project runway recap: a look in the line

i suspect most, if not all, of the project runway fans have watched last week's episode which challenged the remaining six designers to whip up an activewear look for heidi klum's debut collection for new balance. a twist soon came a-calling and, with the addition of two more looks, designers from episodes past returned to lend a hand.

onscreen, andy south stayed away from the inevitable sewing room drama between ivy higa and her S8 nemesis michael c., and focused his energy on producing light, modern pieces appropriate for both athletics and lounging about town.

hknb collection

as promised, the three winning looks andy presented on the runway found their way into the hknb collection and can be purchased on amazon in a handful of colorways (available sizes: s-xl). the fabrication is a cozy tencel/cotton/cashmere blend, although the hoodie design appears to have undergone a modification (too similar to lululemon's logo, perhaps?).

price point for andy's hknb offerings range from $98 to $168.

andy: make it work! | judgement day | norma kamali's take | video diary

and, click over to the designers dish for their take on this week's runway happenings.

did any of andy's hknb looks make it to your wishlist?

{photo credit: barbara nitke, lifetime television}

introducing acacia swimwear

naia

a recent facebook query made me realize that not everyone shares my preference for more modest swimwear silhouettes. then i happened upon the bikini bird blog (a maui-based must read for those on the lookout for pretty beach looks) and discovered the very ooh la la offerings by acacia swimwear which just may convince even the most demure among us to consider a cheeky backside.

the line was started by maui girl naomi newirth whose passion for homemade bikinis eventually led to a fashion degree at fidm. upon the launch of the debut collection from bali last year, naomi's friend lyndie irons (andy's missus who now calls kauai home) joined the acacia 'ohana in designing the most fetching bikinis and one pieces that would appeal to the readership of both vogue and the sports illustrated swimsuit issue.

acacia is all about wearable details and naomi and lyndie effortlessly employ bohemian fringe, sweet ruffles and coquettish crochet throughout their 2010 collection. all the pieces are designed for their "gypsetter" lifestyle with the very flirty bottoms inspired by the sexy cuts found in italy and brazil.

sage * quinn * olly

pretty linings * nihoa

marley * luka * missy

with fabric sourced from italy and custom printed linings sewn inside for a sweet surprise, expect to pay $176 for a bikini and $187 for a one piece.

order up your favorite style in acacia's online shop or pop into your neighborhood stockist (including guava shop in haleiwa and ginger & koi in kona) for a peek.

{mahalo bikini bird!}

project runway recap: there's a pattern here

{fyi: if you are more than an episode behind stop reading now or risk spoiling your PR-marathon}

textile design returned for another project runway challenge and the enthusiasm in the workroom always makes me wonder if the designers are unaware of spoonflower? now that andy south is the last hawaii designer this season, he not only got to create his own fabric (based on a memory, natch) which would be used to produce this week's look, but enjoyed a happy surprise in this two hanky episode.

alas, unintended consequences soon followed. let's discuss in the comments section, shall we?

andy: make it work! | judgement day | video diary

and, the remaining seven contestants gather round for this week's designers dish.

p.s. if you are missing big island girl ivy higa, take a peek at tim gunn's exit chat with the local designer which was missing from the last recap.

{photo credit: barbara nitke, lifetime television}

first peeks: one stone jewelry

gray diamond & herkimer ring

today's post will be short and sweet since my mister finally has some downtime after a grueling season, and this is our chance to spend some time together before a new production woos all his attention.

i happened upon the simply gorgeous jewelry of one stone after a mention on pacific bride guide. designer shane yamane grew up in the islands and is now based in nyc where he handcrafts the most lovely adornment out of 100% recycled metal, conflict-free diamonds, and ethically sourced gemstones. if that's not enough to make you instantly smitten, one stone's glowing organic shapes, especially the subdued gray diamonds, seem absolutely modern all while being meticulously produced piece by piece in the age-old style of an artisan jeweler.

wave stacking ring

curved cuff

rough diamond earrings

sapphire pendant trio

a few of the featured pieces are from the style archives, however custom orders are welcome so be sure to inquire if a design is no longer stocked.

the online shop is still under construction so click over to one stone's etsy shop for a peek at current offerings from shane's atelier.

p.s. you can discover more about shane in his featured seller interview on etsy.

stacia fall/winter 2010

cowl neck tunic

i have been meaning to share peeks of stacia's fall/winter 2010 collection, but when the southland began to sizzle (over 100 degrees here by the beach on monday) all my cozy plans for autumn were pushed to the backburner. a sale announcement from ideeli on this much cooler morning was just the incentive needed to gather up my favorite f/w looks along with the inspired idea to share similar styles available today only at flash sale prices (up to 60% off!).

designer stacy johnson, who grew up in the islands but is now based in los angeles, specializes in effortless ecoknits incorporating bamboo and tencel fibers. perfect for hawaii's tropical climate and mild winters. a few new silhouettes are in the mix featuring warm, earthy palettes including one which found its way into the collection via a watercolor made by one of stacy's keiki.

empire wrap dress

cool cardi

tab cardi

ideeli looks for less

ideeli's sale runs through tomorrow morning (official end time: thu, sep 30th @ 5a 9p hst), however you do need to have an account to access all the deals (here's an invite from me to you if you need one). there are seven styles offered in various colorways with prices starting at $79.

you can find this season's fall/winter looks in stacia's online shop or, when in l.a., inquire about stopping by the studio for some one on one shopping time.

• where: 1307 ½ pico blvd, santa monica
• fyi: by appointment only

p.s. oahu fans can now scoop up stacia at becca beach (located at the kahala) which became the one and only stockist on island a few months ago. the full stockist list can be found here.