Editors' Picks: October 2012

Hand-picked must-haves by the Lei Chic team

In just a few hours, we'll be transported to a magical world filled with pirates, goblins and superheroes.

But right now, we're all about time travel. Not only are we going back through our favorite shopping finds for the month, we're also revisiting Halloweens past for some costume inspiration.

We can only stand looking at sexy "fill in the blanks" for so long.

Terri
Style Description: Classic, clean lines à la Kate Middleton with a pop of Rachel Zoe. Constant quest for the perfect fitted jacket and heels.

		I was pleasantly surprised by a recent spur-of-the-moment dinner at Arancino Beachwalk, a cozy Italian eatery tucked away from the hustle of Kalakaua Ave. My favorites of the night: a creamy mushroom risotto, thin yet delightfully crispy sausage pizza and addictive vanilla bean gelato affogato. All that plus $1 validated parking practically ensures a return visit. Arancino Beachwalk, 255 Beachwalk Ave.
		Forget Halloween. My most terrifying moment happened when I accidentally ripped off my eyelashes with a Shu Uemura curler. Luckily, I was able to pick up Maleana Cosmetics' Twirl heated eyelash curler at our Pop-Up Boutique last week. Not only does it heat up to an effective yet safe temperature in just 15 seconds, its clamp-free wand means there's zero chance my lashes will perish. $20, Maleana Styling Studio and Showroom, 3705 Waialae Ave., #203, and online.
		Ever since I could walk, I was obsessed with becoming a ballerina. So my five-year-old self was ecstatic with this fluffy pink concoction my mom made for me. I wore real ballet shoes (I had just started taking pre-ballet classes) and a classic ballerina bun. The costume must have worked – I ended up dancing ballet until I was 17 years old.

Christi Style Description: Wants Michael Kors, Giuseppe Zanotti, and Phillip Lim to live in her closet (even though some of them have already come out) – Accessories addict with an urban tilt.

		I first spotted these sweet enamel pieces in Brandy Pham's lookbook this summer, but had to wait until the Ribbon Cut cuffs made it to her online shop this month. The clean lines, unexpected cut and fun colors are perfect for stacking on your wrist, fingers or neckline. $158 each, BrandyPham.com.
		A last-minute emergency shopping trip to Ross Dress for Less ended in a drool-worthy moment over the jewelry case. I spotted this turquoise patent leather-slashed clutch from Burberry's Brights collection in S/S 2011, before someone snapped it up. The manager says this is part of a test run at limited Ross stores. Sounds like a good reason to step up my visits. Ross Dress for Less, 1045 Fort Street Mall.
		I don't remember what age I am in this photo, because I must have dressed up as an angel for six Halloweens growing up. When you're the youngest of three girls, you wear a lot of hand-me-downs – that includes all three Mom-made angel costumes. Naturally, I used my amazing accessorizing skills (yes, they were strong, even at that age) to be the best-dressed angel our neighborhood had ever seen.

Brie Style description: If Marc Jacobs married Zooey Deschanel – Feminine fashion-forward silhouettes with a vintage spin.

		Lately, I've been looking to upgrade my bottle opener from key chain status to something a little more stylish. Enter industrial and graphic designer Masanori Oji's minimal-meets-industrial opener. A sure conversation starter, this gorgeous Japan-made bar tool features a smooth brushed brass exterior and clever, outlined silhouette. $75, Design Within Reach, Ala Moana Center.
		While scouting for HONOLULU Family, I've been coming across a lot of great fashion-inspired kids finds that adults would love as well. The Fashion Coloring Book caught my attention with its fantastic cover illustration of Alexander McQueen's iconic armadillo shoes. Its equally chic interiors pages are flush with drawings of accessories and runway looks from top designers like Balmain, Mulberry and Lanvin. $12.99, Neiman Marcus, Ala Moana Center.
		At three years old, I was crazy about Rainbow Brite. I mean who wasn't, right? She had sparkly accessories and a magical horse that galloped through the sky, and saved the earth on the regular. She was pretty kick-ass. My mom lovingly sewed my entire costume from scratch. My favorite parts? The glittery shooting star emblem, and super awesome rainbow arm and leg warmers.

Stacey Style Description: If Jonathan Adler and Kate Spade had a love child (okay, Simon Doonan can come along) – Preppy casual with a color explosion.

		I would be lying if I said I bought this Chronicle Books Mobile Art kit completely for my daughter Dilan. I loved all the crazy cute cutouts from hot air balloons and metallic raindrops to holiday-themed presents and more. With easy DIY instructions for each mobile (which is key when doing arts and crafts with an eager, scissors-in-hand 7-year-old), these definitely deserve some serious hang time. $19.95, Fighting Eel Kailua, 629 Kailua Rd, Suite 130.
		Hell yeah!!! News broke out this month that the next featured designer for a Target collab would be… wait for it… Prabal Gurung! Although pieces won't be available until February, I thought this drool-worthy news would score me brownie points with LC readers. Personally, I love mass-produced collabs – it's the only time I can afford designers I worship. I'm sure he'll incorporate a heavy-handed mix of colors, seamlessly tailored silhouettes and surprise details, Gurung style.
		Okay, since my mom just moved to the East Coast (sob!), our childhood photos went along with her. Last I talked to her, Superstorm Sandy stranded her without electricity. So, standing in for me is this adorable little fish that some call Nemo, but we call Dilly, a.k.a. my daughter, Dilan, at age 2.