In the days of old, when paper was still king, this columnist used to eagerly wait for the arrival of catalogues from Gaiam. Online shopping may be more convenient, but no matter how you order, you can’t help but love Gaiam’s soft, flowing, casual clothing and Earth-friendly accessories. The company features a wide array of products, from DVDs and yoga items, to outdoor products (even composting), cleansers, clothing, hair and beauty, bed, bath, eco-friendly products and gifts, and beyond. Gaiam’s got it all. The Gaiam web site is truly a treasure-trove of gift ideas. The Gaiam web site is truly a treasure-trove of gift ideas.
Fall is here and the holidays are on the way, so I’m not going to delay! Here are three gift suggestions that will take you through the holidays and through the Winter, in style:
I loved this Legato Jacket ($128.00). It’s really a very long, terry hoodie, stretched to coat length, and exclusive to Gaiam. It hits below the knee, and has a zip from top to bottom. Shown on the model, it’s a comfy layering piece or a light jacket, but it can also be worn so many ways. It’s great for travel, because you can wear it en route to keep off the chill of airplane, car or train, and then use it as a beach lover up, a bathrobe, a lounger, or as a post-workout jacket. It is nicely made (in the USA), of soft 44% organic cotton, 25% recycled polyester, 25% polyester, 6% rayon. You can machine wash it (use a gentle cycle and mild detergent, without bleach, tumble dry low and do not iron). The heather gray color works with everything, and sizes are XS to XL should fit everyone. However, if you are curvy, go up a size, because it fits snug around the hips, On the tall, willowy model, the Legato Jacket looked lovely but on (short and curvy me), it looked less so.
Also exclusive to Gaiaim is the grey Waltz Draped Top ($72.00) item # 04-1032. This light, long sleeved beauty has a longer, glamorous, draped back that not only looks feminine, it covers up the parts you really don’t want anyone to see. Perfect for leggings or slim jeans, you can also dress this one up for a casual dinner out. I can see this over a pencil skirt for a casual office look. The sleeves are delicately finished so that they flow off your wrists and the neck has a slight V neck that makes it dressier. The fabric is so soft you will want to sleep in it: 57% rayon from sustainable bamboo, 38% recycled polyester, 5% spandex. It is made in China. This top fit perfectly true to size in XS to XL. One color, “castlerock” is a soft medium grey. This is a beautiful layering piece for travel, too. Wear it on the plane and be comfortable, but stylish. If you are tall and willowy it will be a wow! But any body type can rock this and feel good about it. The price, the fit, and the unusual draped back make this not just a must-have for your own wardrobe, but for holiday gifting.
Jewelry is a one size fits all gift, and always welcome. Gaiam has plenty of jewelry in different and affordable price points, but I wanted to suggest something that looks really unique. I think this exclusive to Gaiam Unity necklace ($84.00), is a good choice. This Unity Necklace is a mixed media beauty, from Ecuador (via the fair trade group, the Andean Collection—read an advicesisters blog archive review), This necklace is available in a greenish turquoise color, and in coral, is crafted from seeds naturally harvested from Ecuadorian palm trees mixed with smaller “beads” of acai seeds, pambil seeds, base metal chains, and waxed linen string. Hand crafted by fair trade artisans this unique necklace makes a statement, and actually looks as though you wrapped various necklaces, very artfully Since these are made from real seeds, each necklace is unique. The bold necklace looks amazing on a sweater or a turtleneck, or nestled onto your neck next to a crisp, white blouse, but it’s also great for resort, on a sundress or paired with a cami as in the photo.
As you can see, Gaiam’s good “good stuff” for now, for the holidays, and way beyond. I’m so excited to share this “find” with you!
