Month: December 2019

Posted on

9 Expensive-Looking Winter Outfits to Wear With Jeans

I honestly don’t know what we’d all wear in the winter if denim ceased to exist. It’s simply essential, and it’s the perfect match for all of those winter-friendly items like coats, sweaters, and boots. It’s also universally loved, so there’s a steady stream of examples of stylish women wearing incredible winter outfits with jeans. 

Even though jeans are the most basic of basics and can be very affordable, they needn’t actually look cheap. I scoured street style from the past year in search of the winter jeans outfits that look ultra-expensive, thanks to a smart styling trick here and there. What does or doesn’t make an outfit look expensive isn’t a scientifically proven fact, but I have a well-trained eye for these sorts of things, so keep scrolling to learn 9 tricks of the trade and shop the looks.

Unlike real fur, good faux fur can often be quite inexpensive, but it does wonders for dressing jeans up and making them look luxe.

A puffer is a cold-weather essential, and if you want the chicest-looking winter outfit, opt for a black one that’s a bit elevated.

A neutral-colored wool coat with jeans of any wash is an expensive-looking combination you can wear every single day during winter.

The layered sweater look is huge right now, and it makes jeans look so chic. If you want to DIY it, simply purchase two of the same sweater (even better if they’re affordable) and drape away.

Yes, you can wear a coat and a blazer together, and it looks damn expensive.

Wearing a pretty embellished sweater with jeans is a no-brainer way to make your jeans look fancy and luxe.

Leather (or faux leather) is magic when it comes to elevating denim. Truly a match made in heaven.

Turtlenecks have a way of making any outfit feel more elegant. And luckily, they’ll keep you nice and toasty.

Choose a coat made of something like vegan leather and even with the casual combination of jeans, sneakers, and a puffer, your outfit will look decidedly rich.

Next up, 28 sweaters, jeans, coats, and shoes I’d buy even if they weren’t on sale.

Posted on

Utah Crumbles in Pac-12 Title as ‘Conference of Champions’ Again Misses Playoff

The No. 5 Utes had a clear path to the College Football Playoff. Instead, they faltered Friday vs. Oregon in the Pac-12 championship game.

The Pac-12 cannot have nice things.

That’s the dispatch Friday night from Santa Clara, where the conference ate its own. The Pac-12 watched its championship game turn into a College Football Playoff elimination game. Utah, the shining hope of a downtrodden league, played the first half with the poise of a herd of panicked wildebeest in a 37-15 loss to Oregon.

And so the weakest of the Power Five conferences will miss the playoff for the third straight season, and for the fourth time in the six years of the playoff’s existence. No other Power Five league has missed the playoff more than twice. It is a major problem for the Pac-12, without an easy solution in sight.

This playoff snub was the cruelest yet for the West Coast. In the previous two seasons, the Pac-12 was eliminated from consideration weeks ahead of the championship game. This time, the Utes were exactly where they needed to be with one game to go.

The committee slotted Utah in fifth. With No. 4 Georgia a significant underdog against No. 2 LSU Saturday in the Southeastern Conference title game, the path was there. Beat Oregon and play well while doing it, watch the Tigers take out the Bulldogs, then win the resume contest with Oklahoma or Baylor—whichever wins the Big 12 at 12-1.

Except the Utes fell apart. They wilted under the bright lights of playoff pressure.

This outcome would seemingly gift-wrap a playoff bid for the Big 12, provided LSU beats Georgia. It also relieves the pressure on the committee to make a hard decision.

Under Kyle Whittingham, Utah has been consistently very good but resistant to being great. He’s a defensive coach who has rarely fielded a truly explosive and innovative offense, despite shuffling through coordinators at a high rate. Being shut out for the first 34 minutes Friday night only reinforced the fact that the Utes are not a playoff-quality program offensively.

But here’s the other big takeaway from the night: it was Oregon that truly blew its opportunity this year, not Utah. The Ducks were the better team, but the Ducks made two crucial mistakes this season:

  • They scheduled Auburn.
  • They lost to Auburn.

If Oregon had taken the cautious route and gone with, say, a home game against BYU instead of playing the Tigers in Arlington, Texas, it would have been a one-loss team at this point. And this is the point which makes college football maddening in its approach to deciding its champions—scheduling safely has its rewards, because so much is still predicated on the number of losses for each team.

Undefeated is best. One loss is second-best. Two losses is elimination. That’s the playoff history, and before that the history of poll voting since the dawn of time.

But even playing that high-risk game against Auburn, the Ducks had it and let it get away.

They never trailed until nine seconds remained, when Auburn quarterback Bo Nix threw a surprising downfield pass into the end zone that Seth Williams came up with. With 20 minutes left to play in that game, Oregon led by 15 points, then failed to finish.

Oregon’s other loss was at Arizona State Nov. 23, and that was one where the Ducks failed to fire all game. They trailed 24-7 before scrapping back into it, but a victory would have been larceny. Quarterback Justin Herbert picked a very bad day for his only two-interception game of the season.

Oregon showed both how good and how flawed it is Friday night. The Ducks dominated the Utes, but still should have won by more than they did. Penalties, dropped passes and some curious misreads by Herbert kept this from being a complete blowout.

But for Utah and the Pac-12, it was plenty bad enough. This was a game the Utes needed to not only win, but to look good winning. Instead, they looked terrible losing.

And once again, the self-proclaimed Conference of Champions is left out of the championship.

Posted on

Weekend Fashion Tips (And Our Favorite Loungewear Styles For Leaving the House In)

Monday to Friday are a grind all their own, but now it feels like even weekends require a warrior mentality, what with all the errand-running, kid-shuttling, wine-drinking and other garden variety self-caring that has to be stuffed into 48 fleeting hours.

Loungewear is there to save lazy Saturdays and Sundays from total fashion oblivion by stylishly taking you from AM coffee to PM nightcap and everything you fit in between.

We asked Bare Necessities buyer Melissa McDonald for her best advice on how to leave the house feeling snuggly, but never sloppy.

5 casual weekend fashion tips for any style:

  1. Keep it simple: “Look for solid colors or quiet prints, cozy textures and fashion details like buttons or contrasting trim,” Melissa advises.
  2. Match your separates: “Intentional coordination is the key to looking polished,” she says.
  3. Find the right fit: “Of course you want the silhouette to be roomy and comfy, but anything too big and slouchy can look messy.”
  4. Take a few minutes for hair and makeup: “Ward off the ‘leaving the house in pajamas’ effect by doing a shortened version of your weekday beauty routine.”
  5. Boot up: “Wear athleisure and loungewear with cool sneakers or Ugg boots; leave actual slippers at the door.”

COZY CARDIGANS

Barefoot Dreams Boucle Hooded Cardi: You may not be able to wear a bathrobe out in public, but you can definitely wear this opulent open-front sweater, which is probably the better idea anyway. Besides the ridiculously plush knit this brand is renowned for, a hood and deep pockets also make it ideal for dashing out.

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Ultra Lite Cardi: This so-soft blend looks like a designer cardigan; patch pockets and that luxe Sand Dune shade take it to the next level. With a hem that’s shorter in front than in the back, it drapes not only beautifully but flatteringly over the hips and tush.

Ugg Judith Knit Plush Long Cardigan: Inching closer to the jacket end of the spectrum, you’ll find this substantial knee-length duster with a hood and button that smoothly pulls a whole look together (or at least covers whatever you threw on underneath). Coming from Ugg, you already know the comfort and warmth it’ll deliver.

P.J. Salvage Cozy Fleece Cardigan: The innerwear/outerwear mash-up of a bed jacket and a teddybear coat, this cardigan’s shawl collar and button front let you swap it in for your usual weekend fleece zip-up for a softer, sweeter chill-busting layer.

MATCHING SETS

DKNY Cozy Up Fleece Lounge Set: For a two-piece set that feels like a million and doesn’t cost a fortune, DKNY gets it exactly right. You can add any tee or tank under the open-front fleece cardigan, pull on the stretchy fleece leggings and a pair of white sneaks or black boots and go where you want to go, do what you want to do.

Flora Nikrooz Genna Cozy Knit Pajama Set: A lot of our favorite bloggers fell in love with this one. Sure, it looks like that perfect paragon of comfort—the crewneck sweatshirt and sweatpants—but it’s so far above and beyond it as to defy any comparison. The pants are the right amount of roomy, and the floral embroidery is so prettily unexpected.

Kate Spade New York Velour Jogger Pajama Set: The sweatsuit instantly becomes stylish with the addition of black cuffs, an ever-so-slightly fitted cut and, not least of all, a well-executed modern animal print. Just add trainers.

Pour Moi Velour Lounge Set: Understated is always the smart way to play a trend, as this solid black set proves. The easy-wearing flow of both the boat-neck top and the wide-leg drawstring pants show off the supremely soft fabric’s good looks and feels.

COORDINATING SEPARATES

PJ Harlow Izzy Terry Lounge Shirt and Blair Knit Lounge Pants: You could put the satin-trimmed sweatshirt with either the cool racing stripe pants, jeans or leggings for a comfy day-off outfit you’d be more than happy to run into an acquaintance in.

P.J. Salvage Peachy Waffle Knit Turtleneck Lounge Top and Jogger Pants: Thermals are the best because they keep you warm without bulkiness. This one gets dressed up with a cowl-meets-turtleneck top and drawstring side-pocket pants. Both pieces offer loads of mix-and-match potential.

P.J. Salvage Peachy Knit Jersey Lounge Top and Knit Joggers: Buttery soft. Deep V-neck. Eye-catching, mood-elevating color. These two pieces right here are what to wear on a plane, to the grocery store, to breakfast…the list goes on.

P.J. Salvage Sweater Knit Cozy Pajama Top and Sweater Knit Cozy Jogger: If full-on magenta isn’t for you, then this version of the same idea is the way to go. Subtle pops of pink at the neck, sleeves, waist and ankles take quiet gray someplace special. You could without a doubt wear the sweater to work Monday morning, and no one would ever know you wore it to bed Sunday night.

The post Weekend Fashion Tips (And Our Favorite Loungewear Styles For Leaving the House In) appeared first on Bare it All.

Posted on

The Most Comfortable and Cozy Sleepwear To End The Decade In

The depths of winter are the perfect time to double down on sumptuous, decadent fabrics in the form of comfy, cozy sleepwear.

We dug into our extensive women’s sleepwear collection with Bare Necessities buyer Melissa McDonald and came up with the most wonderful, feel-good, keep-you-warm, lounging-around layers. In fabrics as toasty as they are trendy, cashmere to velvet, a holiday staycation or New Year’s Eve fête at home never sounded more fabulous.

For the Love of Flannel
If you love the toasty feeling of a thick flannel button-down shirt on a chilly day, why not try it at night? Because it’s cotton, it’s breathable; because it’s woven, it’s extra warm; because the fibers have been brushed out, it’s supremely soft.

Lauren Ralph Lauren really excels at these tailored plaid flannel pajamas, and they come in a set (we find the length of the tops to be particularly generous and flattering) or as a nightgown, like the one shown here.

P.J. Salvage also makes excellent flannel pajama sets, in decidedly more humorous designs (“Coffee is Life,” “Meow & Furever”) that are extremely well made—note the details like the embroidered puns on the cuff.

Fluffy Chenille
Here’s a little trivia for you: chenille is the French word for ‘caterpillar’—the fabric actually takes its name from the fluffy critters it’s supposed to resemble. Butterflies and bugs aside for the moment, we really like chenille for its extreme softness, which is matched only by its durability.

That’s why it makes for such awesome winter socks, like Hue Chenille Boot Socks, Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Heathered Plush Socks and the Ugg Cozy Sparkle Sock Gift Set.

Also look for it in loungewear, as in the Ugg Fremont Fluffy Knit Cardigan (as shown), which can stay in as happily as it could go out.

Chic Cashmere
What’s finer, stronger, softer and more insulating than wool? There is no riddle to unravel; it’s cashmere.

Starting with the great pashmina epidemic of 1996, the luxurious fabric has started to become more coveted and accessible. Made from the fleecy under layer of a few goats once only found up in the Himalayas, cashmere now comes in a wider range of quality and prices than ever before.

The very best stuff is fine yet thick (two- or three-ply), made of long fibers to resist pilling. When it comes to innerwear, the very best brand is Arlotta (look into this splurge-tastic ankle-length robe for someone who’s been on their very best behavior this year).

Ultra Soft Shearling & Sherpa
Shearling is tanned sheepskin; sherpa mimics that look and texture using synthetics. Whether you want the real deal or a vegan version, there’s something snuggly waiting here with your name on it.

Ugg is undisputedly the leading shearling brand for shearling boots and slippers (the Fluff Yeah Slides shown are the hot new silhouette for the holidays).

The sheepish Hue Plush Sheep Bootie Slipper Socks are perfectly plush—and more than a little adorable—for padding around the house.

The Virtues of Velvet
Some fabrics only get to come out once a year; winter is velvet’s time to shine. The short, smooth, densely packed pile is what gives it its distinctive plushness, and whether it’s made from silk or synthetics, velvet should always have that great sheen to it. For day, stretchy Commando Perfect Control Velvet Leggings hit the right seasonal note in both classic black and versatile olive green.

For sleepy time, you’re only going to want to wear the Lauren Ralph Lauren Velvet Pajama Set (see photo), Donna Karan Lux Dream Velvet Joggers and Lounge Top, the N Natori Lush Velvet Pajama Set and N Natori Lush Velvet Caftan from now until Leap Year.

What sleepwear fabric gives you all the feels? Let us know in the comments!

The post The Most Comfortable and Cozy Sleepwear To End The Decade In appeared first on Bare it All.

Posted on

The Stress-Busting Holiday Gift Guide for 2019

As soon as the Thanksgiving dishes are stacked in the sink, it’s gift-getting game on with a seemingly endless list of people who deserve perfect presents.

This is the year to ask Santa for your sanity back.

So light a lavender candle, crack open a dark chocolate bar and peruse our expertly curated Holiday Gift Shop, our Black Friday lingerie deals or any of the suggestions below, and treat yourself and everyone you love to a very Zen holiday season.

Ready to Gift
Just about all of the holiday offerings from some of our favorite innerwear designers come nicely banded or be-ribboned. You can put them inside a festive gift bag, prop them under the tree, wrap in cellophane or even hand out as is.

Spoil the ladies in your life with pairs of sleek, soft pajamas in contrasting neutral shades you know they’re going to love. Everything Barefoot Dreams makes feels like newborn baby clouds; the Barefoot Dreams Luxe Milk Jersey Piped Modal Pajama Set is no exception.

The next best thing to a spa day: the P.J. Salvage Spaw Day Flannel PJ Set. Swaddle yourself or someone you love in pink flannel jammies with adorable dog doodles. (For the win, pair with a gift certificate to an actual spa.)

If the tutti frutti shades of the Kate Spade New York Brushed Twill Striped Pajama Set don’t make you instantly drop your shoulders and smile, then consider getting to yoga sooner than later.

And should your idea of a perfect winter’s night involve a crackling fireplace, a hot toddy and a good novel, then the Lauren Ralph Lauren Brushed Twill Pajama Set is your outfit. Go for understated gray or any number of plaids.

Presents They Won’t Buy Themselves
The family pajamas trend has been going strong the last few years and will no doubt press on. If you know a family—or are in one—that hasn’t tried the matchy-matchy thing for holiday photos or a morning of opening presents, then get a set of Karen Neuburger fleece family pajamas, in plaid (see up top), checks or candy-cane stripes. (Don’t forget the dog!)

Also, slippers. When if not now is the season to pick up extravagant pairs? Once you’ve felt the cozy warmth of padding around the house on a cold morning wearing UGG, Arlotta, Acorn, P.J. Salvage or Lauren Ralph Lauren slippers, there’s no going back.

Another present that surely would be appreciated: elevated loungewear by the likes of PJ Harlow and Flora Nikrooz. Because while everyone has pajamas, not everyone has decent lounge attire.

Finally, for the trend-followers you run with, think fashion leggings from Spanx and Commando. In velvet, designer denim, faux leather and high-shine patent, not only are they flatteringly shaping, they’re extremely chic and useful.

Stocking Stuffers
Just when you think the list is all done, don’t let the extras be your downfall. Load up on warm and witty socks for Christmas and Hanukkah by Hot Sox (how can anybody resist a good “Feliz Naughty Dogs” or a “Knish Me, I’m Jewish” pun?). There’s also plush, posh Barefoot Dreams socks, fine Falke footwear, pretty yet practical Smartwool pairs and the signature styles of Ralph Lauren.

Best seller Hanky Panky always comes through this time of year with ever-so-slightly splurgy treats that feel good to give, to receive and to wear. Choose from lots of bottoms all bundled with care, like Twinkle Lights, the gilded Gift Wrap motif, patchwork Plaidness and flowery Mistletoe.

Of course, stress relief takes myriad forms, one of them involving a sexy holiday something. There’s everything from classic teddies in reds and greens to satin Santa sets and flirty skirted G-strings, all of which make for an exciting new gift-giving direction.

Should none of the above do the trick, find salvation in the ease of a gift card—all the time you save searching can be cashed in on a well-earned bubble bath.

The post The Stress-Busting Holiday Gift Guide for 2019 appeared first on Bare it All.

Posted on

Sleep Chic: The Best Brands for Designer Sleepwear

Bedtime is no time to become a style slouch. Whether you’d rather wrap yourself in cashmere, lounge in satin and silk or cozy up in sherpa, Bare Necessities has brought together the world’s finest sleepwear to make every night more restful—and more beautiful, which doesn’t hurt, either.

Meet the 10 best-dressed after-hours labels you need to know now.

Ginia
What it’s all about: One-hundred-percent silk separates designed in Australia, from little sleep shorts and camis to robes and gowns, in a rich, neutral palette of emerald, cream, grey and slate.
Our favorite style: With its simple tank silhouette, the ingenious Ginia Washable Silk Chemise is already a best seller its first week on site. We love it because you can wear it year-round—and you saw the bit about how it’s washable, right? Game-changing!

Arlotta
What it’s all about: Pretend your house is Canyon Ranch and layer on cashmere, the ultimate sleepy-time indulgence. The naturally insulating fiber keeps you warm while also keeping things light and breathable. Designer Chris Arlotta is widely credited for creating the “soft dressing” concept; she helped bring innerwear outdoors.
Our favorite styles: Bye forever, sweats. Hi, Arlotta Cashmere Mock Neck Lounge Top and Cashmere Lounge Pants.

Flora Nikrooz
What it’s all about: Flora’s look is super pretty and feminine, in varying combos of lace, modal and charmeuse. The styling runs the spectrum, from sexy to sophisticated to casual. It’s all meticulously crafted, and much of it very wedding-friendly.
Our favorite style: Undress to impress someone this season in the hot-yet-haute, floral-adorned Flora Nikrooz Showstopper Charmeuse Teddy. 

Kate Spade New York
What it’s all about: Consistently clever and irreverent designs with girly undertones in pretty much every style and fabric, these pajamas are best worn with a wink and a nod (and a cocktail in hand).
Our favorite style: Do a velour jogging suit, but make it fashion, as in the cheeky cheetah-printed Kate Spade New York Velour Jogger Pajama Set. 

Sleepy Jones
What it’s all about: This brand’s cool, crisp cotton pajama styles are always served up with an side of preppy-with-a-twist. Inspired by artists who did their most creative work in casual clothes, Andy Spade (husband of Kate) created the brand to be “a stylish escape” in 2013.
Our favorite style: A modern take on timeless collegiate stripes, the Sleepy Jones Marina Stripe Woven Pajama Set is totally something we would’ve borrowed from an ex…and never returned.

From left: Ginia Silk Chemise, Arlotta Cashmere Lounge Top, Flora Nikrooz Charmeuse Chemise, Kate Spade New York Velour Pajama Set and Sleepy Jones Woven Pajama Set

Lauren Ralph Lauren
What it’s all about: Patrician, polished classics you know you’re going to look and feel good in, be it at home or at a five-star hotel.
Our favorite style: The new Lauren Ralph Lauren Velvet Pajama Set all but demands to be worn while sipping tea by a roaring fire in a Swiss ski chalet. (Or, you know, on your couch.)

Donna Karan
What it’s all about: Beautifully cut and draped for comfort, these are the clothes Donna Karan—the iconic woman designing for other women—wants to wear. They’re understated separates for the uptown girl who believes in ease and simplicity, but never at the expense of elegance.
Our favorite style: Like the time-tested fragrance it shares its name with, the buttery, easy-wearing Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Knit Nightgown envelops you in decadence.

Barefoot Dreams
What it’s all about: Designer Annette Cook set out to create a collection that soothed the senses, starting with a newborn receiving blanket, and ended up crafting the softest-to-the-touch textures imaginable. Some pieces (the wraps, the pants) double as outerwear; in others, you’ll guaranteed not to want to leave the house anyway.
Our favorite style: The plush, shawl-collared Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Heathered Robe is the loveliest way we’ve found yet to chase away chills.

PJ Harlow
What it’s all about: An enduring collection of comfy, unassumingly sexy satin pieces that’s designed to be effortlessly mixed and matched at will. (Learn more about the brand in our Power Figures interview with founder Tina McMillan.)
Our favorite styles: We’re planning to pair the new wide-strapped, V-neck PJ Harlow Jill Satin Tank with our forever-favorite wide-legged Jolie Satin Lounge Pants.

Hanro
What it’s all about: Pure European luxury. This 135-year-old Swiss brand specializes in fairly minimalist designs in only the top materials, with perfect cuts and high-end finishes.
Our favorite style: Hanro’s Moments Knit Nightgown epitomizes modern elegance. Accented with lace at the neckline, this mercerized cotton (translation: a finishing treatment that imparts a silky feel) nightgown is impossibly soft against the skin to all but guarantee good dreams.

From left: Lauren Ralph Lauren Knit Pajama Set, Donna Karan Knit Nightgown, Barefoot Dreams Robe,  PJ Harlow Satin Tank and Hanro Knit Nightgown

The post Sleep Chic: The Best Brands for Designer Sleepwear appeared first on Bare it All.

Posted on

Tina McMillen Built PJ Harlow Around Sexy Comfort

Though we carry the biggest sleepwear brands on the market, it’s the small L.A.-based PJ Harlow that’s become the most popular of them all here at Bare Necessities.

What is it about this satin-centric, mix-and-match collection that resonates so intensely with women of all ages? That’s an easy one: It looks as amazing as it feels.

We chatted with creator Tina McMillen about her design philosophy, her business sense and how Oprah changed everything. 

Tina McMillen

Q: How did you start PJ Harlow?
A: About 10 years ago, I had a manufacturing company to make satin dresses for girls, and their moms would always ask for stuff. I sold that company to start a little retirement business…and it went nuts! When loungewear first became a category, we were in the right place at the right time.

We started with 10 items. Within six months, Oprah named us one of her Favorite Things, which put us on the map. The company grew over the years, woman to woman; we see a lot of repeat buying and gift-giving. Now it’s for all ages: college students, brides, moms and their moms.

The way I see it, she touches it and loves the feel. Then she puts it on, and it feels good—really comfortable. Then she gets complimented on it. Women look really pretty in it. It’s sweet-sexy. They see it wears and washes well, so it becomes something they wear all the time. Once you buy something this good, you never want to go back.

Q: What’s your background? How did you get to where you are today?
A: All my life, I was in sales. I was raised in the restaurant business in California; my family was all entrepreneurs. I had my own office supply design company, then I fell in love, moved to Arizona, opened a retail store, then three stores, then I had a baby.

Once I had a baby, I thought I would make cute dresses. I didn’t have a clue what I was doing. I went to the school of hard knocks and came out okay. When I decided to do women’s wear, I wanted to do something really simple, stuff I really liked.

Q: What are your plans for the brand?
A: I just want to keep doing what we’re doing. I want to stay U.S.-made; that’s really important. I don’t want to grow into a million different styles and collections. We’ve created this cult following of super loyal pajama freaks, and if she’s not already, we turn her into one.

Q: Where do all the products’ names come from?
A: “PJ” is for pajamas, and “Harlow” because the name registers in my head as satiny, silky, flowy, soft and sexy. We named each garment based on who we feel she is…and so we don’t have to remember style numbers!

Q: Who is PJ Harlow designed for?
A: I started designing it for women like me. I’ve been in manufacturing for 30 years, and I buy myself a lot of better brands. I’m amazed because now we’re thinking about going into teens, into XXS because her little sister wants it, not just mom and grandma. We really run the gamut.

Q: What are your priorities when you’re designing?
A: I love oversized. The styles always have to be nonrestrictive and comfortable. People say our fit is generous. I’d rather have more room than not enough—what a terrible feeling to wear tight pajamas! At the same time, we also think about how many women a particular style will look good on.

Q: How do you manage both the creative and the business ends?
A: It’s funny, I’m a Ford mind—I like figuring out how to make it quick and simple—but I also love the creative side. That’s actually a way smaller part of this business. You have to squeeze the creative in between the cracks. The bigger part is running it. We produce thousands of garments a week now, and it’s the same as when clothing manufacturing was invented eons ago: sewing at machines, a lot of handwork. You have to have a really good crew. The women on the production line are artisans. They oversee a lot of detail. They have to make sure the things look right when they go in the package, to catch anything wrong with it. Clothes take up a lot of space. When you’re going from cutting table to sewing machine, it’s moving mountains every day. That’s what occupies most of my time.

Q: How do you know when you’ve created a great design?
A: I don’t really follow trends. We’re kind of independent of them. Dressing women and putting them in what they feel good in…we do it for that reaction. We want that moment of awe, that feeling of complete body-clothing harmony. When we’re dressing a woman, we know when she feels really good. That’s an awesome moment for a designer.

Q: When each piece is timeless and trend-resistant, how do you evolve the brand?
A: That’s the tough part. Some buyers want newness because that’s what they’ve been trained to find. Really, it’s tougher to edit than it is to add more. You have to have a lot of restraint because you can’t just take away a style. But if you’re not willing to retire it, you end up too diluted.

Q: What’s new and next for PJ Harlow?
A: Our newest color is coal, a dark, rich silver. As far as style goes, we’re going to be adding a lot of pieces that translate to outerwear, like pants with no ribbing. We know a lot of girls are wearing the pajama tops out with their jeans.

Q: What’s your favorite piece to wear?
A: I wear the Jolie Satin Capri Lounge Pants, I love the Jackie Satin Cami, the new Dena Modal Lounge Pants that we’re doing. It’s twisted that I design loungewear because I never lounge!

Have a thought or a note for Tina about PJ Harlow? Leave it for her below!

The post Tina McMillen Built PJ Harlow Around Sexy Comfort appeared first on Bare it All.