new peeks: allison izu

kinky links * love it or leaf it

before the launch of her eponymous petite denim line, honolulu designer allison izu song constructed one of a kind tees during her reincarnation days. with a wink to the past, hawaii's favorite lady of denim recently added a few styles to top off your favorite pair of jeans ranging from the playfully abstract kinky links glamming up the standard tank to cheeky offerings designed especially for readers who embrace their petite-ness.

speaking of denim, spring and fall 2009 silhouettes (designed for frames 5'6" and under) can still be scooped up and will have to tide you over until the next collection debuts in spring 2011. and, if you need more convincing, fall 09 has been reduced to $59 while earlier seasons can be yours for $49. plus, with two inseams to choose from (27-inch and 31-inch), you'll save cash &/or time on hemming to your exact specifications.

your best shopping bet is the online shop where the new tops are priced between $19 and $29. plus, june orders that tally up to $99 will also receive an ai logo tank (while supplies last & pending no returns), and hawaii and mainland orders over $100 receive complimentary shipping!

do you have a pair of allison izu denim hanging in your closet?

roberta oaks spring/summer 2010

millie

my cousin's wedding invite just arrived in the mail which means it's time to start the official hunt for the perfect party dress for her summer i do's. preferably not too short, not too long, not too fussy for a morning ceremony yet not too casual for an evening reception, and - here's the kicker - sustainably made with a reasonable price tag.

sigh.

until then, i am content to browse the interweb and wistfully gaze at all the lovely frocks that do not quite fit my stringent list of requirements. one recent discovery are the new styles featured in oahu designer roberta oaks's spring/summer 2010 collection. the fabulously flirty millie is hard to resist with tiers of gorgeous ruffles rocking mini polka dots while the katherine maxi brings back bold florals in a modern mu'umu'u channeling little house on the prairie with a few artfully placed contrasting inserts.

katherine

birdie

also in the mix: updated colorways of customer favorites like the quaint and skipper along with a new jewelry line constructed of vintage car insignias upcycled into "grease monkey glam".

all of the featured looks are currently stocked in the online shop or click over to the website to locate your neighborhood stockist. and, oahu readers are invited to stop in and say hello when the doors are open at roberta's chinatown studio:

• where: 19 north pauahi street, chinatown
• shop hours: thu & fri, 11a to 6p

have you discovered a new favorite dress for summertime?

new peeks: meleana peapod

fans of meleana's gorgeous handbags will be delighted to know that the online shop has been freshly stocked with an updated selection of the peapod design. one look at the latest offerings and you must agree the happy peapod is the antidote to a long winter . . . especially for all the friends just shaking off cozy sweaters and celebrating the arrival of sunny season and the chance to wear all those pretty summer frocks waiting in the closet.

the bright tropical colorways and cheery florals are available in limited quantities in a mix of vintage and new fabric.

click over to the online shop to take a peek at the current inventory of patterns.

photo.phile: wag and snap photography

hawaii pet lovers now have an adorable photo service catering to their four-legged friends. wag and snap officially launched its website last week (designed by h|h friend kat uno) with a gallery filled with playful modern pet portraits taken on-location by manoa photographer steve czerniak.

get ready to ooh and aah at sweet images of pets frolicking outdoors, being pampered by their parents, or playing hide and seek from the camera.

darwin

moki

honey

kiwi

{photo.phile notes}

what inspired you to pick up a camera and start clicking?
everyday life inspires me. you just have to be more aware of your surroundings to see the interesting details.

photography muses that spark your imagination?
love these photographers: matt stuart, cow belly pet photography, serenah, shine pet photos, scruffy dog photography. there so many others that i'm inspired by.

favorite island moment caught on "film"?
my boys on kailua beach.

any simple tricks to share on how to capture a charming pet photograph?
get down on their level. and please turn off that flash. creepy green eyes does not make a cute photo.

which camera stays close by for everyday shooting?
my leica d-lux 4. oh, and my iphone.

pay it forward with the best photography advice shared with you:
be patient. the best shots come when not forced. oh, and never stop shooting.

local delights that are a must in your beach picnic basket?
fresh mango, papaya and mauna loa honey roasted macadamia nuts.

mahalo steve!

toying with the portrait possibilities for your favorite paws? wag and snap is currently offering an introductory package on bookings made through august. 

p.s. click over to the w+s blog for behind-the-scene stories from recent commissions.

etsy scout: ccdoodle

today's etsy find has been hiding in my favorites for quite some time and a peek of the latest designs from ccdoodle were just too lovely not to share with the h|h 'ohana. the indie line first caught the attention of fans for its handmade screenprints based on honolulu designer christy chung's fancifully romantic and artfully abstract sketches applied on everyday basics.

simple silhouettes from alternative apparel and american apparel become lightly refashioned with sweet screenprinted kisses of flowers, birdies and butterflies, and assorted whimsy plus the occasional handsewn embellishment. the mostly o.o.a.k. looks (one-of-a-kind in etsyspeak) mingle with vintage flair by way of budget-friendly obi belts sewn from upcycled fabric discovered at local thrift shops. simply tie one on and, voilà!, a lovely way to whittle your waist and add a pop of prettiness to your outfit. 

rounding out ccdoodle's current collection are screenprinted onesies for little ones and dreamy pillowcases which add a hint of indie charm to tired bedding. and, all of ccdoodle's printed designs are made with water-based inks which is happy news if you prefer to avoid the sticky feel of traditional screenprints.

sweet dreams

am i the only one besotted with the juxtaposition of botanical prints layered on stripey backdrops in all its girly loveliness?

custom orders are always welcome and are typically ready within a week. brides-to-be stumped on that oft-repeated wedding day custom may want to consider ordering a vintage obi which would allow you to check off either something old or something blue.

oahu readers can find ccdoodle at split obsession and ai designs in kaimuki or simply click over to the etsy shop which is in the midst of a buy one, get one half off sale in the obi department:

• expires: sun, jun 27th
• fyi: convo christy prior to checkout to reserve sale obis and receive an revised invoice