spring blossoms at manuheali'i

ka'ili li'i + monstera kaimana

there are so many new styles for spring at manuheali'i that a mini virtual fashion show seems to be in order. the lovely ka'ili li'i dress defines versatility with its ability to convert to three different bodice styles, a length which allows it to double as a tunic, and hidden handy dandy pockets.

and it's hard to resist the fresh spring colors on the updated monstera kaimana dress which is too pretty for words.

the first thing that came to mind upon spotting the kat top was, of course, fellow island blogger kat of our adventures in japan. unless design is your trade, it's not often you have a chance to fill your closet with your very own eponymous top which can also be had in a fabulous mix of manuheali'i patterns.

kukui li'i + kukui nui kat

meleana bag

my bet is owners of manuheali'i's new meleana bag (not sure if there is a connection to handbag designer meleana blaich) will get stopped on the street by passersby who cannot help but notice its eye catching graphics. sturdy canvas fabric is emblazoned with traditional hawaiian designs like 'ulu and 'awapuhi while raffia details echo the natural world.

shop manuheali'i online or stop by their boutiques in kailua and punahou to take a peek at the full collection.

see you later decorator

well, only if your willpower is strong enough to resist the temptation of pacific home's annual custom order sale. the clock is ticking if freshening your home's upholstery, casegoods, lighting, floor coverings &/or accessories (to your exact specifications, natch) is on your 2007 agenda.

details:

• deal: 20% off all special orders
• expires: sun, may 13th (aka mother's day)
• map it!

it's a good day for a white wedding

countless brides and the men who love them have planned their big day with the help of manoa's wedding café and now you can take a peek behind the scenes with white which takes a unique spin on the traditional and typically dull vendor directory.

white's m.o. is simple - playful profiles and back stories of the shutterbugs, paper purveyors, favor makers, pastry pushers and generalissmos who make it all happen mixed with a generous dash of insider tips to help you find THE dream maker who gets your vision (which, from my own unwedding experience, increases your odds of the day's details being executed the way you imagined).

complimentary copies are yours for the taking at the shop or you can stop by borders, b+n or bestsellers in the islands (bring $9 to avoid an unpleasant encounter with security). the directory can also be accessed online but you will have to download .pdf files page by page for the convenience of going paperless.

{update | jan 2010: the wedding café has relocated to ward warehouse}

on the good ship lollipop

kate halter + paige ribbon tie

it appears that cupcake, the keiki boutique at ward center, also has its very own adorable children's line called jolie + jane. the label is billed as a little girl clothier and the charming designs are just right for parents who prefer their little ones to dress like children instead of mini-celebutantes.

mon petite chaton lap tee

j+j's spring/summer 2007 collection is composed of restrained ruffles, darling trims, pretty patterns, and even handy pockets to stash candy or other contraband best hidden from grown-ups. a few designs are currently on sale at cupcake's website and you will be able to see even more at the spring trunk show scheduled at the shop on apr 28th.

{update | jan 2010: cupcake has relocated across the way to ward warehouse}

beach blanket bingo

pretty beach mats!

after spending a day wandering around honolulu furniture stores with my aunty, i can honestly say that pacific home is, hands down, my favorite design shop in hawaii. they are always mixing it up and bringing in new accessories that are really hard to find in the islands (actually it's difficult to find a brick and mortar store stocked with modern beach style like ph even here in so/cal).

there is always something cool happening like the recent meet and greet with rug designer emma gardner, the staff is friendly (hi tara!), and i am happy to report they don't shadow you around the store waiting to pounce which occurred in almost every other shop we visited that day (is it just me or does anyone else find that trying to shake a persistent sales clerk off their tail distracts from the task at hand).

oh, and they adore design*sponge too!

anyhoo, i had a difficult time resisting these oh so pretty beach mats imported into the states by one of the contestants from the amazing race, but since my willpower won out in the end now i have a good reason to stop by the next time i'm home.