I'm a quest shopper. When I wanted sandals this summer I did extensive research (Googled and used Shopstyle, so hardcore) to see what my options were, then I bought lots of pairs of sandals and sat in sandal anticipation waiting for them to come. Then when they arrived I made I spreadsheet (I know) to write down my thoughts and feelings, and then I sent back every pair but one. Swedish Hasbeens in case you're wondering. I've been doing the same thing with cropped black flares. I wanted them high-waisted but with pockets so I could tuck in tops without feeling like I was wearing leggings. I'm not very bum-confident. I tried so many pairs. I thought I'd nailed it with the Dorothy Perkins ones I bought at the beginning of the year - first time I've been in a DP since 1999 - but I was kidding myself. They're too short. I'm not particularly tall, but on this quest I've discovered my legs are too long for regular length cropped trousers - that sentence makes no sense. I'd all but given up when I saw that Boden were selling some and you could get them LONG. A fucking men. The reviews were good - I love clothing sites that have reviews, and Boden is particularly good for this as their customers can be brutal, and surprisingly detailed. A lot of people commented on how wonderfully thick and stretchy the fabric of the trousers are, and I concur. I know that's maybe not something you think you want in trousers, but you do. They feel sturdy.
The rest of my outfit is also Boden - these shoes are patent perfection; Boden have so many different iterations of a breton top it's quite astounding; the leather jacket is one of theirs I've had for ages, and their necklaces are always a good length. Again, not something you think you want, but it matters. It.
Matters.