fashionista's market spring sale

fashionista's market is back this weekend with more fabulous finds for fashionistas on a budget. this time around it's all about b. united, true religion, hawaii's own closet fetish and the addition of plus sizes!

sample sale newbies take note that no big bags are allowed and it's always a good idea to wear your best unmentionables to avoid embarrassment in the communal dressing rooms. hit the faq for all you need to know before you go.

details:   

• when: sat, apr 14th & sun, apr 15th
• hours: 10a to 2p
• where: japanese cultural center
• admission: $7 (register online to score the $3 fm member price)

mother knows best

personalized bangles * giant puka ring * hawaii hoops

mother's day may still be a month away but since one of my favorite gift ideas requires a bit of lead time, today seems like a good day to share it with those of you on the lookout for something cool to give the person who gave you life. these lovely handcrafted bangles by pua jewelry can be customized with the names of your ohana's keiki making it sweet without being too sappy.

keep in mind that this is not a gift for procrastinating souls so if you dig it be sure your order is in a minimum of 2 weeks before it is time to celebrate mom. pua designer lauren hewett also has a few new goodies like this substantial puka shell ring and earrings to show your hawaii pride.

one final note - you may have noticed that pua's website is in the process of transforming into the seaweed boutique. the buzz is that lauren plans to stock the new online shop with an array of rare tropical finds in addition to her jewelry line. stay posted for more details.

forest finds

enormous wooden bowls have been dotting the pages of the shelter magazines and design catalogs inundating my mailbox, so, despite the cold hard fact that my wee home is lacking in the space required to showcase one of these statement making bowls, here are a few made in hawaii in a range of sizes and shapes for your viewing pleasure.

1 - alas, stebbins studios' osage orange bowl, with its appealing organic curves, has already found a home, but the curly koa footed tray (4) from hawaiian artifacts seems like just the thing to display an artful fruitscape.

2 - the juxtaposition of light and dark wood in j. kelly dunn's hau salad bowl add a bit of character.

3 - two things come to mind when i look at molokai woodworker jack ewing's bark edge koa bowl - a cornucopia centerpiece filled with food for a big feast and, well, jaws (am i the only one?). either way it will certainly steal the spotlight.

kealopiko

moi tee

good island design combined with the socially conscious choice to use sweatshop-free, made in the usa tees will always get my attention. add the kokua factor (i.e. contributing a bit of profit to community organizations) and you know why i have been keeping tabs on kealopiko over the past few months while patiently waiting for their online shop to open its virtual doors.

and although the shop is not yet open for business, a few photos of the line's native flora & fauna inspired tees have finally been posted to give those of us away from the islands a sneak peek of what to expect.

the talented minds behind kealopiko are a team of wahine who have a deep connection to the 'aina via their work as botanists (ane & hina) and preserving the he'eia fishpond (jamie). tees from kealopiko are a wonderful way to remain true to your island roots without sacrificing style and since each design is hand screened you know a little mana of the maker will always be with you.

kealopiko will be at the merrie monarch festival arts & crafts fair this week, the kokua festival next weekend, mamo (maoli arts month) in may, and you can always find them at first fridays in chinatown. check out their event calendar for more info.

indah clothing

saffron + sexy essie

a lovely dress from indah clothing is just the thing to put on when you want to feel pretty on a hot and humid hawaiian day. over ten years ago, designer libby de santis was an island girl on the go who noticed that there was a void in the marketplace for stylish, unfussy threads for girls like her who loved their laidback lifestyle but were bored with the ubiquitous tee and shorts combo.

enter indah with its dishy dresses, sultry swimsuits, and versatile separates. eventually another island beckoned libby away from her home on kauai and bali is now hq for indah's design house. that part of the world's tropical asian influence can be spotted in the line's cosmopolitan silhouettes, exotic embellishments and breezy fabrics like linen from hong kong and cotton sari from india.

if you love what you see, online shopping can be done at lalala, lily grace (which stocks the little indah keiki collection) or click here to find a stockist in your neighborhood.