Posted | Comments Off

Social Encore: Christmas shopping, local style

BY JERMEL-LYNN QUILLOPO / Special to the Star-Advertiser

Christmas is just around the corner — and if you’re like me, you’re probably rushing to find presents for those special people on your list. These days I’m also the type of person who likes buying gifts that are practical or one of a kind.

There are two events this weekend that could help you with your shopping — a monthly event in Kakaako called the “Honolulu Night Market” on Saturday, Dec. 15, and another event, “A Pinch of Salt,” on Sunday, Dec. 16, both with the hungry shopper in mind. Happening at 683 Auahi St., you’ll be able to satisfy your tummy needs, your entertainment needs and your shopping needs — all in one place.

There will be tons of local vendors and crafters that will have items for the many unique people on your Christmas list. You will be sure to find something at this event. One Shabby Chick owner Amber Carrillo will be one of the featured vendors at “Honolulu Night Market.”

Carrillo learned how to sew about 15 years ago when she wanted to make a Mother’s Day quilt. Buying her materials and first sewing machine from Walmart, Carrillo said that her sewing project was an interesting experience and nudged her to experiment more.

“I bought a cheap sewing machine and some fabric from Walmart and made my first quilt,” said Carrillo. “It was full of mistakes but I loved the process and that got me hooked on sewing.”

After having three more kids, Carrillo would browse sewing blogs and social media outlets on her down time, curiously looking at sewing projects that others were doing. Inspired to start a hobby, she started ordering fabric and started experimenting.

“I definitely didn’t go into sewing thinking I was going to start a business … it was a way to express myself and have some ‘me’ time,” she said.

You can describe Carrillo’s style as functional yet with a fun/individual taste. She hand makes quilts, wallets, pouches, pillows and more.

“I usually get inspired by things I see online or fabric lines and then try and interpret them and use them in my own way,” she said.

A taste for interpretation, she said that she loves binding deas together through sewing.

“I just love fabrics so it’s great to be able to design using lots of different ones and see how I can mix them all together.”

Carrillo will be releasing new skirts, camera straps, iPad covers, tote bags and zip pouches at this weekend’s event. The typewriter iPad covers and pouches are definite signature pieces of hers.

If you have kids on your Christmas list, you may want to check out Mamanu Kids, a vendor that will also be at “Honolulu Night Market” on Saturday. Owner Anna Karsin said she has been sewing most of her life, but when she was blessed with a baby is when she started to get crafty and make her daughter clothes.

“I wanted to create a vintage style that worked with Hawaii weather, thus the sun hats and light cotton fabrics were born,” she said.

Karsin’s designs takes you back in time with vintage fabrics and patterns but with her careful eye for detail she creates them with modern twists.

“I have created a line of baby and kids clothing that is based on ‘throwback’ or vintage styles similar to that which our parents wore in their youth,” she said.

From reversible hats, to leisure pants, to a short playsuit, the little one that you are buying for will defiantly be making the old school look, the “in” thing. What is also great about Mamanu Kids clothing is that Karsin tries to make use organic cotton as much possible so that they are eco friendly and comfortable for keiki to wear.

She used to create clothing only for babies, but this weekend you will also be able to extend the Mamanu style for kids up 6 years old. One thing to snag though are her vintage Hawaiian hats and hula skirts, made from up-cycled vintage Hawaiian shirts; these are limited edition items and will no longer be made.

One vendor that will be at both the “Honolulu Night Market” and “Pinch of Salt” will be LMS (Let Me Shop) Boutique. Owner Linda Sugihara has been in the retail business for over 40 years, working for companies such as LA TIMES and T&C Surf Designs. Wanting to make her dream a reality, she decided that it was time to open up her own store front and opened LMS Boutique.

She sells brands such as Khush Clothing, 19th & Whimsy, Lush, IMI Jewelry, OLA Hawaiian Body Products and Deux Lux. The shop is located in Manoa, at 2909 Lowrey Ave. The boutique has been there for about a year and a half and will be at both events with all of the fashionistas on your Christmas list in mind.

So maybe material things aren’t the things you are looking for, well what about a floral gift? Paiko Hawaii a floral company will be at the “Pinch of Salt” event with floral art. Tamara Rigney, president and creative director of Paiko Hawaii, always had an interest in plant and design. She built a clientele doing wedding and corporate floral arrangements. After moving her workshop to Kakaako, she decided that it was time to dab into live plant arrangements.

Rigney said her company is inspired by our incredible Hawaiian surroundings. Paiko has a fresh and modern style that tries to incorporate a small piece of Hawaii through their arrangements.

“Our booth will have lots of stylish easy to care for living arrangements,” said Rigney. “Our handsome stagorn ferns mounted on reclaimed lumber are designed to hang on your wall as art- a perfect Christmas gift for any stylish green loving friend.”

For more information about either events, visit www.HonoluluNightMarket.com or ourkakaako.com/apinchofsalt.
———
Jermel-Lynn Quillopo is a multi-faceted, energetic individual with experience in both print and broadcast journalism. “Social Encore” aims to tell diverse stories about Hawaii’s food, events and people; share your tips with Jermel via email or follow her on Twitter.