cute at home

The first thing I do when i get home from work is change my clothes. And if i don't have plans to go out, my natural instinct is to reach for my pajamas. They're so cozy, and nobody's really going to see me...

But most days I get off work by noon. That means I spend all day in my pajamas. Pajamas can be cute, but something about spending too much time in them doesn't feel very lovely. I'm comfortable, but i look sloppy and I know it. It someone stopped by, i'd have to change right away.

So I think I have two options: Princess Mode and Slumber Party Mode.

Princess Mode, as usual, is impractical. The only thing less practical is expecting myself to get dressed when I know I'm not going anywhere. Princess Mode is based on the one possibly cute aspect of staying in PJs all day -- it's very princess-like. Or at least aristocratic. Slightly spoiled, eccentric girls get to stay in their nightgowns all day, reading forbidden novels, eating indulgent chocolates and shooing away the cat. And of course there's Sleeping Beauty.

I guess the only real difference between Princess Mode and my current routine is that a princess would not be wearing flannel Halloween-themed pajama pants in February. So I would need some fancier nightgowns. And a tiara. And I'd still be embarrassed if the UPS man came to the door.

Slumber Party Mode is the plan I intend to follow. Here is what I need to do:

• Invest in some cute sweats or yoga pants. Most of my cozy pants are due for replacement. Today I'm applying Slumber Party Mode by wearing a pair of American Apparel sweats that are much more flattering than most of my selection, but they are a bit worn out. The guidelines for buying my new pants:

don't be cheap about it. i am on the thrifty side but this needs to be a splurge, a favorite brand.

they must be something i would not be embarrased to wear to the grocery store


i must never wear them to the grocery store or anywhere else

• Wear a bra all day.
• Take a moment to change my hairstyle. I usually wear braids or a ponytail at work, which i usually pull out when I change. It only takes a minute to brush it and rebraid it or pin some of it back into a cute, simple style.
• Put on a peice of jewelry. Just one. Literal BLINGIFCATION! A stretchy bracelet or a necklace and I look more put together and feel cuter.

Simple and just as quick, but so much better!
And as soon as I finished writing this, a salesman came to the door.