It’s a Wanderlust World
Elizabeth Kiester's resume reads, "Trend Hunter for Abercrombie & Fitch, Fashion Editor at Marie Claire and Global Creative Director at LeSportsac", impressive positions indeed. With a great background like this, Elizabeth could go anywhere, and that is exactly she did. Literally!
She took a much needed (volunteer) holiday in Siem Reap, Cambodia, and Elizabeth was so enamored with the country that she returned a few years later and set up the first of two Wanderlust boutiques. The shops are colorful and brimming with unique items made by Cambodians who are paid fair wages and given the opportunity to work from home which allows them to look after their children and parents. Leng was the first seamstress hired by Kiester, and to honor her, all the labels read “Hand-woven by Leng and Gang”.
Flirty sundresses, kitschy cotton totes and affordable baubles fill the eclectic store. Our favorite finds are the two-toned, hand-woven, striped silk thread friendship bracelets. The more the merrier! They are only $5.00 each, so you can buy all the color combos. Then stack your other arm, (see we really do love bracelets!) with multi-colored Battambang Bracelets. Each bracelet is handmade by local artisans and is also environmentally friendly. They are sold in sets of 5 for $35.
Peruse the site and you may find yourself yearning to go somewhere to start your own “wanderlust” boutique or at least add a bit of wanderlust to your resume.