I still remember my first pair of designer jeans. They were a pair of J. Brand black skinnies that I purchased off Gilt almost 3 years ago. Before owning these designer jeans, I was always baffled by those who would spend hundreds of dollars on a pair of jeans I could buy for $20. Even now given the fact that I know how worthwhile of an investment good denim is, I still find myself going towards bargain denim at times and have usually ended up regretting my decision later on when I find that my jeans are baggy, faded, and stretched out after 3 short wears.
I really have 2 main reasons for buying designer denim that I feel like the ends justify the price:
Ability to retain its shape. This is the most obvious difference between designer and bargain denim in my opinion! If you’ve ever noticed your jeans getting baggy and loose as your wear them throughout the day or between wears, you know what I mean. Quality denim should not stretch out much at all, and the way they fit the 100th time they’re worn should be almost the same as the 1st time they’re worn. This means no more saggy butt or baggy knees!
More flattering fit. The denim will generally form to the shape of your body over time and flatter your silhouette, making those legs appear longer and that butt appear perkier. I’ve found that quality denim will nicely compress your body to make you appear slimmer as well as have shaping in the butt area to create an illusion of lift. Need I say any more?
I was recently given the opportunity to try out a pair of Silver Jeans, a line of mid-luxury designer denim sold at Nordstrom and Macy’s. This brand is great in that they’re more affordable than many other designer labels yet still has many of the qualities you come to expect from high-end denim. After looking at their line, I was surprised to discover that they carry petite sizes with both short and regular inseams. This pair of Suki Skinny jeans in 0P SHT actually fit me off the rack with no alterations needed!
Silver Jeans caters to women who have some curves, and while I wouldn’t necessarily consider myself that curvy with my 24/34 waist-hip ratio, these jeans did fit just perfectly in every way (measurements for 0P are 12″ waist, 15″ hips, 27″ inseam). The jeans were slimming in the thigh area and contoured my backside nicely. The waist fit me without any gap and the mid-rise gave me the freedom to go without a belt and not worry about any possible fashion mishaps. Silver Jeans is known to blend modern and vintage details in their collections, and my jeans featured a contrast stitching and back pocket flap. While I’ve never worn jeans before with either of these details, I decided to play up on these features and create a more “country” look by pairing it with a printed horse shirt. These jeans will add a nice bit of variety to my current collection and given the amazing fit, I can definitely see these going into heavy rotation!
Now Dallas friends take note! Silver Jeans is opening up a “loft” concept store at Stonebriar Mall in Frisco, TX this Saturday, October 25! The store will offer highly personalized service that caters to customers’ specific fit needs for both men and women. Reflecting it’s long 92-year history, the store features rustic wood paneling, craftsman style denim bar, and vintage Western Glove Works factory photos. It will truly be a unique and creative denim experience so be sure to check it out!
* Disclosure: I was given a pair of Silver Jeans to try out but was not required to post anything in return. I just wanted to share my honest thoughts on these jeans and why we all need to invest in great denim!
P.S. In case you missed it:
- French Hen and Animal Sweaters – A cute graphic print to welcome sweater weather!
Daily Express says
Those jeans look fantastic on you- your legs look really long. Cute print on the top, too!
On the Daily Express
Kileen says
thank you!
Darcy says
Totally agree that designer denim is worth the cost! It's even better when you can find them onsale. I recommend to people to check out Nordstroms Rack or a Friend's and Family sale at Shop Bop! You'll save 25% and then those jeans are a little more reasonably priced. I still argue with a girl at work who only buys Old Navy jeans but then complains about how they loose their shape! She buys like 3 new pairs of them a year and I'm like "I'm still wearing my True Religions from 5 years ago!" However, I totally love cheaper denim for when I'm trying out trends like patterned pants or colored pants!
http://www.amemoryofus.blogspot.com
Kileen says
Yes, great call on going to places like Nordstrom Rack or waiting for F&F sales to save on designer denim!
Zaz says
Great jeans, and I was so surprised to see that your top is from Forever 21 – I have one that is almost exactly the same from a Swedish kids' brand (age 12 – I'm a petite too!) called Polarn O Pyret. Have a fab weekend
http://www.mama-andmore.com
Kileen says
Oh I need to check out Polarn O Pyret! I'm about a girls size 12 too. 🙂
And my shirt was originally a "blazer" as advertised but I added a little snap button and belted it togetherto make it into a shirt, lol.
WE says
My first designer denim was DL1961. Been in love with them ever since, the material, quality and comfort is unbelievable. They are so perfectly made!!Looking fabulous here lady..XX
http://willfullyelegant.wordpress.com/2013/10/23/going-green
Kileen says
Oh I have yet to try DL1961! Will have to keep an eye out for those and try them out sometime!
Frannie Pantz says
These jeans fit you wonderfully and I have always adored this horse printed blouse!
Elizabeth Nwansi says
That's so funny you write about this because I always have the hardest time justifying spending that much money on a pair of designer denim. After reading your comments though, I agree my biggest pet peeve with cheap denim is it loses shape halfway through the day… I'm going to have to try the expensive duds out. Love your top btw!
x
Liz
Indulgera Blog
Kileen says
I would suggest looking for deals and sales to find designer jeans at a better price — Nordstrom Rack is a great option! I also noticed that Groupon is having a deal on 7 For All Mankind jeans with free shipping and returns! http://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-seven7-jeans (my inviteif you need one)
Elizabeth Nwansi says
Yeah that's a good idea, I definitely can't buy my jeans online I have a strange body shape so I have to try on tons in person before finally finding one pair!
Kileen says
You might consider Nordstrom then as they have a great selection of different brands and lots of sizes. They also offers free alterations if you have their rewards card too. 🙂
Rachel G says
I've never had designer jeans–but I can even tell the difference between the wear of good old Levi's and cheap jeans. Maybe someday I'll invest, but I'm still wearing $10 jeans from 4 years ago–I bet the nice pairs would look better though! 🙂
Lee says
The jeans are fab…..I have yet to purchase a pair of designer jeans but you have me considering it.
xo, Lee
Kileen says
Nordstrom Rack is a great place to go to for deals on designer jeans! 🙂
Lee says
Ok seriously I haven't gotten so much useful information from one woman until you! Thank you!!!
xo, Lee