A Big Girl Birthday

Posted on May 9, 2013 by Mae

Aloha, Lovecat!

Although I celebrated my birthday two nights ago, IT’S MY BIRTHWEEK**, so I wanted to let you in on my celebration. Here are some photos from my surprise birthday dinner party at YuZu, a vegetarian/vegan friendly sushi joint in Ala Moana.

{ Surprise! A Big Girl Birthday Dinner Party With People! Yay For Friends and Vegetarian Sushi! }

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{ Make a wish! My birfday strawberry nutelle crepe. }

As I stated yesterday, my birthday wish was to have something super low-key, understated, quiet and possibly boring. I didn’t want anyone or anything to be a big deal for my thirty-first. A cheap dinner and a walk on the beach would’ve been perfect, but Husby wanted to go out to dinner, so I suggested our new Japanese go-to restaurant in Ala Moana (the district with the big-ass mall next to Waikiki), YuZu, which provides a much broader range of options for vegans and vegetarians than other Japanese/Asian restaurants in Honolulu.

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{ Husby’s vegan-friendly veggie nigiri sushi platter. All vegan options! Delish! }

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{ My dinner entrée: Seafood Dynamite roll – Teriyaki salmon and shiitake mushrooms on dynamite roll bed. I’m a pescetarian – a fish-only vegetarian with vegan tendencies. }

{ Nigiri sushi balls @ Yuzu, Ala Moana at ma birfday dindin. }

When we walked in the door, running ten minutes late, I spied our friend JB, a triathlete, extreme hiker and Doctor of Group Hugs and Handshakes, sitting on the couch in the lounge. He gave me a hugely quizzical face, probably mirroring the perplexedness wrinkling up my face. I didn’t recognize him at first, since he was scrubbed up all nice, and I only ever see him in biking or hiking gear, covered in a sweaty sheen with some streaks of Hawaiian red mud. I’m sure he was stunned by my beauty (read: not at all). LOL.

After we were seated for a few, ordered some drinks, who comes sauntering in but my very first real friend in Hawaii, Allie (of life & style blog, Heels, Eggs and Rice) and her boyf G! Allie draped a gorgeous, fragrant orchid lei about my shoulders, and, at that moment I felt like some sort of pageant queen.

Husby then informed me that our other friends M, C and their son Nico couldn’t make it, and that he had forgotten to invite a few other people. Of course, I was pretty thrown off, because I wasn’t expecting people. Husby and I generally celebrate our birthdays just the two of us and in quietude. To have people at a birthday dinner is a huge change! It would’ve been a full-on grown up party! I’ve only ever had a few of those in my life, so it was a beautiful night.

{ Da group. Missing a few good people. }

{ Allie and I discussing eyebrows and fashion bloggers, and the men discussing hiking… and GD hopping in between convos. LOL! }

{ Birfday girl’s delicious dessert. }

For dessert, I ordered a Nutella organic strawberry crépe (with the whipped creme 86′d–don’t do full on sugared dairy). Delicious, nutty, chocolate-y goodness to finish off a night of amazing conversation, friendship and fun in a gorgeous, dimly-lit, homey environment.

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{ Shaka to yo mada! }

I decided against wishing, since all my birthdays have been progressively better, and each year of life improves upon the last. With my family, friends and amazing life in Hawaii, I decided making wishes would be hypocritical or excessive, or even may jinx all the good fortune with which we’ve been blessed over the last two years. I’ll just let the Universe continue to bestow all the amazingness and ride the current for as far as it takes us, perpetuating good waves and vibrations by trying to remain drama and negativity-free.

A wonderful night, all in all. Better than a mountain of presents. Mos’ def.

{ Do you make wishes on your birthday? What do you usually wish for? Share with me in the comments below! I’d love to know! }

Rock on, Lover!
Me ke aloha ~ With love + aloha,
Mae Xx

**FYI: This entirely spoiled rotten, indulgent notion of a birthweek is completely farcical and said in a joking manner. I would never encourage or demand anyone celebrate my birthday for a week straight. That’s just way bratty. Also, it would be too taxing on my energy to have to celebrate that much.

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31 Birfdays

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Mae

Aloha, Lovecat,

Do you know someone who is a total brat about his or her birthday? Loves reveling in the celebration, giddy like an excited eight year old in the thought of receiving presents and having people lavish them with attention?

{ Birthday Brat }

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{Birfday girl. Wearing a WWD paper hat.}

A birthday brat. That’s me. I turn into a child every spring. We all know That Person–the one who makes their birthday the biggest friggin’ deal of the year, expects dinners and presents galore, calls it a Birth Month and expects their friends and family to play along with their Me Show. There’s one in every circle of friends and every family. I may happen to be That Girl in my family.

What can I say? I normally don’t like being the center of attention (believe it or not), but when my husband makes a big deal of me, I lap it up. And, seriously, a girl loves her presents. We don’t normally give each other huge anniversary presents (since we have three anniversaries) or Christmas presents… so, once a year it’s nice to get some goodies.

Husby has a 6-7 year running joke that he doesn’t remember my birthday or won’t do anything to celebrate it. So, for the last two years I’ve made an effort not to make a big deal about my birthday, not go overboard with mentions or reminders or ask for anything. Last year he rewarded me with a sumptuous dinner date, a couple’s spa afternoon and an extravagant shopping spree. (It was my Big Dirty Thirty.) In light of the luxurious (and expensive!) celebration last year, I decided to be pretty nonchalant about it all this year, shrugging when asked what we wanted to do, replying that I wanted something quiet and low-key, small and boring.

I like quiet and boring. With the right people, it’s a Happy Place.

I fully planned on napping in the car on my lunch break after my daily lunch walk through the wonderfully air conditioned mall near the office. Instead I received an email around 10AM:

I wanna take my girl out. What time can I get you? Where can we go? You can nap later.

So. Cute.

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{My birfday lunch: vegetarian/vegan picnic in the park with my family.}

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{Husby and Max the Bear, the best presents I’ve ever had in my life.}

Husby and Max picked me up for lunch at the office, we hit up a local deli for our vegan and vegetarian eats and then drove to Kapiolani Regional Park in the shadow of Diamond Head, found an extremely shaded spot and copped a squat on a beach towel for a makeshift picnic. Perfect lunch date with my perfect little ohana (family).

Max begging and Husby enabling…

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{Caught picnic gramming.}

Although I’ve been joking it’s my Birfweek on my social media, yesterday was the perfect singular day for my birthday. After we got home, I grammed for a bit on the couch, then we went out to dinner. More on that tomorrow.

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{Reflection selfie}

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{Birthday selfie: the perfect understated necklace from my best friend Lily, a single crazy lace earring and coral lipstick smiles.}

{You can see my hormonal acne if you look closely. LOL.}

It was definitely the best way to celebrate 31 years. I’m now firmly in my Thirties. I love it.

{Reflecting on life.}

Along with another year of life, I find myself reflecting about how I live and the years behind me. And I truly must say, life does get better as one ages. Do you find that’s true? If not, you’re living wrong.

{ Do you know a Birthday Brat? Are you one? Do you find that life gets better the older you get? How do you celebrate your birthdays? Please share in the comments! }

Rock on, Lover!
Me ke aloha ~ With love + aloha,
Mae Xx

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Life in Pictures: Last Week, According to my iPhone

Posted on April 2, 2013 by Mae

Aloha auinalā, lover!

How are things in your world? Last week things were pretty fun, my uncle visited and stayed with us for a week after working the Honolulu 1st International Auto Show, and so we took him around our Island home here and there. It was pretty fun.

{ Life in Pictures / Week in Pictures: What We Were Up To Last Week, According to My iPhone }

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{Max pouting in bed on Sunday morning after a particularly rainy morning walk.}

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{A shrine dedicated to a deceased surfer, Karl Shinsato, who died in 2005.}

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{Even in the darkness, there is a golden ray of hope. Tourists and other sunset chasers (like us) at Diamond Head beach.}

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{Authentic Asian cuisine that’s super healthy and deliciously filling at Sweet Home Café in Mo‘ili‘ili.}

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{Max the Bear and Uncle L sunset chasing at China Walls, our normal sunset watching spot.}

{While sunset chasing, we ran into some Instagram Friends, D, D and R, who also have a Wheaten Bear back home! Hi, guys!}

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{Tuesday’s OOTD.}

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{My quirky bunny ear headband and arm party on Tuesday.}

{Max and his dad, N, sprawled out in the living room Wednesday Morning.}

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{Feelin’ pretty for small show with Jon Yamasato and Herb Ohta, Jr.}

{Family portrait on Thursday after dinner with my cousins and uncle at our usual Thursday spot, the Kailua Farmers Night Market.}

{Max was all loved up on Uncle L, one of his favorite uncles.}

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{The epic and lush Windward Side (East side) of Oahu as seen from the Pali Lookout – Kaneohe Bay and Kaneohe town in the distance.}

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{Kaneohe Bay glitters aqua and bright.}

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{More views of the lush landscape of the Windward Side looking toward Kailua and Kapa‘a Quarry in the distance.}

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{Uncle L and the amazing Windward Side landscape sprawling below.}

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{Cliff jumpers contemplating their fate at La‘i‘e Point on the North Shore, Oahu.}

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{Epic waves batter the sharply textured rocks at La‘i‘e Point on the North Shore. Husby and Max in the distance.}

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{My favorite place to get amazing locally grown Hawaiian coffees on the North Shore: Coffee Gallery.}

{My Hawaii Life in Pictures}

Sunday: Lazy day cleaning the house and hanging with Max.
Monday: Dropped off Uncle in Waikiki before work, then picked him up after his lazy beach day, took him sunset chasing at Diamond Head Beach, and then do dinner at Sweet Home Cafe in Mo‘ili‘ili
Tuesday: Worked, then met Uncle, Husby and Max at China Walls, our normal sunset chasing haunt, but our sunset blocked by clouds. However, we ended up running into some Instagram friends, D and R and their daughter D, who also have a Wheaten Bear back home in California! Yay, FRANZ.
Wednesday: Worked, then jammed into town to see Jon Yamasato and Herb Ohta, Jr., local recording artists play some beautiful Hawaiian music.
Thursday: Worked, then jammed over to the Windward Side to eat dinner with my cousins (who were also visiting Hawaii at the same time) and my Uncle at the Kailua Farmers Night Market. We forgot to snap photos with my cousins, but we did get a family portrait with a very hyper Bear[Dog].
Friday: Took Friday off work for Doctor’s appointments and to hang out with la familia in the evening, heading out to Lanikai Beach where I also forgot to take pictures. Oops.
Saturday: Morning appointments, then a massage at my regular spot, gifting a session to my uncle as well! Lunch, and then afternoon road trip up the east shore and up to the North Shore with lots of pictures to be snapped.
Sunday, Uncle left, but I’ll save these photos for next week’s post.

How was your week last week?

Rock on, Lover!
Me ke aloha ~ With love + aloha,
Mae Xx

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Architecture of an Outfit: Cut Up, Patriotic and Late

Posted on March 6, 2013 by Mae

Aloha Kakahiaka, Lovecat. (Good morning.)

There’s nothing wrong with wearing red, white and blue. You won’t look like an American flag or look like a Union Jack if you don’t want to. So, what’s red, white (cream) and blue, striped, cut up to there and super, duper late?

My…

{ Architecture of an Outfit: How not to look like an American Flag–Red low-back tank, nautical stripe slit maxi skirt, nude platforms and a Christmas Wreath }

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Always, always, always late. How to wear red, white and blue and not look like an American Flag.

Our winters here involve wearing light jackets, but even that sometimes feels super cold for us.

I love the look of red, white and blue, especially with nautical stripes. It reminds me of something Parisian, with the combination of the red and the stripes… but it’s hard to wear the colors without feeling a little patriotic or feel like you’re wearing an American flag on your body, and that is the binary opposite of chic, yeah?

I think the first thing to do when you wear red, white (or cream) and blue is to be confident that you aren’t a walking tribute to your country. While it’s not necessarily a bad thing, if you think you’re dressed for Independence Day, you will not have the fierceness and bravado required to pull it off. The next thing is to have a grounding color… I prefer to go with neutrals. They’re less distracting than another bold color and will help, well, neutralize the erm, flag-i-ness of the ensemble.

I went with nude. You can never go wrong with nude. And denim, to keep me warm during our “cold” winter season. Hey, it’s all relative. But yes, I know we in Hawaii are terribly spoiled.

And yes, I know I’m horrendously late. I shot this during the holidays and just never got around to posting the pictures… Husby’s computer died and he’s been using my laptop (on which these photos were loaded) all this time (still is). I’m still catching my breath and looking at the calendar thinking, How is it almost spring already? I don’t know where the time goes. Does that happen to you?

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We decorated a wreath in lieu of a tree due to lack of space in our house.

Back cleavage. I love the low back of this silk tank, but I don’t have the right bras for it.

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One of a kind crochet lace earrings I snagged at a now defunct boutique in Decatur, Georgia.

OUTFIT ARCHITECTURE / DETAIL
Silver gate slit nautical maxi skirt, Olivaceous silk low-back tank, via Mikinola boutique. Moda (defunct) denim jacket. Bamboo Sky metal buckle waist belt. Dolce Vita nude platform wedge heels. Lace crochet earrings, Rockit Boutique (now closed).JewelMint Birdcage Bangle.

ALTERNATIVES

TOP: ASOS low back tank. Scoop back tunic.
SKIRT: Stripe slit maxi skirt. Barney’s nautical stripe maxi skirt (similar // high end). Sheer stripe maxi skirt. Nautical stripe knit maxi.
BELT: Gold buckle nude leather waist belt.
SHOES: Dolce Vita nude wedge platform sandal (almost exact). Sam Edelman nude low wedge sandal. DKNY ankle strap nude wedge sandal.
JACKET: Distressed cropped denim jacket.
BRACELET: Low Luv silver cage bangle. Kendra Scott gold filigree bangle (high end-ish). Gold filigree cuff.

Go with nude to ground the outfit.

What’s red, white and blue and debuting super late? My Outfit of the… Holiday.

It’s not Aloha Style to wear shoes indoors, so I carry my shoes to wherever I shoot, put them on on the spot and tread carefully with the timer. Not very Aloha…

It’s customary in Hawaii homes (and most Asian homes) to remove your shoes outside the house or in the foyer. So it is considered so not Aloha style to be wearing shoes in da hale (the home). Doing so is a sign of disrespect to that person’s residence. But because I usually shoot my outfits mostly indoors because of the light conditions or because it’s afterwork and there’s no light outside, I usually tip-toe from my shoe rack barefoot, put on my shoes only when the camera’s focused and almost ready to shoot (or I’ll do the same if Husby is shooting me). Then when I’m done shooting, I immediately remove my shoes on the spot and put them back in my shoe rack. It’s not so very Aloha of me, but you do what you gotta do for fashion, I guess. I’ll always be a Mainlander like that, maybe. LOL.

{ Would you wear red, cream/white and blue? Is it something you would pull off? Do tell, please COMMENT below! }

Rock On, Lover.
Me ke aloha ~ With love + aloha,
Mae Xx

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Life’s a Beach: Sherwood Forest AKA Waimanalo Bay Beach Park

Posted on March 2, 2013 by Mae

Aloha, Lovecat!

One important thing you should always do, if you’re blessed to live in a paradise like Hawaii, is to always make time to go to the beach, or, as locals say, “go beach.” One of the best things about Hawaii living is that if you make the time, a slice of heaven is within a 15-30 minute drive. One of my favorite Hawaii beaches within a 30 minute drive of my house in East Honolulu is Sherwoods AKA Sherwood Forest (also called by its lesser-known, official name, Waimānalo Bay Recreation Area).

{ Life’s a Beach: Favorite Beaches in the Kingdom }

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Max the Bear and Husby playing fetch along the rollicking waves.

Waimānalo Bay in South East Oahu creates Oahu’s longest stretch of white sandy beaches. Turquoise waters wash along five miles of soft white shoreline that comprise three beaches in Oahu’s cowboy (paniolo) country: Waimānalo Beach, Waimānalo Bay Recreation Area and Bellows Beach.

The first is the most easily accessible, directly right off Kalani‘anaole Highway with a large parking lot and bathroom facilites very visible from the road. Bellows Beach, on the north side of the bay, fronts Bellows Air Force Base, and is only open to the public on the weekends.

Waimānalo Bay Recreation Area aka Sherwood Forest
Sandwiched in between is an absolute gem often missed by tourists (yay!) because of its unassuming entrance through a thick forest of ironwood trees. The inconspicuous sign is so miniscule, it’s easy to drive right past on the highway. Tucked away down a road winding through the forest, this gorgeous strand of sand and bright azure blue waves is one of the most lovely beaches due to the clear water and wide pad of sand often uncluttered with the usual (sometimes annoying) crowds.

Referred to by locals as “Sherwood Forest” or “Sherwoods” for the slew of robberies and shady activity conducted in the Ironwood forest that fronts the beach.

Gorgeous azure waves at Sherwoods Beach (AKA Waimanalo Bay Recreation Beach)

Looking north to Bellows Beach, the military installment that takes up the other half of the bay.

Waimānalo Bay Recreation Area is actually commonly known by locals as “Sherwood Forest” or “Sherwoods,” a name that persists from a bygone time when the forest abutting the beach was a favorite spot for shady activity–thieves would strip cars and rob beachgoers.

There are two huge parking lots and spots for camping (which can be done with a free permit from the County of Honolulu office). Walk about 100 yards from the parking lot to find the powdery white sand and a vast blue sea in front of you.

Also called “Oahu’s best-kept secret”. It’s a popular spot with locals, less so than with tourists. Yay for us.

“The cure for anything is salt water – sweat, tears, or the sea.” – Dinesen, Isak

The waves here can get a little rough due to the sand dropping depth quickly from the shore, and often can be forceful enough to knock you on your *ss. So, Sherwoods makes for a great place for wave jumping, bodysurfing and boogie boarding with small and medium sized waves that even some daring keiki (kids) can brave, and aren’t the epic, bumboocha kine (big, forceful kind) that throw you down and knock you out that adventurous locals find at other south beaches like Makapu‘u and Sandy’s. Being the weak swimmer I am, I don’t normally favor this as a swimming beach. But that’s just a personal thing. Check the surf reports, though, and if the wind is high and surf is large, you should respect the waves and stay on the shore.

This is not a surfer’s beach. No can shred ova hea… So no bring da board and mek ass. Basically, leave the surfboard at home and don’t make a fool of yourself. And, because of the rough waves, it’s not much of a snorkler’s beach, either, so if that’s what you’re into, take your snorkling gear north to Lanikai or Kailua.

A few things to keep in mind:

Currents called longshore currents can form parallel to the shoreline, but you can get out of them if you swim perpendicular to them back to shore.
Portuguese Man o War, jellyfish-like creatures, can occasionally drift in with the tradewinds that blow into the East Shore during certain lunar patterns. Their sting is painful, even if they are dead on the beach. If you see warning signs posted on the beach, avoid the water. If you’re stung, remain calm, get out of the water, and use a stick, gloved hand or credit card to remove the tentacles, then rinse with cold salt or fresh water. Apply a cold compress or ice to control pain. See a doctor if pain persists or worsens. In the very rare case of severe reaction, get the lifeguard and call an ambulance immediately.
Not that Sherwood’s is still a hotbed of criminal activity, or anything, but whenever we visit, we never bring anything valuable with us (except our Bear and our phones) and we never leave anything in the car. In fact, we usually leave the car unlocked so potential vandals can see there’s nothing worth nicking.
Trade winds pick up in the afternoon. Sand can sometimes blow in da eyes.
Bring in your own food and drink. There are no concession stands or any food trucks ova hea. Just make sure you bring back out with you what you brought in (i.e., don’t be a litter bug).
Sunset occurs earlier on the Windward Side because of the Ko‘olau mountains, so it will darker slightly earlier than in town. But it’s a perfect place to catch sunrise, if that’s your thing.

If you’re going to visit, make sure you take your trash out with you. You know, that whole malama o ka ‘aina thing? (Take care of the earth.) Yeah, do it. Exercise some serious kuleana (responsibility) and stuff and be mindful of the amazing paradise that is Oahu. There are tons of trash bins all over the place. (Don’t get me started on the local hipsters that leave cigarette butts all over the freakin’ place. No mek li’dat, yeah? If you find a few, maybe pick some up and throw them out with your trash on your way out?)

Great amenities here like full facilities, ample parking, picnic tables, camping grounds and showers. Oh, and shade. I love shade. Tanning be dangerous business, yo.

3 mile tract of white, soft sands along rolling turquoise waves.

I want to live in this gorgeous sand Castle… reminds me of Cair Paravel in the Chronicles of Narnia

Not trying to be a “Footprints” cliché, but it is pretty gorgeous.

This place is absolutely gorgeous, backed by the dramatic, fluted, lush cliffs of the Ko‘olau Mountains, the unique ironwood trees and the brilliant ultramarine waters of Oahu’s windward side. One of my favorites because of the ample shade and because it’s usually not crowded. The peace and quiet and the wind whipping through the forest makes it one of the best places to just relax and cruise.

Of course, I think Hawaii is the most beautiful, best place in the world, so naturally I’d think our beaches are the most beautiful beaches in the world. You can call me partial, but I think millions of people around the globe would agree with me.

If you’re ever in town and want to “go beach”, drop me a line. I’d be happy to show you this special place.

Do you have any special places dear to your heart in your own town? Do share!

Rock On, Lover.
Me ke aloha ~ Love + aloha,
Mae Xx

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It’s worth it.

Posted on February 26, 2013 by Mae

Aloha ‘auinalā, Lovecat! (Good afternoon!)

Cair Paravel

Preview of tomorrow’s “Life’s a Beach” post detailing another one of my favorite beaches in The Kingdom of Eternal Summer.

How is your week going so far? Hope it’s going well.

Have a SUPER AWESOME DAY! Don’t forget to enter my SHOPBOP $100 Giftcard GIVEAWAY. It ends next Wednesday Feb 27 and winner will be announced on my FACEBOOK PAGE on February 28th! SO MAKE SURE YOU ARE IN THE KNOW.

Me ke aloha ~ With love + aloha,
Mae Xx

Architecture of an Outfit: Oxblood and A Million Lights

Posted on January 20, 2013 by Mae

Oxblood pleated skirt, striped tie-neck blouse, floppy hat by ETSIS, and A Million Lights. It’s my…

{ Architecture of an Outfit: Oxblood pleated skirt, striped tie-neck blouse, custom floppy hat and an obsession with twinkling Christmas lights }

Aloha, Lovecat. Howzit? OMG, this is my 500th post on thereafterish.! WHOA.

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Oxblood pleated skirt, ETSIS Custom Hat, Stripes and obsession with Christmas Lights

Another canned traditional blogger pose.

Close up of the tie neck blouse.

I love Christmas lights. I wish Christmas wasn’t over so I could still drive around Hawaii Kai and stare at the million twinkling lights.

Arm candy detail

OUTFIT ARCHITECTURE

Striped tie neck blouse, Vince (similar here, here). Pleated oxblood skirt, Mikinola Boutique (similar here, here). Nude belt, J. Crew (similar here). Nude pumps, Steve Madden (similar here, here — most similar, here). Floppy hat by ETSIS Hats (similar here, here).

OOTD: Nude to balance the oxblood and stripes.

Are you as obsessed with lights as I am? How will you rock your oxblood this year?

Me ke aloha ~ love + aloha,
Mae Xx

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Architecture of an Outfit: Whip It

Posted on January 16, 2013 by Mae

Getting wind-whipped by a draped wrap cardigan next to a crazy Christmas House on a mountainside Hawaii neighborhood, while walking a stubborn Wheaten Terrier that looks a lot like a teddy bear… It’s my…

{ Architecture of an Outfit: Drape Wrap Cardigan, Thigh Highs, Body Con Skirt, Paisley Blouse, Sam Edelman Booties, Getting Whipped by Wind, The Christmas House and a Dog That Looks Like a Teddy Bear }

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Hawaii Life: Epic Light on Koko Head at Golden Hour

Aloha Kakahiaka ~ Good morning, Lovecat! How’re you today?

I’m fabulous. Yesterday’s sunset was absolutely gorgeous. As I was coming home, Golden Hour was in full swing and hit Koko Head just so. The evening felt magical and full of promise, which I of course squandered by taking a long nap once we were done with our family walk.

“Winter” is weird here in Oahu. It can be completely hot and dry on one side of the island, and on the other, it’s 10 degrees colder, windy, blustery and raining off and on like crazy. Living on the side of the mountain makes the weather difference more punctuated as well. It can be about 5 degrees cooler and much wetter and windier in our neighborhood than in the neighborhoods out near the water. Hence, I hardly ever take outfit shots outside near my home.

I tried a few shoots on a couple of Family Walks before Christmas. It was an experience–my clothes whipping violently against my legs and my hair slashing my eyeballs.

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Down the street from The Christmas House – Husby (N) and Max the Bear[Dog] and I on a “Family Walk”.

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Wind Whipped

Stubborn Bear[Dog] pulling me.

Max and I at the Christmas House.

Inspired by Harry Potter. Without the drape cardigan. and I’m pouting because I’m cold.

OUTFIT ARCHITECTURE / DETAILS

Victoria’s Secret drape wrap cardigan. Club Monaco paisley print button down. Tiered body con mini skirt, unknown. Sam Edelman Zoe Bootie. Random locket watch. CC Skye Gold Screw Bracelet. JewelMint Golden Goose Bracelet.

Harry Potter chic?

thereafterish, ootd, armswag, asian street style, hawaii street style, wrap drape cardigan, Sam Edelman Zoe

My Armswag

Random… got it off Amazon. You can probably get a similar one from Clair’s for, like, $8.50.

ALTERNATIVES

CARDI: Wrap drape cardigan, Alice + Olivia. Drape cardigan, 7 For All Mankind (most similar). Knit drape cardigan, Splendid.
TOP: Silk paisley blouse, Elizabeth & James (most similar). Paisley blouse, ALC. Printed paisley blouse, MNG.
SKIRT: Bandage skirt, Wow Couture. Bandage skirt, Herve Leger (most similar).
BOOTS: Sam Edelman Zoe bootie (exact same). Black platform wedge bootie (similar).
ARMSWAG: Gold spike bracelet, CC Skye (exact same). Gold screw bracelet, CC Skye (exact same). Gold spike bracelet, Shopbop (similar to Golden Goose). Spike bracelet, Max & Chloe (similar to Golden Goose).

Windy…

From the back.

How’s your week going?

Me ke aloha ~ With love + aloha,
Mae Xx

VISIT My Facebook Page now! Join me and be my ohana (family)!

Architecture of an Outfit Preview

Posted on January 14, 2013 by Mae

Aloha, Lovecat! Happy Monday!

thereafterish, ootd, hawaii street style, wrap cardigan, drape cardigan, wheaten terrier, hawaii living

Wrap Cardigans are perfect for letting wind whip you around.

I love wrap cardigans. They’re just perfect for movement and texture when the high trade winds blow around Oahu. Plus they keep me warm without getting all hot and sweaty when Hawaii “winter” is upon us.

Full detail and overly gratuitous outfit shots tomorrow.

How was your weekend?

Me ke aloha ~ With love + aloha,
Mae Xx

VISIT My Facebook Page now! Join me and be my ohana (family)!

Days in the Life: Holidays 2012, Part I

Posted on January 10, 2013 by Mae

Aloha, Lovecat. So, yeah, I was kind of missing in action all Christmas/Holiday Season. But, I’m bat-sh*t crazy for Christmas. If you didn’t know… you will know once you’re done watching this vlog. Even though I was MIA, I filmed a lot of footage of my days. So here it is…

{ Day in the Life: My Holiday Season 2012, Part I }

thereafterish, honolulu living, wheaten terrier, dogs that look like teddy bears

Max the Christmas Bear at the Christmas House in Hawaii Kai

If you want to know what I was up to this Christmas season… please keep watching.

The Christmas House
My Fixation with Christmas Season and Festive Decor
Christmas House #2
How Christmas in a Warm Climate is More “Christmas-y” to me than Snow Fields, Pine Trees and Cold

More to come with several parts – see parts of my Christmas Holiday, parts of a last minute trip to Canada, and how I spent New Year.

Music:
Listed in Order of Feature.

Goto80 and the Uwe Schwenk Band – “Volksing Ferretismico” (Chip Tune, Electronic)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Goto80_and_the_Uwe_Schenk_Band

Sycamore Drive – “Slumber” (Chip Tune, Electronic)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Sycamore_Drive/

Lomovolokno – “Overlay Star” (Electronic, Chill Out)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Lomovolokno

Sycamore Drive – “Mortimer’s Melody”

Will Heikoop – “Christmas Star”
freemusicarchive.org/music/Will_Heikoop

How was your Holiday Season?

Me ke aloha ~ With love + aloha,
Mae Xx

VISIT My Facebook Page now! Join me and be my ohana (family)!

FTC: Not a sponsored post. There is nothing sponsored about this video. It’s a very personal video and no person or thing was harmed in the making of it.

Music obtained from Free Music Archive by WFMU. Music is all royalty free and approved for use by artists through the Free Music Archive user agreement.
—

Vlog: Love and Honesty: Be Who You Are, Show Yourself

Posted on December 5, 2012 by Mae

Aloha, Lovecat, This will be a very personal vlog and article…

I’ve mentioned it before, but I am and can be insanely self-conscious about myself, my body and my outfits, and sometimes down-right insecure about all three. So I thought I’d talk about 1. perception and tell you a bit more about my personality, 2. go bare-faced and in depth about the biggest insecurity of all that I face daily, and 3. show you a little bit more about my Everyday (my workplace and my office).

*Warning: NSFW: contains explicit language*

You may not know that I’ve been a blogging for, like, forever… I started a personal blog back in 2002, which began as a true journal, where I’d write my fiction (I’ve been a writer since childhood, and even went to school for writing–English Bachelor of Science), talk about my relationship, do some creative non-fiction and, of course, the occasional style post. As time went on, I wanted to focus less on talking so openly about my relationship as we progressed and grew into more of a family-unit together, and more on my style posts and fiction. Eventually, it was advised that I focus primarily on style and make a separate style blog just for my fashion-related posts and keep my creative, personal blog private. That was two years ago. Eventually, my journal site writings fell by the way side as my energies on my style blog grew, and the more open, raw, honest and personal side began to diminish.

I know that I don’t always showcase all sides of me on my style blog. Many fashion bloggers have this flawless, gorgeous appearance. They always look amazing, they have perfect photos, great outfits, expensive clothes, the perfect house. They have this well-polished facade–not necessarily fake, but a curated aspect of their world that only showcases one facet of their life, while keeping their personal, IRL personality behind an unspoken screen. Occasionally, they show us their real colors and their personality, but a lot of the time, what we see of them is only what we see in their gorgeous, edited photos.

I have many times tried to infuse my silly personality through my writing, but I never know how it’s received. Some of you actually know how insane, quirky, totally bat-shit weird I am. Some of you know that I have the habits of a yuppie and like to joke that I hate being called it. Some of you know I label every thing in my life in order to ascribe meaning to them and what they mean to me. Some of you know I don’t take myself very seriously. Some of you know that I’m pretty sarcastic and my sense of humor doesn’t make sense to most people. Some of you realize I think I’m a lot funnier than I am truly, and that what I can say in text can translate pretty poorly. Some of you know I live with Chronic Bitch Face and Chronic Bitch Voice, so I can appear or sound condescending, snotty and bitchy, when in my head I’m singing, dancing in the rain and skipping down streets, and cooing at people in a happy voice.

But honestly, until you’ve met me, you don’t really know what I’m like, because only fractions of ME show up on screen. So I challenged myself to open up to you guys a little more and talk about things in my life honestly.

I’m finally now in my Thirties, and it’s taken me a life-long journey of successes, failures, strength and weakness, grief and joy, pain and calm, to understand who I am, what I want in life and how to get there, what it is I love about me, how to address what I don’t love, and grow and mature in the process.

I used to want everyone to love me, like me, understand me. I used to want to get along with everyone and please them. Everyone had to be my friend. When they didn’t, when I got rebuffed, when I got bullied (I was bullied a ton in grade school and junior high), when I was threatened, when people talked sh*t, it f*cking hurt, leaving me heartbroken. It would rend my little world asunder, my head would reel and falter and my heart would plummet into a void for weeks or months. Sometimes, it still feels a little like that when people don’t like me, and yeah, it hurts a little, but after awhile, I’m like Eff-It. I’m more than blessed with amazing family, friends, besties and even readers who are some of the most brilliant, supportive and kind people in the world. But you know? It took lots of alienation, lots of great friendships lost and gained, lots of heartbreak and new love for me to understand that not everyone can appreciate the intensity of my personality, style of communication, friendship and love. A lot of people can be put off by me as a person, and by how intensely and passionately I live my life. But that side doesn’t always communicate through the screen, the silly canned poses and edited pictures, since my blog is probably the one thing I take casually and view as a fun, creative outlet and a type of catharsis from everything else in life.

Anyway, I’m trying to show you my True Face, my Bare Face… so that I’m a bit more real to you as a person, and hopefully as a friend. I speak very plainly in this vlog, and I know that I may get flack or not for even posting it, but if I’m being honest with you (and myself), then it doesn’t matter. I just want to connect with ONE PERSON over everything I’m saying, however scattered, however nonsensical I may sound right now, and maybe make another true friend from it. (Note: Some of the best friendships I’ve had and have in my life, have been made through blogging connections, and I am so lucky for that. Bloggers are a tribe.)

What you think of yourself is much more important than what people think of you, be happy with yourself inspirational quote

Truth. via http://www.yogitimes.com.

None of us are perfect, we all have SOMETHING we want to change about ourselves, and maybe by being real about it and talking about it and addressing it, we can grow and mature from it and maybe even change it for the better. And when you learn to live to make yourself happy and make yourself a better person, and not live for other people and what they think of you, your entire life changes and makes the world in which YOU live a better place.

Okay…. that was all off the cuff, just letting my brain go, brain-farting as it so often does, so I don’t know if you follow any of this scattered mess. I just wanted to be more real and give you more about me. I want to get back to the open, more real stuff I used to write about. I used to find such joy in writing. I won’t go into the details I used to–after all, SOMETHING has to be kept private–and I may or may not post fiction here, but this blog is more to me now than just my over-the-top fashion. For one thing, I live on a budget and I can’t afford to shop all the time. And for another, I’m too busy to photograph my outfits everyday, anyway. When I’m not thinking about blogging (which is often), I’d rather just be living and enjoying the Heaven on Earth I’m so lucky to live in, and hopefully taking some of you along for the ride.

… um. So yeah.

Thank you for listening. Thank you for watching.

Me ke aloha ~ With love + aloha,
Mae Xx

How to Be Happy #5: Watch a Sunset on a Quiet Windless Day (And a Giveaway Winner)

Posted on December 3, 2012 by Mae

Sunset Chasing: Taking a moment to enjoy the setting sun after a long work week, the waves lapping quietly on the shore, no winds to harry us or disturb the serenity of the moment. This is happiness. The utter calm of a windless, golden evening.

{ How to Be Happy #5: Watch a Sunset and Breathe. }

Ahhhh… Keep Calm and Watch a Sunset.

I worked late on Friday evening. Not feeling like going home after work, I deliberately missed the turn off the highway that would’ve taken me through my little town to the road winding up the mountain ridge to our home. As I passed the bay that fronts our community, I noticed the clouds wisping across the sky, light glinting off the delicate, lace-like edges, glowing like light glinting off satin. Kayak teams rowed mightily across the lazy waters. The sun inched lower and lower, dipping to hug the horizon, blazing gold and amber.

I turned quickly into one of the parking lots along the shore to watch the light show’s final moments.

thereafterish, sunset chasing, hawaii sunsets, sunsetsnipers, hawaii sunsets

Kayak teams practice in the last rays of the day. Diamond Head looms quietly in the background as the day ends. Maunalua Bay, Hawaii Kai, Oahu, Hawaii.

Taking the time–even short, spontaneous moments like this–to enjoy the wealth of beauty Hawaii has to offer… this brings happiness. I know how lucky I am to live here. Curses on me should I ever forget it.

A fisherman waiting for his evening catch at Maunalua Bay, Hawaii Kai, (Oahu) Hawaii

Just wanted to say hi and Mele Kalikimaka me ka Hau’oli Lanui (Hawaiian for “Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays”).

It took a lot of counting to get the entry.

The winner of the ShopBop giveaway is S.C.! There were 549 entries, so it was a lot of work to compile all those names–thanks for your patience. Congrats, S.C.! I’m going to email you tonight with the Shopbop gift code.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the giveaway! Definitely a big shout-out to my new followers and Facebook pals. I really hope you guys like this site, even when I’m not doing giveaways and really hope you’ll stick around to read more after this.

But…I have another Christmas giveaway planned this month, so be on the lookout. It won’t be as crazy… but keep your eyes tuned to this space. Thanks to ShopBop for the giveaway.

Much love + aloha to you this week, lovecats.
Mae Xx

Visit Facebook and Be My Ohana (family)!

Architecture of an Outfit: Stripes, Stripes, Stripes!

Posted on November 13, 2012 by Mae

Aloha kakahiaka ~ Good morning, Lovecat!

A striped maxi dress, an adorable Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier, a vibrant urban setting, and a casual, awesomely health date night… It’s my…

{ Architecture of an Outfit: Comfy striped maxi dress for yuppie vegan date night }

thereafterish, ootd, ella moss, striped maxi dress, hawaii street style, wheaten terrier

Aloha! Nautical stripes, my Wheaten Terrier Bear[Dog], an 80s jean jacket, my MiniCooper Boris and pops of neon.

Are you a big fan of easy dressing? I am. My lazy day style involves putting on leggings and a button down or a maxi dress. So when I found this amazing nautical stripe maxi dress on Piperlime at almost 50% off, I snagged it, even though I was supposed to be on a shopping ban. (Bad Mae!) Like I said in the preview post, I call my lazy style “low effort, high impact” because either the print does all the work or I pile on accessories with a punch, even if the outfit itself is totally lazy or just kind of mundane on its own… like a neon colorblock clutch and a ton of over the top gold accessories (as per usual).

Maxi dresses hide a wealth of flaws (we talked about this before), allow you to walk out the door without shaving your legs, and look pretty sleek. I think maxis elongate the body line, so are usually good for petites.

“Aloha, Max[Bear]!” “Sup, moms!”

Cool backdrop for night pictures with a Bear[Dog] named Max.

Boris, my car, my Bear[Dog] Max, and a really awesome parking garage near our new favorite vegan restaurant.

Husby N is a vegan, and I’m a pesce-vegetarian, so when we found out that one of our favorite raw-food vegan caterers at the Kailua Night Farmer’s Market, Licious Dishes, was opening up a brick and mortar restaurant, it made us extremely excited! Hawaii is a place where it’s pretty tough to eat an almost entirely plant-based diet. Honolulu is well-known for amazing eateries, but most of them capitalize on the abundance of fresh, tasty seafood available in nearby waters. And local fare, being a combination of many Asian cuisines and Hawaiian traditional cuisine, is not exactly vegetarian-friendly, and most definitely not very vegan friendly.

Last Thursday, N asked me out to dinner after a rough week for the both of us, and we jumped at the chance to grab a bite at the newly opened Greens and Vines. Everything was amazing, let me tell you.

Being a former rabid carnivore, I was MAJORLY SKEPTICAL about raw-food veganism. (RAW? Isn’t it already rabit food? C’mon!) It just seems counter-intuitive, you know? Though we know nutritional value of food decreases the more its cooked… Anyway, the flavors of the food were so different and vibrant! Most people are quick to write off vegan food, but I caution you to at least give it a try before you brush it off as crappy rabbit food. I had a lasagna that blew my mind–it actually had this strong cheesy flavor and a dynamic herbal kick! And the cocoa torte for dessert? Decadent.

I went away with a full stomach without that nasty, greasy, tired feeling afterward. I highly recommend Greens and Vines for dinner if you live here, or ever plan on visiting Honolulu.

We took these photos in the parking garage. Of course I had to beg N to take them, and I greatly appreciated him snapping away without the usual haphazard, grudging disinterest. Thanks, Husby!

Smile, Smile, Smile!

OUTFIT ARCHITECTURE

Ella Moss for Piperlime.com nautical striped maxi dress. Random store distressed denim jacket. Zara suede yellow platform sandals (no longer available). Gorjana leather colorblock clutch (won–Thanks, Jen @ Her Waise Choice! xo). JewelMint gold Birdcage Bangle. HRH Collection “Glossed Ombre bracelet. Target Merona gold “boyfriend” watch. Bamboo Sky gold collar. Bamboo Sky tribal earrings. Bamboo Sky turquoise ring.

What the dress looks like without the unflattering jacket.

ALTERNATIVES

JACKET: Free People acid wash distressed denim jacket | Threadsence cropped denim jacket.
DRESS: Alloy chevron maxi dress | Eight sixty nautical striped maxi dress | (Most similar) Open Sky nautical striped maxi dress.
SHOES: (VERY SIMILAR) yellow neon platform sandals | yellow platform sandals.
CLUTCH: (Exact same) Gorjana leather colorblock foldover clutch | Threadsence colorblock envelope clutch.
ARM SWAG: Mixed metal multi chain bracelet | Marc by Marc Jacobs bi-color chain bracelet.
RING: gold and turquoise ring | Chunky gold turquoise cocktail ring.

hereafterish, ootd, ella moss, striped maxi dress, hawaii street style

Close up details: pop of color and serious hardware arm swag.

thereafterish, green sitting chair, driftwood coffee table

Our humble little living room, a work in progress.

We’ve been here for six months now, but the house is still a work in progress.

So, what’s your go-to for lazy days? Maxis, jeans, leggings, shorts?

DON’T FORGET!!

Enter my $100 ShopBop.com Giveaway! The giveaway ends on November 30. You can enter once per day per social media platform, Twitter, Facebook and your Blog.

Click HERE for the all the rules and how to enter.

Me ke aloha ~ With love, Xx
Mae

Vist My Facebook Page now! Join me and be my ohana (family)!

FTC: Affiliate links above. All items worn were purchased on my own, unless otherwise noted.

Architecture of an Outfit Preview: Stripes and Garage

Posted on November 12, 2012 by Mae

A striped maxi dress for low effort, high impact style or just plain lazy days.

{ Architecture of an Oufit Preview: Stripes in the Garage

thereafterish, ootd, striped maxi dress, ella moss dress, wheaten terrier, hawaii street style

Ella Moss nautical striped maxi dress and Max, the cutest Wheaten Terrier Bear in Hawaii (or all of time and space!) getting our industrial landscape on.

In the garage with my Wheaten Terrier Bear, an 80s outfit with an angle that makes me look WIIIIIIIIIIIDDDE and my car Boris in the background. Jam.

I wore a nice Ella Moss nautical striped maxi dress to work, because a dress, after leggings and a button down, is literally the easiest thing to put on when you’re lazy/in a hurry/looking for low-effort, high impact style. (I usually call my lazy day outfits low effort, high impact style, just because it sounds better than “I’m too tired to dress in anything that takes real effort to put on”.) We went out to dinner and it didn’t make sense to change, since I felt pretty for once. Little did I know the boxy jacket and the angle Husby shot me from made me look pregnant. Whatever, it’s still a cool picture.

Full outfit post tomorrow. And personal vlog to come this week, too.

DON’T FORGET!!

Enter my $100 ShopBop.com Giveaway! The giveaway ends on November 30. You can enter once per day per social media platform, Twitter, Facebook and your Blog.

Click HERE for the all the rules and how to enter.

Me ke aloha ~ With love, Xx
Mae

Vist My Facebook Page now! Join me and be my ohana (family)!

Day in The Life: Halloween at Aloha Tower Marketplace: Crazy, Sexy, Ghoul! 2012

Posted on October 31, 2012 by Mae

Want to know how Hawaii locals get their Halloween party on? Check these crazy flicks from the Aloha Tower Marketplace annual Halloween Party, Crazy, Sexy, Ghoul, Honolulu’s annual pre-halloween costume shindig, 12 years running. You can see details of my Lady Gaga White Rabbit costume and preview pics of the party here.

How Honolulu Ballers Ball: Halloween at Aloha Tower Marketplace, 19 October 2012

Warning: Photo Heavy Post

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, Goth Kpop princess, Lady Gaga White Rabbit

Goth Kpop Princess and Lady Gaga White Rabbit, before we came home tired and/or buzzed (CK, not me).

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, RENO 911

RENO 911! I hope he danced.

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, Cat Girl

A more original cat costume. A better take than the ubiquitous and sadly generic “Sexy Cat” costume.

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, Hula Man

Hula Man. I think I probably choked on spit laughing when I saw him.

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, peacock costume, birdcatcher costume

A gorgeous peacock and her birdcatcher. Ingenious!

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, 20000 leagues under the sea costume

Mermaid and her 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea Diver man, and their pirate friend. All very nautical-inspired.

Greenman

Me and Greenman Greg again. Still my favorite.

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party,

This is NOT what I meant when I said, “get the feet”!

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, Kpop Costume, Lady Gaga Costume, Gaga White Rabbit Costume

I don’t know, Lady Gaga White Rabbit, Goth Kpop Princess, Lady Gaga

thereafterish-alohthereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, Kpop Costume, Lady Gaga Costume, Pilot Costume

Kpop Goth Princess, Gaga and Delta Pilot.

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, iPod Costume

Pair of iPods. So fun.

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, Lady Gaga White Rabbit Costume, Lady Gaga Costume

The Two Gagas. Lady Gaga White Rabbit, and just Gaga.

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, I'm Fat costume

When asked, “what ARE you”? He responded by ripping his shirt open and shouting, “I’m FAT!” A+

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, Cat Woman costume, Jailbird Costume

The best Cat Woman and her Jailbird.

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, Indian Costume

Indian Chief. How!

Molecules? Golf balls?????????

Molecules? Golf Balls? IDK.

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, Sushi Costume

He is some sort of sushi… ebiko, I think??

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, Harry Potter Costume

James, the adorable Harry Potter again.

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, Stripper couple

This is the Bacon that kissed my hand and told me I was ravishing and lovely. Yummy, sir. Just yummy. I hope you pick up all women that way, really.

This stripper couple had matching legwarmers. So cute. And he’s quite fit, if you don’t mind my saying so.

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, Lady Gaga White Rabbit Costume

Me and the stripper twins.

Wilson!

Wilson and Castaway. Cutest date ever.

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, dominatrix posse costume

Dominatrix posse passing through VIP.

This guy got cheated out of his costume by Fedex.

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, 80s Hairband Costume

80s Hairband Rock God and his latex pants.

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, Animal Man

Animal Man? He didn’t know, either. He DID know that it took him forever to paint himself.

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, Boba Fett Costume, Darth Maul

Boba Fetts.

Darth Maul and Boba Fett – teaming up to eliminate the Jedi? Probably. And that Green Man is at it again in the background. Told you he was everywhere.

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, Boba Fett Costume

Boba Fett and Baba Fett. A+

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, Sailor Mars Costume, Tuxedo Mask Costume

Tuxedo Mask and Sailor Mars, together, at last.

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, Tamago Costume

She want as Tamago Sushi for halloween. SOOOOOO AWESOME.

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, Buzz Lightyear Costume

Buzz Lightyear, all growed up… Pretty damn hilarious.

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, cyrano de bergerac costume

Cryano de Bergerac. Proboscis and all.

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, Male Marilyn Monroe Costume

Male Marilyn. So awesome.

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, Smurf Costume

Pretty smart. Just wear stockings and paint your body blue. SMURF.

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, Kung Fu Panda Costume

Kung Fu Pandas! Geniuses cut holes for their peepees so they could pee comfortably without disrobing. Pretty smart.

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, assless chaps costume

The single most inappropriate duo of costumes at the party… yes, these are real assless chaps S&M gear. My eyes=raped.

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, lady gaga white rabbit halloween costume, alice in wonderland costumes

Alice, Gangnam Style Mad Hatter and Lady Gaga White Rabbit. They were pretty jazzed there was a White Rabbit. I’d like to think so, anyway.

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, alice in wonderland costumes, Hip Hop duo costume

The Hip Hop duo: They actually were playing music out of that vintage stereo. BRILLIANT.

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, strawberry shortcake costume

Strawberry Shortcake Steve and CK. He rocked my world with his costume. Ballsy.

thereafterish, alice in wonderland costumes, red queen costume, mad hatter costume

The Mad Hatter and The Red Queen. All handmade.

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, Samurai Costume

This samurai’s armor was all custom-made. He wasn’t very talkative with me, but I suppose if you had 20lbs of armor on, you wouldn’t be, either.

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, Lolita Doll, Pirate

Self-explanatory. Except these bastards were next to us in VIP smoking up a storm, it smelled AWFUL.

A gothic Lolita Doll and a Pirate. Her makeup was off the chain.

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, Stereoman, Cleopatra Costume

Good Humor Man, Rainbow Brite (I think?), Cleopatra and Stereo Man. Stereo Man was ingenius.

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, Rocky Balboa Costume

Kpop Goth Princess and Rocky Balboa.

Our perpetually shirtless neighbor as Rocky Balboa (I think?), CK and I.

My friend having people play ring toss with his Conehead.

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, Margitte Son of Man Costume, Strawberry Shortcake Costume

Strawberry Shortcake Steve and Margitte’s Son of Man. Brill.

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, Girl Thor Costume, Cowgirl Costume

Female Thor and her Cowgirl side kick. Pretty brill.

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, Castaway Costume

Castaway and his friend Wilson.

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, Stripperella Guy Costume

Stripperella Man costume… it made the ladies crazy. Literally the tallest man I saw at the party.

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, 007 costume

Goldeneye. He hit us on the mark. Props for his props.

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, Priest Costume

The second most inappropriate (but totally clever) costume of the night. Pedophile priest.

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, Greenman costume

Me and Greenman Greg posing again. He was EVERYWHERE. I think I was secretly stalking him. j/k. He was hard to miss.

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, Goth Kpop Star Costume

Goth Kpop Star duo. My neighbor CK and a matching goth Kpop King…

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, sexy Steve Urkel Costume

Sexy Steve Urkel. No need to say more. He rocked it.

thereafterish, Aloha Tower Halloween Party, male ladybug costume

One of the more humorous gender benders from the night. Ladybug. Guybug?

thereafterish, lady gaga white rabbit halloween costume, alice in wonderland costumes

The Red Queen designed and handmade there costumes. The only ones to recognize me as The White Rabbit.

thereafterish, lady gaga white rabbit, harry potter costume

Gaga White Rabbit and the most adorable Harry Potter ever. I think his name is James. He’s my girl Shar’s friend.

thereafterish, lady gaga white rabbit halloween costume, Aloha Tower Halloween Party

Vintage Gaga White Rabbit? Have we met in another life somewhere?

Creeptastic doll face.

And I didn’t attend any other parties this Halloween season… too much money spent on last year’s Lady Gaga White Rabbit Costume, I didn’t feel like wearing it a second time in a row. It’s a small Island, after all.

{ What did YOU do for Halloween? Have a good time trick-or-treating tonight! }

Me ke aloha ~ With love, Xx
Mae

Vist My Facebook Page now! Join me and be my ohana (family)!

thereafterish.

Tag Archives: Hawaii Living

A Big Girl Birthday

{ Surprise! A Big Girl Birthday Dinner Party With People! Yay For Friends and Vegetarian Sushi! }

31 Birfdays

{ Birthday Brat }

Life in Pictures: Last Week, According to my iPhone

{ Life in Pictures / Week in Pictures: What We Were Up To Last Week, According to My iPhone }

Architecture of an Outfit: Cut Up, Patriotic and Late

{ Architecture of an Outfit: How not to look like an American Flag–Red low-back tank, nautical stripe slit maxi skirt, nude platforms and a Christmas Wreath }

Life’s a Beach: Sherwood Forest AKA Waimanalo Bay Beach Park

{ Life’s a Beach: Favorite Beaches in the Kingdom }

It’s worth it.

Architecture of an Outfit: Oxblood and A Million Lights

{ Architecture of an Outfit: Oxblood pleated skirt, striped tie-neck blouse, custom floppy hat and an obsession with twinkling Christmas lights }

Architecture of an Outfit: Whip It

{ Architecture of an Outfit: Drape Wrap Cardigan, Thigh Highs, Body Con Skirt, Paisley Blouse, Sam Edelman Booties, Getting Whipped by Wind, The Christmas House and a Dog That Looks Like a Teddy Bear }

Architecture of an Outfit Preview

Days in the Life: Holidays 2012, Part I

{ Day in the Life: My Holiday Season 2012, Part I }

Vlog: Love and Honesty: Be Who You Are, Show Yourself

How to Be Happy #5: Watch a Sunset on a Quiet Windless Day (And a Giveaway Winner)

{ How to Be Happy #5: Watch a Sunset and Breathe. }

Architecture of an Outfit: Stripes, Stripes, Stripes!

{ Architecture of an Outfit: Comfy striped maxi dress for yuppie vegan date night }

DON’T FORGET!!

Architecture of an Outfit Preview: Stripes and Garage

{ Architecture of an Oufit Preview: Stripes in the Garage

DON’T FORGET!!

Day in The Life: Halloween at Aloha Tower Marketplace: Crazy, Sexy, Ghoul! 2012

How Honolulu Ballers Ball: Halloween at Aloha Tower Marketplace, 19 October 2012

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{ Surprise! A Big Girl Birthday Dinner Party With People! Yay For Friends and Vegetarian Sushi! }

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{ Birthday Brat }

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{ Life in Pictures / Week in Pictures: What We Were Up To Last Week, According to My iPhone }

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{ Architecture of an Outfit: How not to look like an American Flag–Red low-back tank, nautical stripe slit maxi skirt, nude platforms and a Christmas Wreath }

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{ Life’s a Beach: Favorite Beaches in the Kingdom }

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{ Architecture of an Outfit: Oxblood pleated skirt, striped tie-neck blouse, custom floppy hat and an obsession with twinkling Christmas lights }

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{ Architecture of an Outfit: Drape Wrap Cardigan, Thigh Highs, Body Con Skirt, Paisley Blouse, Sam Edelman Booties, Getting Whipped by Wind, The Christmas House and a Dog That Looks Like a Teddy Bear }

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{ Day in the Life: My Holiday Season 2012, Part I }

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{ How to Be Happy #5: Watch a Sunset and Breathe. }

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{ Architecture of an Outfit: Comfy striped maxi dress for yuppie vegan date night }

DON’T FORGET!!

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{ Architecture of an Oufit Preview: Stripes in the Garage

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How Honolulu Ballers Ball: Halloween at Aloha Tower Marketplace, 19 October 2012

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