Fashion, Evolved

Factory Pant by Bahar Shahpar – $214

Rock your summer in these great linen pants. The oversized coconut button allows for wearing the pants rouched up on the side or you can go classic and leave the tab unbuttoned and the button is still visible.  Available in charcoal grey. 100% Linen, pockets lined with 100% Organic Cotton. Made in NY, USA of imported fabric.

Mali Amaryllis top by Ideo – $54

Summer top with beaded straps crossed on back. Banded waist for a blousy effect. 100% organic jersey cotton. Beads embroidered around neck and straps. AZO free dyes. 100% organic cotton, machine washable. Designed in Paris; ethically made in India.

Estelle by Bourgeois Boheme – $117

Loaded with pigment, these shimmer eye shadows give your eyes a gorgeous ‘pop’ without being over the top. With naturally occurring sunscreen, anti-inflammatory properties and a silky, weightless finish that’s perfect for day or night. Contains nothing but 100% pure, BDIH certified, luxurious mineral pigments.

NS1237 by Natalie Sergeant – $39

Earrings made of recycled brass, aluminum and bone.

1.  Blue Canoe Bamboo Wrap Dress ($98)

Fresh and lovely…and easy to wear!  This bamboo/organic cotton blend wrap dress is a perfect chameleon piece for the summer.  Wear it with a statement necklace and strappy sandals for an afternoon affair; or pull your hair into a ponytail and cruise around town in casual elegance.

2.  Tony Pomeroy “Orchid” Gold Earrings (*inquire)

Tony Pomeroy creates beautiful jewelry out of reclaimed gold.  These environmentally sound Orchid earrings are chic, sexy and luxurious.

3.  Form & Fauna Reunited Creme Grass Flat

Sweet, fresh, and adorable–it’s so hard to find sustainable shoes this cute!  Made from organic cotton and a biodegradable synthetic accent piping.

4.  Mad Imports Gigi Clutch ($79)

Handmade raffia clutch is made fair trade in Madagascar.  The bright green color is ideal for summer, and the bold wood accent button makes it a truly memorable piece.

5.  Priti 3 Free Nail Polish in St. Catherine’s Lace ($12.50)

This delicate nail polish color is versatile, feminine and perfect for tanned summer toes!  Free of  Toluene, Formaldehyde and DPBs; it’s also cruelty free.

In 2004, Julie Acevedo-Lopez traveled to Guatemala on her honeymoon and had a life-changing experience.  While exploring the lush landscape and visiting the small villages in this Central American country, she had the chance to meet and talk to some of the indigenous people who create beautifully crafted clothing and accessories.

Initially, these people were selling their wares to European tourists.  When Acevedo-Lopez visited, however, they approached to to see if she would be able to act as a liaison to help them sell in the U.S.  Even though she works in marketing and sales for media broadcasting, Acevedo-Lopez decided to give it a try.

Originally, she began selling the bags on World Stock at Overstock.com.  But as business grew she realized it would be better to set up her own website, and to start selling her products through retail stores.  You can now shop at Clothes On The Line for these superior products.

COTL is a family-owned business.  Acevedo-Lopez and her family visits Guatemala three or four times each year to ensure the product standards are high, and the production remains sustainable.  The villagers use their own wool from their own livestock which are also a source of food.  The entire process is contained within their village–and everything is made by hand.  It is a simple, productive lifestyle that allows these people to earn money using their existing skills–and to gain a sense of community pride.

In addition to their work with the indigenous people of Guatemala, Acevedo-Lopez and her husband contribute to organizations which help keep the environment clean in Guatemala.  Her husband works to clean rivers and lakes to remove pollution so that there is plenty of fresh water for the Guatemalans to use in their homes and businesses.

The products are natural, beautiful, sustainable–and affordable.  Check out the site for more information about Clothes On The Line, and the beautiful handiwork of the Guatemalan people.