August 2009

Lei Chic’s guide to the weekend’s best events.

Sake Situation
What: Sip 271 different sakes and taste sake-friendly dishes from 14 restaurants at the Joy of Sake, the largest sake-tasting event outside of Japan.
When: Friday, 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: Honolulu Academy of Art, 900 S. Beretania StreetRead more »

No matter how many episodes of Rachel Ray and Top Chef you watch, you still can’t get your salmon to sear perfectly, or to get your macadamia nut crust to brown without charring.

You need some in-person instruction.

Well, here’s your chance. At this weekend’s Made In Hawai‘i festival, HONOLULU Magazine, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture’s Buy Fresh, Buy Local program, is presenting cooking demonstrations from Read more »

Police Officer: Ma’am, we’re going to have to charge you with obstruction of and failing to yield to dangerous curves.

You: But, officer, I’m just trying to play it safe.

P.O.: We understand that, ma’am, but we’re taking you into custody to assure you don’t return to hiding out in baggy, loose maxi dresses and oversize babydoll tops.

You: But I don’t have anything else to wear!

P.O.: If you really want to beat this rap, you need to do some hard shopping time.... Read more »

What to Wear Out on Saturday, Take 1: Skinny jeans, basic black pumps, layered tank tops. Nope, so boring. OK, flowy babydoll top. Nah, adds too much volume.

Cut!

What to Wear Out on Saturday, Take 2: Strapless dress, cute new bootie-shoes. Matching multi-chain necklace and bracelet. Chain-strap purse. No, way too much metal. Satin cocktail clutch, and pearl earrings. Hmmmm. Too frumpy.

Cut!

Sound like a typical evening on the set of your life?

Local stylist Crystal Pancipanci can relate. She’s had lots of clients who stumble when it... Read more »

Your bikini collection has gotten kinda bland. You have a drawer full of faded hibiscus prints and teenage surfwear brands, and it could stand some spicing up.

You know, a little extra seasoning. Like maybe a dash of Salt.

That is, the LA-based Salt Swimwear line by designer Layla Pakzad. Found only in a couple boutiques in the islands, the line is a peppy new flavor of simple-but-sexy one-pieces and bikinis.

Salt’s pieces blend sleek, modern silhouettes with charming, retro-inspired details. Like the Kate and Giselle bandeau tops, which are adorned with playful button accents and keyholes.... Read more »

Raise a glass to Hawai‘i’s 50th next Friday by ditching the mass-produced longneck for better, brewed-in-Hawai‘i beers. There's no better time to think globally and drink locally.

Maui Brewing Company
As local as they come, Maui Brewing Company insists on making their suds on-island from fresh Hawaiian ingredients and mountain water. You can find Bikini Blonde, Big Swell IPA and... Read more »

Lei Chic’s guide to the weekend’s best events.

Pure Jean-ius
What: Locally designed Allison Izu denim, created specifically to fit petite frames (under 5-foot-6), is now avaialble to order online. Get 10 percent off on purchases over $100 — the discount even applies to already marked down items. Plus, get free shipping and return shipping, so you can try on a few styles and sizes... Read more »

Lei Chic’s guide to the weekend’s best events.

Pure Jean-ius
What: Locally designed Allison Izu denim, created specifically to fit petite frames (under 5-foot-6), is now avaialble to order online. Get 10 percent off on purchases over $100 — the discount even applies to already marked down items. Plus, get... Read more »

About five seconds after your 30th birthday candles were snuffed, you decided that things really do get better with age. After all, you’d take Sophia Loren’s sophistication any day over Paris Hilton’s . . . whatever it is.

Sugarcane boutique’s owner Faith Scheiblich couldn’t agree more. Her homey new Kaimuki boutique is outfitted with carefully selected consignment items that have the kind of character only time can bring.

Take the vintage tin sand pails. Brightly painted and beautifully worn, you can practically smell the... Read more »

Peanut butter and chocolate. Micro-minis and stiletto heels. Brad and Jen (okay, maybe not). Some pairings just work together. Like dessert and drinks.

Honolulu’s Chris Yozamp is one step ahead – in-the-know entertainers call her when they want to serve up favorite cocktails in cake form. Yozamp puts the real stuff into each of her Cocktail Cupcakes, like her zingy Pina Colada, which has a rum-soaked pineapple tucked inside.

She also whips up light, dreamy pink champagne cupcakes, perfect for your next Sunday brunch with the girls. Or drown your sorrows on a Friday night by diving into a half dozen... Read more »