hapa | hale

sustainable soirée style

happy news for anyone who loves to flip through the party pages and gaze at the beautiful tableaus composed by the most stylish event planners. green honolulu relaunched its official website (designed by stacy from bradley & lily) last month and added a gorgeous event gallery which has taken a cue from the lovely inspiration boards that have become a must do on all the wedding blogs.

peek after beautiful peek takes you inside the most charming soirées to daydream about being the most fabulous host/ess or a guest lucky enough to score an invite where the little details include pretty parasols to protect partygoers from the sizzling hawaiian sun, the chance to be romanced under flower garland chandeliers, and lounging on comfy sofascapes beneath the starry sky.

gh's gallery inspired a little cut and paste action of my own to share a roundup of all the possibilities from the flowers to the settings to the small details.

more peeks below . . .

since social events can generate a lot of waste, avery solmssen, gh's proprietor & creative director, welcomes every opportunity to green client's parties including the recycling of all biodegradable materials, and has also been known to scavenge materials from reuse hawaii's lumber stash to build centerpiece boxes that have been transformed into planters post-party.

the company offers modern pieces big and small (including sofas, lamps and accessories) for rental, and when the show goes on the road, green honolulu does its best to keep all the elements from flowers to food as local as possible to help support the surrounding economy and avoid flying in stuff from off island.

click over to the green honolulu website to flip through the official gallery and to learn more details about booking their services for your next event.

a peek inside lilikoi cottage

. . . gypsy rapture . . .

today's etsy find is the sweetly named lilikoi cottage which is filled with the handmade collection of shabby chic adornment created by honolulu jewelry designer stacy suzuki. the photos alone are worth the peek which recreate the feeling of scavenging about the dressing table of a lady who fancies herself a new romantic meets modern victorian bohemian (for some reason helena bonham carter comes to mind). 

vintage findings from glass flowers to chandelier crystals mix with a rainbow of eclectic tidbits (and the occasional hand sewn rosette) to be reborn into new designs that hint of a love of jane austen novels, watching clouds dance across the sky, and an eternally sunny disposition.

more peeks below . . .

. . . le petite parisian posies . . .

. . . simply swallows . . .

. . . geisha girl . . .

pieces are typically one of a kind or of the limited persuasion so if something you love has already found a home just remember custom orders are always welcome.

and, brides-to-be seeking the perfect complement for their white wedding will want to click over to blue lovebirds, stacy's etsy shop devoted to bridal loveliness.

p.s. stacy also keeps a blog filled with little vignettes of her jewelry making assignments, everyday adventures, and glimpses of her shabby chic cottage.

wedding wrap

here's a cute idea if you happen to be on the lookout for a wedding gift destined to make a splash. the wedding café now offers custom embroidered bath linens that can be personalized however you please and are perfect for the soon-to-be-wed, love is always in the air, hopelessly romantic sweethearts in your life about to set up their official married nest.

anything goes from monograms to pet names to the more traditional mister and missus. surprise the newlyweds with towels stitched in their wedding colors or simply scoop up the forever set which is stocked in-store.

prices start at $14 for a hand towel and go up from there so consider gathering up friends and family to gift a complete set.

turnaround time for custom orders is about a week.

• where: twc, ward warehouse
• shop hours: mon to sat, 10a to 9p & sun, 10a to 6p

and the winner is . . .

holly from kamuela who will be sending off thank you's in style with uncommon envelope's mahalo letterpress note card set.

from the number of emails, it looks like i have a lot of company in the letterpress fan club so cheers to everyone who took a moment to dash off a note. although the mahalo set was a special edition just for h|h readers, be sure to click over to ue's etsy shop for more delightful letterpress paper goods (including the fab rad dad card).

congratulations, holly!

[mahalo maggie!]

uncommon envelope giveaway

maggie from uncommon envelope generously fired up her letterpress machine to make a mahalo edition of her elegant monstera thank you cards just for one lucky h|h reader! a little letterpress alchemy creates an embossed effect which allows the leaf detail to pop off the paper and is sure to impress fellow stationery enthusiasts.

follow the directions below for a chance to pretty up your outgoing mail with this lovely and limited edition set (retail: $22):

• email your name & current hometown to:
  aloha [at] hapahale [dot] com by thu, june 11th
• please put uncommon envelope giveaway in the subject
• one entry per person/household

click back on friday to find out if you are the lucky winner.

[update: winner list posted]

and the winner is . . .

jana from honolulu who will have to make space on her bookshelf for her copy of wedding belles!

mahalo to everyone who entered! remember h|h readers can save 30% off the list price when they order the book directly from the official website:

• secret code: hapahale

congratulations, jana!

new peeks: forest treasures by toast

the official arrival of graduation season is here and with it a summer filled with celebrations. the toast team just released the woodland creatures edition of their popular heart stumps favor line which are a sweet surprise for newly minted graduates who have a soft spot for the cute and cuddly.

the wooden tube is filled with a savory mix of nuts and once empty will make a charming repository to stash desktop necessities in those notoriously tiny dorm rooms.

order one of four limited edition designs (squirrel, raccoon, rabbit, owl) in the online shop or stop by toast's showroom to say hello:

• where: 3434 waialae avenue, suite 3, kaimuki
• shop hours: m / w / f / sat - 12p to 6p

wedding belles book giveaway

the first day of june rings in the official start of wedding season so it seems like the perfect time to part with my review copy of wedding belles, the first book penned by tanna dang, the popular proprietor of the wedding café. although the book was published earlier this year and, i must confess, arrived in my mailbox quite some time ago, i finally had a moment to take a peek inside and discovered a breezy read filled with stories and sage advice shared by island brides and grooms.

page after page is filled with a kama'aina take on everything from proposals to planning to big day bloopers plus the inside scoop on the reality of incorporating the many, many island wedding customs without going mad or alienating the more traditional branch of your 'ohana. tanna also pops in throughout the book with a host of helpful tips acquired since she and her husband, bryson, took over twc a few years ago.

it's definitely a fun read which i suspect will become a popular engagement gift for island lovebirds taking their first steps together on their wedding day adventure.

here's the scoop on how to enter:

• email your name & current hometown to:
  aloha [at] hapahale [dot] com by thu, june 4th
• please put wedding belles giveaway in the subject
• one entry per person/household

click back on friday to find out if you are the lucky winner.

[update: winner list posted]

uncommon envelope

. . . hello freak . . .

the sales sheet is taking a breather this week so i am taking today to share the charming designs from uncommon envelope which i happened upon while catching up with pacific wedding guide. designer maggie roberts made her paper debut while dreaming up gorgeous weddingscapes at pacific aisles, but upon returning to the mainland decided to add an everyday line to experiment with new looks and layouts.

the result ranges from geometric loveliness to cheeky offerings guaranteed to make even text addicts take a break from their gadget to savor the handcrafted greetings made on an antique chandler & price platen press.

more peeks below . . .

. . . wisdom . . .

. . . lemur coasters . . .

. . . rad dad . . .

the collection features playful designs from simple hellos to ready-to-go wisdom to share with your peeps to a stylish celebration of the papa part of parenthood just in time for father's day.

uncommon envelope's wedding invites can still be found online (take a peek at the custom portfolio inspired by maggie's time in the islands) or in-person at the tacoma-based studio while the rest of us can enjoy a modern day stationery scoop with a quick click over to ue's etsy shop.

p.s. maggie keeps a fabulous blog filled with daily paper finds.

aisle style

i first met tara deponte, the delightful founder of the just launched pacific wedding guide, while browsing at pacific home and was happy to find a kindred spirit on the showroom floor - a modern island girl who adores good design while staying true to her roots.

not content to remain a shop girl indefinitely and with the gorgeous snaps of big day bashes peppering the pages of many a wedding blog as inspiration, tara brought a designer's eye to the task of sourcing the top vendors in both hawaii and new zealand who produce the most stylish soirees be it delish cakes, charming invites, dreamy flowers, and all the other essential elements to make the day fab.

in addition to the directory, jet setting brides & grooms will want to take a peek at the destination guide, a quick hit list of what to do, where to go, and what to see while on island.

and, be sure to click over to the official blog which posts daily finds of "i do" inspiration plus the scoop on new vendors joining the growing pwg 'ohana.

[congratulations tara!]

bradley & lily

the long awaited launch of bradley & lily, the boutique letterpresserie known for its contemporary couture wedding stationery, has finally arrived! having been on letterpress watch for quite some time, i was delighted to finally take a peek at designer stacey nomura's gorgeous invites which have been stunning local brides with its artful take on traditional wedding announcements since the very first cards rolled out of its antique printing press.

one look and you can spot how mother nature, architectural motifs, and other design details, often captured by stacey's camera for future inspiration, have been translated from rolling waves, swaying palm trees or koi fish into finely crafted paper goods.

more peeks below:

. . . aloha . . .

digital printing is another option for budget crunched brides & grooms who refuse to skimp on the design possibilities offered by their big day. and, letterpress fans take note, bradley & lily's minimalist aloha & mahalo note cards are hot off the presses and can now be found both à la carte and in boxed sets at soha living who will also offer b&l's demi-couture invites in-store later this summer.

to celebrate bradley & lily's online debut, stacey is offering 15% off all demi-couture and couture stationery to h|h readers who mention h|h before june 30th.

p.s. for brides short on time, b&l also offers a gift concierge service featuring elegant favors and other delightful offerings for your guest list with delivery available around the islands and to northern california.

all about umee

oahu designer deena white may have only arrived in the islands a few years ago, but she knows all too well the dilemma of standing in front of the closet without a thing to wear for a tailor-made day in paradise.

last summer, the designer-to-be began drafting her style wish list of pieces that would complement her biz-y lifestyle, and in only a year's time the umee label (named after her japanese grandmother) went from a simple sketch to a stylish start-up.

the recently debuted capsule collection is comprised of classic silhouettes with just a hint of pleats, ruffles, and other feminine flourishes inspired by hawaii. pieces have been thoughtfully designed to transition from work to after hours fun with little fuss which is sure to be a happy find for readers who fancy a polished look for the office still pretty enough to go on a pau hana play date.

deena has even given the lbd an island makeover with the introduction of umee's little black muumuu (shown above) which i suspect will become both a style staple for homesick kama'aina and a favorite island holiday souvenir.

more peeks below . . .

. . . ruffle strap : strapless dress . . .

. . . pearly plumeria : little black muumuu . . .

since deena was once an island bride herself, a bridal collection is currently in the works with the possibility of made-to-order frocks on the drawing board to help brides-to-be coordinate the look of their wedding party.

and, in other news, keeping production local was a priority and i am happy to report that the entire umee lineup is made in hawaii!

currently, the online shop is the only click you need to know to add a little umee to your wardrobe (with free shipping on all orders at the moment), however you can be among the label's first patrons during this weekend's mom and you trunk show hosted by hifi:

• when: sat, may 9th - 2p to 4p
• where: the contemporary museum, café lawn
• fyi: enjoy a pre-sale tea for two at the café (reservations recommended)

the missing wink

word is that purchases of little indulgences are, at least for now, recession-proof as people seek comfort in fancy chocolates, lip gloss, and other affordable treats. if your peepers have been yearning for a pretty pick me up then you may want to investigate the latest product launch from maleana cosmetics.

biolash promises lush lashes with a blend of 100% natural algae complex, plant-based phytohormones, and bio-informed ginger root extract infused in an olive oil and jojoba oil base while being free of parabens and synthetic hormones. at $59, this lash wonder may be considered an indulgent splurge unless your one and only wish whenever blowing on an eyelash is for an abundance of flirty lashes without the assistance of mascara or falsies.

in other news, the honolulu-based beauty parlor has gone web 2.0 and is now offering destination brides complimentary skype consultations so you no longer have to hop on a plane and hit the streets to book your makeup match.

you can pick up a tube of biolash and shop maleana's spring/summer 2009 color collection at the line's studio in kaimuki (phone/email orders are also welcome):

• where: 3405 waialae avenue, suite 203
• studio hours: mon to fri, 9a to 6p

weekly sales sheet

fashionista's market kick's off this weekend's divas doing good shopping event with a savings bump on the standard issue 20% discount. scoop up a pass and save 40% off regular priced styles and 25% off designer denim during tonight's sale.

• when: fri, mar 27th - 5p to 9p
• where: the wedding café, ward warehouse
• tix: $5 (on sale at twc)
• fyi: proceeds from sales of the boutique pass will be donated to the tap project.

stop by soha living and save 30% off all pillows and bed linens during the design shop's annual pillow sale (in-store only).

• when: now to sun, mar 29th
• where: soha, kahala mall
• shop hours: mon to sat, 10a to 9p & sun, 10a to 5p

hele over to the ocean expo and step into the surfers closet sample sale to scoop up surf & skate labels from the islands and beyond for below cost.

• when: sat, mar 28th & sun, mar 29th
• where: blaisdell center exhibition hall

on sunday, island brides get ready to rumble during the wedding café's inaugural bride wars. rock your cake eating - bouquet tossing - table decorating skills for a chance to go home with a $250 gift certificate from one of 40-plus island wedding vendors.

• when: sun, mar 29th - 12p to 2p
• where: center stage, ward warehouse
• fyi: pre-registration takes place at twc between 10a and 12p

lanikai bath and body makes spring cleaning more pleasant with 15% savings off all home items. shop in-store and online.

• where: 600 kailua road, suite 119, kailua
• shop hours: m-f, 10a to 6p / sat, 10a to 4p /
  sun, 10a to 3p
• secret code: spring
• expires: sun, apr 5th

online, save $15 on malie kaua'i's supersized mango butter bun and enjoy a pampering springtime soak without the spa price tag.

• secret code: mango
• expires: wed, apr 15th

have a happy weekend!

new peeks: kinohi designs

. . . tropical tryst . . .

the iffy economy is putting a squeeze on many budgets including pricey wedding celebrations for both island and destination brides & grooms. as someone who planned every single detail of my big day without a hired gun by my side, i know firsthand that it is possible to throw a lovely bash complete with fancy gown, hard to book photographers, and gourmet eats for a fraction of the cost, and, most important, without going into debt so long as you know how to allocate your funds wisely.

if invites are the area where you choose to scrimp, you will want to take note of the latest offerings from kinohi designs. since partnering with wedding paper divas and its sister company tiny prints, honolulu designer jennifer tanabe's contemporary paper goods line continues to mark life's happy moments sans the boutique price tag.

many designs hint of kinohi's island home to the delight of modern tropical style connoissiers, however my current favorite is certain to be frowned upon by the etiquette set - the cheeky blank you design with its playful twist on the traditional thank you note which is sure to be the saving grace for anyone who forgets to acknowledge gifts in a timely manner.

. . . blank you . . .

. . . summer style . . .

. . . hello baby . . .

and, while the stylish stationery has been perfected for weddings, birthdays, and other big announcements, savvy shoppers can put their own spin on many designs with a few quick clicks.

take a peek at kinohi designs' entire lovely lineup over at tiny prints and wedding paper divas.

weekly sales sheet

stop by the toast showroom for the first ever sample sale filled with delicious deals (up to 50% off) on their fabulous favors.

• when: now 'til the stock runs out
• where: 3434 waialae avenue, kaimuki
• shop hours: m/w/f/sat - 12p to 6p

fans of allison izu's line of premium petite denim can save 50% off the fall 08 basics line during the one day secret sale.

• when: sat, mar 14th - 2p to 6p
• where: ala moana hotel (exact location tba)
• fyi: text ultimateshop jeans to 32862 to get on the list

spring brides can score 50% off their trial session when booking a maleana senior stylist for their big day.

• when: wedding dates through may 24th, 2009
• fyi: new bookings only
  

online, the spring cleaning continues with midori jewelry offering 25% off her entire collection (including the sale section) this weekend.

• secret code: spring25
• expires: sun, mar 15th

during the month of march, aloha kona coffee is offering h|h readers who order up their estate grown coffee a complimentary 5 oz. bag of beans!

• secret code: hapa
• expires: tue, mar 31st

and, mainland readers can save 10% off their easter orders over at the hawaiian lei company.

• secret code: spring09
• expires: tue, mar 31st
• fyi: complimentary shipping on all tropical arrangements

have a happy weekend!

weekly sales sheet

. . . aka the better late than never edition!

hele over to kailua this weekend to scoop up vintage finds from mu'umu'u heaven who is offering up its untouchable stash of dresses, jewels, and assorted goodness with price tags under $100.

• when: sat, feb 21st - 10a to 6p
  & sun, feb 22nd - 11a to 4p
• where: 767 kailua road, suite 100

the great recession claims yet another retailer with the recent announcement that bridal boutique modern pacific weddings will be shuttering the doors of its kaimuki storefront (a timely reminder to shop your favorite neighborhood spots whenever possible!). everything from gowns to fixtures is marked down 50% off.

• where: 3620 waialae avenue, kaimuki
• shop hours: 10a to 6p

wishing you a happy oscar-filled weekend!

and the winners are . . .

marybeth of honolulu who scored the valentine edition of toast's mini pop and apple of my eye love fruit! while erin of yakima and liane of hermosa beach will each be charmed by a scented sweet berry.

mahalo to everyone who entered! the valentine goodies can be scooped up online or hele over to the wedding café at ward warehouse, the menehune mac factory store, or stop by toast's new kaimuki showroom and say hello:

• where: 3434 waialae avenue, kaimuki
• shop hours: m / w / f / sat - 12p to 6p

congratulations, marybeth, erin & liane!

[mahalo jeremy & michelle!]

toast valentine giveaway

toast has just released a collection of pretty in pink treats just in time for valentine's day! li hing gummy apples are the secret surprise inside the apple of my eye love fruits! while candy hearts fill toast's signature mini pops bottle. and, the latest offerings from the toast workshop are scented sweet berry charms made to dangle from your keychain or rearview mirror.

jeremy and michelle, toast's crafty creators, want to share some handmade love with the h|h 'ohana and are giving away one set of mini pops & love fruits! plus two sweet berry charms scented in either strawberry or vanilla (three winners in all).

with valentine's day wooing sweethearts everywhere on saturday, the deadline to drop your name in the hat is midnight tonight so hele on and:

• email your name & current hometown to:
  aloha [at] hapahale [dot] com by midnight hst
• please put toast valentine giveaway in the subject
• fyi - note if you prefer the set or charm
• one entry per person/household

check in tomorrow to find out if cupid struck you with his arrow!

p.s. email subscribers - simply hit reply and follow the instructions above for a chance to win.

[update: winner list posted]

new year's toast

congrats to jeremy & michelle, the design team behind toast, who have recently added shopkeepers to their growing resumé with the opening of their kaimuki showroom. fans will find one stop shopping stocked with all the goodies featured on h|h mixed with more delightful finds.

word is we can expect lots of new surprises in 2009 including this just released orange love fruit to celebrate the year of the ox!

• where: 3434 waialae avenue, kaimuki
• shop hours: m/w/f/sat - 12p to 6p

p.s. click here to take a peek inside the shop.

weekly sales sheet

the peeps behind the ultimate guide to shopping on oahu are kicking off the first ever ultimate shopping experience this weekend filled with style seminars and island designs from allison izu, fashionista's market, ginger 13, hifi, melia conrad, mu'umu'u heaven, roberta oaks & many more.

p.s. vip tix ($25) get you in the door an hour early plus a goody bag filled with designer discounts and surprises.

• when: sun, jan 24th - 9a to 3p
• where: cupola theatre, honolulu design center
• fyi: event opens to the public for free at 10a

hele over to pacific home for savings of up to 75% during the warehouse moving clearance sale.

• when: sat, jan 24th to sun, feb 1st
• where: 420 ward avenue
• shop hours: mon to sat, 10a to 7p & sun, 10a to 5p

so'mace welcomes the year of the ox and helps you sweeten up your space for valentine's with 20% off all things red.

• when: now to sat, feb 14th
• where: 1115 young street
• shop hours: mon to fri, 10a to 6p & sat, 10a to 3p

brides will want to stop by the sample sale at modern pacific weddings for savings of 40% off wedding adornment and other delights including paper goods, candles & more.

• where: 3620 waialae avenue, kaimuki

online, order $50 of malie kaua'i spa treats and score a complimentary heart shaped mango butter kiss just in time for valentine's day.

• secret code: kiss
• expires: sat, feb 14th

spend $100 in the online shop of big island designer sig zane and save 10% on your order.

• secret code: jsed10
• expires: sun, mar 15th

and, click over to the jools' online shop and save 25 to 75% off during the la-based jewelry line's end-of-season clearance sale.

happy shopping!