on the good ship lollipop

kate halter + paige ribbon tie

it appears that cupcake, the keiki boutique at ward center, also has its very own adorable children's line called jolie + jane. the label is billed as a little girl clothier and the charming designs are just right for parents who prefer their little ones to dress like children instead of mini-celebutantes.

mon petite chaton lap tee

j+j's spring/summer 2007 collection is composed of restrained ruffles, darling trims, pretty patterns, and even handy pockets to stash candy or other contraband best hidden from grown-ups. a few designs are currently on sale at cupcake's website and you will be able to see even more at the spring trunk show scheduled at the shop on apr 28th.

{update | jan 2010: cupcake has relocated across the way to ward warehouse}

original hawaiian chocolate factory

if you consider yourself a chocolate connoisseur then chances are you already know about the big island's original hawaiian chocolate factory. the fertile land may be better known to most folks for kona's world famous coffee, however it is also just right for growing chocolate and, in fact, is the only spot in the states where cacao beans are grown, harvested, processed & made into luscious chocolate bars.

the journey from the orchard to the marketplace is what makes this estate grown chocolate and so while you will have to trade a hamilton for a single chocolate bar you can comfort yourself knowing that this is truly a made in hawaii product which is just one of the reasons it is a favorite of many island chefs.

curious to try some? ohcf confections can be found at select stockists around the islands & on the mainland and, of course, online (free shipping on orders over $100 $125). and, yes, ohcf does offer the occasional farm tour so you can discover just how that artisanal chocolate bar was transformed from the humble cacao bean (fyi - tours are only available if time permits so do call ahead to avoid disappointment).

click here to read more about the boutique chocolate revolution.

blissful philanthropy

my life has been completely consumed these past few days by taxes and, of all things, learning how to knit (and i haven't even picked up sticks yet . . . who knew knitting was so darn complicated?). anyhoo, i'll be back sometime tomorrow with new finds but wanted to mention that the mini version of bliss lau's pleat handbag (featured in jan) just happens to be one of lucky magazine's do good while you shop picks for march.

so if you were already planning on throwing down some serious money on a new handbag, just know that 30% of the purchase price of mini pleat orders placed by mar 31st will be contributed to donors choose. and, considering the price tag, that is a hefty chunk of change that will go to help fill the wish lists of public school teachers struggling to fund projects to educate their students.

olukai spring 2007

w's ama

the spring/summer 2007 collection from olukai is now posted on their website. for those who are not familiar with olukai, the premium footwear line made its debut last year and the company's focus is on constructing a super comfortable slipper (one of the founders, who was born in hawaii, previously worked at nike) without sacrificing style. even better, olukai is committed to being environmentally responsible during the manufacturing process and is keeping the kokua spirit alive by partnering with the rabbit kekai foundation.

m's kula

click here to find the nearest olukai dealer or hit zappos which usually has the best selection of olukai online (a quick check revealed that only a few of the new styles are currently available but more are scheduled to arrive in the next month or so). like many, i was a bit leery about ordering shoes online however, after placing my first zappos order last month during a desperate search for new shoes before i went home, i am officially a convert.

my experience was very pleasant since the customer reviews helped me determine if a shoe would be a good match and zappos offers free shipping on orders & returns (my package arrived the very next day). the best perk, aside from not having to trudge from store to store searching in vain for the right style/size/color, was being able to test my choices at home with my closet only a few steps away. viva zappos!

gourmet cooking hawaii

chef mavro at work

island & visiting foodies, whether they have hawaii's finest restaurants on speed dial or, due to budgetary constraints, must be content to be an armchair gastronomist, have a chance to take a peek behind the kitchen door via gourmet cooking hawaii which offers cooking classes with notable island chefs. classes are scheduled a few times a year and the price of admission ($125 to $185 depending on the restaurant) gives you access into the islands' hottest kitchens where you have a chance to learn a trick or two from the chef and his staff.

participating chefs willing to reveal a few of their culinary secrets to the public include george mavrothalassitis of chef mavro and rodney uyehara of the recently shuttered bistro at century center. classes are limited in size (15 for chef mavro & 25 for chef uyehara) to allow for more personalized instruction and each three hour class ends with a well deserved food & wine tasting. and you won't leave empty handed since students also score a goody bag filled with gourmet treats made in the islands plus recipes to continue their culinary journey at home.

gch also organizes private cooking demonstrations with celebrity chefs like sam choy & roy yamaguchi which would certainly add the wow factor to a corporate event or private affair.