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.