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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, June 1, 2007

Urban meets Island at new Soleil boutique

By Paula Rath
Advertiser Staff Writer

Alaana Seno models a dress from Soleil boutique, which carries a range of lines.

Adam Jung

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Hot dogs! Posh pooches will strut their looks at the grand opening of The Pet Spot at Ward Warehouse tomorrow.

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For two years, Summer Vaimaona, 25, has been making a fashion splash at trunk shows around Honolulu. The 1999 Kamehameha graduate's fusion of urban street wear and Polynesian accents has resonated with women of all ages who want to express their Island aesthetic with fashion-savvy style.

Now she has a permanent home for her eclectic collection — Soleil boutique. The shop features local designs from Roberta Oaks, Ginger 13 and Wings Hawaii. Also available are accessories from throughout the Pacific, including TAV, which is created in the Cook Islands. She picks up urban attire — lines by Lulu Lame, Dub Wise, Nicacelly, Who Cares and Cerbae Street Couture — in L.A. and New York.

"My inspiration in fashion has always come from being around beautiful Polynesian women of all ages and sizes — my mother, who was petite, and my aunties (like the always fashionable Cha Thompson) and cousins. ... They always dressed impeccably with subtle accents that made their style unique — a Tahitian belt, a purse from Samoa or a hat from Tokelau. The women made the clothes, not vice-versa," Vai-maona said in a statement.

Soleil is at 909 Kapahulu Ave., next to Karaoke Hut and L&L Drive-Inn. Information: 735-5360.

ROBYN RHODES

The feminine, light and airy creations of jewelry designer Robyn Rhodes are a favorite with celebs such as Jessica Alba, Paula Abdul, Penelope Cruz and Sharon Stone.

Cottage by the Sea in Ward Warehouse is bringing Rhodes and her assistant to its store to meet customers and customize earrings, bracelets and necklaces. The designer can help you adjust the piece to the most flattering length, change the stones to match your eyes, or whatever it takes to make the piece yours.

Rhodes will be available from noon to 7 p.m. today, tomorrow and Sunday. Information: 591-9811.

DOGGIE DECADENCE

Posh pooches will parade down a runway tomorrow for the opening of The Pet Spot, a canine boutique in Ward Warehouse. The Doggie Decadence fashion show will be followed by three contests: Cutest Outfit, Doggie-Daddy (or Mommy) Look-Alike and an "Is Your Dog a Pig" eating contest.

Owners can enter their dogs in the contests by registering in advance at The Pet Stop or by showing up at 11 a.m. tomorrow. The fashion show will be at noon and the eating contest at 1:30 p.m. Information: 591-1990.

MAKE MINE MANOLOS

Channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw at a trunk show of the latest styles from coveted shoe designer Manolo Blahnik today through June 10 in Ladies Shoes at Neiman Marcus. There will also be a sneak preview of what's coming for fall 2007.

FASHIONISTA'S MARKET

Fashionista's Market, the designer sample sale and traveling boutique, will make its move on Mo'ili'ili. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow and Sunday, find deeply discounted fashions from Betsey Johnson, Voom, Isabella Fiore, Frankie B and Ed Hardy. It's at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i, 2454 S. Beretania St., across from Star Market.

JUST FOR 'U'

Are you an avid follower of The Advertiser's fashion coverage? Want more? You'll love the bonus we have for you.

Pick up your free copy of U magazine, the premier issue of our fashion glossy. It's chock full of practical designs and tips on entertaining, where to go and what to do. Find it at Starbucks, Macy's at Ala Moana Center and specialty boutiques in Honolulu. Check us out online at www.umaghawaii.com.

Reach Paula Rath at paularath@aol.com.