Being one to hate to shop, especially for jeans, and spend the money for something that doesn't fit ... I started shopping at a resale shop that carried designer clothes. The best jeans I found were Bill Blass 'Perfect Fit'. Course being resale, they only cost $12 but there was only one pair. Got them when I need 14s, then months later after dropping weight, 12s. Could I find them online or after more pounds came off, nope!

Then I found a pair of Talbots (with stretch). Resale shop price $15, store/online $44-$58. But, they fit AND don't gap, just can't get the perfect length. Petites 29.5 fine w/sandles, to short w/shoes. Misses is 32", too long w/sandles, still tad too long w/shoes. They run their sizes small. I think I would now wear a 12 in most styles, but my Talbots jeans are 8s. Good for the ego until I go anywhere else! lol

I lost 45 lbs in last year and half, so this has been a fun forum thread to comisserate and be encouraged. I measured myself for first time in years:

w - 29.5
h - 41
th - 23
age - 53
wgt 135, hgt 5'4"