When first-time vacationers come to Hawai'i, they expect to see girls in pareos, adorned with tropical flowers and guys in loincloths and leis. You would think that with the islands being so far away in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, their fashion would be behind the rest of us. Instead, the "natives" are sporting the latest trends.
Even with the locals' courageous attempts at being in style, the fashion flaws were plenty. Here's what the year-round sun goddesses got right and wrong, along with some advice on how to avoid making the same mistakes.
While decolletage and cleavage are the most popular accessories here, the bathing beauties of Honolulu go out in style. Skirts with stripes, Britney hats, and off-the-shoulder tops are sizzling hot, here in the Hawaiian heat. One cannot look anywhere without seeing hats similar to ones made famous by Ms. Spears, or those flirty striped skirts.
Camo skirts are also in, along with asymmetrical tanks and heels. On this island, instead of banishing the plunging neckline top, its just been re-vamped by venturing away from drab colors like black, to fun tones, such as sherbet orange and lime green. The BEBE logo line is also popular; most ladies pair up their sequin logo tops with matching sequin logo flip flops. Jessica Simpson's terry cloth tube dress is yet another hot item here.
But beware of some of these so-called island fashionistas...I had to delve deeper to see what's really wrong with this picture.
Although hats make great accessories and can compliment the perfect outfit, they shouldn't go on just anyone. The majority of girls here have long, flowing hair, which looks great under a cute hat. However, I saw a multitude of girls with poorly matched face shapes and hairstyles underneath these hats. Bad perms, frizzy hair, and ugly buns should never be paired with a hat because when you wear one, it draws attention to your head and hair, instead of hiding it. And not everyone's face is made for certain types of hats. A hat can actually make your face look fatter, depending on the shape of your face. On a side note, trucker hats and plumeria flowers do not mix, whatsoever. Hat advice: If you look like you shouldn't be wearing it, don't!
The comeback of the matte look was a huge make-up mistake made by many. Sheer make-up should be applied to a fresh face in the summer, not heavy winter foundation that results in a caked-on look. Hard lip lines make young faces look older and may even accentuate your wrinkles. Make-up advice: Peach blush, translucent cherry lips and coral nails are great for any summer look.
My last critique of attire here is the footwear. Being surrounded by sandy beaches does not mean you can wear whatever you want to, whenever you want to. Dressy sandals with heels and jewels are acceptable for summer nights at a club, while tall rubber sandals are not. I've heard people say, "No one is going to be looking at your feet!" Well trust me, we're looking. Shoe advice: Wear shoes that match with what you're wearing.
Here's the bottom line - it's hard to venture into new looks if you've already got a set style. For example, consider two of this year's MTV video music awards presenters, Sharon Stone and Christina Aguilera. Stone (whom has a classic style) would look pretty ridiculous in any of Aguilera's spunky getups, and vice versa. If you want to try out a new trend, start small. Purchase one item at a time and see if it works with pieces you already have in your closet. Otherwise, you'll end up looking like you're trying to fit into a trend instead of actually pulling it off and integrating it into your own fashion style.
Reach the reporter at fame7@hotmail.com.
