Hi, friends! I’ve got a premium denim try-on haul for you today, with styles I’ve ordered during all of the Friends & Family sales that are going on right now! This is definitely the time to invest, if any of these have been on your wish list.

SIZING NOTES: I’m 5’5″ and I usually wear a small or medium in tops and dresses, a 29 or 30 in jeans and pants, and a size 8 shoe. Gifted items are indicated by c/o; everything else I purchased myself.
Premium Denim On Sale: Paige, Mother & Pistola
As usual, I will provide measurements and fabric content on each item when I can find it, and I’ll share whether I plan to keep it or not. Just remember, even when I decide not to keep something, it doesn’t mean it isn’t worth checking out. I just may not need it, or it may not work for my body type or lifestyle.
MOTHER Dazzler in Wish On A Star
at Motherdenim.com // at Saks (30) // Stevie pullover (S) // Liza slides (8)

DETAILS: Our most popular mid-rise straight leg hits at the ankle with a clean hem. Made from stretch denim, Wish On A Star is a mid-blue wash with whiskering and fading at the knees.
- 9 3/4″ Rise; 27 1/2″ Inseam; 13″ Leg Opening
- 94% cotton/5% polyester/1% elastane
- Machine wash
- Made in USA
I ordered these jeans with my Saks Friends & Family Sale order, so they were 25% off. As you regulars already know, I love my MOTHER Dazzler in Riding The Cliffside with the raw hem (on a really good sale at Bloomies, Saks and Shopbop right now!) and I’ve been wanting another pair to rotate with them because I wear them so much.
I thought I would try this finished hem version for a change, and I sized up to a 30 because #perimenopause. I love the wash; it’s a really nice medium blue with just enough distressing to have a comfy, lived-in look.


They’re super stretchy and soft and comfortable, but that 9.75″ rise is feeling kind of low to me these days. I feel like they’re flattering and fit well, but they almost read like a skinny. Also, that length is starting to look rather short, as my eye adjusts to seeing more full length styles.
VERDICT: I’m undecided on keeping these. Keep reading…
MOTHER The Mid Rise Rider Flood Jeans in Right On
at Bloomindale’s (29) (similar wash) // Stateside tank (S) // Birks (39)

DETAILS: Mid-rise straight-leg jeans with an ankle-length inseam and a clean hem.
- 10″ Rise; 27″ Inseam; 14.5″ Leg Opening
- 94% cotton/5% polyester/1% elastane
- Machine wash
This pair is very similar to The Dazzler, but it has a slightly wider leg opening, which I think gives them a more current look. I like the slightly darkr wash, and they’re also very stretchy and comfortable, but again, that 27″ inseam looks rather short to me.


I realized I was styling them for summer, and since it’s now officially fall, I decided to try them with ballet flats and a fall sweater, as well as with loafer mules and a cardigan.


VERDICT: These looks definitely work, but I need to try some more combinations before I decide to keep these jeans or not. I’m curious to see them with sneakers, and also flat ankle boots. FYI, Bloomingdale’s has a 6-month return policy, so you can take your time deciding on items like this when you’re in a quandary.
Frank & Eileen Derry Signature Jean
at Frank & Eileen c/o (30) // Stevie pullover (S) // similar slides

DETAILS: Derry is the ultimate all-rounder with a perfect rise, perfect contour waistband, perfect slim-straight silhouette…perfect everything! This jean is never too tight, elongates your leg, goes with every shoe in your closet. — FrankandEileen.com
- 11″ Front Rise; 27” Inseam; 12″ Leg Opening
- 81% Cotton, 11% Lyocell, 6% EME, 2% Elastane
- Machine wash cold, tumble dry low or hang to dry
- Made in the USA
I work with Frank & Eileen is a family-owned, slow-fashion brand committed to ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices, and I recently ordered these Derry Signature Jeans for an upcoming post. I loved their Galway Gaucho Jeans and wore them a ton throughout the summer months—their denim is like butter. I also have the Derry Illusion Pull-On Pants, so I knew I liked this Derry style, so I thought I’d give the jeans a try.


These jeans are quite similar to the MOTHER Dazzler in Riding The Cliffside that I love so much, but if possible, they’re even softer and more comfortable. I also really like the polished hook-and-bar closure, which you can’t really see here, but it makes front tucking easy because you don’t need a belt to look finished (but you can wear one if you want).
Even though it’s almost like having two pairs of the same jeans in my closet, I love this 11″ rise. I find it way more comfortable than the 10″ rise on the Dazzler, and even though I’m trying to like the finished hem, there’s something about the raw hem on a slim straight ankle jean that seems to work better for me. I think it’s because it’s not as much of a defined line where the jean send, so it doesn’t seem to looks so awkwardly short… if that makes sense?
VERDICT: Keeping, for sure! I’ve already worn these a few times. I feel like they’re a classic style that transcends the ebb and flow of the trend cycle, and I know I’ll get a good cost per wear over time even though they’re quite spendy.
Fit Tip: These jeans run small, as indicated on the website. I have the Gaucho Jeans in the 29, but I needed the 30 in the Derry.
MOTHER The Weekend Flare Jeans in Teaming Up
at Nordstrom (29) // Stevie pullover (S) // Leopard slingbacks (8.5)

DETAILS: Designed with a whiskered and sanded finish, these stretch-kissed flare jeans exude retro style. — Nordstrom.com
- 10″ front rise; 30″ inseam; 19″ leg opening
- Material: 94% cotton, 5% polyester, 1% elastane
- Care: Machine wash, tumble dry
- Made in the USA
These jeans are part of the Limited Time Sale at Nordstrom, so they’re 25% off! This may not be the first time I’ve shown these; I can’t remember, but I still have the tags on, and I tried them on again last Saturday to compare to these other styles that had just come in. Once again, I have a very similar style in a raw hem version that I love and have worn to death, and I thought I might enjoy a darker wash pair with a finished hem for fall.


There’s really nothing not to love about these jeans; they have an amazing fit and feel, and the Teaming Up wash is gorgeous. My only issue is, that 10″ rise is feeling kind of low to me, and with the extra fluff I’ve got going on, they’re just a bit snug in the 29, so I also ordered the 30 while they’re on sale.
The other thing I noticed, but it’s not a deal breaker, is that they’re a smidge too long to wear with flats. See them here with these silver ballet flats…

One of the things I like most about my raw hem pair is, they’re just the right length for wearing with both flats and heels, and I was hoping these would be the same, but maybe they will after they’re washed a few times. (I wouldn’t want to shorten them because they’re perfect with a heel and they’re never quite the same when they’re altered, even with your retain the original hem.)


VERDICT: I’m holding onto these in both sizes for now. I will probably keep one of them, but I’m trying to figure out which size I need.
MOTHER The Weekend Flare Jeans in Layover
at Saks, Bloomies and Nordstrom (29) (petite option) // Stevie pullover (S) // Sam Edelman flats (8.5)

DETAILS: This cult-favorite flare jean has a mid rise with a 32.5-inch inseam and a clean hem. Made from stretch denim, Layover is a mid-blue wash with whiskering and fading throughout. Pairs well with a spotty Wifi connection and airport snacks. — Motherdenim.com
- 10″ front rise; 31 1/2″ inseam; 20″ leg opening
- Material: 78% cotton, 16% modal, 4% polyester, 2% elastane
- Care: Machine wash, line dry
- Made in the USA
These are the same jeans as the ones above, but in a lighter wash. I ordered these jeans with my Saks Friends & Family Sale order, so they were 25% off, as well. I really like this wash for a more casual vibe, and for whatever reason, they’re just a smidge shorter than the ones in the Teaming Up wash, although the website measurements suggest otherwise. There is no way these have a 31 1/2″ inseam.


ANYWHO. I really like the versatility of this pair. Here they are with the Vince Cecila, a low heeled sandal that I like wearing with lighter wash denim. They day I did these try-ons, it was quite warm outside.


They also work well with these Dolce Vita Kanika Kitten Heel Pumps, and I love this whole look with the rust top.


VERDICT: Very tempted to keep these, although I really need a darker wash pair more, and I love that Teaming Up wash. I also have these in both the 29 and 30, and I’m trying to decide which way to go. I might need to give in and size up in all my jeans at this point, but that’s not to say they don’t run true to size. It’s just me dealing with mid-life weight fluctuations. I’m sure many of you can relate!
Paige Leenah Leenah 32″ Wide Leg Jean in Sagrada
at Paige.com (29) // at Nordstrom (29) // Vince sweater – 54% off (S) // Blondo boots – 40% off (8.5)

DETAILS: This sleek wide leg is designed with a high-rise, a flattering bow leg and 32″ inseam that pairs perfectly with flats and also works well with a heel for petite women. This style is crafted in our customer-favorite PAIGE VINTAGE denim in a rich saturated dark wash. — Paige.com
- 10 3/4″ front rise; 32″ inseam; 22″ leg opening
- Material: 93% cotton, 5% polyester, 2% spandex
- Care: Machine wash, tumble dry
As much as I love bootcut and flare jeans, I do want a good full-length wide leg style in my closet this fall for variety’s sake, but I’ve been frustrated trying to find the right pair. I feel like wide leg jeans work better in the summer in more cropped styles, because you can see a bit of ankle, which helps them not be so overwhelming. As much as I love my PAIGE Anessa in the 27″ inseam, I just can’t seem to style an outfit I love with the 31″ pair.

As I was pondering this conundrum, I remembered how much I enjoyed my white PAIGE Leenahs last before I injured my ankle and had to stop wearing heels for a while. (See my PAIGE Denim Guide for details on more of their styles.)

They read as a wide leg, but they have a slimmer silhouette than some, and as described above, a bit of a bowed leg, which I think helps them look not quite so voluminous.


This dark wash with the trouser style hem looks polished, but they’re quite long on me. These boots are the highest heel currently in my closet, so if I keep these, I’ll probably want to hem them a bit shorter. I also don’t love the rear pockets; I feel like they’re pretty large and in charge.
I will say, though, the 10 3/4″ front rise is perfect. It’s high enough to be comfortable, but not so high that I can’t front tuck.

VERDICT: I’m unsure about these. Something is holding be back from loving them, even though I think they’re flattering. If I had a choice and both were hanging in my closet, I think I’d probably choose the MOTHER Weekend in Teaming Up over these every time… so I guess that’s my answer?
PAIGE Anessa Welt Utility Pockets in Tonal Ecru
at Paige.com and Nordstrom (29) // Michael Stars top (M) // slingbacks (8)

DETAILS: Anessa is our modern ultra high-waisted wide leg with an easy, relaxed fit and an ankle-length silhouette for an effortlessly chic look. Crafted from comfort stretch denim with plenty of coverage and the perfect amount of stretch, this pair comes in Tonal Ecru with welt utility pockets and a raw hem. — Paige.com
- 12″ front rise; 26″ inseam; 22″ leg opening
- 98% cotton, 2% elastane
- Machine wash, line dry
I have these jeans from last spring, and since they’re on sale right now, I thought I’d throw them in here because I was playing around with styling them for fall. This is the shorter Anessa style that I referenced above and these are a subtle shade of off-white that is really easy on the eyes. I struggle wearing crisp white denim into fall, but these will make that transition easily.
They do have quite a high rise, at 12″ but somehow they work with a front tuck and a belt, as shown here. I also like them a lot with these suede slingback flats for fall.

VERDICT: I plan to keep these in my closet for the fall season because they’re a refreshing change from all the blue and black jeans I wear.
Pistola Lennon Boot Crop
at Evereve (29) // sweater tee (M) // Franco Sarto Emma (8)

DETAILS: The Lennon Jean from Pistola is crafted in a stretch cotton fabric and features a high-rise waist with a boot-cut leg silhouette and cropped ankle hem. — Evereve.com
- Front Rise: 11″; Inseam Length: 27″; Leg Opening: 16 1/2″
- 95% Cotton, 4% Elasterell-P (T400), 1% Spandex Denim
- Machine Wash,Wash Cold,Tumble Dry Low
I’ve shown these before but I tried them with a few different shoes for fall, so I thought I’d show you real quick. I think they work okay with these slingback flats.


I also tried them with mules and booties, and I like them both ways, I think… but more so with the boots.


red jacket (S) // black tee (M) // mules (8.5)


red jacket (S) // black tee (M) // mules (8.5)
VERDICT: Even though I prefer full length jeans with boots, I think these are fun for a change.
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19 Responses
What sweater do you have on with the Paige leena?
It’s a Vince from the NSale
I like the second and third jeans. I don’t like crop flare jeans on me. They shorten my legs too much. I prefer ankle length for every day wear. I now need a higher rise too. Mid rise gives me a muffin top even though I’m not overweight. I like all the full length jeans on you. Also I like the red jacket. Have you noticed that many of the slim straight jeans are basically skinny jeans. The fashion industry must think we don’t have eyes to see.
Do all Mother jeans run small? I just bought my first pair ( the Weekender) I’m typically a size 27, but like you have the perimenopause weight gain around my middle so I sized up to a 28 and I couldn’t even pull them up! Didn’t know if it was worth sizing up or trying a different style. Or I may just decide that the Mother fit just isn’t for me right now.
oops I just checked, I actually bought the Insider : )
The Weekender fit TTS for me if you end up ordering those!
I find them somewhat inconsistent in sizing. I would not hesitate to try a size up. It’s hard not to get hung up on the number but I’m so much happier with the size 30 right now. I think they look better too, not so much muffin top.
The Derry jeans look great on you….think I’m going to have to give them a try 😊
You do really well finding jeans. I’m still struggling to find new jeans. The wide leg don’t work on my body and height and I don’t care for flare and I prefer the crop straight, but with fall and Winter approaching I get too cold with ankle showing. I’m also struggling with added menopause weight, so I tend to be in-between sizes right now. You seem to go up sizes so easily, as you never look any bigger to me. As for boots and shoes, I am struggling with the pointed toe on everything. Since my foot issue this Summer, my reflexologist suggest no narrow toe box shoes to heal. Plus she said heels are not my friend right now. So, I find myself grabbing my same old jeans and sneakers. The pains of fashion. LOL. I like all the jeans you styled on you. I think you will make the right choices and have so many fun ones to wear in the next season.
Hey there – just weighing in on your try-on haul. I love the Frank & Eileen jeans on you; defintely should keep those. (I’ve often wondered why that company doesn’t offer longer inseams though for tall women. Seems like they’re excluding a large percentage of buyers. Maybe not…IDK). Your comment about the large pockets on the Paige Leenah made me go back at look at the Mothers on you and to be honest, they look the same size to my eye without the “M” logo. Maybe the logo makes them look smaller? I love you in the Mother Weekend flares; I think it’s because you look happiest in those….. they are definitely your style and look good. Have you tried any Frame denim? The Le High Waist Flare is a really nice cut and comes in a few different washes. A couple weeks ago I was at Bloomingdales to do a return, and ended up trying on jeans for almost an hour. I had tried on Frame before but never owned a pair. The saleswoman told me I should try L’Agence and brought me two pairs in the dressing room. I fell in love right away. They are a great slim straight leg, full length (so much so I had to have the alterations lady come to me in the dressing room to take off an inch – they were 34″ inseam and even on me that’s too long.) But they feel buttery soft, but hold you in and give the backside a really nice shape. Definitely an investment, but I think I will get my “cost per wear” out of these. Paige is still my holy grail “go-to” jean, but it’s nice to have others in my closet. Can’t wait to see what you have to show us in your next try-on haul.
I do like Frame. I have that le easy flare and I’ve had the straight leg style before too. I find the regular le high flare to be almost too skinny in the thigh and they are often too long, like 34”. They’re great jeans tho. I need to try L’Agence.
I love reading/seeing your try-on posts; we are practically body doubles when it comes to size (I think I own a pair of your old Mother white jeans!) so those pictures and details are gold! You have saved me countless hours in a fitting room and I thank you! I’m currently struggling to find alternatives to skinny jeans that are NOT ankle length and can be worn with flats or boots I can walk miles in. They’re all too long or too short (I think a 31” inseam would do it, but can’t seem to find that in a flattering style.) Anyway, please keep up your terrific work; it’s appreciated very much!
Yeah I need 30” and they are hard to find. The weekender after they shrink in the wash seems to work, and as you can see from this post, even they vary a bit in length from one pair to another.
Decisions, decisions, decisions! It does amaze me how much thought and effort we ladies put into what we wear. I wonder how many of the men in our lives does the same thing. Having lived in GA all of my life, this is the first time I’ve had to prepare for a hurricane. I hope it’s the last!
Stay safe! I hope it weakens before it gets to you.
Question about the red jacket, do you like it? Is it true red or closer to orange or burgundy? The pictures look different depending where you look online. Thank you for your posts!
I love it. It’s a deeper red, not orangey.
Is the Lil Weekender the same as the weekender in the Mother jeans? I just ordered my first pair of Mother jeans in petite and I must say I do love them. Thanks for introducing them to me. So glad they offer petite sizing.
Yes, it’s the petite version.