STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Karina · Chanel

Need clothes for Hawaii.

Metric · Gucci

Since I am also heading to Hawaii in a few months (end of Sept) maybe I can help. I'll only be there for 11 days.

In my experience (this will be my 8th trip to Oahu) no one really dresses up very much. I find its easiest to stick to a particular color scheme (I usually do this for any trip)- in my case it will be pink, brown and green. I am taking a whole shwack of plain tanks + halters: white, pink, brown

a denim mini

a printed skirt in brown and green

shorts I never wear shorts at home but in Hawaii, its a must. Good for wearing hiking too.

capris

and a nice sundress in brown that can be dressed up or worn casually.

Then for shoes I'm bringing my Pumas, flipflops and a pair of nice sandals in beige. And some jewelry- this funky long green necklace I bought, dangly carved bone earrings, etc to dress things up with. That way you can still make just plain capris and a tank kind of fancy with a necklace and pretty shoes.

Oh and I'm taking 3 bathingsuits- but I plan on buying one there.

HTH Karina, you'll have so much fun!

Tashina · Kate Spade

for hiking, i would highly reccomend these sandals from doc martin. they are so comfy, will keep your feet cool and will support you for hiking.

dot · Marc Jacobs

supportive sandals are definitely a must. i like these tevas. wow i never thought i would ever say "i like tevas."

also fall stuff is probably going to start rolling into stores soon so maybe stock up now.

Karina · Chanel

I heard that many of the Japanese tourists are dressed to kill, and I don't want to look like that "I'm that casual dressed tourist from Jersey". lol

KBomb · BCBG

If you are going to do hiking in Hawaii - you will need more than sandals. Many of the beautiful hiking spots are covered with volcanic deposts and they are SHARP! I would recommend real hiking boots if you have them - if not, some less expensive brands like Merrell make good quality hiking boots at a lower cost. There are many online "outdoor" sites too if you find a style you like - many close outs and such available.

Metric · Gucci

You can get away with runners or sturdy sandals insted of hiking boots since I don't think you will be doing alot of "xtreme" hiking.

The Japanese tourists do dress up, but most that I have seen or at least stuck in my memory, dress "kooky". I have seen girls walking down the street in legwarmers and highheels on a 85 dgress day. Then there is always the real "touristsy" people with the black socks, sandals, shorts combo. I usually try to aim for a look somewhere in between.

kealoha · Kate Spade

Metric wrote:

In my experience (this will be my 8th trip to Oahu) no one really dresses up very much.

Absolutely true. Late September/early October tend to be extremely hot, so pack light. For the most part, no one really cares what you look like, but do notice if you stick out like a sore thumb (in other words, WAY too dressed up). Even "fancy dinners" aren't fancy & I think only one restaurant mandates a jacket & tie. A few upscale restaurants prohibit shorts for dinner service (you can't believe what people try to dine in just b/c they're in Hawaii), the rest are business casual.

kealoha · Kate Spade

Karina wrote:

I heard that many of the Japanese tourists are dressed to kill, and I don't want to look like that "I'm that casual dressed tourist from Jersey". lol

That's somewhat true. The older ladies are dressed up in the intense heat, but younger women are also dressed up in an edgier way. Sadly, many of these tourists are prime targets for robberies.

I always say to anyone visiting that they should refrain from buying any type of tacky Aloha wear b/c they stick out like sore thumbs. They usually consist of bright orange & yellow or blue & yellow backgrounds w/ugly coconut trees. I can't find a photo, but if you see them, please stay away--these prints SCREAM tourist.

Karina · Chanel

thanks for the suggestions, girls! now, what kind of purse should i bring for evening activities? should i just use my pochette or a clutch?

joy0302 · Kate Spade

I think a nice sundress with a cute clutch would be perfect for evenings. I agree with the others that pretty much anything goes. We went last summer and stayed at the Fairmont which was very nice. I expected everyone to be really dressed so I brought a lot of nice things. I ended up spending most of my days in capris and tanks instead. Hope you have a great trip!