bits and bobs: A random assortment of things; small remaining pieces and things
I need some new jeans. My favorite style, the Natalie boot cut jean from Kut from the Kloth that I’ve been wearing for the past 12 years are all faded and worn and almost all of them either have grass or paint stains on them. I’m also down a few pounds since the beginning of the year and need something with a better fit.
I was just going to order a few more pairs of the same style, but I think I’m ready to try something new. Something without a boot cut this time. I mean, at some point all those hippies had to give up their beloved bell bottoms, right? Maybe it’s time for me to give up the boot cut and try something else.
But is 48 too old for skinny jeans? And where do you draw the line between skinny jeans and slim fitting jeans. The pair of jeans I found online look more like slim fitted jeans and not the kind of pants that look like skin hugging stretch pants.
And is that really a high waist or has everyone just been wearing low rise jeans for the past 10 years and we don’t know what a normal waistline for pants looks like anymore? I’m so confused.
This is a public service reminder to SAVE THOSE PUMPKIN STEMS! Who knows, this time next year they could be going for double.
Speaking of pumpkins, if you haven’t already tried this recipe for a pumpkin pie milkshake, make sure you do. I woke up craving one this morning and now I can’t stop thinking about it.
If you’ve been thinking about moving to the Dingle peninsula in County Kerry Ireland, I have the perfect property for you. It’s private, has a view of the ocean and there’s plenty of room for a garden.
And last but not least, do people actually wear these Birkenstock shearling lined sandals? Where would they wear them? And just in case you are wondering, these beauties sell for $150!!! $150. That buys a lot of beans.
Well that’s all I’ve got for today.
Have a great one, and stay warm.
~Mavis
Cindy R says
I love the jeans from Talbots. My favorites are their “Jeggings” style or their slim leg jeans. Both styles are made well and wash well.
Sarah says
I LOVE Judy Blues brand jeans. So much stretch to them. And if wearing skinny jeans is wrong at 48, I don’t want to hear it for 60. I love skinny jeans
Robin in WI says
The way jeans are cut HAS changed over the past decade or so. I used to buy Lee Riders for women, relaxed fit. Normal waist. Worked with my curvy hips. Suddenly it seemed like those and other women’s jeans brands dropped the waist and went skinnier. No longer worked with the hips my mama gave me. Guess what does work with my figure? MEN’s Wranglers, relaxed fit, the $18 ones at Walmart. I tried on a pair of my slender husband’s and the rest is history. Been wearing them 10+ years. My shorts are men’s Wranglers too.
Elle says
Robin, I buy the Gloria Vanderbilt at Costco. They are perfect for curves, good waist rise and inexpensive.
Mel, 48 is not too old girl! And I agree, that does not look like a high waist to me either.
Mel, do people really buy pumpkin stems just to sniff them? ROFLOL
Dee says
i love to wear men’s jeans as well. i have long legs. and the prices at usually 2/3 of the women’s pants are nice as well
Sam says
I’d gladly take that property in Ireland-if they’d let me stay! Finding new jeans or styles is a nightmare. I currently have two pair-one regulars length and one short-either intentionally capris length or they were petite and I didn’t pay attention. Both were thrifted. Slim jeans would just make me look restricted. I love a good boot cut. I did a $3 meal challenge last week-well actually 3 meals for $8.81. https://newframereference.blogspot.com/2021/10/my-wednesday-pantry-3-meal-results.html
Maybe if I keep doing this, I’ll be able to get tat Irish property.
Brianna says
I own exactly 1 pair of jeans. I have spent the past 3 years trying to find jeans to fit me well and the previous styles I have owned and loved have all been discontinued. I have spent hours and hours Jean shopping at many stores and trying on jeans and nothing works. When I wear out my jeans I always wear the inside crotch out first. I have what my mom refers to ‘thunder thighs’, but I am not overweight. Just 5’8 and have over-built large muscular legs. If I get them up my legs when I try them on, then I usually have enough gaping room in the back of the waist to store a few water bottles and with a belt there I just show a lot of crack when I sit. I wish I could find the old jeans that worked with my body, but nothing in the past several work. Styles and cuts have changed a lot over the years, relaxed fit, boot cut, straight leg is not the same. I have decided when my last pair wear out I will just buy the best I can find and just take them to a tailor and have the waist and rear tailored.
Kim says
Someone PLEASE explain to me what people are doing with those pumpkin stems!
Mavis Butterfield says
These: https://www.onehundreddollarsamonth.com/how-to-make-velvet-pumpkins/
Florence says
If you’ve found a jean style that fits you and works for you, I say stick with them. Why put yourself through an unknown maker, style, size ordeal when you know what works??
Virginia says
I’m a bit older than you and thankfully still have a figure that could get away with skinny jeans, but I have zero tolerance for tight pants and the struggles that come with getting them on/off. The other big no for me are low waists. My last successful jeans purchase were the Gloria Vanderbilt brand straight leg jeans that I bought online from Kohl’s. I gave them a try since they were extremely popular and well rated. They ticked all the boxes for me, plus they’re soft with a bit of stretch. Nice colors too. Good luck with your search Mavis! (I hate clothes shopping )
Margo says
That’s the brand I buy also. The fit I like at the waist and wash and wear well.
Christie says
Bell bottoms are coming back in style! Personally, I cannot stand skinny jeans. They don’t do my figure any favors and they I don’t like things always touching my skin. I like a little room to move and nothing around my waist so prefer I low rise straight leg jeans. Then again, I don’t like things touching my neck either (turtlenecks) so what do I know? 🙂 Kohl’s has a good selection, or LL Bean, but they are a little more expensive.
Kari says
That Dingle house is amazing!! I want it!!
My hubby and I were supposed to go to Ireland in September (a re-scheduled trip from 2020.) Unfortunately, we had to postpone again because the world is still not “normal” enough. Ugh. Crossing my fingers that 2022 is the magical year!!
Jules says
Have you tried Poshmark? It’s like buying from a second hand store online. I found my American Eagle jeans, straight leg (so they work with boots or shoes) there.
Tammy says
I laughed out loud when I saw those Birkenstocks. They fit in the same category as lined Crocs, if you ask me. I wouldn’t wear them…anywhere…but I guess someone must because they make them!
Jennifer says
Two thoughts. Can’t you imagine all the glorious wind coming up that valley? I miss the mountain winds at our old house. Second, can you imagine how funky those shearing lined shoes will smell at some point?!?
Kristen says
Skinny jeans have had their 20 years in the spotlight. Newest styles are high-waisted straight leg jeans, or high-waisted “mom” jeans.
I say this because I have reached an age where I simply cannot, cannot understand trends. Wear what you want and get over caring. Boom, done.
Make bootcut your style and own it!
Maritza says
1000% agreed!
debbie in alaska says
I would stay clear of skinny jeans — they are not flattering on most body types and they are not timeless in style which seems like something you care about.
Annette says
Last year husband “accidentally” picked up my favorite jeans with his stuff going to Goodwill. I figured this out a couple of days later, ran to Goodwill, but no luck finding them. Made five more trips there looking and finally success! Paid $4 to buy them back. I could have strangled him!!!
J in OH-IO says
It is hard to find jeans that fit around the waist and fit elsewhere. You are very fit and trim so go ahead and try a new slim/skinny style- can’t wait to see what pair/style you decide. You have great taste!
Peg says
I’ve got nothing. Got rid of all my jeans more than a few years ago. Do not miss them one bit.
Pamela Sheppard says
Wear what you want and don’t give a flying fig what is “in style”. The only reason styles change is to give those who care about that sort of thing a reason to spend money ALL OF THE TIME. Gasp……. the pair of jeans you wear is not the “it” color of the moment? WHO CARES!
DebbieB says
I like pull-on skinny style jeans from Lands’ End. Can’t stand zippers and buttons or excess fabric flopping around my legs. But I also like leggings which Mavis calls “toddler” pants lol.
Dianne says
Here’s my 2 cents. If you really like the way your old jeans fit, stay with them. I am in the camp that believes skinny jeans are going out of style. I see more and more younger ladies in bells and larger leg pants. The waist is going up as well. I bought a pair of wide leg bells with a 5 button fly last spring. Very comfortable and sit just below the belly button. The jeans that you pictured look like jeans not leggings (mold to your skin). The zipper looks longer, the zipper in low waist are maybe 2 -3″ max. A pair of slim jeans would be great if you walk or spend time in the winter, as they slip right into your boots.
Michelle of Ephrata says
Yep. I have repeated articles stating skinny pants have had their time and are on their way out. Old millennials and older groups still like them but the younger trendsetters have moved on to high waisted “mom jeans”, wide leg pants, bell bottoms, and even your beloved bootcut are returning in the fashion world. Your trending! Stick with it! Maybe try a different color if you are looking for a bit of variety. From my years of being your stalker (I mean friend you don’t know. Hahaha), you like to stay consistent and true to yourself. Stick with what you love since it will probably make you happiest. 🙂
tia in boise says
“friend you don’t know”–OMG, i love it!!!
Mimi says
Skinny jeans look great on anyone under 12 and unflattering on just about everyone else. If you find the perfect jeans please share – I’ve just about given up.
Mable says
Who cares if they are unflattering? If something is comfortable, I wear it.
Rj says
“Low rise” jeans are coming back (according to an article in the WSJ)! I like the guy jeans too! Skinny jeans that have to be surgically cut off (do people really have such skinny calves and ankles???) are just not good, let alone flattering.
Brenda Schilke says
Im 59 and I love my skinny jeans! I wear them all the time. There is no age limit. I wear whatever I am comfortable in and whatever I think looks good on me. I’ll probably wear them until my last day unless I gain a lot of weight for some reason.
Ashley Bananas says
Just an idea, you and your daughter are both similar heights and sizes (or at least it appears so in some photos). If she has different styles you could do a try on party with some of her jeans and see what you like before you buy.
Dianna says
I am 50 and wear skinny jeans nearly every day. I never wore them when I was younger, because honestly I don’t think I was confident enough. Whatever jeans you find and buy, wear whatever makes you happy.
JenniferM says
High-rise straight-leg jeans. They fit without being too clingy like leggings. Lands End might be a place to try.
Mable says
I am well over 6 feet tall and finding women’s jeans was futile so since high school I have been wearing men’s jeans. I am in my 60s and I notice that there are a lot more 6 foot tall females than there were in my generation, so perhaps it is easier to find them these days but at this point in my life I’ll stay with what has worked for me for literally decades.
sandyf says
I just read an article about how we now have “jean wardrobes” meaning-there is not one pair that fits all needs, so have a few.
Kut from the cloth is my go to-I buy them at Nordstroms rack online. I have skinny, boyfriend, straight leg, and a new pair of wide leg. Life is too short to settle for anything but many styles! I wear jeans everyday, black or blue.
https://www.highheelsinthewilderness.com/2021/10/building-my-jeans-wardrobe.html?utm_source=High+Heels+in+the+Wilderness&utm_campaign=4b004932e9-Mailchimp+RSS+campaign&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b9d4d9416a-4b004932e9-433612311
Shirley E Funk says
I am 65 and love my skinny jeans. So go for it
Gayle says
Stick with your boot cut. Skinny jeans are going out of style…… anyway, I have both. Skinny jeans looks great with longer tops and sweaters however they are hard to do outdoor work in. Trust me I am a gardener. I’ve given all my skinny jeans to goodwill. Lol My advice is one pr of skinny jeans and the rest boot cut .
Amy W. says
Mavis, I ONLY wear bootcut jeans, too! I used to wear 7 For All Mankind, then added in a few pairs of Kut for the Kloth (somewhat at your suggestion), but Stitch Fix recently sent me my new favorite pair: Silver Jeans Co: Elyse Slim Bootcut in Indigo. They are a tiny bit lighter than what we usually see you wear, but they fit like a dream!
Lilypad says
I love Birkenstocks, I’ve been wearing them since the 80’s—basic ones like the “Arizona” sandal . I’ve had pairs last for 20 years. A few years ago, they suddenly became fashionable (for a brief moment—who knows, they’re probably already out of style with the fashion cognoscenti). So now they have stupid styles like the shearling ones, they’re trying to attract fashionistas instead of hippies like me and to do that they constantly spit out new versions, the weirder the better. (They also have silver lame, like some sort of thing Ginger would wear on Gilligan’s Island. Yes, I’m old and I grew up watching Gilligan’s Island every day after elementary school in the 70’s LOL.)