Deskside with: SLEPT IN
On creating the thing you couldn’t find, and betting on yourselves.
This one is extra special to me! Michaela is one of my closest friends, and getting to watch her build Slept In with Kirsten has been one of those full-circle joys that feels both personal and inspiring. What started as a late-night conversation in her tiny NYC apartment turned into a brand that feels genuinely fresh in the sleepwear space: cozy, elevated, and worn the way real women actually live. I’m so excited to share their story here, and even more excited that you can shop Slept In this week (!!), starting Friday November 28th.
-Allison
Make sure you’re signed up for first access here: https://sleptinsleepwear.com/
You’re best friends and co-founders. What moment or conversation sparked the idea for Slept In, and how did you know it was the right time to build something together?
The idea came about organically in my (Michaela) NYC studio apartment in April 2024. Kirsten had come over for dinner, and like we always do, we immediately changed into comfy clothes to lounge. That sparked a conversation about how the most comfortable pieces we own are usually the least aesthetic, and how most pajamas on the market don’t really match our personal style. We wanted to create an oversized, boxy T-shirt that was incredibly soft but still elevated, something cute enough to wear on a girls trip, to run from bed to the bodega, or catch an early morning flight. When we couldn’t find it anywhere, we decided to make it ourselves!
What gap did you see in the sleepwear market, or what personal frustration were you trying to solve with Slept In?
When we started looking closer, we realized there was a real gap in the market. Almost every pajama set had buttons, collars, or overly cute patterns, nothing that felt modern or aligned with how we actually dress. We kept coming back to the idea of what the “Hot Mess meets Clean Girl” would wear to bed, and there wasn’t a single brand that captured that energy. We wanted sleepwear that felt effortless yet refined, with the same quiet luxury and intention as pieces from The Row or Khaite but the fun youthful and edgy energy of a brand like Rhode.
You’re both new to the fashion industry. What has surprised you most about the process of bringing a garment from idea to final product, especially working with domestic manufacturers in LA?
Honestly, almost everything has surprised us. Every step has been a learning curve, which has been really exciting. The biggest lesson has been understanding the process behind even a seemingly simple garment. Creating something like your favorite T-shirt involves months of fittings, fabric testing, and reworking samples. When you make garments in the US, almost every component (fabric, ribbing, brand tags, garment tags, embroidery) comes from separate companies. A huge part of the work is coordinating and project managing all of these vendors to bring a single product to life.
As friends now running a business, how do you navigate decision-making and conflict in a way that protects both the brand and your friendship?
Kirsten and I share the same vision for the brand, but we each have a few non-negotiables. We have an unspoken rule that if we ever disagree on a decision, one of us can say, “I feel strongly about this,” and the other will step back. This way when one of us has an idea for something but the other one feels strongly, we go in that direction. If you’re going into business with a friend, trust is everything. Not just because you’re building something together but also because you know they want the brand to succeed as much as you do. Having someone you trust completely and also actually like talking to all day is pretty rare, and it makes the whole process way more fun.
What does Slept In represent beyond just clothing? What feeling, ritual, or lifestyle are you hoping to invite women into when they put your pieces on?
We really built this brand with a specific girl in mind. When we first came up with the idea, we called her “The Hot Mess meets the Clean Girl.” She’s the kind of girl who might have one too many cocktails at dinner but never skips her five-step skincare routine. Effortlessly stylish, cool, and not taking herself too seriously. For us, looking put together at bedtime didn’t mean long sleeve floral pajamas, we wanted pieces that were chic enough to wear out in the real world but just as comfortable to lounge in at home. Comfort and style were top of mind. Loose elastic around the waist, drapey but structured fit, and incredibly soft cotton.
Michaela’s Quick Hits:
Apps: Pinterest for inspo for our upcoming photoshoot, TikTok always
Restaurant: Din Thai Fung
Current Read or Daily Media Diet: Lately I have been loving Jake Shane’s podcast “Therapuss”
Item You’re Eyeing: I’ve had the Coach Soft Empire Carryall Bag 40 on my wishlist for a while!
Piece of Life Advice: Two quotes I live by are: “Shavings make a pile” and “If you can’t fight the fear, do it scared”
Kirsten’s Quick Hits:
Apps: ShopMy, TikTok, and the Weather app (living in NYC you never know what to expect when you walk outside)
Restaurant: Birds of a Feather is my go-to in Williamsburg
Current Read or Daily Media Diet: Currently reading 28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand and listening to Giggly Squad and Therapuss.
Item You’re Eyeing: Just found the Saint Laurent Dune sunglasses in Australia and I’m obsessed.
Piece of Life Advice: Two quotes: “Progress is more important than perfection” and “Ego says: ‘Once everything falls into place, I’ll feel peace’ Spirit says: ‘Find your peace and everything will fall into place’.”