What to Wear Wednesday (#4 Jeans and Fashion)

Posted on by Prior...

Hello Readers – 

As September moves along- It is time for a “What to Wear” post. 

Will you join me as we explore JEANS

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Ready? 

1) Let’s start with the photo of Jordache jeans that started the idea for this post.

Do you Remember Jordache jeans from late 70’s early 80s?

 

2) While in Orlando, FL for a funeral last December, I saw these jeans in a boutique:

2B) The tag says “Perfectly Worn-in” – nice way to say “Used” “Discarded” “Recycled” “Saved from Landfill” “Worn by someone else”

3) Some readers might recall my story from that Orlando funeral trip – the one about taking a yoga class while wearing my favorite travel jeans. I met a former student and shortly after landing in Orlando, we took this yoga class. My first time taking a class in jeans – and because they were comfy jeans – it worked fine. But I was afraid they might split…. they did not, I have now officially retired these travel jeans because they could tear at any moment.

I do not wear jeans very often. Much prefer a well-fitted different fiber pant.

The travel-jeans I retired were so soft and had the perfect feel. That got me thinking that jeans MUST have a good feel in the waist, butt, crotch, thighs, knees, calves, and length. What is most important – hmmm? And I HATE too heavy of a denim. 

Speaking of yoga, Did you know that September is National Yoga month? Maybe this is the time to try a yoga class (if you do not already do yoga) –

  • Yoga is really all about stretching your body and developing breathing that sustains life better. 
  • Yoga means “yoke, union or connection” and this applies to your body, mind, and spirit.
  • Try not to let the photos of people on cliffs balancing on one hand – keep you away from yoga. It is stretching and breathing – and there is a style for everyone. 

 

4) Here is a slideshow of funky jeans

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5) Carole King sported the jeans and blazer look when she sang with Willie Nelson – and when I first mentioned doing a jeans post, Joey said something in her comment about “jeans and blazers” and my mind instantly went to  Carole King singing with Willie (who also rocks in some jeans). 

A snip from Willie Nelson’s amazing Outlaws and Angels 2004 concert –

Like Your Jeans Dirty?

Joey (here) said I “like my clothes to be clean, except jeans, which are better dirty.” I know some who would agree- and jeans do soften and breathe; however, once heard about a study they did following someone who wore jeans to travel to a bunch of places – and they did find that the jeans had bacteria on them. However, Tellason jeans (here) suggested to NOT wash their jeans for the first six months – and then to use care when doing so in the future. Me? One wear – then wash kinda girl…. but I know, I know… not the norm

And now here is the video with Carole King and Willie singing, “Will you still love me tomorrow?”:

 

6) Ana Linden’s writing has a niche of covering sensory details and this often includes her reference to clothes. Author Ana let me use a snippet from her book, Albatross (here and release post here) the snippet I liked (that had jeans) had a modern day Shakespeare vibe (reminded me of when Lady Macbeth said, “Out, damned spot,” while trying to wash away invisible blood from her hands.”)

In this snippet – one of the characters knows that no matter how many times she washes her jeans – it would not remove the odor or bad memory:

To read Carl Balawyder‘s review of Albatross, go here. And Click here for an excerpt of Albatross.

7) These next photos made me think of some of the bloggers I follow

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8) Psychology: Jeans example used to explain how the visual system corrects for color constancy (see third paragraph) 

credit: Charles Stangor/Saylor.org

 

9) Dark Levi’s Jeans

Tried to watch the mini series, “Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair” (here) and it was “okay” – but I did the “jump to the back of the book” thing. Watched the first two episodes and then moved to the final episode.  And it felt complete – more than enough. 

“Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair” is a mini series that was based  on Joel Dicker’s novel. The story is about a writer and literary professor, Harry Quebert, who gets charged for the murder of a 15-year-old girl. The main character is a young, hip author who made some money on his first book – but is currently struggling to find his muse and has only a handful of days left to meet the deadline to submit a book for his contract. This young author gets caught up playing detective in the Quebert investigation. Now here is the funny part –  one of the things that stood out to me from the show – were the Levis jeans.  The young writer – looking for his muse and then investigating clues about the professor/writer’s alleged crimes – wore some extra dark Levi’s jeans. Ahhhhh… timeless Levi’s….

10) Jim Gaffigan has some humor on the topic of fashion

side note – I had to miss Jim Gaffigan’s show this summer – sniff – but maybe next time I will see him when he tours.  As some know, I am healing from a minor car accident – last June – and some days I just have to rest and cannot push myself – not even  to see my favorite comedian – And another quick yoga plug – I really think that because I practice yoga – my injuries were not as bad as they could have been – and it helped me to heal faster. So really – why not check out some yoga classes today? Your body (and mind) will thank you later.  

Now here is Jim:

 

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A few closing questions:

Do you wear jeans a lot?

Do you have a favorite pair?

Do you think jeans are what they used to be?

Do you have a story about jeans that would fit here? If so- please add it here. 

 

Thanks for reading.

UPDATES

1) TRENT WHIPPED OUT HIS BLACK LEVI’S – HERE

2) ANA SHARED SOME OF HER OPLD JEANS:

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3) SAW THESE IN MY TRAVELS:

jeans-levis-guess

jeans-hippies.

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59 thoughts on “What to Wear Wednesday (#4 Jeans and Fashion)”

  1. As a teenager, I babysit as much as I could so I could afford my Jordache jeans. I was fortunate enough to snag the highest paying parents…they paid $2.00 an hour, while many others only paid $1.00.

    Liked by 2 people

  2. I have a pair of black Levis that I haven’t worn in ages (I bought them for a specific purpose so long ago I forget what it was…). I do typically get the old fashioned bark blue, non-faded, 100% cotton (I hate any elastic in my jean) Levis and let them fade naturally to the way I wear them. By the time they get even remotely “in”, they start ripping to shreds, so I wear “distressed” jeans until they can’t be worn in public 😉

    Liked by 2 people

      1. OK, I pulled the black jeans out yesterday to check the size – there was a time a few years back that I gained some weight but then got back down to my “usual” size. These are my “usual” size, so my guess is I last wore them before I gained the weight, so possibly back in the 90s…. The temperature is going to be warm for about a week and then turtleneck weather may be on us soon after that…. I’ll let you know when the unveiling of the turtleneck will be and when black jeans day occurs 😉

        Liked by 1 person

    3. Trent – enjoyed your turtleneck and Levi’s jeans post! Thanks for keeping your word!
      And guess what?
      I got some Levi’s last month – they fit awesome – red-tagged blue jeans –
      And got some darker (not Levi) jeans with the washed out thigh areas – and as cheesy as it sounds – this post has been with me a few times.
      We rewatched the movie “Snowden” and the MC spotted some Levi’s – and so did characters in El Camino (2019)
      –/
      Thanks again for making the jeans post even more fun by sharing about your jeans getting off the shelf!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I mentioned the black jeans to someone and she asked how many people were mad at me that I could still comfortably fit into the 32″ waist I wore almost 25 years ago. lol. It was a fun thread.

        Like

        1. oh that does sound like a fun thread – and side note – my hubs recently got back into a 32 waist and is very happy about it – and I remember back in the day when he was a 31 – but right now he is a comfy 32.
          and glad you are back in your 32 size and those nice jeans….

          Liked by 1 person

        2. I’ve been 32 for quite a few years now and they are a bit loose. I can get into a 31, but the tighter fit Levis I like, well, the waist fits fine at 31, but 32 is more comfortable everywhere….

          Like

    1. Hi – glad you enjoyed the slideshow and you are so right – it IS amazing at how jeans have held their place with minor tweaks (not including the outrageous ones… right)

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Yep, jeans all the time always have always will. Thanks for the laughs as well. Parts of this post has lots of stuff that is quite US and I couldn’t relate. The WTF jeans slideshow was just that. I buy second hand heavy weight jeans to wear around the property when working with chainsaws and fencing and pulling out lantana.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi – you pointed out another thing that makes this post more compete – and that is that jeans can be great for working!! – especially heavy-weight jeans…
      And weren’t the early jeans used by folks taking care of farm duties
      and denim was a rugged material that could “work hard” itself? so thanks for adding that –
      —
      also – glad I could share some smiles and laughing at the “WTF” description — because yes – that is how I felt with some of the jeans — ha!
      – and side note- I could have added around 20 more funky pictures, but this post needed to get out there – and sometimes less is more and I was hoping this was just enough (I feel like it was….) perhaps a part 2 post for jeans, but I am feeling done with the topic – but there are lots of blogging years ahead of me – lol

      Liked by 1 person

  6. I do wear jeans a lot but as you say they must fit perfectly in all aspects. I well remember the Jordache jeans. Seems like a lifetime ago. Oh wait that was a lifetime ago. As to a story about jeans what comes to mind are my teen days of the 70’s where the bell bottoms had to be so wide they covered the toes of your shoes. Now that was cool. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Sue – those bell bottoms do sound cool! and not sure if you ever tripped over them – but I have had some flared pants that almost made me trip…
      thanks a lot for chiming in (and Jordache were a lifetime ago for me too – )

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Jeans are my go to. Long ones, mid-calf one, shorts. I wear them until the are worn out and can’t seem to get rid of any that are still good. I have an entire draw full of jeans that no long fit, and probably never will again. 🙂 I started wearing them all the time in about 1970, when they let us wear them to high school. I’m wil Sue on the bell bottoms. I had a pair I loved. I can’t stand the torn or ripped look they wear today though. 👖👖👖👖👖

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Marie – thanks for chiming in! I bet it is tough to get rid of any of your jeans…
      and keeping the drawer filled “just in case” = well – you never know….
      also, cheers to the bell bottom’- or flared – with you and Sue ….
      and for now – I think I prefer somewhat straight or bootleg – but not into skinny jeans at all
      lastly,
      loved your emojis…
      👖👖👖👖👖
      __

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Yes! I do wear jeans a lot and for me, it’s all about Levi’s! 501’s have been my particular favorites for decades now. If I may, I’d like to post a picture of a couple of my favorite jeans and link it here. I would only do so with your express permission. There is such a thing as Internet etiquette! Yes?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Russell – that would be awesome and actually if you do a post – I will link it in my post! So exited to see it
      And those 501s are classic.
      My hubs had a longtime friend (Scott) and the one thing that stands out when I think of him – was that he loved Levi’s -1967 style jeans!!
      They were “his” jeans!!

      Liked by 1 person

  9. I just went through my jean collection and discarded ones that don’t ‘fit’ right or that I haven’t worn in over a year. Sigh. I’m still a huge fan of the red Levi’s tag memories and I have two pairs of them. I watched a video on what is a classic look – and a dark pair of jeans is a must for the closet – they can be dressed up or down, so they said.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks for sharing that!
      And good for you for keeping on top of the clothes and seriously – it is too easy to keep a pair of any pants that we half like or they do not fit right! I recently got rid of jeans that were a tad too short and a pair of gray dress slacks that had the worst material – ugh!
      I am down to three pair of jeans – one are super dark and even the thread is dark – and now I see they meet the classic check list you found – and that makes sense.
      And interesting you pointed out the red tag of the Levi’s – that reminds me of how that brand had that tag as part of their identity – and maybe still is… I recall when the silver tag came out— and my son just had on Levi tam cotton pants –
      It was coincidental that I posted about Levi’s and I think that was the first time I have ever seen him wearing that brand –

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Aw, thank you for thinking I’m on top of clothes! I neglected to mention how old some of them were that I was finally parting with…! 😉
        The red tag has so many happy memories for me – I’m glad they still have it on their pants. Remember when the size was listed on the tag? A badge of weight honor or a curse to embarass?!

        Liked by 1 person

  10. I’m all about wearing jeans, but never ones that are uncomfortable. I like darker ones because they make my chubby thighs looks thinner, but who am I to be picky about the color of the denim. Jeans are a good thing, period.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi ally – “jeans are a good thing, period”
      Yeah – that needed to be restated!
      And so right about the darker denim that can slim a bit-
      And feeling that can impact our whole mood –

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Love my jeans! I can’t tolerate being hot so I’m always a bit sad when weather forces them to the back of the closet. Here in NC that can be May through October some years! Fit is super important, so is softness. Fancy is less important for me — I think most of my jeans are Old Navy and Target.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Laura – we hear about sweater weather – but there is also “jeans weather” – so true!
      Although I just wore a pair of somewhat thin fabric light blue jeans (Arizona brand and oh my are they a good fit) with some flip flops last night – but we were in AC a lot and it was 70 + out so without AC would not have gotten away with it!
      And I heard Target is aggressive with providing cutting-edge stuff (from clothes to housewares) and once read where they rip off runway styled and quickly pump out knock off styles – so my point is that I can see why Target meets your jeans needs! The hubs tried old navy jeans back in late 90s and did not have success – but that was a while ago
      Thanks for adding some of your thoughts about jeans

      Like

  13. Love all of the takes/angles on jeans here! Very comprehensive. When I was about four or five years old, I had a babysitter–Mrs. Evans–who took all kinds of old jeans and sewed them into a perfect stuffed elephant for me. It was a wonderful gift that I kept until it was too dusty/moldy to keep anymore, but I took a picture of it so I’d never forget it.I don’t know how to post pictures in the comments section, but it might end up on my blog someday, if I do a jeans project. Cheers!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Well I hope you do a jeans project post!
      I loved the “wine bottle cover linen napkin fall print” artsy project you posted recently (will add the link later)
      And to add an image –
      You need to insert the “file url”
      So go into edit photo and then I think choose edit agin and that should bring up the “fille” link…
      —
      And the stuffed elephant sounds like a gem of a keepsake and you know – I am glad you mentioned how you parted ways and took that photo to hold a memory – May we all find the strength to release some possessions (that are near and dear) so we can feel the freedoms of less —
      And you elephant story reminded me that I made a denim frog in 8th grade Home Ec

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Nice jeans post, Yvette, well-worth the wait. I love how you manage to integrate so many perspectives, I found the visual perception one quite interesting. To answer one of your questions, I do have a favourite pair of jeans (as you may have guessed, I love wearing jeans with high heels), and they’re Levi’s. (guess what singer I’ve seen in concert this summer and was also wearing Levi’s 😀 ).
    Oh, I remember this particular jeans-related incident in my childhood. I must’ve been about 13-14 and I was literally running from school in heels. I tripped and fell, tearing my brand new jeans in the knee. After overcoming the initial moment of despair, I made a leather heart-shaped patch and they became even cooler 🙂 . I used to get pretty creative with my jeans back then (necessity does foster creativity, after all) 😉 .

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks for the story—
      The heart patch ❤️ Made the jeans custom
      Your story reminded me when kelly (in 6th grade) had the rainbow patch on her back pocket of jeans (cheap jeans too) but oh I wanted a pair so badly – Ended up with something similar–
      –/
      how cool that Levi’s happen to be the brand of your favorite pair! I did get some new jeans this summer (which was a small miracle to find them so quickly A my least favorite clothing article to shop for is jeans – and my friend N has her Jeans custom tailored because of her size – I usually do find what I need And this time was fast fast) but after this post and chatting -/ just decided to get some Levi’s before the year ends.
      Maybe dark / I dunno yet.
      Musician?
      Did you see John Bon Jovi?
      Bryan Adams?
      John Rzeznik?
      Sean McConnell??
      Please do tell.
      –
      Lastly – yeah – the post was sitting and getting some weight because the topic is such a wide category – I knew jeans were part of a the culture – and think of the Fonz in happy days –
      But realized recently how jeans are part of the living and breathing organism we call culture; and how jeans have changed over the years and in many ways have not changed –
      I feel like I could do a dozen posts on this topic Amd it would be a worthwhile adventure – but only have one more brewing ((just bought some homemade bags sewn from discarded jeans and want to post about soon))
      But I will likely stop there – have some other topics I want to explore for the “what to wear” theme
      Thanks again for commenting and for letting me use the snippet from Your book albatross

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Haha… loved the rainbow patch moment. I so know what you mean 🙂 all of us were wearing cheap jeans in school too, but somehow there was always something more interesting about someone else’s jeans 😀 And what you said about the discarded jeans turned into homemade bags reminded me of something else. I once made a brand new skirt out of an old pair of jeans I couldn’t part with. It was certainly one of a kind and boy, was I proud of it!
        Jon Bon Jovi was the musician, so you guessed it!
        Oh this is such a rich topic… hard to stop going on and on about it (I have no idea why all these small jeans related stories didn’t come to mind when you first asked me, but I’m glad the Albatross fragment was useful).
        If you’re going shopping, I hope you find the perfect pair of Levi’s, dark or otherwise, it’s so difficult to find just the right pair of jeans. So far, Levi’s is the most likely brand to fit me just right, that’s why I ended up with several pairs in my wardrobe. Still, it’s not exactly easy shopping, so I can imagine it must be a nightmare for your friend..
        Anyway, now I’m curious to read about those jeans bags and see some photos. 🙂

        Like

        1. Hi ana – I am attaching a photo of the jeans bag – and glad to share it with you.
          we took a yoga class with Susan Steele in FL and she “LOVED” the recycle bag that was made from jeans – it made me so happy because at first I was not sure if I was going to find someone who would value it. And I do not need another bag right now (omg do I NOT need a bag…)
          anyhow, so finding the right home for the one I bought was a gift
          here:

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          and do you happen to have a photo of the skirt you made? It sounds like a lot of fun and good way to resume jans that meant a lot.
          and not sure if I repeated this – but my least favorite thing to shop for has traditionally been jeans – and so this summer when I found two pairs that I love – it was borderline miracle – hahah

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Hi, Yvette 🙂 Thanks for sharing the jeans bag photo. It has such a fresh, fun look. It would make a good just-in-case bag, the kind you keep in your car all the time, in case of some unexpected shopping needs etc 😉
          Wish I could share a photo of that skirt, but we’re talking about the early ’00s, so before my first digital camera 🙂 I might have a couple of printed photos because I remember wearing it for a birthday,, so I’ll email you in case I find any. 😉 .
          Oh, I’ve experience that sort of miracle too, finding two pairs of jeans, but only once – and I wasn’t even shopping for jeans, and they were also on sale (talk about luck!) 😀 So of course I didn’t even think twice 😉

          Liked by 1 person

    2. Ana – if you did find a print photo of the skirt – I will add it here.
      I am still enjoying this post so much and at the end of last month – I grabbed a pair of Levi’s (classic red tag and plain blue jean) and then found a pair with dark blue and plain pockets and the washed out front thigh. A bit loud and trendy – have the washed wrinkles near front pockets but so fun too – and will have e to wear them for the right event – maybe a certain type of art show or to hear music …
      Thanks for coming back
      To follow up with that latest comment – and wishing you a great day

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Hi Yvette 🙂
        I did find a photo, but it’s not at all clear what the skirt looks like, I only recognized it because I remember wearing it on that particular occasion. So that’s no good.
        I’m still thinking of that jeans post as well, it sparked an interesting conversation. Glad you found new Levi’s, let’s hope the right event comes up soon, so you can show them off 🙂 When I first read your comment, I wasn’t all that focused and missed the part about the second pair being dark, which explains the jeans photo I emailed you 😀 Sorry about that.

        Like

  15. I’ve gotten lazy and out of jeans for a while now as I’m more inclined to just wear what I wear for walking and that is not fitted pants as I really am only out in the a.m. running errands or walking. But all my jeans, in different colors, still hang in the closet downstairs – out of sight, out of mind. I loved Jordache and Gloria Vanderbilt jeans and still have some GV jeans downstairs. When Gloria Vanderbilt died recently I thought about those jeans, their stretchy fit from back in the day. P.S. – those were funky jeans indeed you showed!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi! Thanks for sharing – if you ever grab a photo of those jeans in your closet let me know – would love to see it..
      Also – I do not think jeans would be ideal for your long regular walks…
      And GV??
      You are right – people forget GV had a good line of jeans!
      I had a most comfortable pair of GV jeans with the perfect length (and I need a bit longer length)
      She really made good jeans! I also recall a pair of Ralph Lauren/Polo jeans (in 1991) that were button fly – soft and wonderful fit – and worth all the extra money I wasted for that label!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I will do that Yvette … it’s been awhile since I had them on. The GV jeans did fit perfectly like they were tailor made. I also need a longer inseam so they did the trick. The Jordache were soft, but not as stretchy as GV that fit from the first time on. I think I had a pair of Lauren/Polo jeans but they had a funny “rise” in the front and I wore them with a top I had but not too often as they were uncomfortable. And I had a pair of black jeans that went with a jean jacket and the color came off on a chair … washed them several times and it continued and got rid of them.

        Liked by 1 person

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