shop toast spring goodness

happy children's day!

i finally stopped by toast's studio in kaimuki while home which, in addition to being stocked with a complete selection of design delights, is a brilliant lesson in how to display wares in what may be the tiniest storefront square footage on the island. my little visit was filled with happy chatter about upcoming releases which have just begun to pop up in my in-box.

first up, toast adds a new screenprinted fabric wrap to their offerings strategically twisted into cheery koi ($6) which unbundle to reveal yummy tomoe ame rice candy. the design riffs on the abundant koi banners flying above island homes in celebration of boy's day and the all-enclusive children's day (may 5th - mark your calendar!). alas, due to small parts these are meant for older keiki (ages eight and up) so best to keep away from little hands.

woodland creatures were originally introduced last summer and have returned with a technicolor edition ($5) which are quite possibly even more charming. and, for those who want to sweeten up surprises, get ready to be charmed by the brand new cheerful gift crates ($45 medium & $75 large) meant to be personalized with happy or sorry emoticons, a custom message, and stocked with an assortment of mini pops.

please note gift crates have a minimum five day order turnaround and mini pop fillings may vary depending on availability.

all of the new designs can be ordered in toast's online shop or pop into the kaimuki studio to stock up and say hello to jeremy and michelle!

• where: 3434 waialae avenue, suite 3, kaimuki
• shop hours: m / w / f / sat - 12p to 6p

beach peek: kikidoll

last fall, i happened across the kikidoll website which instantly intrigued me with a single photo (see below). soon after, a chat with designer kimberly "kiki" farmer uncovered that the new swimwear line would be officially launching in the new year so i patiently waited to post a show & tell until the full lineup was available for your enjoyment.

if you have been yearning for a sweet bikini for summertime, you will be delighted to discover kikidoll which offers beachwear infused with a palette of tropical pastels and darling patterns mixed with au natural trimmings (think mother of pearl, bamboo, and coconut shell).

a childhood spent splashing in the waters off waikiki combined with a lifelong love of vintage hawaiiana were the inspiration for kikidoll (a wink to the designer's keiki nickname). despite a family move to the mainland, kiki, who currently calls florida home, found herself reminiscing about the islands by sketching the very designs that would later become the gorgeous textiles featured in the debut collection.

every single style has been tested by kiki who assures me that, even in all their loveliness, her bikinis are designed for swimming and surfing in addition to sunning. pretty and functional - yay!

aqua shell balconette bikini & beachskirt

orchid bamboo beachskirt * mai tai bamboo bandeau

aloha kikidoll!

the original kikidoll sneak peek (above) - am i the only one swooning for this turquoise seashell sofa which is beach bungalow perfection? i think we may need to petition kiki to begin offering a textile line so that we can decorate our nests with her charming, ocean-inspired designs.

back on the beach, the luxury lineup features four-way stretch lycra, a hawaiian fit (described as an alternative to skimpier brazilian cuts), and are fully lined to avoid any peekaboo moments. and, happily, all the swimwear is made in the usa.

kikidoll's 2010 collection can now be scooped up in the online shop.

p.s. tying the knot? custom bikinis in bridal white and something blue can be ordered by brides planning an island honeymoon.

aloha friday scoop

enjoy free admission to the academy of arts during bank of hawaii family sunday. celebrate the academy's 83rd birthday with a tea party complete with screenings of disney classic alice in wonderland, mini golf inspired by the famous rabbit hole, tea painting demonstrations, cupcakes & ice cream, music, and lots of arty fun!

• when: sun, apr 18th - 11a to 5p
• where: 900 south beretania street

baby aWEARness and hot mama maternity host keiki earth day with bucket gardening tutorials, a keiki hula class, coloring contests, healthy snack creations, and stenciling with local designer sierra dew (byo bags & tees).

• when: sat, apr 17th - 11a to 3p
• where: manoa marketplace, 2752 woodlawn drive

to celebrate earth day & next weekend's kokua festival, lily lotus invites you to stop by the shop to fill out a kokua commitment card and will reward you with 10% off your entire purchase!

• when: now to thu, apr 22nd
• where: 1127 12th avenue, kaimuki
• shop hours: mon to sun, 10a to 5p
• fyi: one discount per customer

Click to read more ...

introducing sugar fresh

the counting peacock * mister numbers

hopefully, you are all pau with the tax man and have a moment to enjoy today's etsy find - sugar fresh from the big island! one peek at the cheery prints is sure to tickle the imagination of keiki and grown-ups with the line's fresh and delightful designs. basics like the alphabet and counting numbers earn a gold star for their simply charming take on learning posters and are just a few of sugar fresh's happy offerings.

lindsay, sugar fresh's creator, moved to hilo with her husband a few years ago and dusted off her graphic design chops when she decided to stay home with her baby daughter. when decorating the nursery walls proved to be a challenge, she began designing artwork that would both brighten the walls and grow along with keiki.

anyone else think the all a flutter print (shown below) with its cascade of sweet butterflies would be just as suitable on grown-up walls?

all a flutter * now i know my abc's

sugar fresh just recently opened up shop on etsy where you can find the debut collection of 8x10 acid-free giclée prints. and, if you are hoping to coordinate with your decor, a handful of designs can also be customized in size and color.

p.s. find out what inspires lindsay over on the official sugar fresh blog.

sierra dew spring 2010

kalo hippie mini * ginger leggings

after cruising around funky paia town while visiting maui last month, capturing the essence of the bustling beachside neighborhood has eluded me since my trip. and then it hit me: paia is like a hawaii version of venice (city of angels edition, natch) with its mix of cosmpolitan boutiques, indie eateries, and the occasional tourist trap squeezed along the rambling walkways of the former plantation town turned soulful hippie hotspot.

it turns out that little paia is the hometown of designer sierra dew who traded life on the neighbor island for the chance to explore the world of fiber arts at uh manoa. after a few years in honolulu, she opted to continue her design education in italy and nyc before returning home to paia to establish her own label. now based in kaneohe, her small collection of contemporary wearables feature screenprinted looks on a modern assortment of readymade garments that have been finished with handmade details ranging from organic lace embellishments to recycled fabric belts.

the little activist in me also loves how a simple t-shirt occasionally becomes sierra's canvas to juxtapose provocative designs which shine the spotlight on issues like genetically modified food crops (an ongoing debate for the islands' agricultural lands) on an unexpectedly flirty silhouette.

happily, sierra is committed to offering eco-friendly goods and produces her designs on organic & sweatshop-free blanks, and made the transition to screenprinting from custom stencils only after sourcing non-toxic printing inks. and, to complete the look, sierra also crafts a collection of beachy bohemian sparkle featuring handpicked seashells mingling with metals and exotic feathers.

dragonfish trapeze w/ recycled fabric belt * bad corn tunic

cowrie shell diamond * egyptian amulet * stripe feather hoop

opihi ring & cuff * seaweed ring

i thought it would be fun to give readers a chance to get to know sierra in her own words, and she kindly agreed to take part in the debut of h|h's q&a:

{designer notes}

how has growing up in hawai'i influenced your design process?
it has made me realize that i don't want to be a part of the "rat race". growing up in hawai'i we are naturally more relaxed; i let my designs evolve and take me on a journey. growing up here has also given me a design purpose to protect the beauty of my birthplace which has lead to more of my political artwork.

what is your definition of good design?
perfect chaos and intentional meaning. i love an exciting mix of color, print, and details. i think it is very important to begin with a concept. with the fashion industry being so "disposable" i think it is important to convey meaning, provoke thought, and create energy with every new design.

little moments of bliss that recharge your soul?
dancing, picking shells, my dad's cooking.

local delights that are a must in your beach picnic basket?
when i'm back on maui i live at my parents store mana foods and at baldwin beach. i love the raw food peppermint patties and the gluten-free "lizzie" cookies.

daily soundtrack:
goapele, loreena mckennit, matisyahu, nellie mckay, orishas, manu chau

pay it forward with a few words of wisdom . . .
remember to be young in your heart and to get out of your comfort zone!

mahalo sierra!

styles from spring 2010 are starting to find their way into the online shop as well as local stockists (fyi shop owners: sierra is currently on the lookout for new boutiques). custom design inquiries are also welcome.

this weekend brings your next chance to meet sierra who will be stenciling tees & bags during keiki earth day at baby aWEARness (which will also be stocking sd styles in their kokua festival booth next weekend).

• when: sat, apr 17th - 11a to 3p
• where: baby aWEARness, manoa marketplace

take a peek at the collection and remember to report back with your favorite designs!