a charmed life

rainbows over hilo * kopa'a * ehiku

as the newly coined recessionista badge finds more and more converts, pinched budgets high on style but low on funds will appreciate the tempting price tags ($13 to $150) of kahili creations. on a lark, marcia asuncion richhiuti turned what had been a sideline making jewelry for friends into a shop on etsy last year with hopes that the extra income would help pay the family's grocery tab.

the designs proved to be so popular that kahili creations soon found a devoted following of etsians and was featured earlier this summer on the storque's quit your day job series filled with lots of good advice for aspiring indie biz owners. marcia's sharp eye for color and shape (the big island jewelry designer refined her design chops at fidm before moving to hawaii from los angeles to enjoy a quieter lifestyle with her growing 'ohana) allow the gemstones to twinkle center stage with a minimum of fuss.

more peeks below . . .

kula * ka la, ka mahina * okupukupu

ipu hula * ulu hoku * makau

findings range from tourmalines and sapphires to lampworked beads and thai charms which make appearances throughout kahili's handcrafted collection and, depending on the mood, are often accompanied by gold filled vermeil or sterling silver.

adornment options abound and i suspect even the color shy will swoon for the aptly named rainbows over hilo, gorgeous technicolor tourmaline drops which would make a fabulous style souvenir to remind visitors (and kama'aina) of just why hawaii is known as the rainbow state.

coveting a pretty purchase to call your own? click over to the etsy shop or find your way to kahili creations' just opened big cartel storefront.

new peeks: wings hawaii

miter shell dress * ocean bandeau * mermaid skirt

if you stopped by the fashionista's market fresh shopping fair last weekend, you scored one of the first peeks of the new collection offered by the lovely ladies of wings hawaii. this time around wings is expanding their repertoire with made to order dresses cut from a stunning new offering of island inspired fabrics that have been block printed and dip dyed by hand in their maui studio.

the result is simply dreamy with tiny seashells receiving a delightfully graphic translation to create looks any modern day mermaid would swoon over. as a girl who counts lotta jansdotter and orla kiely among my favorite textile designers, i am seriously crushing on the maui made designs which add a whimsical indie spirit to the standard issue beach dress.

more peeks below . . .

water dress & skirt

aloha classic

aloha skirt * bandeau sun dress * miter girl

bangles * cowrie black diamond * pueo angel wing * full circle

the jewelry collection's handcrafted luster continues to impress with its mix of hammered metals, semi-precious gemstones, and delicate findings that have washed ashore after a journey through the pacific.

and, happy news for readers, the wings 'ohana is offering you a sweet summer surprise with 25% off your entire purchase plus a complimentary lucky wish necklace!

• secret code: hapahale
• expires: sun, jul 5th

the deal is valid in both the online shop and the wings flagship boutique on maui (simply whisper at checkout):

• where: 375 west kuiaha road, haiku
• shop hours: mon to fri, 9a to 4p & sat/sun, 9a to 1p

{mahalo sam!}

{update | feb 2011: wings moved its flagship shop to lovely little paia town last year and can now be found at 71 baldwin avenue}

and the winner is . . .

natalie from new jersey who got her wish for maui dive girl's pearl of aloha spirit necklace!

lisa from maui dive girl sent along a sweet consolation prize for the 99.99% of the h|h 'ohana who were not chosen - scoop up your favorite design(s) during the month of june and lisa will include a complimentary clover aloha wish necklace (retail: $12) with your order.

click over to maui dive girl's etsy shop to take a peek at all the latest designs and follow the directions below at checkout:

• secret code: hapa hale (enter in notes to seller)
• expires: tue, jun 30th

congratulations, natalie!

{mahalo lisa for sharing more of your lovely designs!}

a peek inside lilikoi cottage

gypsy rapture

today's etsy find is the sweetly named lilikoi cottage which is filled with the handmade collection of shabby chic adornment created by honolulu jewelry designer stacy suzuki. the photos alone are worth the peek which recreate the feeling of scavenging about the dressing table of a lady who fancies herself a new romantic meets modern victorian bohemian (for some reason helena bonham carter comes to mind).

vintage findings from glass flowers to chandelier crystals mix with a rainbow of eclectic tidbits (and the occasional hand sewn rosette) to be reborn into new designs that hint of a love of jane austen novels, watching clouds dance across the sky, and an eternally sunny disposition.

more peeks below . . .

le petite parisian posies

geisha girl

pieces are typically one of a kind or of the limited persuasion so if something you love has already found a home just remember custom orders are always welcome.

and, brides-to-be seeking the perfect complement for their white wedding will want to click over to blue lovebirds, stacy's etsy shop devoted to bridal loveliness.

p.s. stacy also keeps a blog filled with little vignettes of her jewelry making assignments, everyday adventures, and glimpses of her shabby chic cottage.

maui dive girl giveaway

jewelry designer lisa lappe from maui dive girl has returned with another sweet giveaway for h|h readers! this time around lisa is offering one lucky reader the chance to take her pick from the pearl of aloha necklace collection (retail: $15) which promises the possibility of an extra boost of choices, magic, spirit or strength to your life.

here's the scoop on how to enter:

• email your name & current hometown to: aloha [at] hapahale [dot] com by thu, jun 18th
• please put maui dive girl giveaway in the subject
• one entry per person/household
• fyi: remember to note the style you heart

click back on friday to find out if you are the lucky winner.

{update: winner list posted}