new peeks: fighting eel spring 2012

bora bora * moorea * poipu

ahoy mateys! stripes continue to woo closets of all sizes and fighting eel's spring 2012 collection is filled with the prettiest nods to this delightful nautical trend. demure ruffles, girly racerbacks, and the oh-so-stylish cutaway hem (just a few of the variations on offer this season) combine with cheery colors to make a convincing argument that stripes are the new style staple.

if the mere thought of welcoming stripes aboard your look makes you shudder, do consider that modern day interpretations offer thoughtful placements designed to highlight your favorite features.

oh, and many of fe's gorgeous spring styles can also be yours in solids for those not quite ready to commit to stripes just yet.

shop spring 2012 online + in-store. (have a peek and share which spring look made your wishlist!)

p.s. windward lovelies no longer need to cross the pali and can now shop at fe's recently opened kailua outpost. the bright and airy space (just a few doors down from lily lotus and the soon-to-open whole foods) is filled with pretties from fe and a handful of local & faraway labels along with a tiny nook devoted to keiki cuteness.

'oiwi ocean gear: friends & family sale

i was about to wait until week's end to share 'oiwi ocean gear's f&f sale then realized faraway friends would miss out on having your order delivered for free!

we can't have that now, can we?

'oiwi's modern spin on ocean inspired designs continues to make me smile (my mister's pueo tee from years ago is still in constant rotation . . . hooray!) so i suspect the only trouble you will encounter finding something to wear or share is narrowing down your wishlist. will it be the simple beauty of the hoe hawai'i paddles or the most melodic swells wooing you this year?

anyhoo, whether you are part of the 'oiwi 'ohana or just know the right girl, everything is now 20% off at the kailua flagship and in the online shop (secret code: earlybird)!

sale details after the jump!

Click to read more ...

island crush: tree hugger sparkle

the first day of fall has officially arrived which is happy news if you happen to be a scorpio who adores cozy cardigans, endless mugs of hot chocolate, and the technicolor show starring the changing of the leaves (if only from afar).

which makes me just a little sweet for the tree hugger design by lily lotus. i especially love the tiny heart hidden amongst the sparkle.

a lovely reminder to set aside a moment to find your balance as we settle into autumn.

$54 online + in-store.

boutique week: kai

boutique week is wrapping up and i hope you have discovered a few new brick and mortar gems so far! today, we have been invited to enjoy a sneak preview of kai which officially opens its doors in lovely kailua town this weekend. the vibe is all about effortless yet chic island style with an edited offering of jersey separates, flirty resortwear, and handcrafted jewelry from local designers to complete the look. 

the shelves are also stocked with eco-friendly beauty goods to perfect your tropical glow and gorgeous whimsy from the roost design collective to outfit your home.

if you shudder at the thought of shopping for a new outfit or are short on time, the additional services offered in-store will be much appreciated. shop proprietors bev binney and shannon schubert are happy to pull looks just for you and offer styling advice so your shopping bag is only filled with purchases you absolutely adore.

in addition to local finds from alora ambiance, hinu jewelry, [ki-ele] and letarte, kai offers designs from bhati beads, coolchange resortwear, poupette jewelry, rachel pally, and t los angeles plus beauty treats from coola sunscreen, glo minerals & pure fiji.

say hello to the kai 'ohana during saturday's grand opening and enjoy 10% off storewide along with pupus, wine and dj spins while you shop.

• where: 776 kailua road, kailua (above kimo's surf hut)
• grand opening: sat, aug 14th - 6p to 9p
• shop hours: mon to sat, 11a to 5p

 p.s. more peeks can be found over on kai's facebook.

{update | may 2011: kai has shuttered its kailua road location with plans to re-open nearby later this summer.}

{update | sep 2011: the new location has opened its doors and kai can now be found at 319 hahani plaza}

new peeks: mu'umu'u heaven

bean bag & bear

by now i should know that posting during a visit home is like a magic 8-ball prediction - very doubtful. between bouncing between two families, a wedding, playing tour guide with out-of-town pals, and island hopping (aloha conn & john!), the days this time around flew by in a snap with half my to do list remaining untouched.

i did manage to take a peek inside mu'umu'u heaven's expanded space which now includes a home section filled with charming eco-friendly goods. two of mu'umu'u heaven's newest additions to catch my eye were the cheery bean bags ($80; cover only) and bird mobiles crafted from scraps of fabric left over from the production process of transforming no longer loved mu'umu'us into the reinvented styles stocked across the way in the boutique.

the mister and i also couldn't help stopping to admire a piece made by honolulu designer mark chai who upcycled a 55 gallon plastic barrel into a comfy lounge chair ($1500). and, the shop walls are currently filled with heather brown prints and other goodies including the brand new organic green with aloha totes which had just hit the shop floor the day of my visit.

more peeks below . . .

delightful birdie mobile

barrel chair by mark chai

alas, none of these pieces are available in the online shop so you will have to hele over to mu'umu'u heaven's kailua outpost which also happens to employ some of the nicest shopgirls on the island:

• where: 767 kailua road, kailua
• shop hours: mon to sat, 10a to 6p & sun, 11a to 4p