Found!

After several disappointments (see below) and a few surprises, I think I've found a great pair of skinnies. I tried several shops (both high and low price points) and have settled on the jegging from American Eagle. The fit, length, material and price are perfect! I'm saving up to get a couple pairs in different colors, because when you find something good, you don't want to let it go!

Legging jeans from Express (with son photobombing). For the price, I was not impressed with the quality and fit.