Buying Time
You can’t shop seven days a week, even if you wanted to. And this week, with the lead up to the opening of Nordstrom and the new Ala Moana Center wing, plus the weeklong shopping festival Shop A Le‘a, there are hundreds of sales and events to make you want to hit Ala Moana every day.
So if you’ve only got a lunch hour or a fast dash after work, or even if you have to wait till the weekend, here a few events worth braving the crowds for.
A Hair Do
You’re certain your locks, in the right hands, could look as good as Sara Jessica Parker’s or Jessica Biel’s. Get the secrets to Hollywood hair at Sephora on Friday and Saturday when the team from renowned New York salon Oscar Blandi will be giving free hair styling consultations. Mr. O is only doing a presentation at Centerstage, but it’s still a coup to get free advice from any Blandi stylist — it takes months, hundreds of dollars, and a name like Biel or Parker to get an appointment at the Blandi salon in New York . Appointments at Sephora Ala Moana Center Friday-Saturday from 12-6 p.m. Also, listen to Oscar Blandi himself talk hair Saturday at 2 at Centerstage.
On A Bender
Shopping – the way you do it at least – is an athletic endeavor all by itself. Stretch more than just your credit limit this week with a free 45-minute yoga session every morning at Centerstage. Lululemon Athletica is hosting the classes, with certified instructors, mats, and a routine suitable for all levels. Every day this week, 10 a.m. at Centerstage.
Two Cooks in the Kitchen
Chefs guard their kitchen secrets closely. But two of Hawaii’s best, Roy Yamaguchi of Roy’s, and Russel Siu of 3660 on the Rise, will cook for a crowd and show off how they create their signature tastes – they’ll be handing out recipe cards with the full instructions, too. Yamaguchi will be joined by Nalo Farms’ Dean Okimoto to cook Sugar Cane Shrimp, and Siu will be cooking a special dish with red snapper. Cooking demonstrations at Centerstage: Roy Yamaguchi, Sunday at 4 p.m.; Russel Siu at 6 p.m.
Initial Impression
Personalizing your Tiffany baubles has always meant a weeks-long wait while they’re shipped off to New York for engraving. This week, though, you can get your initials in an instant – the store is hosting master engraver Harold Gainer from New York to do live engraving for Tiffany patrons. Bring your previously bought Tiffany items, or purchase something new and watch your monogram get emblazoned immediately. Engraving costs start at $30 for the first three letters. First come, first served. Tuesday 11-1:30 and 4-6, Wednesday, 11-2.
More information on all events is at www.shopalea.com
