new peeks: pua jewelry & pareu

 

hello hello! after my mister clocked seven straight 12-hour days, it was hard to resist the chance to spend time together so i hope you will excuse my absence over the past few days. one peek of the gorgeous new goodness by pua jewelry, and you will understand why i could not stay away for too long without sharing all the latest loveliness from one of my favorite local designers.

along with new shimmer, pua designer lauren hewett caldiero is also welcoming a most becoming addition with pretty pareu channeling low-key elegance and pure polynesian grace. inspired by both her own and her mom's extensive stockpile of pareu sourced from around the pacific, lauren enlisted her hubby (who just happens to be one of town's top chefs) to help transform squares of fabric into muted and sunny tie-dye while modern tropical prints taken from her sketchbook round out the offerings.

with so many readers sharing my crush over pua's line of handmade adornment, you will be delighted to learn that lauren and friend & fellow maker meleana have spent the past few months readying their very own atelier stocked with their collections of island girl sparkle, flirty pareu, and homegrown carryalls.

more looks to woo you plus studio details after the jump!

heliconia * shell & seaglass * seabird * skeleton

the online shop is in the midst of a makeover, but until it debuts you can peek all the new pua goodness over on facebook. or, hele over to becca beach at the kahala to scoop up your very own pareu.

and, happy news! lauren and meleana will be welcoming friends and fans during their official studio warming this weekend. say hello to the designers and shop all the latest loveliness while enjoying pupus, sweets and sips!

• when: fri, apr 8th - 5p to 8p & sat, apr 9th - 9a to 12p
• where: 949 mccully avenue, suite 12
• studio hours: by appointment only

p.s. the aloha friday scoop will be on hiatus since i am off to celebrate our dear friends' wedding this weekend. enjoy the april flowers!

sneak peek: made in hawaii 2010

the made in hawaii festival opens on friday and, after many many clicks, i have compiled a little cheat sheet filled with island vendors to investigate if you plan on strolling the blaisdell this weekend.

1 - honolulu's be aloha transitions from custom alohawear for the japanese market to retro resort looks with the launch of its to kei label. {booth 372}

2 - rock simple koa hoops crafted of local wood gathered on mauna kea by woodworker jeff gomes. {hui 'ike ku'una section}

3 - north shore jewelry designer nilma hunter coaxes recycled sterling silver into puka shell bangles and other budget-friendly pretties. {booth 91}

4 - a member of the sig zane designs 'ohana has left the nest to launch punawai's line of delicate silk chiffon scarves and shawls printed with natural motifs inspired by the big island. {hui 'ike ku'una section}

5 - pretty up your everyday wardrobe with lovely screenprinted tops by noe clothing of oahu. {booth 294/295}

6 - kula-made pala'au's therapeutic skincare nurtures and detoxifies with medicinal hawaiian botanicals. {booth 366}

7 - tuck an everlasting flower in your hair with handmade enameled headbands by geisha fabulous of maui. {booth 386}

8 - uh hilo's kulanui product line offers beauty balms and kitchen deliciousness formulated with ingredients grown by local farmers. {booth 452/453}

9 - designer paula nurse of the big island constructs one-of-a-kind pieces composed of semi-precious, vibrational gemstones from topazes to tourmalines. {booth 94}

10 - tropilicious will be scooping up handcrafted ice cream with 'ono flavors like hawaiian mocha and toasted coconut. {booth 397}

11 - kona paradise candies' description of their chocolate dipped senbei is already tempting my sweet tooth. (order online at pat's island delights.) {booth 63}

12 - salty wahine mixes up gourmet seasoning blends but gets a mention simply for the kaua'i company's cheeky name and lovely logo. {booth 458}

13 - taste the freshly churned butters whipped up by waianae's naked cow dairy and remember to thank me later. {booth 461}

p.s. click back tomorrow for a roundup of festival news from our favorite designers!

aloha rag pre-fall 2010 collection

w's military blouson

hello again! i meant to share aloha rag's debut in-house collection last week but had too much fun exploring portland with my sweetie and found myself delighted to be unplugged from the interweb during our wanderings. now that i am back online, let's enjoy a peek at the honolulu boutique's capsule line designed by shop proprietor tatsugo yoda.

pre-fall 2010 features an edited offering of staples for men and women updating iconic silhouettes from a flannel interpretation of the chanel jacket to revisiting the preppy cardigan via a collaboration with thakoon (a favorite of the first lady). little details like heart and skull patches referencing the shop logo and unexpected zippers add a sweet surprise to the minimalist designs. the military blouson jacket remains my favorite . . . although i suspect the bubble backside may not be the most flattering for curvy hips.

aloha rag x thakoon m's cardigan

denim dress * oversized tee * woven jacket

m's military jacket

the garments are mostly made in japan and the price tag ranges from $80 for a tee to $785 for a leather motorcycle jacket. even if the line is out of your budget, it is still a fun browse if you swoon for fashion.

the collection has been in-store for awhile now but is newly available to online friends who can now shop the m's and w's pre-fall 2010 lookbook. or, find your way to aloha rag's honolulu flagship or nyc outpost:

• hnl: 1221 kapiolani blvd, suite 115
• shop hours: mon to sat, 11a to 8p & sun, 11a to 6p

• nyc: 505 greenwich street, soho
• shop hours: mon to sat, 11a to 7p & sun, 12p to 6:30p

food lover's guide to honolulu

surprise, surprise . . . people from hawaii love to eat. you only need to click on the hawaii blog links over on the left sidebar to confirm that islanders *love* food (even in the ether that is cyberspace). if you ever get stumped by all the choices in town at kaukau time, pick up a copy of food lover's guide to honolulu by island food writer (and one time head foodie at the advertiser) joan namkoong.

this is the ultimate local resource for honolulu-bound foodies detailing everything from fancy eats to hole-in-the-walls. there's even a shopping guide so you always know where to go when it's time to procure those hard to find ingredients before the big family potluck.