Sunday, November 29, 2009

Flannel Sheets Are Sexy

Ok, maybe this is a funny post for today since it *did* get up to about the mid-60’s today here in MD. (Yes, I was smart enough to go ahead and do the outside Xmas decorating to take advantage of the weather. Still a couple of things to finish up, but most of it done.)

But here’s my point…it’s hard to feel sexy or anything else good when you are shivering and freezing! And flannel sheets don’t have to be plaid or boring.

top pic from Lands End
bottom pics from The Company Store

Nowadays, there are lots of modern colors and prints to make flannel work in your bedroom (see above) without making it look like you live in a cabin…unless, of course, that’s the look you are going for (below).

top pic from Lands End

I have been a fan of flannel sheets since childhood. To me, that was the sign of the beginning of winter…when you put the flannel sheets on. Of course, you all know me, I am so tactile, I just want cozy, warm, soft, etc.

Which brings me to my current dilemma…sweatpants. No, I’m not going to try to tell you that sweatpants are sexy. Well, maybe the right kind on the right person. But that’s not exactly what I’m looking for here. I need some sweatpants. Just a good old pair of sweats. Why? Well, other than today, it’s getting awfully chilly outside. And I do have an 11-month-old Labradoodle to walk. So I need some warmth!

It seems that nowadays, everything offered in the active pants for women category is
1 – plain cotton jersey – just won’t do. I want more than a tshirt for my legs.
2 – poly/spandex/quick dry – ok, comfy, but not warm…at all.
3 – velour – ok, thicker, but um, yeah, I want the cozy part on the *inside*, not the outside.
4 – just way way way too short.

So what am I looking for? Sweatpants, thick – regular fleece or polar fleece will do, and they must must must be long enough. (Remember, I’m 5’10” with a lot of height in my legs.) I would prefer a 33” inseam.

Any ideas???

24 comments:

Summerilla said...

Have you looked at Victoria Secret for sweatpants? I'm not sure what the materials are, I know they have a lot of different types. I usually order mine from there because they offer them in long, I think 34 inseam. The sweats I have bought from there have held up nicely too through a lot of wears and washes.

Anonymous said...

I love the Victoria Secret Boyfriend Sweats. I'm 5'6" and they drag on the ground. They are definately cozy comfy. I have been wearing the same ones forever.

DS said...

have you tried men's sweatpants/pj pants? I bought a pair of fleece ones from the men's section of the Gap years ago (b/c the women's ones I got the year before shrank in the wash & got too short) & I've pretty much been living in them since. (Two pluses are that men's pjs normally have drawstrings (so you make sure they'll stay up) and pockets(!! so handy)
To be fair, they're probably less flattering than the VS sweatpants but you can also get them for a lot cheaper (and they have pockets!! which is worth mentioning twice for me...)

Jenni said...

Heidi, I highly recommend Pearl Izumi tights/pants. They are expensive but I've worn the same pair of windproof, water resistant tights for four years now (bike and run). I like the tights (like leggings, really), but they also have pants that are not nearly as fitted. Here's a link, and good luck!

PS - I'm 5'3" so leg length has never really been a problem for me!

http://www.pearlizumi.com/product.php?mode=view&pc_id=95&product_id=1445662&outlet=

Anonymous said...

I live in a cold winter climate and I do alot of walking outside. I have a couple of options for you.

Do you have a Lululemon yoga store nearby? They have doggie walky pants nylon on the outside with polar fleece on the inside.

If you do not have one Eddie Bauer has cozy black pants lined with fleece, they are warm, breathable and not too expensive, they have had sales on lately.

Also you could always try the Gap.

Elizabeth said...

Athleta-I'm 5'9" with a 34" inseam. Athleta carries a fair number of athletic pants in tall sizes (jackets they don't do as well on, unfortunately). Right now I have on (back from my AM walk) a pair of stretchy polartec lined athletic pants--not sweatpants per se (b/c not cotton) but I think exactly what you are looking for nonetheless.

Slastena said...

Oooh, what a great fun post! Could not agree more. I have snowflake flannel set for our bedroom and just picked up adorable snowman set for my older son. So cozy!

Slastena said...

About sweats- Abercrombie offers a good variety. My friend swears by them. With your height (which I am insanely jealous of:)) you can even pick up a men's pair in XS.

Summer said...

I am almost 5'10" and I get nice thick sweatpants from Lands End. My hubby said, "Wow, now those are nice sweatpants." Granted I got mine a few years ago but I am betting they are still nice. My hubby HATES sweats too so this is saying a lot.

Summer said...

Anyone know where you can get nice poly silk sheets. I just want a fitted one for my king size bed. Not real silk but the "fake" kind that is more slippery. Thanks for any help.

Southern Belle said...

Flannel sheets are the bomb diggity--I bought some on Black Friday and put them on our bed over the weekend. The only problem is that I was nearly late for work this morning because I couldn't drag myself away from them!

Anyway, about sweats, my mom found some ones at Target in the activewear section that she swears by. They are awesome and she uses them for dog walks specifically. She was able to get different inseams on their website. You may have to stalk them to some degree, but it would be worth it.

Kathy said...

I have been looking for the same thing! I just want grey, old school sweatpants with the closed bottom. There was a nice selection of Champion at Target a few weeks ago but none in my size. I checked the champion outlet this past weekend but also out of my sizew which tells me that we aren't the only ones looking for these!

I cannot sleep on flannel but Seashell can and does. She would even do polar fleece if I bought them!

Anonymous said...

Champion workout pants at Target are Great!! 1. B/c they are stylish and comfy and 2. they don't cost a lot. Here are some ultra comfy on the inside fleece sweatpants that should do the trick. And...they are only $17.99.

-S

http://www.target.com/C9-Champion-Fleece-Pant-Ebony/dp/B002BFHCOE/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=0&searchView=grid5&node=1041790&keywords=champion&field_browse=1041790&searchSize=90&id=C9%20Champion%20Fleece%20Pant%20Ebony&field_availability=-2&searchBinNameList=subjectbin,target_com_age,target_com_gender-bin,target_com_character-bin,price,target_com_primary_color-bin,target_com_size-bin,target_com_brand-bin&refinementHistory=subjectbin,target_com_brand-bin,target_com_age,target_com_gender-bin,target_com_character-bin,price,target_com_primary_color-bin,target_com_size-bin&searchNodeID=1041790&field_launch-date=-1y&searchRank=target104545&field_subjectbin=3692501&searchPage=1&field_keywords=champion&field_target_com_brand-bin=C9%20by%20Champion

Deco Aurora said...

My sister just bought some from Target!

BTW Im having a giveaway on my blog!

http://decoaurora.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Macy's or Marshall's girl!

laylablue said...

i was at a GAP OUTLET last evening...
they have 3 or 4 colors of a bootcut sweatpant for around $12.50...i have a pair in the dark/flat gray color (not heathered)
i'm short and have to roll them up, or walk on the hem, whatever :) i could hem them, but blah, blah, blah...
you can check on the gap website for locations of their outlets, which you probably already know, and also these are separate/different from gap factory stores...

Jessie said...

Agree with the Lululemon suggestion - they have a variety of styles (and inseams). Pricey - but they really do last...and they're amazingly flattering!

Moda said...

What a great post! Fun to read! Well, I can't give you any suggestion since I live in a tropical Island. But should be interesting to see what you turned out buying. Good luck!

mette said...

How about Nikes or Adidas ones. There are different models-

mette said...

I clicked your site reading LBR´s blog. I think I´ll visit you in the future too. But, what is it about ballerinas? I´d love too see you in some high heels too. You are so pretty and have an excellent hight.

Ms.Mer said...

Heck yes, flannel sheets are sexy! And oh-so-warm. I just put them on our bed today, so I laughed when I saw your post. :)

Re. pants, I highly recommend Lululemon! Like Casual-crew said, they have lots of great options, PLUS tall sizes, and free hemming if it's too long. They have a high price point, but produce great-quality product that lasts. Good luck!

La Belette Rouge said...

Hi Heidi! I can't be of any help when it comes to the sweats you are seeking( I wish I could, they sound wonderful).

I wanted to let you know that I wrote a little something about your wonderful blog over at my place. I hope you come by and see.

HeidiG said...

Sorry for the delay in responding - I've been virtually absent from blogland for the past week - more updates in next post (hopefully tonight).

thank you all for the wonderful suggestions!!! I will definitely update you on where I end up.

Summer - sorry, no idea on the silk sheets.

Southern Belle - you totally cracked me up with "bomb diggity" - it's been a while since I heard that phrase - so thanks.

metscan - I do love my ballerinas. And I've been wearing flats so long that I just am not great with heels. Plus, being a work/stay-at-home mom, flat really suit my lifestyle better - and I'm walking Lucy, the Labradoodle..a lot. I do have a great pair of Aerosole pumps that I like to wear. But it's food for thought - I do wonder if I could or should integrate some heel height in my wardrobe more often.

La Bellette Rouge - thank you! I will pop over and check it out!

Unknown said...

Can't help w/sweatpants. I am a lover of flannel sheets, though! They *are* getting quite stylish.