Ladies...please help me out here!!

[EverLosing]

I know, I know this is a silly problem!! My girls at work sat me down today and said they had to break the sad news to me. They said I have graduated from the size 14 jeans and need to get some new ones. Size 12's?? I've gone from size 18, 16, 14, and now I need something that's not baggy.

Here's my problem....I have shopped at Lane Bryant for the past decade or so and I have no idea what to get now. I LOVE their jeans. I love the style, the look, the feel against my skin. WHAT do I do now? I'm 70 miles away in 3 different directions from a mall or actual shopping center. I've been hunting for jeans on ebay, old navy, american eagle outfitters. I don't know who has decent jeans, whose run big, whose run small. I probably only need 3 pairs. I'm willing to do laundry.

I went to the consignment shop today and the selection was horrendous. Lots of jeans that are several generations ago!! I'm not ironing my jeans every day either. There were lots of old lady jeans there.

When I leave the Lane Bryant size 14's, can I just go to a regular size 12? I have no idea!!! I don't remember what year of elementary school I was in when I last wore 12's. I hate to buy them without trying them on but I think I need to!! Can you trust going by waist, inseam, and hip measurements or has that method failed you? Give me some guidance, PLEASE!!

[mitzimarie]

Re: Ladies...please help me out here!!

Well... you're probably not going to like what I have to say. And that is, I think you need to try the jeans on. I work in a boutique owned by niece, so I know first-hand how crazy sizes run. In some jeans, the 4's are too big for me... in some, I can hardly fit into a 6. In junior size jeans, they can run just as crazy. Even within the same brand, the sizes can run inconsistently.

I have found that a good pair of jeans are hard to find. So, it looks like you'll just need to bite the bullet and do some driving... take a day to go to a shopping center and start trying them on.

Good luck!

[EverLosing]

Re: Ladies...please help me out here!!

Unfortunately, I think you're right and I don't like it!! I'm tied up with plans this weekend that leave me here helping my mother plant a flower garden. yayyyy! I'm looking at Kohl's online. I like some of their styles. Maybe I should investigate their senior discount and take Mom with me, huh? I just don't have a day where I can squeeze in 3 hours of driving plus the shopping time. Dang it!!

[FLdoodette]

Re: Ladies...please help me out here!!

Hey, congrats on the size 12s ... that's fantastic!

I keep my size 16s around just for yucks, on those "fat days" when I feel bloated ... I put 'em on and it's a great feeling to have the ol' clown pants that used to be skin tight now hang off of me ... so REJOICE! New, smaller jeans are a joy! The day I waltzed into the local Kmart (the only emporium in town) and was able to zip up size 10s (ok ... stretch denim, but still a size 10!), I was a happy, happy girl ... so don't worry ... be HAPPY! (But I hear you about liking a certain fit; I'm pear shaped with short legs, so I have to roll up the cuffs, but I don't care; it's been years since I've worn a size 10)

[EverLosing]

Re: Ladies...please help me out here!!

Anyone who has ever had to fill in the blanks for start weight, current weight and goal weight could certainly appreciate and LOVE stretch denim!! I love it! So forgiving!

[Kathi22]

Re: Ladies...please help me out here!!

When I lost a few years ago I went from Lane Bryant and The Avenue to Old Navy bootcut stretch in size 14 because they run a little small - but - I went online when they had a return shipping for free deal and ordered 2 sizes. The 14's fit better, so I returned the 12's and then ordered 2 or more 14's. I kept all of them waiting for me to slide into again. Maybe call Old Navy and explain your situation. Tell them you never wore their jeans and you are too far to drive and maybe could they give you free shipping so you can try them out and return what doesn' work. You would be surprised what customer service is willing to do for the sale! By the way GREAT JOB!!

[planetclaire]

Re: Ladies...please help me out here!!

This is an awesome problem to have!

I love Gap jeans. I think you need to spend some time and try stuff on though. Every body is different!

[SunnySmile501]

Re: Ladies...please help me out here!!

Are you planning on stopping at size 12? If not, you might want to look at a few more gently used shops. I got most of my in between stuff at Goodwill and Salvation Army.

You are going to pay big money for new jeans, which you might ungrow out of soon. I only bought one pair of new size 14 jeans, and a month later, they were falling off--literally. I was standing on a stage practicing for my solo. I was tapping my foot to get the beat, and down they went--far enough to show my underwear. Did I mention it was at church and the pastor and two deacons were up in the sound booth and I was in a spotlight? EMMMMMMbarrassing!

[msanjelpie]

Re: Ladies...please help me out here!!

I like landsend.com . They allow you to create a copy of your body by inputting your measurments and then show you what the clothes will look like on your body. It's pretty accurate! And fun!

[transypodge]

Re: Ladies...please help me out here!!

I agree with Sunny's suggestion of hitting up the thrift/consignment shops. As a recent college graduate, I've spent years finding treasures at these places. You can even find great pieces at Goodwill. No one will ever know you didn't buy them at the actual retailer, and you'll have change in your pocket to buy some great jewelry, etc to boot!!

[EverLosing]

Re: Ladies...please help me out here!!

Kathi--I really do like Old Navy jeans. I've never owned any but am looking forward to experiencing them! If there's one thing I do know about Old Navy, it's that their clothes do run small!!

SunnySmile--I don't plan on stopping at size 12 but I'm only looking for about 3 pair. Only had 3 pair in size 14 and that's ok for a temporary situation!! I'm going to have to ask around and find out about some more consignment shops. I was so disapointed yesterday. It's such a big building and there were just a handful of size 12 icky clothes!! Your embarrassing story about your pants falling down scares me!! I need new undies too!! They're saggy, droopy, falling down undies now! Don't have a clue what size to buy either!! The cups of my bras now seem half full!! It's ridiculous! I worry more about what is seen though than what is underneath, at this point.

Transpodge--I'm not worried about anyone thinking I didn't buy them from a retailer. In fact, I'd rather buy them there than at WalMart. I guess I'll have to check them out too. That's the staple store around here, darn it!! I'm not a big spender at all. I'm looking to spend under $20 per pair. Maybe I need to see if there's a consignment shop in the college town 20 miles away. I've always joked about pawn shops and consignment shops. The only thing college students and crack heads have in common is....they'll get rid of perfectly good and useful things for a buck!! I don't know if the joke translates well written and read but you know what I mean!!

As good as it would make me feel, I can't get away this weekend to downsize my jeans. We just had horrendous storms here. Lightning, thunder, torrential downpour of rain. That means the kennel outside is a mud pit and I can't leave the doggies in their crates in the house for as many hours as I'd have to, to go shopping. I might pick up a quick pair somewhere around here. I should. It makes you feel good to step down a size as you step into them!!

[Zarabelle]

Re: Ladies...please help me out here!!

I am wearing Gap jeans and Ralph Lauren jeans at the moment and love both. My favourite style is boot cut as I think they are most flattering. I am apple shape so have slim legs but a big tum and bootcut seem to even everything out.

I agree that you need to go and try some on. You may find that a really different cut suits you now you skinny minny!

Zx

[keriann_forgoodthistime]

Re: Ladies...please help me out here!!

Unfortunately, I think you're right and I don't like it!! I'm tied up with plans this weekend that leave me here helping my mother plant a flower garden. yayyyy! I'm looking at Kohl's online. I like some of their styles. Maybe I should investigate their senior discount and take Mom with me, huh? I just don't have a day where I can squeeze in 3 hours of driving plus the shopping time. Dang it!!

first off,

a round of applause for you!!!!! yay for size 12's!!!!!!!!!!!

Now - go to Kohls - that's my FAVORITE place to shop - but absolutely try them on. I HATE how inconsistent sizing is...in the same exact style, brand and color I can wear 1 pair of size 13's (i buy in juniors) and have room in them yet another size 13 same brand, style, color they're too tight! I hate clothing sizing...lol

But I do love Kohls. and CONGRATS GIRLY!!!!

[misplaced southerner]

Re: Ladies...please help me out here!!

jeans are like a purse. they have to fit perfectly. i have to try them on. i went from a size women's 18 to a juniors 5 or 7. i can wear a women's 6. but if they are stretch at ALL they are too big. also, i need to get low rise because i am so short waisted. anything that sits at the waist comes up to my bra line! so.....in short, i say take the time and try on. find a brand and style you like and then you can order it...til you lose more weight!

[chinadoll]

Re: Ladies...please help me out here!!

Since your jeans are pretty new and you love them, why not try a dressmaker or alterations person near you and have them taken in. The cost of new jeans is so high that it will probably cost less to take in the old ones. Surely there is someone who is good with a sewing machine near you and wouldn't mind the work. I used to try really hard to find things that fit well. Now I try to find things that fit close and are on the big side and have the nips and tucks taken. Yes the alterations do cost a little but in the end I have clothes that I like to wear because they really do look good on me. Really nice new jeans are not cheap so this might be a good alternative. Good look. Jeans are always my hardest thing to shop for. I am a pear with long legs and a butt two sizes larger than my waist--and probably will always be that way.