slipping away

alrighty, wednesday seems to be a good day to post the all around fun island inspired finds scavenged from my (too many) hours spent screen shopping. a welcome diversion from the midweek slump when the weekend seems a tad too far away.

this week: all slippers, all the time!

1 - mobi added some much needed zip to the dull world of resealable bags a few years back. impress tsa screeners with toiletries safely stowed in a flip flop spiral zipper bag (love the adorable, and, dare i say, quite appropriate with all the superferry brouhaha, save the whales design).

2 - you know all your aunties will love these not overly precious embroidered slipper dishtowels from plum party.

3 - take a peek at this inventive reuse of slipper scraps transforming what would have been trash into colorful recycled doormats.

4 - if you are tired of constantly tidying up the slipper pile outside your home, you just may love this inspired solution (alas, it seems to be sold out but you can diy with supplies from the craft store).

5 - for the little one, a too cute personalized embroidered onesie found on etsy.

6 - annabelle's flippin' out bag can be semi-customized to tote your stuff to the beach or keep your crafty stash organized.

free shipping at ali'i kula lavender

click over to ali'i kula lavender's online shop today to enjoy complimentary shipping on all orders over $50. while aromatherapy may be the first thing that comes to mind when one pictures a field filled with the lilac hued bloom, ali'i kula lavender has partnered with local artisanal foodmakers to create an array of treats enhanced with lavender's signature floral flavor.

stock up on gourmet goodies made with the maui grown lavender and explore a culinary world of lavender infused lilikoi jelly, chocolate brownies, strawberry syrup and more.

bon appétit!

the ethereal world of la pistil

emma-jean

fashionistas take note: la pistil, the much buzzed about collection by designer ashley ishii, recently re-stocked the shelves of its etsy shop. the la pistil look effortlessly captures the aura of an island gamine. you know the one . . . the girl who is able to toss on a simple shift and somehow manages to nail of the moment style perfection.

the subtle sophistication of ashley's designs belie the fact that she only started sewing a few years ago, and, upon la pistil's debut earlier this year, quickly captured the fancy of those in the know. with the start of the fall semester, expect the la pistil line to blossom and evolve now that ashley has transferred to the uh fashion program.

kamaria

celia

since designs are handmade, there are only a limited number of pieces available in the etsy shop so, click click, you best be on your way before they all get snapped up. and if you can rock the look, be sure to take a peek at the lady-flash rompers since sale proceeds will be donated to city of joy, an organization dedicated to stopping violence against the women & children of the congo.

fyi - sizes tend to run on the small side so do double check the measurements before adding your favorite find in your cart. style/size m.i.a.? drop ashley a note to inquire about custom work.

stay updated via la pistil's newly minted blog.

surfer chic

file this under inspired by an island lifestyle. maku furniture, which is based in san diego (once my home away from home), recently launched an outdoor furniture line that would make any surfer meets design junkie's heart go aflutter. in fact, the idea for the company was born during a surf trip to indonesia when the owners realized there was a big void in stylish yet casual, modern yet accessible furniture designed with adventure seekers (or dreamers) in mind.

and they were right. if you have ever shopped for outdoor furniture suitable for a modernist home, chances are good you followed in my steps during what seemed to be a never-ending scouting expedition stopping at every mall/patio/big box/modern design shop (and then back to the beginning) only to encounter an endless array of ornate ironwork, shoddy construction, or not in this lifetime prices. add a co-decider to the mix, and it was practically impossible to find something we could both agree on without looting the rainy day fund.

perhaps it would have been a different story had maku's teak lanai furniture been a reality way back when. the collection comes to life in the company's california hq and is then crafted by local artisans in indonesia which also happens to be home to the teak plantations where maku sustainably harvests all the wood used in their furniture.

maku also mixes elements from old school longboards (see entry doors below) and old world craftsmanship (take a peek at the limited edition lounge chair which features a carved frangipani design reminiscent of the hefty koa chairs found in many island homes back in the day) in many of their designs.

the price point is appealing considering dove tail joinery and kiln dried hardwood are part of the deal. maku also participates in 1% for the planet so you can lounge around on your new furniture knowing that your socially conscious purchase is helping to make the earth a better place for all its inhabitants.

alas, no local shops stock maku in the islands yet (hint, hint), however the company's california warehouse is happy to ship to hawaii (just drop them a note to confirm shipping rates before ordering). mainland dwellers have many choices on the stockist list, or if online ordering is your thing click over to design public to score free shipping (caveat: offer is restricted to the 48 states).

learn more about maku's mission via an interview with co-founder johnny west over at hatch.

tamara catz bridal collection

maui designer tamara catz recently unveiled a bridal collection composed with the island bride in mind. poetic details include flattering empire waistlines, flutter sleeves, breathable textiles (silk chiffon & linen, natch), plus embellishments like embroidery with a tropical motif. all the elements combine to conjure up a gown ready to make its debut in a dreamy beachside romance.

and, the sweet taro mini featured earlier this year has been translated into a floor length style perfect for local brides seeking fresh ways to mix a little island culture into their big day.

no worries about experiencing the sticker shock so common when shopping for a gown since the more informal styles start at $220 with the collection topping out at $1200.

the bridal line is available both online and at the tamara catz boutique in paia.