User post: Gap 1969 Premium Jeans try-on tryout

There's something about denim jeans. Find the right color, cut and style and this magical combination of fabric and function can shave off ten years, ten pounds and even add a few inches of height. Throw on the WRONG pair, however, and you could end up resembling a bloated smurf. I'll admit I'm a total jean junkie, I own so many pair you'd think my bottom half would be stained indigo. Perhaps that's why my heart pounded with glee when I flipped open my September Lucky and out spilled a glossy, folded, double-sided ad for Gap's new 'Born to Fit' campaign, proclaiming their Gap 1969 line to be 'America's Best Fitting Premium Jeans.'

Could it be? Could the reigning champion of retail domination have perfected all cuts of the world's most iconic pant? Has someone actually created a skinny leg jean that won't make me look like Porky Pig in leggings? Is there a boot leg with perfect flare so I don't feel like Gumby whilst wearing them? Could a 'boyfriend' jean exist that doesn't make me look like an actual  boy with a fat butt and big hips?! As far as I was concerned, Gap had some difficult britches to fill and some huge expectations to squish into those boastful jeans.

To really put the squeeze on their claims, I headed to the Gap in a puffy, foul mood feeling every inch like a water-retaining Jabba the Hut. Great idea, no?! After being cheerfully helped by a stylish and informed sales associate, I felt my mood lift slightly when I headed into the changing room with my unrealistic hopes and armful of styles. That mood took a slight dip as I started to undress, prompting the realization that I must be a masochist... Imagine then my shock, surprise and awe when Gap managed to step up to the plate every time I stepped into my chosen jean styles: curvy, 'boyfriend', skinny, and boot. Here's my play-by-play:

Curvy- I wanted to hate the Gap's 1969 Curvy jeans, because the model sporting them in the ads is about as curvy as my pinky, but I have to say this style performed on my very real figure. Comfy yet fitted, the cut had a low enough rise in the front to look current, but extra height in the back to keep my assets covered. They also had very decent booty appeal, with well sized-and placed- pockets. They'll set you back $69.50 (in saturated dark wash).

Boyfriend- Even though husband doesn't want me wearing 'boyfriend' jeans any more than I want him wearing guyliner this is a style I've always envied. I really covet the laid back cool this look projects. Having tried on the actually flattering Gap 1969 Boyfriend, though, I realize I'm probably just envying figures that can successfully pull it off. Truth is you need to have a lanky build to rock these and look good. My child bearing hips didn't look as bad as they usually do in this style, and I liked the pocket detailing, so I have to give Gap's version a sincere thumbs up. This jean will coast you $59.50 (in medium tint wash).

Skinny- I naturally gravitate towards this style- unfortunate because on paper is the one style I should avoid, being a tad short, a tad curvy and a tad over the age-appropriate age to wear them...I usually get around these obstacles by finding ones that are almost a hybrid between the a straight pencil leg and a skinny cut. Gap's 1969 Always Skinny cut is a flat out home-run as far as I'm concerned. I put them on, floated to the three way mirror and gazed in wonder at my lower half. With just the right touch of shinny, stretch low rise and taper they fit me like a glove.  I thought I even heard angels singing until I realized my kids changed my ringtone. They are $69.50 (in saturated dark wash) and worth every hard-earned penny.

And now, drum roll, please:

Boot-  Because of my above mentioned skinny jean inclinations, I tend to feel like boot cuts look like bell bottoms on me- or even worse give me Popeye legs. You cannot imagine my sincere shock when I slipped on the Sexy Boot cut and faced my reflection. At $59.50 (for medium tint wash), these are flat out the most flattering jeans I've ever worn. Ever- at any price point. They call them sexy for a reason, I checked the lining for a built in butt bra/girdle- that's seriously how perky and compact they made my tush look! I am happily ready to kick some of my old favorites to the donation curb to make room for this almighty jean.

Finish reading "Gap 1969 Premium Jeans try-on" at www.nj.com/shopping