letarte resort 2008

the 2008 resort collection by letarte has arrived! this time around the maui designed line has something for everyone be it one of the flirty bikinis that helped put the company on the cover of the sports illustrated swimsuit edition to delicate chiffon dresses waiting to be romanced by the sea.

and while letarte's extensive selection of tunics are meant to keep you covered up at the beach, the versatile designs are pretty enough to wear no matter where the day may take you whether you are on holiday or at home.

shop to your heart's content online or take a peek at the stockist list to find a boutique near you.

nalu kai lodge

you may have heard that maui's recent crackdown on vacation rentals has reduced the available inventory of affordable accomodations for visitors on a budget. if you refuse to shell out resort rates and are not one for early morning b&b chit chat with strangers, paia's nalu kai lodge may be an alternative.

the 60's style property has been renovated and rooms now feature a cottage style complementing it's fresh boutique lodge vibe. if you prefer a little more space, there is also a one bedroom apartment with a full kitchen that would be perfect for a family traveling with a little one.

you can walk to paia town & the beach, soak in the ocean view from the deck, or have a cookout at the outdoor bbq/tiki bar. keep in mind that it is a vacation rental so do read the fine print regarding cancellation and deposit policies before booking. even so, rates are a bargain and start at $99 on the weekend and includes free wi-fi.

no reviews yet on tripadvisor so if you book a stay do post a trip report.

tamara catz bridal collection

maui designer tamara catz recently unveiled a bridal collection composed with the island bride in mind. poetic details include flattering empire waistlines, flutter sleeves, breathable textiles (silk chiffon & linen, natch), plus embellishments like embroidery with a tropical motif. all the elements combine to conjure up a gown ready to make its debut in a dreamy beachside romance.

and, the sweet taro mini featured earlier this year has been translated into a floor length style perfect for local brides seeking fresh ways to mix a little island culture into their big day.

no worries about experiencing the sticker shock so common when shopping for a gown since the more informal styles start at $220 with the collection topping out at $1200.

the bridal line is available both online and at the tamara catz boutique in paia.

tamara catz resort collection

 

if you are lucky enough to be spending your winter holiday in hawaii, then you have to take a peek at the latest from maui designer tamara catz. the 2007 resort collection features tamara's trademark beachy bohemian vibe that can go from sightseeing around the island to lounging on your lanai.

her designs have been featured in vogue, in style, and have even made the pages of the sports illustrated swimsuit issue yet curiously she has received relatively little press in the islands and only a handful of local boutiques stock the collection. that doesn't seem to matter to those in the know who adore the hand done embellishments that are tamara's signature.

this more cosmopolitan tropical style may not be typical of hawaii and can be traced to tamara's stops around the world on her way to maui. she grew up in buenos aires and later moved to nyc to train at the fashion institute of technology in nyc (alumni include calvin klein, carolina herrera & michael kors). one day she moved to the islands, found love, and established her business in upcountry maui.

to see more stop by the online shop, use the store locator to find the stockist near you, or hit the eponymous boutique in paia when you are on maui.