If you really want to feel depressed about buying jeans, come to France!!!
I too am pear shaped with very small waist. Since being in France (3 years) I have not been able to find any jeans at all as they are made for stick insects here. Even trying on a size 44 (Euro sizing=14UK I think) doesn't get anywhere near me.
Last pants I bought were in French Connection UK in Regent Street and a Next shop in Richmond, both size 14 and they fit beautifully!
So I continue to alternate between two pairs of jeans I bought with me from NZ which are fast becoming shoddy. There are so many great styles of jeans here that I just dream to be able to find a decent style to fit me,and that look good!
And of course it frustrates me when I see women much larger than me, wearing jeans; they may not look good, but at least they are in them!!
I live in hope, or until next UK trip...?!