Chimala wide tapered cut selvedge jeans | size 28
Melissa plastic sandals | true to size (I highly recommend these!!)
Organic by John Patrick viscose tee (use my referral link for Garmentory for $20 account credit) | I’m wearing a medium
Wearing/Buying
I could not resist trying the Chimala “ivory” jeans I’ve posted about a few times after the Levi’s I ordered didn’t work out. Incidentally, I’m also selling my other Levi’s jeans, the wedgie icon, because while I generally like the way they look, they’re not jeans I want to wear all the time, or that comfortable – they were still more snug on my calves than I like.
Which leads me to these Chimala jeans. They’re a size 28, and “fit” me, although they’re really big at the waist. But these jeans literally fit pretty much EXACTLY like I’ve always wanted jeans to fit on me: loose on the legs, but somewhat fitted at the hips. It’s hard to ask that of denim for my body type (thicker legs, wide hips and a small waist) without having to compromise fit in some area, so I will live with the larger waist. I can belt it, or just leave it, and after a while, I may decide to have it taken in, but for right now, I’m good.
I got the jeans for 20% off during a promotion at Mill Mercantile, but still. Whoa. I had to try them. And they’re worth it for me, right now, to have a nearly-perfect pair of light colored jeans, but I’m not going to try and justify paying that much money for jeans. I mean…sort of I will, if you’re like me and have a helluva time finding really amazing jeans that fit both your body and your aesthetic, and you wear jeans all the time.
Of course, I’ve already gotten them “dirty” with random smudges here and there, but I wiped them off easily with a wet cloth. Anyway, it’s hard to tell, but the jeans have some paint marks on them already (I know…I know…), so I joke that my stains blend right in. I don’t know how anyone is supposed to keep light jeans pristine, so I’m not worried about it too much, although I have to be a little more aware that I don’t accidentally brush against the car, or wipe my hands on my jeans after eating (ugh. that’s a terrible bad habit I have!).
Also, I have to mention that Organic by John Patrick is having a 50% off sale on select items on their site right now. My top is not included, but there’s a very similar wool/cashmere sweater that’s on sale, and I’ve been wanting to try the organic cotton bralette and basic long sleeve v-neck for a while, so I may place an order. I’ve never seen a 50% off sale before…so this is pretty good if you can swing it.
Reading/Watching
By now you know I pretty much find all my interesting information via NPR or James Altucher’s podcast, so it will come as no surprise that I highly highly highly recommend listening to the May 10th episode of Fresh Air with Transparent creator Jill Soloway. I had a “driveway moment” (actually a sitting-in-the-parking-lot-at-whole-foods moment) with this episode, not able to tear myself away, especially during their discussion of Jill’s sartorial transition from “feminine” to gender-neutral.
I have so much more to say about that subject, and will next week (I’m already working on a post), but if you’re so inclined, listen to it, and I’d love to discuss it more in depth next week.
Oh, and WATCH I LOVE DICK (Jill Soloway’s new show). I’m only a few episodes in but first, WHO CAN GET ENOUGH OF KEVIN BACON??? and second, I always appreciate seeing 40-something women portrayed in a “real” way, i.e. as sexual beings, messed-up, a little crazy, and vulnerable.
Doing
I am recovering from vacation this weekend, and catching up on work, laundry, etc. so not doing much of anything! I hope you have some fun plans 🙂
You know how there are shoe stretchers? Those things you put in your shoes to hold their shape? You should invent a calf stretcher for jeans. I would buy one!
I’ve thought of taking jeans in to have the calves taken out, but there’s really not enough seam allowance in that area at all…
A calf stretcher is not a bad idea if it would work lol. I want someone to do a study and find out how many women have problems like us with wider calves… I wonder what the percentage is
I just saw a trailer for I LOVE DICK and it looks so freaking cool! I will definitely have to check it out. As for my weekend, we’re going to a mass and party for my grandpa’s cousin who’s turning 90 years old. Then we’re having family brunch on Sunday for Mother’s Day, and then doing karaoke from 4-8pm for an event here in Austin. Busy weekend!!
PS – I miss your face! Thank goodness I have your blog to stay up-to-date. Austin just isn’t the same without you xoxo
I love the original book I Love Dick, so I’m intrigued by the series. I didn’t realize it was available now, I thought it started streaming this weekend!
Funny how we need a vacation AFTER a vacation! I feel the same way this week.
The wool/yak/cashmere sweater arrived today (quick!!!) and it is GORGEOUS! It’s soft…very cashmere feeling even tho the content is only 10%. I think I could wear it with just about anything, 3 seasons of the year. It’s a closer fit in the 3/4 sleeves, and a looser, boxy fit in the body, but not overly cropped. I got black and it was a STEAL!
Okay, don’t laugh… I’ve been an equestrian all my life, and after dealing with tall boots that were too tight in the calves for too many years, I invested in a calf stretcher for my boots. It was a life saver. And naturally, since I already have it, I’ve tried it on other things. Like jeans that were too tight in the calves, and a denim jacket that fit beautifully except for being a bit snug in the upper arms. I’m amazed at how well it works.
So… yes, it is possible. 😉
I read your post and then immediately listened to the Fresh Air episode while I cleaned the bathroom. I love Fresh Air, but KUT moved it to 7 pm, which is not an ideal time for me. I love Jill Soloway’s movies and shows, and Kathryn Hahn, too. I did watch the first episode of “I Love Dick” when it was a preview on Amazon, and I enjoyed it. “Transparent” is one of my favorite shows and I tracked down _Afternoon Delight_ to watch. I made my husband watch it last weekend and it’s available on Amazon.
After listening to that interview, I can recognize so much of Soloway in her characters, especially the two daughters in “Transparent.” _Afternoon Delight_ is very similar, and as a mom in the suburbs, I really related to Kathryn Hahn’s character. She’s amazingly flawed and so funny, too.