cute commuter: maui rose

get ready to say hello to holiday mode while still packing the lucky belongings accompanying you on your journey! the arrival of summer heralds getaway season and the darling new accessories offered by maui rose will make you daydream of a seaside vacation. if the label sounds familiar, you may recall the keiki collection with its sweet prints and adorable appliqués featured a few years back. after a brief hiatus, designer marion girardin decided to say aloha to the teeny bikinis to concentrate on introducing some much needed joie de vivre to modern day travels.

the lineup of hawaii-inspired bags are designed for both keiki and grownups, and are perfectly portioned whether an island hop is calling your name or new stowaway space is needed for a summer sleepover. my first glimpse of the old timey canvas carryalls was one of absolute delight with its mix of cheery coral, embroidered plumerias, and stenciled beach spots. imagine a classic road movie like it happened one night finding its way across the pacific to share the vintage charm of a zip-up malette crafted with aloha spirit.

have your ticket ready for a peek after the jump!

weekend bag * mahalo pocket * keiki tote

cabas * malette * beaches pocket

the mahalo nui loa pocket would be a fine way to "wrap" a thank you gift, no? teachers, bridesmaids, babysitters . . . why the list of possible recipients is endless! and, did i mention the keiki and cabas totes are lined in a rotating selection of hawaiian prints and can be reversed in a pinch? and that the entire collection is made in hawaii?

yes, indeedy!

alas, no online shop yet but maui readers can find maui rose bags at bikini market in kihei, collections in makawao, and imrie in paia.

p.s. faraway friends are invited to email marion directly to purchase.

happy hale*days 2010: budget edition

because in the last minute holiday frenzy, it can be easy to forget that a good gift does not have to make your bank account shudder:

1 - big island peeps will delight in penning notes to friends and 'ohana on sig zane's hilo one greeting cards. ($15/set; shop online or in-store at the hilo boutique)

2 - joie studio's limited edition 2011 exotic calendar is letterpressed with love on bamboo paper. ($20; online only)

3 - spend $15 to gift an organik SMARTdeal and your favorite someone can scoop up $30 worth of eco-friendly style. (purchase online by fri, dec 24th, spend in-store by mar 31st)

4 - charm homesick jetsetters with a vintage hawaiian passport holder made by mu'umu'u heaven. ($12; available at the kailua flagship)