bookmark_borderThe First Circle of Denim Hell (Limbo)

I am not that plump, nor am I that short. But put a little plumpness on a 5’1″ (okay 5′1/2″) package and the result is complete pant vexation.

All I want is a pair of boot cut or straight leg jeans that don’t look all bedazzled or goofy. The clincher is that I’d really prefer a petite length. Buying regular jeans and hemming them tends to result in an ill-fitting pant. Oh, I’d also prefer a non-stretchy denim with a very dark wash.

I guess I am asking too much.

My journey started online…

I did find a pair of (boot cut, petite, not stretchy with normal pockets) Levi’s I liked online! But I soon discovered that authorized U.S. retailers of Levi Strauss & Co.® products will not accept orders from outside the United States.

Um, what?

Well, that does not exactly explain why the Levi’s Canada site has no damn shopping cart. Can’t authorized Canadian retailers of Levi Strauss & Co.® products accept orders from inside, you know, Canada? Yeah, I can look at all the styles, but Lord help me if I actually want to buy the pair I’d like.

I did not find any other pants online except these at Eddie Bauer. They’re not bad, but I am not in love with them. The pockets are a bit smallish and the boot cut looks a little too wide. The only plus is I know that Eddie Bauer clothes fit me nicely. (Most of my wardrobe comes from the holy trinity of Eddie Bauer, Lands’ End or L.L.Bean.)

So the plan now is to actually go into some stores and begin weeping openly.

In the likely event that I don’t find some jeans I like, my next step is getting a pair made to my exact plump and short specifications.

I’ll keep you posted. I know you can’t wait to hear the happy ending to this story.

bookmark_borderI like you, but do I love you?

Let’s talk about footwear – unless you’d rather discuss the senate scandal.

No, footwear is better, especially since I am at an impasse and I have little or nothing to contribute to the senate issue.

Today’s pressing issue:

I own these boots. I like the way they look, but the sole is a bit worn out and they’re not very comfortable to walk in for long distances. (I walk a lot for exercise, not that it’s actually doing anything, but that’s another post.) Also, they don’t really go well with any other pants besides jeans.

 

Not great for a lot of walking nor are they very versatile..

 

And so, I need another pair of black boots. (Yes, I know, I have other black boots in my shoe collection, but trust me, they are either too high for everyday wear or too sporty. I need an everyday boot that works with many different outfits.)

So I visited the largest women’s shoe store in Canada at the Bay’s Queen Street flagship store. (Oh wait, the Bay wants to be called Hudson’s Bay now. I was having some trouble getting behind that, but now I kinda like it…so I was over at Hudson’s on Queen.)

Um, where? The Bay at Yonge and Queen?
Yeah, the Bay.

Anyway, I was there and it was a zoo. Yes, there were lots of shoes and boots. And lots of lots of people clamouring over them. I think it was a Bay Day — not yet called a Hudson’s Day which is not as catchy I suppose.

I prefer a more carefully curated shoe experience. There was just too much to absorb. But after a bit of maneuvering, I got to the Frye section. And what a section it was!

I often look at the Frye boots at Get Outside as they have quite a few styles, but the Bay — ugh Hudson’s — had more. So many more.

And I saw these. They don’t lace up, but I think I love them anyway.

 

Classy, no? Leather soles, too.

 

I didn’t buy them as they are not inexpensive and I wasn’t sure that I loved them. I liked them sure, but I don’t take my MasterCard out of my wallet for just anyone. But I am still thinking about them. (And writing about them.) And look how great they look on me!

 

Yeah, no. Not me, obviously. Plus, I plan to be wearing pants and I want them in black.