I love Lee Jeans. Truly, I do. I've worn them since I was a young girl. What I like about them is that they fit my curves, and they're super comfortable. I've been fortunate enough to be able to review some of their more recent items and am so impressed with how the brand has evolved. They come in a variety of fits and styles. I just saw on their Facebook page the other day that Lee even has sweaters now, and they're beautiful.

Lee is rather active on Facebook. In fact, they're hosting a chat this Thursday afternoon from noon to 2:00pm Central time to talk about finding the perfect jean fit for your body. The folks at Lee know that finding jeans that fit can be an incredibly daunting task, and they're bringing in their Trend Manager, Rachelle Moley, to help. Rachelle will be on hand to answer all your questions about finding jeans that fit. She'll also give tips on what's hot this season in jeans and will talk about the colors, fits and styles you'll want to be on the lookout for. Rachelle's main job at Lee is to scope out the latest trends and to make sure those trends are incorporated into Lee styles each season.

So come by the Lee "Find Your Fit" live Facebook chat Thursday at noon Central to find out all the inside denim secrets and trends for this fall and to learn how to finally find that great fit for you. I'll definitely be there!

I've never been a small girl. That's just the way I'm made. Unfortunately, due to slipping away from my healthy eating routine of avoiding wheat and milk, I've gotten a bit larger as of late. I've always had a hard time finding clothes that fit well and are comfortable. Even in size 14 and 16, two very common sizes in this country, I've often found the selection to be limited. Since moving up a size (I refuse to say the number because I don't plan to be in it for long!), it's become even more difficult.

So I set out on  mission to find cute, comfortable clothes for plus size women because if I'm having a tough time, it must be hard for women who are larger than me. I approached some companies on my own, and I sent a query to Help A Reporter Out (HARO). The response I received was tremendous. Some companies were able to send samples for me to try, while others were not. I'm thankful for everyone that helped me and for all that I learned. I'll share whatI learned with you, beginning with this post on great pants. The series will continue with posts on tops, dresses, and accessories.

Lee Jeans

I've worn Lee jeans ever since I was a teenager. They always fit my ample curves, especially my rear, with little back gap. The price and the comfort combined kept me coming back to Lee. (That, and the fact that my mom wouldn't buy me the expensve Guess and Limited jeans) I have to confess that I've gotten away from Lee in recent years, as I've discovered some other affordable options that I like. I was pretty excited when the folks from Lee offered to send me a pair.

Guess what? They're still incredibly comfortable! And the fit is still amazing. Lee even has a dedicated plus size line in sizes 16W - 30W.  Lee sent me the Slender Secret 5-pocket jean, and I love them! Definitely not your mom's Lee jeans. I love Lee jeans. I'd recommend hippy, curvy women like me give them a try.

Just My Size Jeans and Khakis

Hanes is the maker of the plus size line, Just My Size, which offers such a wide array of clothing as well as undergarments. Just My Size sent me a couple pair of jeans, a boot cut style and a skinny jean, as well as a pair of casual khaki pants.  The jeans were both stretchy and fit well over my curves. I appreciate that they sent me two different styles to try. I was surprised that I actually liked the classic fit, as I usually stick with boot cut or relaxed fit jeans. Unfortunately, both pair of jeans I receied fit a bit tightly, especially around my waist. (I just tried them on again and am happy to report that I was able to button them comfortably, so I've lost a little bit of weight!) I might recommend that you be sure to try on these jeans before buying them because they seem to run a bit small. But don't be afraid to go up a size because they do fit nicely and are comfortble, just a bit tight in the waist. I've learned that comfort and fit, with smooth lines, are so much more important that the size number.

The Just My Size khakis? Love them! They're soft and fit just right, even around the waist. I'm happy with the length as well. Sometimes I have to go up to a tall size in pants. At 5'7", I'm kind of in between regular and tall. I'm so happy with these pants and to have a pair of khakis that fits. After jeans, khaki are my live-in pants, and it's been a while since I've worn any since I've grown out of the ones in my closet. Just My Size offers fabulously reasonable prices and sizes that go up to 36. This brand is accessibe for EVERY woman!

Tummy Control Knit Pants From The Girls Apparel

I'm lucky to have been given the opportunity to try some great knit pants from a company called The Girls Apparel. Knit pants can really be a love/hate thing for me. I love the comfort, but I don't love the fact that you can see every little (and big) flaw when wearing them.  The Girls uses a specially formulated Blu-Tec Control System, which combine just the right amounts of spandex and nylon to create a material that enhances your shape, rather than showing off flaws. I received the Tummy Control Snap-Bottom pant. I love the detail of the snaps at the bottom, so different. What I love most is the comfort and fit of these pants. They really do give you some support in the tummy area. While they don't work miracles, of course, they do provide a nice, smooth silhouette, and they don't accentuate your flaws. I usually don't feel comfortable in tight, stretchy knit pants, but I wear these often with a long cardigan or button down shirt. I'm a bt self-conscious of how they accentuate my fat knees, but I think that's just my own personal hang-up. Oveall, I give The Girls Tummy Control Pants a very favorable review. If you've always wanted to try stretchy pants, but have been too self-conscious, give these a try!

That's it for my report on stylish, comfy pants for plus size women. Are there any brands or styles that you've had good luck with or that you couldn't live without? Please share. I plan to cover plus size fshion more here are Everyday Baby Steps and would love your input!

Lee is one of my favorite brands in jeans. I've sung their praises here in the past. I've worn Lee since I was a young girl. Lee jeans are great for curvy gals like me. There's always plenty of room, and they seem to just fit like a glove. Not to mention, the price is always right. I've definitely learned to appreciate that aspect as I've grown older!

I recently learned of a contest Lee is having in which one winner will get a $500 shopping spree to Lee.com. Head on over to Lee's Facebook page to enter. Who couldn't use some new clothes for the holidays? If you win, I wear a size 18 (but striving for a 16) and like boot cut jeans! Thanks.

Hurry, this contest ends 11/15.

This review is for the man in your life. What man doesn't look good in a rugged denim jacket? Totally sexy, right? I know! So I was extremely pleased when Lee reached out to me and offered me the opportunity to review one of their denim jackets. Okay, I'll admit that I was tempted to ask for a jacket for myself. I love the look of jean jackets, but I currently have two. I made the choice to ask my husband if he'd like to help me do a review. He was happy to oblige. I'll admit that my motivations weren't completely selfless in asking my husband to review the jacket. Remember, denim jackets on guys are HOT! In all seriousness, Bill really does look good in the jacket, and it fits him really well, accommodating his long arms and wide shoulders. He chose the men's denim jacket in dark stone, the third jacket pictured in the top row. It's really nice.

His only criticism is that the jacket doesn't have inside pockets. That's something he really likes for holding his cell phone, keys and things. Otherwise, he was quite pleased with it. That's really saying something. My husband is a critical thinker who can always find ways for improvement. At a price of $39.99, I'd say the Lee men's denim jacket is definitely a good investment, both in terms of practicality and fashion. Because, honestly, what man couldn't use a little help in the fashion department?

Thanks, Lee, for providing us with a great denim jacket to review. I foresee Bill wearing it for a long time.