Damn denim

this week's column -

It's that bittersweet time of year again.

It's when the mornings are cool but the days still linger of summer. It's when you can almost smell the faint aroma of apples and pumpkins in the air. It's when you swap out the khaki shorts for a pair of denim instead.

There's something comforting about slipping back into your favorite pair of jeans.

That is, unless you dread trying to squeeze back into those jeans that have been hanging in the closet all summer. For some women, this is a dreaded moment.

Will they fit? Can I get them past my thighs? How does my butt look in these?

What was your favorite pair of jeans last year could easily become a donation to Goodwill this year.

All the recent fall advertisements are running rampant with specials on jeans in all the latest trends.

Rhinestones on the pockets. Faded washes. Tethered hems as to look like you've been dragging them on cement.

So, do you spend the extra money for the brand that makes your back side look best, or stick with the traditional, never-out-of-style pair?

I'm pretty sure men and women will answer this differently.

A friend asked me to go to a denim customizing event near Detroit this weekend and I agreed. Then I read the fine print. A group of celebrity stylists and fashion designers will help you make your jeans unique with any $75 denim purchase.

So, I have to pay that much for a new pair of jeans only to proceed to tearing them up, distressing them and otherwise making them look old?

The things we'll do for the perfect pair of jeans. These better last more than one season.