Category Archives: Working and Living in Pajamas

Get Creative in Your PJs!

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by Becky Boyd, The Pajama Company Editor

Despite what many people think, it’s not just artists who possess the ability to be creative – the truth is that we are all naturally creative. Creativity expresses itself in many ways in our world – whether it’s the teacher designing an enriching learning experience for her students, an entrepreneur building a new business, or a writer penning his latest novel.

Creativity is a way to approach things.  And when it gets down to it, it’s all about each person expressing their own thoughts and originality.  Getting creative engages the right side of your brain rather than the analytical left side, which can be a real switch for a lot of people who are so used to valuing their thinking mind above all else.

So how can you consciously engage and capture your own creativity?

1. Allow Yourself the Freedom to be Comfortable

Doing things the same old way can stunt your creativity.  Sometimes what you really need is to break out of the norm.  We’ve talked about talked about doing your best work in your pajamas before.  Allowing yourself to relax is a great way to let ideas flow, and what better attire than in your comfy, cozy pajamas, right?  Whether you’re working on a legal brief, writing your dissertation, painting your first masterpiece, or cooking a gourmet meal,  lounging in your pajamas can help you to get into a totally different creative zone and may even insight you to look at your project in a whole new way.  All hail pajama time!

2. Keep a Notebook on Your Nightstand

Sometimes the best ideas come while you’re relaxed and asleep – whether its during a dream or in the time between sleep and wake. This is because we have access to our subconscious minds during sleep.  Famous creators Billy Joel, Stephen King, and Salvador Dali all reported that their dreams influenced their creative work in various ways.  The best way to capture this creativity is to write down your ideas as soon as you wake up.  So make a habit of keeping a notebook near your bed!

3. Journaling

We’ve mentioned the benefits of writing in a journal in a previous post, particularly in helping you to capture your goals and dreams. But, this activity can really help boost your creativity as well because it allows you to get new ideas out without your inner critic getting in the way.  Writing is a forum for free flow of thought, that might not otherwise take place without pen and paper!

Photo Credit: what_marty_sees via Compfight cc

Do Your Best Work In Your Pajamas!

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Working in your pajamas is a luxury.  In fact as I write this, I’m in my PJs and fluffy robe. I feel warm and cozy and as it turns out, my day has been very productive so far. I made myself a delicious cup of coffee with coconut milk, I have some classical music on, and my kitty is dozing beside me.

There are many people who find that feeling comfortable and relaxed helps them to do their best work.  I know it does for me.  When I used to get up and go work in a corporate office cubicle, I felt anything but creative. Gray walls, mediocre coffee, and a 9-to-5 mindset didn’t spark much inspiration in me.  But now that I work from home, I have the freedom to work how I want and in the best way that serves me.

Some people will argue that working in your pajamas makes you lazy. But I don’t agree. I believe that the reason why I work well in my pajamas is because I feel good in them. And in fact, it’s one of the reasons why The Pajama Company was founded, because we believe that you deserve to feel good.  When you get down to it, it’s what we’re all really after, right?  We want to feel good.

One of the keys to working well in your PJs is to find just the right ones that make you feel good and that express your personality.  Whether they’re flannel, silk, or cotton – footed or not – there’s a pair that’s just right to give you comfort and to help get your creative juices flowing!  And if you need to put on some lipstick with your jammies – go for it!  Remember, do what makes YOU feel good!

My personal favorite are the colorful mustache pajamas at the top of this post – so cute and fun! Here are some suggestions for fabulous work-worthy pjs…

Now we want to hear from YOU – how do you do your best work?

Why Pajamas?

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By Ellie Badanes, The Pajama Company Editor

We went to high school to do a photo shoot and used the white board to ask the all important discussion question: “Why Pajamas?” We came up with a few answers but want you to raise your hand and tell us your answer.

Meet Cat Fish the New Pajama Company Director of Outreach

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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!

Pajamas in Public Can Be Chic

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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!

Get Your Body Beach-Ready in Pajamas

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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

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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!

Enter The Pajama Street Fashion Photo Contest

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We have seen pajamas on the runway and the red carpet. Now it’s your turn to show us how you are styling your pj’s.

This week The Pajama Company is holding the Pajama Street Fashion Photo Contest. The person who submits the best photo of themselves wearing an outfit that features pajamas as part of a fashionable daily outfit will win “Anchors Away” red check capri pajama pants. (Refer to Official Contest Rules for more information)

Try wearing pajama pants with a classic shirt

Or wear a pajama shirt with trousers

For inspiration on how to style your pajamas into a fashionable outfit, check out our recent blog, How To Turn Your Pajamas Into A Fashionable Outfit, and the great examples from New York Magazine, NY Mag Fashion: “Pajama Hour is Any Hour”.

Enter the Pajama Street Fashion Photo Contest before midnight on Sunday, April 15 to qualify.


How To Turn Your Pajamas Into A Fashionable Outfit

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Now that stars like Rihanna and Salma Hayek have been spotted looking stylish in their pajamas, there is no question that pajamas outside of the house is a fashion trend. And why shouldn’t it be? Pajamas are comfortable, lightweight and flattering.

If you can’t get your hands on Rihanna’s Pucci pajamas, there’s still hope. We have tips to help you make this trend your own and examples of how to do so with pieces from our collection.

To turn your sleepwear into street wear, just follow these three rules:

Rule #1 Wearing pajamas out of the house is not an excuse to look sloppy. Take a shower, do your hair and make-up and make sure your pajamas are clean and freshly ironed.

Rule #2 Pair your pajamas with non-sleepwear accessories like heels or sandals or a classic blazer or cardigan.

Rule #3 Be creative!

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Here are a few examples using items from our own collection.

Pair these Navy Toile Classic Flannel Pajama Pants

with a navy blue sweater (like this one from stylebop.com)

and blue flats (like these from Steve Madden)

Complete the outfit with accessories like a scarf or bracelets.

Roll up the legs of these pajamas to the length of a cropped pant.

Pair with a black tank top and denim shirt (like this one from Lands End)

And red wedge sandals (like these from TOMS).

How do you style your pajamas?

Rihanna Wears Pajamas On The Red Carpet

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Another celebrity traded the designer dress for designer pajamas on the red carpet. Superstar Rihanna showed up for the world premier of her new film “Battleship” in Tokyo on Tuesday in her pajamas.

Of course, these weren’t just any pajamas that she pulled from her closet. The singer wore blue and gold metallic pajamas from Emilio Pucci’s Autumn Winter 2012 collection. To transform the pajamas from sleepwear to evening wear, Rihanna paired them with nude heels and long elegant earrings to complete the outfit.

For those keeping track at home, Rihanna makes the third celebrity we have caught dressing up pajamas. (See: Rachel Roy and Selma Hayek)

Will you be joining in on the trend?