so I've kind of found my solution.... I ventured down into the kids section at the Gap yesterday... (I don't even fit a 0 in the women's section now, so I really know there is major size creep - I used to be a size 5...). To my surprise the kids sizes really are proportioned better for me - a big surprise because though I am short I am definitely woman shaped. I do not have boyish hips and I do have a small waist. The jeans also have an "adjustable waist band" - no more plumbers crack! even on low rise. Now it's not as bad as it sounds the waist band has a piece of elastic *inside* that has buttons and button holes to adjust it. It doesn't show at all on the outside of the pants and works better than a belt, since the pants can't slip under it. It doesn't look like an elastic waist band either - it just fits a bit closer when you pull it in. As an added bonus they are straight legs (yehaw - boot cuts just make me look shorter and flares are plain ridiculous on someone of my size and proportions) and the length is perfect.