Jean shopping

About a month ago, my knee popped through my favorite pair of jeans.

I have owned these Rollas jeans for 6 years. They were one of my first pricey, big girl purchases - I was working for a small, very upscale boutique in Denver, and my boss had me try them on. I almost didn’t get them but she assured me that they would pay for themselves in no time. Plus, being an employee, I got 30% off. Boy, was she right. 6 years later, I have never had a pair of jeans that fit me as well as these do.

They are what I like to call my comfort jeans.

Going to the bar to watch a game? I throw on my Rollas. Going out at night? They’ll work. I’ll tear apart my entire closet trying to find an outfit… and end up back in these jeans. (Rollas, are you reading this?? Please sponsor me.)

However, yesterday when I took them out of the dryer, I noticed that more than the left knee was looking problematic. When I hold them up to the light, the fabric of the left butt is barely holding on by a thread.

Today, I have decided, is the day. I am going to find a new pair of comfort jeans.

I head out of my apartment with 1 hour and 35 minutes before a client facing presentation and some very high hopes. I am optimistic. I have plenty of time to pop into a couple stores. I am going to find THE jeans.

The first store does not have what I’m looking for, but I try on 3 pairs anyway. Too stretchy. Too short. Too baggy.

The second store (Anthropologie) is a little closer. I try on about 10 pairs of jeans. Shockingly, the low rise ones are the closest to coming home with me… but they are not what I’m looking for.

The third store (Free People) is an absolute miss. I try on another 3 pairs just in case. A drawstring? On jeans? Yeah, I didn’t think I would like it, and I was definitely correct.

Onto the fourth. I have never stepped foot in Evereve, but today is the day! I am going to find my jeans! No matter that I only have 40 minutes left before my client meeting and have not yet had lunch! I am immediately bombarded by sales associates. One seems to claim me and takes the three jeans that I have picked out into a room in the back. I continue through the store, and I am feeling good about this. They have so many options! Not many sizes… but so many options! I grab 5 more! And 2 more after that from the sales rack! I even tell the associate exactly what I’m looking for - unusual for me. I typically am a quiet, solo shopper. She is feeling optimistic too! This is it! I am going to find my jeans!

I take off my Rollas in the dressing room - I wore them to remind myself how good jeans can be and that I should not be settling - and step into the first pair. Too big. Onto the next. Too short. Onto the next. Gappy in the waist. The sales associate checks in with another 2 pairs that I already know from looking at are going to be way too large. Next: tight in the calves, loose on the thighs. Next: hate the buttons. Next, next, next. She again comes back to check on me when I’m on the last pair.

“Oh, those fit you so well!” she says. I look down at the jeans that I am swimming in and realize that I no longer can trust a word that comes out of this person’s mouth.

“They’re too big.” I gesture to the waist.

“Well, yes, but I have been selling jeans for over 15 years, and those are a great fit. You just need another size down. We can order them!”

I smile tightly. A size down is not going to do the trick. “Thank you, but I think I’ll look online. I don’t love the material.” I don’t mean to be short, but time is ticking here and I can still squeeze in Abercrombie if I hustle.

She does not get the hint.

“I know this is so frustrating, but they really do look great!” she assures me. I smile. “Thank you,” I say. I walk over to shut the door. She still does not get the hint.

“Take a picture of them! It’s so good to at least have a style you know you like.”

“They’re alright,” I concede, “but unfortunately I’m looking to fall in love.” I start to slowly shut the door… practically on her. She still does not move. Instead, she is furiously combing through Agolde’s site, trying to find these jeans.

I have a lot of respect for sales associates. And a lot of patience. I’ve been there; it’s so hard to find the right balance between pushy and unfriendly. But my patience is waning. I need to go.

“Thank you so much for your help.” I try, “I’ve really appreciated it.”

And, with her phone still open, I close the door. Argh. That was so rude of me. Against everything I stand for, but goodness! These jeans are terrible!

I did not find a pair of jeans at Abercrombie.

I did, however, order 6 jeans online at Rollas. Please, everyone, cross your fingers that ONE of them works out.