prep school resort

since the announcement of j.crew's resort collection popped into my inbox last week, i've been going back and forth on whether to post the new designs which were obviously influenced by hawaii. a conspiracy theorist might think that the island inspired looks were created to coincide with the recent opening of the ala moana shop, but, having been a j.crew girl since my college days, i know better and can tell you that j.crew resort has always offered up a modern, if preppy, take on tropical style.

the oahu tee seems to be the 2008 followup to last year's big island design (up next: kaho'olawe!) and then there is the curiously named nanakuli button up in this year's mix (oh, how i wish i was a fly on the wall to hear that discussion).

alas, my new shopper's manifesto* means i am sitting this one out in an attempt to ween myself off my j.crew habit since more of my shopping dollars are being devoted to products that are made in the usa, fair trade, &/or organic (if i ever find all three in one product i will have hit the trifecta!).

of course, my guess is that h|h readers probably have not limited themselves in such a way so off you go to enjoy the latest looks before they sell out. and, while some may find it odd that a resort collection designed far from the islands sells like hotcakes, consider this a cue for local designers that there definitely is a market outside hawaii for retro island style designed for the modern girl.

*[just trying to be a better world citizen by being a more conscious consumer because i do believe that after voting our best hope to transform this capitalist economy of ours into one that is more sustainable is from
the ground up at checkout. my new motto compliments of ghandi - be the change you wish to see in the world!]

on the town with malia mills

t-dress

malia mills' childhood in hawaii inspired her foray into the world of swimwear where she seamlessly blends styles made for every body (and every age) with a sophistication hinting at her east coast home base. and while malia has made a name for herself designing suits that show off your curves to their maximum advantage, lately she has been extending her collection into pieces more suited for everyday wear featuring the feminine details fans have come to love.

i am loving the t-dress which seems to be a more modern take on the classic pareau. it's made of the same pretty swiss dot fabric seen throughout the collection, and the versatile design allows it be wrapped in a number of ways depending on your mood.

lulu

kalola

you can get your malia mills fix either online or at one of a handful of eponymous boutiques scattered from ny to chicago (alas, no shop or stockists in the islands yet).

malia's sister carol, who helps run both the company and the official mm blog, was kind enough to send along a $50 coupon for h|h readers. the coupon is good until the end of 2008 and can be redeemed either in-store or via phone order (so a fit specialist can help you find the perfect suit).

click rewind to learn more.

letarte resort 2008

the 2008 resort collection by letarte has arrived! this time around the maui designed line has something for everyone be it one of the flirty bikinis that helped put the company on the cover of the sports illustrated swimsuit edition to delicate chiffon dresses waiting to be romanced by the sea.

and while letarte's extensive selection of tunics are meant to keep you covered up at the beach, the versatile designs are pretty enough to wear no matter where the day may take you whether you are on holiday or at home.

shop to your heart's content online or take a peek at the stockist list to find a boutique near you.

maui rose

the islands have a way of jumpstarting one's creative spark and have sent more than a few souls down the unexpected path of making beautiful things. the latest translation of hawaii's lush archipelago is maui rose, a keiki line which embraces a juicy color palette straight from the crayon box.

inspired by her new surroundings of swaying coconut trees and sunshine, designer marion girardin introduced a little french charm to her children's collection of teeny totes and sweet swimwear. punchy fabrics, cheerful appliqués, embroidered details, and reversible designs complete the happy go lucky spirit.

it's pint sized goodness for little girls who love playing in their mom's closet, and i suspect more than a few grownups will be charmed by the playful and versatile designs. maui rose pockets easily double as a pretty cosmetic bag while beach totes fit all the essentials no matter what your age may be.

click here to take a peek at the collection. since an online shop is not yet available, an edited selection of maui rose goods can be scooped up here and here. when on maui, head to nuage bleu in paia or click over to the stockist list to find a shop near you.

north shore swimwear

it's no secret that most women hate shopping for a new swimsuit. the experience is typically filled with bad lighting, endless frustration, and witnessing the deflating of one's ego all helpfully magnified by an unflattering three way mirror.

enter the world of the custom swimsuit. north shore swimwear (which just happens to be a favorite of stacia designer stacy johnson) takes your measurements to customize one of its many patterns to skim your curves in all the right places. the combinations are endless (bond girl, surfer chick, pinup) since you can mix and match tops, bottoms and fabrics to create your perfect swimsuit.

and, no worries if you are unable to stop by their haleiwa shop for a custom fitting since the process can also be done over the phone. simply take a peek at the styles and fabric choices online, call to request swatches to review patterns/colors in person, and when you are ready to order give them a ring to chat with one of their consultants.

don't forget to check out the faq before you order to get the skinny on alterations, options & turnaround time.

{mahalo stacy!}