Most Wanted – July 2012

July 30, 2012

Site Staff,

Christmas in July. It's totally a thing if you a) are super organized, or b) want yet another excuse to shop.

Naturally, we're the latter, so we've been shopping up a storm this month. Want to join in? Use our Most Wanted list to kickstart the fun.

But you better get going, because in case you have haven't noticed, you only have a day and a half left.

After all, there's no such thing as Christmas in August.

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.

If you haven't tried it already, I highly recommend making your own ice cream. Not only can you control the amount of sugar that goes in, it's fun to experiment with different flavors and mix-ins. After testing out a friend's ice cream maker, I finally bit the bullet and bought my own. I've been getting rave reviews – and requests – from family and friends ever since, especially after I picked up San Francisco-based Bi-Rite Creamery's recipe book (Biting Commentary editor Martha Cheng was one of the testers).
Sweet Cream and Sugar Cones, $24.99, R&D, 691 Auahi St. Cuisinart ice cream maker with extra freezer bowl, $69.95, Williams-Sonoma, Ala Moana Center, (808) 951-0088.


	I'd been admiring this soft, striking ocean blue Lani Dress since we covered Malie Style's debut back in April, so when Malie held a 50-percent-off sale last weekend, I immediately snapped it up. The very next day, I wore it to both a bridal shower and dinner – and received several compliments in the process – then threw it in the washing machine. It held up beautifully. $90, Malie Boutique, The Royal Hawaiian, 2259 Kalakaua Ave., (808) 922-2216.

	I fell in love with the elegance and sparkle of these Padma & Pickles earrings online, but it wasn't until I spotted them on ultra-stylish I AM. manager Makiko Maddaloni that I realized just how beautifully they catch the light. I saw an amazing champagne-colored pair in Fighting Eel Kailua. Looks like I need to add some druzy into my jewelry collection! $123, Fighting Eel Kailua, 629 Kailua Rd. Suite 130, (808) 738-9301.

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'm seeing red this month, starting with these killer red leather high tops from Coach. Yes, from Coach. Oversized leather tassels, a secret side zip and gold hardware give this sneaker some serious street cred. Skip cruising the courts in this high top – its sleek structure and soft leather lining work for a long night out on the town. Callahan high top, $198, Coach.com.

	I'm obsessed with Louis Vuitton's new collab with contemporary art genius and veteran, Yayoi Kusama. It's no surprise to anyone that I'm a pattern-wearing machine, so when Kusama's emblematic signature print had me seeing dots all over bags, sunglasses, shoes and scarves, I died. And when I saw it on removable collars, I cried – mainly because I can't afford it. Very tragic. Price upon request, Louis Vuitton, Ala Moana Center, (808) 973-0580.

	I love doing arts and crafts with my daughter, Dilan. I'm hoping it will stimulate her mind and hopefully one day she'll have some kind of artsy skill that can help her rule the world. Kid Made Modern craft kits take glue and macaroni to the umpteenth level. Easy to follow, she did this kit in one day, and now the brightly painted blocks add a bit of color décor to her room. Kid Made Modern Block Party Kit, $19.99, Target, 4380 Lawehana St., (808) 441-3118.

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.

	While I usually don't even look at shoes with heels lower than three inches, these retro-inspired Jeffrey Campbell Bobby-P pumps deserve to be the exception. They're adorable, super comfy, and the polka-dot print still makes a statement even in neutral colors. I snagged the last pair, but don't panic – Homecoming Boutique's Emilie Fuji says she will reorder them next month. $95, Homecoming Boutique, 1191 Bethel St., (808) 536-6000.

	Some thought it was a motorcycle helmet, some thought it was a mani-pedi dryer, but all in the office agreed my solar-powered Soundmobile music player was cool. It connects through Bluetooth, which not only eliminates any cords, it means I can keep my iPhone on me and control the party music from up to 30 feet away. $169.95, Brookstone.com .

	My wardrobe is ever revolving but my favorite American Apparel Interlock Pencil Skirts remain. Always comfortable and flattering – even on those not so skinny days – the skirts are machine washable and offered in a big range of fun colors including tie dye and stripes. Tip: Watch for them on HauteLook.com. Twice in the last two months, I grabbed a few for just $11 each. $32, American Apparel, Ala Moana Center, (808) 983-3340, or online.

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

	Scouting for stories usually involves a lot of hoofing it around town, so I'm always on the hunt for cute, comfy flats. I was thrilled to discover that Mocchin just started stocking L.A.-label Study Footwear (already big in Japan) which pairs classic loafer and oxfords styles with fun, all-over prints and cushiony insoles. Study the Star Dock canvas loafers, $68, Mocchin, Royal Hawaiian Center, (808) 922-1051.

	I recently picked up a pack of these cute Beer Savers bottle caps for a friend's birthday and loved them so much that I went back and got one for myself. Molded out of silicone to look just like the real thing, they help keep beer fresh and serve as fun drink markers at parties. $9.99, SoHa Living, Kahala Mall, (808) 591-9777.

	I've just started getting into crock pot cooking and recently received Williams-Sonoma's "The New Slow Cooker: Fresh Recipes for the Modern Cook" as a gift. The pages are filled with gorgeous, glossy food photos and mouthwatering recipes for dishes like chicken jambalaya, butternut squash soup and smokey beef chilli. Yum! $34.95, Williams-Sonoma, Ala Moana Center, (808) 951-0088.