Indonesia

Little known fact: Indonesia is the largest Muslim country in the world! Despite its overwhelming heat and humidity (96%….ouch!), it’s appropriate to cover your shoulders and legs while in the city. Because of the intense mugginess, that meant lots of drapey layers, which ended up being rather comfortable. I was wearing relaxed and loose clothing that I practically could have been sleeping in, so I coined the term PJ chic!

Since being back from Indonesia I have certainly continued to embrace this PJ chic attire. I try to stay away from over-patterned, bright harem pants because they are hard to pair with sophisticated tops and jackets, so neutrals are the way to go (if you don’t want to look like MC Hammer, that is).

So my advice for wearing easy lounge pants that you can convert to a more formal setting? Keep them neutral, and try to stay away from crazy patterns. I always like wearing mine with booties, but you can also spice them up with chunky heels for a boho vibe. I own the Talula pants posted above in black, and I kid you not, I wore them for 3 days straight after buying them. They are unbelievably comfortable, and they hit the ankle at just the right spot! Here are a few of my other favorites:

: Catherine Malandrino – Gisella High-Waist Harem Pants

: Loft – Lou & Grey Linen Drawstring Pants

I promise, once you start wearing these pants, you’ll want to say sayonara to your jeans!

– Kasey

Above: Talula Los Feliz Pant

Catherine Malandrino – Gisella High-Waist Harem Pants

Loft – Lou & Grey Linen Drawstring Pants

This summer I had the opportunity to conduct research in Indonesia for one month. I traveled around Yogyakarta, Bunaken, Manado, Bali, and Lombok, experiencing a broad array of cultural tradition, religion, food, and art. My research was based around fashion and identity formation, so I was lucky enough to get up close and personal with the intricate designs of Indonesian batik – and I even got to do it myself!

Batik is a form of fabric design in which wax is applied to cloth and then dyed various times. The fabric remains its natural color where the wax was applied because the dye is unable to penetrate through it. Wax can be applied to the fabric multiple times, creating detailed and ornate designs. The artisans who design batik garments spend months creating them. (I bought a batik tapestry that took 2 months to make!) The labor that goes into creating these works of art is truly awe-inspiring.

After returning to the states, I began searching for garments that had batik motifs. Sure enough, I found my pot of gold at Free People. I have been Free People obsessed for the past 7 years, and season after season, it never lets me down. So I was particularly excited to find a little slice of Indonesia carried in my favorite store. These festive scrunchies are perfect for throwing your hair up on a lazy Sunday morning, or keeping your hair out of your face during a hot yoga class. And I’m mildly obsessed with this white patterned kaftan. I love the ease and effortlessness of it. Throw it on, add some brass bangles and beaded sandals, and you’re set for the day!