I bought $200 designer jeans for a living. These $35 ones live up to the hype.

I'm an LA-based trending news writer covering style, politics, and internet culture.

A few of my favorite pairs in my personal closet:

- My overall favorite: Eliza Faulkner's Lavoy Pant Jeans — I love a structured/tailored-looking pant... and in denim? Even better!

- My most complimented: Levi's 726 High-Rise Flare — without fail, every time I wear these, I get a, "What style are those?!" I think they make my legs look longer and add shape to my bootay (which is saying something, because I really don't have one).

- My most versatile: Reworked Levi's 505s — I bought these from a vintage shop, and they were professionally restored. (And yes, I am pretty sure they're men's — don't sleep on a men's fit!!). I love that they already had a life before me, and now I've extended it by wearing them constantly. They're two sizes bigger than my usual, which gives them that perfectly relaxed, slightly slouchy fit.