Thursday, August 21, 2008

For boutique shoppers--Honolulu







Honolulu has many malls that wear you down with miles of walking. Not being a mall shopper, I prefer small boutiques that reflect the personalities of their owners. Each has a unique selection and I don’t see any overlap.
That’s the fun part, if you see something you like, get it! Go visit and get to know them, the customer service is first rate and if you go on weekdays like I do, usually you’ll find the owner there. She knows her product and has a great eye for design, style and color. Fit questions? ASK! And try it on! May not look great on the hangar but it may on you. Trying on is free and please pick new and different colors to see how they look on you. You can always buy the black one, but experiment while you’re there. You gotta take your clothes off anyway, so try a few items you’d never normally choose. It’s how shopping should be.

Le Muse—on Monsarrat Ave. next to Waikiki School. In the little strip mall. Tell Lea I sent you.

Chelsea—in Manoa Marketplace. This lady is not afraid to bring in very unique and odd looking clothes. I even ask, “what is this?” Great ever-changing selection of casual to dressy. Best part; in back, there are always a couple of Sale racks with super markdowns. Try the Bamboo Ts, dresses and pants! You’ll never wear anything else again.

Lily Lotus—Mostly yoga focused clothing and accessories. But who said you couldn’t wear them everyday? Designed for comfort and also looks good. Located in Kaimuki on 12th Ave. between Waialae and Harding. Parking in pay lot.

Oogenesis—If you’re ever in Haleiwa, stop at this shop. It’s a huge mix of clothing and jewelry that will blow you away. Helga (owner) makes some wild and weird stuff and if you like irreverent styling, you’ll love her stuff!

There are many other shops in Chinatown and downtown that I never get to or even know about. Keep an eye out and go explore and share what you find!

Portland, OR: Eating and Shopping in and around NW23rd, the Trendy-third









Favorite place to stay: Inn at Northrup Station 22nd/21st & Northrup http://www.northrupstation.com/ Cute boutique hotel, all suites with working kitchen if you want to cook. Right on the Portland Streetcar line--stops outside the hotel.





Shopping on and/or near 23rd Ave: (all in walking distance of hotel)
Twist: unique artisan jewelry, home dec—artists from Pacific Northwest (pricey)

Moonstruck Chocolates: hand made in Portland. Must have the chocolate milkshake!

Nob Hill Shoes: My kind of shoe store, comfort first! Sandals in summer, covered shoes in Fall.

Trader Joe’s: on Glisan between 21st and 22nd to stock up on essentials

Stella’s on 21st.. Just a block from hotel. Funky, funny and kitschy. I must go at least twice before coming home. She always has great gift items and priced nicely too.

Dazzle:
across Papa Haydn (23rd & Johnson) unique clothes

Renaissance Books: Best Metaphysical bookstore, jewelry store, music, clothing in the world! If you're into that, allow a couple of hours.

Must EAT at:
Escape from NY Pizza
—this is the real stuff!
Papa Hayden—desserts wow!
Serranto’s on 21st. Great Italian. there are a lot of great little restaurants along 21st Ave.
McCormick & Schmick’s—on the Willamette Riverfront. Our favorite for seafood.
St. Cupcake 17th & Flanders—the cupcakes are worth it, dots too! Menu changes daily and who can eat just one?
Biscuits--super breakfasts, on 21st and Burnside/Couch St.s

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Shopping in the Pearl District, Portland, OR







Pearl District:
See shopping http://www.shopthepearl.com/


the merchants created a great walking map with all the shops & restaurants clearly marked. Easy to follow and you don't need a car. Take the Streetcar, it's free! July was HOT! Water and a hat are a must, if you go in summer.




Check online: That July week was Sidewalk Sale week in the Pearl!
See shopping http://www.shopthepearl.com/

Monique’s has fun clothing as reasonable prices. Great mix of fun and colorful
Pearl Retriever for dogs
Dig fabulous garden shop with creative designed garden stuff; and they ship; it's worth it!
Pearl Retriever for dogs
Silk--great Pho, yes even in summer
Babette--great clothes for travel, pleated and scrunched


and many more new places....still growing and no big box retailers.

Where do you shop, now?

After hearing that question so many times, I want to share my findings and ask you, the same question. Living in a "big" city on a small island offers many options. Unfortunately the malls are filled with stores selling clothing etc. aimed at buyers of my daughter's age-25.
How do we look fashionable without looking foolish? Style vs fashion. You all know the difference, "Fashion is the current and/or seasonal trend; the 'latest'. Style lasts forever." Think Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy/Onassis.
Yes, there is style after 50, with a few honest looks in the mirror you will be quite surprised at the woman you see looking back!