We do not have H&M in Hawaii yet, but we can shop online from this popular store joining the packs of people I saw at the H& M stores in NYC, San Francisco, and Germany. Now, H&M has welcomed the exclusive shoe designer Jimmy Choo, at a grand opening event that commenced in NYC on November 13th. Jimmy Choo Founder and President Tamara Mellon created an assortment of shoes, handbags, accessories, and for the first time clothing, for both men and women, exclusively for H&M. See the Jimmy Choo for H&M collection here. Check it out!
Maui designer Bernard Foong is fixing to set up shop in Honolulu within the next year, and he's got his work cut out for him. At the moment he's in China sourcing production for his elaborate formal and bridalwear lines. He's chronicling his globetrotting adventures in a blog, Fashionlife. His victories, trials, and tribulations in factories and sample rooms are laid out in glorious, gritty detail. It's a backstory every designer (and fashionista) will want to know.
-- Melissa May White
Co-founder, Hawaii Fashion Incubator
www.hawaiifashion.org
This blog introduces Jannet Lee, a 2009 graduate of Loyola University Chicago who spent her first two years in the UH-Manoa Apparel Product Design and Merchandising department. She had a two year internship with Harper's Bazaar where she worked on special events, photo shoots and marketing proposals.
- Paula Rath Taking the Higher Road with Mr. Kors
By Jannet Lee
Ivana Trump once said “Looking good is the best revenge.” Hence, I decided to channel my angry feelings with Ivana’s dictum, after ending a painful break-up recently. This meant quitting eating five different flavors of Häagen-Dazs and getting out of my house to find myself a confidence-boost.
My confidence-boost was finding a perfect pair of beautiful shoes that would diminish all my heartbreak from this painful relationship. While I was shopping, I accidentally bumped into an array of Michael Kors Shoe Collection at Macy’s. I was never a fan of Kors or Macy’s, but I was astonished by his pixyish design sense in shoes. After observing his collection, I narrowed my shoes to three favorites, Beverly, Camden, and Kincade.
So, let me tell you something about these beautiful ladies called Beverly, Camden, and Kincade … Beverly ($130) is a mid-height heel slinky snakeskin sandal which exudes both comfort and versatility. You can wear Beverly with any color, which projects a statement of sexiness and elegance. Think of young Elizabeth Taylor wearing Beverly while on a summer date with Richard Burton! Camden ($140) is a black patent leather chunky platform. It looks like a modern-day gladiator shoes, if they were worn by sexy ladies. This will look fabulous with leggings - try these out, if you want to channel a punk-rock meets Upper East Side look, from Serena at Gossip Girl. Kincade ($150) is a fuchsia suede platform sandal with its shapely heel. It almost looks like a piece of architecture.
After trying out Beverly, Camden, and Kincade, I purchased “Kincade”. I just fell in love with its vibrant fuchsia color as soon as I had them on my feet. The sculpturally unique-looking heels made my legs elongated and skinner. I trotted around town with Kincade three days in a row. Everywhere I went, I grabbed the attention, with envious looks, boosting my confidence level. Some girls complimented on my fanciful shoes, and I smiled and said, “I know, I love them, too.”
Michael Kors shoes are incredibly chic and well-made. They are versatile but conventional; try them with anything beyond your imaginations. I am currently writing an imaginary note to thank Mr. Kors for boosting my confidence level, after a harsh break-up.
And by the way, what an inexpensive, positive and safe way to surmount a temporary hurt. With those Kincades I climbed unto and am walking with confidence a higher road, looking for greater things. Thanks Mr, Kors for his amazing talents! I will look fabulous with my new fuchsia darlings.
Beverly by Michael Kors
Camden by Michael Kors And the winner is: Jannet's own Kincade by Michael Kors
NOTE: Jannet was wearing these the first day I met her - and they were the first thing I noticed. They clearly signalled a fashion lover.
We’re already planning for next weekend … and Labor Day! Speaking of which: Who needs a break more than mothers? Our expecting and happily burdened moms can score deals at two great maternity stores:
• Hot Mama is offering up a spectacular deal next weekend. On Saturday and Sept. 6, score 35 percent off any item over $50. And save an additional 15 percent off all items already on sale that are over $25. All nursing bras are 15 percent off, too. Some restrictions apply; jewelry is not on sale. Hot Mama Maternity, 3435 Waiçalae Ave., Suite 106A (facing 9th Avenue, behind town restaurant); 737-2737.
• Makana Mother & Baby (a mother, infant and nursing boutique) celebrates with its 3 Days of Labor sale, Saturday, Sept. 6 and 7; prices are slashed 40 percent to 60 percent off for maternity and nursing clothing, including designs by Michael Stars, Olian and Japanese Weekend. 4819 Kïlauea Ave, Suite 5; around the corner from çUmeke Market; www.makanamotherandbaby.com, 734-2323.
• School’s back in session, and so are the deals for students. J.Crew-on-the-Island, Club Monaco and American Apparel are just a few of the many retailers that offer special savings if you show a student or college I.D. Often these discounts are not advertised, so it pays to ask. Because, really, what have you got to lose? Now is the time to go: J.Crew and Club Monaco have just added new styles to their final summer sales.
• The ’80s are back — again — and glam, lace and neon pop can be found cheap at Forever 21. We find this store can be too intense, making it hard to really “see” the merch. Our advice: go online to forever21.com to scope the collections first, then visit the store to find what you love, without getting overwhelmed. Finally: the Ala Moana location is now carrying earrings, starting at just $2.98 for some. It’s the accessory that you can wear just once and pass on, without regret. So go for bold, possibly even tacky, just this once. The ’80s are back, after all!
— Pualana Lemelle
You're most likely to see us around town at shopping and fashion events. On the weekends, we love to browse for beauty and bargains. We are passionate about style.
Camden by Michael Kors
And the winner is: Jannet's own Kincade by Michael Kors
