Best of Honolulu – Shopping

It’s that time of year again. We’ve scoured the island, grilled the experts and enlisted your help to bring you the best “Best of Honolulu“ ever.

March 1, 2007

Ronna Bolante, Michael Keany, Kathryn Drury Wagner, Lori Anne Tomonari, A. Kam Napier,

photo: Olivier Koning

Best Place to Buy Denim
Neiman Marcus’ Contemporary department
(Editors’ Pick)

Every denim lover knows that a good pair is hard to find. So, we searched out the best place to buy that perfect, hip-hugging-but-not-too-tight, just-the-right-shade-of-indigo, makes-my-butt-look-good piece of denim goodness. With designer names such as Paige Jeans, Citizens of Humanity, 7 for All Mankind, True Religion and Hudson lining the shelves and racks, we found our jeans heaven: Neiman Marcus’ Contemporary department. If those sought-after pants need to be taken up a bit, Neiman Marcus offers free basic hemming. Ala Moana Center, 951-8887. http://www.neimanmarcus.com

photo: courtesy of Bridal Emporium

Best Bridal Shop
Bridal Emporium
(Readers’ Pick)

The Bridal Emporium offers more than 300 styles of wedding gowns to choose from, but that’s not the only reason it’s your favorite bridal shop. “We have three bridal shops within a quarter mile, and the biggest difference is customer services,” says owner Leslie Nakagawa. The store provides individualized attention, partnering each bride with one salesperson, who helps to find “the perfect gown” and keeps records of each dress tried on. “Each time the bride comes back, she sees that one salesperson, who helps her narrow her search,” Nakagawa says. Grooms, bridesmaids and flower girls can also get their wedding duds from the Bridal Emporium, making it a one-stop shop. 250 Ward Ave., Suite 209, 596-8281, www.bridalemporium.biz.

Best Women’s Store
Cinnamon Girl
(Readers’ Pick)


photos: courtesy of Cinnamon Girl

Back when she was selling her clothing at craft fairs, “Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would have seven stores,” laughs Jonelle Fujita, founder of Best Women’s Store winner, Cinnamon Girl. The company, now in its 13th year, is still run by Jonelle, along with her husband, Reid. Cinnamon Girl is beloved for its warm atmosphere and romantic, feminine styles. The clothing for women and girls, plus accessories and home wares, are complemented by good customer services—giftwrapping, for example, is free. This spring, look for more stretch fabrics, as well as patchwork patterns and more separates. Multiple locations, www.cinnamongirl.com.

Best Lingerie Store
J. Boudoir Corsetiere
(Editors’ Pick)

photo: Jen Tadaki

When asked about where to buy lingerie, a lot of fashionable Honolulu women confess, “I just wait until I go to the Mainland.” J. Boudoir Corsetiere has come to our rescue. Owner Jennifer Kem Hurst travels to both coasts, as well as Europe, in search of merchandise such as super-soft cotton undies from American Apparel ($10); the much-adored Hanky Panky brand ($18) thongs; and bras by Le Mystère and Natori. Sizes range from petite to XL; bras from 30A to 44G are in stock (special orders are also taken). A corsetiere on staff can create custom corsets, too. What really won us over, though, is that the underthings here are not only pretty, but wearable. Ward Warehouse, 593-2200. http://www.victoriaward.com/Shopping/Merchants/JBoudoirCorsetiere.html

Best Traditional Furniture Store
C.S. Wo
(Readers’ Pick)


photo: courtesy of C.S. Wo

After nearly a century of selling furniture in Hawai‘i, it’s no wonder C.S. Wo is your favorite for timeless pieces, including lines by Ralph Lauren, Tommy Bahama and Drexel Heritage. 702 S.
Beretania St., 543-5388, www.cswo.com.

photo: courtesy of Inspiration Furniture

Best Trendy Furniture Store
Inspiration Furniture
(Readers’ Pick)

Since its opening in ‘Aiea in 1997, Inspiration Furniture has become O‘ahu’s most reliable source for sleek and modern home and office pieces. Now, fans have one more reason to celebrate: the recent opening of its new flagship location at Kaka‘ako’s Honolulu Design Center, the brainchild of Inspiration founder Thomas Sorensen. Two locations: 1250 Kapi‘olani Blvd., 956-1250; Pearlridge Center Uptown, 484-0245, www.honoluludesigncenter.com.

photo: Karin Kovalsky

Best Lei Shop
Cindy’s Lei & Flower Shoppe
(Readers’ Pick)

Lei vendors line both sides of Maunakea Street in Chinatown, but your No. 1 pick is Cindy’s Lei & Flower Shoppe, known for its variety and customer service. 1034 Maunakea St., 536-2169.

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