I’m clearly not very good at getting my reviews scheduled for the right time of year. Just as I’d put a bikini review on the back burner because I thought it would entirely irrelevant now we’re into October, the Sun came out, the beaches were packed and I contemplated pushing back the review I had been planning; focussing on some particularly warm and toasty sleepwear! But the pics have been taken, the products worn and thoroughly tested, so despite the fact the last few days have been 30-something degrees and I’ve slept in virtually nothing, you’ll have to trust me that in the days running up to this, I was happily snuggled up in my new Charlotte and Co. pyjamas…

I’m a bit of an old lady when it comes to PJs. Don’t get me wrong, I have loads of slinky little nighties that barely cover me that are great in Summer. But in winter, a babydoll just won’t do, and I’m much happier in a pair of ridiculous PJs. I like to feel cosy and cocooned in bed, and anything that’ll help with that is fine by me, even if it is covered in penguins.

That said, usually my PJs come straight from the shelves of Primark at Christmas. They’re cheap and nasty, and last as long as it takes the elastic to snap (or for me to spill blackcurrant lemsip down the front). They’re also about 2 inches too short in the leg, meaning I need a sexy pair of slipper socks to really feel warm enough.

So when Charlotte got in touch to see if I wanted to try something all together more luxurious – her 100% cotton flannel pyjamas in a pretty floral print – I just couldn’t say no.

I’m a bit of a sucker for cabbage roses, florals, whitewashed furniture and anything shabby chic. I secretly covet half of Laura Ashley, frequent Cath Kidston’s Covent Garden store and spent ages hunting down cheapo alternatives to the things I read about in Rachel Ashwell’s book when I moved house. Don’t believe me? One of the rooms in my flat looks like this…

…except never that tidy.

Anyway, back to the pyjamas, my little foray into shabby chic clothing. They’re super-soft and not at all itchy like some cheaper versions. For £39 you get a big, roomy button-down top, and a pair of bottoms that are longer than most, with an elasticated back but a flat, drawstring front (much more comfy than diggy-in elastic all the way round). Charlotte & Co offer up to a size 18 but they’re pretty generous and I reckon they’d easily fit a size 20. And if you don’t like my girlie flowers, there are plenty of other prints on offer, including stars, butterflies and plain piped options.

Now, though I love the warm and cosy factor, there is one issue with a pair of flannel pyjamas. They are, essentially, single girls’ sleepwear. Passion killers of the highest order. When I put them on the first time, my boyfriend had to stop himself laughing. In his words “they cover every single bit of flesh.” I have no problem with this when it’s freezing cold outside and I’m trying to get a good nights sleep, but these are definitely not tools of seduction and I can understand why some women would baulk at the idea of a pair of PJs that make them look like their mum.

But for you, there’s always the cutesy eye mask made from the same super-soft fabric. I got one of these in my package too and it’s really lovely. A far cry from the scratchy fake satin novelty ones you get in cosmetic gift sets.

There are also silk nighties, lacy negligees, dressing gowns and a plethora of other stuff on offer. The pajamas I got are currently on offer – get two for £65.

Disclosure: The pyjamas were provided free of charge for review purposes. However, all thoughts are my own and I was not paid to publish them.

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