask me my age when checking out. I may not be their demographic, but I am so into these jeans. The price point is great and I love how my legs and butt feel in these. They do have lots of poly in them so they can stretch out after a few wears, but nothing a quick turn in the dryer can’t fix.
Box 8 L’Agence
This California brand has great jeans. I love this dark rinse jean with the added oomph flare. They feel vintage, cool and I just want to be Farrah Fawcett in them. The fit holds up after many wears for me and the darker jean looks great with a lighter denim top. These feels like a no-brainer.
Box 9 Pistola
This is an easy grunge jean from LA based brand Pistola. The fit of this jean is snug around the hips and butt and easy at the leg. The exaggerated distressed holes give you a trendy look probably better suited for when the temp isn’t below 40. I love pairing this with an oversized sweater or top and boots or sneakers.
Lastly, if you hate all these suggestions and only want to stick to the jeans you already love in your closet but they are a mess, try sending them out for repairs. Denim Therapy and Denim Repair are great resources. You can instigate repairing larger holes with a contrasting fabric. If you are in the NYC area, Williamsburg Garment does a great job of tailoring your jeans to exactly what you want, waist, length, etc. Denim Revival is another great spot in LA for repairs and alterations.
That’s all for now. As always send me all your Dirty Laundry to sarahsdirtylaundry@gmail.com
x Sarah
I love all of these! Could you persuade your tall friend to weigh in too? I’m 6’2” and don’t have trouble finding full length jeans but cropped is tricky especially cropped and flared because the flare starts too high etc. Distressed jeans meant to show wear at the knees look weird at thigh level etc. 🤓