saffron james x anthropologie

kai nui * kai po'i * kai malo'o

offline distractions have kept me away for longer than anticipated but the chance to send you happy thanksgiving wishes along with a pretty island discovery offered by anthropologie prompted me to log-in and say hello!

i happened across these gorgeous limited edition paddleboards last week and immediately fell in love with their bohemian patterns which remind me of stepping inside doris duke's dreamy diamond head estate shangri la. the hawai'i connection comes by way of saffron james (better known as the indie fragrance house founded by big island lovely kate growney) which had the fabulous idea of stylizing a handful of boards with custom textiles evocative of a faraway land.

function + beauty . . . how stunning would one of these look displayed on the wall in between SUP sessions?

more peeks and details after the jump!

Click to read more ...

happy hale*days 2010: beauty edition

because everyone has at least one beauty junkie on their gift list:

1 - letarte recently introduced two skincare formulas to pamper parched skin - vanille polynesia blends shea butter, vanilla and sugar into a sweet scented lotion while 'alia hinu mixes argan and coconut oils to hydrate thirsty skin. ($54; shop online w/ free 2-day shipping on continental u.s. orders placed by wed, dec 22nd or in-store at the paia flagship)

2 - cleanse & moisturize your locks with ola's pure shampoo & conditioner formulated with coconut milk, kukui nut oil, and taro extract. ($19; shop online or search for a local stockist)

3 - soap fans will love maui soap company's gorgeous handmade bars made with certified organic oils and essential oils. ($6.49; online only shop online or find at mana foods in paia & whole foods on oahu)

4 - lanikai bath & body mixes green tea leaves and hawaiian sea salt to create its botanical body scrub. ($22.50; shop online & at the kailua flagship)

5 - mini roll-on perfumes from saffron james come in five intoxicating scents inspired by the islands. ($35; shop online or find at soha living in kahala & select anthropologie shops)

happy hale*days 08: beauty edition

thankfully, the islands are well past the days when wicked wahine was the most well known beauty product made in hawaii. since pampering treats are always a welcome surprise under the tree (especially for peeps like me who have a hard time splurging on pricey potions), enjoy this roundup of luxe and budget finds for your favorite beauty junkie!

1 - malie kaua'i continues to green its product line and recently introduced an organic update to its popular coconut vanilla collection.

2 - pure & true organic beauty offers up a range of luxe skincare treats concocted with good for you & the earth ingredients. (budget tip: sample the line with the mini facial kit for $20; available in the online shop or at hot mama maternity in kaimuki)

3 - spoil fragrance lovers with nani, saffron james's newest eau de parfum inspired by princess ka'iulani. the fancy scent enchants with notes of pikake, pink plumeria, mimosa & ylang ylang. (budget tip: order up samples at the perfumed court)

4 - glamour girls will adore maleana's holiday gift collection which adds a little sparkle just in time to ring in the new year. (alas, no online shop yet but you can hele over to the kaimuki studio or phone in your order to receive free shipping)

5 - the packaging for the simply kukui line from lanikai bath & body says it all plus all orders score complimentary gift wrap for the holidays! (fyi - there are a few days left to enter to win a $250 gift set!)

6 - a blend of moisturizing oils, hawaiian beeswax, and aloe vera & mango butters make ola's lauhala wrapped tropical lip balm a sweet stocking stuffer.

7 - hawaiian bath & body mixes epsom & hawaiian sea salts with essential oils for a relaxing and detoxifying bathtime soak.

8 - scent your space with island herbal's pretty seashell potpourri infused with fragrant tropical floral notes.

the mistress of scent

saffron james

what happens when an island girl moves to the big city and discovers her passion for perfume while making her mark as a beauty insider in the publishing trade? no, it's not the latest incarnation of chick lit to hit bookstores but the story of the big island's kate growney, a former contributor to style glossies elle, harper's bazaar & lucky, who nixed it all to become the proprietress of saffron james parfums.

during her time as a beauty editor, kate noticed few fragrances truly embraced the complexity of hawaii's flowers and set out to create a line with a sophisticated scented interpretation of her island home. the trio of scents mixes intoxicating notes evocative of the islands (ginger absolute, pineapple leaf, hibiscus) with the exotic essences of faraway lands (mousse de chene, yuzu, tunisian opium).

saffron james recently landed a coveted spot inside the beauty emporium at fred segal, but you can get your hands on your own bottle just in time for st. valentine's day via the sj online shop.