Otaheite Hawaii returns with beachy chic fashion

Foxy Lady

Fashion trends from the '70s you tried (and failed) to pull off:

A sequin blouse. Blinded everyone in your office, and the office across the street.
Flared denim. Made your hips look enormous.
A jumpsuit. Turned you into a giant, albeit stylish, 3-year-old.

Don't freak out. Sure, you've sworn off anything that makes you look like an extra in Saturday Night Fever. But, thanks to Otaheite Hawaii, you can still tip your fedora to the era with a style that's totally current.

Owner Tiare Lawrence grew up watching her father run Otaheite, a store that sold custom-designed Hawaiian printed apparel during the '70s. Now, Lawrence is reviving the brand with a new fashion line and her very own store, now open in Kihei.

There's no traditional aloha wear here. Instead, Otaheite Hawaii surfs up soft, beachy chic dresses and cover-ups inspired by Lawrence's love for the ocean. You'll dig the romantic, strapless maxi dresses, kimono-sleeved caftans, a fitted mini skirt and sexy, yet sweet, cold shoulder dress with subtle ruching that hugs the hips. Then come August, catch a new wave of racer back dresses, rompers and tops.

Like her father, Lawrence designs her own prints – like unahi, which reflects scales on a mermaid's tail, and koakoa, a spiny coral print, done in light, summery orange golds and aqua blues. Every piece is made out of uber soft, breezy fabrics, like viscose and tencel, for an effortlessly chill and comfortable outfit.

Don't forget about her killer new retail space, stocked with colorful bikinis and fun accessories, like Linea Pelle satchels, Jana Lam clutches and Maui Map beach bags.

You'll be swimming in amazing threads.

For a look that's totally copasetic.

Otaheite Hawaii, $55 skirt, $80-$110 dresses, 10 Wailea Gateway Pl., Suite B104, Kihei, (808) 419-6179, and online at OtaheiteHawaii.com. Select styles available on Oahu at Flower Child boutiques, 41 Kihapai St. and 746 Kapahulu Ave.