surfing with wings

palapalai wrap + bling wing

it's been a lot of fun watching wings hawaii making ever bigger waves over these past couple of years from their beginnings as a small women-owned style collective creating sweet handprinted tees and handcrafted jewelry in their maui studio to the opening of a wings boutique in haiku last year.

2008 is off to a wonderful start with designer samantha howard's jewelry collection getting some love in this year's sports illustrated swimsuit issue (take a peek at the subtle variation of sam's bling wing design which is pierced by hand to retain a one of a kind style).

the other big news is that the wings website recently received a pretty makeover and the new online shop is filled with fresh interpretations of the happy go lucky designs that add a little island spark to everyday basics. even better is the introduction of eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton and recycled polyester which is a welcome addition to the product mix.

shell hoodie + mermaid full circle

take a peek at the stockist list or stop by the boutique and say hello!

• where: 375 west kuiaha road, haiku
• hours: mon to fri, 9a to 4p & sat/sun, 9a to 1p

summertime goodness

sam, melody & becky of wings hawaii have been busy bees lately what with their new boutique opening in haiku, an expanded keiki line, and a new tee just for the fellas. the shop is located in the pauwela cannery and stocked with all the delightful goodness that has made wings a staple of island girls everywhere.

vintage heart charms + ti leaf bangles

and don't forget to take a peek of designer samantha howard's ocean worthy jewelry line filled with pieces like these vintage charm necklaces and organic ti leaf bangles.

{update | jan 2010: find your way to paia which is the new home of the wings hawaii flagship boutique}

maui maidens

wrap dress + skull burnout tee

the girls at wings have discovered a few fresh blank canvases to tag with their whimsical island inspired designs. designer samantha howard has also put her silversmithing skills to good use with her line of handcrafted jewelry featuring treasures from the sea mingled with mystical iridescent gems like chalcedony and moonstones.

sunwing ring + sterling five ring necklace

click here for an updated list of island & mainland stockists.

baby gifts for xmas

many of us probably know at least one little one celebrating their very first christmas this year so here are a few baby gift ideas for the holidays. the design of this handcrafted koa baby rattle is so simple and it has way more soul than one made of plastic. the rattle will definitely be one of the few gifts that is unwrapped that will make the cut into a keepsake box to delight future generations.

wings hawaii has brought their hip surf style to island babies everywhere with their adorable onesie. take your pick of one of their delightful designs (honu, mermaid or surfer girl) printed in your choice of gender specific/neutral colors on a sweatshop-free onesie.

and this is the best gift for those sumo babies who greet meal time with gusto. i couldn't help but giggle when i first saw the pupu bib from coconut kiss and it will definitely make the entire ohana smile on xmas morning.

{update | jan 2010: the online shop that stocked the koa baby rattle featured above is nowhere to be found but a similar design can be scooped up at koa wood craft hawaii}

wings hawaii

hot pants + surf girl hoodie

it's not every day that you see island inspired graphics on underwear but i love that the girls behind wings hawaii are doing something a little unexpected. each piece is individually hand printed by the wings team on maui with delightful designs ranging from surfer girls to honus to the very pretty wings logo. 

i also love that wings works with clothing that is sweatshop-free and made in the usa (more love for american apparel). if you love what you see then do the happy dance since you can score 15% off your order with the code below.

• secret code: free surf (enter at checkout)