Oct 8 
i spent some time at reform school last week and spotted this super cool hawaii 5.0 messenger bag compliments of freitag. the swiss company repurposes used truck tarps into practically indestructible accessories that can take more than its fair share of abuse from being constantly on the go.
and, since no two are alike, no worries about ever bumping into someone rocking the same design!
Oct 8 
the much buzzed about petite denim line created by allison izu nagato, the designer behind reincarnation, will make its highly anticipated debut tomorrow night. the premium denim collection has been crafted with petite frames (5'4" and under) in mind, with attention given to details like inseam length, proper knee breaks, pocket placement, and a figure flattering waistband.
the 2008 allison izu collection won't be in shops until next year, so the preview party is your best bet to get a firsthand peek and decide which styles make the cut.
Oct 4 
this weekend marks the oahu unveiling of sig zane's limited edition tiffany pendant inspired by the big island designer's patronage of moku o keawe. with only 200 pieces made it is very exclusive indeed, and, according to the star-bulletin, one can be reserved with a very generous donation to the hula foundation.
and, you don't have to stare longingly through the window à la holly golightly to catch a glimpse of the striking sterling silver pu'u lehua design since kuhao zane was kind enough to send along a peek for us to collectively ooh and ah over.
sig zane's 2008 wailani collection will also make its debut at the 22nd anniversary bash, and there will be a trunk show featuring all the latest goods to delight collectors of the iconic hawaiian design line.
{mahalo kuhao!}
Oct 4 
woo hoo! honolulu is now home to its very own mecca of mid-century goodness. if you can spot an eames a mile away, i will wager that [area] will become your new favorite space in town. the latest addition to the chinatown arts district is a time and budget crunched design lover's dream, but without the hours spent scavenging through thrift stores, curiosity shops, and craigslist ads in hopes of furnishing your place with a fabulous vintage find.
area's owners, who have a love of mid-century classics, do all the work for you by scouting the islands and mainland to uncover jilted gems that long for a little tlc. the result is a curated collection with each piece restored as close as possible to its original luster. and, if you need to add a small spark to your space, area also stocks an edited selection of one of a kind conversation pieces (loving the very cool industrial spotlight).
it's only a matter of time until one of area's offspring is spotted by lost's set designer to play background in a flashback scene.
thonet + russell wire chairs
retro phone + spotlightthe [area] showroom (indigo adjacent) is open by appointment only, however all are welcome to stop by on first friday starting with tomorrow night's grand opening kick off (hopefully with peeks of area's own in-house collection):
{mahalo tara!}
{update | 2011: [area] shuttered in 2009 and recently reopened as hound & quail}
Oct 3 
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.
