This past August I went on a search for the perfect paneled leggings. I wanted something comfortable, versatile, and of course affordable. My first purchase was the K-Dash Knit panel leggings.

Sold out on QVC, I nabbed a pair on ebay for $19.99. When they arrived I was a bit dismayed by the fabric, which resembled the stretchy material used to make active wear and seemed a lot more casual than I expected. When I slid them on my entire opinion changed. These are the most comfortable leggings I have every worn, and they washed well without fading like some of my other leggings. The seaming detail gave them a bit of edge, and adding heels took away from the girl at the gym look. Though these weren't exactly what I expected, I find myself wanting to wear them often. They are more pulled together than jeans, and more comfortable as well. I anticipate wearing these for several seasons.

I was so pleased with the comfort of the k-dash leggings, I decided to explore the Kardashian Kollection at Sears. I was still looking for a pair of legging that looked a bit more chic and when the Sears had a Kardashian Kollection sale I combined with a coupon code and ordered the Suede Panel Ponte Leggings for a mere $28.95 shipped.

They arrived thrown in a beat up box, barely folded with no plastic or any type of wrapping to protect them. My crumpled packaging slip was the only other thing inside the box. Poor presentation aside, in person the coloring and quality was equally disappointing. The suede inserts were not as rich a navy as they appeared online, there were loose strings hanging from a few of the panel seams, and the body of the leggings were a faded looking blue. These leggings felt tight when I tried them on but loosened up as I moved around in them. Overall, I was happy with the style, but very glad I didn't pay the full price. They are indeed more stylish than the k-dash leggings, they look great on, but lack in quality and comfort. I have received a number of compliments when wearing them, but I think next time I'm interested in something from the Kollection I will head to Sears and check it out in person.

Somewhere in the back of my mind I could hear the old saying "you get what you pay for", so I decided to take the plunge and splurge on what I had been eyeing all along: the BCBG Mari Foiled Paneled Legging for $118.

Yikes, I can hear the collective groans and gasps. I did bid on a pair on ebay first; sadly I was outbid. I did manage to find a 20% off coupon code though so I got them for $98.18 shipped. Still more than I'd normally pay for leggings, but my goodness, when they arrived... it was like getting a present!

The shipping carton was huge and thick, and when I opened it there was a large BCBG gift box with a ribbon on it. I guess all that money on a pair of leggings you have to give good presentation right? The leggings were on a thick black hanger and covered with a BCBG emblazoned plastic garment bag. There was also a small sample of the new fragrance Bon Chic inside and the latest catalog inside. The leggings did not disappoint either. The material was a thick ponte, the faux leather panels were soft and convincing, and the fit was perfect. I liked them so much I tried to go back and order the Chase legging in a brownish hue, but they were sold out in my size. If you don't mind splurging; this is definitely the way to go.

If you want to get in on the paneled legging trend, here are some affordable alternatives under $50 for you to check out: