Jeans

"I wish I had invented blue jeans. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity - all I hope for in my clothes."  Yves Saint Laurent

It is definitely worth throwing cash at certain pieces of clothing that are important to your look.  To find a decent pair of jeans requires a heck of a lot of stamina, resolve and some cash flexibility.  Typically, people with skinny legs and skinny waists can afford to wear cheaper jeans.  No Knicker's legs are particularly difficult as she (thinks!!) she has huge, hockey thighs and no hips.  On a bad day with only ten pounds to spend on jeans, she (thinks) that she looks like she is  wearing comic, clown-like jean jodhpurs with bleached streaks!

Before you head for the high street have a look at www.ilovejeans.com.  Although buying jeans online is really difficult, this site is a great place to get tips on how to choose the right style and fabric and how to look after your jeans once you have brought them home.

To choose your jeans, start at a large Topshop.   Jeans at Topshop range from  £35-£85.  You get no help and little attention but you have thousands of jeans styles to choose from and you can spend half the day deciding which styles suit you most, will tuck into your boots etc.   For anyone who needs half sizes,  Lee and  Wrangler are great for because they supply the between sizes ( I.E. size 9 and 11 ).  From Top Shop it is worth finding the nearest specialist stores.  These jeans will probably retail from between £70 -£120.  All Saints,   Diesel,  Wrangler,   Lee,  Pepe Jeans  and Miss Sixty  all have great service and have a variety of styles although they can sometimes have a bit too much streaking and bling.  It seems to be that you often pay more for the no frills, well cut jeans.

Fur Coat Jeans

Please do not be persuaded that the more money you pay for jeans the better quality of the fabric. '7 for All Mankind'  jeans may last not longer than a mere 6 months before they have broken through a hole on the knee.  We can personally attest to this as one of us (the silly one obviously for insisting on buying the same brand over and over again!) has bought four pairs of this brand. She has had to take them all back as they all get holes within 6 months!

No Knickers Jeans

If you are going to buy cheaper jeans make sure there is no bling on the pockets and no labelling that immediately cheapens the look.  We recommend spending less on black jeans because it is much easier to spot cheap blue dyes than black and a cheaper cut is less obvious.  Remember if you feel your blue jeans are a bit tired you can always dye them black but make sure you do this a number of times because there is nothing worse than home dyed clothes that have not taken very well.

FCaNK Recommends:

High End Fur Coat Jeans £100+

• James Jeans
• 7 For All Mankind
• Tummy Tuck Jeans £120+ Amazing for curves pulling us in at all the right points and making our bum look fabulous.  They are high waisted! If you have the money and the tummy...these are for you
• Armani
• MiH Jeans
• Citizens of Humanity
• J Brand
• Serfontaine

Galleria Conti...worth a visit!

We Love Galleria Conti in South West London. They stock a range of brands that you won't find in many other shops in the UK.  You'll find Tummy Tuck Jeans there, the latest craze in jeans.  Our favourite has got the be the US brand, Serfontaine.  These have replaced Fur Coat's ridiculous obsession with 7 Jeans! You'll also find Lofli and Habitual in stock. Check it out! They are fun friendly and offer a great service. You will not be disappointed!  They also offer a great on line shopping shop.

Mid Range Fur Coat Jeans £60+

•  Lee

• Pepe Jeans
• Levis
• Tommy Hilfiger
• Phase Eight (really good for curves, little variety in lengths)
• Wrangler
• Ted Baker
• Radcliffe Denim at ASOS.com
• www.start-london.com
• www.jeansstore.co.uk
• Crew Clothing

No Knickers Jeans £25+


• New Look (curves, little variety in lengths)
• Marks and Spencer(Curves, some variety in lengths)
• Zara (for skinny people with no thighs, little variety in lengths)
• Gap (Curves, various lengths)
• Moto at Top Shop (curves and skinny, various lengths)
• Mango
• Uniqlo - watch these. Don't raise your expectations beyond a couple of seasons.
• John Lewis  own brand jeans (Classic styles)


In Summary

• You can afford to spend less when buying black or dark blue jeans.
• The less activity on the jeans the more classy you will look.
• The cut of the jean is most important so watch out for how they sit on your hips and your thighs.
• Never buy jeans that give you lots of creasing around the groin, it's ugly and will immediately cheapen your look.
• You may not suit the regular sizes so look out for brands that do in between sizes.
• Expensive jeans do not guarantee good quality and may not be hard wearing.
• Remember,  if you start seeing wear and tear on your jeans the dry cleaner should be able to fix it.