Thalia's Things

Happy Mannequin Hunting

2009-08-15T01:41:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-25T02:56:00.001-07:00

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

2009-07-19T23:21:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-10T02:56:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-28T19:24:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-16T03:53:00.000-07:00

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

Bollywood, Here I Come!

2009-06-07T04:08:00.000-07:00

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!

Rocker Girl

2009-06-07T03:58:00.001-07:00

SHADES OF GREY - Hurley sales gal and electric guitarist for local indie group, "She Candevour" (check 'em out at Indigo's), Tiffany Wan contrasted against a backdrop of surfer girl bright dresses at Ward Center. From head to toe, paper boy hat, Ben Sherman; T-shirt, Urban Outfitters; belt, American Eagle Outiftters; jeans, Billabong; leather wristband from China; rings, Bico Australia and boots, Geox.

TT: What do your tattoos symbolize?
TW: Tibetan symbol of enlightenment; book cover art by Brandon Boyd and Mongolian sanscript.
TT: Did it hurt to get your tattoos? (Stupid question, I know, but ya never know a victim's response) -
TW: Quite (laughs).

MisFortune - Take Two

2009-06-07T03:35:00.000-07:00

Thursday night saw the Grand Opening celebration of MisFortune boutique at Ward Centre, under the new ownership of Steven and wife, Izumi Nasvadi (lovely couple). There was quite a good turn out (in such a tight space), a mini fashion show by the Dung sisters and generous finger foods, including delicious desserts from La Palme D'or at Ala Moana Center.

Local Musician, Denby Dung (I got her confused with her sister, Dara - I bet I'm not the first though!) models MisFortune threads, Delicia dress, Gorjana earrings and Coach boots ("model's own").
Yorie Watanabe, part-time photographer and Account Executive for Aloha-Street, posed in a cute belted black and white dress plus sandals from Japan. The only brand I knew of was Nine West - i.e. her cute apple green bag.

Shigeki Higashi was the master man behind the baked goodies from La Palme D'or patisserie. Little did we know, this baker rocked his personal style outside of the kitchen. Here, "Shige's" shirts and jeans from Japan, but his hat, Pineapple County, Waikiki and shoes, Aldo.

Retro Newby

2009-05-31T03:51:00.000-07:00

There must be a plethora of talented designers in Oz that I've lost touch with, since I haven't been back for three or so years. I just stumbled across Queensland designer, Gail Sorronda's costume and retro designs. The 27 year old received the 2005 Mercedes-Benz start-up award and was invited to be part of Designers for Target Australia. Check out these provocative portraits from her latest collection, "Invasive Exotics..."
I love the powdery effect of this photo - just look at the ends of her headdress and the hemline of her skirt. Quite magical.
This T-shirt dress and the bold, ethnic-like necklace were the two elements that drew me to this photograph.
Though I don't think I would wear something like this to a funeral, I thought the overall head to toe proportions worked very well. And the flow of the polka-dotted tulle plus the the big contrast bow in front...so striking!

A Penchant for Flowers

2009-05-31T03:14:00.000-07:00

I've always been a sucker for flowers...I have used flowers in my textile prints and I just bought a hair clip (above) from Alliway, Ward Warehouse from her new collection by Hand Picked Flowers starting at $10.
One of my all-time favorite Australian designers, Alannah Hill has always used floral motifs through her collection. Even the sales girls walk around with big flowers pinned in their hair!
Alannah Hill floral clip (above).

Petal applique Asleep In The Bath blouse from Alannah Hill's A/W'09 collection. So pretty!

Mischa Barton for Stacey Lapidus silk rose headbands.

Merrily We Go Around!

2009-05-31T03:10:00.000-07:00

Melia and Kiele love this mini carousel at Jungle Fun, Ala Moana. How is it that carousels make such fond childhood memories?

If the Sandal Fits!

2009-05-31T01:21:00.000-07:00

This weekend I bumped into a few pretty faces at The Wedding Cafe at Ward Warehouse and at a trunk show featuring JTB, Bead It and Beijo bags at The Hapa Grill, Kapolei. What did all the girls have in common? Shoes, glorious shoes!

BABY GOT BLACK - JTB's right hand gal, Kara Matsunaga was seen looking cute in this tunic top (if you're petite like Kara, you can wear it as a dress!) by Mink; bugle beaded necklace, JTB; cool chain link bracelet by Maxi (you can also find Maxi jewelry at Spiral Girl Ala Moana); watch, Cartier and silver flat sandals, Style & Co., Macy's (I have these in faux snake-skin...very comfy and only $40!).

TT: Aside from helping Jessica, what else do you do?
KM: Freelance Graphic Designer

SHADES OF BLUE - TWC's gal, Alyssa Kong fashions top and necklace, American Eagle Outfitters; belt and bag, The Wedding Cafe; skirt, Delia's; watch, Fossil; beaded bracelet, 'mom;' patent sandals, Santee Alley L.A.

TT: What do you love about fashion?
AK: That you can express yourself

PINK LADY - Holly DeCarlo, freelance event planner, recently made the move to the Islands with her boyfriend all the way from Manhattan! Silk dress, Banana Republic; leather bag, Valentino; bracelet, Tiffany; belt, H&M and sandals, Kate Spade.

TT: What do you love about Hawaii?
HD: The weather, and I just took my first surfing lesson and loved it!

JTB @ Simply Grape

2009-05-23T15:19:00.000-07:00

You know, when I first saw initials JTB, I thought of the Japanese traveling bureau or whatever it stands for. Jessica's Traveling Boutique has been going strong for more than a year. Thursday night Jessica was at Simply Grape wine shop on Queen Street, downtown Honolulu. The night was a sophisticated affair and a good show of 20 and 30 something gals.

PINK PANTHER - Jessica O'Neill in a ballet stance wearing shades of black and pink. Cute silk and cotton blended top by Trinity; Dolce Vita ballet flats with buckle detail; diamond studs and pleated shorts...none other than, JTB! Love the asymmetrical haircut!!

TT: You're having another event this weekend at The Wedding Cafe, how will it be different than tonight's event?
JO: I'll have the some of the same cool stuff from tonight's show and bringing in more new items too!
TT: Hoping to make it..otherwise, I'll def try and make your trunkshow at the Hapa Grill next Sat., May 30th 9:30 am to 3:30 p.m., Kapolei.

OCEAN IN MOTION - Marine Biologist, Miss Annick Cros (my second French gal to be featured on TT) looked very smart-casz in her evening threads. Jersey dress, Banana Republic; slippers and beaded belt from Indonesia (where work often sends her to--lucky ducky); silver watch, CK; sunglasses Jones NY from Ross and the icing on the cake, layered beaded necklace, from Spain. I say...Globally inspired!

TT: All time favorite movie and why?
AC: "A Lot Like Love," starring Hugh Grant, because I love romantic films.

Surfer's Zen

2009-05-11T23:59:00.000-07:00

Last night, pro surfer Rochelle Ballard launched her DVD, 'Surf Into Yoga' at Bonzer Front cafe, Haleiwa. It was a definite country vibe with Ballard's friends all present, including John Cruz and Megan Abubo who were featured in the film. So, I spent my Mum's Day on the North Shore, snapping up the local scene with some surfers in tow...

Rochelle Ballard talks of the "highlight" of her yoga DVD with TT - "My highlight would have to be seeing the vision and dream come together and feeling it in my hands."

Cool posters on sale in the photo exhibit room at the Bonzer Front...

...and this one. I liked the touch of the lamp without a lamp shade...cool.

MS. GARCIA - Performing artist, Gina Jeanna De Garcia looks dolled up in elements of 50s glam. She wears, Betsey Johnson sunglasses (note, it's 8 p.m. at this time...but no one's stopping her look the part); clutch, thrift store; heeled sandals, "a gift;" silver garnet ring from India; dress, vintage and black body suit partially concealed under dress, Victoria Secret (opening soon to Ala Moana Center!!)

TT: Quote of the moment?
GJ: I choose to be a casa
"SURF FOAM" - Well, this is what I thought I heard "J.R." say, but I blamed the accents, while she blamed the 'noise level.' J.R. is actually a local artist wearing, dress and earrings, thrift store; Minnetonka shoes from Goodwill; jade necklace from China; sunglasses, Ray-Ban wayfarers.

TT: What brings you here?
JR: I make surf films [TT: Which is what I misunderstood as 'surf foam.']

Shore Things

2009-05-10T18:16:00.001-07:00

My two year old daughter, Melia got her hands on some of mommy's beachy finds and arranged this work of art all by herself. I loved how she arranged this without that mature mind of an artist (or maybe she does have a mature mind!?!!)...whichever you think, it was child's play with an artistic twist!

A Day At The Beach...

2009-05-10T18:08:00.000-07:00

PacificBasin Communications spent some time at Ala Moana Beach Park for their company picnic this past Friday. It was pot-luck with much left over. While some took to the water, others played ball...it was a good day all round. A couple dressed the necessary shorts and tees, while a few took beach wear to another level. Here's how...

ROMPER STOMPER - Hawaii Home and Remodeling Magazine's Editor, Sabra Morris went from work to beach in a romper from Split Obsession, slippers and sunnies from the Navy Exchange, chain necklace from the mainland and earrings from Mary Z's, Kailua.

TT: Why a romper?
SM: It's easy and comfortable to wear

ERIC BANA LOOK ALIKE - I always said to Mr. Jeff Alencastre, Pac Basin's Marketing Director that he reminded me of Aussie actor, Eric Bana who starred in the Hulk. Hunky hulky Jeff looked so cute in an Old Navy striped tank, Nordstrom hat, Green tote, leather slippers and black jeans.

TT: Favorite American Idol Top 3 contender?
JA: [No response, he needs time to get back to me on this one...perhaps not an Idol fan]

Toot Your Horn!

2009-05-07T01:42:00.000-07:00

Downtown, on the corner of Hotel and Bishop Streets, this elderly man was playing some tunes on his trumpet.

MR. HORN BLOWER - ...definitely drew my attention as I have never seen a coolly dressed black man, blowing a trumpet in downtown Honolulu before. It was a sight to capture and never forget. Kinda made me think, how important it is to stand out in life...and make some noise! Plus, though I've never been to New Orleans, I had images of this city...Bring on more cool-looking trumpet players please!

Ocean Sorts

2009-05-07T01:28:00.000-07:00

BLOODY ONO - My husband is a fisherman or I'd like to call him...a bit of a sea-freak! This wasn't his fish, but the pic was from a local fisherman's blog that he discovered. I loved the whole drama of the shot -- nice.
FROM THE BOAT - 15 mins and approaching Aloha Tower. A 9 a.m. view of Diamond Head and Waikiki during pristine weather - sparkly!

ON THE BOAT - Capturing a linear shot (i.e. there's a lot of different angled "lines" in this shot) of O'ahu's ferry system, before it's set to shut down July 1st.

Gotta Have Alliway

2009-05-02T12:04:00.000-07:00

Alliway @ Ward Warehouse is one of my favorite boutiques on the Island of O'ahu, because you can almost guarantee going home with jewelry or some cute bag for yourself or a present for a friend. Miss Alli Kim-Czerniak helped me get my jewelry line (ki-ele) off the ground. Here's a look at of one of Alli's monthly events, this month featuring a trunk show by local beach jewelry designer, Maya Heacock.

MAYA PAPAYA - Local jewelry designer/part-time farmer for Organic Agro Ecosystems on Kauai, Maya Heacock ("sounds like peacock, but with an 'h' ") presented at Alliway this past Thursday. It was Alli's April (last Thursday of the month), Gotta Have It Thursday and I was more than happy to snap a shot of Maya in her evening threads. Dress, Hinge (Nordstrom); slippers, Payless and beachy jewelry, hers truly, Maya Papaya.

TT: If you were a flower, what would you be and why?
MH: A plumeria, because the flower brings nostalgia for important ceremonies, like May Days and graduations

I absolutely love these distressed wood beach wall decors at Alliway. So why don't I have one? Coz, I'm saving up to get a big one some day. Alli, make note ;).

Fashionable Wahines + Kanes

2009-04-29T21:42:00.000-07:00

Last night Social Wahines teamed up with Pacific Edge Magazine at Pacific Home furniture store on Ward Ave., to bring a night of schmingling and schmoozing the eco way. There were pupus and drinks, featuring kai vodka (ooh, the Lychee vodka was just like straight vodka, but then again, I love my lava flows!). The turn out was exceptional and the eco vendors were very informative. Some of the eco-friendly booths on show included Miss Nalani of Red Pineapple promoting her Siggs and lemon or rose scented dresser drawer paper lining; Global Village, and one of my favorite local keiki boutiques, "Little Sprouts." Check out their Kailua store and the adorable onesies with sayings like, 'Aloha, My Name is Cutie Pie!' Below three Wahines, looking FLAT out fabulous!

MISS FASHIONISTA! Alyssa Fung looked so cute and pretty in her Betsey Johnson dress, LV bag, Steve Madden flats and the flower in her hair? Fashionista's Market of course!

TT: Describe your style?
AF: Sexy-sophisticated

C'EST NOIR! - UH French student, Moani Hong dressed in this basic black maxi dress. So cute and again, another versatile piece (maybe not for the office). Flat sandals, Aldo; bag, Fossil; dress, Element and necklace, "my mom's."

TT: Favorite shoes in your closet and pourqoui (why)?
MH: Black heels, because it makes every outfit look good

LOVE THE HAIR! - Hair stylist (to the Project Runway and NYC Fashion Week stars), Katy Yung would probably look good in whatever she wore, and it's the hair (that's also a Fashion "Do" according to the back page of this month's Glamour) that we all have to love! Dress, Uni Glo; flats, Opening Ceremony from Shopbop.com and bag, Botkier.

TT: Whose celebrity closet would you love to own?
KY: Lisa Bonet, because I love her carefree style
TT: Don't know Lisa Bonet? Try remembering 'Denise off The Coby Show,' see below:

Aah, Katy...you sure you just like Lisa Bonet because of her fashion style? I think I notice some (hair) similarity here. ;)

Lisa Bonet in her 'carefree style.'

It's Raining Men...

2009-04-29T21:13:00.000-07:00

Well, not really, but these two studly males, aka Flash Hansen and Jonah Dela Cruz came to the eco night, dressed to impress. Maybe that wasn't their intention, but they sure impressed me!

HATS OFF! - Flash and Mattyboy promoter (to-the-must-attend-local events), Flash Hansen turned heads in a look that was, well...flashing, smashing, hot! Why? Flash appears comfortable it seems in whatever he wears. Sweater, Armani; jeans, Diesel; watch and bracelet, Tiffany; shoes Puma? (Sorry Flash, you probably mentioned it when we got interrupted) and belt, Jedidiah. And to top off the look, Vintage (1976) Kangol hat. Love it!

www.flashandmattyboy.com
www.bampproject.com
www.hradiofreehawaii.com

TT: Can't live without?...
FH: My cell phone

PREPPY, SEXY, COOL - Local boy, Jonah Dela Cruz looked clean but still styled out. Sweater, Energy; undershirt, RVCA; jeans, 7 For All Mankind, shoes ('stylin!'), Aldo.

TT: "It" place to shop?
JD: Energy

With these Boots...

2009-04-29T20:47:00.000-07:00

Boots don't have to be for trudging through snow. For local gals, they make the best sole companions for those chilly nights out or extra cool (air conditioned) office spaces.

WHITE AWAY! At the Social Wahine's eco event, Software Engineer, Kayce Matsuoka looked very comfortable in Swan Virgins jersey top, Miss Sixty jeans, Nine West clutch and thrift store boots. All fashion pieces, minus the clutch got the versatile-tick-of-approval! Wear these items any time -- for work, drinks or the movies. Classic!

TT: Fave place to shop?
KM: Shopbop.com

OFF THE SHOULDER - Phoebe Hettel, HPU Business student was ready for a night on the town -- actually a "banquet." Sounds fancy, but probably more of a smart-casual event. Hettel took a few minutes to pose in her Wetseal leggings and boots (I wish that store never closed at Ala Moana), Charlotte Russe top and freshwater pearl bracelets. Very pretty, while rocker-gal- ready. Cool!

TT: Describe your style
PH: Casual

The Empire Strikes Back

2009-04-29T17:39:00.000-07:00

-- or so the movie goes, but for Aimee V and Jenny D, there must've been something in the water! No...in all seriousness, the empire dress is one my favorite cuts, because a) it hugs the bust (cleavage!) and b) it's slimming to any figure, because it drapes so easily from the bust-line to the knees.

LITTLE BOW PEEP - The main detail of this Forever 21 number that's missing from Jenny's BCBG dress is the bow, though both dresses were as desirable as the other. Former Roxy Quiksilver MTV Surfgirl and Longboard rider, Aimee Vogelgesang (easier to say than to spell out) of McNeil Wilson Communications, looked adorable in her empire dress at last night's Social Wahine's eco event. Shoes, Banana Republic, vintage bracelet, American Apparel tights and Chanel earrings. As for the bag...how could I have missed it, but a cute leather sac detail to complete the outfit.

TT: Most loved celebrity closet and why?
AV: Cameron Diaz, because her clothes are so laid back, comfortable and chic.

YELLOW HIGHLIGHT - Jenny De Jesus, Associate Editor at Hawaii Home Remodeling Magazine looks so sha-sha-chic in her BCBG jersey dress with concealed side pockets (gotta love those side pockets), Nine West sandals and Express cardigan (is that sweater $10 yet?!). Accessories, vintage locket necklace, Lauren Haupt, Chanel wallet, Fossil watch and Alliway peace bracelet. And hard to tell, but Jenny's also a girl on the move carrying her Samsung Blackjack cell phone. Looking lovely JD!

TT: Favorite piece of clothing you're wearing right now?
JD: My sweater, because it adds color to anything.

Day 1: Sydney Fashion Week

2009-04-28T02:36:00.000-07:00

It was the 'AND' labels that opened Rosemount Australian Fashion Week. My uni mates, Bec & Bridge opened alongside local hot shots, Ginger & Smart and Camilla and Marc.

JUXTAPOSITIONS! Backstage at the Bec & Bridge S/S '09 runway show @ the Overseas passenger terminal, Circular Quay, Sydney. Parted, wavy hair looks meet rock star ready outfits and flowy-flowery gowns.

Green stripes on black, contrasts with cheetah ankle boots at the Camilla and Marc S/S '09 show. The look is unexpectedly effortless.

SoHA Kahala

2009-04-28T02:25:00.000-07:00

FIVE TEAL BOTTLES standing on the shelf.

Beach Bottle vases ($68.80) and the whole teal medicine glass (vintage look) are all the rage. Also check out Anthropologie.com under 'tabletop,' things for the home (see below).

Very vintage. Cool enough to drink from or stick some home grown flowers in a glass for a DIY-chic effect.

Night Watch

2009-04-28T00:34:00.000-07:00

On my way to pick up the girls from the folks, I was caught off guard to find two diamonds in the rough. Alex and Sonny were sitting on the curb of a residential road in Red Hill - talking story. What were the chances of finding these two fashionistas, 7 at night atop Red Hill! Loved the road-side looks!

NIGHT RIDER - Alex Pappas of Moanalua, looks chill in greys and whites. I especially loved his cut-out tank from a Tee that he wore under his striped cardi. Target gladiator flats, vintage snakeskin scarf, Ray-Ban wayfarers and Lucky Brand necklace and bracelet.

TT: Where are you heading tonight?
AP: On my way to Ala Moana Center to meet a friend visiting from the mainland.

RED, RED WINE - It was dark greys and ruby red for Sonny Lafradez. Striped shirt, PacSun; skinny jeans, Cheap Monday's from Urban Outfitters; jacket, American Apparel; vans flip flops; vintage elephant pendant necklace and prescription glasses from Gallery Raymond.

TT: Describe your style?
SL: Effortless.

767 Kailua Rd

2009-04-26T02:42:00.001-07:00

OZ AT HOME - Aussie born, Deb Mascia, along with husband, Eric opened the doors to Muumuu Heaven in Feb. of '07. Two years later, the store continues to grow strong with Deb's signature vintage, one-of-a-kind dresses, shirts, and tops, all embraced in one boutique that captures the essence of eco-fashion. Be it through recycled and reused/re-painted (white) furniture, shelving, beach accessories and little purses, Deb is great at watch she does. Personally, I feel a designer or business person who can keep focus with a strong concept (in Deb's case - helping the environment) through what he/she designs or does, makes the end product that much more valuable and timeless.

We are at the end of Earth week. Never forget the 3R's.

Re-painted boxes that form shelving in the store. Genius idea! (NB: Kathryn D. Wagner's "The Ultimate Guide to Shopping On O'ahu." An awesome read and the perfect purse-size resource guide for shopping here on O'ahu!)

My daughter, Melia was wanting to sit on this chair. It totally caught my eye. I love the vintage silhouette. The white-iron and a white vintage dresser framing la chais as the backdrop. Very cool and chic. See...it's all in the details.

Pink Ladies

2009-04-26T02:06:00.000-07:00

SCHWINN TWINS - This pair of Windwood cruiser bikes was photographed by the Lanikai park. It made me think of my two girls (not that I could imagine any two people riding the same exact bike, unless they were twins). It's funny, how these bikes were positioned. As if the (twin) owners wanted them to be photographed by passers-by. This tone of pink also had me think of Grease and the Pink Ladies, aka Michelle Pfeiffer v. T-Birds.

Michelle ("Stephanie") Pfeiffer. Grease 2 - This was the one show in my life -- during the 80s -- that I could say I watched over-and-over again -- more than 30 times!

Downtown Bishop

2009-04-25T13:16:00.000-07:00

EFFORTLESS CHIC - Fighting Eel's right-hand gal, Kerrie Inouye was on her way out from Starbuck's late yesterday afternoon, when I had to stop her in her tracks. Inouye looked so comfortable in Fighting Eel tank and pants. Aviators, Initium. Sandals, Steve Madden. Gold watch, Michael Kors (she can't leave home without it!) and bag, Prorsum collection, Burberry. If only I could look this cashz-chic everyday!

TT: (Predictable question, but got to ask it) Who are your fave designers?
KI: Dsquared2, Derek Lam and Alexander Wang, especially T by Alexander Wang (Spring 2009 collection).

T by Alexander Wang (Spring 2009). T-shirt dresses are hot right now!

An Escada Moment

2009-04-24T04:05:00.000-07:00

Last night, Escada at Ala Moana Center hosted an event honoring the patrons of the arts in Honolulu for 2009. I was greeted with towering male models in black tuxedos and clipboards to check-in guests. I always feel awkward when people tower over me or have to bend in order to hear what I'm trying to say. Ahhh..the joys of being a little person.

Pupus and drinks were being served by handsome young men in white. Models paraded around the boutique in the latest summer collection and the crowd schmoozing for photo ops and to catch up on all the latest talk around town. The young and fashionable were out too among the more well-to-do and probably regular clients of Escada. The look? Retro and layered. Take note.

RETRO ACTIVE - Local artist/model, Carrie Able dressed to the times of the 1920s a la Ava Gardner in this jersey BCBG dress. Here, it's hard to tell with her left knee bent, but when relaxed, the signature super-low waistline of 20s dresses was very apparent. Love the pleats on this dress too and the unexpected bell sleeves. Shoes from Nordstrom and vintage bag.

TT: What do you like about this dress?
CA: It feels soft and Crystal (Panci Panci) gave it to me!

LOVE THE LAYERS! - Though the event was quite the dressy occasion, Hollie Sweet (a fellow Aussie from Melbourne!) looked so cool and chic in a more 'smart-cashz' (Aussie speak for casually-dressy..ask an Aussie to say this) that I had to snap a shot before I headed out the door. Shirt and jewelry, Juicy; jeans Bebe, scarf, "from my Mum;" Jacket, Vivienne Westwood and shoes, Gucci. Sergio Rossi was mentioned somewhere in the mix of things too.

TT: What were you thinking you were going to wear before coming out tonight?
HS: I'm a surf instructor and so I work on the beach. I wanted to find clothes that I could throw on with no worries.

I'm Inspired by Mr. Akira

2009-04-22T03:20:00.000-07:00

Since I can remember, let's say, a good 12 years, I have loved and grown to truly appreciate Akira Isogawa (fellow Sydneysider/super-successful Aussie-Japanese Fashion Designer). Looking at his work that I now just see online (the web doesn't do his works of textile art justice), I feel a longing to be back in fashion school and a wish to see his garments up close and personal. In fashion school, I had such the passion for textile art/design that I aimed to introduce textile art throughout my major assignments. And back to Akira, he supported or helped me to see that textile art is still alive and worth the hours that it can take to shibori, smock or devore fabric. I also just read in today's article that Akira just launched a bridal collection that has been receiving awesome response. Go Akira!

AKIRA ISOGAWA - Australian fashion design icon - known for his textile art on fabric and his humility as a designer. Of the many designers I have met and come across, Mr. Akira, would have to be one of (if not) the nicest I've had the pleasure of meeting.

Akira's rug collection manufactured back home by Designer Rugs, Australia. Love the textile print. Looks like the ends of a witch's broomstick. Though, who am I to know what a witch's broomstick looks like?

Akira's studio with his designer rug. Reminds me of a native Hawaiian flower or a native Australian bush - very organic and rich in (2-D) texture.

WATERCOLOR WOW! - I'm a sucker for water colored effects on a garment and organic silhouettes. The two ideas paired together create a happy accident in fashion. It's as if someone bought 4 yards (or metres in Oz) of silk georgette and organdie fabric and splashed + painted color to give a sophisticated yet very attractive appeal to the finished garment.

GEOMETRIC PROPORTIONS - Cool proportions and geometric details give Akira's new collection such an excuse to wear it all now! Look at every piece in this photo - seriously, you could wear every item to work and any occasion. Plus the colors are unexpectedly coordinate and his textile detail is not too over the top, but subtle.

Pretty Pansies

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There's something very inspiring about this image that I can't put my finger on. The only elements I can say that I appreciate are: the vintage effect, red + cream flowers at the forefront of a very vintage teal background and just the old look of something that is so alive and growing. There just seems to be all these juxtapositions that make this simple image so effective and so chic. Plus, I love to tie this red theme back to John and Micah's wardrobe.

Seeing Red

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At this month's Night Market @ Aloha Tower, I bumped into my first Hawaii fashion, street styling representatives. And I loved what I saw! My two candidates both were in a Red Riding mood -- not green, white or black, but red. And my first impression of my subjects? Two words..."Thank you!" I love seeing people pay close attention to what they wear, how they look and just being themselves in their own style, or having their own (fashion) voice. Here's to just the beginning of style watch on the streets, malls, or whatever in Hawaii.

RED ROBIN - Photographer, John Hook launched his collection of digital photographs themed around his favorite subjects: horses and bamboo. Here, he looks so cool in the season's hottest hat from Urban Outfitters - the Fedora. His shirts are from Savers, jeans from PacSun and shoes from Vans. I give it a big, fat fashion tick of approval, particularly because he has mixed all different labels under one sun -- aka, he has not fallen into the 'I-must-wear-all-Emporio-
Armani' trend. Or whatever head-to-toe ensemble for that matter.

TT: What mood were you in when you got dressed for this evening event? JH: I was nervous, but I knew I wanted to wear my red shoes.

RED RAVEN - Micah Iaukea, owner of CLOTH Hawaii is wearing an eclectic vintage ensemble. Micah looks smashing in a long, long, long vintage dress with layers of vintage accessories. Sandals by Nine West and eye wear, Marc by Marc Jacobs. If only I could be 7 inches taller and look as chic as Miss Micah! Love the styling!

TT: What type of look were you going for before you got dressed? MI: I wanted something flowy, since I would be working through the night.