Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Calling a Spade a Spade



Recently, at Bloomingdale's, I came across a relatively new brand of denim, called "Rich and Skinny" jeans. That's right, that's the brand name. Ever heard of them? Well, maybe not under this exact name, but, truth is, you've been hearing about these jeans for years. So many clothing lines these days cater to the "Rich and Skinny" crowd--this happens to be the only one that takes responsibility.

Rich and Skinny jeans are typically offered in waist sizes 24-31, and the price tag (roughly $200 a pop) suggests that in order to wear them, as their name suggests, you better be both.

17 comments:

PTC said...

They look pretty ugly to me!

I can't believe that's what they're called. They should be called, "rich, skinny, and tall jeans" because you probably have to be over 5'8" to wear them!

Anonymous said...

I wouldn't pay $200 for jeans, period. And some might consider me rich.

Tree Lover said...

My best friend has at least 20 pairs of these. OK, they aren't branded Rich and Skinny, but they are the same thing. And she is far from rich, probably largely due to the expensive jeans. I guess I should be thankful that I'm not skinny. It's helping me become rich!

Anonymous said...

Heh, I won't be buying them. :P

Anonymous said...

To me, those jeans actually look too tight for the model. What's the point of even buying "rich and skinny" jeans if you look like a sausage?

Here's an idea: buy "actually fits me" jeans, price optional.

Icie said...

They do look a little small on the model. You can buy cheap jeans in smaller sizes too. Seems like another product to stroke the egos of people with body image issues, and dumb enough to purchase such a ridiculous item.

Anonymous said...

I would pay $200 for a pair of jeans that made me look wonderful regardless of the brand name. I currently have a couple pair of designer jeans and they look awesome. There is really a differece.

Emily Jolie said...

I am with anon #2.

To me, those jeans actually look too tight for the model. What's the point of even buying "rich and skinny" jeans if you look like a sausage?

Here's an idea: buy "actually fits me" jeans, price optional.


Great way to put it! I don't care to look like a sausage, no matter the size of my thighs. Besides, I can't imagine these jeans would be very comfortable. Or good for your circulation. Later on, these women will have to undergo all sorts of expensive procedures to get rid of their varicosities.

Heidi said...

I was at the gap yesterday and wouldn't spend a 100$ on a pair of jeans. After trying on 6 pairs there were the only ones that look just "ok". For $100 I want them to look great!

Blog said...

I will NOT be wearing the rich and skinny jean. I'll leave that to Lindsay Lohan. Bring on the BAGGY! I love comfort.... :)

ania said...

That photograph upsets me.

Is that strange?

twincats said...

No, the photo is obviously photoshopped; the legs are waaay too long proportionately.

azusmom said...

My first thought was, like palmtreechick, "Those are some ugly jeans!" Did anyone see the "Mom jeans" sketch on Saturday Night Live a couple of years ago? 'Cause that's what they remind me of.

I was in the Gap a couple of weeks ago, and was so depressed because the quality has gone WAAAAY down! I have a pair I bought about 5 years ago, and I found the same ones the other week, but they were so thin and flimsy, I didn't think they would hold up in the washing machine! And they were $65!!!!!!

Depressing.

Rachel said...

There's been so much chatter recently over Old Navy's decision to relegate its plus-size clothing line to online only. Many are crying sizeism, but I think it's exactly this stereotype - that wealthier customers are skinnier customers - that fueled Old Navy's decision, not prejudice against fat people.

Old Navy's sales have fallen 16 percent, so they're trying to appeal to a wealthier demographic. Unfortunately, they're under the mistaken notion that rich people are skinny people, and decided to ditch the fat clothes to improve its image.

azusmom said...

Are you serious?!?!?!?! I loved Old Navy! I can't believe they're doing this. Guess I'll have to boycott them now.

I thought the whole point of the store was to have fashionable clothes at decent prices!!!!!!!

drstaceyny said...

ptc--maybe. . .

anon--for many it is a values thing.

tl--; )

charlynn--me, either.

anon--they do look uncomfortable.

ej--I agree.

heidi--it's interesting that the Gap prices have climbed over the years, too.

haley--me, too.

ania--why?

tc--could be, but so are so many model photos.

alyssa--interesting. . .

rachel--good point. I think I heard they're keeping plus-size clothing in the catalog only.

alyssa--it used to be, it seems.

Anonymous said...

This is the brand for the stupid and insecure.

The seriously rich don't shop in sizes, they go straight to the bespoke couture and have jeans made for them on demand. Not some mass produced, China sewn, designer-anonymous label.

And when I go out in my Doctor jeans, everybody treats me like a doctor. Riiight.