Hot Fashion: Gaiam’s natural clothing, lightweight cardigan for summer

By April MacIntyre Jul 7, 2011, 20:09 GMT

The Gaiam Open Cardigan ($59) is made of 53% organic cotton and 47% rayon from sustainable bamboo, and is the perfect packable layering piece that allows you to exist in these huge swings of temperature with flair. It is washable and can be folded to fit in a handbag.

Online retail can be dull as watching paint dry, or an adventure like falling down the rabbit hole and emerging with more information and knowledge than you expected to gain by simply pointing, paying and clicking.

An American business, Gaiam, sells natural clothing and fair trade accessories.  Their comfortable clothing is comprised of materials like soy, organic cotton, rayon and sustainable bamboo and leather-alternatives.  All these items are incredible classic pieces to add to a wardrobe; but their site is so much more than just a perusal of fair trade fashion.

The rest of the site holds home products and informational articles on healthier lifestyles. Gaiam as a company promotes personal development, health and wellness and global consciousness as a path to consumer transformation.

The site is loaded with media and solutions for healthy living, environmental wellness and renewal of spirit.  The company has even adopted the Denver Rescue Mission and gives back to help the homeless.

Gaiam’s Summer 2011 styles combine elements a fashion and fair trade, and are eco-friendly and stylish. The collection integrates the latest trends and colors of the season, such as jumpsuits, cami dresses and bright summer cardigans – in a collection that is outstanding.

My favorite piece in the line is a blessing for ladies who live in very hot climates and freeze as soon as they enter a movie theater, restaurant or grocery store.

The Gaiam Open Cardigan ($59) is made of 53% organic cotton and 47% rayon from sustainable bamboo, and is the perfect packable layering piece that allows you to exist in these huge swings of temperature with flair.  It is washable and can be folded to fit in a handbag.

This is the best investment for a summer piece to add to the wardrobe. The cardigan is ultra lightweight, open-knit layer and available in a variety of basic and bright colors, including Mediterranean, white black, calypso, silver, cloud, honeysuckle, flax or regatta.

I loved the sky blue "regatta" cardi, which can be worn over a yoga top or camisole and perfectly dresses it up for the office or going out.

Check out this cool American small business:

www.gaiam.com