Designer's Journal

At Passion Lilie we love to give you style tips. Read this post to learn how to style the Passion Lilie floral wrap top and wear your clothes in different ways.

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Be bold. Fall 2019 interior design trends aim to make a space memorable. Whether it is bringing nature inside or spicing up your space with rich colors, each trend makes a big impact. Design trends come and go just like fashion trends. And just like fashion, accessories are an ideal way to keep up with interior design trends. Passion Lilie’s napkins and pillowcases are the perfect way to keep your home furnishings on-trend. Find our favorite pieces below:

Biophelia:

Why keep nature motifs outside the home? The rise of biophilia, according to Elle Décor, encourages bringing Mother Nature inside.  Incorporate the trend into your space with Passion Lilie’s new pillowcases.  The pineapple pillowcase’s neutrality makes it the perfect piece to go in any room, but the gold accents on the pillow still make the pillowcase a scene stealer. If you’re looking for a brighter piece, the peacock pillow brings color and nature into the mix.  Both pieces add a sliver of nature without allowing it to take over space. 

Bolder Hues:

The neutral shades of 2018 have disappeared allowing deeper hues to take their place. According to Décor Aid, adding richer hues modernizes a space making a neutral room pop. Even the smallest addition of a bold hue, think reds, yellows, and blues, will make a room more memorable. The bright blue dye of Passion Lilie’s Playful Blue pillow has a lushness that will offset a neutrally grounded room.  A classic shade, blue, works in any space, but the Playful Blue pillow has an exciting pattern and a color that will keep guests dreaming of your living room.

Geometric Prints:

The theme this season is GO BOLD, so naturally, geometric prints make a major comeback this fall. The repetitive nature of the geometric print keeps a busy pillow from taking over a room. Additionally, a geometric pattern in a neutral color can be mix and matched with other prints, which according to Houzz mixing prints is another fall 2019 trend. Passion Lilie’s Black Geometric Pillowcase presents the opportunity to add a little interest to any room and leaves open the opportunity to spice up a room by mixing prints and adding color. Passion Lilie’s Black Fog Napkins compliment the geometric pillow perfectly. 

Feminine Tones or Warm Colors:

In contrast to many bold trends for Fall 2019, feminine tones have reappeared offering a contrast to the other fall trends. Feminine or warm colors tend to be reds and pinks incorporating both the soft and brighter shades. Passion Lilie’s Salmon Ikat Pillowcase generates depth in a neutral room without overwhelming the space. Instead the pillow makes the room feel calm. For a slightly bolder take on the trend, Passion Lilie’s Rusty Red Napkins give the warmth of a feminine color but still brightens up any dinner table. As summer fades into fall, the rusty red napkins provide the perfect combination between feminine tones and the traditional fall red.

Fall means pumpkins, changing leaves, and apple picking. As the season changes, new trends emerge to help you prepare for the cooler weather. This season the typical fall colors of orange, yellow, and purple get a makeover. Purple brightens to millennial purple, red deepens to cabernet, and yellow becomes saffron. Passion Lilie designs each collection to coordinate with the trends of the season while staying true to our core principles: ethical and eco-friendly. Below we explore five new trends for Fall 2019:

Dark Romance:

According to Harper’s Bazaar, dark florals will make a comeback on feminine styles Fall 2019. Passion Lilie’s Scarletta Organic Jersey Dress puts a New Orleans twist on dark romance trend. The cabernet color and light material allow the dress to take on a lighter interpretation of dark florals. Yet, the dress still incorporates the airy florals and deep base color that define the Dark Romance trend.

Millennial Purple:

Millennial Pink disappears allowing Millennial Purple to take its place this fall, according to Elle. The electric purple color always turns heads. Passion Lilie’s Plum Striped Button Skirt gives the necessary dose of vibrant purple without it over taking the skirt. The Plum button skirt is a statement piece that allows the different shades of purple to complement each other rather than overwhelm. Furthermore, the light weight material and length of the skirt make it the perfect transitional piece.

Fleece:

First fanny packs became chic and now fleece is making a comeback. The cozy fabric gets a stylish update for fall. Passion Lilie has brought back our fleece jackets from the previous seasons with the special addition of fleece dresses. Meet our favorite transitional fall piece the Hazel Fleece Organic Dress. As the weather starts to cool down, the fleece lining will keep you warm and with the simple addition of tights and boots, the dress can take you into the winter months. The neutral and whimsical pattern allows the piece to be worn all season long.

Saffron:

Saffron, a rich yellow, is a bright star among fall colors. The typical neutral colors of fall get an upgrade when paired with saffron. Passion Lilie’s Blue Vine scarf has the perfect amount of saffron in the leaves to make even the most basic outfit pop. An added benefit of the Blue Vine scarf is that the light material and blue, yellow combination make it wearable all year round. Even on the drabbest days the saffron in the scarf will make all your friends want to borrow it.

1. Go green with your picnic supplies. Plastic forks, plates, straws, etc. are bad for the environment. Some plastics can take up to 1000 years to decompose. So what do you use instead of plastic? We suggest using your regular dishes. Bring along a couple paper bags for the dirty dishes and when you get home simply wash the dishes and utensils in the dishwasher, ideally in an eco-friendly dishwasher with green dish washing soap.

However if you don’t want to use your regular dishes, you may consider investing in this super cute 10-piece bamboo picnic set.

Cut down on the paper napkins at your 4^th of July picnic with these 100% cotton cloth napkins. We recommend one of the darker colors. However, these napkins wash well even if you purchase a lighter print. Simply add a little eco-friendly laundry detergent to your wash cycle and all the stains will be removed in the wash.

2. Keep your BBQ healthy for the environment: So what is the most eco-friendly and green grill? An electric or even a solar powered grill. Of course, not everyone has one of these types of grills, but the next best option is gas. Grills fueled by gas or electricity burn much cleaner than charcoal and therefore have a significantly smaller carbon footprint.

3. Dress stylish in organic and fair trade cotton. Cotton is the best to keep cool in the summer heat, and what is even better than traditional cotton is GOTS certified cotton. GOTS certified ensures that no pesticides or harmful chemicals were used in the production process. Our favorite option is the red, white and blue Sparkler Top from Passion Lilie. Pair it with the Chambray Ikat Shorts for comfy and stylish look.

4. Don’t forget to recycle. We all love to enjoy a nice cold drink on 4^th July, so make sure to recycle those aluminum cans and glass bottles. If your 4^th of July location does not have recycling, take it with you and recycle at your house. And most importantly if you are in an outdoor setting (especially a beach or national park) make sure to leave no trace. Pick up all trash and leave your spot cleaner than you found it, just like your momma taught you.

5. Purchase local, fair trade or organic food when you can. Check out your local food co-op or Wholefoods for organic, fair trade or local foods. Make sure to look for some of these certifications on your products.

Father’s Day is the perfect occasion to show your father how much you love them. Finding the perfect gift that conveys your love for your father can be difficult, but by choosing a gift that gives back to both the artisans and the environment, you can make a positive impact in the world while also gifting your father something special. When picking a gift for your father, take notice of the items, he frequently wears, then use those items as a guide when shopping for him. When you’re ready to get shopping check out some of our favorite sustainable products!

Want to get your father something unique? This bow tie is made from cork, yes, the same material as wine corks. Cork is a sustainable material from trees in Portugal and extremely durable. All of Queork’s products are made in New Orleans. A cork bow tie is a perfect gift for the father who loves funky clothing. Order yours online or if you live in New Orleans visit their stores on 3005 Magazine Street or 383 Charters Street.

Every man needs a good pair of boots, especially a pair that can be worn for many different occasions. Oliberté, a Fair Trade corporation and a B-corporation, makes all their shoes in their factory in Ethiopia. The Adibo Chukka can be worn to both to the office and during the weekend making it the perfect gift for the busy father. 

Update your dad’s style by gifting him a new wallet. This wallet, the Rubben, from Matt and Nat is made from vegan leather. Matt and Nat is a vegan leather goods company that puts emphasis on sustainability and ethical factories.

Gift your father a brand a new shirt to make sure he always looks stylish when leaving the house. With the weather warming a comfortable, cotton button down is the perfect item for barbeques, baseball games, and the office. For a subtler print, the Salmon Ikat goes with everything. The Cobalt Blue shirt’s deep blue color echoes the ocean making it perfect for those lazy summer days down by the ocean.

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.

Meet Geetha, the first trainee in our new program.

At Passion Lilie, our mission is to empower artisans in India by offering fair wages, safe and healthy working conditions, and long-term employment. We believe that these dignified job opportunities lead to more sustainable societies and a much better world.

Our talented team of artisans strike a perfect balance between time-honored Indian traditions and new practices. They make Passion Lilie possible, and in return, we want to help them and their communities thrive. Since 2013, when Passion Lilie began, we’ve been able to employ skilled groups across India with decades of experience practicing their craft.

Now, Passion Lilie is excited to announce the next chapter in our company. Always on the lookout for passionate artisans, Passion Lilie is starting a new program focused on providing free job training and long-term, fair trade jobs in the fashion industry to women in India. Our goal is to invest in training more female workers, so we can better assist in reversing the cycle of poverty in their communities and improving the world we live in.

Training with Passion Lilie

Passion Lilie’s new program will provide job training in the fashion industry to four talented women in India each year. Each woman will spend three months training, giving her a thorough and immersive experience in the industry. As with all artisans who work with us, she will be trained in safe, healthy, dignified working conditions.

At the end of the job training, participants are offered a job with Passion Lilie. During training, however, all expenses are paid for by Passion Lilie and participants do not work on our garments. Our top priority with this program is to invest in training more female workers in India, whether or not they choose to work with us later.

The women who join our team receive an above average salary as well as sick leave, paid holidays, assistance receiving health insurance, free financial advising, and more. Most importantly, they become part of an uplifting and positive community that has come together to form a family.

Meet Geetha, Our First Trainee

We are thrilled to introduce the first artisan joining Passion Lilie’s new training program. Geetha will be joining the program starting April 20th.

Before becoming a part of our training program, Geetha worked as an assistant tailor in the apparel industry for many years. Working in this position gave her experience with smaller tasks, such as safety stitching and label attachment. But as an unskilled worker, Geetha was making as little as 8,000 rupees per month, or around 115 U.S. dollars. Geetha, her husband, and their daughter currently rent a house for 6,000 rupees per month.

Through our training program, Geetha will be able to work on larger tasks with a variety of garments and fabrics, developing her skills and preparing her for a career in apparel production. During training, she’ll receive an immediate raise of 13,000 rupees each month. After her training period is over, Geetha can earn an even higher wage at Passion Lilie, allowing her to support herself and her family.

Buy Passion Lilie and Support Artisans in India

At Passion Lilie, we never ask for charity. All we ask is that you shop ethically and put your purchasing power toward products that are making a difference in the world we live in. Buying fair trade, eco-friendly clothing allows you to make a meaningful impact on the world while looking fashionable in your one-of-a-kind clothing.

Every Passion Lilie product is made with pesticide-free, 100% Indian cotton and designed with azo-free dyes. Our talented team works hard to create success in both New Orleans and India, and we’re proud to bring our passionate, empowering products to you. Shop Passion Lilie today to find clothing that will help you feel good about yourself and the world you live in.