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.

Affordable, eco-friendly clothing from Passion Lilie. Shop now.

For many shoppers, your wardrobe is a fun and easy part of your life to maintain. It’s not surprising, since your sense of style allows you to have fun representing yourself to the world.

Your wardrobe can also be used to express your beliefs, which is why more and more people are interested in finding affordable, eco-friendly clothing. Not only does environmentally-friendly apparel help keep our environment clean, but it also allows you to share these values with others any time someone compliments your clothing, creating a larger collective impact.

However, there are still many people who want to invest in environmentally responsible clothing but fear it will come with a high price tag. Eco-friendly clothing typically costs more than fast fashion, but those extra dollars provide you with better quality clothing and better practices for the environment.

Learn how to find affordable, eco-friendly clothing to satisfy both your conscious and your wallet, and start shopping today.

Why You Should Invest in Affordable, Eco-Friendly Clothing

Passion Lilie’s founder enjoying the beaches of Bali in our Neoma Blue Kaftan.

When it comes to making our homes more environmentally friendly, we often neglect our wardrobes. Reducing waste, recycling, and avoiding harmful chemicals are all important and relatively easy changes we can make. But you may be surprised to learn just how much damage the wrong clothing can do to the environment.

Synthetic fabrics can take 200 years to decompose in landfills, according to Sustain Your Style. And when a store fails to sell a fast fashion piece or a consumer loses interest in the trend, that cheap, synthetic clothing usually gets thrown away.

The microfibers in synthetic materials can end up in our oceans, creating more waste and even affecting animals’ health when ingested. Clothing made with azo dyes, which may be toxic to an aquatic ecosystem, can cause even more harm.

When you invest in eco-friendly clothing, you get high-quality materials made from natural textiles, such as cotton, hemp, and linen. You can also avoid azo dyes and other harmful chemicals with eco dyes.

When a company values sustainability over profit, its products are made with care, often using practices that reduce waste, water consumption, and electricity usage to create goods that are safe for consumers, workers, and the environment. At Passion Lilie, we are transparent about our production practices, and we’re always looking for ways to treat our environment better.

If you’re ready to reduce your environmental footprint, check out our tips for incorporating eco-friendly clothing into your wardrobe without breaking the bank today.

How to Incorporate Eco-Friendly Clothing into Your Wardrobe on a Budget

1. Look for Classic, Staple Pieces

Breton Striped Organic Jersey Top, $46

One of the many problems with fast fashion is that the clothing is often based on temporary trends. Looks are moved from catwalks to stores as quickly and cheaply as possible, sacrificing quality materials and production. Consumers can buy into fads at a low price, only to end up wasting what little money they spent on poor-quality clothes, which fall apart and become outdated.

As you begin creating an eco-friendly wardrobe, don’t fall prey to the many trends that come and go. By all means, if there’s a trend you absolutely love, go for it! But only if it’s made of quality materials that will last, and it’s a style you know you’ll want to wear—even when it falls out of favor.

Otherwise, consider classic designs, such as stripes, polka dots, herringbone, and geometric patterns. Look for timeless staples, such as sleeveless blouses, straight-leg pants, and A-line skirts, in solid colors or classic designs.

By investing in classic styles and staple pieces, you’ll wear your clothes more often, have an easier time matching them in different outfits, and ultimately save money.

2. Create an Eco-Friendly Capsule Wardrobe

Halley Organic Jersey Skirt, $58, and Breton Striped Organic Jersey Top, $46

When you start to invest in a smaller number of high-quality pieces, you can transition to an environmentally-friendly wardrobe at a pace you can afford. One great way to maximize new clothing purchases is to build a capsule wardrobe with pieces you can easily mix and match.

Start with the basics, such as:

These types of classic, staple pieces should all pair well together, making it easy to pick a stylish outfit every day of the week. As you continue to find eco-friendly clothes you love, compare them to the other pieces you regularly wear, and consider whether or not they will be easy to match with your existing wardrobe. For example, introduce a new color you love and know you’ll wear, and donate or give away clothes you no longer want.

3. Choose Accessories for an Affordable Update

A wide variety of Passion Lilie scarves

Accessories are some of the most affordable eco-friendly clothing you can find. Scarves, hats, and purses often use fewer materials, making them less expensive than full articles of clothing. Even better, you can easily incorporate them into your wardrobe and add a pop of color or pattern to plainer stable pieces.

A simple way to jump-start your sustainable wardrobe is by swapping out any cheap, synthetic accessories for higher quality, eco-friendly ones. Headbands, lightweight scarves, and sarongs are great options because they can be worn throughout the warmer months and into winter.

Choose colorful pieces that you can style with your clothing. The right accessories can turn your clothes into a completely new outfit! With a few carefully chosen accessories, you can do even more with a smaller wardrobe.

4. Take Care of Your Clothing

As you start purchasing more eco-friendly clothing made from high-quality materials, you can use these tips to help make sure your clothes last longer:

Once you find affordable, eco-friendly clothing you love, you should treat it with special care so it lasts even longer.

5. Follow Local, Eco-Friendly Brands

Shops love to give loyal customers a heads up when they have an event or sale going on. With Instagram, Facebook, and other social media channels, you can keep tabs on your favorite eco-friendly stores and find out when the pieces you love go on sale.

Some stores post on social media to let their followers know about sales before they even change the prices in their shops. Plus, by getting to know your favorite brands on social media, you’ll be able to ask questions, learn about new environmental issues, and find clothes you love.

6. Shop Eco-Friendly Clearance Items

Another way to save money on eco-friendly pieces is to shop the clearance section.

Consider buying a piece or two that’s on sale as the seasons change. You may not be able to wear a coat during spring, but it will surely cost less in the off season. If the price is right, and it’s a classic style you’ll want to keep wearing, buy it! This is a great way to replace synthetic coats on a budget, so you’ll be ready for fall and winter.

Like most retail, even eco-friendly clothing shops have to change out their inventory, leading to amazing sales. Unlike other fashion, however, sustainable clothing is made with high-quality materials that are made to last, giving you a much better deal.

Shop Affordable, Eco-Friendly Clothing from Passion Lilie

Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion for showing your loved ones how much you care. Whether you’re looking for a great gift to show your sweetie how well you know them or you just want a festive way to get your kids and pets in the holiday spirit, clothing and accessories are excellent options. For those of you in our home base of New Orleans, there are a variety of places to shop locally for Valentine’s Day clothing gifts and even find Valentine’s Day clothing sales. Learn about a few of our favorites below!

New Orleans Valentine’s Day Clothing Gifts

The clothes we wear are an expression of ourselves. They can reveal our personalities, our tastes, and even our values and political beliefs. So what could be a more personal, touching gift than a carefully chosen piece of clothing or accessory?

Buying clothing for someone else isn’t as difficult as it may sound. Consider these tips when shopping for your Valentine’s Day clothing gifts:

1. Browse their closet for ideas. Take a peek in their closet to get an idea of what they like and what they already have. Does she prefer skirts or dresses? Pants or shorts? Does he have enough button-down shirts and ties that he actually likes to wear? Are there any colors, patterns, or styles they seem to like? Don’t be afraid to jot down a few notes or take another look if you have questions while shopping.
2. Pay attention to what they wear. Most of us own clothing we don’t actually wear. In fact, Fashion United reports that over 80% of the average American’s clothing was not worn in the past year. After you check their closet, take into account what they actually wear on a regular basis. Avoid styles they no longer want to wear, and if you see clothes they like that no longer fit, try looking for something similar in the right size.
3. Listen to their wants, needs, and complaints. Have you heard her complain she needs a new dress or pair of heels for date nights? Has he mentioned that he needs a new watch? See if you can remember anything they might have said, and make a note to yourself if they ever point out an item they like while out shopping together.
4. Use their clothing to find out their size. Look at the clothes they wear and check what size they are. Keep in mind that different brands may size their clothes differently, so it’s always best to take actual measurements with a tape measure.
5. Check the returns and exchanges policy. If you follow these tips, there’s a very good chance you won’t need to worry about returns or exchanges. But it’s always worth making sure you can easily return or exchange any clothes you buy as gifts just in case.

With these tips in mind, you’re ready to start shopping! To get started, take a look at the jewelry at Porter Lyons, shoes at Feet First, accessories and pet wear at NOLA Couture, kids’ apparel at Fleurty Girl, sunglasses at Root, and, of course, men’s and women’s clothing at Passion Lilie. Browse a few gift-worthy items for Valentine’s Day from each of these New Orleans brands below.

Porter Lyons

Heart Stud from Porter Lyons, $150

Want to go for a grand gesture? Show her your heart this Valentine’s Day.

These gorgeous heart stud earrings from Porter Lyons are sure to make her swoon. They feature conflict-free diamonds and come in solid 14k yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold.

Order yours online or take a trip to Porter Lyons at 631 Toulouse Street in New Orleans. You’ll find a range of beautiful fine jewelry and truly unique collections inspired by different cultures.

Feet First

The Drisela from Sole Society, $85

Impress the woman in your life with a stunning pair of heels this Valentine’s Day. The Drisela, available at Feet First in a rich burgundy suede, puts a twist on the classic date night heel with metallic studs on the top strap.

Half Moon Necklace from Queens Metal, $70

Make your gift twice as nice with a stylish accessory. This Half Moon Necklace from Queens Metal, also available from Feet First, makes a big impression with small details.

Browse the latest shoes and accessories from Feet First on their Instagram, or visit the award-winning shoe store at 4122 Magazine Street in New Orleans.

NOLA Couture

Seersucker Bow Tie from NOLA Couture, $55

Nothing says he’s a stylish Southern gentleman more than seersucker and bow ties. Give your gift a Valentine’s Day twist with this Panama Pink Seersucker Bow Tie from NOLA Couture.

Seersucker Bow Tie Dog Collar from NOLA Couture, $45

You can even share the love this Valentine’s Day with your pet! This Seersucker Bow Tie Dog Collar in Panama Pink is available in small, medium, large, and extra-large. For even smaller pups, there’s an Extra Small Seersucker Dog Bow Collar in Panama Pink as well.

Find more styles inspired by New Orleans and the South at NOLA Couture, located at 3308 Magazine Street and 528 St. Peter Street in New Orleans.

Fleurty Girl

Louisiana Love Onesie from Fleurty Girl, $22

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with your little one in style. This heart-themed onesie from Fleurty Girl shows your Louisiana pride while giving a nod to the holiday.

NOLA for Life T-Shirt from Fleurty Girl, $22

Whether your tween or teen still celebrates Valentine’s Day with you or not, show them they’ll always be in your heart with this heart-themed t-shirt from Fleurty Girl. The simple yet stylish graphic tee is a great addition to nearly any wardrobe.

Show your love for New Orleans this Valentine’s Day and all year long with Fleurty Girl, whose locally inspired apparel and accessories are available online or in stores throughout Louisiana.

Root

Bamboo Watch from Root, $80

A watch is an easy way for any man to show off and enjoy his style. This lightweight, water-resistant, handcrafted Bamboo Watch from Root is an ideal balance of fashion and function for the man in your life.

Crescent City Sunglasses from Root, $150

Break from tradition this Valentine’s Day and give a gift they’ll truly love. Any New Orleanian knows a good pair of shades makes all the difference, so surprise your sweetie with a pair of stylish, eco-friendly Crescent City Sunglasses in Havana Tortoise from Root.

Check out more sunglasses and watches from Root online, in the Root Store at 2855 Magazine Street in New Orleans, or at any of their other retail locations.

Passion Lilie

Fall Poppies Wrap Dress from Passion Lilie, $84

Sweet, stylish, and accentuating all the right places, the Fall Poppies Wrap Dress from Passion Lilie is sure to please. This little black dress is perfect for a romantic date night together.

Light Blue Ikat Men’s Button Down Shirt from Passion Lilie, $56

Help him find a button-down he’ll love to wear. With its short sleeves, fitted silhouette, and breathable cotton material, you know he’s going to feel as good as he looks in this Light Blue Button Down from Passion Lilie.

Shop more great looks from Passion Lilie today on our website. Designed in New Orleans and made in India, Passion Lilie is a fair trade fashion brand.

Valentine’s Day Clothing Sales and Promotions

If you’re shopping on a budget or just love a great deal, be sure to check out these Valentine’s Day clothing sales and promotions.

— Passion Lilie is having a Valentine’s Day promotion from February 1–February 14. Use the coupon code “Valentine” to get a free eco-friendly greeting card with any purchase. It’s a great opportunity to share a few words with your valentine about how much they mean to you.

— Root is having a Valentine’s Day sale from January 31–February 14. Shoppers will receive a 20% discount off any purchase for online and in-store purchases.

— Porter Lyons is pairing up with Jack Rose for a Valentine’s Day giveaway. Four lucky gal pal winners will be treated to a Galentine’s dinner at Jack Rose with bottomless champagne and get a birthstone semi-precious stud from Porter Lyons. Keep an eye out for this great giveaway, which will run from February 3–February 10.

The best Valentine’s Day clothing gifts are chosen with care, so keep our tips and recommendations in mind to find the perfect pieces that say “I love you” to your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day!

Ice & Dots Organic Knit Dress

Now that it’s November, the holiday shopping season is officially in full swing! There are tons of great deals to be had all over the web, and at Passion Lilie, we’re bringing you savings this November from the 23rd through the 27th in time for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and Fair Tuesday.

Ready to save on sustainable styles for the holidays? Read about Passion Lilie’s amazing holiday deals to make your holiday shopping season a little brighter.

Passion Lilie Holiday Deals: November 23–27

Black Friday (November 23)

Dotted Blue Fleece Sweater

As the most well-known day for shopping of the entire year, Black Friday is full of deals and steals for all kinds of products online and in store. This year, skip the lines and shop from the comfort of your own home with Passion Lilie. We’re offering 20% off any purchase made during Black Friday as well as a FREE sustainable tote bag with your purchase! Deals like that are enough to make anyone an ethical fashion fan.

Small Business Saturday (November 24)

Next is Small Business Saturday. What started in 2010 as an organic, homegrown holiday to promote small businesses after the traditionally corporate Black Friday has become a major shopping day of its own. Today, small businesses around the country celebrate the holiday, making it a major sales day and a way for people to show their support for small businesses. At Passion Lilie, we’re making it easier than ever to shop with us by continuing to offer 20% off all purchases and a free tote bag with ANY purchase!

Shop for Good Sunday (November 25)

This little-known holiday is gaining momentum as a day to shop from brands with a mission to help others. Passion Lilie is proud to work exclusively with fair trade artisans from India, offering them fair wages, long-term employment, and safe, healthy working conditions. When you shop with Passion Lilie on this day, not only can you feel good about supporting our mission with your purchase, but you can also take advantage of our holiday weekend discount: 20% off your purchase PLUS a free tote bag! For more information about Shop for Good Sunday, read our blog post.

Cyber Monday (November 26)

Above all else, Thanksgiving is a time for family, so don’t worry if you didn’t get the chance to do your shopping yet. The following week begins with Cyber Monday, a day of discounts for online retailers and e-commerce sites all across the Internet. All Passion Lilie products are available through our website, and when you shop with us this Cyber Monday, you’ll get the same great deal we offered all weekend long: 20% off ANY purchase—no minimum amount required—and a free tote bag!

Fair Tuesday (November 27)

Peacock Tote

Finishing off the month and our sweet streak of holiday deals is Fair Tuesday. Fair Tuesday is a celebration of fair trade businesses throughout America and the work they do to uplift the impoverished and traditionally disenfranchised with fair, dignified working opportunities. Show your support for the fair trade movement by shopping at Passion Lilie and taking advantage of our last day offering 20% off AND a free fair trade tote bag, which is both trendy and environmentally friendly.

With deals like these, it’s like Christmas come early at your favorite ethical clothing company!

Sustainable Holiday Gift Suggestions

Not sure what to buy? Take a look at a few of our favorite items for gifting (or keeping!) this holiday season.

Stocking Stuffers

Grey with Black Timeless Ikat Scarf

– Passion Lilie carries a variety of fun scarves for anyone in your life. Take this traditional stocking stuffer to the next level with our fashionable patterns and soft, comfortable material.

– Our Chevron Headband is a trendy accessory women of all ages will love. Not only that, but these headbands help fulfill our mission of reduced textile waste.

– Looking for something a little different? Stock up on our sustainable cloth napkin sets for a gift that keeps on giving well after the holidays are over by making dining a little greener meal after meal.

For Her

The Clio Jersey Cardigan

For Him

Classic Tulip Men’s Button Down Shirt

We have a variety of fair trade button-down shirts for the special guy in your life. Help him discover a style he’ll love!

We Are Your Source for Sustainable Shopping Steals!

Passion Lilie is your source for sustainable shopping steals this November! No matter which November shopping holiday you’re observing, you’ll find a great discount from Passion Lilie. Start shopping now to find unique, chic gifts for anyone in your life this holiday season.

Fall is such a wonderful time of year. The weather is great, trees are in full bloom, and you have the perfect chance to change up your wardrobe after an entire summer in shorts, capris, and summer dresses. At Passion Lilie, we have an exciting Fall/Winter 2018 collection that makes dressing for fall easy, fun, and fashionable. Even better, we use organic cotton, sustainable practices, and fair trade artisans to make these products, so you can shop guilt-free! Check out our latest fall outfit ideas today.

Jackets

The Harmonia Fleece Cardigan

When the weather cools down, keep The Harmonia Fleece Cardigan handy to keep you warm while dressing your best. With its cool blue color, white speckled pattern, and mid-thigh length, this sophisticated fleece cardigan works indoors as well as outdoors whenever you need a winter jacket. Keep it classic by pairing with neutral colors, add a pop of color with the top you wear underneath, or go all out with colorful jeans.

Tops

Labyrinthine Organic Jersey Wrap Top

Our Labyrinthine Top is a wonderful choice for a sophisticated, elegant look that is still soft and breezy. With its subtle gray pattern, this white wrap top works with almost anything in your closet, making it easy to layer with a jacket or other outerwear. It’s fair trade, hand block printed with eco dyes, and 100% organic cotton.

Snuggle in Organic Fleece Chevron Sweater

When it’s cold outside, pull on our Snuggle in Chevron Sweater. You get all the warmth and comfort of a sweater without sacrificing style! This chic sweater features a black-and-white hand block stamped chevron print, dolman sleeves, and super soft 100% organic fleece. Wear it with jeans, leggings, or even slacks or a skirt for a more professional look.

Bottoms

Midnight Dusk Crop Pants

Our Midnight Dusk Crop Pants are perfect for the season. They’re lightweight and breathable, they slip-on for quick and easy wearing, and they even have pockets! These are the kind of capri pants you can wear almost anywhere, from running your daily errands to going out with the girls on a Friday night. Go casual in a basic white tee, step it up with a trendy blouse, or keep warm in a fitted sweater.

Dresses

Athena Organic Jersey Dress

This Athena Organic Jersey Dress is the perfect go-to dress to get you through the fall season in style. Just slip it on, grab your shoes, and you’re good to go! Its long sleeves, rich black color, and unique white pattern make it sophisticated and trendy all on its own. It also looks great with a variety of accessories and black leggings on chilly days. Made from stretchy organic jersey cotton, you can wear this dress all day and night in comfort.

Mulberry Chevron Dress

For a dress that stands up to cool fall weather, check out our Mulberry Chevron Dress. It’s made of comfy handwoven cotton, and it still looks great with dark leggings or skinny jeans on colder days. With its rich blue color, violet and white chevron print, and optional fabric belt, you’ll look distinctly amazing wherever you go in this t-shirt dress.

Accessories

Light Blue and Olive Banded Stripes Scarf

Complete any of your fall outfit ideas with one of our Light Blue and Olive Banded Stripes Scarves. With its light blue color, olive ikat pattern, and white tassels, this beautiful hand-loomed scarf is sure to turn heads. It’s ethically made in India by fair trade artisans and designed in New Orleans. 

Look Chic and Unique All Fall with Passion Lilie

Are you ready to look chic and unique all season long? Browse our autumn apparel today by visiting our products page. Order now to avoid missing out once the holiday shopping rush hits!

Boysenberry Wrap Dress

Handwoven fabrics are a great way to practice sustainability in style. At Passion Lilie, we offer a range of clothing and accessories made from handwoven fabrics to suit anyone’s tastes. Want to learn more about the benefits of handwoven fabrics? Check out our comprehensive guide below!

Sustainability and Handwoven Fabrics

You might be wondering, how do handwoven fabrics fit in with sustainability? Handwoven fabrics are made by hand using a handloom, which does not require electricity or produce any pollution. In addition, the lack of automation presents weavers with many more opportunities to reduce waste and engage in sustainable practices.

At Passion Lilie, we take this a few steps further to make our handwoven fabrics even more environmentally friendly. Our process is dedicated to preserving the environment through the use of natural energy, waste reduction, and water reduction. Our artisans wash fabrics by hand in local waterways, dry them in the sun, and use any leftover pieces for other handicrafts or accessories.

As a fair trade company, Passion Lilie also creates a sustainable environment for our workers. All of our clothing is made by fair trade artisans, which means we pay them fair wages, offer them stable employment with time off and other benefits, and ensure they are working in safe, healthy, empowering conditions. These opportunities permeate our artisans’ communities as they spend their profits in their local economies, start their own businesses, and share their skills. This leads to sustainable societies and a better world for all of us, even the most disadvantaged. Learn more about our artisans or how you can support the fair trade movement today.

Ikat and Handwoven Fabrics

Our sustainability isn’t the only thing that sets Passion Lilie’s handwoven fabrics apart. Many of our handwoven fabrics are also colored through an ancient ikat dyeing process. “Ikat” originates from the Indonesian word “mengikat,” meaning to tie, bind, or wrap around. It uses reactive dyes—the same dyes used for modern tie-dye—and bindings that resist dye penetration to create beautiful and original patterns before weaving. These dyes are especially resistant to bleeding, which keeps them bold and vibrant. Watch the video below or read more to learn about Passion Lilie’s handwoven ikat fabrics.

Handwoven Fabric FAQs

Navy Stars Midi Skirt

Due to their intricacy and lack of use by mainstream, fast fashion retailers, many people have questions about handwoven fabrics. And we have the answers!

Do handwoven fabrics shrink?

Compared to knitted fabrics, woven fabrics are much more stable when it comes to shrinking and do not react as severely to stresses. A small amount of shrinking is still possible, so if you’re concerned about shrinking, we recommend using cold water and laying flat to dry.

Are handwoven fabrics stretchy?

Unlike synthetic-based knit fabrics, which are made from one continuous thread and stretch all over, woven fabrics only stretch diagonally—or as we say in the sewing world, on the bias—giving them enough flexibility to be comfortable while still feeling sturdy and looking fitted.

Are handwoven fabrics comfortable?

Of course, comfort is subjective and largely depends on the materials being used and the wearer’s preferences. That being said, many of our customers have commented on how soft and comfortable our handwoven cotton fabrics feel.

Do handwoven fabrics itch?

This depends on your sensitivity and on the materials being used, but handwoven fabrics are no itchier than any other fabrics. At Passion Lilie, our handwoven cotton fabrics do not itch. Handwoven fabrics also tend to breathe much better than polyester and other synthetic fabrics, making them more comfortable.

Shop Passion Lilie for Handwoven Clothing

Blue Striped Scarf

It’s finally October! Besides the beautiful weather outside, all of the fun fall festivals, and the changing of the seasons, something else exciting is also happening: Fair Trade Month. Read on to learn more about this annual opportunity to celebrate and spread the word about the fair trade movement.

What Is Fair Trade Month?

Founded back in 2011 by Fair Trade USA, Fair Trade Month serves as a way to raise awareness about the fair trade movement and its importance to our global economy. It also encourages consumers to shop from fair trade businesses instead of businesses that hurt the environment and their workers. Every October, fair trade companies, Fair Trade Towns, and those who support the movement create promotions, events, and other celebrations in honor of Fair Trade Month.

How to Support Fair Trade Month Here in New Orleans

With celebrations happening all over the country, there’s no shortage of ways to participate in Fair Trade Month, and New Orleans is no exception. As a fair trade company whose apparel and accessories are designed in New Orleans, Passion Lilie is committed to supporting fair trade in New Orleans and beyond. Show your support during Fair Trade Month and all year long in New Orleans by making fair trade and sustainable purchases from these businesses.

Food

– When you don’t feel like cooking, fill up on a variety of healthy and sustainable fair trade dishes at Cafe Rose Nicaud in the Marigny.

– With two locations within the city limits (plus one in Metairie and one in Mandeville), healthy food megastore Whole Foods offers a diverse and wide range of fair trade foods for a tasty and nutritious way to show your support for the movement.

– New Orleans Food Co-Op prioritizes fair trade products when available, especially fair trade certified chocolate and coffee. If you become a member, you also have a say in how the cooperative is run, allowing you to have an even larger impact on the food in your community.

Cafés

– According to Fair Grinds Coffeehouse, it is the sole coffeehouse in New Orleans that is 100% fair trade. All of its chocolate, coffee, and tea is fair trade, so head to one of two convenient locations in Mid City and the Marigny.

– Gourmet donut shop District Donuts only uses Stumptown Coffee, which is fair trade and even has its own location right here in New Orleans. Visit your nearest District Donuts in Uptown New Orleans, Lakeview, Elmwood, or even Baton Rouge.

– Located on Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., Orleans Coffee House serves a range of fair trade and organic certified coffees. It also has an espresso bar on Prytania Street.

– Good Karma is a café in Mid City that specializes in plant-based food and drink. Even better, all of its coffee is fair trade and organic.

Shopping

– Get your Mardi Gras merch early with recycled beads and throws from Arc of Greater New Orleans. It’s a great way to save money, reduce waste, and provide jobs to workers with disabilities.

– Need a great pair of shoes? Feet First is an independent shoe retailer voted “Best Shoe Store in New Orleans” nine times and counting. It carries a variety of local products, including fair trade accessories and apparel from Passion Lilie.

– Shop for a variety of fair trade clothing, such as the Snuggle in Chevron Sweater shown above, right here at Passion Lilie. We also sell fair trade accessories, homeware, and stationary. To learn about the many benefits of buying fair trade clothing, read our blog post.

Shop Passion Lilie Today and Receive a Free Headband

Shop our complete line of ethical apparel, discover more ways to support fair trade, or contact us with any questions today.