new peeks: umee resort 2010

ruffled wrap * tailored sarong

chances are you have caught a glimpse of umee's recently launched resort collection lingering amongst my wonderful advertisers wooing you in the sidebar. or, perhaps you happened across the classic hawaiian shirtdress when it debuted earlier this year which was the first hint that designer deena white tearney was planning to branch out from the label's bridal beginnings (remember the little black mu'umu'u featured last year?).

island lovelies yearning for effortless everyday style will be pleased while browsing through the new lineup which is filled with sophisticated separates and charming dresses designed to go anywhere. with an eye on keeping it pretty but practical, deena seems determined to offer kama'aina the chance to dress up like the ladies from her home state of texas but with a minimum of fuss.

hints of island life have been translated into contemporary polynesian prints, tailoring traditional pacific silhouettes, and offering natural fabrications like cotton and silk to keep you cool when the humidity attempts to oppress your style.

classic hawaiian shirtdress

island dress

polynesian shorts

happily, deena is also dedicated to producing all of umee's apparel in hawaii. hooray for keeping it local!

the price tags ranges from $39 to $160 but hele over to the online shop today to knock 25% off sitewide in honor of cyber monday (plus enjoy complimentary shipping on u.s. orders!). you can also find umee styles stocked at the kahala resort and the bridal boutique.

p.s. other one day sales include 25% off catherine weitzman jewelry (secret code: share) and 24% off at maui thing (secret code: monday; expires 12a hst).

aloha friday scoop

alliway is sweetening its moving deal and bumping up the bargains to 40% off most in-store delights!

• when: now to tue, aug 31st
• where: ward warehouse, 1050 ala moana blvd, suite 1620
• shop hours: mon to sat, 10a to 8p & sun, 10a to 6p

one last sample sale at fighting eel hq before the big move with remaining styles priced between $20 to $50.

• when: now to sat, aug 21st - 10a to 5p
• where: 47 north hotel street, chinatown
• fyi: cash only

if your summer plans include updating your space, hele over to so'mace which is clearing out designs to make room for new arrivals. save up to 50% off floor models, art and accessories; 30% off cisco brothers seating and designer kaypee soh's pillow collection; and 20% off custom upholstery pieces.

• when: fri, aug 20th - 10a to 6p & sat, aug 21st - 10a to 3p
• where: 1115 young street

Click to read more ...

all about umee

oahu designer deena white may have only arrived in the islands a few years ago, but she knows all too well the dilemma of standing in front of the closet without a thing to wear for a tailor-made day in paradise.

last summer, the designer-to-be began drafting her style wish list of pieces that would complement her biz-y lifestyle, and in only a year's time the umee label (named after her japanese grandmother) went from a simple sketch to a stylish start-up.

the recently debuted capsule collection is comprised of classic silhouettes with just a hint of pleats, ruffles, and other feminine flourishes inspired by hawaii. pieces have been thoughtfully designed to transition from work to after hours fun with little fuss which is sure to be a happy find for readers who fancy a polished look for the office still pretty enough to go on a pau hana play date.

deena has even given the lbd an island makeover with the introduction of umee's little black muu muu (shown above) which i suspect will become both a style staple for homesick kama'aina and a favorite island holiday souvenir.

more peeks below . . .

ruffle strap + strapless dress

pearly plumeria + little black muu muu

since deena was once an island bride herself, a bridal collection is currently in the works with the possibility of made-to-order frocks on the drawing board to help brides-to-be coordinate the look of their wedding party.

and, in other news, keeping production local was a priority and i am happy to report that the entire umee lineup is made in hawaii!

currently, the online shop is the only click you need to know to add a little umee to your wardrobe (with free shipping on all orders at the moment), however you can be among the label's first patrons during this weekend's mom and you trunk show hosted by hifi:

• when: sat, may 9th - 2p to 4p
• where: the contemporary museum, café lawn
• fyi: enjoy a pre-sale tea for two at the café (reservations recommended)