February 21, 2013

Photographic proof that own more than one pair of pants


It's scarcely a secret that I'm not a big trouser wearer. I don't inherently have anything against pants, it's just that - whether we're talking vintage, repro, or modern - I tend to have a really tricky time finding any that fit even remotely well. Add to that the fact that (due to medical) reasons it's almost always hard for me to wear anything tight and/or heavy (as I find the waist bands on many pants to be) around my midsection and there's a reason tumble weeds blow through the area of closet reserved for trousers.

Throughout 2012, when I appeared here in pants, it was always either my beloved Freddies of Pinewood side button jeans (as seen in outfits like this one) or my equally cherished Nine West denim capris (a summer wardrobe staple for days like this one spent yard saling). The only other pair of pants I've ever worn on camera to date here, have been my cute Freddie's overalls (dungarees), which tend to be reserved for especially outdoorsy days.

There are a couple of other pairs of pants in my wardrobe, but they very rarely see the light of day, because (and I do apologize if this is a tad frank) I have to be extremely un-bloated (aka, not bloated) and to have my pain levels at a certain spot for me to even contemplate slipping into them. For the first time in months, I recently had one cold winter evening like that, so I jumped on the chance instantly to wear the third pair of Freddies of Pinewood pants that I own: their Classic Pedal Pushers.

Now, as I mentioned a couple of weeks ago in this post, the lighting - especially during the winter and in the evening - in our darling little house is anything but stellar. We don't get very much natural light at the best of times and there's a shortage of overhead lightning on the main floor, so top-notch results one is not likely to achieve (without the addition of studio lighting) anytime soon, especially when shooting - as in the case of the photos in today's post - when an iPhone. Nevertheless, it's such a rare and wonderful occasion when I get to wear these pedal pusher jeans, that I couldn't let the night slip past without grabbing a few quick shots.
























Outfit details



Gingham hair wrap/scarf: eBay

Silver hued star burst earrings: Dollar store in Kelowna

Sterling silver & Swarovski crystal cherry pendant necklace: a beautiful gift from Tony ♥

Red ruched neck tee: Mariposa 

Grey dolman sleeve cardigan: Freddies of Pinewood

Cherry print bangle: etsy seller Faux Flowers

Other bangle bracelets: Assorted sources

Denim pedal pushers: Freddies of Pinewood

Black 1940s style shoes: Thrifted

Lip colour: Red Apple Lipstick's Red Lipstick

Vintage Saks Fifth Avenue black patent purse: etsy seller MK Retro


Photography by Antonio Cangiano
 


Now, generally speaking, pedal pushers are supposed to stop (or be cuffed so that they hit) about mid-way down a person's calf. On someone like me however, who is 5'2" and by no means leggy, most pedal pushers hit me at ankle height. This could be seen as a negative, but I actually see it as a positive, because it means that it's like I get two pairs of pants in one out of my pedal pushers. I can either wear them as is (as I did on the very cold and snowy evening when these pictures were taken) or roll them up a bit in the warmer months so that they look like pedal pushers instead of tapered jeans.

I love Freddies of Pinewood. Aside from the fact that I was once hit with a large courier fee bill (on top of the usual Canadian customs fees) - much as like what happened to me when I ordered from eshakti last December - I have had zero qualms with this company (and to be fair, that's more the courier's fault than Freddies). I know a couple of people in our vintage circle who've had rough experiences with Freddie's customer service team, but thankfully I've not run into such issues myself and found them to be very pleasant to deal with the one time I emailed them back and forth about sizing.

To date I own four pairs of pants (my side button jeans, overalls, front pocket jeans, and these cute, classic denim pedal pushers), as well as a small number of tops (including the grey one in today's post) from them. I really hope that over time further Freddies products, especially their jeans, will make it into my wardrobe, as theirs are the only vintage reproduction pants that fit me well (I've bought other brands over the years and had zero success in terms of finding a good fit) .

For those shopping outside of the UK in particular, Freddes can be a touch pricy (their prices are in UK pounds), but I can attest to the fact that they're very well made and durable. I've probably worn my side button jeans at least 30 times, and they look as crisp and fresh as the day the arrived in the mail. The same goes for all of the other items I own from Freddies, and I consider my jeans to be one of the best wardrobe investments I've made in recent years.

As you can see here, my wig (Pin Up from the brand Jon Renau) is holding up well so far. The curl has dropped a little in spots, but over all, I'm really impressed with the quality and durability of this inexpensive synthetic wig. As you know, I hope to buy a good quality real hair wig one day, but that's just a dream for the time being (especially after the string of super big expenses - from taxes to car repair bills - that we've been hit with already this year). In the interim, I'm very happy to stick with Pinup (and/or other similarly styled and prices synthetic wigs) while I work towards the (very) long-term goal of saving up for a really nice real hair (or alternatively a super high end, heat resistant custom made synthetic) wig.

I adore wearing this wig with bows (the Bettie bangs and flowing curls just look so cute, if I may say so myself, with it), be they wee little ones or great big vintage inspired bowed hair wraps like this fun black and white gingham one (which, interestingly, I believe was last seen here on the blog in another series of grainy evening shots during a night of fishing, however the weather then and the weather now couldn't further apart from each other!).

So, while my collection is pretty darn slim at best, I'm not completely without a pair or two of jeans to slip into on those days when durable trousers are called for or simply desired. A closet full of pants might be nice, but so long as I have a couple of pairs that I can rely on, I'm a happy (Freddies jeans wearing) camper. :)



52 comments:

  1. I am short as well so my "short" pants usually hit me at the ankle as well, but I have found this length to be more flattering then around my calves, so I say it is a win-win situation! LOL! You look as lovely as usual.

    Thanks doll,
    The Glamorous Housewife

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    1. Thank you very much, darling gal! I know just what you mean. Some hem lengths flatter my calves, others...well, let's just say, they don't do me any favours. I love this length, too, and wish I could vintage more vintage appropriate pants that hit me at the same spot.

      ♥ Jessica

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  2. You look adorable in pants! And that bow is super cute!

    I totally hear you though on the pants front. If I hadn't have lucked out on the vintage jeans front, I would own maybe three pairs of pants. Freddies are quite lovely!

    xoxo
    -Janey

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  3. you look so sweet!
    to buy this wig was the best idea ever!
    love your smile :-)
    although not sick my belly also disliked most pants. and because lack of hips most low-rise pants i would lose ;-)
    hooray for pants they fit comfortly!

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  4. You look fabulous darling! I think pants are under-rated - they are so versatile and essential for a more relaxed vintage look I think.

    Much Love

    Katy
    xox

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  5. You look really pretty in this outfit - and the bow is just great! (As you can see from my comments, I'm a big hats and hair accessories lover :) )
    I love pants from Freddies sooo much, but I can't afford them - maybe if I win in a lottery or something, I would buy a pair ;)
    And I'm also not a big pants wearer and that's because of my hourglass figure. My hips are much wider than my waist and it's hard to find a pair of trousers that would fit me well.

    xoxo,
    Monika

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    1. Hi sweet Monika, I totally understand. Mine have all been big investments for me, too (that I sold other items to help finance). The conversion rate between Canadian dollars and UK pounds is anything but kind on the wallet. I really hope you're able to get some Freddies one day as well, they really are worth the splurge.

      ♥ Jessica

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  6. You look so cute, I love the bow and your wig looks brilliant, I've noticed how lovely and natural your hair looks in all your photos.
    I will definitely be checking Freddies out. xxx

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    1. Thank you very much, dear Catherine. I've really been trying to style my wig to help it look as natural as possible (I have found that hair accessories and hats go a long, long way in this respect), and am touched to know that you think it does just that here.

      ♥ Jessica

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  7. I still can't get over how adorable your hair is! Especially with that big bow. I might just have to get that wig for myself in the black color. I've always wanted Betty bangs! Cute outfit as always :)

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    1. Awww, thank you very much, darling gal! It would be so cool if you got Pin Up in black. We could be wig twins then! :)

      ♥ Jessica

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  8. You look gorgeous! I love everything about your outfit, especially that wonderful bow :)

    - Kymberlee

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  9. I´m like you not a big trousers fan, but i have to say this pair you found here is really freaking amazing! what a wonderful look from that cute bow headband to the shoes. really lovin it!
    kiss,mary

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  10. You are just so adorable and tiny! So cute.

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    1. *Blush* Thank you very much, sweet lady!

      ♥ Jessica

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  11. Hi Jessica !

    Love the outfit , you look darling !
    I'm lusting over the Pinup girl wig. Do they come in an Auburn color ?
    Best,
    elise

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    1. Hi dear Elsie, thank you very much for your lovely comment and question. Though it looks a bit more brunette in these camera phone shots (in crummy indoor lighting), my wig here is indeed auburn. You can see it's true colour better snaps taken outdoors (such as these ones http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2013/01/the-great-wig-unveiling.html). The colour is called Cherry Cobler and really is a lovely, natural looking auburn hue. Highly recommended to all fans of red and auburn hair.

      ♥ Jessica

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  12. This whole outfit is adorable especially with that gingham bow. Your waist looks so tiny, very pin up. :) I have given up on pants that fit properly, I did find a pair of black pedal pushers for work but over the course of a shift they loosen at the waist and I find myself having to adjust them and that gets so annoying.

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet gal! You know, looking back through these snaps, you're right, my waist does look extra small here - I wish I could wear these pants more often for that fact alone! :)

      I hear you loud and clear. Pants can be such frustrating creatures sometimes! Thank goodness for skirts and dresses!

      ♥ Jessica

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  13. You look adorable! Love the gingham hair bow- now I'm inspired to go make myself one... and tell Tony he has wonderful taste (I got that same necklace last year for my birthday, from my dad and stepmom) and I LOVE it!!

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet gal, I will pass on your lovely comment to Tony right now (I know the nice things said about/to him here always brighten his day).

      ♥ Jessica

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  14. Oh how I can commiserate on the wearing of pants. I can't stand the feel of anything even remotely tight on my stomach which makes it so hard. The only way I can do it most days is really soft material or low cut, which I don't feel all that comfortable in. You look fabulous in the photos above (loved seeing the necklace Tony gave you). I still forget that you are wearing a wig till you mention it, which I guess is testament to the brand. It really looks fantastic, especially with the bow.
    Michelle xx

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    1. Thank you very much, dear Michelle - your lovely comment and understanding on the pants front both mean a lot to me. I hear you loud and clear. I often go weeks or months (it had been months in the case of the photos here) between wearing pants (excluding jammie pants, that is) because of how painful it is. Thank goodness for dresses and (comfortable waisted) skirts.

      ♥ Jessica

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  15. Ahhh you look awesome! LOVE the bow in the hair, perfect perfect perfect! Pants suit you, very nicely as well. I have been toying with venturing into the land of vintage reproduction jeans like Freddie for some time but being a tall lady (6'0) it's hard to find the length. I will have to check to see if they come in a longer length because everyone I see wearing them always looks fantastic and I too want to look fantastic in jeans :) lol Thanks for the review Jessica, very helpful.

    Liz :)

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    1. Hi sweet Liz, you lucky tall gal you! There are some sellers on etsy producing custom repro trousers and jeans, if if looks like Freddies might be too short for your inseam length, I'd recommend going the custom made route (I've not bought any from etsy sellers myself, but price wise, most pairs I've seen have been comparable to the from Freddies, especially factoring the currency conversion). Best of luck with your search - I bet you'll look fantastic, too, in whatever repro jeans you settle on.

      ♥ Jessica

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  16. You look absolutely adorable! And oh so skinny - jealous! LOL. I only wear two pairs of pants regularly, and I usually wear dresses or skirts because they are just way more comfortable to me! I have a pair of the 1940s Freddie's myself, but I have to lose some weight first to fit into them. Those and two dresses I have are my motivators to lose weight :-)

    I got one of my pairs of pants on eBay, and they have a lot of stretch, are super comfortable, and don't have that heavy waistband like you had mentioned. If you want me to link you, let me know - they're only $24 including shipping!

    -Holly

    Veronica Vintage

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    1. Awww, thank you very much, sweet Holly. It's funny you know, I have a fairly small waist (not microscopic - oh how I wish at times that it was so that I could wear all those amazing 24" waist vintage dresses and skirts I see for sale everyday), but being petite and curvy (and preferring not to wear skin tight clothing), not all outfits highlight it equally well. I'm touched to know that you - and some of the other ladies who commented here - think this one does.

      For sure, I'd love to see the pants you picked up on eBay, anytime. Please feel free to comment with the link here, or email or FB message me, if you'd prefer.

      Thanks again, gorgeous gal!
      ♥ Jessica

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  17. That's a great thing about being petite I guess. ;-) So now you have four freddie's jeans. You're just so naturally pretty! Inside and out.

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    1. Hi sweet Sean, thank you very much. Indeed, it is one the perks of being on pint sized side of the height spectrum. :)

      I have three pairs of Freddies pants and (I think) four tops from them, all bought around the end of 2011/start of 2012 when I was selling a lot of items (not clothes, collectibles I'd had for ages and decided to part with) to help finance the clothes shopping I was doing to fill in some of the larger gaps in my wardrobe. So glad I bought these items when I did, because I'd pretty much be pants-less (save for some capris) without my Freddies! :)

      Thanks again & oodles of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  18. Well you certainly make trousers look like an effortless, everyday look for you -- even if that's not necessarily true! Your petite frame looks so beautiful in this outfit. I understand your fit issues all too well, even though I have the opposite problem (I'm 5'8" and all my height is in my legs, and I'm majorly high waisted). So funny how the same obstacles come up for ladies again and again, even when they're shaped quite differently. :)

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    1. Hello dear Cammila, so fantastic to see you again. Thank you very much for your wonderfully nice comment and for raising that terrific point. It's so true!

      ♥ Jessica

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  19. You look so cute! This outfit really emphasizes how tiny you are with that knock out figure you got going on. =)

    I own two pairs of side button Freddies jeans now, one I bought from them, the other pair I bought on ebay for half the price. Sadly, I have gained weight and neither of them fit me well at all at the moment. Im determined to get into them though because I love the fit and shape of them.

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet lady - *blush*, you're seriously too kind. My figure is anything but perfect, but the older I get, the better (humbly) I become at knowing how to dress it to its best advantage.

      How lovely that you have two pairs of Freddies, too. I'm sorry to hear that they don't find you at the moment (I'm sure you'll wear them again, fear not), but totally what you mean. There's not really any stretch to their denim, and if one's weight goes up even just a little, they can become (too) tight really quickly.

      ♥ Jessica

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  20. I love the hair bow, so cute! ♥

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  21. I'm with you, Jessica. I don't wear pants a whole lot either. In summer, I will wear white ankle pants occasionally, and in the winter, I wear black trousers occasionally, and in the fall, I will wear jeans on college game day only. By and large, I prefer wearing dresses or skirts (dresses mostly).

    I think your wig is totally awesome. I'm glad it's working out so well for you. And that hair bow...to die for! It looks great!

    By the way, the lighting in our house isn't the best either...and we seem to be replacing light bulbs every other week. Especially since, as you know, I don't do the dark days of winter very well, so I turn on every light in the house.

    Enjoy your weekend, my dear.

    Love,
    Patti

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    1. Thank you very much, dearest Patti. We're cut from the same (vintage) cloth, as I turn to dresses (followed by skirts) more often than not as well. We also share in common the fact that our respective houses seem to gobble up light bulbs! We're very conservative with the lights we leave on, but they still seem to go out faster than birthday cake candles here. Tony's convinced their must be an issue with the wiring to some of the lights in our house, and I'm inclined to agree.

      Thanks again, sweet friend - big hugs!
      ♥ Jessica

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  22. Look at your tiny waist, fantastic! I love the oversized bow, very cute.

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  23. Oh, my gosh! You look cute in pants! I avoid them for obvious reason (they're my required uniform for the rest of my life) but I admire them when done right by women. Pants emphasize your natural femininity by providing a slight contrast to it.

    And your wig is looking great. As you observe, they often change a little from repeated wearing and sometimes that's for the good. Wearing a bow is sooo darn cute. I wish I had your panache. (My attempts at putting decorations in my hair look like a bird accidentally flew into and got stuck there.)

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  24. pants! you look adorable in pants. and ... this bow in your hair looks too cute.

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  25. I loved this post on vintage/appropriate trousers/jeans! I think they make your waist look tiny. I especially liked the dungarees, which made you look very tall!! Thank you for the review of Freddies of Pinewood, I have been considering buying a pair of jeans from them for a year but I have been worried about the lack of stretch. This might be the year I do it!

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    1. Awww, thank you very much for your lovely comment, dear Philippa, I'm delighted to know it helped you when it comes to deciding whether or not to order from Freddies. If I was going to order pants from them again, knowing that there is pretty much zero stretch to their denim, I'd probably go up a size, so that I could wear them more easily on my sensitive mid-section. I hope your Freddies end up working awesomely for you if you buy some, honey.

      ♥ Jessica

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  26. You look fabulous in your jeans:) I just recently bought a pair of Freddies jeans. I bought their shorts too but found them to be too short when I got them:) I love the side button idea on jeans:) Lovely post sweet Jessica.

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    1. How awesome that you recently bought your first items from Freddies! I'm sorry that you found the shorts to be too short though. That is such an ever-present risk with shorts.

      I loath my knees (my knee caps are quite small in proportion to my legs and so the flesh around them ends up making my knees/legs look bigger than they are and this affect is a million miles away from flattering, let me tell you!) so I virtually never wear shorts, but if I did, they'd pretty much have to be longer walking/Bermude style ones so that my knees were covered.

      Thank you very much for your lovely comment, sweet lady - big hugs!
      ♥ Jessica

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  27. Thank you all very much for your wonderfully nice comments on this fun Freddies filled post. I think it's unanimously agreed, these particular jeans do tend to make my waist look extra tiny (sweet!). That just makes it all the more irksome I'm not able to wear them more often! ;)

    ♥ Jessica

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  28. I know your post is about pants, but I must say, Kudos to Tony on getting you that adorable cherry necklace! I love that!
    -Jamie
    ChatterBlossom

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  29. You look gorgeous. So cute.
    I've been looking at Freddies jeans too but am thinking I'm going to wait a little longer until my weight has stabilised. (I've been losing weight for a while & have managed to lose just over 50lbs so far)
    Your hair looks lovely & suits you so much, especially with the bow.
    Lisa x

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    1. Hi sweet Lisa,

      Thank you very much for you comment (and compliment!). I'm seriously proud of you! Losing 50lbs is an incredible achievement, way to go, girl!

      ♥ Jessica

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    1. You are sincerely welcome, Lisa. You're awesome - and I'm sure your weight lose will serve as an inspiration to many.

      ♥ Jessica

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  31. You (also) look sweet in jeans, but I feel just like you, jeans are not for me neither. I only have two pairs, plus a pair for working in the garden and riding with DH on his mc. Ps I love your curly pinup hair, don't change that look. :)

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  32. Awww, thank you very much, sweet Sanne. So long as this wig wants to hold up, I don't plan on changing it, so you'll likely see me with hair like this for at least a while more to come. :) (I love it, too!)

    ♥ Jessica

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