Photos: Chris Emeott
Highcroft and Wendy Carr match up to craft elegant and custom pajama sets.
Sleepwear has been having a moment, which doesn’t seem to be retreating—thankfully. Many are feeling more comfortable, literally and figuratively, staying in pajamas or comfort wear beyond breakfast and, on some occasions, dressing them up a bit to venture away from home. But the key here is finding well-made items that translate from “Let’s rest” to “Let’s go.”
Highcroft in Wayzata is known for its curated collection of fine linens, gifts, home décor and perfumes. But it also features clothing, including sleepwear, designed by Wendy Carr of W. Carr & Co. and staple loungewear brands Petite Plume and p.jamas. “We are always trying new lines and offer special ordering from our brand partners to our clientele,” says Molly MacDonald, owner.
When it comes to an overall style, sleepwear shoppers can expect to find items that read exceedingly practical and aesthetically pleasing—“… something comfortable for around the house but cute enough to run to the mailbox, and our W. Carr pieces can be styled for a night out on the town,” MacDonald says. “I’m not surprised that women are wearing our luxurious loungewear and pajamas out and about, and because [of] our busy lifestyles, we want to be comfortable yet elegant in our leisure time,” Carr says.
Should you go out for dinner or to a social engagement in your best appropriate sleepewear? We say, “Why not?”
Hold, please—sleepwear out for the evening? How can one accessorize to make the look appear more elevated and less “I’m in my PJs.”? “Honestly, the coordinating tops and culottes/shorts look amazing without any real effort,” MacDonald says. “If it were me—and it often is—I just add a cute sandal, handbag and maybe a favorite necklace.”
While on-point style is a must, sleepwear fabrication also plays an important role. “Our in-house W. Carr exclusive line is all silk charmeuse [and silk matelassé],” MacDonald says. “Our goal is luxury comfort, so you’ll also find a lot of high quality Pima cotton and linen options in store.”
Enveloping oneself in luxe sleepwear or lounge sets can lead to more than just quality rest. The benefits of looking and feeling one’s best shouldn’t be understated.
Using quality silk offers beautiful draping, and it washes to a sand-washed texture. “Silk is highly biocompatible to our skin, meaning it feels incredibly smooth and soft as it shares characteristics with human skin,” MacDonald says. “That’s why people buy silk pillowcases. It helps to retain moisture, [and] its hollow center is important for temperature regulation … Once you sleep and lounge in silk, your ratty T-shirt is going to feel really scratchy. You’ll also feel beautiful after a great night’s sleep!”
Since the 1990s, Wendy Carr has procured fabric from California.
Highcroft always has options on hand to replace well-worn sleepwear, and that includes custom pieces. “We’ll customize shorts or pants to have a longer or shorter inseam; we tweak the fit of the tank,” MacDonald says. “Additionally, we offer about a dozen different colors of silk charmeuse for special order.”
Creative Craftmanship
Wendy Carr likely had the best dressed dolls than any child on the block. “I designed and created a wardrobe of dresses for my troll doll when I was 8 years old. I still have some of the pieces,” she says. “I’m happy to say my skills have improved dramatically since then!”
The Wayzata resident attended Minneapolis Technical College, learning industrial sewing techniques and how to operate 12 types of industrial sewing machines. About 10 years later, she enrolled in the clothing design program at Minneapolis College of Art and Design, transferring to the fashion design program at the University of Minnesota.
After graduating, Carr launched Wild Violets, designing and manufacturing silk lingerie until 1995, and her designs were featured in Armoire (a fashion catalogue), Intimate Fashion News and Women’s Wear Daily. “My father was an entrepreneur, so it seemed natural to me to open my own business,” she says. “I was looking for a void to fill in clothing design, and I saw an untapped market for silk lingerie for women above a size 10. I believed that women of all sizes appreciate wearing beautiful, flattering lingerie.”
Since 2009, Highcroft has offered Carr’s silk pillowcases and kimono robes. “About five years ago, we collaborated on a collection based on [Carr’s] robes,” says Molly MacDonald, Highcroft owner. “We have now expanded to include tanks, shorts, wide-leg culottes [and chamises].” MacDonald appreciates Carr’s craftsmanship. “Sewing silk charmeuse is very difficult. Her accuracy and finishing is perfect, and she can really tailor to any body type,” she says.
Wendy Carr works out of her Wayzata home studio, where she uses eight sewing machines to create her designs.
“I would describe my design vibe as luxurious yet wearable, silk loungewear that flatters a woman’s figure and enhances her leisure time,” Carr says. “I see my customer as discerning women of all ages and sizes who appreciate beautiful silk, comfort, practical features and excellent craftsmanship.”
Highcroft
@highcrofthome
