evolution of the jean

Before setting foot in Paris, I provincially believed that Parisians were so high fashion that wearing jeans and cross trainers would be unacceptable. As a college student disguised as a vagabond, traveling disheveled was inevitable since I had aptly packed only the most convenient articles of clothing--dirty jean, wrinkly sweaters and the lot. But while in Paris, I realized that unlike my previous notions of Parisian fashion-culture, everyone had their own personal style and wore whatever they wore with confidence. Denim was paired with simple sweaters, tunics, tank tops, boots, heels, clogs, etc. Ok, but to set the record straight, no cross trainers.

Much has changed since the good ole early 90s (I will be throwing around "Mall" terms now, brace yourselves), when denim was strictly tween, Contempo Casual teen, or Casual Corner mommy. Today, especially in LA, denim is acceptable and in fact, denim has been serving a multitude of purposes for the last decade. When "Seven"s became the closet staple, denim companies started taking over the world. First it was that extra-special crease, then it was the weird washes, the tempered denim, then the salvaged frenzy. Throughout the ups and downs (downs: those hideous J-LO-esque sand-blasted jeans), I always saw this denim trend as very nouveau riche, investing in empty stocks of low grade material, buying into the fleeting hype. If I'm going to spend hundreds of dollars on jeans, I am buying a bomb ass classic pair, like a pair of high-waisted indigo Wranglers. Speaking of which...

I have been on a hunt for the perfect pair of wide legged, high-waisted trousers. I thought San Francisco would be the perfect place to find a pair--and though I found two thrift-store gems--I need something that's vintage chic, but updated for 21st century needs (like being able to bend down in them to pick up stuff from the ground, or being able to drop it like it's hot). Here are a few pairs I've started a sweet little fund for---all in the classic styles-- by classic designers---for the classic girl.


Karen Walker "Amelia" denims


Rebecca Taylor


Karen Walker (these are similar to the ones I have, except 100 x's more expensive)

I've also been very serious about jumpers/one-piece-trousers:


Fremont Jenny Jumpsuit


Obviously from the same website as the four above...


this I have and purchased from MILK by SRETSIS (a brand I've started to really love...)


I'm glad that too-close-to-crotch-for-comfort low-rises are being replaced by camel-toe friendly high-waisted pants. The woes of being a woman...