It's all in the genes....

...when it comes to jeans.  

This will become apparent later in the post but yes, basically this is a blog on jeans. (hold that thought on genes... there is a story to tell about them later on)

I had intended to do a piece on straight leg jeans - pretty much my favourite style of jeans in the Summer over the past 10 years.  My two pairs of Earls which I bought from their shop in Bicester, I have now had for 10 whole years.  And since then, every Summer, I have worn them turned up - not that I'm saying I was doing it before everyone else was.. but yes, I've been doing it for that long.  (small fist pump although clearly it means I was just wearing them when they were definitely not remotely on trend.  Ho hum.)

But now I am constantly being asked where I can get similar from.  So, whilst I don't need any new ones (famous last words of course), I thought I would do my becoming rather regular, jeans trying on session.  I'll do the hard work on the High Street, so you don't have to. 

Except I failed miserably on the straight leg front.  I did manage to find a couple of pairs but truth be told, they weren't what I would call a straight leg.  So I will shelve that idea for the time being and embrace all that is skinny. 

Skinny jeans are going nowhere.  I had aimed to do a High Street v Top end post but I found so so many amazing pairs of skinny super bargain jeans, I didn't have time to get round to seeing the new John Lewis Trilogy section - I will hopefully be able to check those out tomorrow.   

However, I honestly can't see that they're going to be any better than the selection I found. 

Starting at River Island where I had been very impressed with my trying on session last time round (not including the faux leather skinnies which came apart... they weren't from their "named" section though) 

So starting off with their Molly range which is a half way house between a pair of jeans and leggings.  All hail the Jegging.  Tend to be made from softer, thinner fabric than your regular denim - personally I wouldn't want to wear them with any sort of short top as in my humble experience, they're not as forgiving as a sturdier pair of jeans. However with something covering your nether reasons, a jumper dress, a longer shirt, they are ideal. 
Grey Washed Molly Jeggings £40



I have to say I'm not loving this colour on me - I've tried grey jeans a gazillion times and I always end up buying them too dark as the light ones look.... sort of a teensy bit wrong diddly on me.   But they're comfy with an excellent high rise - they do in fact say they're mid rise, but they're definitely high enough for me. 

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They do them in lots of other colours and finishes - I also tried the khaki ones on.  This is a great Spring shade, absolutely love it with tones of camel and it also looks great with navy and black. 
Khaki Sateen Finish Molly Jeggings £40




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I would say that their classic skinny is the Amelie.  This is the one I thought was fantastic before and for £40, my opinion hasn't changed at all.  Amazing amazing quality of denim for the price.  Lovely fit on the waist, not a muffin in sight and they do come in other lengths as well - I would say the long on the skinnies is definitely long enough for tallies.






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Other washes which I would give serious consideration to, which I didn't see in store are the Smokey Mid Blue wash Amelie jeans at £42



I also picked up these as I thought - ooh the more high waisted, the better. 

Grey wash Lana Superskinny High waisted Jeans £40


That'll be apparently not.  These are the exact same size as all the other River Island jeans I tried on - a size 10.  Admittedly these are not a Long but then the Khaki Mollies that I tried on above were only a Regular length and the fit was exactly the same as the Long Molly version. 

Suffice to say, the Lanas are not making my list of recommendations...(and yes, I lost a bloody nail trying to drag these gits on) 

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Then it was off to Topshop where some of my favourite jeans are from.  I love the Baxters.  Mine are about four years old and admittedly, when skinny skinny skinny was all the rage, I did find them on the loose side.  But now, they are the perfect mix of not so skinny and straight - I will say I love the blue ones I have more than my charcoal pair (I have zero luck with grey jeans as you can see) 

So I was over the moon to see that they've got them back in at Topshop.



Except they couldn't be less like the original Baxters if they tried.  Dear.  Lord.  They are so low cut (my Baxters are definitely mid rise), these are supposed to be a 32 inch leg (they actually look longer in this pic than they were - ridiculously short)  And tight.  This is my size (and definitely the same size as the Baxters I have) and they were spray on skinny in the most unflattering stye imaginable. 

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I had much more success with their Jamie jeans.  This is the washed black version which I didn't try on - there are lots of great washes and colours on line but this pic gives you an excellent idea of how they're supposed to look. 






Here I am, trying on the 34 inch leg version  In a size 10 (28 waist - the same size as the above Baxters.  Apparently)  This is with the ripped knee.  I'm just going to say at this point, that I won't be going down this route - you'll see why shortly...

But as a fit, I was very impressed with these.  Do I like them as much as the Amelies from River Island?  I would say definitely on a par - I'd go for which wash/colour combo you prefer. 

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But they do actually do a black Tall unripped version as well which they didn't have instore £40


Much more like the Molly but I would say perhaps a better fit (although very limited choice of wash and colour especially in Tall) are the Leigh Jeans in super soft.  Very much jeggings as opposed to jeans.



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However saving the best till last.... If you thought the Topshop Baxters or the River Island Lanas were bad, feast your eyes on these.  

I will just preempt this glorious fashion faux pas by saying that I wasn't entirely sure from the outset about the whole ripped knee fashion thingy that's going on at the moment.  I do feel very old fogey and all of my 42 years saying this, but I just don't get it.  I get the whole distressed look - in fact I've embraced it over the years.  But I've just had a mental block when it comes to two seemingly purpose made slits on each knee. 

I also couldn't foresee that they would be that flattering around the knee.  How prophetic that foresight was, it turns out.  When it comes to genes, my knees have never been one of my strongest features......

Here are the offending items.  I would like to point out that I do love the colour.  It really is the ideal pale shade for this time of year and going into the Spring - a lovely muted and flattering shade of white (in fact, I'd go so far as to say that with shades of camel and caramel this would work better all through the Summer). 



Right - brace yourselves.......

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Couldn't make it up, could you?  I was honestly crying with laughter in the changing rooms (on my own at this point - it's a miracle someone didn't call the men in white coats, thankfully it was quiet yesterday) - I have never seen any part of my body looking quite that bad (I don't have a view of the cellulite on my arse thank god but I don't have that hanging out of my jeans on purpose) 

Just to prove that they're not that tight anywhere else.  Ok so I'm not going to buy them and they're not the most flattering pair of jeans that I've tried on but they're the Leigh so softer in fabric.  I find that white shades of denim generally work best when they're made of a more structured denim. 

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Needless to say, jeans with ripped knees haven't made it to my list of Things I Shall be Buying this Season.  Snort.

So I will be back tomorrow with part two of the jeans fiasco - I promise it is better news.  Hope this has been helpful - shortly I shall also be doing a comparison with higher end ones but, like I said, I'd be surprised if I found them that much better.  

Pic from Sunday - Sunny Southend Rugby pitches.  All the glamour...! 

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Camel jumper dress - H&M
Stone skinny jeans - Dorothy Perkins
Shell coat - Ilse Jacobsen
Welly socks - Ilse Jacobsen
Wellies - Ilse Jacobsen
Khaki colourblock scarf - ASOS
Cream bobble hat - Amelia Jane
Wine furry mittens - Topshop
Whiskey Medium Marcie Satchel - Chloe 

Hope that gave everyone a little chuckle and it just goes to show - clothes do matter and can hide a multitude of sins! 

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CONVERSATION

43 comentarios:

  1. Bloody luxury, a shelter?! And ha ha about the knees. Looks like my stomach when I put Spanx on

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  2. The best ones are M&S 7 pocket jeggings but don't tell anyone that!

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  3. I did this last year.... I had to come out the changing room to show the 17 year old. Who spent the rest of the day sniggering about my knee fat!

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  4. Have you looked at Gap jeans? They have a new range out called Revolution I think and they are fab! I need 35" leg and really struggle but theses one delivered on all fronts for me. Next are usually good but their range looks poor this season. Long Tall Sally are terrible. Ordered from Top Shop Tall and was really disappointed so they went back. ASOS Tall only seem to have ripped ones and at 44 that is def mutton for me... but I was thrilled with the 3 pairs I got from gap yesterday! There is a 30% off code somewhere too that I'd valid for a few days I believe

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  5. Ps chuckling at fat knee issue, THAT is why I wouldn't do ripped...

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  6. Oh my god I just nearly choked laughing! Well done for posting and to be fair I think if it's only the knees that look bad in them then you are doing well!! Going jean shopping next week think I might give that trend a skip! Tks for brightening up a very miserable cork day!!

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  7. Haha, already commented on your knees sticking out on instagram! You could easily enter a wobbly knee contest! Woman, you are brave showing us these pictures! Ripped jeans > only when wide and nit on me either!
    My dark navy jeans from Uterque arrived and I have been wearing them for 3 days in a row! And just now the postman delivered my jeans from M&S (slim boot - you found them!) and they are utterly perfect! So happy.
    Dark denim will soon appear on my blog....

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  8. Am crying at the knee cleavage, something vaguely pornographic about them...maybe you've discovered the new erogenous zone or summat, lol!
    Best giggle I've had in ages, thank you x

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  9. I have found myself checking out my knees now for the first time haha! I wear ripped jeans a lot. Thankfully no knee cleavage. Love those Khaki RI jeans, must go try them.

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  10. M&S Limited Edition high waist skinny jeans have been my Discovery of the Year. SO flattering & can wear them loads of times without bagging at knees or bum (I do wash them sometimes, honest!) ;)

    Nic x

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  11. I saw the ripped knee jeans pic on instagram last night whilst flicking through in bed, Will confess i burst out laughing, Hubby who was asleep wasn't so impressed with my cackling waking him up. think i will leave the ripped knee alone and let my much more toned teenager wear them.

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  12. Women all over the country will be laughing on their own after seeing those photos! I laughed out loud! I agree with the ripped jeans, not for me. Like the look of the jeggings. Being curvy girl I just can't wear jeans. Have never found a pair that fit at the waist and hips - well not since my fab 'Come on Eileen' pair in the 80's that were highwaisted to a ridiculous degree - bring them back I say!

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  13. Oh Kat that knee shot has to be the funniest pic I think I have ever seen on a blog! Good on you for posting it-you really are great fun and very honest. Thanks!

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  14. Kat, you're a star. Fab post!!! And yes, couldn't agree more about ripped knees!!! xxx

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  15. I'm 38, I have the black ripped Leigh's . All good . I just put them with a blazer and shirt and heels , & no mutton here makes me laugh about the "mutton" you can't wear OTK BOOTS and ripped jeans at 30 plus. You can, just keep it simple
    X

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  16. Kat, thanks for the knee picture. It made me laugh so hard, just what I needed after a shitty day. You're the best :-)

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  17. I love your posts!, so funny!! Thankyou for making me laugh out loud after a horrendous day at work. :)

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  18. Bless you for keeping it real in a world where we are continually bombarded with fakery. I would feel a bit of a mug paying out good money for something that makes me look like I've been attacked by a dog anyway so I am simply not going to go there. Even slightly 'distressed' makes me feel a tad scruffy and I dress very casually..

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  19. Its worth mentioning that a dozen pairs of the same size baxters will all be completely different. You really need to try numerous pairs on because when you do kiss the prince it's well worth the effort, you get the perfect looser figure skimming skinny jean that you are referring to. This does however make it impossible to buy them online which I've annoyingly learnt a few times now!

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  20. Kat, I have giggled at your pic on IG all afternoon and this post has finished me off. I even had to show my husband what Imwas laughing out loud at!! Keep up the entertainment I love it. Did you buy the OTK boots? Xxx

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  21. I haven't posted in ages (although I religiously read!), but THE KNEE really cheered me up tonight so I had to post!!! Your blog is FAB, Kat. I really look forward to reading it and your knees are just like mine :-+) xxxx

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  22. I had tears at the knees :). :).

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  23. I often have a chuckle reading your fab blog....but tonight I roared laughing ....it looks like you have two mouths poking out through the holes!!

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  24. Best. Photo. Ever!!! Made me snort wine! :D x

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  25. Yes I laughed out loud too! But it's not you it's the jeans. Can't see the point of ripped ones. Thanks so much for all the research you do Kat. It is so helpful. Marie

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  26. Snort!!! I braced myself and I still nearly choked. Thank you for making me laugh and for showing us you are human after all :)

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  27. "CACKLE!"
    love love LOVE that photo, you brave girl!
    That was so funny. I'm pleased you saved the pic to share with us all !! ((snort))

    New Look have some gorgeous skinnies in store, have a look!

    Lou xx

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  28. Total respect ❤️ Am properly laughing out loud! 😘

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  29. I'm so glad I wasnt eating or drinking anything when I scrolled onto this photo earlier because I snorted, then there were tears rolling down my face- thankfully there was just my 3 year old to witness it!! Kat this is why we love your blog- its because you're normal and real. And it shows you're not flawless despite being tall, fitting into size 10 jeans after 3 kids with fab hair (ok now I sound like your lesbian stalker!). We have all had those times where we try something on in a changing room and it looks hideous for whatever reason.Most of us whip said item off and dont even discuss with anyone, you take a hilarious pic and post it on your blog!!

    Anyway look forward to reading part 2 of the jeans search.In my opinion its difficult to get a good high street straight leg jean. My favourite straight legs are my J Brand cigarette leg 814 in indigo, most flattering jeans ever, followed closely by my new Seven for all mankind high waisted straightlegs. I do go high street for skinnies and boyfriend jeans- Gap, m&s, river Island.

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  30. I will confess to cracking up at your photo on Insta, and thanking my lucky stars that I have nice smooth knees...I do however have a massive arse, so all in all I still think you got the better deal ;-)

    Becky x

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  31. Love it. I had noticed in the earlier pic of the black ripped jeans there was a bit of 'knee muffin' going on perhaps we could coin a new term - 'knuffin', perhaps??

    Great post, thank you. As others have said, so great to see a bit of realism. We've all been there.......

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  32. One of my fav posts !
    I do agree with some though that think that ripped jeans are a bit mutton on the over forties. Maybe it's because I have 2 teenage daughters who wear them? 33 yes.. 43 no.
    Kudos to you for keeping it real xxx

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  33. I love your blog :-). The tragic picture of your poor squished knees was hilarious. & I too have suffered the indignity of the new 'improved' baxters...
    Keep up the good work :-) x

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  34. Made my morning - hilarious. Never really liked the ripped jean look - not on me anyway - unless they're old ones to do gardening or sheep farming in. xx

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  35. How ANY jeans made your knees look fat, I do not know, because you have the prettiest long lean legs.

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  36. Haha I nearly spat out my coffee reading this Kat x You are so slim and I envy your figure-you also have a great sense of humour love x P.S. I also have a pair of original Baxters-Love them!

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  37. Omg I am going to copy the picture of your knees to remind me not to even consider ripped knee jeans. I know I am much too old to wear them but somehow I am drawn to them although I have never actually tried them on. Now I darent, just in case I pee myself laughing in the changing room.

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  38. Have a look on Very.co.uk for the Navy Stan Smiths. I just ordered the white ones and the flared jeans form M & S.

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  39. this is hilarious. I have never ever laughed so much when reading a blog. that picture of your knees - priceless. not because of the knees (you really don't need to hide anything), just because of your honesty and humour. love it!!

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  40. Wow! Thank you so much for this detailed post. Currently tackling my first ever pair of trousers and coming across all sorts of problems re/ fit - your series on the subject has given me hope that I may be able to solve the problems!
    Try!
    Grey Busted Knee Stretch Skinny Jeans.

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