aloha friday scoop

if you are on the hunt for a fresh start in the new year, fishcake is on the lookout for a sales/marketing manager and maui rose needs a january intern.

buy 2, get 1 free at the butik is happy news for last minute holiday shoppers on budget.

p.s. off islands friends can save 15% in the online shop (stocked with fighting eel and wishing bridge jewelry) with secret code butikmas.

• when: now to sat, dec 24th
• where: 1067 kapiolani blvd, suite a-3

family sunday at the academy of arts celebrates the holidays with snow globe making, xmas jingles, and a visit from santa!

p.s. be a food bank elf and bring a few yummies to donate to the canned food drive.

• when: sun, dec 18th - 11a to 5p
• where: 900 south beretania street
• tix: free! (donations welcome)

lily lotus will treat you to a $20 in-store gift card for every $100 of yoga loveliness in your shopping basket.

• when: now to sun, dec 18th
• where: 609 kailua road, kailua

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boutique week: green with envi

welcome to boutique week! we may still be in the midst of the great recession but, with so many introductions arriving in my inbox, spring and summer have been filled with shop openings as rents fall and new dreams take flight. since trips home always include a little shopping to help stimulate the island economy, i gathered up the shops that most intrigued me for their commitment to stocking local labels, eco-friendly finds, and the always elusive design goodness.

this week's neighbor island edition kicks off on the big island with waimea's green with envi which stocks its storefront with sustainable style and other little finds that are light on mother earth. the hamakua coast is one of my favorite spots in all of hawaii and the mister and i always seem to find our way to nearby waimea town which makes this a happy discovery for me. from my own experience, shopping for ethical fashion can be a challenge so the chance to step inside a shop and actually try on denim made from upcycled cotton and organic wearables will be quite the treat.

recycled ruffles

shop proprietor tahiti huetter, who makes good use of her photography background to shoot gorgeous shop updates, is determined to prove that green fashion can turn heads for the right reasons. accordingly, the racks are stocked with island designers (ha) organic clothing, lala b, lilikini, okai jewelry and posh pua along with eco goods from alternative apparel, toggery and refind originals (who refashions leather handbags out of discarded jackets & upholstery).

coming up: expanding the style offerings for the fellas!

if you call the big island home, green with envi is currently offering 15% off all ocean-releated merch 'til the end of shark week.

• where: 64-1040 mamalahoa hwy, suite 102, waimea
• shop hours: tue to sat, 10a to 5p

p.s. click over to the green with envi shop blog and facebook to find out what's new in store.

{update | jan 2011: gwe has shuttered the mamalahoa shop with plans to reopen in a new location this spring}

posh pua spring/summer 2010

hinahina

a year has zipped by since posh pua was first introduced on h|h and the maui label's spring/summer 2010 collection is a bit overdue for a peek. julie from posh pua sent word about the new lineup while i was deep undercover finishing up h|h's makeover and i finally had a chance to click over to the website and found the new convertible hinahina bikini top too cute not to share. with some simple remanuevering, hinahina can go from strapless to a halter style and offers a sweet surprise around the back with its darling knotted tie.

all in all, there are quite a few new additions to the swim line with five mix-and-match styles on offer this season. while swimwear production has moved off maui to keep up with demand, julie continues to make the everyday staples sewn with eco-friendly textiles including new additions like racerback tanks and bamboo/organic cotton leggings to pair with your favorite tunics and dresses all year round.

lola

metallic racerback tunic * bamboo leggings

the lovely patterned textiles found in the swim collection are limited edition and gone for good once they sell out (aloha sweet hearts pattern!). your best bet is to check in with julie prior to ordering and inquire about the current selection which typically includes three solids and three patterns.

you can scoop up all the featured styles via posh pua's etsy shop as well as the official online shop where the hard-to-fit can order up a bikini with custom measurements. or support your neighborhood stockists and make your way to wings hawaii in paia and guava shop in haleiwa.

introducing posh pua

floral bikini + monokini

posh pua, the new handmade clothing line created by maui designer julie stone, is further evidence that the islands' emerging style scene is inspiring more kama'ainas to take the plunge into fashion design. upon moving to maui a few years ago, julie took notice of the success of homegrown labels tamara catz and letarte which eventually prompted the kailua-raised designer to turn her sewing hobby into an indie biz.

this past spring, posh pua quietly launched its debut collection which features a handful of patterns designed for flirty days on the sand and simple coverups that easily transition from the beach to the streets. what sets posh pua apart is julie's commitment to creating a sustainable swimwear/resort line by incorporating eco-friendly fibers like bamboo and organic cotton plus the occasional vintage textile appearance.

plaid bikini

a gathering dress * pua o papaete romper * beach bloomers

all designs are made to order in julie's upcountry studio and custom requests are also welcome should you require a little assistance to find the perfect fit.

preview the collection on the official website and then click over to the etsy shop to scoop up the latest offerings.

you can also find posh pua at beauty & the beach's online emporium and sassy 2nds, a new to you consignment boutique that julie and her sister-in-law recently opened in paia.