(from FrolicHawaii.com 8/10/15 – Amanda Stevens)

With fall just around the corner, I got an up-close look at some of Neiman Marcus’ hottest fall trends from Giorgio Armani, Armani Collezioni and Eileen Fisher. A trunk show and a runway show last Saturday previewed looks for when the weather finally begins to cool off.

As the daughter of a designer/art buff, I grew up hearing all about art history. So I was thrilled to have a girls day out with Mom to check out the Giorgio Armani and Armani Collezioni trunk show because some of the pieces were inspired by brushstrokes in Marc Chagall paintings.

Next, Eileen Fisher’s 2015 fall collection was showcased at a Neiman Marcus runway show. I absolutely love the designer’s use of sustainable fibers, certified dying practices and recycling in its fashions. I’m also a big fan of this collection’s simplicity, versatility and light fabrics that layer with ease — minimalist fashion done right. Here’s a look at some of my fave pieces:

 

(from FrolicHawaii.com 8/8/15 – Amanda Stevens)

Major humidity and light showers didn’t stop the fun factor at August’s First Friday. The 7-foot-tall (in platform boots) Sister-Mister from Scarlet Honolulu, (the new LGBT hotspot formerly occupied by Soho Mixed Media Bar) was out and about spreading cheer and fabulousness. Downbeat Diner and Lounge featured Club Underground with DJ Ross Jackson, Davey Shindig and Gnaraly spinning on the decks.

Madre Chocolate offered samples of its new chocolates, including new flavors acquired from Vanuatu, while Chinatown Artists Lofts included live kapa demonstrations and artwork from more than 10 other artist residents. Fresh Cafe Downtown, meanwhile, featured music from Scott Imanaka and friends, and had vendors selling cool bow ties and sea glass jewelry.

(from FrolicHawaii.com 7/18/15 – Amanda Stevens)

Friday night’s Lux at the Trump White Casino Royale party celebrated the 50th birthday of event host extraordinaire Paul Klink. Attendees dressed in their hottest white ensembles and had a chance to beat the heat on the open deck overlooking Waikiki. But the evening was even more meaningful because a portion of the proceeds will go towards Christa Wittmier’s cancer treatment expenses. Wittmier, aka Super CW, is a friend and colleague to many in the Honolulu entertainment and nightlife scene, and good number of people came to support her.

Lani Lau designs, with the Bali meets Hawaiian tropical flare, was the featured collection. Also showcased, stunning swimwear from Lilikoi Boutique including pieces from Pualani Hawaii, L Space and Seafolly. I loved the cohesive tone of vibrant rainbow, tie dye and abstract retro prints in all of the collections The styling by Michelle Smith and Matt Fischer brought the collections from beach chic to très chic.

Here’s a look at our favorite fashion moments and party pics:

(from FrolicHawaii.com 7/17/15 – Amanda Stevens and Eric Baranda)

Goodwill Hawaii has produced a mega runway show for the past four years, and Thursday’s Goodwill Goes Glam fashion show at Blaisdell Exhibition Hall was the biggest one to date.

The Royal Fashion Show, produced by Kini Zamora and styled by Therese Wahl, included eight collections with regal themes; Day at the Office, Black and White Street Chic, Boho Garden Party, Tea Party, World Traveler, Party Like it’s 1999, Belle of the Ball and Wedding Bliss.

Wahl’s execution was on point, especially her styling of opulent wedding dresses accessorized by her handmade embellishments on head pieces and jewels. Zamora and Wahl worked closely with Paul Brown Salons and Motives Hawaii to come up with the perfect hair and makeup for each royal look. The models truly brought the show to life, taking on subtle vibe changes to complement the various collections, to music by deejay Romeo Valentine.

Frolic’s Melissa Chang asked me to style her for the event, and I chose this elegant Anne Namba black jacket with shiny embroidered elements and a leather natural shade Coach bag. While searching for Melissa’s perfect outfit, I had an exclusive sneak peek of the sales floor. I found a good amount of high-end name brands such as Coach, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dooney and Bourke and more.

If you didn’t get a chance to attend the sold-out VIP fashion show and pre-sale, you still can get your glam on. The best treasures of Goodwill have been converged into a giant weekend pop-up, thru Sunday at Blaisdell. The entire event week is presented by Bank of Hawaii Foundation with proceeds supporting Goodwill’s job placement and job training programs.

Here’s a look at the Royal Fashion Show:

(from FrolicHawaii.com 7/10/15 – Amanda Stevens)

In the first few minutes of the “The Gallows” I thought, “Oh no, not another movie filmed entirely on a hand-held camera.” But as the story unfolded, I got hooked. Blumhouse Productions brought “old school” back with this flick, just as they did with the first “Paranormal Activity,” allowing the audience to get to know the characters before the horror begins.

Twenty years after a horrific set malfunction during a small town school play, an ambitious yet superstitious high school drama class attempts to resurrect the production to honor the anniversary of the tragedy, sans the accidental hanging. The characters are your typical high school formulaic quadrant – the jerk Ryan (Ryan Shoos) convinces his hot blonde girlfriend Cassidy (Cassidy Gifford) and his athletic, handsome-with-a-heart friend Reese (Reese Mishler) to break into the high school auditorium on the eve of the debut to destroy the set. They’re caught by the good girl/sweet brunette Pfeifer (Pfeifer Brown).

Once the four characters are locked in the school by a malevolent force, things get really good. The dark corridors, moving shadows in the corners of the screen, loud and sudden blasts, all crescendo into well-executed executions.

The special effects are subtle and not over the top, which kept me at the edge of my seat. The lighting was also excellent, especially the red light effect of the Emergency light as Cassidy is crying alone in a room, or is she alone? The 21-year-old actress actually stole the show with this intense crying scene. Who would have thought that the daughter of T.V. host Kathie Lee Gifford and former football star Frank Gifford could get that dark and twisty.

Oh, and there’s a surprise ending that I really didn’t see coming. “The Gallows” opens today, I won’t leave you hanging, except to say it’s worth the ticket price.

 

(from FrolicHawaii.com 7/4/15 – Amanda Stevens)

My grandfather, who lived off of School and Kino streets, was a regular at Kenny’s Restaurant. Even after he was unable to drive, he’d walk to St. Theresa church three times a week, and on the way back home, he’d stop here for a bite to eat. I have fond memories of going to Kenny’s with him to enjoy a club sandwich or saimin, while talking about photography and hearing his memories at Pearl Harbor.

Now, my dad, son and uncle Bobby Stevens, who are also loyal patrons, are wondering where we’ll be going. The beloved Kalihi coffee shop closed on Sunday, July 5, after serving breakfast and local-style comfort food at Kamehameha Shopping Center for nearly 50 years. (The last day for the Waikiki location was July 4.)

I stopped by Kenny’s one last time. The mood was bittersweet. “People have been flying in from the neighbor islands to visit us,” owner John Fujieki said. “They’ve even come in from the West Coast and as far as Nebraska, timing their vacations to eat at Kenny’s one last time.”

Fujieki cited his fragile health as being the catalyst for the decision. “Earlier this year I suffered from a stroke,” he said. “I thought I was getting better, then I had vertigo. I did a lot of soul searching, and then decided I was going to close the restaurants. As soon as I came to that decision, the vertigo stopped, so I took that as a sign from the Lord, that it was time to cool it.”

He said since that announcement, there’s been an outpouring of sentiment, particularly from the older generation who even have memories of the original spot, the Burger House, from more than 50 year ago. “Others tell me about their Farrington High School alumni meetings, coming to eat after championship games, how three generations of family members would gather here. So many stories, so many memories. I’m so thankful to each and every one of our customers… I can tell you this, the staff, the customers, will always mean so much to me.”

(from FrolicHawaii.com 6/28/15 – Amanda Stevens)

At Saturday’s inaugural Hidesigncommune marketplace at Kaka‘ako Agora, emerging and established Hawaii designers showcased their collections on hanging racks, industrial displays and in the fashion showcase. Event director Reise Kochi styled the fashion show and brought his edgy flavor and keen eye for design into each ensemble. The vibe was part pop-up shop, part cocktail party with Ocean Organic Vodka in the house.

Here’s a look at some of our favorite fashion show and party moments:

(from FrolicHawaii.com 6/26/15 – Amanda Stevens)

On Saturday evening, designers will converge at Kakaako Agora for an innovative design and retail event, Hidesigncommune. At this inaugural event, 19 new and established Hawaii designers will feature their collections in a fashion and product show. The event is free, takes place from 6-9:30 pm, and is part of June Kaboom, a month-long initiative that showcases public arts programs in Our Kaka‘ako.

“Hidesigncommune represents a coming together of Hawaii’s design community,” said director Reise Kochi. “What makes this different from any other marketplace is the space and the presentation itself. Each designer will have a clean palette space to sell and showcase their designs, giving shoppers a modern and unique showroom-type of retail experience.”

Organizers plan on making this an annual event that will cultivate engagement and interaction among designers, foster growth for small businesses, and increase public awareness in local design and fashion.

Hidesigncommune
Kakaako Agora
441 Cooke St.

(from FrolicHawaii.com 6/23/15) – Amanda Stevens

Manscaping. Merriam-Webster defines it as “the trimming or shaving of a man’s body hair so as to enhance his appearance.” It’s also a hot trend these days for everyone from male models to the everyday Joe.

Back in the day, the only guys who waxed their body hair were athletes. Now, thanks to movies like “40-Year-old Virgin,” it’s no longer a secret that some men prefer a cleaner bodyscape.

I’ve been fascinated with male facial hair since I can remember. My dad had a healthy mustache, but I’m pretty sure that what really made me take notice was seeing Tom Selleck playing volleyball at the Haili Tournament on Hawaii island. Oh my goodness, was that a ‘stache.

For their takes on what’s happening in this sphere of men’s body art, I put some quick questions to a local grooming expert and two serious manscapers. You might be surprised at what they have to say.

Grooming, with less pain

The European Wax Center recently opened in Pearl City using a Comfort Wax that is pretty much painless. I tried it — the wax isn’t too hot and they don’t use those dreaded scary strips. Here’s my Q&A with David Pang, the company’s regional developer:

Are men paying more attention to grooming?
Yes, they want to look good, look clean, but not too perfect.

What are the most popular services for men?
Eyebrows, legs, nose and chest — once they get it done, they usually come back. After the treatment, they feel better about themselves, more confident.

Why are more men in their 20s and 30s interested in manscaping?
The younger generation of men are feeling more comfortable about grooming and the spa scene, and understand that looking clean is in. Over the last several years we are seeing an increase in men’s grooming practices. Men want to express their individual style, and still look their best.

Trimmed for that George Clooney stubble

Sam Armitage is a model from Hawaii who is gaining national exposure. He can easily switch things up with a healthy Adam Levine-type stubble or a clean-shaven look.

“Guys should care about being comfortable in their skin and their hair. That means taking time to groom, using the right tools and conditioning with the right products to keep everything in check. My groomer, Rene, taught me that it’s really about keeping trim and clean, but balancing it with masculinity.”

Keeping it professional

Mike Ortiz is a 30-something professional. In 2014 he made a bet with his brother about who could grow the most epic beard. He won — and kept the beard.

“I’ve been able to find that balance of being a working professional and stylish. My beard definitely is a conversation starter, opening doors to meet new people on my travels and develop new friendships. It’s become more than just extra hair, it’s become a part of who I am and it tells the story of where I’ve been.

I upkeep my beard by utilizing tips from men like The Beard Baron. I purchase a line of beard products from Honest Amish, a company based in Pennsylvania focusing on all-natural beard care products.

I use beard balm to condition my beard and the extra grit beard wax to give it more control. I apply the beard balm and wax daily which takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. I also make sure at least once every couple of weeks that I take some scissors and cut the longer hairs to match the rest of the beard for that somewhat clean, uniform look. I also make sure I upkeep the edges on my cheek and neck lines as straight as possible.”

 

(from FrolicHawaii.com 6/21/15) – Amanda Stevens

Diner en Blanc, an elegant pop-up picnic that takes places in cities across the globe, unfolded Saturday evening at this year’s secret location – Ko Olina. Launched in Paris a quarter of a century ago, Diner en Blanc requires all of its attendees to wear white and bring their own picnic fare, including food, drinks, tablewear, etc.

When registration began for the second Diner en Blanc Honolulu, the looming question was, “How can they top ‘Iolani Palace?” Well, kudos to hosts Maleko McDonnell, Aubrey Akana and Malie Moran, they did it, and here are my top five reasons why:

5. Sometime less is not more. Last year there were about 750 attendees; this year, Akana’s estimation is at 1,300.

4. No leaks. Twice the registrations calls for more staff support, hence more “people in the know,” but the secret location was not revealed, until it was time. Speaking of no leaks, it didn’t rain!

3. Unicorns, ballerinas and all out style. People did not hold back their style expression this year, at-all!

2. Dancing queens, and kings. Super CW was in rare form. She, along with, DJ Gem Tag team, DJ Betty and Hawaii POPS kept everyone dancing into the night.

1. With a an epic west side sunset and tons of space to roam, Ko Olina lagoon was the perfect location for Diner en Blanc Honolulu 2015.

Here’s a look at our favorite moments from preparation to full-on party mode: