Weekend Picks – July 17, 2014

Lei Chic's guide to the weekend's best events

Shop
Once Upon a Time in Mexico
What: It's been a loco week. Time for this chica to unwind with a Friday night that's a real fiesta. At The Los Bandidas fashion show, trunk show and after party, you and your mamacitas can get pampered with fun nail decals and henna tattoos, followed by retail therapy from Panacea Designs, Rove Swimwear and Little Gypsy Hawaii. Finish it off with a live DJ until 2 a.m. Adios, week.
When: Friday, July 18. Trunk show from 5–8 p.m., fashion show and after party from 9 p.m.–2 a.m.
Where: Fresh Cafe Downtown, 1121 Nuuanu Ave., 688-8055
Details: Start your pau hana early—the first 15 people get a free flower crown, nail art and custom-stamped necklace.

Shop
Makeup Forever
What: We woke up looking like this. Psych! We’re not Beyoncé , so we consider a good cosmetics bag to be a girl's best friend. Because Nordstrom has our back, it’s hosting its Anniversary Sale Beauty Bash. Book an appointment with any of the experts in the cosmetics department and get a free beauty bag when you make a purchase, while supplies last.
When: Saturday, July 19 to Sunday, August 3.
Where: Nordstrom, Ala Moana Center
Details: We don’t have to mention the massive sales and limited edition sets and products that will be there, do we?

Shop
To Market, To Market
What: Thank goodness for Honolulu Night Market because, after a full month of use, our closet is looking sparse. Reboot it with the shopping lineup this Saturday, including well-knowns such as Vermilli and HonHI. We're also totally looking forward to the Cut Collective fashion show—almost as much as we're looking forward to bacon and caramel brownies from Pami’s Desserts and Pastries.
Where: Kakaako Warehouse, 449 Cooke St.
When: Saturday, July 19 from 6–11 p.m. Fashion show starts at 8 p.m.
Details: Our Kakaako Wi-Fi is supposedly the fastest there is, so go ahead and snap your selfie way to social media bliss.

Shop
Feelin' Cheeky
What: Despite what your BF thinks, you can never have too many bikinis. Say hello to the adorably named Coconut Cheeks, a Honolulu-based online shop that launched this past week. It carries suits from all over, including local faves such as Issa de Mar and Kaimana Swimwear, Malibu-based Frankie's Bikinis, Australian Kokoh Bikinis and Kovey from Cali.
Where: www.coconutcheeks.com
Details: You'll love the Coconut Cheeks Instagram, btw. Blue water, white beaches, cute bikinis—it's like an escape from the office every time you look at your phone.

Attend
North Score
What: Going to the North Shore is like our mini staycation—we always love an excuse to get up there. This weekend's Haleiwa Arts Festival will showcase more than 100 artists in everything from photography to ceramics to jewelry. There will also be performance art acts, demonstrations and food. Sounds like the perfect weekend in the country.
When: Saturday, July 19, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. and Sunday, July 20, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Haleiwa Beach Park, 62-449 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa
Details: Visit haleiwaartsfestival.com for more information about the event and a list of attending artists.

Read
The Social Network
What: A time before Facebook? It might as well be the dark ages. This heart-wrenching essay by Julie Buntin of The Atlantic explores how life within the social network looks, feels and reads on screen. She recaps the downward spiral, and eventual death, of one of her high school friends in profile pictures, messages and posts. It's a must-read for anyone whose social life and social media are inextricably intertwined. So—all of us.
Where: Read the piece at theatlantic.com
Details: Fun fact: this story has more than 40,000 Facebook shares.

Shop
Keepin' It Eel
What: Fighting Eel Waikiki is turning 1 year old, but instead of the humdrum ice cream and candles, the team decided to turn up with a party fit for a fashionista that will feature the Fighting Eel Summer 2 Collection launch. Celebrate with mimosas, coffee, treats from Sweet Temptations Cupcakery, 15 percent off all purchases until noon and free tees for the first 30 guests that spend $250 or more. Sure beats the pinata.
When: Saturday, July 19 from 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Where: Fighting Eel Waikiki, Royal Hawaiian Center
Details: Giveaway alert—enter to win one of dozens of prizes at the event, including jewelry by Kira Hawaii.

Drink
Brush Off
What: You're a bit of an undiscovered Picasso, if you do say so yourself. Add a glass of sangria and your paintings get even better (you think). Check out the Sangria Paint Party at Na Mea Hawaii bookstore at Ward Warehouse for a night of light pupu, sugary libations and creative expression. Brush up on your skills with a step-by-step instructional format and enjoy the make-your-own-sangria bar. The $35 admission fee includes a take home canvas, so you can gauge how different your piece looks the morning after.
When: Saturday, July 19 at 8 p.m.
Where: Na Mea Hawaii bookstore at Ward Warehouse
Details: Must buy tickets in advance. Bring an apron or old T-shirt. Email nhoopii808@yahoo.com or call 260-8182 for more information.

Shop
Bye, Bye, Beautiful
What: Parting is such sweet sorrow. The sorrow? After the store shutters at the end of this month, we won’t get to shop at the stylish Florencia Arias boutique for our workday and Chinatown-night fashion needs. The sweet? A closeout sale you’ll definitely want to hit up. Lei Chic covered the store’s opening in 2011, so we’re trying extra hard to keep from crying (sniff), but we’ll try our best to get our sale game faces on for the kids.
When: Saturday, July 19 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: 1161 Nuuanu Ave., 384-9039
Details: Florencia will still be designing, but will focus on wholesale. Stay tuned to Lei Chic for an update on her fall collection.

Sales

Who: Jimmy Choo, Ala Moana Center
Deal: Up to 50 percent off select styles

Who: I Am Shop, 1221 Kapiolani Blvd.
Deal: Up to 70 percent off select items

Who: Hawaiian Island Creations, Ala Moana Center
Deal: Get a $30 Hurley gift card when you spend $50 or more on Hurley products

Who: Tibi
Deal: Up to 70 percent off sale items

Who: Daily Look
Deal: 30 percent off with code ENDLESSSUMMER

Who: Club Monaco
Deal: 30 percent off sale styles with code WANTMORE

Who: Rebecca Taylor
Deal: 40 percent off sale styles with code SUMMERSALE
When: Through August 4

Who: Opening Ceremony 
Deal: Up to 70 percent off select items