September 2012

As the old adage goes, accessories can make or break an outfit.

No pressure, of course. But with so many styles to choose from, finishing your look can be kind of overwhelming.

Lucky for us, ALDO keeps things simple with accessories that are always on trend. Below, we offer the ultimate cheat sheet: the season's must-have shoes and the bags to pair them with.

If you study carefully and shoes wisely, fall's hottest looks will be in the bag.

You thought your boyfriend's addiction to sneakers was cute. Until he wore them to your best friend's wedding.

Now, when it comes to his kicks, you're not so pumped.

Have him try these on for size: AR SRPLS X Converse, a brand-new collaboration between Aloha Rag and Converse, available now... well, sort of.

Leave it to Aloha Rag to kick casual footwear into high gear by offering two different... Read more »

While we drooled over New York Fashion Week's swoon-worthy shows from the confines of our office, two Hawaii fashionistas were actually there in person.

Below, we present a few snapshots of their totally different, yet equally amazing, Fashion Week experiences (celebrity sightings included!) and hope they take us along for the ride next year.

Kecia Littman, makeup artist, Wilhelmina Hawaii

Score
The Sample Life
What: Enjoy makeup freebies with Estée Lauder's Insider Club card. Pick one up at any Macy's Estée Lauder counter (it's free) and flash it during special events to score serious samples. Up first, "Beauty Scene," where you can pocket deluxe samples of Lash Primer Plus and a Pure Color Kajal Eyeliner Duo or High Gloss.
When: Next Wednesday through September 30, while supplies last.
Where: All... Read more »

Tour
Sweet Spots
What: Act fast to snag a spot in Madre Chocolate's cacao farm and chocolate factory tour this weekend (it normally sells out weeks in advance). You'll start on the lush fields of Kahuku Farms to see how cacao pods are grown, harvested and fermented. Then, after lunch, meet back at Madre Chocolate's Kailua shop to roast, crack and winnow the cacao for sumptuous chocolate drinks,... Read more »

It's 3 a.m. Our faces are pressed to the computer screen as look after dreamy look flashes past. A puddle of drool collects next to the keyboard.

You probably weren't as crazy as we were during New York Fashion Week. We totally get it. So, sleep deprivation aside, we've picked out some of our favorite shows from the past week to bring you up to speed.

Set aside some napkins. You might need them.

Read more »

Smock: Captain, take a look at this. Our gravitational sensors are going haywire. There appears to be some sort of magnetic force interfering with our controls.

Captain Chic: Hmmm. The readings correlate with our proximity to Honolulu MedSpa. Did you run a full-system scan?

Smock: Negative. The force jammed our diagnostics. How should... Read more »

You gotta hand it to 'em. The Brits really know their stuff.

They've got High Tea, Downtown Abbey, and Jude Law (replace with R. Pattz, if you must).

Not to mention amazing style. And since Topshop and Topman just hit the floor at Nordstrom, getting a look from across the pond is now just a short drive away.

As always, we've got inside tips and looks, just for you.

The floor is divided into three distinct trends:

• Sensationalist - edgy, spiky and... Read more »

Photos: (left) Suno Spring 2013 runway, courtesy BellaSugar; (right) hairstyle by Genny Calleja.

New York Fashion Week. An onslaught of stunning, frothy designs that would look great in your closet.

If only you could afford them.

... Read more »

Plan
Kiss and Makeup
What: First there's Fashion Week, next it's Beauty Week, hosted by DFS Galleria Waikiki - two weeks filled with free makeovers, champagne parties, and a special appearance by Japanese supermodel Jessica Michibata. Mark your calendars for a special Lei Chic night, when readers get exclusive VIP access to beauty experts, refreshments and swag bags. Details coming soon!
When: September 17-30 with Lei Chic's beauty event on September... Read more »