Slowly… No sudden movements. Just step away from the computer…
That’s it… Eeeasy does it.
Okay? Now take a deep breath, and repeat after me: “I will not buy Pajama Jeans.”
I will not buy Pajama Jeans.
Again.
I will not buy Pajama Jeans!
In a way, that little intro up there is based on a true (ish) story. You see, I came within a tabby’s hair of placing an order for a pair of Pajama Jeans the other day. That commercial came on, and I was just about to click the order button online when in walked Tabs.
I guess he read the look in my eye because a sour expression crossed his face…
Granted, he makes that face a lot, but it was enough to give me pause (paws?).
I didn’t order a pair of Pajama Jeans that day, but I have been on the market for a respectable pair of stretchy pants — something with a little edge to ‘em that won’t be mistaken for yoga pants.
Enter the BCBG Cancetta leggings, stretchy matte fabric pants with faux leather panels and a mid-rise waist. If it weren’t for these pants, there’s a good chance I’d be wearing a pair of Pajama Jeans right now.
Comfy? You know it! Fashionable? I think so. Best of all, you can throw ’em in the washing machine. 🙂
Here I’m wearing them dressed down with ankle boots, a slouchy sweater (also by BCBG) and the Zella Gathered Tote, but they’re also easy to dress up, like with a crisp, white tuxedo shirt, black blazer and black patent-leather high heels.
I can’t seem to find them online this morning, but here’s a similar style, the Caragh Pleather Combo Legging.
One thing I’ve noticed about these is that they run a little long on me, and they’re not that form fitting around my knees and ankles, so you might want to try a size smaller than you normally would if you want them to really hug your curves.
I don’t know though… I kind of like that they’re a little loose in places because it makes them look more like regular pants.
Tweet! — as in the singer, not the social media bird
Good mornin’! Happy hump day. How’s it going over there?
Sooo, I turned on that randomizer thing-a-ma-bobber on iTunes this morning, and it got on a string of songs from Tweet.
Remember her? She’s an R&B singer. I have her 2002 album, Southern Hummingbird.
I hadn’t listened to it in ages, but I really got into it this morning. It’s a mix of ballads and mid-tempo dance songs. Now I remember why I liked it so much 10 years ago…
Hope you have a good one today. Drop me a line, and let me know how you’re doing. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Chelsea says
These pants are stylin’ I want a pair!
Karen says
Hi Chelsea,
I’m kind of obsessed with them. 🙂 I’m thinking they might be good to take on a trip because they’re lightweight and don’t wrinkle. Really, I just want an excuse to travel, LOL!
Do you have class today?
Chelsea says
Nope! I’m off to the Detroit advertising awards, should be a fun night!
Karen says
Oh cool. Sounds like it will be great for networking! What makeup look are you going with? I hope some Chanel is up in the mix.
Chelsea says
fo sho! Cat eye liner with neutral/gold eyeshadows and Le Volume de Chanel mascara, and a Candy Apple Revlon Lip Butter. Just got back, I am TIRED.
Teri says
Ooooh, love this style so much! I also really adore your jumper with it, it looks so comfy!
Karen says
Hi Teri,
Thanks. 🙂 I love it because it’s slouchy and covers my bum, LOL!
Happy Wednesday to you!
Jennifer says
Very very cute!!!
Karen says
Thank you, Jennifer! I hope you’re having a nice day so far.
Nina says
Gmawnin! And I LOVE the pants!
Karen says
Thank ya, Nina! 🙂
G’morning (well, afternoon now here), to ya too from a rainy and wet Northern California. I’m so over it, LOL! Is it spring yet?
Leah @ Mile High Beauty Blog says
Maybe these will help me break my lululemon habit. They just work so well with my tall boots!
Karen says
Hi Leah,
If you live near a Nordstrom you should try Zella’s leggings. They’re like Lululemon’s but a tad more affordable. (Apparently Nordstrom stole Lululemon’s head designer to create all their Zella stuff, which is why it’s very Lulu-esque.)
How did your corn pudding and masked potatoes turn out, btw?
Trisha says
Okay, those are some CUTE stretchy pants. I’ve kind of vowed to only find super cute comfy stuff. As in, no sweat pants or pajama jeans. Fashionable always, but still finding comfort. So, I’ve ended up with a lot of awesome wildly patterned skinny jeans.
Now I want what you’re wearing!
Karen says
Hi Trisha,
Your skinny jeans sound cute! What sort of patterns do they have?
Trisha says
Right now, I’m wearing some indigo-colored skinnies with curved lines on them. I also have some black and silver houndstooth skinnies and red and black plaid skinnies. I love them all like they’re my children. 😉
Karen says
Great outfit Karen! (Hope Tabs doesn’t mind that Marmalade gets to be toted around with you) 😉
Karen says
Thanks, Karen. 🙂
Tabs is a little jealous of Marmalade, but he can’t be angry. I offered to carry him around in my bag and he refused!
BTW, did you get the chance to check out that Laura Mercier cream shadow yet?
Ruchita says
Love the outfit! I am all about strechy pants. I have a basic black pair from Target that I wear all the time in the winter. Here in the midwest I like to wear them with boots to keep warm.
I have found legging jeans to be comfortable as well, but seriously nothing beats an elastic waistband. 🙂
Karen says
Hi Ruchita,
Team stretchy pants! 🙂
How was your Thanksgiving holiday? I hope your three desserts and mashed potatoes turned out well.
I didn’t cook dessert this year, but made roasted garlic mashed potatoes that were pretty darn yum, if I do say so myself.
Ruchita says
Thanksgiving was fun! The guys deep fried a turkey this year and luckily no one got hurt. 🙂 We ate and hung ouy at my sister-in-law’s hosue all day. Also, she adopted Oscar the stray kitty, so I got to snuggle him.
I wore the aforementioned strechy pants so I was able to sample all three desserts. 🙂
Karen says
I remember you mentioning that she took in Oscar. That’s so wonderful that you can still visit with him at family events. How’s he adjusting to his new home?
And woo-hoo! Dessert. At our house we had pumpkin pie, pecan pie, chocolate cake and leche flan (a Filipino custard).
Ruchita says
Oscar is doing great! He’s happy and healthy and growing into a young man. 🙂 Leche flan sounds delicious!
Karen says
It’s really good if you like custards. The best ones are very soft and silky, and they’ve got hints of caramel and lemon flavors. GAH, now I’m hungry for one!
So happy that you guys found a home that keeps Oscar in the family. Did he recognize you?
Ruchita says
I do like custard, so that sounds yummy! Oscar’s little kitty brain didn’t recognize me right away, but we had some playtime together and that was fun. I am so thankful he’s in a permanent home. He’s come a long way!
gio says
Very pretty!
Karen says
Thank you, Gio! Hope you’re having a nice day.
Janet says
Karen,
If you are looking for a good basic pair of super comfortable yet fashionable jeans, try the Avedon by Citizens of Humanity. They’re seriously JUST like Pajama Jeans! I am about to get a second pair because I probably wear mine 3-4 times a week, haha. They look great tucked in to boots, dressed up with heels, or dressed down with a casual sweater and flats for when you’re just lounging around. I work at Nordstrom and I recommend them to all of my customers who want a comfortable but still put together stretchy jean. Give them a try next time you’re in the store 🙂
Karen says
Hi Janet,
Oh yeah! I remember you mentioning that you worked there when I was jonsing for those the Current/Elliot pants. Are you in TBD? That’s one of my fave departments.
And thanks for the Citizens rec. I just asked Siri to remind me to try them on next time when I go Christmas shopping this weekend. Hopefully they’ll have my size! 🙂
Janet says
Oh wow, you have a good memory! I do work in tbd so I’m surrounded by jeans all day err day! 😉 I’m glad we’re one of your favorite departments! I think our clothes are pretty neat. Happy shopping!
Stephanie says
Love the pants and sweater, great look!
Karen says
Thanks, Stephanie. How’s your day going? Good, I hope!
Agata says
The pants look good on you and I love the sweater and your boots. You look adorable!
Karen says
Hi Agata!
Thank you very much. 🙂
A few posts back you mentioned that you finally were able to get NARS Lustre. That’s awesome! Did you pick up anything else from the sale?
Agata says
Yes, I am very excited, it hasn’t shipped yet though. That was the only thing I bought from NARS, I bought some clothes on Black Friday 🙂
Angel says
LMAO!!! Damn you Pajama Jeans! I watch that infomercial every time it’s on. We would have staged a Pajama Jean Intervention on you had you purchased 😉 Ahhh, thanks for the laugh Karen, that cracked me up.
Karen says
Hi Angel,
I love the way the lady in commercial says Pajama Jeans like they’re the most awesome thing ever.
“PAJAMA JEANS!!!”
LOL!
RhoRho says
Guuuuurrrrrrl you look fab!
Marla says
Those pants and those boots!! I want them. You look awesome.
Karen says
Hi Marla,
Thanks, girl! Have a good one. 🙂
Hanna says
I really like the top
Karen says
Thanks, Hanna. 🙂 It’s my fave sweater at the moment.
Hope you’re having a nice day.
Tiffany says
Karen! You look amazing. Love the outfit, and love Marmalade. Lol hope Tabs wasn’t too jealous. 🙂
Karen says
Hi Tiffany,
He was a little jealous, but a few Pounce treats smoothed things over.
How are Oscar and Maxwell doing? Tabs sends his love to his DC kitty buds.
Becca @ The Beauty Sample says
Oooh really love the whole outfit–particularly the sweater! I’ve been so happy to break out all my chunky knits again 😀
Karla says
I’d love to know what eyeglass frames you have. I can’t wear contacts so I’m always on the lookout for good looking frames. I wish there were more beauty bloggers who wore glasses in their posts.
Karen says
Hi Karla,
They’re by Paul Smith. I wish I could remember the exact name of the frames, but they’re so old…seriously, like I got them in 2002! I keep meaning to update them, but they’re just really comfortable, and I’m lazy. LOL!
Carleen says
I saw someone wearing those in the airport just the other day and I wondered where to get them. Now I know! Thanks!
Karen says
You’re welcome, Carleen! How are things going? It’s been a while. 🙂
Liliane says
The only thing worse than pajama jeans are the ones they decided to make for men….eep. They scare me a little every time I see them!
I adore those pants though. They look like a great alternative to leather jeans, which are so hard to find a good fit in!
Karen says
Hi Liliane,
I’m now trying to un-see the mental image of a dude wearing Pajama Jeans…OH NO!
Ankita@corallista says
Love your boots Karen! And the pants look great as well!
Tiffany Martin says
Whoa this look is hot! I want a pair too, ever think of making an OOTD for the plushie kitty?
Kim says
Your pants put Pajama Jeans to shame. Well done! 🙂
Karen says
Hi Kim,
Thanks! Although I’m still tempted to get a pair…not gonna lie, LOL!
Kim says
HAHA! No need to lie when you’re talking to the Sweatpants Queen. I had to visit a printer today and “dressed up” in jeans. One of the gals at work said “you look really thin today”. I was like “yeah, because I’m wearing clothes that fit, rather than sweats.” We agreed I need to do that more often!
Sarah says
Awww.. look at Marmalade!
Sarah
PrettyGloss – makeup, beauty & a lil gibberish
Karen says
Shh…don’t tell Tabs, but Marmalade’s one of the easiest kitty models to work with. LOL
Katherine G says
I was working yesterday, but just wanted to say love the pants! I used to wear stretchy pants all the time when I was younger (and they weren’t in style), and I love yoga pants and leggings for working out. Those are really cute! I will also have to check out Zella since Lululemon is so expensive (my coworker reportedly spent $300 on a running suit from Lululemon – yikes!).
Marina says
This outfit rocks!
Lorraine V says
Love that sweater- perfect outfit for SF bay mild winters.