kealopiko - take two

hanai

since kealopiko was featured this past spring, their fan base has grown beyond the craft fair circuit to become favorites of up and coming island musicians like the girlas and paula fuga. and so, i am happy to report that kealopiko's long awaited online shop has finally opened its doors!

the new shop is stocked with tees emblazoned with kealopiko designs celebrating the many aspects of hawaiian culture from the natural world to reclaiming island history. no worries if, like me, you are not completely up to snuff with the meaning behind the message since each design is accompanied by a description to educate the wearer who can then share it with the rest of the world.

my fella will certainly be down with the message of the big five tee:

"This design challenges us to re-think who The Big Five really are: the first Hawaiian monarchs, not five business entities who managed to gain near total economic control of the islands in the early 1900's. It also reminds us of the phenomenal accomplishments of our kupuna and the legacy they have left for us to malama (care for)."

the big five

koae

readers of the male persuasion will be happy to know that all designs are stocked in both m's and w's sizes in a range of colors and textile choices. kealopiko is also committed to giving back to the community and donates a percentage of sales to island organizations like the kokua hawaii foundation and the paepae o he'eia fishpond.

debra mack jewelry

oceanna * arielle * puka

organic shapes and findings are the exquisite calling card of maui jewelry designer debra mack. taking her cue from nature, debra transforms unpretentious bits and pieces into delicate designs evoking her island surroundings.

the fidm-trained designer mixes metalsmithing with mystical jewels sourced from the land and the sea to create her collection. whatever your style may be, there is definitely something for everyone from delicious showers of colorful gemstones to understated minimalist designs.

there is also a wedding collection filled with pretty variations on something new or blue for the bride-to-be and her ladies-in-waiting. and, be sure to take a peek at the sale section which is stocked with pieces marked down at least 50%!

stockists include annee aline in kaimuki and the four seasons wailea.

hui o hawaii

during a recent visit to borders, i spotted a new magazine with the intriguing title of hui o hawaii. it turns out to be the latest entrant into the travel glossie market catering to the luxe island vacationer created by the publishers of nalu underground. the premiere issue spotlighted a mix of island destinations, style/culture profiles (1.1 features designer anne namba and musician makana), plus an emphasis on mo'olelo shared by kama'aina.

a few caveats: i found it a bit odd that an editor's note was nowhere to be found which necessitated a click over to their website to learn more about the magazine's mission. and the font is not reader friendly. small glitches that, hopefully, will be fixed by the time the second issue hits the newsstand.

if you want to take a peek, just know that hui o hawaii is a quarterly publication and subscriptions are via post for now.

{update | jan 2010: hui o hawaii shuttered soon after its launch}

trick, treat or toast?

toast, known for their sparky party favors, just released these cute boo!zu boys for halloween. the limited edition goodies are toast's take on japanese teru teru bozu charms which are believed to ward away a rainy day. boo!zu boys are sure to charm your favorite trick-or-treater especially once they discover childhood favorites like rice krispie treats and pez hidden within their spooky exteriors.

there's even more fun stocked in toast's online shop. new arrivals include party starters like these playful alphabet candles and ceramic ice cream cup set.

learn more about all things toast right here.

weekend sales sheet

pacific home

pacific home is in the midst of their october overstock sale. purchase one item at regular price and receive 50% off the second item (see store for details).

• where: 420 ward avenue

stop by valerie joseph to help celebrate the boutique's two year anniversary on saturday. in the evening, shop to your heart's content while treating yourself to champagne, dessert and 20% off your entire purchase (the latter is happening all day long). even if you can't go, take a peek at the new online boutique filled with valerie's favorite finds.

• when: sat, oct 20th - 5p to 9p
• where: mccully shopping center

another bash will be happening across town at rockabella which is celebrating its one year anniversary. meet designers allison izu nagato, who will be previewing her new petite denim line, and cindy yokoyama of ginger13. enjoy 15% off your purchase and the chance to win goodies by ginger13, reincarnation, tarina tarantino, heaven and earth spa (complimentary mini massage, anyone?), and many more.

• when: sat, oct 20th - 2p to 6p
• where: 510 piikoi street suite 200

then head to waikiki on saturday night to enjoy a late night fashion show featuring the fabulous fall frocks by roberta oaks! guests who attend the event at the swanky hanohano room will also score a voucher to save 20% off the fall and holiday 07 collections.

• when: sat, oct 20th - 11p
• where: skyline at the hanohano room - sheraton waikiki
• tix: $15
• rules: 21+, dress code for the fellas (collared shirts & pants)
• fyi: complimentary valet parking