self improvement, Tim Gunn style

In the spirit of Slynnro's NoImYoSeMo (November Improve Yourself Month) I'm going to talk about clothing and shopping. To the boys out there, sorry to bore you, but look BACON!

Have you been watching Tim Gunn's Guide to Style? I have and it's almost sad the way I hang on Tim's every word of fashion gospel. If Tim says jump, I jump. Repeatedly, until my knees give out and I cannot jump anymore.

But while I love Tim and his advice, normally I feel disconnected from his advice seekers who appear to be fashionably brain dead. Most dress very age inappropriate or look like they don't own a mirror. They look hopeless and overwhelmed by the idea of shopping, which is not something I can't relate to. Yes, I might have to shop around a bit to find just the right dress, but I can do it, I have the know how and the ability. I know I'm not a fashion expert, but I do think I can put together reasonably attractive outfits that don't make others want to call famous people to help dress me.

And this air of superiority I had was firmly in place until last week's episode when the girl wasn't that bad. Yes, her mini skirt date outfit was bad (I can't find a picture but trust me, it was whore-y), but overall she had a ton of clothes in her closet that were cute. Most of Tim's advice was to keep in mind that she's petite and everything will need to be hemmed or altered. And that she needs to shop with specific items in mind, instead of just buying things on whims. And that jeans in a dark washed denim look more appropriate on an adult than lighter jeans. And that hello Regan Parks, this girl could be you, PAY ATTENTION.

So I did. After the show was over I started digging in my closet and pulled out numerous dresses, jackets, and pants to take to the tailor. The length on all of them are just a bit too long and I have a feeling I've not been doing my short stature any good. Next up is a serious inspection of everything left in my closet and a good purging of things that really don't need to stick around. And the last thing on my to do list is buy a new pair of fancy premium jeans.

Jeans have been the one thing I can't justify spending money on. Gap's long and lean jeans fit me well and are cheap, so why bother paying more? Except that I'm starting to see that they fade and wear thin rather quickly. It seems I buy a pair and am back ordering another almost immediately and that's starting to suck. So I'm setting out to buy a premium pair of jeans, like a real adult.

So, what brands do you suggest? Is Nordstrom the best place to go denim shopping? Am I out of my mind to want to pay that much for jeans? Are there any brands that are best for short girls? What's the deal with trouser jeans? Is it true that when I start wearing premium denim I'll start pooping rainbows? I think I read that somewhere.