Easy Riders


Lei ChicYour thongs are all wrong. Your briefs are causing you grief. Your bikinis are total meanies.

You get the picture. Those hip-pinching, wedgie-inducing oppressors you're trying to pass off as underwear are causing you a world of pain. But your growing skinny jeans collection and the islands’ blustery tropical breezes make going commando a big comman-don't.

Don't get your panties all in a bunch. Instead, cozy up in Gypsy—the new local line of lingerie that's fun, free-spirited, and unbelievably comfy. 

Inspired by the nomadic gypsy mindset, designer Kate Ruggiero left behind a New York fashion career for a free-wheelin' life in Hawai'i. She started sewing for fun, and the results were sassy, low-rise skivvies in eccentric, vintage-inspired prints.  

Each pair is one-of-a-kind and hand-made using super-soft cotton jersey, with dreamy style names like "Into the Mystic," a lively batik print, "Sea of Love," a mellowed-out tie-dye, and "Quiet Stars," a pale cheetah print.  

The fit offers more coverage than a skimpy thong, giving just a cute peek of cheek. And the wide band stretches comfortably across the hips, avoiding any unpleasant pinching or chafing situations.  

So you can ditch the pains in the butt.
And slip back into your comfort zone.    

Gypsy lingerie is available at Olive Boutique, 43 Kihapai St., Kailua, and online at  gypsy.bigcartel.com and madebygypsy.etsy.com. Photo by Daeja Fallas.