blue plate special

here's another fun island inspired find far from the islands. new york's fishs eddy specializes in american sturdyware and has a playful hula collection which will definitely add some whimsy to your dinner table.

and though you may not be familiar with the term sturdyware, you have surely enjoyed many a meal on it since diners and restaurants across the country dish up food on its durable surface. the hula line includes everything from mugs & glassware to plates & serving trays so you have the option of stocking up on your favorite pieces or jazzing up your kitchen cabinets with the entire set.   

snail mail spark

online bill pay has saved me countless stamps, paper checks and trips to the post office, however, despite my attempts to be a better pen pal, i don't think i can justify the expense of these lovely island inspired address labels from iomoi. i guess i will have to be content to admire them from afar . . .

a wee bit of zen

baby tanks + angel dress

lily lotus recently introduced a small keiki line featuring the same hand dyed and embellished style that has made the women's collection a favorite at island yoga studios. the wee tanks have a bit of baby bling and a playful edge not typically found on the playground.

if the tanks are a tad too fashion forward for your little one, these handmade toddler dresses (sewn by a woman's co-op in bolivia) are made even sweeter once they go through the lily lotus treatment.

shanti + enlighten notes

and, if you want to spread a little zen, take a peek at the yoga inspired note cards from local artist miu lang harumi kahalehau of miu artworks which are only available online at the lily lotus website.

p.s. don't forget the secret code to score free shipping!

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.

stylus honolulu

 

on this last trip home, i was finally able to stop by stylus honolulu which is a small but sweet resource for those on a budget. stylus is one part recycled clothing boutique plus one part used record shop featuring an edited mix of vintage & gently worn clothing and a few new finds (including tees from threadless). let's just say if buffalo exchange and jelly's had a baby stylus would be its name.

the styles are geared to the young & hip so prices are super reasonable with most items under $10. if you go, stylus is just across the street from puck's alley so the location is convenient for all those starving college students at uh. and they validate which is good news if you must drive & park.

take a peek inside the shop on youtube.

{update | jan 2010: in-store stock updates can be found at the stylus blog}