Phew, I'm back...

And really ready to sleep in my own bed tonight (I feel a little bit like I've been run over by a truck). That said, the first four legs of the Lucky/Madewell Denim Tour were so fun--the most fun part being the chance to chat with a bunch of you. So before I tackle the mountain of mail at my desk, I want to put what seems to be a raging, panic attack-inducing, misconception to rest.

The most predominant question directed at me at events was when the skinny jean would cease to be "the" jean. This was always asked with a fair amount of hand-wringing and general unease. I understand, I really do.

You all are under absolutely no obligation to wear skinny jeans, or even straight-leg jeans, for that matter. Just because they're the predominate style does in no way mean that your personal uniform must adhere. You don't have to break-up with, or toss out your boot-cut denim. You just don't.

The reality is that for a lot of us (myself included), skinny jeans just don't flatter. I've given it a lot of thought, actually, and I don't know whether it just comes down to the proportion of the hip to the leg, or whether it's more about the pooling of fabric at the ankle that destroys a streamlined silhouette. Regardless, it's just not easy unless you have the perfect body for it--or choose to tuck your skinny jeans into boots (they are the best jean cut for that).

I still have some bootcut jeans kicking around my closet from about four years ago, and while I do think they look a bit dated, it's because of the color, rather than the cut. Choose something basic, in a completely unadulterated wash, like this pair from Gap. Totally classic, and deeply flattering (the slight flare really does balance out any curves in the hips or waist). If that's your preference, it's a much better choice than an ill-fitting, anxiety-inducing pair of skinny jeans, I promise.

Do you all feel like it's skinny jeans or bust?