ocean vodka online

just a quick update to let those of you who have been patiently waiting to add ocean vodka to your home bar that the maui made organic spirit can now be ordered online via hi-time wine cellars. however, if home is one of the states with prohibition era liquor laws then you are out of luck unless you find yourself visiting the oc (if not, then make a note to smuggle back some hooch the next time you are in hawaii).

of course, islanders can dodge all the subterfuge and stock up on ocean vodka whenever they please at foodland, costco and, yes, even the ever ubiquitous abc store.

polynesian ink

getting a tattoo to honor his hawaiian heritage has been on my fella's wish list for years so i know he would love these tatau tees from manoatoa. the company's mantra is to express their passion for polynesian art & culture through their clothing line so if you share that fancy odds are you will be a fan after one look at their collection.

in addition to their tatau collection it looks like manoatoa will eventually delve into the designs of tapa cloth & woodcarving which is good news for those who admire these traditional art forms of oceania and are looking for a more modern way to show their polynesian pride.

by the way, if you are interested in hawaiian tattoos, tricia allen, who is probably one of the only anthropologist/tattoo artist's on earth, published her book tattoo traditions of hawaii last spring (friends may remember that many moons ago we went up to no/cal so the fella could get footage of tricia at work for the tattoo documentary he made in film school).

definitely click over to her website if you are serious about getting inked hawaiian style (fyi - tricia hits the mainland a few times a year and her schedule gets booked quickly).

holiday bling at janet jewelry

origami tsuru + hawaiian quilt pendants

janet jewelry has got a lot of goodies stocked for the holidays. the sterling silver origami necklace is currently on sale and the perfect gift for brides-to-be (and sure beats folding 1001 cranes) while the hawaiian quilt pendant is another lovely idea for the more traditional ladies on your list.

the taken ring from janet's postmodern candy line is available in a rainbow of colors and a cute idea for friends who seem to attract fellas who can't take a hint. and, if you really want to impress that special someone, you have to check out the gold vermeil/pink tourmaline ms. charming earrings from the one-of-a-kind collection. no worries if it's a bit out of your price range since more affordable options of this design can be found in the limited edition department.

taken + ms. charming

janet is always busy creating new goodies in her nyc workshop so if you love what you see be sure to sign up and become a regular to get hooked up for her montly customer appreciation sales.

janet jewelry redux

there's always something fresh happening over at janet jewelry, which must make her an inspired and busy bee with all the new goodies that are being created in her nyc workshop. one of the newer designs are these tablet necklaces that can be customized with your favorite someone's name or a word that just makes you happy.

and for the girl who can never have too many earrings, be sure to click over before thu, aug 31st when janet's earring clearance comes to an end. there are lots to choose from (like these pretty mother of pearl drops) but quantities are limited so don't procrastinate.

malia mills hits the beach

island girl + mariposa

one of the best things to happen to swimsuits is the creation of separates. matchy-matchy sizing may work in the land of supermodels but it doesn't usually fit the rest of us.

malia mills was one of the first designers to introduce swimwear separates which made shopping for a swimsuit a tad less miserable. another reason to love the hawaii born/nyc-based designer is that she featured real women modeling her collection years before dove's latest ad campaign.

when you're ready to ditch the baggy tee, check out malia mill's lovely beach cover ups (mariposa shown above) which does double duty when paired with your favorite pair of jeans.