Oh my gracious, friends. Last week, I typed this actual sentence in an e-mail to a group of girlfriends: “I am wearing the pants I co-designed and a photographer from the New York Times will be here in three minutes(!!!).” Is that not the craziest thing you’ve read? A far cry from my usual messages, for sure: “Playdate next week?” or “Should I feed Bee chicken if it was cooked in red wine? or occasionally, yes, ever-the-cliche: “Can you pick up eggs?”
But it’s true. It really happened (more on NYT here), and last week offered a slew of banner moments for many members of our household. Ken kicked off a new project, Bee learned how to fold socks (mildly excited about what this means for my laundry workload) and a big cardboard box full of samples for my new capsule collection for Lunya Company arrived on my doorstep.
Let me back up. When I was in Singapore last spring, an email from a girl I met years ago at a conference I spoke at (did you follow that? Too excited to rephrase!) flew into my inbox with the words “design a pattern” and “elevated pajamas.” And if you’re curious, the only two words it often takes to get my attention are indeed “design” and “pajamas.”
So I responded with total curiosity and a mild disclaimer: I’ve never done this before. I’m not a technical designer. I’m the worst at dimensions. And Ashley, the founder, is like, “No big. We’ll figure it out.” (Paraphrasing is my love language.)
And we did. I got to work brainstorming what I wanted my pattern to look like – classic or futuristic, geometric or organic? – and started doodling ideas. And because the crux of Lunya is to celebrate personality-infused pjs, it only made sense to have one letter become my inspiration for the pattern: ZZZ.
I’m a fan of ZZZ. I protect my ZZZ. I look forward to my ZZZ nearly every evening. So clearly, sleep isn’t something I need to be persuaded into celebrating. I’m a natural.
But I’m also a fan of mornings, and I wanted these pajamas to work double duty. I wanted basics for daytime wear; fabrics that feel luxurious by day but comfy by night. I wanted each piece to have a spark of detail; something interesting to set it apart. And I wanted everything to pair seamlessly with a million different wardrobes and a zillion different lifestyles. Zzzillion, even. (Pardon me.)
And here’s where the story gets great. Ashley ran with my ideas and doodles and files and – a few emails and phone calls and more files and more emails later and – boom: the collection was breathed into life, straight into a cardboard box to be delivered to me to unpack and squeal over accordingly.
I love everything about these pieces. The pocket tank (above) is perfectly swingy and cropped in JUST the right spot for a 30-something that isn’t into showing skin but loves a good cropped fit. It’s light and soft to the touch but a substantial-enough weight that it holds its own on a morning coffee run, daytime festival or night on the town.
And then, there’s the pajama pants (above). Good gracious. They’re incredible when paired with Converse sneakers and a graphic tee for errands or yoga, but then you can – just like that – dress them up for dinner. The contrast pockets and ankle detailing add just the right amount of style, and pro tip: they look darling when you roll up the cuffs to sport your new fall ankle boots.
The tee – made from the same crazy soft, swingy fabric – is a show-stopper, too. Dare I say business in the front; party in the back? Too long ago? OK here; let me just show you:
I know, I know. Asymmetrical, layered, gorgeous.
And now I’m just rambling.
So here’s the deal. My capsule collection is ready to be pre-ordered here (in time for holiday delivery!), and this is the part I didn’t anticipate. It’s scary. I’ve really only produced words, or projects for my home, or gosh, I don’t know, emails. I’ve never really done anything this seemingly monumental in terms of holding a real, tangible dream product in my hands. And as exciting as it is, it’s kind of nerve-wrecking, right?
So I’m going to level with you: I’d love your support, whether that means purchasing elevated pajamas for yourself or your favorite Christmas elf or even just sending an encouraging note, comment, Tweet or email saying that it’s OK to do scary things. We’re strong and resilient, and it’s important to do hard things. Because it is, right? It so very much is.
Anyway, whew. Style with a side of soul-searching. You knew it was coming.
Also, good news! If you pre-order here, your items are packaged in a darling furoshiki wrap (I used mine as a headwrap above, but they work equally well as impromptu gift wrap or hobo bags!).
As always, thank you for reading; for your thoughtful comments and gracious emails and heartfelt notes. Life offers such an odd journey when you say yes to unabashedly, wild, hard dreams.
So whether your dream is launching a capsule collection or fixing your marriage or planting a church or founding a nonprofit or having a baby or home-schooling or traveling to Italy or overcoming cancer or meeting your neighbors, I wish you peace and rest and hope in the process.
Sweet dreams, friends. May you find your ZZZs.
LOVE! Congrats on the launch and seeing a beautiful collaboration through to fruition. And to being one very good-looking model!!!
Ahhhh, thank you sweet Erin!
WANT. THESE. PANTS
Thank you, Margo – I can personally attest that they are AMAZING.
Eeeeek! SO great! Proud of you, my friend!!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Dear Erin you are such an inspiration! Your words bring such comfort and hope and courage and now your clothing looks like they will feel exactly the same way! Congratulations and I look forward to wearing your new collection. Bless you, Renuka
Oh Renuka – I so appreciate your uplifting words! Thank you, thank you!
Bravo!
Bravo!
Thank you, Donna!
Congrats, Erin! I want all of it. So exciting to have the opportunity to try something new and collaborate with other talented folks!
Oh Susan, it’s so great to hear your encouragement – I so admire your work! Thank you for your note!
I love everything! Especially the tank and pants. Congratulations Erin!!! You are such an inspiration in so many ways.
The tank and pants are my favorites, too! Thank you, Jen!
Beautiful and Inspiring !!!!
How-where do I order ?
Hi Page!
You can order the pants here: http://www.lunyacompany.com/collections/all/products/limited-edition-from-dusk-til-dawn-pants
or the tank here: http://www.lunyacompany.com/collections/all/products/limited-edition-lighten-up-crop-tank
or the top here: http://www.lunyacompany.com/collections/all/products/limited-edition-from-dusk-til-dawn-top
There are a few other styles/designs in my patterns as well! :)
So happy and excited for you!!
Thank you Karen!!!
Erin,
Congratulations!!! What adorable pieces! You continue to be such an inspiration. You seem to be ever fearless (though I know that can’t be true because you’re human and all us humans are scared of something!) I am so so proud of you and so honored to know you. Thank you for always sharing your journeys and experiments and for always appearing human (while still being extraordinary). Just love you to pieces (and those pants aren’t bad either!)
Xxxoo,
B
Oh Brandon – I so so so appreciate your encouragement. And yes, I am most definitely human, afraid of loads of things. Loads! But thank you for making me feel a bit more loved today. :)
*clap clap clap clap clap*
Beautifully done, Erin!
ALSO: THAT TANK.
Ah! Thank you, Lesley! And yes, I am so partial to that tank. ;)
Congratulations Erin!!! The collection is b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l. Those pants…
Thank you, Amy!!!
Great job! I totally agree that putting out a product. That folks have to buy. Is, for me, much scarier than putting out a blog post. So congrats on taking the plunge! I really love the look of those pants!
Right? For me, they’re both scary in different ways, but man, this was a new challenge entirely! So grateful for the encouragement. :)
So thrilled for you – there aren’t even words.
Oh Alexandra – thank you!
Scary stuff for sure. But you did it! Nailed it in fact! Congratulations!
Thank you, Maggie!!!!
OMG — Congratulations! This reminds me of you tucking me in, so it’s even more fitting. I REALLY love the top.
Ahhhhhh, thank you, Roxanna! And omg the memories! :)
Congrats, Erin! What an exciting project. The collection turned out great!
Thank you, Bee!!!
WHAT. Woman, what don’t you do?
Oh you! So kind. A lot of things! Take out the trash. Paint my nails. Watch TV. Remember to call my mama. :)
Your mama thinks the ZZZ’s are beautiful and so perfectly you! I like the way the pieces are all coordinated so you don’t have to think really hard about what to wear! They look like they travel well also!
Thanks, Mama!!! :)
So proud of you. And loving all of the pieces, and the photos too. I think the swooping overlap back / shirt is my fave. Congratulations to both collaborators! x S
Ahhhhh thank you, Susan! It’s been such a fun, fun, fun process. I’m so grateful to Lunya. :)
This is awesome and YOU are awesome! Way to go!!
Ahhhh thank you so much!
Congratulations!! :) Looks lovely! I’m a new reader, and very inspired! Thanks for the inspiration :)
Ah, thank you Joyce! Welcome!
Hi Erin! Congrats on this amazing adventure! The result is stunning. The clothes look beautiful, thank you for bringing them to life. and gosh, YOU look amazingly amazing! :)
Oh, thank you Lucie!!!!
Omigoodness such an adorably chic collection! Congratulations on a dream come true, Erin! I recently collaborated on a collection of art prints and it was so very exciting and surreal to hold a real product that I designed/curated in my hands. Magic!
Ahhhhh SO magical, yes? Congrats are in order for you as well, then!
I missed this last week so here’s a belated Congratulations on birthing that baby! It’s hard to put creativity out there for other people to enjoy (judge/admire/slam/celebrate – EEEK!). But it’s ALWAYS good to try new things, to do things that scare us, and especially important to put more beauty out in the world. Huge congrats on this, Erin. xoxo
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Jamie!!!!!
Oh lady, what gorgeous elevated pajamas! I want every piece you did. So many congratulations. <3 <3 <3
Ahhhh thank you Morgan! It was such an exciting project for me!
Can you purchase the skirt? I didn’t see it on Lunya
The skirt is from Le Tote!: http://www.letote.com
oh my gosh Erin! These are lovely! Brilliant! Congratulations! I am picking between the tank and pajamas. Do the pajamas easily wrinkle though? So glad for you!
Hi MarilEn – thank you so much!!! They don’t, as long as they’re rolled, rather than folded. And always flat dry or hang dry! You’ll LOVE them. :) Thank you for your support!
Oh wow, this is a beautiful collection! And I always love the reminder that it’s good to go for our dreams, even when it feels scary… so thank you for that! Excited to have found your blog and IG :)
Thank you so much, Grace!!!
How exciting!!! Congratulation on this awesome achievement!!! I would love to rock that pocket tank!!!
Thank you, Amanda! :)
Hi Erin,
I just wanted to say hi and that I love these clothes! I have a whole Pinterest board — Business Loungewear: Clothes for Lady Freelancers — dedicated to clothes like this … you know, outfits that don’t make you feel ridiculous for wearing them alone, inside, while working from home but aren’t embarrassing when you run into a client at the grocery store. Great job and congrats!!
Love this idea, ha!
It’s important to do scary things!! Huge congrats on your glorious risk-taking and heartfelt thanks for the wind you place beneath SO many wings!!!
Oh Erin, thank you – you’re so kind!