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Celebrating by Supporting: Fourth of July

Happy Fourth of July!  Today, Americans celebrate 236 years of independence. While most of us show our patriotism by throwing a barbecue, attending a town parade, or spending a day out on the water, we believe that there is more to celebrating the American spirit than hot dogs and fireworks. Especially with the American economy in a slump, there is no better day to support our American manufacturers.

Fourth of July on our summer pinboard via Real Simple.

Recently, ABC has created an initiative to make Americans more conscious of the origin of the products they consume. In a news segment called “Made in America,” ABC asked United States citizens including business owners, schoolteachers, and homemakers to evaluate the products in their homes and places of work, finding that the majority of the items were foreign made. This project illustrates the importance of making an effort to support our local and national economies by buying American-made goods.

As we discussed in an earlier post, The Pajama Company can help you to take part in this project by including a large selection of products that are made in America. Our “Made in America” section includes products from The Cat’s Pajamas, a company that makes pajama sets and pants in fun prints like sushi, cupcakes, and whales. Be As You Are brand includes a wide range of pajamas for men and women, including printed pajama pants, quirky tees, and boxers.  FGA makes a unique line of gift pillows with fun and personal sayings. Finally, Bed Head Pajamas take a preppy approach to men’s and women’s pajama sets, and has been worn most recently by the famous fashion designer, Rachel Roy.

Bedhead Men’s Home Run Egyptian Cotton Pajama

So come celebrate your red, white and blue spirit with The Pajama Company, and enjoy your Fourth of July festivities!

BYOP: Bring Your Own Pillow

By Emily Friedman, The Pajama Company Summer Intern

Many of us look back on childhood sleepovers fondly: baking cookies, movies, and the inevitable pillow fight. It begins innocently enough, an unexpected bonk on the head by a rogue down pillow. Before long, it dissolves into a full-fledged war, feathers flying in every direction. At the end, one victor emerges, proudly hoisting his or her victorious pillow.

Every year, in the Big Apple, you can relive these memories at the Pillow Fight NYC. This year, it was held on April 7th at Washington Square Park. Alliances form, blows are thrown, and laughter can be heard in droves. However, NYC isn’t the only place to enjoy an old-fashioned pillow fight. Cities and towns around the world celebrate International Pillow Fight Day, meaning you’ll have no trouble finding a place to practice your childhood skills. By the end of the day, you’ll be an expert at whacking people across the head with a pillow. Not to mention that by the time you finally get home to set your head on your actual pillow, you’ll be exhausted enough to fall right asleep.

Now, this pillow fight presents a good question, what do you wear? One could go with a breathable pair of shorts or a sassy pair of footies to distinguish yourself from the hustling and bustling crowd. Either way, you’ll be sure to enjoy yourself amongst old friends, new friends, and pillow fight enemies.

Meet Another Pajama Company Intern: Emily Friedman

By Emily Friedman, The Pajama Company Summer Intern

Hello everyone! I’m Emily and I’ll be hopping onboard with the Pajama Company as a second summer intern!

1. Describe your favorite pajamas.

My favorite pajamas are a pair of footies I got at a thrift store up in Vermont. They’re striped, rainbow, snowflaked and I’ve worn them absolutely everywhere (including a McDonald’s on the way home from practice for ski team!).

2. What would your perfect day look like?

My perfect day would involve brunch out (bacon and pancakes a must), a trip to the beach, and a good book.

3. What was the last book you read?

The last book I read was actually a collection of poems. The Continual Condition by Charles Bukowski. I highly recommend it as long as you have a strong stomach.

4. What song is currently stuck in your head 

Birdy’s cover of Young Blood by The Naked and Famous. It’s become my summer anthem!

5. What youtube video are you watching over and over?

Simon’s Cat in the Box. I don’t think animation gets much cuter than this!

6. Winter or Summer?

That’s a tough choice. I’d probably go with summer just because of the sunny days.

7. Stripes or plaid? 

Plaid, plaid, plaid! It’s classic!

Meet Cat Fish the New Pajama Company Director of Outreach

By Cat Fish, The Pajama Company Director of Outreach

Hi Pajama Company Community!

My name is Cat and I am the newest addition at The Pajama Company. I am thrilled to be joining The Pajama Company because I share their philosophy that people should do (and wear) what makes them happy. What makes people happier than pajamas?

Editor’s Note: To help us get to know Cat, we asked her to answer a few very important questions.

1. Describe your favorite pajamas.

My favorite pajamas are the red and green plaid flannel pair I wear every Christmas. They are soft and cozy and remind me of eggnog and presents and being with family for holiday celebrations. Sometimes I wear them other times of year just to feel festive!

2. What would your perfect day look like?

I would sleep in, drink a big cup of coffee (or two) and eat brunch with friends all wearing our pajamas. We would venture out and discover a new place (right now I’m exploring different neighborhoods of New York City). Later on, I would take a nap with my cat and watch an episode of my favorite new show, Girls. At night, my friends would try an ethnic restaurant, see some live music, and end the night hanging out on a rooftop overlooking the city. I would, of course, finish the day back in my cozy pajamas reading a good book as I drift off to sleep. Sounds like a good day to me!

3. What was the last book you read?

I’m currently reading Do Something That Matters by TOMS founder, Blake Mycoskie (borrowed from fellow Pajama Company employee, Jilly Badanes). Blake writes about his journey founding and building TOMS, and gives advice and inspiration for people who want to change the world. That’s why I’m so proud that The Pajama Company has partnered with Every Mother Counts, an advocacy and mobilization campaign to increase education and support for maternal and child health.

4. What song is currently stuck in your head?

“Dancing On My Own” by Robyn has been in my head all week. It’s on the playlist I’ve been listening to on the subway to work every morning, and it seems to sticks with me all day. Luckily, I love Robyn–so it’s actually a good thing.

 5. What youtube video are you watching over and over?

Nothing makes me smile like a silly kitten video. This one is always on heavy rotation.

 6. Winter or Summer?

Oh that’s tough, but I think I’m a winter gal. I love the holidays, skiing in fresh snow, and drinking hot chocolate by the fire. Pajamas always play a bigger role in winter too, which is just icing on the cake.

7. Stripes or plaid?

Both. At the same time 🙂

8. Where is your favorite place to wear pajamas, outside of your house?

I like to walk to my local coffee shop wearing my pajamas on weekend mornings. If pajamas are cute enough, you can wear them anywhere!

London Calling: Olympic Game Festivities

By Makenzie Lynch, The Pajama Company summer intern

In honor of “Olympic Day” on June 23, we decided that a London-dedicated post was more than appropriate. Whether you are interested in the rich history of the royals, the elegance of the British accent, the fashion, or even the rock and roll, there is something very alluring about Great Britain.

Although the American fascination with Great Britain is far from a new phenomenon, there is no denying that our friends across the pond have been in the spotlight more than ever this past year. Between Prince William’s marriage to Kate Middleton, which drew 22.8 million viewers from the U.S alone, to the spectacle surrounding the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Britain has everyone talking. Nothing though, has generated more chatter than the 2012 London Olympic Games.

This summer, the London Olympics will give everyone a chance to enjoy their favorite British customs while patriotically rooting for the top U.S athletes. We’re already getting excited about the festivities here at The Pajama Company. We believe there is no better way to get in the Olympic spirit than to literally sleep, eat, and breath London cheer.

Our fun and super-soft “Brit Flag” pillowcases from Snooze City (pictured above) are sure to cover the “sleep” aspect of your celebration in a truly cheeky British fashion. As for the “breathing and eating,” we have a few suggestions for that too…

1.) Host a tea party to watch the games! Complete with cucumber sandwiches and miniature delicacies, this idea works for either young girls or ladies luncheon. For a Pajama Company twist, take your party past “high tea time,” throw in some pajamas, and turn it into a slumber party.

2.) Host your own Olympic games! Add some competition to your standard backyard barbeque and choose your own prizes.

3.) Change up your usual workout for some Olympic-style exercises. Play some tennis with a friend, shoot hoops with your kids, or time yourself swimming laps in the pool. These new activities are sure to recharge any monotonous workout routine.

4.) Check out what is happening around the Olympics in your neighborhood at the official Olympic website. https://olympics.com/ioc/olympic-day

The Opening Ceremony of the Olympic games starts July 27. Enjoy the festivities!

Pajamas in Public Can Be Chic

By Makenzie Lynch, The Pajama Company Summer Intern

As of recently, wearing pajamas in public has become not only acceptable, but trendy and fashion forward (if worn correctly, of course.) This season, style icons — from top fashion bloggers, to designers, to celebrities — have opted to take a comfier approach to fashion and wear their pjs in public. This is one fashion trend we can’t get enough of here at The Pajama Company. However, not everyone agrees with us.


 

As we discussed earlier this year, a few officials have tried to ban people from strutting around in their pajamas. Louisiana commissioner Michael William attempted to prevent residents in his district from appearing in public places wearing “garments sold in the sleepwear section of department stores.” A school in Vermont banned students from wearing pajamas to classes. A school in the U.K went so far as to forbid parents from wearing pajamas when picking up/dropping off their children.

Most of the reasoning behind these campaigns comes from the idea that pajamas are unprofessional and unkempt. However, this season we have seen that pajamas can be anything but sloppy. Model Miranda Kerr paired her blue ikat print pajamas with an oversized blazer, nude pumps and big sunglasses for an anything-but-messy airport look (shown above), while Rihanna went for a sleek oriental inspired look on the red carpet.  But one of our all-time favorite looks has to be Rachel Roy’s classic red carpet look in our Bed-Head blue and white stripe pajamas (shown below.)

We would be devastated if these bans kept our style icons, and most importantly the members of our Pajama Company community from trying out these ultra-chic pajama looks. So, in order to keep the pajama critics from talking, we have a few tips for putting your look together:

1.) Make sure your pajamas are crisp, clean, and wrinkle free.

2.) Keep hair and makeup simple and neat. (See Miranda’s sleek ponytail.)

3.) Accessorize! Add a structured blazer, great pair of shoes, a pretty necklace, or big glasses.

5.) Own it! Confidence always makes an outfit, so be proud of your original look and you will get the attention you deserve.

For more inspiration on how to put together a fabulous pajama outfit, take a look out our “Stepping Out” board on Pinterest!

Thank You For Supporting Mothers

by Ellie Badanes, Founder of The Pajama Company

Last October we made an unprecedented decision at The Pajama Company. We knew pajamas could be about more than a lazy day at home (though we all need those, too). Pajamas give us comfort and a feeling of safety. It’s a feeling those of us fortunate to live in safe places with access to excellent health care take for granted. We wanted to use our pajamas to help more women feel that comfort around the world.

We learned that eight hundred women die every day from complications of pregnancy and childbirth, but 90 percent of those deaths are preventable. So, in October we began our partnership with Every Mother Counts, an advocacy and mobilization campaign to increase education and support for maternal and child health. Thanks to all of you, we’ve helped raise awareness about the serious dangers too many women still face in pregnancy and child birth. Thanks to all of you, we’ve contributed to programs helping women around the world to have better outcomes.

At The Pajama Company we call every other monday, Maternal Health Monday, and donate 10 percent of our sales to Every Mother Counts. Thanks to your purchases, we have supported their programs to help women receive better health care in Africa and Afghanistan, as well as their important outreach efforts. You have helped us share shocking facts about maternal mortality across every social media platform.

We hope you will continue with us in our support of mothers around the world. Read more about maternal mortality on our website, and learn more about the issue at EveryMotherCounts.org. Make your pajama purchases count for a little more by shopping with us on Maternal Health Monday (today) and tell your friends about it on Facebook and Twitter.

From one mother to another, let’s remember that all moms count.

Get Your Body Beach-Ready in Pajamas

By Makenzie Lynch, The Pajama Company Summer Intern

With all the talk about Father’s Day this weekend, we are reminded that summer is fast approaching. The remainder of June, July and August are sure to bring the heat.That means BBQ’s, beach vacations and, of course, bathing suits. It is around this time when many people are desperate to get in shape. But sometimes on those rainy days or weekend mornings, going straight to the gym can seem like the last thing you want to do.

Thankfully, there are many exercises that you can do in your pajamas. You can enjoy your free time nestled on the couch with a good book one day, and reading pool-side the next. One personal trainer shows viewers a few quick steps to staying fit in the comfort of your loungewear.

No need to change into exercise clothes like the trainer in the video. Simply pair this workout with a light-weight cotton pajama, like these summery apricot pants from PJ Salvage and you’re good to go.

 

Meet The New Pajama Company Intern

By Makenzie Lynch, The Pajama Company Summer Intern

Hi Pajama Company Community!

My name is Makenzie and I am the newest summer intern at The Pajama Company. I am a recent college graduate from Miami University in Ohio. I am hoping to pursue a career in the fashion industry, and was so excited for the opportunity to become a social media intern at The Pajama Company. I will be working with Jilly and Ellie this summer to fill you in on everything happening at the Pajama Company and update you on all the latest trends…plus, I get to do this all in my pajamas, not a bad job!

Editor’s Note: To help us get to know Makenzie, we asked her to answer a few very important questions.

1. Describe your favorite pajamas.

First and foremost, I like my pajamas to be comfortable. But it’s definitely a plus when they are also cute and girly. I love fun patterns and bright colors.

2. What would your perfect day look like?

My perfect days usually involve spending time with friends and family. I would love to sleep in, have an afternoon at the beach, go to a nice dinner (with a good bottle of wine), and end the day watching a movie, hopefully in some comfy pajamas.

3. What was the last book you read?

I actually just re-read The Catcher in the Rye. It was a lot more fun to read outside of my high school English class.

4. What song is currently stuck in your head 

Right now, “Pay Phone” by Maroon 5, but that is probably because they play it every few minutes on the radio.

5. What youtube video are you watching over and over?

I love finding funny Youtube videos! The animal ones usually get me. This one of a kitten attempting to jump off of a table is hilarious. The video is only about 7 seconds long but it makes me laugh every time.

6. Winter or Summer?

I would have to lean towards summer because I don’t do too well in the cold, but my favorite time of year has always been early fall.

7. Stripes or plaid? 

Definitely stripes for me!

What To Get The Dad Who Has Everything?

The same question plagues me most years around this time. What can I get my dad that will show him how much I appreciate him? Of course, there’s always the standard tie or cufflink. But after decades of birthdays and father’s days, he has plenty of those. This year, I have a new idea: themed gifts. Combining a unique gift that he will use with an experience he will love will make this Father’s Day extra special.

Lucky for you, I am going to share a few of my ideas.

  1. The Sunday Morning Special — Give dad a pair of these beautiful and classic Bedhead Men’s Pewter Stripe Fine Cotton Pajamas (you know he’ll love them, but would never buy them for himself) along with a subscription to his favorite magazine or newspaper (e-reader subscriptions are great too if your dad is a kindle or iPad user). He’ll be thanking you every Sunday all year long.
  2. Catch of the Day — Normally, the idea of getting up at sunrise makes you want to push deeper under your duvet. But you could do it once for dear old dad. Treat him to the pleasure of your company by planning a fishing trip for the two of you. Pair the experience with these cozy “Good Catch” Flannel Lounge Pants (they’re 30% off, too!) that he can wear and reminisce about your day out on the water.
  3. A little pampering — He might not admit it, but even dad can appreciate a little pampering now and then. Get him a gift certificate for a massage at a local spa and give him this cashmere-like chocolate brown robe so he can bring a little bit of that luxury home with him.
  4. Pizza Pizza — Sometimes, love is said best with food.Take him out to dinner at his favorite restaurant, or make him his favorite meal at home. And give him this “Sorry, I Was Thinking About Pizza!” shirt to let him know you really understand him.
  5. His Happy Hour — Celebrate your dad’s love of an old fashioned grill out with this fun “Happy Hour” mug and t-shirt from Life is good. Pair it with a membership to the barbecue sauce or beer of the month club to make this gift complete.

Still in need of more gift ideas? Check out our Just for Dad category for many more pajamas, shirts and accessories that dad will love. Remember Father’s Day is June 17. The Pajama Company ships orders the same day. To guarantee delivery by Friday, June 15, choose ground shipping through June 8, third day through June 12, second day through June 14 and overnight through June 14.