Oh my gosh you guys, I have a pair of Diva jeans! Well they don't fit anymore.. But the zipper/crotch section is definitely too big. That's an issue I did not mention. But zippers tend to be shorter in Junior sizes luckily. Old Navy is probably better for my budget.
I will definitely try Lane Bryant though! Maybe also their Petite's. Torrid has cute jeans. I love how Levi's have particular sizes, but I want to wait for those so I don't lose weight and then wasted like $50 or more on a pair.
Thanks so much for all the responses! The advice was very helpful.
Sometimes I will try on 15 pairs of jeans at one store.
I guess it just takes patience.