Cottage by the Sea launches holiday pop-up co-op
Have a Look, Sea
Mmm, custard-filled malasadas. Just when you thought those sugary puffs couldn't get any more awesome, they go and fill it with tastebud-blowing cream-tastic goodness. Yes, we made up a word just now… and possibly coined a new phrase. That's how good they are.
We feel the same way about Cottage by the Sea's upcoming Aloha Cottage Holiday Pop-up Co-op. Starting this Saturday, the spacious back room of the popular 10-year-old boutique will be packed with even more amazing finds: clothes, accessories, textiles, even tea, all made either here in Hawaii or on the mainland. Plus, beginning November 1, look for weekly trunk shows with designer meet-and-greets, new arrivals and exclusive discounts.
Here's a preview of the 17 (!) designers and businesses you'll find:
1. Mango Luxe: Honolulu architect-by-day Amber Abinsay churns out classic studs, earrings and necklaces adorned with druzy, agate slabs, turquoise, stalactites and gold-dipped arrowheads, and basic trio sets of goldfill and rose goldfill bangles and rings. [website]
2. Gabbybella: Southern California-based jewelry designer Gabby Lardizabal-Bray is a certified gemologist who debuts her 2014 line in the Co-op – organic, raw pieces filled with one-of-a-kind stones. [website]
3. Iwi Nani: Four years ago, Kauai designer Brianne Light took silver smithing classes in New Mexico. She's been addicted to bezeling ever since. Her current work features natural sea glass, bezeled sunrise pendants and shark tooth cuffs with sterling silver, fine silver and 14k-goldfill. [website]
4. Bitty Bambu: Wildflowers, the newest keiki collection by Maui-based apparel designer Taryn Gillespie, was inspired by Tom Petty. For fall, she incorporated long sleeves, rich jewel tones and dresses that can be layered with shirts with tights. [Etsy]
5. Pure Joy Adornments: Look for exclusive and holiday-inspired creations by Honolulu jewelry designer Joy Graham, like hammered teardrops dripping with gemstones, textured geometric hoops and fringe earrings. [website]
6. Salato Designs: Katie Evans recently moved from Honolulu to San Antonio, but rest assured her bags remain in the form of playful, two-toned clutches that mix vibrant prints with sleek faux leather. [website]
7. Hula Hoops Maui: You'll find Maui designer Laurie Olsen's new claw collection here (we absolutely die for the chunky necklaces), as well as best-sellers like classic hammered teardrop and hoop earrings with new styles to debut soon. [website]
8. Keiki Elements: Kaneohe-based designer Jaclyn Carreira is a mother of three who makes matching T-shirt and reusable diaper sets with waterproof outer layer and absorbent insert, and uber-soft minky blankets complete with tiny plush toy. [Etsy]
9. Tidepool Love: Cottage by the Sea owner Jen Sarsuelo has a new textile collection, an offshoot from her popular Tidepool Love jewelry line, with ocean-inspired pillows and dreamy foldover clutches. [website]
10. Me+U: Teaching is in Uakea Egami's blood – the Kauai native is a former preschool teacher who now offers sewing lessons. Her keiki line is perfect for gifting – comfy quilted baby futons, seven-layer burpie sets, even a fun fabric-and-wood-based indoor tent. [website]
11. BoxEleven: Here you'll find a full selecton from Maui designer Katie Browne – flirty tops, dresses (sans maxis) and elastic shorts in a vibrant mix of soft, stretchy knits and vintage woven cotton. Coming soon, she'll also stock wallets and shoulder bags made from vintage upholstery fabric and aloha shirts with hand-built zippers and mix-and-match pulls. [website]
12. Peace of Kauai: Designer Colleen Daly Block uses handpicked Kauai shells and Big Island sea glass to create statement-making rings, wrap cuffs and earrings. Ten percent of Block's sales go to YWCA of Kauai, where she works full-time as a sexual assault and abuse therapist. [website]
13. Kaiea Jewelry: Kailua-Kona designer Kimberly Richert is known for her Islands of Aloha collection – earrings, necklaces and bangles made with hammered 14k-goldfill, rose goldfill and sterling silver wires shaped into Hawaii's island silhouettes. [Etsy]
14. Shanda's Hawaiian Designs: Designer Shanda Holbert specializes in word-based wirework jewelry adorned with handpicked shells, Tahitian black pearls and flowers. In addition to her ready-made designs, you can also order personalized necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets. [Etsy]
15. Jana Lam: Honolulu designer Jana Lam has been designing and silk screening her own textiles for the past three years. Look for her classic clutches as well as new wristlets, crossbody bags and limited-edition faux leather clutches. [Facebook]
16. Simply Sparkle Designs: Honolulu designer Tracie Isara is a self-taught beader whose first "clients" were her bridesmaids. She uses coral, shells, gemstones and charms to create delicate, ocean-inspired necklaces and signature asymmetrical earrings. [website]
17. Pacific Tea Garden: This locally based tea and coffee company will be providing free in-store refreshments during the launch party this Saturday. Shop a variety of bagged and loose leaf teas in flavors like Green Pineapple, Mango Hawaii and Lychee, green tea samplers and matcha latte gift sets, and look for in-store gourment tea and coffee samplings every weekend starting in November.
Save 10 percent off everything in-store, including Aloha Cottage collections, during the launch party this Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The co-op will be open through December 31 at Cottage by the Sea, Ward Warehouse. For more information, call (808) 591-9811.
