Well, let’s get the weather report out of the way, shall we? I don’t know why I start these out with weather reports, but I always seem to do it. It seems Mother Nature just had to have the last say on weather. We were headed quite nicely down the road to Autumn Town when she decided to take a little detour! Yesterday (Tuesday) it was 90 (32C)! It’s a little cooler today, but the humidity has been higher than usual. This weekend, we could have frost! Today, though, is the third Thursday of the month which means it’s time for another Ageless Style challenge. This month, we are styling “Jeans” chosen by Jodie, which makes me think she’s got a trick or two up her sleeve (or would it be leg). Last month, Joanne selected “Pops of Color.” In the past we have worn Skirts or Shorts, Summer Layers, Polka Dots, and Stripes, and many other ideas. If you’re curious, you can find some of my looks here, here, here, and here. Next month’s prompt is wearing two colors together you shouldn’t, wouldn’t, or have been told not to! if you’d like to join us! Please do visit the other hostesses of the link party (oh, yes, there’s a link party) at their various sites!
So, jeans…
I’m really not sure what to write about jeans. I’ve worn them since I was a kid. Well, let me quantify that by saying the first true recollection I have of wearing jeans is when I was in sixth grade. Before that, I’m not really sure what kind of “pants” I wore. I do remember we couldn’t wear pants of any kind to school until I was in the sixth grade. We could bring pants to school to slip on for recess because we went out in all kinds of weather (except rain). But, they had to be removed as soon as we came back into the school building. By sixth grade, the principal had finally decided to let us wear jeans. I wonder if his daughter who was a year older than me had anything to do with that decision. She didn’t attend our school.
Jeans in the 70s…
When I started wearing jeans, I wore Wranglers because the big Blue Bell factory was in my hometown. They had an outlet store where we could buy seconds. I also remembering buying a pair of striped boys jeans and couldn’t figure out why they didn’t fit my seventh grade body…duh! Seventh grade girls have curves where seventh grade boys don’t! But, by the time I got to high school, I had learned a thing or two! I don’t care what anyone says,! The jeans in the 70s were the absolute coolest on record! We wore them low cut, and I do mean low cut. They were bell bottoms, not wide legs. The bells would start around your knees and flare out. As the whole jeans thing took off, the bells got bigger and bigger. I swear I could have made two skirts from the bells of one pair of jeans!
And, now…
What I’ve recently discovered or realized is I’ve been searching for those jeans for the last several years. And, y’all, they don’t make ’em that way anymore! That’s why, no matter how many pairs of wide leg jeans I buy, they’re never quite right! The wide leg jeans start at the hip and just get wider from there! Flares don’t work because they’re bell wannabes! And, the flare starts too close to the ankle. I suppose, if I really wanted a pair of 70s jeans, I should shop the resale sites or go vintage shopping. The problem is my body from the 70s does not match my body that’s almost 70! It sags in places too many to record. it has stretch marks that begin above my belly button and end on my thighs. It has places that swing in the wind and dangle in the quiet. And, that’s perfectly fine! This body has given birth three times to humongous babies. It’s walked thousands of miles. It’s grieved the loss of parents, a grandbaby, aunts, uncles, and students. This body is amazing, but it will never be that 70s body that wore those super cool bell bottoms!
What to do…
As I’ve mentioned in other posts, I think the wide leg jeans are maybe just not for me. I’m going to keep wearing them because they’re still perfectly fine. I’m just going to work harder at what I’m wearing with them. So, in the meantime, I’m going to wear the heck out of my barrel jeans because they seem to be the silhouette that works best on my short, well-lived-in body. I have two pairs of them, and I think that’s plenty. I also have some wider straight leg jeans that work nicely with my wardrobe. Don’t despair. I’ll still wear my horseshoe jeans because they’re just so much fun! And, if someone has a problem with the fit, well, that’s on them!
The outfit…
I decided to try the Instagram hack that’s showing up over and over on my feed. You button the first three or so buttons of a button up. Then, you take one side. I don’t know if it matters which side. I used the side with the buttons. Grab the bottom corner and push that through the last two buttons you buttoned. Pull the fabric through and give it a little zhuzh. Today, I wore the twins, Polly and Esther. This is an old, old blouse from Banana Republic so it’s very silky and doesn’t have a lot of body to it. The examples I saw on Instagram were more cotton than polyester. I think that made a bit difference because my tip just kinda hangs there. But, it’s a cool take on the half tuck. I wore a pair of Old Navy barrel jeans. I wonder if I should use some of my points and buy a back up pair because they’re on sale today. OK, when are jeans not on sale at ON? Well, when I want a new pair!
The Lewk!
I know people say one of the keys to wearing barrel jeans is to have a little skin showing between the hem and your shoe or sandal. I don’t necessarily believe that. I honestly wear whatever I feel like wearing…but, then I guess y’all know that by now! These are an old pair of Born sandals I bought during the NSAle many, many years ago. They haven’t ever been all that comfortable because they seemed a little short on my feet. But, I’ve been wearing them more and more, and the leather is stretching. They’re actually quite comfortable. The earrings are from my long ago eBay jewelry phase. The bracelet is this year’s birthday gift from Nigel. It’s a John Hardy with London Blue topaz. I have several of this kind of bracelets so I’ll soon have an arm party going on!
Wrap it up, Marsha!
I waited and waited for inspiration to strike for this post. Then, last night (Tuesday), right before drifting off to sleep, it came to me! Write about 70s jeans! And, that’s exactly what I tried to do! So, can we talk? What kind of jeans did you wear in high school? What style was the first pair of jeans you wore? Do you think I should give up the wide leg jeans? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as quickly as I can.
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I love this look Marsha. We had to wear school uniform and by the time I wanted jeans, they were skinny ones which I still prefer today.
Thanks so much, Rosie! I have never felt comfortable in skinny legs. I think it’s because of my aunt’s remarks about how big my legs were waaaay back in 1974!
I remember my very first pair of jeans, but although they looked like jeans in cut, they weren’t denim, but some kind of softer fabric. They cost 9.90 DM and I bought them myself. After that, no idea when I really started wearing the kind of jeans I loved.
I can say I never wore really big bell bottoms, though. When I was a teenager, carrot jeans were in and I wasn’t a fan of those.
Thank you, Cat! I wonder what those first pair of jeans were if not denim. I think you’re much younger than me, or maybe bell bottoms weren’t a thing in Germany? I’ve heard of carrot jeans and had to google them. I don’t think I ever saw those.
They felt kind of velvety, but it wasn’t velvet. I’m eight years younger than you. We did have bell bottoms, but when I got the chance to wear jeans, they weren’t around that much anymore.
Funny you should say that as I too miss the jeans I wore in high school; though the boot leg styles made a somewhat comeback in recent year and I do mostly own those for that reason. I’ve tried (and still own a few) wide legged jeans but I honestly don’t like them. I don’t like how they look on me at all. Same with the barrel legged jeans. I’d take a straight leg jean over both of those any day. I do like the materials of most jeans today better than the ones in high school though as it’s nice to have a bit of give so I’m not cutting off my air supply when I sit down. LOL
Thanks, Joanne! I think straight leg jeans (if they’re wide enough for my thighs) are probably the best silhouette overall. I had forgotten how little stretch there was in jeans back then. But, I was on the fringes of the hippie movement so it wasn’t like we washed ours everyday…the hems of my jeans were always tattered and dirty. That drove my mom crazy! Jeans truly have come a long way!
I just turned 70, which gives context about when the jeans wearing started. I was tall at 5’9″, with a long inseam, 33″, so I typically had to make my own clothes if I wanted them long enough…unless I was wearing mini skirts! I bought a pair of hip hugger, bell bottom pants, with a wonderfully huge flare, when I was 16 that were actually long enough. Otherwise, if I wanted jeans I had to buy from the men’s department, because they came in waist and inseam option that were long enough, but had no feminine waist/hip ratio. We were not allowed to wear pants to school until I was in high school. The kids a year or two young then me got to start wearing them in the year after I graduated up out of middle school. We wore shorts under our dresses to hang upside down on the monkey bars. Now I wear what I want, and have a very eclectic style, mostly due to developing a love for textiles while sewing my own clothes all those years ago.
Thanks, Kathy! Oh, I can imagine how difficult it was for you to buy clothing back then. But, look at what sewing your own clothes did for you! My sister, who graduated five years before me, couldn’t wear jeans to high school, either. By the time I entered, the dress code was so relaxed, I remember a girl in my class who wore a bandana as a top! She tied it at the back of her neck and then around her waist. Her jeans were very low cut, but it worked on her. Just think of Cher…that kind of build. Oh, yes, I am sure I wore shorts under my dresses so I could play on the monkey bars. We had two different sets, and I know I was on them all the time. I honestly love that you have an eclectic style because that’s what I think I aspire to!
I like the wide leg jeans on you! And if you like them wear them! They can’t take my skinny jeans away from me! Lol.
In high school we “french rolled” the bottoms of our jeans. That was ridiculous looking back on it now, but that was the fad then. Lol.
Thanks, Erin! Now that I realize they’re not and never going to be the bell bottoms of my high school years, I don’t know that I like them. But, I’ll keep experimenting with them.
Oh, I had to google french rolled cuffs…my daughter did that! I think you two are pretty close in age.
Jeans are my do or die clothing item! I haven’t tried the barrel jeans but they do look cute – you and Jodie are wearing them well for this month’s prompt. I have enough jeans that I’m not in the market for more, but I do think I would give them a try when the time comes!
Thanks, Sally! I was so surprised at how much I liked the barrel jeans. I honestly didn’t expect to do so.
I love that you love the barrel leg jeans too…they work with my body wonderfully also…maybe it’s the vertically challenged that makes it so?
Anyways….love how you bossed around your top too. I think it turned out fabulous.
XOXO
Jodie
Thank you, Jodie! You may be on to something there! I hope they’re around for a long time. I kept seeing that Instagram hack and thought I’d give it a try. I think it would be more floofy with a cotton shirt. I really like it better than the half tuck. It just looks more intentional.
Hi, Marsha – When I was working in offices, I couldn’t wait to get home and put on my jeans! But with retirement and global warming, I’ve been living in maxi skirts during the hot weather the last few years. Still love my jeans, though. Thanks for reminding me – Angie, http://www.yourtrueselfblog.com
Thanks, Angie! Oh, I was the opposite…I put on my sweatpants! Now that it’s getting cooler here, I’ll be wearing more jeans than skirts.
You look fabulous, Marsha! I remember wearing Culotte jeans in school. I wore them with a tee and ballerina flats lol. They were all the rave back then. Lately, I haven’t worn any of mine, but I think I may post about several I own. I love the blouse and sandals you paired with your outfit! You look so chic! Love it! xoxo
Oh, Trina! That sounds absolutely amazing! I love it! I’m so glad you like the outfit!
I can’t quite remember what kind of jeans I wore as a child. But I do remember jeans during my teenage years which had this white line at the sides! If I wear jeans now, it’s a jeans skirt!
Thanks, Nicole! I have been on the lookout for the perfect denim skirt for years now. I’m still searching!
Hi, Marsha. I had a pair of those bell bottoms. Elephant pants is what I remember calling them! I must have been 7 or 8 when I had this one particular pair. No jeans though. Some white and light green plaid pants. I wore them with a white top. I remember thinking, I looked beautiful 😁
Have a fun weekend.
All the best.
Thanks, Debra! You know what…I think I vaguely remember calling them that, too! My first pair of bell bottoms were navy with big white daisies on them! I bet you did look beautiful!
These jeans look so good on you Marsha! I love them! And I’m not even a jeans fan. I think i only start wearing them when I was in my 50’s! I’m a barrel jeans fan, so perhaps it’s time to search for one.
Thanks so much, Nancy! I really do like barrel jeans and never thought I would. I think it’s because I really didn’t like the lantern jeans from a few years ago.
I don’t miss my jeans from high school. Lol! I do miss them from when I was my 40’s when skinny jeans were all the rage. I love these jeans on you and yes to knotting your top to shop off the cool shape of them.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks, Kathrine! It took me a long time to realize wide leg jeans weren’t the same as bell bottoms! I thought that was such a cool way to fasten a button up shirt.
These jeans are very flattering on you! I really like them!
Thank you, Amy! I think they are some of my favorites!
I didn’t wear pants growing up so nowadays whenever the cooler weather arrives, I love to wear my jeans. I love thrifting unique ones because I can have a variety of styles on a small clothes budget. My favorites are probably my embroidered ones! Love the blouse you paired with your pair. I actually am wearing one of my favorite wide legs pairs as I type: it is the only pair that I feel are wide leg throughout but they do fit well in the waist and butt area.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Your outfit is a classic, Marsha! I love the jeans and your blouse is the perfect compliment to it! I, too, remember wearing low-riding big bell-bottomed jeans as a young teen! I don’t think I could pull it off now but it sure is a fun memory to revisit!
Thanks, Laura! Oh, I love that you remember the low-riding bell bottoms! And, I definitely couldn’t wear them now! I wouldn’t even want to try! Hahaha!!
Those jeans are so cute on you Marsha and I love the print of your top! I remember in high school when Sassoon and Gloria Vanderbilt jeans came out but they were so expensive my parents (probably $30) would not buy them for me. lol
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thanks, Jill! I should have mentioned in my post that I have the matching skirt! I’ve never worn them together, though. I need to try that. Oh, I totally forgot about Sassoon and Gloria Vanderbilt jeans! I think they were just coming in as I was beginning my mom era!
I loved reading about your memories of jeans in the 70s! It’s funny how we can spend years searching for that perfect fit we remember, only to realize styles—and our bodies—have changed. I say keep wearing those barrel jeans if they make you feel great, and I love the fun twist on the button-down!
Thanks, Laura! I can’t believe, though, it took me this long to realize wide leg and bell bottoms were two completely different creatures! Oh, how my body has changed, but it’s a good thing! I’ve grown to love its less than perfect-ness!
I am so glad you explained how you buttoned and fiddled with your blouse to get it to look like that. I have seen that done but can never remember what they did. Now I have it written down. Will try it. I really like the pattern in that blouse – those colors are very flattering on you. Have also read that we are supposed to let a little ankle show with our barrel jeans but I feel very uncomfortable in pants that might be mistaken for high-waters!! Can’t get used to the cropped flares. They stick out in all the wrong places, in my opinion.
Thanks, Leslie! I practiced and practiced it right after I saw it. Otherwise, I would have completely forgotten it! You and I are of that generation that didn’t like highwaters! Did you have a problem with white socks, too? To this day, I can’t wear white socks unless it’s with activewear! I like cropped flares if the flare is teeny tiny!