Super Bad

Celebrate the Hardest Working Man in Show Business tonight at thrityninehotel at a special (Dynamite) Soul Clap. RSVP here.

All Hail The Queen

Every year around Christmas, 'Iolani Palace opens its doors for evening tours to celebrate the birthday of Queen Kapiolani (and to celebrate the holidays). "An Evening Fit for a Queen" allows visitors to experience the Palace as it was in the 19th century during celebrations at the height of the Hawaiian monarchy, Back-to-the-Future style. Lots of lights and lanterns will illuminate both the inside and outside of the Palace. Red roses (the Queen's fave) will fill the rooms, and live music will be featured both inside and outside the Palace. 

"An Evening Fit for a Queen," Iolani Palace, 364 South King Street, 522-0822, www.iolanipalace.org

Saturday, December 27, 5:30 to 9:00 PM

Door open at 5:30 PM, no reservations, first-come first-serve

General admission $6

But Here's The Real Scoop...

Here we go yo, here we go yo.

(Just Step)

Margiela leather heels ($795) at Aloha Rag. I've been good this year!

Sweet?

Bacon Chocolate Bar like whoa.

Give Up The Goods

Last minute gift ideas at Leilow. Yo, Jules!

Town & Country

Hawaii-born, New York City-based artist Matt James is showing his resin paintings for a limited time at 22 South Pauahi Street (the old Rafael space) from December 17-27, 2008. There is also a limited selection of t-shirts available (I love the guns motif).

Matt James, Town & Country, 22 South Pauahi Street

Love Is Fair

I love the Malcognitas.

Rock It Don't Stop It

FREE admission and a complimentary cocktail! Designers featured at this fun, fabulous sample sale event: Anné, A.P.B., Electric, Gravis, Isidra's Custom Cuts, Kisa Kosmos, Meesah, Michele Leong, Organix, Soleil Boutique, Soozou, and Vestal. Plus, Swap Shop outside on the garden rooftop (bring your old clothes to swap with others). 

Rock Shop, Saturday, December 13, thirtyninehotel, 12:00-5:00 PM 

Dy-no-mite

J.J. Dolan's just opened on Bethel Street. Nothing like yummy pizza ("The Giacomo" has sausage, pepperoni, salami, and olives) and cold beer in the afternoon. And it's even better with a football game on and good company.

J.J. Dolan's, 1147 Bethel Street, 537-4992

Drawing On Skateboards Is Not A Crime

Running now through December 27, 2008, Chinatown Boardroom presents "Cade Roster puts the 'F' in Fine Art." This show features painting on skateboards by Hawaii-based artist Cade Roster. As a young boy, Cade tried to ride skateboards to impress the young ladies. He wasn't too good at it, so he drew on the skateboards instead of riding them. Gnar!

Chinatown Boardroom, 1160 Nuuanu Avenue, www.chinatownboardroom.com

Skyline-licious

Ma-holler Blayne! For more fashion show pics, visit Flash and Matty Boy Present.

 

The Sweet Escape

Newly opened Dolce in Ward Centre (right next to Mocha Java) is filled with easy-to-wear Calypso silk dresses in shift and wrap styles (great for day and evening) to staple cotton jersey pieces by LnA to bold signature accessories from Helena de Natalio. I want that python and leather clutch in black and tan so bad. Owner Christie Yang has taken her years of experience (Ralph Lauren) and opened this well-edited boutique–the feeling is East Coast resort-y (kind of like the Hamptons in Hawaii), but featuring brands and designers from both coasts and around the world. Dolce features great accessories (colorful scarves, jewelry from Morra Designs, Toywatches) and casual, versatile, year-round wear. Other brands found at Dolce include Monrow (comfy, trendy, graphic tees), Matt Bernson (leather sandals), Lauren Moshi, and the boutique carries a huge selection of Havaianas. 

Overjoyed

Krazy Karaoke rules. Thanks Andy, Red Stripe and Papa Johns (note: 2-for-1 large pizza day is Tuesday). Reminiscing...

Krazy Karaoke, 1308 Young Street, 591-8843

Circle Scarf!

American Apparel is officially open in Waikiki. Yep, now we can get all the tees, bodysuits, leggings, dresses, and tanks that we love in person instead of online. Ara, when the Circle Scarf comes in (in grey or black), please let me know.

Gold (Card) Digger

Starbucks recently launched the Starbucks Gold Card. Pay the $25 annual charge and you get a fancy credit-like card (black, very sleek). Show it at any Starbucks and get 10% off your bill every time you visit. You'll also get FREE wi-fi access at the Starbucks location for 2 hours each day. And the card can also act as your Starbucks debit card–it's refillable, and in fact, you can set up your Gold Card account so your balance never drops below a certain amount (your bank account will be automatically tapped to add money to your Starbucks Gold Card). As a Gold Card member, you'll also get exclusive offers and discounts throughout the year and a free drink on your birthday. One word to Starbucks: FINALLY.

Hey Young World

I've totally crossed into the age range where I'm stoked to get carded. That means I'm the target audience for a skin product line that's called "Youthtopia." Origins Youthtopia Collection (Age-Correcting Serum, Firming Eye Cream, Skin Firming Cream, and Skin Firming Lotion) contains the extra special ingredient Rhodiola (linked to longevity and also known as the "golden root") that provides energy to the skin and helps to improve the skin's appearance, elasticity, and texture. I'm in love with the Age-Correcting Serum. It's lightweight (almost liquid-y) and feels great on clean skin right before bed. Combined with those Borba bears, I'm fighting back.

Origins Youthtopia Collection, $38.50-$50, Origins Ala Moana Center

My...

Have you seen this?

Sandwiches

The best thing about Kauai (besides Release Friday nights at The Point at the Sheraton Poipu) is Deli & Bread Connection at Kukui Grove Shopping Center. My order: T.O.P.S.S. sandwich and a cup of clam chowder. T.O.P.S.S. stands for turkey, olives, peppers, sprouts, and swiss cheese. It's friggin' delicious. The bread is fresh-baked onsite, and you can even take home a few of their sourdough loaves, sweet bread, or a bag of poi rolls if you have room in your carry-on. The Lobsta' Roll is a signature, and they also have many more original and classic sandwiches and subs to choose from. Speaking of classics, you can't go wrong with the Grilled Cheese or B.L.T. Note: if you don't need to take your order to go (to make your Go! Airlines flight on time), then eat in and get the clam chowder in the bread bowl. Yum and done. Deli & Bread Connection has won the Best of Kauai Best Sandwich Category for the past 7 years. Number one, competition is none. 

Deli & Bread Connection, Kukui Grove Shopping Center, 3-2600 Kaumualii Highway, Lihue, Kauai, 808-245-7115

Off The Books

A few books I want to read: Malcolm Gladwell's stories of success, MK & Ashley O.'s style and fashion influences, 15 years of Nigo and BAPE, and a triple bio of Thomas Jefferson, Tadeusz Kosciuszko, and Agrippa Hull.

Head To Toe

Get ready. Are you ready?

Party 4 Boobies

North Shore Pre-Thanksgiving bash. This Wednesday! 

Slug + Ant

What are you doing this weekend? This is what you are doing this weekend. 

P.S. Check out this little funny.

Atmosphere at Pipeline Cafe

Saturday, November 22, 2008

9:00 PM

Get tickets now.

Skin Deep

I'm the type of person that likes Vitamin Water and Emergen-C. I want to get vitamins without actually taking a vitamin. So when Borba introduced vitamin and treatment-infused gummi bears a few years ago, I was super stoked. Well it took me two years to actually try them. Borba's Skin Balance Gummi Bears contain acai, green tea extract, grape seed extract, antioxidants, minerals, and a bio-vitamin complex that is shown to help skin regenerate its natural support and healing system. It also helps the skin absorb treatment and ingredients, so your beauty routine products work even better. These delicious little bears are also 100% vegetarian, organic, fat-free, and preservative-free. Eating six of these bears a day–this is the most delicious thing I've ever done for my skin. I love them! And, there is at least one person (Ara!) that has commented that my skin looks good.

Borba Gummi Bear Boosters Skin Balance Confections, $25, www.borba.com

We Like The Boom

Big Island surfer girls Mahealani Gambill, Elena Merritt, Jessica Bartolome grew up living in bikinis. After a post-college graduation trip to Bali, they realized their bikini expertise could turn into something bigger. Something with boom. Boom Boom Bikinis–stylish, designed to be worn, and born out of the love of the ocean. Available only on the Big Island right now–to see the collection, find store locations, or get contact information, go to www.boomboomhawaii.com.

To The Extreme

Last weekend, I checked out the Waldorf School Waldorfaire 2008 in Niu Valley and saw the most awesomest fun activity for the little ones–a mobile rock climbing wall! That kid is rock climbing! Xtreme Fun Rentals also rents out jumpers, slides, obstacle courses, rides, racers, jousting rings, and more.

We Missed You, Tom and Padma!

Top Chef Season 5 starts tonight. I'll be rooting for self-taught chef Gene who's from Hawaii. His favorite simple recipe for summer: "Ahi tuna, green onions, ginger, garlic, cilantro, bonito and hot peanut oil." And who could not root for that dookie chain?

Sprinkle Me

Thanks Rey and Julie for bringing back this delicious red velvet cupcake from Sprinkles in LA. It's gone now. Yumyumyum.

Girlicious

ARE YOU A FASHION DESIGNER?

We are looking for you to design one complete look in a "Project Runway"-style fashion design competition on Friday, December 5. You will be responsible to design and sew one look that reflects you as a fashion designer. This look will be modeled on the model of your choice, who will be runway ready (hair and makeup will be your choice and your responsibility for your model) for the Friday, December 5 "Project Runway"-style fashion competition at Pearl Ultralounge.

Blayne Walsh from Project Runway will be in Hawaii for this exclusive fashion event, and will be the final judge choosing the winner.

The 1st prize package details will be announced ASAP. The winner will also be announced to the press, and will have his or her winning look displayed on Saturday, December 6 at Skyline at the Sheraton Waikiki.

Are you interested? All potential entrants must contact Sarah Honda at 277-4484 or sarah@smartmagonline.com. You must be 21 years of age. The amount of entrants will be limited, so please contact Sarah ASAP to be a part of this event. Are you in or are you out?

The Hill That's Real

Christen, Christine and Krista. A beautiful day in Kakaako!

Side Dreams

Yes, Mana Bu's has the most thoughtful and delicious musubis I have ever eaten in my life. I really love the heavier ones like 10 Grains-Hijiki and Kombu. But what I love even more are the side dishes. The other day, I got 4 sides (Grandma's Hijiki, French Beans with Sesame, Okinawan Potato with Corn, Peas and Macadamia Nuts and Shiso Squash) and just 1 musubi. 

Mana Bu's, 1618 King Street, 945-2323

Phesant Phashion

My friend Mary has this bag that she got for $5 at one of the collector's shows. Isn't it gorgeous?

All Eyez On You

Laura Mercier's Exclusive Eye Book for the Holiday season is all you need for your eyes. It's convenient and portable, and includes 8 eye colors (!), eye liner, and an eye color/eye liner brush. I love Gold Dust and the neutral-pinks Cashmere and Rose. Of course, Laura Mercier formulas are super luxurious–the shadows go on easily and evenly with intense long-wearing color that can applied light (sheer) or in layers (deeper color). This Eye Book is valued at $122, but this Sephora exclusive holiday item is priced at only $45. A steal. Buy two–give one away and keep one for yourself.

Tha Block Is Hot

I heart Kaimuki. And now there's one more reason. Nini's, a boutique/exchange/buy/sell/consignment shop, is exactly what I'm looking for in a consignment shop. Tagged (new!) items from Banana Republic, J. Crew, Betsey Johnson, BCBG MaxAzria, La Rok, T-Bags, Marc Jacobs, L.A.M.B., Lanvin, and more. Great denim selection and racks of trend items like cropped jackets and vests. I saw so many things that I wanted to buy...and it's cheap (most items are under $50)! This cute boutique also carries new sandals and accessories, as well as slightly used designer handbags. It's a treasure trove of great fashion finds at bargain prices. I feel like Nini's is a consignment shop just for me–a place where I'll find things to buy, and I'll sell my sitting-in-the-closet-yet-to-be-worn items. Stylish swapping in Kaimuki!

Nini's Boutique Exchange, 1154 Kokohead Avenue, 739-2500

Credit Is Due

One of my favorite fashion girls in Hawaii is Krista Alvarez of Blue Hawaii Surf. She has a such a sweet, easygoing personality and her style sensibility is totally on point–uniquely individual yet fashion-forward, a bit of street-meets-runway, totally wearable and chic. Plus, she's stunningly beautiful. The other night, I saw her in these drop-crotch harem-style pants from Triple 5 Soul, and literally drooled. She looked fabulous, and that wasn't even her outfit for the night (she later changed into a black fringed LBD). I called her the next day, found out that she brought the pants into Blue Hawaii Surf, and put a pair on hold. I'm buying them tomorrow.

Hi Shorty!

This Thursday, November 6, 2008, join us for the launch of Allison Izu Premium Petite Denim at Pearl Ultralounge from 6:00-8:00 PM. Send an email to rsvp@allisonizu.com. Finally! Congratulations Allison! 

So as I was thinking of petite girls (shorties), I thought of my favorite shorty, Shorty No Mas. She is so dope. I miss everyone back East. "Don't you dare consider me a fly gal pal, I got props on a different tip..." 

Le Smoking

Last year, I was so fortunate to be in San Francisco for the Vivienne Westwood retrospective at the de Young Museum. Now, I have to figure out how to get back to San Francisco to see the Yves Saint Laurent exhibit at the de Young. (Maybe SFIAFF 2009?!) The exhibit looks at YSL's designs and his inspirations drawn from art, theatre, history, literature, and nature. 130 accessorized garments and sketches (from the Foundation Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent), along with photos and videos, will give amazing insight into his work and creative process. 

Yves Saint Laurent at the de Young

November 1, 2008 - April 5, 2009

No. 23

The Holiday Issue. In stores now.

Halloween Picks Part 3

Flash & Matty Boy present 

The Dark Night: Heroes and Villains

at Pearl Ultralounge

October 31, 2008

9:00 PM - 4:00 AM

If I go out, I'm definitely going to Pearl to check out all the costumes. I know this is gonna be a great party. Note: Someone please invite Mike and Mike (they are on ESPN2 right now as Batman and Robin)!

Halloween Picks Part 2

Eskae presents TRILL-ERRRRR!

Soul Clap Halloween Edition at thirtyninehotel

October 31, 2008

Featuring Eskae, Jami, Ssssolution and Compose (Nocturnal Sound Krew)

It's also the CD release party for Can't Noc The Hustle V.2: KnowXone's Business, Nocturnal Sound Krew's latest mix featuring blog noisemakers. The mix CD is a collaboration between DJ Compose and music journalist Ges Miyashiro (a.k.a. KnowXone). The mix features a tracklisting of songs curated by Compose and KnowXone that are receiving major online buzz and play. Featured artists include Cool Kids, Kid Cudi, Kid Sister, Fonzworth Bentley and Marky. Local hip-hop artist Tassho Pearce also is featured on the mix with a song from his latest album release, The Opening Act. RSVP to steve@djeskae.com to get on the discounted cover list and you'll also get a free download of the mix CD! 

This party is gonna be scary good. Boo, boo!

Halloween Picks Part 1

Honestly, I'm scared of Halloween and I really don't like to leave the house. But, for the next 3 days, I'm highlighting the 3 events that I would check out if I wasn't so frightened by the whole thing. Boo.

Hipster Halloween featuring The Kooks at Pipeline Cafe

October 31, 2008

$25, www.bampproject.com

Cute, indie rock, brit boys touring in support of their second album, Konk, released earlier this year might just get me out and about. I like this one from their new album. Happy Hipster Halloween!

Parking Lot Trippin'

This is ridiculous. Why, dude?

Oh Boyy

I'm a little obsessed with the A/W 08 collection of bags from Boyy. The Lester clutch and Dog handbag/duffel are my favorites. Inspired by the simple, yet powerful strength of "love letters," designers Jesse Dorsey and Wannasiri Kongman, have created a collection featuring envelope-like details and functional zipper pockets and pouches. 

Dear Boyy,

I want you. I need you. I love you.

Always,

S

Radio Revolution Redux

HD Radio Free Hawaii is crazy good. Okay, I do the morning show from 7:00-9:00 AM weekdays with Maleko and Flash, but it's crazy good all the time! Vote online for your favorite songs and hear music that you won't hear anywhere else. The best thing of all is Kathy's show "Not Meant For Radio" which features the most popular songs from the original Radio Free Hawaii. I heard "Sunshine Like You" by the Waterlillies! Check out my new HD radio deck. Don't you want one too? Circuit City has FREE installation!

My Dunks

Happy Saturday! See you at the DUNKXCHANGE.

MATIX

TONIGHT! Blue Hawaii Surf is hosting a fashion show event featuring one of the best lines of Holiday 08, MATIX. To open the fashion show, Blue Hawaii has invited local designer Natalia Li who will feature her latest line down the runway. Following both fashion shows is a special music performance by David Tamaoka, and open bar for the remainder of the evening. Blue Hawaii is dedicated to supporting local artists; all money donated will go towards artist fees.

MATIX Fashion Show

Blue Hawaii Kalihi Gallery

1216 Kaumualii Street

7:30 PM

$10 donation, $20 VIP Seating (included a meet and greet with the designers, gift bag, pupus and free drinks before the event)

This is an RSVP event. You must contact Krista at krista@bluehawaiisurf.com or 845-9300 ext 206.

Find Me That Piece Of Paper I Had In My Hand Yesterday Morning

"Stylista" debuts tonight! It's "The Devil Wears Prada" as a reality show with eleven aspiring fashionistas competing for a real-life editorial job at Elle, working as assistants to Anne Slowey, Elle's Fashion News Director. The winner gets a paid editorial position at Elle, a paid lease on an apartment in NYC, and a clothing allowance at H&M, all for one year, valued at $100,000. With Tyra as an executive producer, it's a guaranteed bullseye. That's all.

On The Go

While Nore is on the run eating, I'm on the run powdering my face. My favorite Bare Escentuals Bare Minerals powder, Mineral Veil, is in a convenient built-in-the-brush form. Super sheer coverage and oil absorbing–it's the perfect finishing touch. Get it now, as this is a limited edition item, exclusively created to celebrate Sephora's 10th Anniversary. 

The Grain

I first ate this delicious yogurt from Liberté in Poughkeepsie, NY. And I've been looking for it ever since. I have finally found it at Kokua Market. No added sugar, 100% natural made with rBGH-free Vermont milk, delicious fruit flavors (pear, peach, raspberry and strawberry) and already pre-mixed with healthy grains (barley, oats, rye and wheat). The grains are already IN the yogurt! I swear it's the best yogurt in the entire world.

Dress SMART

From the Divas Doing Good/Fashionista's Market Closet Swap on Sunday...

This girl and her team were one of the winners of a fun contest at the event. Teams created outfits out of newspaper, magazines, and other recyclable materials. The winning teams got to start their search 3 minutes before everyone else. 

The SMART sweetheart top really made the outfit!