super tuesday spectacular

while the hawaii democratic caucus is still a few weeks away, here are a few online finds if punahou grad barack obama is your presidential pick.

1 - love and politics are usually a no-no unless your sweetie would swoon for a i want to barack your world valentine.

2 - obama mamas seem to be the new soccer mom this election season. show your support with style via this charming sterling silver pendant.

3 - lekker politics adds a much needed modern touch on a range of obama goods for tots and the grownups who love them.

4 - playtime gets political with a crafty obama finger puppet.

and, with the age of instant screenprinting, there is certainly no lack of tees emblazoned with obama's mug to be found. if you have something even more clever than combining barack with rock and obama with mama, or just want to declare the candidate's hawaii connection, neighborhoodies lets you create your very own custom obama tee

p.s. every vote really does count so click here to register (not in hawaii? find your state's voter info right here).

sweet nothings - take one

avoid the last minute valentine's scramble with a few hi + lo gift ideas for your sweetheart!

1 - the toast team has re-released their much loved apple of my eye snack filled with mini heart shaped sugar cookies from hokulani bake shop.

2 - spoil the man in your life with sig zane's pua makalae pullover aloha shirt.

3 - you can't buy love, but your sweetie will surely think of you every time she opens her luxe ha'ano'u leather wallet from sig zane.

4 -  at $1 a pop, individually wrapped heart shaped candles stocked in the toast shop are an unexpected and budget friendly love note for all your bff's.

it's a maui thing

w's nalo tie + 'ihi baby doll

style with a message has been an evolving trend in recent years and now a collective of graphic artists on the valley isle have come together to establish maui thing. their mission? to create clothing with a conscious via good design and a sweet dose of localism.

the collection celebrates all that's good about life on maui putting a positive spin on protecting both the 'aina and the spirit of kama'aina. the eco conscious designs are screen printed on a mix of jersey styles (organic when possible) with an ever evolving selection for men and women.

m's buddha + be yourself

little ones will adore the graphic punch of the keiki line (sizes available from infant to big kids) which features bold images of island wildlife. even better are the messages that accompany each design to educate both keiki and grownups on how hawaii is the endangered species capital on the planet (did you know there are only 500 nene left in hawaii?).

the entire maui thing collection is available exclusively in their online shop (bonus: free shipping for maui residents!).

p.s. take a peek at the maui thing launch party on youtube.

girl about town

just popping in with a few last minute updates . . .

• if you have been coveting an origami crane ornament this holiday, i spotted a few still dangling on the into xmas tree while shopping in chinatown yesterday.

• more reasons to shop the honolulu gift fair this weekend - pretty little things from tsang & mirai and sudsy bath treats from bubble shack (and don't forget to say hello to miemiko and scoop up a sweet letterpress moleskine notebook).

• last but not least, the handy dandy luxe link is now stocked at the wedding café's spanking new outpost at ward warehouse (p.s. the entire shop is also 20% off this weekend - mahalo mj!).

balancing act

malia

earlier this year, style blogs and glossies were abuzz with the brilliant luxe link which comes to the rescue whenever a questionable dining situation presents itself. the clever design is compact enough to slip in your purse and, when called into service, offers a simple yet ingenious way to keep your handbag off grungy floors and sticky seats.

it wasn't until my friend pointed me to an article in the star-bulletin that i learned of the hawaii connection to the latest hidden weapon of every in-the-know fashionista. island girl turned mainland entrepreneur, kalika yap, just happens to be one of luxe link's founders, and her influence can be seen in the recently launched vintage hawaiian collection. 

skull crystalcaitlen

alas, no island boutiques are currently listed on the stockist list, however luxe links may be ordered via the online shop. as an added bonus, online orders over $100 score 10% off the entire purchase by entering the code below at checkout (although be forewarned that orders are sent ups ground which seems pretty pricey to the islands).

• secret code: holiday
• expires: mon, dec 24th

click over to youtube to take a peek at how it works.