the ethereal world of la pistil

emma-jean

fashionistas take note: la pistil, the much buzzed about collection by designer ashley ishii, recently re-stocked the shelves of its etsy shop. the la pistil look effortlessly captures the aura of an island gamine. you know the one . . . the girl who is able to toss on a simple shift and somehow manages to nail of the moment style perfection.

the subtle sophistication of ashley's designs belie the fact that she only started sewing a few years ago, and, upon la pistil's debut earlier this year, quickly captured the fancy of those in the know. with the start of the fall semester, expect the la pistil line to blossom and evolve now that ashley has transferred to the uh fashion program.

kamaria

celia

since designs are handmade, there are only a limited number of pieces available in the etsy shop so, click click, you best be on your way before they all get snapped up. and if you can rock the look, be sure to take a peek at the lady-flash rompers since sale proceeds will be donated to city of joy, an organization dedicated to stopping violence against the women & children of the congo.

fyi - sizes tend to run on the small side so do double check the measurements before adding your favorite find in your cart. style/size m.i.a.? drop ashley a note to inquire about custom work.

stay updated via la pistil's newly minted blog.

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.

closet swap

on saturday, fashionista's market is bringing the first ever closet swap to the islands. here's the 411 if you happened to miss the sundance channel's big ideas for a small planet episode which featured something similar earlier this summer (preview a clip from the swap-o-rama-rama on youtube):

a closet swap is a fashion exchange via the cathartic, if emotionally draining, purging of your closet which allows you to do a little "shopping" from the cast off goodies brought in by other like minded ladies. if you're prone to wax poetic about the memories embedded in that never worn mini that was such a steal three years ago, ask a friend willing to dish out some tough love to help you get through the process.

leftovers will be donated to the leeward domestic abuse shelter so open your heart as well as your closet since unclaimed items will be going to a good cause. in addition to clothing, the shelter's wish list includes new underwear, keiki/baby items (educational games, arts & crafts, diapers, baby wipes, car seats), slippers, personal care products (shampoo, toothpaste, brushes, etc), towels, journals and phone cards.

a few ground rules:

• clothing, handbags, shoes, jewelry in good condition are welcome, however if it's been relegated to the back of your closet desperately waiting for a repair (or a battle with the stain stick) it's best to leave it at home

• girls only (sorry fellas)

• be generous since you only get to take home as much as you donate to the stash

• wear your best unmentionable (or a leotard à la the hardcore sample sale pros) if you plan on trying on clothes in the communal dressing room

the event will also feature tee deconstruction 101 with designer allisonizu of reincarnation, massages by elements spa, mini-makeovers by flaunt, hair styling by ulupono academy, and a cookie decorating workshop.

admission not only gets you in the door for all the fun but also includes lunch, a goody bag, raffle prizes, and, of course, sample sale shopping! here's a hint of what to expect in today's star-bulletin.

details, details, details:

• when: sat, aug 18th
• schedule: 9a to 10a - registration & dropoff, 10a to 12p - fun, 12p to 2p - swap!
• where: japanese cultural center
• tix: $25 online pre-sale, $30 at the door

made in hawaii 2007 - first peeps

tsang & mirai

while a number of h|h favorites toil away in the final hours leading up to the made in hawaii festival kick off tomorrow, the rest of us can kick back in front of the screen and enjoy a behind-the-scenes sneak peek of what everyone is bringing to the show.

tsang & mirai are making an encore appearance and have been busy in their honolulu workshop crafting new pieces for the show. fresh designs like their hand stamped lotus necklace and carved jade blossom ring are sure to tempt you as will t&m's signature origami pendants.

midori jewelry

midori jewelry is making its debut at mih this weekend and to celebrate designer traci morinaga is offering h|h readers a sweet deal. buy $75 of pretty baubles and receive a complimentary pair of earrings from her twinkle collection. just whisper that you spotted midori on h|h when you stop by the mih booth.

off the rock? click away and pick out your favorite sparkles since traci is generously extending the offer to online shoppers too! place your order by aug 31st and type in the secret code hapa in the order form. don't forget to indicate which twinkle style makes your heart go a-flutter.

bubble shack tropical trios

meanwhile bubble shack will be unveiling tropical trios which promise to transform your bath into a mini getaway. your skin will be pampered with organic jojoba & aloe vera body wash, organic shea butter (fair trade) & macadamia nut lotion, and, the handcrafted soap which put the shack on the map.

bubble shack is all about good for you ingredients which means their product line is 100% vegan, sulfate & paraban free, and never tested on animals.

kauai handbag designer denise tjarks (whose vintage line has been flying off the rack at muumuu heaven) will be island hopping to show off her latest collection. fall is all about hollywood glamour and festival goers will also get to preview denise's holiday and resort 08 lines.

and, as if you needed another reason to stop by the booth, denise will knock 10% off your purchase at checkout in exchange for the secret code (holly golightly). for those far away from the fun, free shipping on online orders placed by aug 22nd should brighten your day.

let's see, big island bees, purveyors of sweet organic honey will also be there (supplementing their fruity nectar with hand dipped beeswax candles) as will aunty nalani's cookies with their spankin' new coconut macadamia nut morsels. downtown general store will also be making an appearance as will roberta oaks, lily lotus, kealopiko and many, many more.

have fun everyone!

made in hawaii 2007

stacey lee designs + lani mala'ela'e

with the made in hawaii festival just around the corner, it's time to take our annual virtual tour through the uncrowded aisles and uncover a few under the radar local companies setting up shop at the blaisdell this weekend.

first up, prettiness shines bright with jewelry created by stacey lee designs. stacey recently returned to the islands after nixing life in silicon valley to kick off her own start up adventure. alas, no online shopping to be found however you can score your own sld creation at martin & macarthur and the ihilani resort. click here for the full line of stockists.

the lani mala'ela'e product line embraces a more youthful vibe with its fresh take on island design. take a peek at their pa'u skirt set which features pretty prints to sway in complete with a matching bag to tote your gear to hula class in style. tropical handbags and a small spa line round out owner maki nishiguchi's ode to hawaii.

be back tomorrow with a roundup of what's new for the keiki set.