how to grow and care for ginseng ficus bonsai

Gardening

How to Grow and Care for Ginseng Ficus Bonsai

Drescription

Ginseng ficus is commonly used for bonsai, particularly for its narrow elevated roots that swell into a potbelly trunk and thin at the branches before spreading out to the crown. Ginseng ficus is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia and is a member of the Moraceae or mulberry family. Ginseng ficus grows best in acidic to neutral soil with higher humidity and full sun from a nearby window.

The sap from this plant is toxic to humans, and touching it can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions; wash hands after touching it.1 Ginseng ficus is toxic to dogs and cats.

Ginseng Ficus Bonsai Care

Here are the main care requirements for growing a ginseng ficus bonsai:

Grows best with warmth and humidity; avoid drafts.

Prefers bright, indirect sun.

Give water when the soil dries out.

Provide fertilizer on a regular schedule once a month.

Light

Your bonsai will need six to eight hours of light. Indoors, placing it on a windowsill is a good idea. If this is not available, grow lights can aid in growing your ginseng ficus. The bonsai will not tolerate shade at all.

If you take your tree outdoors during the summer, plan to place it in a spot with plenty of sunlight but not too much afternoon sun.

Soil

Ginseng ficus trees do well in a soil mix of 60% aggregate and forty percent organic matter. You can buy a premix or make your own using pine bark, lava rock, and a product called akadama, which holds water and slowly breaks down over time.

Water

Water your ginseng ficus thoroughly whenever the soil gets slightly dry, but do not water it to the point where the bonsai is dripping or fungal issues may occur. More frequent watering will be needed if your plant is in a hot environment.

Temperature and Humidity

The ginseng ficus is an indoor bonsai and is not frost-hardy. It can be brought outside once temperatures are consistently above 60°F but must be kept in the sun and not allowed to dry out. Low humidity can be tolerated due to the waxy surface covering the ficus’ leaves, but it will thrive in a humid environment.

Fertilizer

Bonsai draw on very little soil, so it is necessary to replenish their nutrients occasionally. Any multi-purpose liquid fertilizer available at your friendly local nursery or garden center should be adequate. For bonsai, dilute the mixture by 50% with water before applying monthly.

Using Ginseng Ficus as a Bonsai

For newcomers to the ancient Japanese art of bonsai, a great place to start is with a ginseng ficus. It looks terrific and requires minimal care compared to other bonsai, which can be challenging to maintain.

Bonsai artists especially focus on the raised roots of these funky little plants to create a particular aesthetic. In their natural habitat, these aerial roots grow easily in high-humidity environments. The effect is achieved by roots growing vertically downward from branches until they reach the soil, developing into thick, strong trunks. This can achieve the desired pillar style or the root-over-rock bonsai style deshojo.

Training a Bonsai

To train your plant, use anodized aluminum or annealed copper wire. Wiring your ficus’ thin and medium branches is easy since they are flexible and bend easily. Ensure the wires are not cutting into the tree and readjust if needed.

For larger branches, guy wires will be necessary and must stay on the tree much longer. Ficus trees are unique in that they can fuse their branches, roots, and other ficus plants.

Clean Your Tools

When working with a ginseng ficus—whether training or pruning—always be sure to disinfect your tools. These plants are highly sensitive to bacteria that are transmitted to the plant via pruning tools, pots, and potting medium.

Pruning

Pruning is necessary and part of what makes a bonsai a bonsai, not just a plant.

You can forego the pruning for a year or longer to achieve a thicker trunk. When ready to prune leaves, an excellent rule is to prune back to two leaves after six to eight leaves have grown.

New shoots will grow from old wood if you have left the trunk to thicken. But be sure to tend to any substantial wounds with cut paste so disease does not occur. Always use sharp and clean tools when working with your plant.

Propagating Ginseng Ficus Bonsai

Ginseng ficus, aka ficus retusa, can easily be propagated, and there's no better time to do that than after you've pruned it. Here's how:

Simply select a healthy stem and cut a 6-inch cutting with scissors or pruning shears.

Put the cutting in a container that has been prepared with potting soil mix, and then water it.

Place a clear plastic bag over the cuttings to create a greenhouse effect, keeping the moisture in and encouraging it to root.

Water lightly every few days, making sure the soil stays moist.

The cutting should root in a few weeks.

Potting and Repotting Ginseng Ficus Bonsai

Repotting a bonsai must happen when the root system has filled the pot. It needs to be done to give the tree new soil and to encourage a more compact root system.

You will only need to repot your ficus every other year during the summer. Simply remove the tree and soil from its pot and trim its roots' outer and lower quarters. Be careful not to over-prune or remove too much root material. Place the bonsai into the original pot or a new container using the bonsai soil mix.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Caring for your ginseng ficus bonsai properly, with the correct lighting and water, will keep it strong and more resistant to pests and plant diseases. However, the ginseng ficus can get spider mites, scale, mealybugs, and aphids. Use neem oil or a liquid dishwashing soap and water mixture to remove the pests.

Root rot, a fungal disease, can be a problem for ginseng ficus if overwatered. If you see any white or black spots on the leaves, trim them off and treat the bonsai with a fungicide.

Common Problems With Ginseng Ficus Bonsai

Ginseng ficus is easy to maintain when given the right growing conditions.

Losing Leaves or Wilting

Water issues, such as too much or insufficient, can cause ginseng ficus to drop its leaves. Keep the top inch of soil moist but not soggy. Leaves that are underwatered will appear wilted but should plump up again after giving water.

Yellowing Leaves

All leaves will eventually turn yellow and die, but prematurely yellowing leaves can be caused by overwatering or a fungal infection, like root rot.

How to Pack Light and Still Be Fashionable, According to Style Expert Tan France

Traveling with only a carry-on doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your best looks. As a frequent traveler, style expert Tan France has more experience than most when it comes to striking the right balance between packing practically and fashionably. France even partnered with Europe's train booking app, Trainline, to create the brand’s first-ever European style guide of curated “trainleisure” outfits for top European destinations—the UK, France, and Italy. But picking out what to wear on any kind of vacation is only half the battle—getting it all to fit in our luggage is the even trickier half. As much as we wish we could just bring all the options, overpacking and overpaying for a checked bag can really ruin the vacay vibe. So, for stress-free and stylish travels, take notes from France's six tips for packing light as a fashionista. How to Pack Light Without Compromising Style Pick 3-ish Pairs of Shoes As tempting as it is to pack shoes for each outfit, that’s a travel fashion fail. France recommends bringing only three pairs of shoes, one option to wear on the ride, and two options in your carry-on bag. In the train, plane, or car, wear your bulkiest, heaviest, or chunkiest shoe. “The longer the train or plane ride, the more important that you take on that chunky shoe,” he says. “Whether loafers, heels, or boots, France says donning the heaviest shoes frees up the most space and baggage weight. If sporting a clunky shoe on a long-haul flight sounds like a drag, France has a remedy. “I’ve always got, in my backpack or bag, a pair of thin slippers that I will change into as soon as I get on the plane,” he says, showing off over video call the hotel slippers he picked up on his travels. After boarding, put the clunky shoe in your carry-on or the overhead compartment and enjoy a comfy, slippered transit experience. In your carry-on bag, pack two other types of footwear. The first should be a soft, lightweight sneaker that is perfect for “walking around the city all day…from train to tube to bus and still feeling comfortable.” These shoes will be your go-to in case of inclement weather, so make sure they’re ones you’re okay with getting dirty. For adventure trips, bring a neutral-colored sneaker or hiking shoe hybrid with enough traction for a light climb. The last pair of shoes (when warm-weather traveling) should be a slim, leather or faux, slide-on sandal, perfect for the pool, beach, or a morning jaunt to the coffee shop. If you’re thinking, “Why not a flip-flop?” France says think again. Even at the pool, rubber flip-flops don’t exude chic. In contrast, leather sandals are easy to clean, comfortable to wear, and just as versatile. Pack for the Person You Are, Not the Person You Want to Be on Vacation “So many of us pack as if we're going to be another person when we're in a foreign land, and none of us are,” France laughs. “If you don’t have the confidence to wear an outfit in your home state, you probably won’t have the confidence to wear it elsewhere,” he says. Instead, he advises planning outfits in advance, taking photos of your fashion prep, and packing only the things most aligned with your trip itinerary (and your personal style). If your instinct is to dress like the locals while on vacation, chances are you’re headed straight for a fashion faux pas. Instead of helping you to blend in, he explains, this can just make it look like you’re in costume trying to cosplay stereotypes. It’s important to respect the local culture, and wearing what you think locals wear is a recipe for a misstep. France says to instead “take the things you know you’re going to feel good in, things that you feel comfortable in, and the things that actually feel like you.” To maximize space in your suitcase or carry-on, France recommends storing socks, belts, or other small items inside your shoes. Contrast Neutral Clothing with Colorful Accessories To maximize outfit options, pack neutral-colored clothing and punchy accessories to bring your looks to life. For accessories, think statement jewelry—belts, neckerchieves, and scarves. These items are easy to pack and won’t take up much space. France says to always use the space inside shoes to stuff belts, socks, neckties, and other small items. This will help your shoes keep their shape, while maximizing all available space. Stay Weather-Ready The weather is always unpredictable, regardless of what the apps say. Plan for every eventuality by bringing on the layers and packing a mini pocket umbrella. Particularly when traveling from cold climates to hotter ones, plan for lightweight layers. Not only does this allow for a wide range of outfit combinations, but versatile layers help you prepare for any surprise seasonal shift. But don't just throw any random jacket or sweater in your bag. Opt for multiple lightweight layers that can work together and be styled different ways, versus one chunky sweater that takes up more space. And don't forget to incorporate these layers into your outfit planning stage, so that they still look intentional on your trip. “Make sure every layer you put on is still a look,” France says, since you may be putting on or removing these layers throughout the day. For example, before packing a sporty windbreaker that may not match any of your sundresses, consider if a breezy button down shirt or thin cardigan may be a better match with the outfits you have packed. Skip the Vacuum Seal Bags Vacuum seal bags may seem like a good solution to fitting more outfit options in your luggage, but France says they make clothes too wrinkly to bear. “Most people aren’t staying at a hotel that has an amazing iron,” he says. Even if you will have access to a good iron, no one wants to spend precious vacation time ironing out heavily wrinkled clothing. “It’s not worth it," France says. "Just pack lighter.” Leave Room to Shop Traveling isn't all about the shopping and souvenirs, but some things are just too good to pass up on. And one of the benefits of packing lighter is that it leaves room for these items in your luggage. However, France says it's still important to be discerning about what you spend your money on and try to focus on "the things you truly can’t buy at home." To prepare for some shopping, consider packing an empty, lightweight bag in your luggage that can function as a personal item for your trip back home. France also says to “see your body as an extra way to carry your new pieces,” on the way back. For any bulky wearable, put it on your person–rather than overstuffing your limited number of travel bags. Style expert Tan France is one of the Fab Five on Netflix's series Queer Eye. His memoir, Naturally Tan, was published in June 2019, and it became a New York Times Bestseller. He was also the host of the web series talk show Dressing Funny and co-host of Next in Fashion, a fashion competition reality show on Netflix. Space-Saving Packing Tips Use packing cubes to separate outfits or garments for specific activities (all of your workout gear in one, for example). Leave items you're very unlikely to wear at home. Roll rather than fold lightweight garments like T-shirts. Plan your outfits; this will help you determine if you have extraneous items you're unlikely to wear. Pack small items last. A thin tank top that can be rolled and stuffed into any available crevice in your suitcase is an easy last-minute addition, but you'll have more difficulty finding a spot for that bulky blazer. Wear layers on the plane. Wrapping that chunky sweater over your shoulders will save room in your suitcase, plus you'll be prepared if the plane is chilly. Opt for travel-size toiletries or decant your favorite full-size products into smaller (TSA-approved) bottles with leak-proof lids. Include at least one spare outfit, underwear, and socks in your carry-on. Not only will this save space in your checked luggage, but it will save the day if your luggage is misplaced. Rely on versatile garments that can work with many outfits. A jacket that coordinates with any outfit is better than one that only works with certain looks.

Are Anthro’s Famous Colette Pants Really As Good As People Say? 5 Unphotoshopped Women Give Their Honest Opinion

This review was a long time coming. I’ve known the power of Anthropologie’s Colette Wide Leg pants for over three years, Caitlin has been in the know for the last year, and the women in Emily’s family have been RAVING about them. So ya, how could we not give them a proper EHD blog review with all 5 of us? Here’s the thing, of course, these aren’t technically “magical pants” despite their most popular version being in a fabric they use called “magic fabric”, and they may not work for every single person. But let me tell you that they do work for sooooooo many. The “magic fabric” classic version alone has a 4.5-star rating with over 2,400 reviews! They almost have what feels like a cult following and this post might help you see why. All 5 of us EHD ladies each tried on 1 to 3 different pairs (there are many versions, FYI) to hopefully show you to the best of our ability what they look like on nonphotoshopped bodies. What’s also great about these pants is that a couple of their most popular versions not only come in standard, tall, petite, and plus sizing, but they also come in adaptive: seated and adaptive: non-seated. We really hope Anthro and the fashion industry in general continue to invest in their inclusive sizing and styles. Everyone should be included and get to dress exactly how they want. IT’S IMPORTANT! With that said, ready to see some pretty freaking cute pants and how we actually feel about them??? Emily I’m on a text chain with my sister-in-law and cousin (shout out to Crystal and Valerie) and during a recent chat about fashion they both said that their favorite pant was the Colette from Anthropologie and that they BOTH owned it in multiple colorways/lengths. I was obviously interested so I bought one pair and liked it a lot, but found that I didn’t wear them that often. They are high-waisted and wide-legged which I tend to want to wear heels with and rarely do I need to go anywhere where heels are appropriate (except out on dates and I likely wouldn’t wear high-waisted pants out on a date). You see, I have a short torso and big boobs so if the pants go too high it’s a LOT happening at the same place. But then I found these dark pink patterned Colette pants that are “linen” and I thought that they would be stiff or too thin, but y’all they are INCREDIBLE. The fabrics have the perfect amount of stretch and thickness, and the pattern is so distracting and busy in the best of ways. My butt looks very good in them, TBH, and I don’t say that about many pants. I love the longer version because I have short legs and don’t need another cropped wide leg to cut them off and make them visually any shorter. And with heels, my legs look so long and I feel really, really good. So while these are very “sisterhood of the traveling pants,” for me the long wide, and patterned version is definitely my fave. Jess If you can’t tell I bought my first pair of Colette pants a while ago…August 2021 to be exact. Before I had my long nails! I couldn’t believe how cute AND comfortable they were. Thin, just enough stretch, and the perfect pocket placement. Normally, I’m not a bold patterned pant gal but these were too perfect to pass up. Sadly, this pattern is no longer available but Ryann (EHD alum for anyone new here) bought them too and felt the same way. Now at the time, I don’t think Anthro had fully expanded that range to what it is today which is VAST. Otherwise, I’m sure I would have bought another pair. Fast forward to this week… Look at the corduroy version!! I LOVED these. The blue color is so pretty (the website looks different and desaturated so don’t be fooled) and my god were they soft. They also aren’t super thick which I really appreciate too. The pajama vibe is still very much there. I sized up to a 30 in these (I’m wearing 29 in the two below if that helps anyone) since the fabric at a little bit of sheen. I didn’t love the way the shininess of the fabric enhanced how it was pulled in the front with the 29s. Oh, and I am 5’4″ so these standard-length ones don’t have much of a crop but honestly, I prefer that. They do come in petite for my short gals who want a cropped look. I didn’t want to purchase impulsively but I seriously might be ordering these puppies. SO GOOD. I also wanted to try on the classic “magic fabric” version (like the patterned ones I have). It’s Anthro’s exclusive fabric that claims to sculpt, stretch, and recover. It does. Let’s just say it was also hard to not buy these too! They made me feel so good, looked so classic, and I don’t have a pair of good black pants. I might be considering these too! I don’t feel like these photos are doing them justice. This version comes in sooooo many colors so highly recommend taking a peek. Lastly, I wanted to try on the denim version too because I was at the store and clearly I’m a fan of the style:) As the others, they had the ideal amount of stretch and were just so comfortable. I currently have far too many jeans to justify another but if you are in the market I HIGHLY recommend these. Caitlin I scored these Colette pants in my first-ever Nuuly haul last year (ICYMI!) and it feels corny to say, but they really renewed my love of getting dressed! I’ve struggled to find pants that maintain their intended shape once pulled onto my body (super hippy, big behind – lots of pants cling and end up looking like skinny jeans!) and I can attest that they’ve held up beautifully to a solid year of HEAVY use. These are the linen type, so they’re a little lightweight, but they don’t wrinkle in the way you’d expect and they feel LIKE BUTTER on my body. They genuinely fall straight from my hip (a miracle!), they’re supremely comfortable for sitting/standing all day, and there’s no gapping in the back (plumber’s crack, the bane of my youth, is not an issue here!) – they’re genuinely like magic. Added bonus: I’ve dropped about 20 pounds since procuring this size 32 pair, but they’re one of the few bottoms I own that somehow continue to fit my changing shape. (LIKE MAGIC, I’M TELLIN’ YA!) You need some wear-everyday pants? HERE THEY ARE! The near-unanimous 5-star reviews are ALL CORRECT – these pants are comfortable, supportive, and so easy to dress up or down (how fab is this woman, serving the more formal version of my casual look?). This material is a little bit thicker – I bought them last winter, after the chill crept in through my linen pair – but I just love everything about them. The little hit of ankle? The higher waist? (I’m sorry – maybe it’s because I have a long toroso, but a high waist just feels SO GOOD. If the button isn’t encroaching on my belly button, I’m not interested.) The 15 available colors? The perfect amount of volume to balance out any body type? THEY ARE JUST SO GOOD. I’m still kicking myself for waiting so long to try these on – Ryann, forgive me!!! – but after a year of near-daily use, I’m about 99% sure that the pants in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants were just a pair of Colettes. (PS. Not what we’re here to talk about, but this belt bag is an INCREDIBLE dupe for the Clare V. Grande Fanny – same materials, same size, half the price!) Mallory If there’s one thing I love…it’s high contrast. I’m VERY happy about all of the contrast piping on furniture and ALSO in clothes happening right now – and these pants totally fall under that category. Initially, I was questioning if a dark mulberry pant was for me but once I saw them with the cream stitching it was a hell yes. These pants have such a nice fit. High-waisted, stretchy, and wide on the calves so they’re very flattering and made me feel like a very cool lady. I really liked this plaid pant but I liked the lil mulberry with the light stitching a hair more. In my opinion, I think this fabric looks really nice in a trouser style and I preferred this cut in the other colors but that’s just me. They were very soft and stretchy also so no worries on comfort! The black Colette pant is very classic and would go with so much. Again, I really liked the first ones for the statement of them, but if you’re looking for a classic everyday pant this colorway was great! Gretchen I popped into Anthro to try on these Colette pants that everyone is raving about. Well, add me to that list because these are AWESOME. I absolutely love the front, square pockets, and the ’70s vibe they give off. Usually, I find with front pocket pants like these, they tend to skip on the back pockets altogether, which is not the look I go for. But thankfully these have cute pockets on all sides and I love them all the more for it! They hold me just right (I’m wearing a size 32) and sit at the perfect height on my waist. I wasn’t sure about the cropped look but I became a fan once I tried them on. These will be so cute in the fall with little boots peeking through and I dig that larger hem on the bottom. I am curious what the full-length pants would look like on, but they seem to be online only, so I ordered them to give it a go! If they look and feel anything like this pair, I’m sold! Needless to say, these might be the closest thing to a real “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” pant as it was said many times in this post. It’s also a sale weekend so it’s probably not the worst time to see if they might be a great addition to your closet if you need a new pair of truly great pants. Hope this was fun and helpful, and if you have any thoughts of your own let the people know in the comments! Love you, mean it.

The Best Hair Products to Travel With, According to Stylists

Traveling is one of life’s great pleasures. But trying to have good hair on the go is about as challenging as getting through the TSA line these days. While we would all like to bring our entire product arsenal, travel and suitcase size restrictions make that impossible. So going with travel-size and double-duty products will help ensure your hair looks good when taking all those cute vacation pics. Here are the hair care products the pros like to take along with them. 1. K18 Hair Mask Celebrity hairstylist Anthony Pazos is a big fan of traveling with K18 Molecular Repair Hair Mask. The bottle is small, the product is highly concentrated, and best of all, you aren’t supposed to use conditioner with it, so it’s one less thing to bring. “Hands down, the best product to travel with is the K18 Mask. I like it because it helps repair brittle ends and prevents any breakage.” 2. Virtue Travel-Sized Shampoo and Mask Skip the big, leaky bottles and travel smart. Sharon Dorram, celebrity colorist and owner of Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger, tells me, “I wish all companies would think to make travel sizes because it is truly the hardest part of packing. I always travel with travel-size Virtue shampoo and Restorative Treatment Mask as my conditioner.” 3. Mason Pearson Pocket Mixture Brush Jennifer Nast, senior stylist at Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger, tells me she likes to travel light with a Mason Pearson Pocket Brush. “When you are on the go, you need a good brush to keep the fly always at bay. Brushing can also help to distribute the oil from your scalp. “ 4. A Claw Clip Easily and cheaply purchased, Nast suggests traveling with a claw clip to quickly style your hair. “It's an easy way to elevate a look, put up hair after the beach, and day-two travel hair." 5. T3 Compact Travel Flat Iron Who wants to lug around a big, heavy flat iron? Nast recommends using the T3 Singlepass Compact model instead. “So cute and tiny! Refresh your blow dry or simply touch up your hairline. A quick fix when you are on the go.” 6. Phyto 9 Nourishing Day Cream Looking for a double-duty product that can work on wet and dry hair? The Phyto 9 Nourishing Day Cream is a great choice according to Matthew Monzon, celebrity hair stylist. “It can be used on wet hair before blow drying to give you what you need to help control frizz and give you amazing shine. Or, as a finishing product to help give some texture to your hair. The big plus is if you're flying, you don’t need to put it in your checked luggage since it’s under the limit.” 7. Curlsmith Moisture Memory Reactivator It's specially important to have the right products for curly hair. Sharley Butcher, textured hair care specialist and lead educator at Curlsmith tells me, "Wherever I go, I pack my haircare essentials in travel size, so I don't need to compromise luggage space. Curlsmith Moisture Memory Reactivator is perfect for refreshing my curls and bringing them back to life between wash days.” 8. Luisant6 Hair Primer Whether you’re exploring a city or lying at the beach, celebrity hair and makeup artist Pamela Brogardi likes to use Hair Primer by Luisant6. “This product is CBD-infused and a hydrating leave-in spray. The hydrating bonding leave-in spray reduces blow drying time and transforms texture resulting in a sleek, glass-like shine. Spray before hitting the beach and after to keep your hair looking beach fabulous!” 9. Oribe Mini Gold Lust Dry Shampoo Dry shampoo is great when traveling, but bringing one of those massive cans is a big no. Brogardi likes Mini Gold Lust Dry Shampoo by Oribe. “Dry shampoo helps to absorb excess oil and refresh your hair between washes, making it an essential product for maintaining clean and voluminous hair on the go. The mini size is convenient for packing and adheres to airline travel regulations.” 10. Epres Bond Repair Treatment Damage and frizz can be frustrating, which is why stylist Bradley Leake likes Epres Bond Repair Treatment. “It keeps hair smooth and frizz-free while also fighting damage. It is also super easy to take with you as you can bring just the vial of concentrate and bottle in your travel bag,” he explains. “One other hack I recommend to clients is to spray this on before going on a plane or traveling so that you can treat as you go, then wash out and have gorgeous shiny hair once you reach your destination.”

3 Differently-Sized Women Try On 5 Pairs of Jeans (+ More) – A Realistic Abercrombie Sizing Review

After 12 years of wearing nothing but Madewell jeans, I’ve jumped ship – I’m an Abercrombie & Fitch denim gal now. Before you roll your eyes, let me be clear: this is not the Abercrombie of yore, folks. Gone are the models with abs of steel; gone are the migraine-inducing fragrances; gone are the implications and hints that Abercrombie is a certain type of shopper. Instead, Abercrombie in 2024 is an affordable, size-inclusive destination for easy-to-wear adult basics that won’t break the bank. But not everyone on the EHD team was convinced – those early aughts mall memories are hard to shake! – so earlier this week, I dragged two of my coworkers to the mall (as one does) where we put Abercrombie’s denim to the test on our 3 normal, non-model bodies. We are each a different shape and different size, but we all found styles that made us feel great! The best part? Everything we tried on is on sale this weekend, through the 12th. (This isn’t even sponsored – I just love these jeans so much and wish someone had told me about them earlier.) Scroll to see our first-hand reviews and try-ons featuring 5 best-selling denim styles, one cute dress, and a perfect-for-fall trench. It’s a real “choose your adventure” kind of post – take a peek at the writer who most closely resembles your shape (our size details are below, obvi!) and HAVE AT IT. (Spoiler: a few pieces we found were too good to leave behind – I’m excited to hear which ones you would have grabbed if you’d been shopping with us!) The Gals And Their Sizing Stats Jess Size: 29/30 (28 in high-waisted Madewell if that helps!) Height: 5’4″ (I was recently measured with a laser (?) and am having an identity crisis with my 1/4 growth spurt). Caitlin Size: 12-16, depending on the fit (usually a 31 or 32 in Madewell!). I have a big ol’ butt and VERY wide hips. Height: 5’8″ Mal Size: 26/27 or 2-4 Height: 5’7 The Rating Scale Before we fully get into the cute clothes. Each piece starts with a group photo with a thumbs up, thumbs “meh”, and thumbs down. We also have a 0 to 5 rating in our individual reviews but just wanted to give you all the info! The 90s Straight Ultra High Rise (Curve Love) Jess Size: 29/8R (I could have size up probably) Fit: They fit really great! Sure, I should have tried on a “short” style because they were waaayy too long and would have needed to be hemmed which is always annoying. I just cuffed them for these photos. Overall I liked the cut and that they were high-waisted but not too high-waisted. And as the resident flat-butted gal of the group, I didn’t have any real issues in that area. Sure, it didn’t enhance it really but that didn’t bother at all. A great everyday jean. Had I needed a pair of jeans I would have bought these. Rating: 4/5 Caitlin Size: 32/14R Fit: My fellow wide-hipped women will understand my struggle – it’s HARD to find a true straight jean! My eyes just kept going straight to that curve around my thighs – I felt really jealous of how the jeans fell on Jess and Mal. (I still maintain that these are STUNNING on Jess’ shape and that she should have brought them home!) That said, I am super thankful for the Curve Love line – lord knows this booty would not be fittin’ into regular jeans without that extra 2″ of give – but despite their comfort, these felt like a pass for me. BIG MEH. Rating: 3/5 Mal Size: 26 Fit: These jeans fit well in the front and I REALLY loved the wash but ultimately it fit a lil weird on the booty area. I just felt like it didn’t quite do the things it needed to back there (shape, lift, etc) and instead, it just felt a lil tight (the seam kind of buckled in a weird way around the mid-butt lol). So basically if you’ve got a booty I’d recommend snagging a different pair :) Rating: 2/5 The ’90s Relaxed (Curve Love) Jess Size: 30/10R Fit: Not terrible but also not good. They weren’t baggy enough to feel cool and not fitted enough to show off the goods. This style has really never worked more. I need more shape! Rating: 2.5/5 Caitlin Size: 32/14R Fit: Seeing these now, I can’t totally recall why I gave them a full thumbs down! They are…fine. Again, it just feels like my legs are filling these out a little too much to consider them “relaxed.” They do get points for being ultra comfortable, but they’re not really giving me a confidence boost, you know? Rating: 2/5 Mal Size: 26 Fit: If you couldn’t tell from the last rating, one of my biggest things when it comes to the fit of a jean is how it looks on the bootay. I’m looking for a pair that makes that thing POP in the best of ways and doesn’t leave weird lines/make it look like you’re wearing a diaper. For this reason, I’m not THAT into baggy/relaxed fitting jeans – I’d rather go for a straight leg or wide leg that’s still tailored up top and then flows toward the bottom. So the reason I gave these a side thumbs up is because for baggy jeans I REALLY liked them and thought they didn’t look horrible in the back, but I don’t wear baggy jeans all that much so that is why I’m knocking them 2 points. Rating: 3/5 Denim Dress Jess Size: Large Fit: I only tried on this little number because Caitlin wanted me to. Not only is it a cut that really isn’t my style or preference, but it was also a size too big. It’s comically terrible on me lol. I loved how it looked on Caitlin and Mal though and the fabric quality was great! I think that it was also too long for my 5’4″ height. I don’t think wearing a medium would have made it short enough. Rating: 0/5 (just on me!) Caitlin Size: Large Fit: OKAY, I LOVE! (And I bought.) If anyone has ever called you “hot” or “sexy,” this cut will probably not be up your alley. But as a lifelong “cute” gal, this is a slam dunk. I can’t wait to wear it solo for the rest of the summer, and I’m really looking forward to layering it with turtlenecks or Peter Pan collars and a cozy pair tights in the fall. But be warned that it does run LARGE – I’m getting a few inches taken in on the waist! Overall: great length, not clingy, and the perfect throw-and-go dress. Rating: Mal Size: Small Fit: This dress was VERY comfy and super cute. I thought it looked very flattering on everyone, but in my opinion, it just needed some accessorizing (a gold necklace? a lil sweater like the one I tied around the waist??) and then it looked super polished. Rating: 4/5 The Baggy (Curve Love) Jess Size: 30/10R Fit: After looking back at these photos, I actually like these jeans more! I think these were the cutest on all three of us. The wash is that perfect medium tone, the hem is fun and I like where the waist sits. Again, as a short gal, I would go for the short size but these are a great cool and causal pair! Trendy without trying too hard. Rating: 4/5 Caitlin Size: 31/12R Fit: I actually really liked these! Under normal circumstances – you know, before I realized that pants that fit my body existed – I would have brought them home, thrilled to have found an on-trend style that doesn’t cling. They’re baggy without being TOO baggy and they still give you some shape on the bum. The only downside was that mine gapped a bit in the back, which I didn’t love (I think they might have a slightly lower rise than I normally opt for). Rating: 4/5 Mal Size: 25/0S Fit: Remember when I said I don’t love baggy jeans? Well I sized down, they became not baggy and I LOVE THEM (AND BOUGHT THEM!!!) I’ve been looking for some more mid-rise jeans since all of my jeans are VERY high-waisted and these guys are literally perfect. Plus the hem at the bottom is just so cute and cool!! They’re also very stretchy so they’re super comfortable, not like that tough Levi’s kinda denim. Praise be! Buy these! Rating: 5/5 The Loose High Rise Jean Jess Size: 30/10R Fit: They are a really nice mix of fitted and slightly loose (I guess I could have sized up more looseness)! I also liked that they were high rise but on me not too high rise if you know what I mean. They didn’t do much for enhancing my behind but given the style and my lack of more rounded bum, I wasn’t too surprised. I wish I had tried them in the short length because as you can see I do not have long limbs:) I just don’t need jeans at the moment so it was a pass for me. Rating: 3.5/5 Caitlin Size: 31/12R (Curve Love) Fit: Confession: You remember the header photo? I’m wearing my own pair of Loose Jeans in it! I was excited to try on a darker wash, and they don’t disappoint. I’ve been stopped countless times in these pants by women with similar body types who’ve asked where I bought them – it’s an honor to help spread the word. :) I might prefer this cut in lighter washes, but you can’t find a more comfortable pair of jeans – have suffered through some 100-degree days in the woodshop without complaints because they’re so easy to wear! Rating: 4.5/5 Mal Size: 26 Fit: Never have I ever hated a jean more on me. The weird flare at the bottom. The diaper effect on the butt. Hard pass. Also, lol, that my shirt kept covering all of the jeans so I keep having to lift it up. Next time I’m wearing a white tank like Caitlin. Rating: 1/5 The Ultra Loose Low Rise Jess Size: 30/10R (Curve Love) Fit: LOLOL Noooooo! I don’t think I need to convince of you why these weren’t a fit for me. Partially, I think the Curve Love style for these added too much width on me but my height makes it hard for really baggy pants to look good on me. I actually have a pair from Zara I love but these were never going to come home with me. But man are they SO CUTE on Caitlin and Mal! Rating: 0/5 Caitlin Size: 30/10 (Blue) + 31/12 (Black) (Curve Love) Fit: I went on a JOURNEY with these – I started with some in size 14 (pictured in our group shot with my arm in the air) which were FAR too big, but also kind of cool? (My underwear band was peeking out, Calvin-style, and the gals said I looked like I belonged in Silver Lake, which I didn’t disagree with – they had a lil’ je ne sais quoi!) I ended up swapping for Jess’ 10 in blue which fit BEAUTIFULLY – they’re by far the best wide-leg jeans I’ve ever tried on! – and then I tried a 12 in the black, which I ended up purchasing. If you’re pear-shaped, strong-hipped, or large-butted, the Ultra Loose is THE JEAN FOR YOU. I felt awesome in them. (PS. If you’re under 5’6, I’d actually suggest the standard Loose Jean – I think my extra height helps me pull off the width on these!) Rating: 6/5 (Yeah, I loved them THAT much. Madewell who?!) Mal Size: 26 Fit: These made my knees feel so weirdly exposed and I’m just not used to that sensation. All in all I think for a ripped, baggy jeans these are a pretty good option! I’m just not really a ripped baggy jean person is what I’ve discovered from this :) Rating: 3/5 Denim Trench Jess Size: Medium Fit: I really loved it!! It’s just oversized enough to comfortably wear a sweater underneath. It truly looks like a real trench but in a much cooler fabric:) If I lived in a cooler place it would have come home with me. Rating: 5/5 Caitlin Size: Large Fit: You know how I loved the earlier dress, and it wasn’t a fit for Jess? This is the EXACT SAME situation with a reverse outcome. I just don’t have the gravitas to pull off a denim trench. Was it well-made? Yes! Was it a great price for the quality? Yup! Will I ever have the need to cloak myself in a denim top layer? Probably not. But if you need one, this would be a great pick! Rating: 3/5 The trench was a no for Mal so this is where we leave you! We clearly had a great time but mostly hope that this gives you the confidence to try out Abercrombie if you are looking for some new denim or other cute clothes. Let us know if you’ve had good experiences with the new and improved Abercrombie too!