Nadine Kam photos
Nordstrom shoppers were invited to "Mix and Mingle with Rebecca Minkoff" on March 26.

Rebecca Minkoff fans don't know how close they came to missing her work because the designer almost gave up on her design dream in 2005.

Minkoff was at Nordstrom Honolulu—one of only four stores she'd visit on this trip (the others are in California and Chicago)—on March 26 to introduce her Spring/Summer 2013 collection of clothing and handbag designs, and I had 10 minutes to get her to tell all.

She got her start designing clothing, but considering she's best known for her handbags, so I asked whether she was surprised to discover her affinity for designing bags and how quickly her career took off because of it.

"It shocked me, because I was about to give up when it caught on and I said, 'Omigod, there is a God,' " she said. "Really, I was trying to do everything by myself all the time, I had run out of money and didn't know what to do next. To me it was a sign to keep going."

The “Morning After Bag,” or the “M.A.B.” ignited Rebecca’s career in 2005 and inspired the “downtown romantic” designs that now define her work.

From left, Nordstrom's Maria Bernardo, Rebecca Minkoff and stylist Crystal Pancipanci.

Although she said she tries to keep her own needs in mind when designing bags, she really thinks about her clients and has created a niche by thinking about life's firsts, from a girl's first date, to first love, her first job and first experience with motherhood.

I see her Craig Camera crossbody bag ($195) in my future after spotting it on the Nordstrom floor, with cool lines and the depth of a hard leather vintage camera case. She explained the crossbody came about from her observation of bloggers and how they're constantly fumbling with cameras in their hands and notetaking. "I thought I'd give them a place to put their camera, that's also stylish."

Nordstrom.com
Rebecca Minkoff's Craig crossbody camera bag.

After four years of designing statement-making handbags and accessories with her trademark leathers, studs and edgy hardware, Rebecca returned to her roots and introduced her first ready-to-wear collection in 2009.

Nordstrom is carrying her Spring 2013 collection, inspired by the photographer Slim Aarons, known for his glamorous and iconic 1960s and '70s photographs of socialites, jet-setters and celebrities as they lounged poolside.

Minkoff’s latest collection that evokes that same carefree, beach-like spirit, and looking at the ombre floral print of Minkoff's silk jumpsuit or Couric top, it's easy to imagine a bit of Hawaii in the ease of wear and color combinations,

It turns out that Rebecca has fond childhood memories of vacationing in Kona since she was 2 years old, when her father brought the family to the islands to stay while he competed in Ironman triathlons.

Hawaii remains a special place to her family. Her brother got married in Kailua in 2005. She had considered marrying here as well, but said, "When your brother does something, you have to do something different." So she held her wedding in Italy in 2009.

Although she said she always loved fashion and received her first Vogue subscription at 8 years old, because she grew up in an athletic family, wearing her brother's hand-me-down clothing, she still considers herself a tomboy and defines her style as "sexy tomboy," which resonates with the attitude and active lifestyles of women today.

Fans wait in line to meet Rebecca Minkoff, near a display of her classic M.A.C. shoulder bags and M.A.B. leather totes.

Minkoff in her own Spring 2013 silk floral print jumpsuit, with Ki-ele jewelry designer Marylea Conrad.

Minkoff eyewear on display.

Savannah Tatreau tries on a pair of the designer's new Carmine sunglasses with blonde tortoise finish, $220.

Near the store's cosmetic department entrance, a display of Minkoff apparel and handbags.

Nadine Kam photos
Junior League of Honolulu president Jennifer Li Dotson, in green, went through a couple of dress changes during the Sacs in the City event that took place March 16 at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. She's with her daughter Jade Dotson, Lisa Yamada (left), and Tiffany Huynh.

The Junior League of Honolulu presented its 9th annual Sacs in the City event, "Passage to Paradise," on March 16, 2013, at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel.

Once again, the event invited handbag enthusiasts to browse and bid on a selection of handbags, accessories and other fashion items. This year I have my dream bag, the Valentino
Nuage Lacca tote in what a friend calls a "pig pink" color. Even so, it was hard to avoid temptation, especially when it came to a Max & Co. envelope clutch which would make a nice addition to my handbag family.

The event was also highlighted by a couple of fashion shows. The first was a preview of designs by students from the University of Hawaii APDM program, in advance of the students April 28, 2013, fashion show, as well as 2013 spring collections from DFS Galleria. In between, Junior League "celebs" graced the runway, including keiki models in Ralph Lauren and Marie Chantal, and grownups in a mix of Marc by Marc Jacobs, Ermenegildo Zegna, Ralph Lauren, Burberry, Salvatore Ferragamo, and more.

The UH-DFS collaboration has proven to be fruitful over the past couple of years, with the students creating fashion to highlight some of DFS's vast handbag selection, showing that fashion doesn't exist in a vacuum and designers have to be aware of how their work dovetails with general trends.

The Kauai and Maui ballrooms were packed, so I had to park on the very top of the Sheraton garage, which meant I saw everyone on the way down, including Valerie Jospeh's Valerie Ragasa-Miao. Loved her bright yellow Porsche and license plate reading God-dss!

For those who would like to see more from the students, the 47th annual UH Manoa Fashion Show, "Zeitgeist: Spirit of the Time," will take place at 6 p.m. April 29 at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa Kona Moku Ballroom, 2552 Kalakaua Ave. There will be a silent auction from 4:30 p.m.

This year's show will feature collections by seven senior designers and 13 junior designers. Tickets are $50 for VIP seating and $25 for general admission. For tickets, email
clouie@hawaii.edu, Jam99@hawaii.edu or carakuro@hawaii.edu

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Among purses awaiting Sacs bids were this Michael Kors Hamilton satchel and Gucci Crystal Joy Princy Tote.

Vince Camuto colorblocked Julia satchel, valued at $248.

I was mostly in the market for an envelope clutch, and was admiring this Alida clutch from Max & Co., valued at $314 with a starting bid of $145.

Bags were not the only items available in the silent auction. Here's a pretty pair of bright, look-at-me sandals from Kate Spade.

Combo packages were also available. Some were drawn to pairings of sacs and gas cards (so practical!) I was looking at this "Taste of the Orient" $200 value package from P.F. Chang, offering a combination of dinner, and some dressy items for going out, with a box purse, earrings and lipstick case.

Tables were dressed with paper lanterns in the season's pastels.

UH APDM student designer Mari Nakamura with her model Katt Kitchen in a striking city look. (more...)

Nadine Kam photos
Maui manager Misty was in town to help with the grand opening of Ross Dress for Less's new King Street store on March 8. She was handing out free shopping bags to all, while supplies lasted.

Two new Ross Dress for Less stores opened their doors March 8 at the Laulani Village Shopping Center in Ewa, and in Honolulu, where Longs used to be in Moiliili.

True to form, at the Honolulu store it seemed everyone's uncle and auntie was already there shopping by the time I got there at midday. It's as if there's nothing to do in Honolulu except charge the next big retail opening. It's funny how people try to save $—prices at Ross are regularly 20 to 60 percent off department store prices—by spending $! But, if you were going to shop for a new spring wardrobe, baby luau gift, housewares or luggage, etc., anyway, it all makes sense.

It was crazy trying to get in, when the parking lot was jammed with people arriving, and people leaving with their purchases.

Inside, I spotted a lot of men gathered around the watch counter, and people congregated around the specialty foods and housewares aisles. There were also plenty of women shopping for new shoes and handbags. Just as at other Ross stores, there are luggage, infant, kids, beauty and accessories departments as well. No doubt some of the assortment has been spurred by new competition that has entered the market since the company opened its last store here, and more competition makes consumers the winners.

Spring trend items were abundant, and in coming weeks, Ross will be launching a Shoe Madness promotion, giving shoppers the opportunity to win a $100 gift card each week for four weeks.

As a warm-up act, Ross is sending me a $25 gift card and want one of Hawaii's fashion tribe to go shopping with $25, which goes a lot further at Ross than most other stores! (If you're reading from somewhere else, sorry but this contest is for Hawaii readers only.)

Just let me know if you're interested in winning a $25 gift card and I'll add your name to a drawing and pull the winner on St. Patrick's Day.
_______

The new stores are at:

>> Laulani Village Shopping Center, 91-1085 Keaunui Drive, Ewa Beach, 808.685.0966
>> 2220 S. King S., Honolulu, 808.941.1033

Hours are:
9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays
9 a.m.  to 10:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays
9:30 a.m.  to 9:30 p.m. Sundays

Kim Delos Santos shows a lace skirt priced at $12.99. Lace is one of the trends for spring 2013.

A designer handbags section rivals that of another recent entry to the discount retail market.

More handbags in variations of spring's green/blue trend.

Shoppers try on hats. (Easter's around the corner for those in need of spring bonnets.)

Collar-style and clear necklaces in the jewelry counter at the front of the Honolulu store.

Colorful dresses for little girls.

Infant blankets.

Stripes are another spring trend. Parked next to the rack is one woman's full cart.

Wedges in spring colors. The strappy orange pair on the right are $18.99.

Beauty products are also very reasonably priced.

Order at the checkout counter.

Nadine Kam photos
Anteprima's signature fiori design gets the sparkly treatment for Spring/Summer 2013.

Anteprima is celebrating its 6th anniversary at Royal Hawaiian Center and marked the occasion with the launch of its Fall/Winter 2012 collection, and a preview of its Spring/Summer 2013 wirebag collection.

In addition to the brand's traditional knit wirebags, spring will mark the introduction of its new woven wirebags, made with Anteprima's signature luminous PVC wire. The effect is a bit more subdued in this format, even with the violet metallic sheen of the darker handbag below.

The wire weave, up close.

A bow-shaped bag.

Shoppers could also browse a collection of festive fall handbags, including such new arrivals as panda-themed purses, as well as such smaller items as cell phone and purse charms, clutches and jewelry for the holiday season.

This crystal-accented panda purse is about $973.

I tried on this necklace ($204) that has the boldness of a Marni piece. It's secured with ribbon ties, so adjusts from chest to collar lengths. Many of the wearable jewelry can double as purse accents for more usage. The same necklace graces the bag below.

A pearly collar, $264, can also be worn by person and purse. The bow piece is sold separately.

Nadine Kam photos
Tiffany's new leather goods salon is part of the Ala Moana store's new look, revealed today.

Tiffany & Co. at Ala Moana Center hosted its grand reopening this morning, following a complete renovation that includes new panel artwork, a nearly floor to ceiling chandelier, private showroom and leather goods salon.

I was given a sneak peek yesterday, with a mini tour from none other than Tiffany Leather Collection design directors John Truex and Richard Lambertson, in town for the grand opening and their own peek at the salon that grew around their collection, introduced a mere two years ago, that now encompasses more than 300 items including small leather goods, travel bags for men and women, and a full range of day and evening purses for women.

"Competition is fierce out here so if we were going to do leather, we were going to do leather," said Truex, who was admiring the new salon.

"What they did here is breathtaking. It's so client focused and the collection looks phenomenal in this space," he said, adding that the increased space allows them to show "the more novel, collectible and humorous side of Tiffany."

Truex explained the duo's process of "hanging back and looking at who's peeking in the windows, and asking 'What would she want?' "

They also considered such clientele as the woman who appreciates art and architecture, and asking what she would like to carry. Some of the collection features sleek rectangular and curvilinear Art Deco lines.

Before joining Tiffany three years ago, John Truex, above, and Richard Lambertson were considered in the industry to be the go-to designers for animal print leather goods, and they've brought that expertise to Tiffany, introducing animal prints and exotic skins.

The designers brought with them a sampling of the Spring 2013 collection as well, with bright yellow, orange, white and honey hues inspired by Holland, tulips, daffodils and the purity of flowers.

"Coming off the fall political season," Truex said, their feeling was one of cutting loose of the negative campaigns and taking a happy approach to life.

Amen to that.

Tiffany Ala Moana's new, shimmering chandelier.