Mingling with Minkoff – Rebecca Minkoff that is!

I had the amazing opportunity to meet renowned fashion designer Rebecca Minkoff and I’m just going to be brutally honest here: she was AMAZEBALLS. Alright, so I really only spent about 10 minutes interviewing her prior to the official meet and greet at Nordstrom Ala Moana, but first impressions are what count, right? And I can confirm that my first impression was as follows…(thoughts in my head of course) “Ok, love her outfit. And her lip color – what color is that? Dang, she’s tall.” Commence conversation/nervous interview…(more thoughts) “She’s so easy going. She’s just a normal, stylish girl who’s doing what she loves and happens to be pretty dang successful at it – I LIKE her.” Believe you me, I didn’t spend the 10 minutes just thinking thoughts, those happened in seconds. I obviously had some questions for her – c’mon!

If you’ve taken a look at RM’s pieces you’ll see they definitely have some edge – studs, tassles, hardware, you know, the stuff that elevates a purse from being a cute black purse to being THE CUTEST BLACK purse you own (same goes for all the other colors too). She credits this edge to having lived in New York City for so many years, where we all know things are edgy – far edgier than our tropical little set of islands or perhaps her home town of San Diego.

Now don’t be mistaken by my handbag intro, Minkoff offers up a full collection of accessories and sartorial amazingness (aka women’s apparel) in addition to her handbags. I did of course ask her preference, to which she responded, “I’ve been doing handbags long enough that I could do it in my sleep.” This was followed by perhaps my favorite reason why Minkoff enjoys designing handbags, “I don’t need to worry about how a handbag fits your ass, or your shoulders or your arms.” Yes, yes of course! That, I’m sure, is the very same reason we women fall madly, deeply, obsessively (to the point of crazy) in love with handbags – because handbags fit you when you’re skinny and, hot damn, they fit you when you’re FAT too. Handbags don’t judge and we love them for it.

Minkoff also noted that designing apparel is more of a challenge, but one that’s worth it – a challenge she doesn’t particularly mind. We all know that the female figure isn’t always the easiest to flatter, so I absolutely get where she’s coming from. If the going gets tough, she’ll take a break and jump over to handbags or visa versa. Again, this mirrors the female mentality (or at least mine)…getting stressed – stop by Nordstrom and buy a new purse – that’ll convert your stress into bliss

In true Nordstrom fashion, the event was fabulous. The passed pupu and wine were a nice little treat while everyone waited in line to meet Minkoff and shop. The DJ kept the mood fresh and Minkoff’s presence elevated an otherwise normal Tuesday afternoon of shopping to one for the books. Fashion fiends were quick to have Minkoff autograph their purses, myself included. Everyone buzzed around the RM section to find their very own “It Bag” to which I must note that her Morning After Bag did in fact earn the prestige “It Bag” title alongside heavy hitters in the fashion industry such as Fendi, Hermes, Chanel and Louis Vuitton. The difference though, is that unlike those seemingly elusive purses that many yearn for but never own, Minkoff’s designs are pleasantly attainable and exude a level of casual cool style that still has the power to punctuate your status as a respectable, “I know my sh*t” fashion fiend. This is precisely the air that Minkoff herself exudes. She looks phenomenal from head to toe, like you’re not sure if you can just walk up and chat with the renowned designer, but in reality she’s approachable and refreshingly cool. Not to mention her leather jacket and printed trousers are fricken’ killer.

And just two more things before you drool over the photos to follow:

1) RM’s favorite color is persimmon (ok, she loves tons of color, but she admitted that she particularly likes persimmon). PS – her lip color (that I loved) and her nail color were both persimmon.

2) RM’s cocktail of choice (because I had to ask) is a traditional margarita. AKA tequilla and pure lime juice. She’s been throwing them back before Bethenny Frankel branded them the Skinny Margarita. Oh and she also likes Bloody Mary’s too

Shout out to my girl @melissakim808 who called in for back-up (aka the Nanny) so she could Mingle with Minkoff last night!

Aloha.

Now I know what you’re thinking – flower/color explosion! And guess what? I absolutely, totally, without a doubt in the world, LOVE IT! The colors are phenomenal and the delicate heels just make it that much better. Oh, oh, oh it’s magic! Here’s another one for your eager eyes…

Excuse me while I shed tears of pure joy. I mean it’s not everyday that you see such AMAZEBALL pieces at lustfully low prices. This outfit from head to toe – blouse, skirt, bangles, bag, earrings and heels – will cost you about $155, plus tax (sorry, hot model body not included). Now that’s what I’m talking about right there – a fully loaded outfit that can be broken up to make multiple drool-worthy looks. I’m in love. Ok, ok, let’s see another one

How hot’s that Gu-Gu-Gurung? How hot’s that Gu-Gu-Gurung?

Seriously though, how hot’s that Gu-Gu-Gurung? Pretty freaking hot if you ask me! I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t mind wearing this sinfully delicious number for my Valentine’s Day date. Hell, even if I didn’t have a date, I’d rock this bad boy solo on V-Day because it’s just that good. And don’t even get me started on those lace up heels. DON’T EVEN GET ME STARTED!

So here’s the deal. The collection launches this Sunday at Target, so you can bet that I’m making the sacrifice of all sacrifices (waking up early) to make sure I have first pickings of the Gurung goods.

Oh, just in case those little treasures I shared weren’t enough torture/pleasure, here are a few more for you drooling little fiends…

Photos: Target via Refinery29

Kate Spade Saturday captures the quirky and fun essence of Kate Spade, but channels it into a brand better suited for the twenty something’s (yours truly) with a lower price point. If only all of our favorite designer brands lent themselves to such fashionable generosity… Tory Burch Tuesday, Marc Jacobs Monday, DVF Friday – you get it. The price points are – well – on point. And the designs are style defined. If color is your friend, you just found a new BFF in Kate Spade Saturday – no joke.

Life just got a little bit better didn’t it? Oh and here’s another peek to really get you drooling…

I’m sorry, but that dress NEEDS to get in my closet. STAT. And with average price points between $90-$125 you really can have your cake and eat it too. Or shall I say, have your dress and heels too (and purse and shoes and whatever else you like!)

If you likey what you see, I recommend following Kate Spade Saturday on Instagram for more drool worthy teasers: @ks_saturday. You won’t be disappointed.

Aloha.

That’s not to say that Hawaii fashion fiends don’t NEED an H&M, because WE DO! You know, like how Kate Middleton needs Prince William (so that she can be a princess – duh) and how Dolce needs Gabana. I mean quite honestly, the fact that we fellow fashion fiends have survived this long without an H&M (or Zara, Mango, Urban and the list goes on) in Hawaii is really quite baffling. One can only go so long without a proper H&M fix, you know? Especially when you’ve moved back home from San Francisco, which has oodles of H&Ms just oozing with to-die-for outfits. Really though, I’d go so far as to say that those of us fashion fiends in Hawaii have been the victims of some serious sartorial torture and IT MUST END! The massive Forever 21 in Waikiki and newly opened store in Ala Moana is proof that we need retailers that cater to the wants of the fashion forward fiends with meager amounts of moolah to spend. I mean I like Forever 21, but I LOVE H&M! Throw in the rest of the foreign retailers (plus Urban) and I’d probably pee my pants with excitement – yes, I just said that. I’m but a child in a 20 something’s body.

Anyhow, the day we’ve all been waiting for could soon be upon us. We can only hope that the fashion gods are on our side. So to appease them, let’s all rock our favorites from H&M to prove to them that we are worthy!

Now, I’m completely lacking in photos, but perhaps this one of my amazing BF and a my H&M bags will suffice for now.

The whole purpose of the event was to celebrate Nordstrom’s Fashion Rewards members, and celebrate we did.

Cool it – it’s Perrier!

The party began with a grand entrance where Nordstrom employees lined the entry aisles and literally clapped and cheered as the line of eager and very spirited shoppers flowed in – its quite an experience and it makes you feel great about shopping at Nordy’s

[insert amazing photo here that I failed to capture because I was too excited - #fail]

In addition to Nordstrom offering shoppers 10 Fashion Rewards points per every dollar you spent, the more tangible highlight of the fabulous evening was definitely the deliciously delectable bites and beverages. Sunday’s menu featured savory items including mini bbq pulled pork sliders, crab cake lollipops (aka heaven in your mouth), truffleyaki beef tenderloin skewers and a to-die-for selection of desserts (also heaven in your mouth).

Plus, you most certainly can’t forget the libations! Leave it Nordstrom to treat everyone to their own bottle of Perrier and what seemed like endless glasses of Champagne and Chardonnay (cheers!).

And because it was a holiday shopping event, you better believe there were gift wrapping stations with wrappers on hand to help shoppers tidy up all their great purchases in those perfect little silver Nordstrom gift boxes (gosh I love the site of those boxes under the tree).

Needless to say I had an amazing time at the event. Now if only Santa (ah-hem, that tall guy in the grey jacket) got the clue that this orange leather jacket is at the top of my Christmas list I mean, it’s probably the most practical Christmas gift you could get for a girl who lives in Hawaii, right?

And here’s one of Santa

Aloha and Happy Holidays!

Keeping Halloween costumes clean, one loofah at a time | Me, Keiki, Jules, Lauren & Mele | Aloha Tower, October 19, 2012

Thanks to Pinterest, my costume was great. I mean, it’s not everyday you get to walk around town dressed like a loofah! In fact, my friends and I had so much fun being loofahs that we dressed up in our costumes not once:

The strings were key to the loofah costume | Aloha Tower, October 19, 2012

not twice:

Please note the mysterious bubble blower on the left hand side. Also, please note the more masculine loofah, Zac, with handle | Pre-Hallowbaloo (that was canceled due to the Tsunami warning), October 27, 2012

 but three times: 

Loofahs and Lorax (or is plural – Lorai?) | HALLOWEEN NIGHT, October 31, 2012

Being the girls that we are, glitter hair spray and body sparkles were an obvious add on – and bubbles. You can’t forget the bubbles!

We were bubbling with joy to be loofahs all night!

And while we weren’t the only loofahs in town, or the first loofahs in history, the fact that I still have glitter stuck to my skin (trust me, I shower everyday, but glitter is impossible to get off!), means we were probably among the sparkliest loofahs around.

Glitter sticks and glitter hairspray = glitter for days.

How you ask? How did you make these giant shower pouffs? For starters, we bought yards and yards and even more yards of netting (not tulle – tulle is for tutus). We then followed the detailed directions outlined on this blog that linked from the original loofah costumes we found on Pinterest. Think making giant bows and pouffing them out. HUGE props to the crafty person who came up with the idea and wrote out the directions because I personally don’t have the patience for all that. Anyhow, I hope to see more loofahs around in the coming years

Stay clean & Aloha.

Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale aka The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

It’s the most wonderful time of the year
It’s the most wonderful time
It’s the Nordstrom-Half Yearly sale
It’s for women and children alike
It’s the big-biggest of all
It’s the most wonderful sale of year

There’ll be double points earning
No need for returning
And luxury brands we all know
There’ll be all the best styles
To make it worth while
Don’t miss Sam Edelman, Vince Camuto

It’s the most wonderful time
It’s the Half-Half Yearly sale
It’s the Nordstrom Half-Yearly sale
It’s the hap-happiest sale

There’ll be goods from Tory Burch
And reasons to search
When half-off prices are clear
It’s the most wonderful sale
It’s the Nordstrom Half-Yearly sale
It’s most wonderful sale of the year!

Nordstrom’s Half-Yearly Sale for women and kids starts on Thursday, November 1 at 9:30 a.m. and it’s surely the most wonderful sale of the year

Aloha.

Although I don’t look very happy in this photo, I can assure you, I’m loving the florals. It’s the person behind the camera lens (boyfriend) who was the cause of this “over it” face I’m making.

Recognize that gold and jade ring? Or what about that black leather purse?

Smile for Topshop and this fantastic floral blouse!

Like what you see? Check out the Topshop Collection at Nordstrom Ala Moana for the latest pieces!

Aloha.

I had the great pleasure of checking out the fabulous new addition to Nordstrom, and let me tell you, it was a Fashiorgasmic…

Michelle, the department manager (aka luckiest girl alive), did me the favor of walking me through the three collections featured at Nordstrom.

The first collection is the Sensationalist and is sort of Rihanna-esque. Lots of leather, studs, bling and some fierce footwear. I obviously loved everything.

I’m diggin’ the white lacey look mixed with the badass biker chick.

Stud city chick, stud-stud city chick, black booties, black clutches on them Topshop chicks…(ok, I’ll stop)

The second collection is Pennsylvania, mixing florals and denim with camoflouge and a few studs here and there. These looks were sort of, I’m-a-girl-but-I’m-also-a-hard-ass-so-move-aside-esque.

The last collection is Factory Girl and was my probably my favorite for two reasons: 1) The pieces are very, very Mad Men-esque (and I’m obsessed with Mad Men); 2) The pieces work well for the office, but can easily translate over to a night out.

This green dress will make you look and feel like a Chanel girl without the hefty price tag!

I’m Factory and I know it, know it, know it…

Being that I was immediately obsessed with EVERYTHING (I’m not exaggerating), I had to try it all on. Ok, not all, but quite a bit!

A glimpse into my first round dressing room…and a special thanks to Michelle, Jackie and the rest of the department associates who helped me!

Although I would have loved to buy EVERYTHING, I didn’t because – NEWSFLASH – Topshop is here forever! I went for a couple of key pieces that I can get ample use out of. Plus, this is only the beginning. I’m sure they’ll have entirely new and equally as to-die-for pieces by this weekend.

Stay tuned for an upcoming post to find out what I ended up picking out for myself

And in case you’re wondering, the price points are amazing, especially on the denim!

My only gripe – the sizing is UK based, so swallow your pride and go up one or two sizes. But trust me, once you find the right fit, you’ll forget all about the fact that you’re not a size 4, because you’ll look amaze. I swear.

Aloha. {Ps. scroll down for more pics}

BFFs make the best models – thanks Anu!

Heaven awaits you at Nordstrom Ala Moana

Oh hey, Bobbie!

When it comes to a happening fashion scene, Honolulu may not be New York City, but at least it’s paradise! AND, this weekend, paradise (and the good people at @AlaMoanaCenter – love them!) welcomed Today Show Style Expert Bobbie Thomas to Center Stage as part of The Fall Fashion Event (#TFFE12). The entire event took place from September 6 through the 9th and was booked full with fabulous sales, fashion shows and more! Now, back to Bobbie. The style expert was there on Friday and Saturday night to talk fashion with the eager crowd, and you can bet I was front and center.

Thanks to my handy tweeting and Instagramming abilities, I was offered 2 “Tweet Seats” at the Girls’ Night Out (#GNO) event with Bobbie Thomas! Oh and in addition to the super cute China Glaze Nail Polish and Stila lip gloss that I was gifted, here’s the most shocking result of being a Very Important Tweeter (VIT):

Look, mom! I’m famous – LOL.

I naturally brought along my fashionable BFF, @ilovescience (follow her on IG, if you’re not already). Ala Moana Center set up a sweet beauty station in front of Center Stage, with make-up and skin care consultation from Sephora. Lauren and I obviously got our make-up done while we listened to Bobbie talk fashion – the ultimate GNO!

Of course she’s smiling, she’s getting her makeup done!

Oh and how could I not mention the point in the evening when Bobbie asked Lauren join her up at the stage…

“Lauren, what’s your go to item?”

The best part of the fashion talk was when Bobbie shared the top three items she (and every woman) needs in her closet: 1) Spanx, at which point she proceeded to lift her dress and show us her Spanx! 2) Cardiwrap – you know those cardigan/blanket garments that a perfect for throwing on over anything; 3) LBD – Little Black Dress. {P.S. I would have loved to have a pic of Bobbie lifting her dress, but my iPhone is dying and needs ample time to take a picture – you feel me?} {P.S.S. I have multiple Spanx and they’re the bomb – get some woman!}

Following our make-up session and Bobbie’s on-stage appearance, we had the chance to actually meet the style expert and snap a few photos for Instagram (because we’re obsessed). And for those of you who are wondering, Bobbie was super sweet, down to earth, and had great shoes. Also, she does her own tweeting, which I personally think is amazeballs. Follow her @BobbieThomas.

Strike a pose with Bobbie Thomas!

All in all, the night was a blast and I’m already looking forward to next year’s festivities. Be sure to check out Ala Moana Center on Facebook, Twitter or at www.alamoanacenter.com for info on upcoming fashion events.

Aloha.