Happy Mannequin Hunting

It's often tricky finding the perfect sized mannequin. Whether you're branding your fashion business with a set of cool looking mannequins for your storefront display, or whether you need to find the right torso that is standardized for draping fabric for a dress you want to make, it takes some hunting.
For fashion students, mannequins are usually purchased through school and available in size 10 (Oz sizing) or 2-4 (US). They are designed perfectly for making a standard size dress.
The short of it is...finding the right bod (depending on your needs) takes just as much time as finding that perfect holiday party dress.

Find that Bod!

Escalator For Thought

What's silver, stair-like and runs on electricity?
Now, study this photo. What's the first thing that comes to mind? Maybe, where was this shot? Or, "it's just escalators." Perhaps you observe that silver is most prominent in this photo. Whatever it is, train your brain to study imagery. In design school, one thing I appreciate having learned was really studying images: the lines, shapes, color and perspective created. And often in fashion, we would be trained to be inspired by a photo, an object and the details within that photo that may not be obvious to an untrained eye.

Sure, it's just an escalator, but to a designer, it's the beginnings of a look or even an entire collection -- the lines may inspire a pinstripe or abstract line print, the tunneled perspective may inspire a trapeze silhouette and then color may complete the look.

Miss Haleiwa

This past weekend was the annual Haleiwa Arts Festival. I love to find any excuse to escape to the North Shore, especially when I get to see local designers like, Kismet's Creations (handmade sterling ocean-inspired jewelry, plus they hammered my one silver ring I wear daily!) and Emily Catey (very cool, unexpected Island photography) showcase their latest stuff. Here, another familiar name among hip local designers is the pretty Miss Noelani Love. She poses with her beachy inspired and semi-precious stone jewelry line Noelani Designs.

TT: What's the latest happening with your jewelry line?
NL: I'm now available on the East Coast and I host Friday showings at my studio when I have new inventory.

Check out www.noelanidesigns.com

ki-ele trunkshow

This Sat., July 11, check out my jewelry, 'ki-ele.' I'll be launching my Fall 2009 collection focused on coral. Here, two layered sterling silver necklaces, one with coral the other a found shell. Prices $29-$32 (steal people!). Trunkshow will be at the new Shasa Emporium location (opp. Nine West), Kahala Mall during their sidewalk sale from noon-5 p.m. Stop in and say hi! xox. Photo modeled by Thalia Ng and shot by the talented, Mike Keany.

Shop and Snap

This weekend I was shopping at Ala Moana Center. And when I'm shopping, I usually focus on just that. Though, now with this blog, if I see you in cool threads, I'll probably stop you for a quick snap. See Miss 'Micah' below...

NORDSTROM GAL - Sales associate and L.A. native, Michaline Hernandez was spotted in the Nordstrom designer women's floor looking boho chic. Dress, Theory; sandals, Pikolinos, belt, Neiman Marcus; earrings, Rebecca Collins; other jewelry, David Yurman and head scarf, from Africa.

TT: Dream job?
MH: Fashion editing or to get into event production.

Red Heads

I came across this fiery Red Ginger floral arrangement in front of Chai's Bistro, Aloha Tower Marketplace - very striking!

Bollywood, Here I Come!

I went to a Bollywood party tonight...loads of Aussies (including myself), Indian cricketers and spicy food (I barely ate, since I can't even tolerate mildly-spicy foods). The night was fun with some cute stylistas in check.
Laura Moa who is a Skills Trainer in Hawaii Behavioral Health had to be snapped up in her adorable, yet simply styled ensemble. Jeans, PacSun; belt, Lucky Brand; ruffle tank and cropped vest, Forever 21; silver bracelets, Tiffany & Co.; peacock feather earrings, Aldo and watch, Target.
Pakistani native (recently moved to Hawaii) Fahreen Sayed was dressed in not your expected designer labels, but she definitely looked fabulous in her culture's traditional dress called the "Shalwar Kameez" and "Dupatta" - a three-paneled ensemble. The dupatta is the shawl-like fabric that drapes vertically down the body - so fascinating!