Inspiration: MOD, Portland Mercury

20 Somethings, 30 Somethings: Watch This TED Talk

Kayla Rekofke — Wed, 22 May 2013 11:21:00 -0700

Dr. Meg Jay’s recent TED Talk has my little friend group all abuzz (shout-out to Solestruck babe Melissa LaChance for sending this vid my way). Anyone who is in their 20s definitely needs to watch this. You know that old cliche? “30 is the new 20.” Well, it’s not. Mind blowing shit! Watch for your daily dose of inspiration.

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The House the Blues Built (Potentially)

Ronald Quiroga — Wed, 08 May 2013 12:26:00 -0700

History means a whole lot to different people. It can be endearing and show character. Others may see history as baggage, especially when most of that history is clouded and undocumented.

But what does this all mean when talking about a home? Like your choice in underwear or your Internet’s browser history, one’s home can be the most personal and historically revealing attribute of a person.

This centennial Victorian in Southeast is waiting to make more history.

At a first glance, 1934 SE Umatilla needs some TLC. It’s a home with delicate details and beauty oozing out of every slab of maple that lines its floors and abundant stained glass windows. Many of its rough characteristics are also what make it a special property: uneven floors, spunky dark wallpaper, and smaller-than-usual rails are all part of its appeal and wonder.

According to the current owners, it was built and completed roughly between 1878 and 1890. A couple of photos of the home hang on the walls of its living and dining rooms from a time when Sellwood was still its own municipality (it was annexed by Portland in 1883—check out the photos).

The owner’s also confirmed that past tenants included the former president of the Portland Blues Society and many famous blues musicians actually played in the house, including Muddy Waters!

“Everyone has different ideas of what they want. You’d have to love this house for all the character and quirkiness that it has,” said Wendy Snyder, head agent for the home. “The owners didn’t want to change or ruin any of the character.”

Just two blocks way from the hustle and bustle of 17th Ave and Tacoma, Snyder of Portland Creative Realtor, stressed the neighborhood’s small town feel.

“A lot of families are drawn to Sellwood for the great schools, but everyone is drawn to Sellwood for the walk-ability. Even single people, people who don’t care about the schools—it attracts all ages. There’s a status symbol of living in Sellwood. People are proud to live here,” said Snyder.

The neighborhood’s access to downtown is amazingly efficient. A 10-minute bike ride over the Sellwood Bridge will get you into the heart of the downtown waterfront, while a trek over the Morrison bridge costs you about a half-hour car ride, without traffic.

Not to say that all this isn’t worth it.

“I’ve got clients who work at Intel and Hillsboro but live here and commute everyday because they want to live in Sellwood,” said Snyder.

Seemingly more than just a home built of brick, wood, and cement, it feels more like a living testament to times where designing and architecture were left up to artisans. It’s round "Moorish" arches frame the living, dining, and family rooms, begging the home to be nicknamed the "hobbit house," according to the agents.

Set on a 6,999 sq. ft. lot, the nearly 2,300 sq. ft. home is currently priced at $375,000. After being put on the market last summer, the home received a lukewarm reception, according to Snyder. But as most realtors have confessed, Portland’s market has been as active as ever. Consequently, Snyder believes the home will imminently sell in the next couple of weeks.

For more information, visit Portland Creative Realtors or contact Wendy Snyder at 503-810-6470 or Wendy-Snyder@hotmail.com

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Sword + Fern Is Back: New Curtains, News, and Projects

Marjorie Skinner — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:59:00 -0700

So maybe my excitement led me to get a little out of hand with the subject tags of this post, but that's only because Sword + Fern—the gem of a shop helmed by Emily Baker, who makes jewelry but also stocks local apothecary, art, clothing, vintage nicknacks, books, and more—just keeps becoming a better and more rounded nexus of all these things.

After closing for a few months for renovations, Sword + Fern will be back in the First Friday swing of it this week, debuting the first in their new series of curatorial collaborations/art installations, "DISCOVERe'verer," with Plane/Air, to be followed by a roster of participants that includes Claudia Meza, Anna Korte, Helmy Membreno, Valentine Freeman, and more. Plus they've just announced that S+F will be the pickup spot for produce from Thistle Top Farm, and a forthcoming clothing line collaboration with Portland Garment Factory(!!). Swing by this Friday from 6-9 for a look at the reconfigured space and a high five for Baker's expanded venture.

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Sparks: A Short Sartorial Review

Elizabeth Mollo — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:14:00 -0700

Sparks is playing The Aladdin Theater on Sunday and I am beyond excited. I have been a huge fan for a while, (so much so in fact that I manged to get an interview with them, which you can read here.) Sparks' career has spanned over four decades, and with that comes many changes in style, both in music and wardrobe. My favorite sartorial period of Sparks is the 1970s, and Russell Mael combined the styles of glam and disco while his brother Ron's style was a throwback to the 1940s. A very interesting juxtaposition that worked well visually with their performance styles. Here are some of my favorite looks, including a couple of videos.

I totally dig the white leisure suit that Russell Mael is wearing. You can get a better view of it in their video for This Town Ain't Big Enough For Both Of Us:

One more outfit I really like is Russell's in the video for Beat the Clock:

This look, as well as the song, is totally 80's, but in fact this video was made in 1979. I am pretty sure I have seen dudes rock this look in Portland, especially the colored denim. So I guess Sparks were ahead of their time not only in the music they produced but the clothing they chose as well. And then of course there's this:

Always the jokesters.

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The Other Hales

Marjorie Skinner — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 12:14:00 -0700

Before the current issue disappears into the horizon and sails away, I'd like to encourage you to take note that in addition to our lengthy feature on mayor Charlie Hales, I devoted my little fashion column to his wife, and Portland's first lady, Nancy Hales, which sort of makes this the unofficial Hales Issue.

I didn't really think anything of the fact that he was married when Hales first took office. In the 15+ years that I've lived here Portland never had a "first lady" in any impactful way, so expectations were pretty nonexistent. It was actually Tito Chowdhury, Executive Producer of FASHIONxt who first alerted me to her in his contribution for our 2013 style predictions at the new year:

Our new mayor's wife, who's well traveled, outward looking in her professional capacity, and a fashion enthusiast, may play a visible role in promoting style. Unless the underachieving, vocal majority of Portlanders don't break her spirit just because she's showing fashion awareness, [since] that threatens their frumpy looks and living.

Man, I almost forgot how jerky he got at the end there. Anyway, it was enough to make me curious, and to notice when she kept being photographed wearing Portland-designed pieces. I was just excited to have someone in a visible role who was stylish—we could use a little glamour, guys, and I will never forget the time a supportive but hapless Sam Adams made his opening remarks at Portland Fashion Week wearing a tee-shirt and baseball cap (ugh, so embarrassing). And I was delighted to find out that her interest is more than just for show. She has a fascinating job in her own right, running the First Stop Portland program at PSU, acting as an ambassador of the city for international delegations coming to visit and study Portland for a variety of reasons, and it was through this work that she started to unpeel what the local industry has been doing, and she understands its significance within the overall culture of the city and its famous "livability."

Anyway, I think she's rather fantastic, and maybe represents the potential for more support and/or recognition from people in decision-making positions. Read it!

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Wesley Younie at Mark Woolley

Marjorie Skinner — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 15:29:00 -0700

Continuing my day's theme of things you can hang on a wall: I've been cultivating an obsession with the art of Wesley Younie for the past couple years (full disclosure: we are friends, but I am also friends with other, more mediocre artists (you know who you are!) who I never blog about). Anyhow, one of the handful of poor decision that I, and maybe you, made this weekend was to be too tired/scared of downtown to go out to the opening of his new show, with Amy Ruppel, on Saturday at the Mark Woolley gallery space in Pioneer Place.

One of my most prized possessions is the giant Younie painting hanging in my living room, and I've been known to give some of his smaller pieces as gifts. But after seeing photos of the work (I had a mole), which will remain up until May 12, it's clear that I'm far from having satisfied the urge to look at these expansive nature motifs, in all their blue-skied psychedelia and alternating darkness, every goddamn day.

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Yoko Ono's Make-up Tips for Men

Elizabeth Mollo — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:23:00 -0700

Hot on the not so recent heels of her Opening Ceremony Collection, Yoko Ono just released her Make-up Tips for Men video. It's not so much a video tutorial as it is an inspirational video with animations of cute boys and text about rainbows, sparkling, and "pull[ing your date] by his dyed blond hair." The video is short and sweet, and I can totally see the party-goers of Blow Pony heeding Yoko's advice.

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The World's First 100% 3D Printed Dress

Marjorie Skinner — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 08:59:00 -0800

A glimpse into a possible future of garment manufacturing technology (an industry that needs materials innovation with increasingly obvious desperation) came this week courtesy of stage designer Michael Schmidt and model Dita Von Teese, who debuted the design at none other than the NYC outpost of the Ace Hotel:

I think it's pretty hot, personally, but now for the science!: "The dress is made of powdered nylon, a flexible, fabric-like substance that's most often used for architectural modeling... The dress was then polished and lacquered black and covered with 12,000 black Swarovski crystals."

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Dawn Sharp on the Mic: Light House's "The Walls Want Communion"

Marjorie Skinner — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 15:29:00 -0800

Another round of music video inspiration! So new it doesn't officially come out until tomorrow, here's a sneak peek at the new video for "The Walls Want Communion" by trance-y, gothy Portland dark wavers Light House. That pan up the lead singer's outfit is no accident, of course. That's kickass apparel designer Dawn Sharp rocking witchy shoes, velvet skirt, floaty blouse, and super-cute pixie. It's somewhat more lo-fi than Bowie's latest posted below (hello, garage), but the eye makeup is equally good, and the vibe offers a useful insight into Sharp's aesthetic.

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David Bowie's New Music Video!!!!!

Elizabeth Mollo — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 12:12:17 -0800

Holy shit you guys, David Bowie is blowing up for the millionth time in his career. With a new album and a new movie Bowie seems to be everywhere, and all indications lead to to the fact that he is still as talented and provocative as ever. Case in point, his newest music video for the song "The Stars (Are Out Tonight)" featuring actress Tilda Swinton and models Andrej Pejic, Saskia de Brauw, and Iselin Steiro. Throwing back to his earlier self, this video is full of gender bending and just good ol' fashion sex appeal. Enjoy! (But maybe not where your boss can see it.)

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Happy Monday: The New Lille Boutique Lookbook Is Out!

Marjorie Skinner — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 15:29:00 -0800

From the Department of Monday Improvement: Lille Boutique's latest lookbook, shot by Lisa Warninger and featuring Stella McCartney's new spring line, is arrived.

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Betsy & Iya Month of Love Short Story Contest

Toby Robboy — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 15:54:55 -0800

In honor of Valentine's Day, betsy & iya just announced the most awesome contest idea ever! The jewelry label, which always has the most poetic product descriptions on their website, decided to reverse the creative process by giving fans a chance to submit a 40-word story that "will capture a quintessential betsy & iya moment," and designer Betsy Cross will make an original piece of jewelry inspired by the winner's story. The winner will receive the piece of jewelry once it is made, as well as a $400 gift certificate. The second and third runners-up will receive $100 and $50 gift certificates respectively. All contest entrants will be eligible to receive a 20% discount on an online purchase between today and April 3.

Entries, which must be submitted by March 7 to betsy & iya's Facebook page, will be put up for vote by FB users from March 8—March 14 to determine the finalists. The top three entries will be chosen by a panel that includes author Nancy Rommelmann (Transportation: Stories, The Queens of Montague Street), Kevin Sampsell (author of A Common Pornography, founder of Future Tense Publishing), B Frayn Masters (host/executive producer of Back Fence PDX), Courtenay Hameister (host of Live Wire!) and Nathalie Weinstein (editor of PDX Pipeline). The winner will be announce March 31.

Betsy & iya is always finding creative ways to connect to their customers, and this contest was conceived as a way to allow them to reflect the line means to them. As Cross explains, "We have such an engaged following online. We wanted to hear from them about what stories, dreams and fantasies come to mind through the lens of a betsy & iya piece." Get all the contest details here.

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Valentino: Master of Couture

Elizabeth Mollo — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 14:37:40 -0800

Although this video has been out for a while, I just recently stumbled on it and it is well worth a watch. A promo video for his latest exhibition at Somerset House in London, it contains footage of Valentino talking about the exhibition and the pieces that are on display, which happen to be his most exquisite couture creations spanning his entire career. A perfect and short distraction to get you through your grey Tuesday. (And if you still want more Valentino hop on over to his virtual museum here.)

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In My Shoes with Anna Branch

Kayla Rekofke — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 09:59:00 -0800

Solestruck recently started a blog series called In My Shoes, which chronicles staff members and their favorite spots around town. With such national and international outreach, I love the fact that they feature small local independent shops and business here in Portland. Most recently Ms. Anna Branch, the Creative Lead (and one of my besties!) at Solestruck took us on a tour of her favorite vintage spots in town. Topping the list is Eden, Rock N’ Rose, Yo Vintage!, and Julia Barbee’s 811 E. Burnside storefront. Check out the super cute photos below, and stay tuned for more In My Shoes on Solestruck’s blog.

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House of Coco Presents: Seeing Stripes

Coco Madrid — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 08:59:00 -0800

Trend Alert!!! Stripes are all the rage for Spring/Summer which doesn't seem that exciting but for one reason or another I have become obsessed just like everyone else. From the colorful Holiday inspired ethnic prints plus stripes of Dolce and Gabbana to the Beetlejuice-esque prints of Marc Jacobs, this trend has been re-imagined to fit anyone's style.

The fact that some fashion rules have been challenged in recent years for the plus size community means more exploration for anyone that was too shy to embrace the pattern. It's in my opinion that ANYONE can pull off stripes, whether its in the form of a blazer, jeans, dress, or an accessory (Successory if you nasty!) like a scarf.

Below I have given three different ways you can pull a single stripe piece together with whatever is in your closet.

Mademoiselle Coco's Country Club
A perfect juxtaposition of styles - On top says we are riding on a sailboat this afternoon and the bottom says I am sassy and I know it!

Pattern Party
Mixing floral print with stripes is nothing new but always seems like a stylish way to freshen up your look for Spring.
Just like some animal prints I treat stripes like a neutral here. For an easy combination I picked a floral top that had a base color of black that ties the whole look together.

Pretty Tough
You can go so many ways with this dress. Add a denim shirt like in the 1st picture or keep it Parisian with a red flower and beret. However I love mixing girlie pieces with edgy accents so I had to add an old moto jacket and a spiked adorned leather hair bow.

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Beyonce Releases Tour Promo, Is Too Good for Pacific Northwest

Marjorie Skinner — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 15:37:40 -0800

Since she's got your attention at the moment anyway, Beyonce just released a promo video for this summer's Mrs. Carter World Tour, not scheduled to come any closer to us than San Jose, CA. Which sucks, because if this is any indication, the costuming on this tour is going to be worth the price of admission alone:

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Live by the Sun. Love by the Moon.

Kayla Rekofke — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 09:59:00 -0800

Check out this amazing tarot-inspired lookbook shoot done by Sugarhigh & Lovestoned in collaboration with the designer’s personal tarot mentor Victoria Kray of Vega Jewelry. I can’t get over how rad this concept is! Combining every gypsy's boho’s favorite things: tarot, velvet, and of course loads of amaze jewels, I’m lovin’ this look. Check out the full spread here, and peep below for descriptions of each card. If you fall in love with the looks as much as I did, shop them here.

✧☽ DAUGHTER OF CUPS ☾✧
Dreaming IS free and she represents the Daydream Believer who knows how to breathe, believe & receive. Her youthful & romantic joie de vivre is contagious. She raises her glass to Life and magnetizes helpers and support when her emotions are positive and heart-filled. When the surge of emotions are painful, she may need to let the cup spill over so she can let go-and resume the flow. Either way, it’s okay-because her secret garden of an inner world is hers alone-if you are invited to enter, get ready to FEEL.

✧☽ DAUGHTER OF PENTACLES ☾✧
Her motto is “GIVE and you shall receive.” She knows how to take care of herself and enjoy the material world, but always remembers that her greatest resource is her inner strength. If times are tough, call on her ability to snap into work mode, hustle if necessary, and get it done! Take a time out from the social scene if you need to focus on building a life that feels safe and comfortable. When you return from the journey, you will be the money, honey. And drinks are on you-wink, wink.

✧☽ DAUGHTER OF SWORDS ☾✧
She calls on the North Wind when she wants to get some help from Mother Earth. She’s a bit impatient and sometimes overeager, but her intentions are striving for clarity and action. New projects and big challenges turn her on. The key with the Swords are making the energy constructive and not destructive. If you feel yourself going into judgement and hyper-critical thinking, pull out the sword and cut away the things that can go bye-bye. Your aim is sharp and always true.

✧☽ DAUGHTER OF WANDS ☾✧
Sacred Play is this young lady’s jam. She is inspired and full of spirit-everything she does seems to spark from a primal energy of creation. The Wands this free spirit holds are Fiery, so don’t double-cross this Mama! Her heart is on fire and her passion is palpable. Stand back-her essence is about to burst into full bloom and will roll over anything in her way that isn’t for her highest good or that blocks her freedom.

✧☽ THE MAGICIAN ☾✧
She’s self-assured and has the ability to wave her wand and make magic! It helps that she has a full set of tools which she picked up on the hero’s journey. She has known desperate wanting and has evolved: now she has a matter-of-fact knowing that what she wants, she can create when she gets in the vortex. Manifestation is a muscle she’s been working. The Magician reminds us to follow Universal law and practice creating white light, often. Life’s what you make it... the message is: get clear and take action

✧☽ EMPRESS ☾✧
The Feminine often appears in our lives as Mother, Lover, and Teacher when she is working the Empress energy. Being in nature is like being held in her arms. Be like the Empress and consciously choose to shift into the most compassionate version of your self if you are being challenged. Go somewhere green or dip into the ocean and connect with her. Open up your heart and let the birdies out of their cage. Then, kiss the ground and thank her or make love sweetly with your honey. Give nourishment = Be nourished.

✧☽ WHEEL OF FORTUNE ☾✧
“To everything, turn, turn, turn. There is a season, turn, turn, turn” goes the song. Destiny has a specific timing and you never know when that wheel is gonna turn again and life suddenly feels like it’s shifting in a big way. When the Wheel stops and lands on you, be prepared to make a move, step it up, or receive the 411 the Divine is about to deliver. A detour route can sometimes be what comes with this card-it’s up to you to decide if that is a blessing or a curse.

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Magic Carpet Yoga Mats: The Video

Kayla Rekofke — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 08:59:00 -0800

Remember Magic Carpet Yoga Mats, hand drawn and designed by San Francisco artist Sophie Leininger? Well, she made a rad video about her incredible yoga mats, check it out below!

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Haute for Hologram

Kayla Rekofke — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 08:59:00 -0800

Trend alert: hologram everything is going to be MAHJ for the upcoming spring summer season. Get inspired and get holographic with anything shiny, silver, and spacey.

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Emily Katz: "In Dreams"

Marjorie Skinner — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 15:44:00 -0800

Multidisciplinary artist Emily Katz, whether working in apparel design or fiber art—her two most frequented mediums, along with music, poetry, food, and beyond—has been feeling a somnambulant, balletic vibe lately, expressed in layers of pale tulle and linens marked with the erratic narratives of freehand embroidery. Her latest is art of the hang-able sort, a show called "In Dreams" at the OG Stumptown on SE Division (4525 SE Division, to be specific). In it she describes an experimental process of "cutting out shapes and forms, faces, and hands. Cutting them out of the bigger picture and displacing them. Sometimes dreams feel that way, you are in one place and it is beautiful, and then immediately you are somewhere else, with no explanation." The results are very pretty:

breaking away from the First/Last Thursday/Friday etc. crowds, Katz is having an opening reception for the new work this coming Sunday from 4-6 pm, offering something soothing for the caffeinated southeast crowds to calm themselves.

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Clair Vintage Inspired Spring 2013 Lookbook

Elizabeth Mollo — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 16:29:00 -0800

Clair Vintage Inspired just released their S/S 2013 lookbook, and this one has to be one of my favorites to date. Shot by Sarah Giffrow near Alyson's studio in her own car, this lookbook definitely gives off a Lynchian vibe of the Mulholland Drive sort. The collection will be available in stores next month. Here are my favorite shots, and you can view the entire lookbook on Clair's blog here.

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Imelda 13 Lookbook by Solestruck

Elizabeth Mollo — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 16:08:57 -0800

Solestruck never disappoints when it comes to their lookbooks, and the newly released Imelda 13 is the most ambitious yet. Shot just after Christmas in Manila, this lookbook features shoes and clothing from Philippine based brand Gold Dot, and the shoes will be available on the Solestruck website in February. Here are some shots from the lookbook, and you can view the entire thing here.

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Astral Bodies: The Video

Marjorie Skinner — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 09:59:00 -0800

Lille Boutique is still basking in the glow of their successful "Astral Bodies" fashion show last month, blogging that it will almost surely become an annual affair when they posted this stylish little mini-doc by filmmakers Alex Huebsch and Bradley Sellers on Tuesday. Here's what you missed, in all its rose-tinted glamour:

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Hits of Sunshine Comes to Portland, Where It Belongs

Marjorie Skinner — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 11:14:00 -0800

Fuck you, Joshua Tree! With your balmy January weather, gorgeous hiking destinations, and eclectic bohemian community! As you may or may not know, the Tree stole a few of our artists for a while, including Lisa Schonberg (Explode into Colors, Secret Drum Band), clothing and costume designer/musician (also Explode into Colors) Heather Treadway, video artists Jodi Darby and Julie Perini, Allan Wilson (chk!chk!chk!), and Tara Jane Oneil. They made off to the desert for "Hits of Sunshine," a multi-media, site-specific performance that it looked like Portland would never see, barring a plane ticket. However! Now that they've returned to colder climes with even more gorgeous hiking destinations, they're bringing the show to Disjecta on the 19th in the form of Darby's documentary video, plus a live performance of the "sound work, video, and fashion" that went into it. So there.

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Pajama Party

Kayla Rekofke — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 08:59:00 -0800

Officially one of my favorite trends moving into 2013 has got to be the pajama style top/pant. The key to looking chic, and not like you simply didn’t want to get out of bed in the morning is all about layering, texture, and properly accessorizing. I can’t get enough of the harem style, or the breezy silk printed PJs. Whether you fancy a vintage pair, or a lust-worthy designer style, PJ’s can certainly be dressed up for nearly any occasion. Just ask these top babes!

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