Designer's Journal

Festival season is here once again, and most of us are thrilled and ready to go. You may already have plenty of festival gear stocked up from previous adventures, or this could be your very first time at a big music fest. Either way, it’s important that your festival gear is up to date if you want to get the most out of the experience.

Looking for a brand new festival outfit that will keep you cool and comfortable, while also showing off your style? Need to know the essential gear that will take your festival experience to the next level? We have the perfect festival gear guide for you!

Your Comprehensive Festival Gear Guide

Camping out at music festivals can be one of the biggest highlights of the entire event. However, if you haven’t planned ahead of time, it could very well be the worst.

Whether you’re on the road, in the air, or already on the festival grounds, there’s nothing worse than realizing you’ve forgotten a phone charger, bug spray, or any other important item. There are many everyday objects we take for granted that can turn a fun time into a downer if they’re left behind, as well as things you would only need at a festival that you might not think about until it’s too late.

Instead, plan ahead of time and make sure you know exactly what you want to bring. With the right festival gear guide, the only thing you’ll have to worry about during the show is which act to see first.

Festival Outfits

Planning your festival outfit should be one of the funnest parts about going to a music festival. Music is about expressing ourselves, so the more you show off your style and creativity, the more you’ll get into the spirit of the event.

Whether you’re going for ‘90s grunge, boho hippie, or eco-friendly fashion, it’s important to consider comfort as much as style. No matter how great you look, if your outfit is uncomfortable, you’ll be miserable and wishing you had on a t-shirt and tennis shoes instead.

You don’t have to dress plainly to be comfortable. Choose outfits that are made of soft, breathable materials to keep you cool while dancing. And don’t forget a few long-sleeve tops or full-length bottoms in case the nights get chilly or you need to cover a sunburn after your first day.

Dresses

Neoma Blue Kaftan from Passion Lilie, $86.00

Dresses are a great option if you choose a lightweight cotton fabric that allows you to stay comfortable dancing late into the night. Look for fabrics made of 100% cotton if you don’t want to deal with your clothes sticking to your body during the day. Artistic designs and eye-catching details, such as tassels or zippers, can help you really stand out from the crowd.

Shorts and Tops

Playful Blue Shorts from Passion Lilie, $49.00

A pair of shorts and a gorgeous crop top or halter top is always a go-to festival outfit. This will keep you cool in the daytime, while throwing on a lightweight wrap or jacket at night will help keep you warm. If you want a little more coverage, you can’t go wrong with a nice, flowy pair of pants at a festival—especially with a fun design. Choose a nice pair of shorts or pants with pockets, and you’ll be thanking yourself for the extra storage space.

Comfortable Shoes

It may seem obvious, but heels or boots that haven’t been broken in aren’t the best choice when you’re on your feet all day. But something you might not think about is bringing shoes that are easy to clean. Don’t bring your favorite pair of Nikes, or you risk getting them muddy if it rains. Instead, choose festival footwear that is comfortable, cute, and easy to clean, like these Wayfarer sandals or these stylish wellies.

Daytime Festival Gear

Hydration Backpack

Hydration backpacks are not just for hikers. Being able to carry all your essentials—plus have a refillable water pack close at hand—is a major win for any festival goer. Keeping hydrated is incredibly important when you’re spending all day at a festival, and these packs not only double as storage, but make sure you’re not heading back to your tent early with a headache. With so many gorgeous patterns available now, you can pick a pack that goes with any of your festival outfits.

Water Bottle and Vitamin C Supplement

Speaking of staying hydrated, it’s important to drink plenty of water throughout the day to combat exhaustion and just feeling sick overall. If you decide against a hydration backpack or want a little extra water to share with friends, bring a water bottle and keep it filled. A collapsible water bottle is a great option, as it can clip right onto your backpack and be flattened to save space. Vitamin C supplements like Emergen-C are smart additions to your water supply as well, helping you stay healthy and your immune system stay strong.

Fanny Packs

Fanny packs have been a go-to festival statement for years—and for good reason. These bags are light enough to carry, snap snugly around your waist, and allow you to have all your essentials within easy access at all times. Pick a bright color like this holographic fanny pack to add to your outfit as a part of your statement-making style.

Toiletries and Other Camping Accessories

You may know the toiletries you need on a daily basis, but some items such as towels, sunscreen, bugspray, hand sanitizer, and dry shampoo can really make your festival experience more comfortable. Bring along some trash bags and paper towels to help keep you and your area clean as well. Baby wipes can be a huge festival lifesaver, even helping you keep your face clean from dirt and sweat. And don’t forget earplugs! Use them during the day to protect your hearing and at night so you can get some sleep.

Nighttime Festival Gear

Tent and Sleeping Bag

If you’re camping out overnight for several days, you want to make sure you have the right festival gear to keep you secure and well-rested. Choose a tent that is easy to put up and can hold you and however many friends you’re traveling with. If it’s a really sunny day, you might want to invest in a pop-up canopy to keep your camping spot cool. Having one of these is guaranteed to make everyone else around you envious, and you can quickly make friends by inviting them to hang out with you in the shade. Make sure to bring your pillows and a sleeping bag that can keep you warm and comfortable throughout the night.

Camping Chairs and Coolers

When you head back to your tent for the night, you’ll want to sit around and hang out with your friends. Do yourself a favor and pack a foldable chair or two so you can relax at the end of the day. Chairs like this one are a perfect piece of camping gear. You’ll also want to have a cooler on hand packed with cold drinks and treats to help make your campsite party even more fun and inviting.

Portable Cell Phone Charger

This piece of festival gear is so important and yet so easily forgotten. Your phone is an essential part of your festival experience. Whether you need it to get in touch with your friends or take pictures and record videos, you don’t want your phone’s battery dying on you. Make sure to pack a portable charger like this one so you’ll never have to see your battery turn red.

Lantern or Flashlight

A lantern or flashlight is another one of those essential pieces of festival gear that is often overlooked. While you could always use your phone as a flashlight, an actual flashlight will give you more light and won’t use your phone battery. Don’t waste your time digging around your tent at night or walking through the dark to get to your car or the bathroom. Pack a handy lantern or flashlight, and you’ll be all set whenever the festival grounds get dark.

Festival Gear for the Elements

Headband or Bandana

Chevron Headband from Passion Lilie, $12.00

Some festivals are notorious for being particularly dusty. Keep a cute bandana around your neck to cover your face if it gets too bad. Headbands are always helpful when the heat is so intense you want to keep your hair off your face while still looking gorgeous.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses can be a flashy festival statement piece on their own, but they’re also important for keeping the sun, wind, and dust out of your eyes. Choose a wild pair to really show off your personality or a pair of neon shades to add some color to your outfit. Whatever pair you choose, you’ll be glad you aren’t squinting during any of the daytime performances. Choose a fun, eco-friendly pair like these or a colorful pair like this these.

Raincoat or Poncho

While festivals are usually nice and sunny, summer weather is known to be unpredictable. Bring a raincoat or poncho to make sure you’re covered for all kinds of weather. You’ll be glad you packed one when you’re able to continue dancing in the rain while others are running for shelter.

Shop Festival Outfits at Passion Lilie

At Passion Lilie, we create eco-friendly and fair trade clothing perfect for the festival season. Whether you’re looking a headband to keep you cool and stylish during the summer heat, or a dress that is sure to make you stand out from the festival crowds, Passion Lilie is your apparel shop for gorgeous festival fashion. Check us out to become inspired for your next festival, and make sure you create a checklist for your own festival gear guide so you’ll have everything you need to enjoy your next festival to its fullest.

Summer always flies by, and this year is no exception. As we enter back-to-school season, college fashion becomes top of mind for young women looking to revamp their wardrobes before setting foot on campus this fall. The National Center for Education Statistics predicts that overall enrollment in degree-granting institutions will increase in Fall 2018, with female students in particular increasing 16% from 2007 to 2018. That’s a lot of women on campuses this fall! Find college fashion that makes you look and feel great when you shop for ethical apparel from Passion Lilie.

College Fashion from Passion Lilie

College fashion for the fall semester should embrace the last bit of warmth from the summer season while also staying practical. As students, you’re always busy, headed from class to the library, club meetings, and more, fitting in social lives and healthy habits in between. College fashion needs to embrace this on-the-go lifestyle. Clothing and accessories should be easy to wear—versatile, comfortable, and, of course, fashionable.

Not only that, but as you begin taking on new responsibilities and learning about different cultures and philosophies at college, it’s the perfect time to start shopping ethically. By buying from ethical brands, you can reduce your impact on the environment and improve working conditions for artisans in developing countries. Read more about why you should buy fair trade clothing today. Since budget is always a concern for college students, Passion Lilie has a clearance section to make it easier to find our most affordable ethical clothing. Discover a few of our favorite college fashion pieces for 2018 below.

Blue Triangles Top

This trendy shirt is bold enough to get you noticed, and it’s also easy to accessorize with a range of jewelry, scarves, or jackets. Comfortable and easy to slip on, you can pair it with your favorite jeans and be out the door in minutes. It’s also ethical, so when your friends ask where you got it, you can tell them it was proudly made in India by artisans who receive fair wages and sustainable employment.

Chevron Sweater Organic Fleece

This adorable organic fleece sweater is great for long walks across campus when the weather cools down. The long-sleeved pullover is a classic look for college students, and our sweater features a stylish chevron print to create unique texture and eye-catching detail.

Cranberry Scarf

Who doesn’t look amazing in red? Not only is cranberry a great fall color, but a scarf is an excellent way to amp up your fall college fashion. Slip this cotton scarf in your backpack just in case you need it when the classroom A/C is too strong or a cold front has swept through campus.

Spinnaker Grey Pants

These flowy pants are at once chic and cozy. Wear them tied or untied for a variety of fashionable looks. They even look great with a basic tee, making them an easy choice any day of the week.

Shop Passion Lilie for All Your College Fashion Needs

Passion Lilie sells these fashionable pieces and more online. Shop now or contact Passion Lilie with any questions.

Sarongs are very versatile fashion pieces that can be worn on the beach, by the pool, or wherever your summer plans take you. However, learning how to wrap a sarong can be a bit overwhelming, because there are so many options! Here are a few quick tips on how to wrap a sarong.

How to Wrap a Sarong Three Different Ways

Halter Cover Up

Hold the top two corners of your sarong behind you and reach your arms out wide, as if to form a “T.” Then bring your arms straight out in front of you and switch which hand is holding which corner. Finally, tie them together behind your neck, and you’ve got a fantastic beach cover up.

Grecian Style Dress

Hold the top two corners of your sarong behind you and reach your arms out wide, as if to form a “T.” Cross your left arm over to your right side and drape a bit of the sarong over your right shoulder. Wrap the right side all around your body so that it reaches your back, below your right shoulder. Pull that corner up to meet the piece that drapes over your right shoulder and tie them together in a knot.

Sarong as a Top

Fold your sarong in half diagonally so you’re holding a triangle. Hold the two ends of the longest side of the triangle out in front of you, one end in each hand. Next, wrap the sarong around your shoulders so that the triangle’s point is down your back and pointing at the ground. Take each of the two ends you were holding in the beginning and cross them around your waist, then again around to your back. Tie the two ends together for a cute cropped top.

Passion Lilie Sarongs

Passion Lilie makes many stylish sarongs that are a fantastic addition to any wardrobe. Check out a few of the ethically made sarongs we offer that can spruce up your summer!

Secret Garden Sarong

This floral pattern truly embodies a secret garden. With its beautiful red-and-blue design and white base, this sarong pairs well with a simple top and jeans or with your stylish swimsuit on a beach.

Peacock Teal Sarong

This teal blue takes you straight to the ocean on a warm summer day. The peacock print is both fun and energetic—a perfect sarong print for whatever your summer plans have in store.

Shop Passion Lilie’s Sarongs Today

Now that you know how to wrap a sarong, you can shop for sarongs at Passion Lilie! If you want more summer outfit inspiration, check out our summer outfit ideas here. Feel free to contact us with any of your questions or concerns, and share how you’re wearing your sarong with us on our social media.

Part of the fun of the warm weather months is the fashion! From the latest trends to shorts, dresses, and other summer staples, the options for summer outfits are endless. The perfect summer outfit is a necessity for everything from weddings to backyard parties. Passion Lilie has assembled a few summer outfit ideas for you that are easy to wear and 100% ethical. Take a look!

Summer Outfit Ideas

Here are a few of Passion Lilie’s favorite pieces for these popular summer activities and occasions.

Outdoor Errands: Blue Impressions Organic Jersey Kaftan and Pineapple Tote

On a hot day, errands can be dreadful. Having to run around with all your goods while fighting humidity and heat requires a strategic summer outfit, and there’s none better than a kaftan dress. Try our Blue Impressions Organic Jersey Kaftan paired with one of our Pineapple Totes (pictured below). The blue and yellow will complement each other, and you’ll be comfortable with our loose-fitting yet stylish kaftan dress. And did we mention this ethical dress is made of 100% organic cotton? The tote is also a useful accessory that can help hold all your goodies!

Wedding Rehearsal Dinner: Pink Pomegranate Dress

It’s that time of year again when we hear wedding bells. Our Pink Pomegranate Dress would be perfect for a rehearsal dinner or more casual wedding. With its vibrant pink pattern and tied bow detail in front, there’s a romantic feel to this look. Sleeveless and made of cotton, you’ll stay comfortable in this dress as you dance the night away. Write the bride and groom a congratulatory note you can feel good about on one of our beautiful greeting cards made of recycled paper.

Backyard BBQ: Playful Blue Shorts and Timeless Blouse in Grey

There’s nothing quite like spending time with your family and friends while delicious food cooks on the grill. This casual, trendy summer outfit is a great look for any barbecue or backyard party. The blouse has a subtle print and neutral color that work well with the shorts. The Playful Blue Shorts are sturdy, feel comfortable, and feature pockets for you to keep some of your belongings on hand without a handbag.

Summer Day at the Office: Chambray Wrap Dress and Classic Blue Ikat Scarf

This timeless dress paired with a light scarf is a great way to look trendy yet professional in the office. The Chambray Wrap Dress will flatter your figure and keep you feeling confident all day. Our scarf not only adds a fun accessory to the look, but also can be used to wrap around your shoulders when the office air conditioning leaves you feeling chilly.

Shop Passion Lilie’s Summer Outfits Today

To refresh your wardrobe with ethical summer outfits, shop now at Passion Lilie! If you want to learn more about shopping ethically, check out our ethical shopping guide here. Feel free to contact us with any of your questions or concerns, and share the summer outfits you’re wearing with us on our social media!

Summer is the perfect time to update your wardrobe. With vacations, backyard barbeques, and summer Fridays in the office, there’s always a reason to get a new outfit. But have you ever thought of the impact your clothing purchases have? It’s not usually on our minds when we need a new dress or pair of shoes that the worker who made them might be unfairly paid or the environment might be negatively impacted by our purchases. Even though many designers don’t consider these factors when producing their goods, Passion Lilie prides itself on make ethical apparel you can feel good about purchasing and look great wearing.

What Is Ethical Apparel?

According to the Ethical Fashion Forum, ethical apparel is about doing what’s morally right. This means making a deliberate effort to reduce poverty, promote sustainability, and mitigate your environmental impact as your apparel is created. Companies that make ethical apparel do things like fight for fair wages, promote healthy working environments, condemn the use of toxic chemicals, and maintain high sustainability standards. Ethical apparel makes you not only look good but feel good, because you know your purchases are having a positive effect on society.

How Does Passion Lilie Produce Ethical Apparel?

Passion Lilie designs all of its clothes in New Orleans, but amazing artisans in India work hard to produce each piece. Passion Lilie works with several producer groups throughout India, including apparel production teams in Bangalore and Tirupur. As a member of the Fair Trade Federation, Passion Lilie ensures the artisans it employs are paid fair wages and promised safe and healthy working conditions. Furthermore, Passion Lilie strives to use eco-friendly materials in each of its pieces of ethical apparel. Most recently, we have begun implementing 100% organic cotton and toxin-free dyes into our garments. Passion Lilie is committed to reducing the cycle of poverty in India and having the smallest environmental footprint possible. If you’d like to learn more about our producer groups in India, read about our latest trip here!

Ready to amp up your summer wardrobe with ethical apparel? Below are some trendy summer pieces on sale now. Check them out while they’re still here!

Mosaic Red Dress

Whether you’re headed to the office or a cocktail party, this dress is a perfect choice. The design is inspired by mosaic tiles with a bold red print, and it will compliment your figure with a v-neck and coordinated midriff. It also features two front side pockets for unbeatable convenience. The dress pattern is hand block stamped with eco dyes, and its purchase will help secure work and fair wages to artisans in Bangalore.

The Tropical Men’s Button Down Shirt

This fun men’s shirt is great for days on the boat, deck parties, or date nights. The tropical design is hand block printed with blue and tan eco dyes. Each shirt is gently tapered at the waist and broadens up at the shoulders for a flattering fit, and you will feel even better knowing each purchase supports the artisans that made it and the environment in which it was made.

Aqua Blue Poncho

Here in New Orleans, air conditioning is powerful. For those summer days when it’s 90 degrees outside but freezing in the office, keep this one-size-fits-all Aqua Blue Poncho handy. This poncho can be tied with its belt to accentuate your waist or kept loose for when you’ve had just a little too much to eat. It’s not just fashionable—it’s ethical, too! Each poncho is handwoven and dyed through the ancient ikat dyeing process, and each purchase will help support fair wages and employment for artisans in Bangalore.

Buy Our Ethical Apparel Today

Passion Lilie is an ethical fashion brand dedicated to empowering artisans around the world. Designed in New Orleans and made in India, we are an eco-friendly and fair trade company. Learn more about our mission and shop more of our fabulous products today.

Summers are hot, steamy, and sweaty, especially in our home base of New Orleans. With all the humidity in our city, 89-degree weather can feel like 110-degree weather to us. If your summers are anything like ours, just the thought of pulling on slacks and a button-up to go to work can be enough to make you sweat. Even shorts and a tee can feel oppressive in the summer heat. The solution? Buy a kaftan! Passion Lilie has just the tips to teach women how to wear a kaftan dress style this summer and find the perfect blend of comfort and style.

Why Choose a Kaftan Dress Style?

Kaftans, sometimes also spelled “caftans,” are long, loose dresses. The kaftan dress style is similar to a tunic and comes in a variety of fabrics, lengths, and patterns for both men and women. These dresses have a rich history in a number of cultures, especially those from the Middle East. Kaftans can range from simple to elaborate, sometimes including buttons, zippers, sashes, ribbons, belts, or embroidery for more detail. Most of the time, these gorgeous garments use vibrant, eye-catching colors, making them great for fun, colorful fashion statements.

In addition to being fashionable, the kaftan dress style is unbelievably comfortable. Many kaftans are made from breathable, flowy fabrics. At Passion Lilie, our latest kaftans are designed for women of all ages and made from organic cotton jersey. Kaftans are also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re a middle-aged mom or a millennial, kaftans cover enough to be flattering no matter your body type, while the lively colors and patterns allow you to express yourself creatively and stand out from the crowd. A recent article from Jess Cartner-Morley, Associate Fashion Editor at The Guardian, makes the case for kaftans as the “it” item of the summer. So wear one with confidence to happy hours, beach luaus, barbeques, and all manner of events and occasions this summer.

At Passion Lilie, there are three women’s kaftans available in our Spring/Summer 2018 Collection. Or there were—this hot ticket item has already sold out in one style! Shop for the remaining two styles while they’re still here. Each dress is sold in sizes XS–XL for $84.

Tropical Red Organic Jersey Kaftan

This kaftan comes in red, so it’s perfect for Independence Day activities and all sorts of summer picnicking. Look great and stay cool while playing lawn games in a dress that easily transitions into an evening look. Combine with a headscarf if you want to rock a bohemian vibe, pair with a long, gold necklace when you want to look professional, or wear this kaftan on its own for an effortlessly chic look. Slip on this kaftan and your favorite pair of sandals, and you’re out the door and on your way to summer fun in no time.

Blue Impressions Organic Jersey Kaftan

Wear this muted blue dress for a subtle look that speaks through its elegant floral pattern. Because our kaftans are so easy to throw on, they make great bikini cover-ups and summer vacation outfits. Just pack one up, slip it on, and enjoy being one of the best-dressed women on the beach! This blue-and-gray kaftan looks stunning with a large summer hat and sunglasses.

Buy Our Ethical Apparel Today

Passion Lilie is an ethical fashion brand dedicated to empowering artisans around the world. Designed in New Orleans and made in India, we are an eco-friendly and fair trade company. Learn more about our mission, read about our latest trip to India, and shop more of our fabulous kaftans and dresses today.