toasty goodness

one of the up & coming lines stocked at the candy shop is toast, the multi-talented team of michelle kaneko & jeremy shoda who ditched their architecture careers to launch an event planning biz and design studio.

toast's online shop recently opened and it is stocked with lots of fun stuff like cheeky paper goods and irreverent toys sure to delight your inner child. i am loving their . . . and counting note card which marks the big day (birthday/anniversary/ what have you) by its magic number.

toast has their own line of handmade stuff'd monkees and also carries string dolls, crafty curiosities created by architecture students in thailand made with just ONE piece of string! can't you just picture them hanging from the bag of a hipster visitor from japan? 

the next time you are stumped for a favor that will make a statement at that very important bash, remember these custom soda snacks filled with sweet & savory treats which are a playful alternative that will instantly tell your guests that this is no ordinary party.

and when you need an extra hand planning all the details, the toast team will put their architecture background to good use and tackle all the layers required to create a delightful wedding, baby shower, birthday, office party & anything else worth celebrating.

click here to learn more about what makes the toast team tick.

akane pret-a-porter collection

just a quick update to let those of you who have been coveting akane's super cute bloomers that you can now snap up a pair on ebay since the candy shop is teaming up with its sister company, wst4u, to sell akane goodies online.

in a unique twist, akane designer zana tsutakawa is also posting photos of her new prêt-à-porter collection based on where each style is stocked (click on the store name to see photos). in addition to the candy shop, akane's spring line is available at 808 skate, hic & ma honolulu.

by the way, if you haven't heard of the candy shop then get yourself down to their kaka'ako store which is stocked with diy fashion from the islands and around the world. i didn't have a chance to squeeze in a visit last month but it sounds like an ingenious & much needed collaboration to give emerging designers a space where a wider audience can discover them. and no worries if you are not on oahu since the candy shop's ebay store will offer the latest indie finds from time to time.

learn more about the candy shop and its mission to bring indie design to the islands here and here.

blue plate special

here's another fun island inspired find far from the islands. new york's fishs eddy specializes in american sturdyware and has a playful hula collection which will definitely add some whimsy to your dinner table.

and though you may not be familiar with the term sturdyware, you have surely enjoyed many a meal on it since diners and restaurants across the country dish up food on its durable surface. the hula line includes everything from mugs & glassware to plates & serving trays so you have the option of stocking up on your favorite pieces or jazzing up your kitchen cabinets with the entire set.   

snail mail spark

online bill pay has saved me countless stamps, paper checks and trips to the post office, however, despite my attempts to be a better pen pal, i don't think i can justify the expense of these lovely island inspired address labels from iomoi. i guess i will have to be content to admire them from afar . . .

anje designs

triple circle necklace + mother of pearl cluster earrings

more pretty little things to show and tell! this time around it is all about jewelry line anje designs which was recently featured in the honolulu advertiser. the collection from kailua-based jewelry designer jessica crabtree is filled with a lovely mix of pieces which have an earthy yet worldly vibe.

jessica works with a variety of materials and one of her talents is hand forging sterling silver into eye catching organic shapes. many pieces shine with findings acquired around the world by her jet setting husband who hits the international markets to select the most alluring treasures to bring back to jessica's work table.

custom work is also available in case you need something just right to match the perfect wedding/prom/party dress. or invite your pals to your pad for a girl's night in with a home show (locations: hawaii & california) where everyone can admire the goods in person and perhaps earn yourself a little anje bling.

anje designs is stocked at global village in kailua and at select retailers on the mainland.