the mistress of scent

saffron james

what happens when an island girl moves to the big city and discovers her passion for perfume while making her mark as a beauty insider in the publishing trade? no, it's not the latest incarnation of chick lit to hit bookstores but the story of the big island's kate growney, a former contributor to style glossies elle, harper's bazaar & lucky, who nixed it all to become the proprietress of saffron james parfums.

during her time as a beauty editor, kate noticed few fragrances truly embraced the complexity of hawaii's flowers and set out to create a line with a sophisticated scented interpretation of her island home. the trio of scents mixes intoxicating notes evocative of the islands (ginger absolute, pineapple leaf, hibiscus) with the exotic essences of faraway lands (mousse de chene, yuzu, tunisian opium).

saffron james recently landed a coveted spot inside the beauty emporium at fred segal, but you can get your hands on your own bottle just in time for st. valentine's day via the sj online shop.

days of our lives

missed out on joie studio's lovely letterpress desk calendar? here are a few vintage finds so that you are not resigned to pass the days staring at yet another cheesy tropical calendar compliments of your favorite financial institution.

1 - i spotted found image's vintage hawaii desk calendar during my road trip, alas, i have been unable to track down an online stockist. click over to the shop list for brick & mortar options in your part of the world.

2 - pacifica island art publishes a nice selection of wall calendars using soy based inks. go vintage with their island art calendar or daydream about a bygone era via hawaii bound.

3 - there are two reasons to love the hawaiian time calendar - the rarely seen illustrations from the 1950's and the fact that it is now 50% off!

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.

weekly sales sheet

jools red tiger eye * cigar lei spiral

stock up on dazzling accessories during the jools end of season clearance. quantities are limited (fyi - be sure to read the fine print before ordering).

order $75 worth of bath treats and bubble shack will include a complimentary bottle of their tropical body wash.

• expires: wed, jan 30th

while i was away, mk carroll, offered h|h readers a discount on her lovely knitting patterns. click over to her blog to order and save $1 off the matilda & tillie cloche and the anne crochet lace scarf.

• secret code: hapahale
• expires: thu, jan 31st

closet fetish recently kicked off their semi-annual double down promotion just in time to help you get organized in the new year. stock up on as many couture shoeboxes as you please and your order will automatically be doubled!

• expires: fri, feb 1st

send your sweetheart a lovely lei for valentine's and save 5% at the hawaiian lei company.

• secret code: VAL2008
• expires: fri, feb 29th

hawaiian modern

hello again! hope you had a lovely week while i was away. let's continue on with the trip report that was interrupted by my impromptu winter getaway . . .

back in november, i briefly mentioned the vladimir ossipoff exhibit at the academy of arts and i was happy, happy to visit the land of hawaiian modern during my trip home. if you haven't already hit it, this is a must see for anyone who adores architecture and design and wants a peek inside the life of the man who was the foremost creator of mid-century modern in the islands.

chances are you have unwittingly passed by the late architect's work be it the honolulu airport, his acclaimed ibm building on ala moana blvd, or the outrigger canoe club. ossipoff took every element into consideration when creating his restrained designs by working with hawaii's natural wonders like trade winds, sunlight, and, of course, views. he even declared a "war on ugliness" in the islands although that appeal still goes unheeded by far too many builders.

the exhibit features a fascinating glimpse into ossipoff's life (born in russia, raised in japan, educated at berkeley) plus blueprints, archival footage, and spectacular to scale wooden models of ossipoff structures.

blanche hill house, kahala

if you can't go, the official website is chock full of images and video clips of past and present ossipoff creations (my fella's favorite, shown above, was sinfully demolished by real estate speculators in the 80s) and the hefty exhibit catalogue is on sale at the academy's online shop (or click over to amazon to pick up a copy if you are watching your pennies).

the ossipoff exhibit closes on jan 27th, but if you go this weekend you can enjoy free admission during bank of hawaii sunday (11a to 5p).

{blanche hill house photo credit: robert wenkam}