"I have often said that I wish I had invented blue jeans: the most spectacular, the most practical, the most relaxed and nonchalant. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity - all I hope for in my clothes." – Yves Saint-Laurent

Jeans are an American fashion icon - everyone wears them from Joe the Plumber to Heidi Klum. They’re a fashion staple, a wardrobe essential, and a statement about the wearer. It would be difficult to find anyone of any age or social demographic who doesn’t own several pair. Why do we have such a passionate love affair with this affordable, durable, versatile fashion staple? Is it just because they are affordable, durable, and versatile? It's because jeans are a part of the American identity like apple pie, and for decades, we’ve led the world in designing, manufacturing, and marketing them worldwide.

In 1850, a German Jewish dry goods merchant, Levi Strauss began selling blue jeans under the “Levis” name to the mining communities of California, incorporating the famous copper rivets into his design. When Wrangler and Levi came out with their blue jeans of the Fifties, James Dean and other young actors turned them into a sign of rebellion, and they were even banned in some public places such as, theaters, restaurants, and schools. In the Sixties, hippies took to bell bottoms and custom embellishments that continue to influence designers today, and by the Seventies, jeans were a part of the fashion establishment and had become completely main-stream for all ages. Each generation continues to update styles that define their fashion and lifestyle aesthetic. Jeans sell sex, confidence, and social status.

Buy at least a pair of basic jeans:

I'm a simple and basic kinda gal, and my personal favorite jeans are Gap! I like a classic jean pocket, a basic spade shape, works for everyone. These favorite standbys can be plain or come in a multitude of stitch styles (every brand has their signature design). Look for subtle stitching or a tone on tone design to add interest without drawing too much attention to your butt. The newest styles, with faded blue on blue designs, are perfect for the new clean jean trend.

Don't forget second hand stores!

Remember you can find really great buys at second hand stores. I recently found some Jag jeans at a great store for $17.00. They looked like new and retail for around $68.00. So you can often find your favorite brands and styles for a fraction of the price you pay at the mall or online!

Check out Zafu.com to help you find the best style jeans for you!

Whatever your size and shape, there are jeans for you! Go to http://www.zafu.com/ to find the perfect style of jeans for you in your favorite brands. All you have to do is fill out a short questionnaire about your body type and jean preferences, and Zafu! – You’ll get recommendations on brand and style.

Common fit and jean fashion disasters:

Muffin tops: (I don’t mean those yummy, tasty tops, called “muffles” that were once featured on an episode of Jerry Seinfeld, and are now sold at Panera Bread and elsewhere!) – This is stomach spillage over the top of too tight and too low jeans. And, even skinny women can get muffin tops!

Cure: It’s simple - the “muffin top” is caused by a waistband that’s too low and too tight. There is good news here because the ultra-low rise fashion fad is now fading and you can opt for new mid-rise styles to keep your belly from bulging! Choose a boot-cut jean, mid-rise that hits across the belly, not above or below it: Seven, Citizens of Humanity, Gold Sign, Gap, Paige Premium, Levi's, ck, and Marc brands are good pics.

Distressing distressing: Many women have been convinced distressed jeans make us look thinner. However, fashion experts, like Stacy London, say that sometimes the opposite is true, and distressing can create a “spotlight” on a part of the leg, such as the thigh, that needs slimming. The distressed or bleached area can actually accent a wide hip or heavier thigh.

Cure: Go for darker washed jeans that offer an over all slimming effect, and pair with heels.

Plumber’s Crack: It’s just not sexy to see a woman bending over and her thong rising up revealing bottom cleavage!

Cure: Be sure to pull up your pants and pull down your top when you bend over in your very low-rise jeans, so as not to defeat the effect you are trying to achieve by wearing low-rise jeans in the first place.

Consider the last time you noticed a handyman bending over revealing an unattractive glimpse of what should have been covered! Have I made my point?

Mom jeans: Fashionistas all agree no woman on the planet, no matter her age or number of children, should don “mom” jeans – those high waisted, shapeless jeans that make women’s bottoms look flat as pancakes.

I actually decided to do some personal shopping research at the Mall recently on Not Your Daughter's Jeans specifically for this article. My friend and I tried on several pairs and concluded they generally fit well, are soft, and come in a variety of attractive styles. They ranged from around $70-$150. The idea is these jeans are meant to flatter mature figures without looking too young and trendy, but avoiding the unflattering look of "mom jeans."

Cure: While we don’t have to actually wear the same styles our daughters wear, we should shop for jeans that have style and offer a flattering fit.

Stretch jeans: If you expect stretch jeans to hide all flaws this can backfire, creating a look like you have stuffed yourself into jeans that are too small, creating a stuffed sausage and dimpled look.

Cure: Make sure the jeans are not too tight, and try on jeans that are not stretch and compare looks.

Hints:

To create the look of longer legs, wear heels and pointed toes (I personally hate heels and pointed toes!) Petite women should choose straight leg, not boot cut, no cuffs. Try, Banana Republic, Kasil, Jag, and Caslon brands.

To create a more rounded bottom, look for jeans with flap pockets, heavy embellishment or embroidery. Slightly higher back pockets can also help make the bottom look lifted. Try, True Religion, Joe's Jeans, and Hudson brands.

To minimize large hips, look for mid-rise, straight or trouser leg jeans that fall from the hips to create a longer-looking leg line. Try, Cambio, Lucky, Banana Republic, gap, Womyn, Tahari, Levi's, ck, Marc, Seven, Citizens of Humanity, AG, Diesel, and Joe's Jeans.

To minimize big bootie, stay away from flap pockets or pockets with heavy embellishment or embroidery and find a rise that fits properly in the crotch. Try James, earnest Sewn, Seven, and Citizens of Humanity.

Pregnant women don't have to wear “mom” jeans!

Just because you’re pregnant you don’t need to wear mom jeans (and don’t wear them after the baby comes either!). Go to gap.com for reasonably priced maternity jeans!