coconuts & coppertone

aloha.aloha.aloha... a thousand times aloha

2009-11-21T21:41:00.003-10:00

My time in paradise is nearing an end.

I am so sad to leave...

...Yet so excited to return to my family and friends.

The only reason I was able to blog at all was because of the lifestyle I maintained here in Hawaii.

Not having to work sure is delightful!

Sadly, I must begin work again upon my return, which means rare free time. Which means little blogging. Which for me means no blogging at all.

There's not much worse than a blog that goes untended to for great lengths of time.

I refuse to do that- Because if you're going to do something, do it fabulously.

I'll of course continue to bum around the blogosphere and will keep pretty active with my Tumblr so stop by once and a while!

This Rhapsody of Mine

Whenever you feel cold and miss the sun... Coconuts & Coppertone will be a dependable remedy... It's always summer here :)

skittles

2009-11-18T22:46:00.003-10:00

Home may have colorful personalities...

But it simply cannot compete with the colors of Maui

lava sand

2009-11-18T00:24:00.003-10:00

Looky looky I got Hooky.

Goofing off at the black sand beach in Hana.

I'm in love with my old-lady, 80's shorts... Beyond in love.

At the end of the day, I take solace is knowing that life's a beach and I like to splash around in it.

Bodysuit- AA, Shorts- Vintage, Shirt- Random $3 steal

lavender fields forever

2009-11-15T14:30:00.003-10:00

I journeyed to the Haleakala Crater to explore Maui's infamous Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm yesterday.

The farm was gorgeous beyond comprehension.

We took a tour of the grounds that included not only an impressive 45 varieties of lavender, but the stunning surrounding gardens.

**(Imagine air saturated with the scent of lavender and George Lucas' estate further up the fields while viewing these)

half & half

2009-11-11T10:25:00.005-10:00

The New Yorkers have come and left, returning to the urban island we love so much with bronzed skin and sunnier outlooks.

I, on the other hand, was left with some seriously cropped hair.

My great friend, Rich, cuts and styles hair for friends and rich Park Avenue women when he's not making magic happen in the garment district. Needless to say, he couldn't wait to get his paws on my mane and took off 6+ inches of my hair and about 4 inches from our girlfriend Tia's hair. After he blew-out our styles, I looked like a Studio 54 regular and she looked like a Korean school girl... Both in a bitchingly fabulous way.

Today we welcome the boy's mother for a week and needless to say, I'm scrambling to get our cottage in order before her plane lands.

I have to tackle two loads of laundry, clean our place top to bottom, and dispose of the copious amount of empty vodka and tequila bottles we killed this weekend.

Opps.

PS- Check out my blinged-out toes. I went in aiming to just get OPI's Sweetheart (tried and true favorite), but left with nail art and glitter upon my piggies. I felt left out when all the employees were decorating each other's nails and wanted in on the fun.

I get it now.

I used to disdain nail art and ruled it for tackiness only, but I truly am a convert... And I'm not ashamed to admit it.

Sarong- Calypso

naive melody

2009-11-08T19:42:00.006-10:00

Sat on the beach all day listening to Talking Heads on loop... "This Must be the Place" style.

Life is good.

PS- This Maui lifeguard sends his undying love...

we all float on

2009-11-03T18:01:00.010-10:00

This week has been mayhem.

I've had to:

Search for a new apartment from 6,000 miles away
Rally friends to act as my proxies and go look at said apartments
Followed by securing the final apartment
Arrange a moving date and reserve moving equipment
Rally various family members to help with said move
Rework my resume and reconnect with old contacts
Begin preparations for 2 weeks worth of visitors
Try to sneak in beach time for my daily vitamin-D intake

Go figure, all the people who booked tickets to come visit are coming literally within hours of one another.

A few former co-workers are going to visit and the bed situation is looking dire. Thankfully, the boy volunteered to go camping, which means one less person in our tiny cottage... I think there's only so much sexual harassment he can handle from my pervy gays anyway.

Just as well, this means we can all misbehave without the bad guy around (bad guy being the voice of reason that is my love).

Dress- Sestra Maja

i wanna go surfing

2009-10-30T16:29:00.001-10:00

purple rain

2009-10-29T13:09:00.010-10:00

Singing "Purple Rain".

In purple pieces.

Tormenting the boy who is so earnestly trying to fix my computer.

His own fault, I say... He condones my bad behavior by documenting it.

And that's my day in a nutshell- sit out reading my delicious new book, come in for a quick sing-along, and drive my darling into pulling his hair out.

HA.

glitter days

2009-10-26T08:06:00.000-10:00

Bed head.

One of my favorite habits I picked up in my time here, is sitting on the porch with a glass of lemon & aloe infused water every morning after rolling out of bed and where I get a feel for the weather and play with the cats.

(Lemon & aloe infused water is a recipe I became all too familiar with after making it for my old boss several times a week. Her doctor telling her to go on a vegan, sugar-free and gluten-free diet was the worst thing that ever happen to me).

(Crazy cat lady, I know).

Sadly, it's cloudy today.

I'm in a strange mood lately.

One part of me is so excited to go home in a month; to see my family & friends and get my life started in a new direction.

The other part of me is sad and unwilling to leave this little island I've come to love so much. I will miss the peace of mind it has given me and the sunshine.

Oh the sun the sun the sun the sun.

I know what weather awaits me in the Northeast, and I've decided to completely block all thought of it out until I'm actually there, freezing my ass off.

There has been more than one conversations between my mother and I where she's told me the temperature is below 30 degrees... All while I've been laying on the beach, perving on surfer boys.

Oh the humanity...

Alright, I'm off to fix myself some iced coffee.

boogie on reggae woman

2009-10-24T10:50:00.011-10:00

Crochet pants.

Yup.

I was sold by the open netting detail, garnished with colorful flowers.

They are quite possibly the most unflattering garment a girl who has hips and an ass can purchase, but I don't really care because every girl needs a pair of crochet pants to bum around in.

I'm not sure why, but I've been singing "Private Dancer" by Tina Turner all morning.

Tina's the balls.

Pants- Vintage, Tank- AA, Panties- F21

delicates and papayas

2009-10-20T12:37:00.003-10:00

The sun is so bright today that even in the shade it's sunny.

This sounds strange, I know, but it's true.

I didn't feel like trekking to the beach this afternoon so I'm playing in our yard instead.

I think all backyards should come equipped with palm trees and clotheslines.

I have a serious weakness for home decor magazines and have been laying out reading them imaging how I would decorate my dream home.

Sounds so lame, doesn't it?

I just have been so underwhelmed by "fashion" magazines lately I've decided to simply stop purchasing them for some time.

I watched "Mystic River" the other night and it made me homesick for good ole Boston.

I love wicked prahhpa accents, over.served Irish boys, Dunkin Donuts, dirty pubs.... I could go on but I'll spare you.

Top- VS, Flower wreath- Street vendor in Waikiki

on the equator

2009-10-18T11:59:00.004-10:00

Sunset on Waikiki Beach.

Colors too surreal for words.

These pictures can't begin to do it justice.

not an ocean view

2009-10-16T18:37:00.000-10:00

Honolulu could not be more different Wailea (or for that matter, Maui in it's entirety).

High.rises, innumerable hotels, bustling sidewalks, Chanel, Hermes, Fendi, Dior.... Restaurants open past 8pm.

It's been a pleasant change and I've really enjoyed being here but I do miss Maui and it's peaceful, relaxed vibe.

I was up all last night getting sick (I'll spare you the details) but since I'm a beacher-extraordinaire, I spent today basking in the sun on Waikiki Beach despite still feeling a bit queasy.

While I had my head in the toilet, the boy went out to get me ginger ale and crackers and on his journey back a group of prostitutes started hustling him and asking if he needed a date. Despite my pain, I died of laughter. Hookers in Hawaii have it all figured out- layout and surf all day and hustle at night without having to worry about how to stay warm in their profession's mandatory attire come the winter.

Genius.

Oahu attracts a large number of tourists from Korea and Japan, and the boy could not be more excited because this means he can practice his Japanese via eavesdropping.

Rude.

We will be eating breakfast and my sinking feelings that I'm being ignored are justified when I look at him and see him straining so as to not miss a single word, looks at me, and instantly apologizes and asks me what I said.

Sigh.

Sarong- Calypso

bird's eye view

2009-10-14T18:10:00.005-10:00

The boy and I flew to Oahu for a few days to explore the island and see what it's all about. The flight is only 25 minutes and comes with amazing views of Molokai in passing.

More to come from Honolulu... Despite the painfullll internet at our hotel.

tom tom club

2009-10-10T11:26:00.005-10:00

I have a serious love affair with cereal.

I've been known to eat an entire box of Cinnamon Life in one sitting.

It's too delicious.

Took my work and breakfast on the porch this morning.

It's been equally as delicious.

palm tree listen

2009-10-08T13:28:00.007-10:00

I'm a crazy cat lady. But I'm OK with it. Those shall remain nameless who don't appreciate my little cottage pussies.

It's too hot to do research.

I just want to plop in front of the AC with a never.ending supply of popsicles and beer.

Seeking motivation... If you have any can I borrow some?

This tunic reminds me Phoebe and Stella era Chloe collections-- shamelessly infused with eyelet. MMMMM.

It's strange- I used to be able to do work anywhere. You could post me on a stool at a noisy bar, a cubby.desk in the university library, or my bed surrounded by pillows and blankets and I could concentrate easily. Now, with no structure or responsibilities of any capacity, I'd be dammed if I can get through a straight hour of reading etc. without needing a break or temporary distraction.

It's a horrible mockery of these free months I alloted myself.

No responsibilities apparently equal limited efficiency.

Tunic- vintage

road to hana

2009-10-07T13:31:00.000-10:00

The road to Hana was, as you see, amaze-balls.

bar people are my my favorite people

2009-10-05T10:39:00.002-10:00

Big Beach at Makena.

Photobucket deleted every photo I uploaded from yesterday, save this lone soldier...

So funny I can do nothing but laugh. I'm a security threat. HA. Overall I could care less about what people think about my lack of appropriate clothing- I'm on vacation in Hawaii for christs sake.

You better bet I'm going to be half.naked as much as I can, while I can. Because before you know it, I'll be back in icy New York longing for a roll in the sand. I don't believe in regrets; never mind regrets for appropriateness' sake.

After the surf & sand, we had a slow, lazy lunch at a local burger joint.

Wrote down my all.time favorite spirits on a cocktail napkin-

Favorite Whiskey- Knappogue Castle or Jameson

Favorite Gin- Hendricks

Favorite Vodka- Boru

Favorite Tequila- Cazadores or Patron Silver

Favorite Bourbon- Woodford Reserve

Favorite White- Chablis

Favorite Red- Can't go wrong with a Bordeaux older than your parents

Favorite Sparkling- ANY

I don't trust people who drink Rum + Never acquired a taste for it = Therefore I don't drink it

I'm getting thirsty... Irish thirsty...

Bikini- VS

moonshine

2009-10-04T23:25:00.008-10:00

Goodnight Moon...

hide/seek

2009-10-03T15:33:00.013-10:00

My body is aching from hiking the other day- an unpleasant reminder to seriously consider taking up exercise.

Craving:

A never.ending glass of Knappogue Castle (neat)
Pizza from L & B Spumoni in Bedsonhurst (I'm salivating thinking about it)
My Rene Furterer Karite creme I forgot to pack (stupid.stupid girl)
The sunshine (MIA today)
Monsoon Wedding (favorite movie, which I also forget to bring with me)

I saw this two.piece and almost died from laughter.

So ridiculous.

So tacky.

Yet so precious.

It's the perfect island ensemble- I had to own it.

Two.piece- vintage

the master and the newbie

2009-10-03T10:00:00.005-10:00

One slightly more timid than the other...

...Both guilty as charged for making my day.

Thank you John and Peter, thank you so very much.

perched upon a rocky cliff

2009-09-29T16:02:00.013-10:00

Doesn't the cloud look like whipped cream atop Molokai?

Drove along Route 340 the other day.

Tons of gorgeous rocky cliffs like this... Makes for a long ride considering all the stopping I do to take in the scenery.

340 is literally- literally- beyond fortunate it is so breathtakingly beautiful, because it is the MOST dangerous road to drive on.

3/4 of the highway is one lane... One lane for both directions to share. Oh, and it's also teetering on the ocean's cliffs ridiculously high up.

I'm whining aren't I...

My apologies.

I'm most recently from NYC via Brooklyn, which means car service and the subway. Not death.trap rental cars on roads so treacherous not even the devil would travel.

I forgot to wear a bathing.suit that day and figured myself fortunate that I was wearing this bodysuit. Same idea, right?

Bodysuit- AA

my hog & i

2009-09-28T08:20:00.013-10:00

Yes, I'm prancing around in my panties.

Earlier this summer, the boy got a custom.made road bike whose price tag could have covered a Chanel 2.55 with a bit left over to purchase a pair of vintage Ted Lapidus sunnies and possibly then some.

I KNOW.

However, since I clearly have zero intention of Tour De Maui'ing with him, we scoped out a cruiser for me and my dalliances.

(Mainly just cruising to the beach, really... I'm a simple girl)

It's hot as hades today.

I've been laying on the cool tile in my itty-bittys all day eating copious amounts of pineapple and tuna.

It's quite a sight- let me tell you.

Didn't go to the beach because we're doing the Road to Hana this week and need to plan where we want to stop etcetc.

The Road to Hana is supposed to be surreally gorgeous- I'm pumped we're finally doing it.

Waterfalls, spring pools, tropical fields, and cliffs for jumping galore.

Naturally, I won't be going on my hog... I don't know if my baby could handle it.

Shirt- the boys, Bottoms- Calvin Klein, Sunnies- vendor on St. Marks, Necklace (worn as chain)- H&M

tin roof

2009-09-27T11:39:00.006-10:00

This morning has been stellar.

Amazing coffee (Kona Vanilla Macadamia, cream, sugar)

A decent- finally- American Vogue (great features on Gabriel Orozco, Michelle Williams, Phoebe Philo and a killer couture spread)

Bowl of cereal (Cheerios, organic whole milk)

Research going well (no procrastination, new ideas)

Vitamin-D (sunshine)

Shirt- vintage

dirty laundry

2009-09-25T11:58:00.006-10:00

You know how you always hear mothers telling their sons to quit playing with their boy.parts because they're not going anywhere?
I am that boy- but instead I'm a girl who wont quit playing with her boobs.

Annnnyywayys... TMI perhaps.

I've been watching past seasons of "30 Rock" and I can't get enough. I want Tina Fey and Bill Clinton to rule the world.

I purchased a new hair oil yesterday and I'm stoked it use it tonight.

I also purchased tickets to see Ghostland Observatory in NYC in December even though I have yet to book a return flight home... Opps.

I finished Noa Noa by Gauguin yesterday on the beach and it was amazing.

....That's all for my ramble session.

Crochet top- ebay, Bikini bottom- Maui Girls, Scarf- H&M

neil krug.hawaii.style

2009-09-25T10:15:00.005-10:00

A different version of the same... Krug's photographs taken in Kuaui... Pseudo.vintage Hawaii... mmmmmm

fish sticks

2009-09-22T19:57:00.008-10:00

One night this summer I was at my second job (fashion industry pays crap- bartending does not) and was running around like crazy and ripped this top. I had purchased it less than a week before and was ready to crack.skulls.bummed.

As if she was dropped out of the sky by Baby Jesus, a head.honcho of Calypso happened to be there and upon recognizing my torn garb, offered to send me a new one from the warehouse. Naturally, I never thought I would get a new one but thought she was sugar for offering.

I got a package later that week... I couldn't believe she actually sent me a new tunic.

Moral of today's story- sometimes people surprise you and rockoutwiththeircocksout.

I love that my street ends at a rocky beach. The boy and I walked down to relax and take in the waves after dinner tonight... I almost forgot how much I love the sound of the ocean.

Tunic- Calypso, Slippers- Old Navy

beach goddess part. II

2009-09-18T22:53:00.006-10:00

Though it likely didn't happen often enough, the princess from Monaco enjoyed the sand & surf like the rest of us and though the documentation is sparce, these pictures are fierce proof.

All photos- tfs

true romance

2009-09-16T20:52:00.005-10:00

The sky, pink hibiscus', pink toenails

head, shoulders, knees and toes

2009-09-16T18:57:00.006-10:00

I'm pretty sure an older surfer dude was trying to make me an inspiration for an episode of SVU today by offering to show me a "secret cove" beach.

I politely declined.

Finished Lolita- the last 15 pages made the book for me.

Bikini- Old Navy (...from highschool)

it's the small things

2009-09-15T13:28:00.008-10:00

From Style.com...

NEW YORK, September 14, 2009
By Nicole Phelps
Marc Jacobs is tired of seeing young girls wearing black and studs. "It's not such an individual expression," he said after his terrific Spring show.

Marc's words are music to my ears.

What is the opposite of studs and leather? Pearls and meticulously crafted silk.

The stud & spike phase was marvelous- but it peaked at Mary-Kate's Givenchy jacket during the Paris shows in '08 and Rodarte's horned Louboutins from FW '08.

I'm not dying over this collection, but it's a start- a movement- towards something different than what we've been seeing. These garments are crafted, not torn and shredded and that's something I can roll with love.bugs.

flower.child & a never.ending summer

2009-09-15T10:55:00.007-10:00

My tan lines are offensive.

This bikini bottom is also offensively itty-bitty.

Oh well.

I brought a serious collection of books to read while I'm here and I'm so eager to get to my next book (The Aeneid), that I've been fervently rushing through my present book (Lolita) to get my fingers on it. I have enjoyed Lolita, but it is far from being a favorite. I'm uber.curious what motivated Nabokov to write such a story.

Never ending summer= I'll leave 70% of the world to their Monclers and Sorels... Just give me to my bikini's and slip.dresses.

Bottom- VS, Scarf (tied as top)- Pencey

Scrumptious words- WildFox

wise words

2009-09-12T20:17:00.002-10:00

"Adam Lippes is clear on his "mythical muse," as he puts it: the gyp-setting girl who's equally at home in New York City, Paris, or a tiny hut on the Indian Ocean." -Style.com review on ADAM SS'10 show

Doesn't every girl want to be that girl?

Words so delicious... I want to eat them.

Kimono- vintage, Top- Eres

rhapsody

2009-09-12T14:31:00.008-10:00

I think I'm going to seriously regret wearing this chain today. Can you say t a n l i n e s..?

Today was stiflingly hot. Sat in the sand for only a bit before retreating and giving my skin some shade and TLC (aka cocoa butter).

As everyone well knows, NYC Fashion Week is well underway. After talking to my industry friends who are giddy to flit from one show to the next, I had immediate envy. HOWEVER- my initial envy quickly simmered and a sense of peace overcame me. The whole reason for me leaving NY was because I was exhausted and drained of all that once made me who I am. After much reflection, I realized that, yes, I love fashion -- but not enough to work in it anymore. Fashion used to be my escape and if I didn't do something quick, it was going to be the demise of imagination and glee.

....And that, my darlings, is my thought for the day.

Oyyyy I'm boring myself.

I got a few of these crochet tops on ebay a while back and I'm stoked to finally wear them. They help bring out my hippy.dippy.

The boy has been on a kick of watching late-night chick flicks and it's quite worrisome.

Ok that's all. I'm off to make some aloe water. Should be interesting...

Crochet top- ebay, Bottom- VS, Shirt- Marshalls (old lady section & $3... chickachickayeaahhh), Necklace as body chain- H&M

blinded by the light

2009-09-10T10:31:00.005-10:00

It's so bright today I can barely open my eyes despite rocking sunnies.

I've realized that I already have a Hawaii uniform=

Bikini or bandeau top
Short little something.something to cover my derriere
Pastels

I guess I'm finally living out my island wardrobe fantasy.

Today is Fashions Night Out in my prior homebase of NYC. I'm not at all P.O.ed I'm missing it but I have soldiers pounding the pavement on my behalf (and their own, naturally) anyway- so I'm there in spirit. Annnnywaaays.... Borrrriinng.

Am off on my new cruiser to the beach. I discovered a small beach close to our cottage and I'm stoked I won't have to trek if I feel like playing in the sand for only a short bit.

Scarf (worn as top)- Calypso, Skirt- Target, Sunnies- vendor on St. Marks

surf & shower

2009-09-09T15:05:00.006-10:00

Ventured to the other side of the island today to scope out the beaches in Kihei.

Surf was miniscule in comparison to waves on Maui's North shore where we are, but it made it that much more laid back and chill- which was nice.

Alright, off to make lemonade...

Top - Zimmerman, Bottom- Maui Girls

the original beach goddess

2009-09-07T21:28:00.002-10:00

Bridgette Bardot was the original beach beauty. She always looked so at peace in her infamous bikinis, rolling around in the sand and frolicking in the waves.

All photos - tfs

stir it up

2009-09-06T14:12:00.006-10:00

It's been sun.raining most of today. Randomly stopped for a short bit and blinding sun replaced the precipitation.

Back to rain = laundry, researching hiking trails, British "Office", and Top Ramen

Bikini Top- VS, Skirt- random oldy from Miami

on the line

2009-09-06T14:01:00.002-10:00

There's not much better than line dried clothes and linens...

ca va?

2009-09-05T19:48:00.007-10:00

To the right:

To the left:

Paia Town. Essentially vacant beach save a few boogie boarders. Mountains to the left and a seriously insane beach estate perched atop a cliff to the right.

....I enjoy being a beachbum.

Let the countdown begin.

This is me day 2. You wouldn't think it- but I used to be a bronzed Greek/Irish girl every summer. Then came college... And for the past 5 years, classes and work killed any chance of taking summers off and/or spring breaks.

Yes, wrinkle-free skin in my older age sounds divine, but I think a few months of beach bumming it are worth any potential creases.

Moral of the story - Day 2 of 90.

aMiNals

2009-09-04T20:06:00.005-10:00

Gaggles of geckos. Which I don't find too lovely but the boy does. Apparently they eat bugs - so, fine.

And these cats... The two kittens follow their elders around like obedient subjects and mimic their every move.

Alright I'm done talking like a crazy cat lady...

Catch you on the flip side.

sunrise pt.1

2009-09-04T06:43:00.007-10:00

I feel like I'm going to get up early a lot to watch the sunrise if they're all as gorgeous as this.

Images are huge, click away

from way down here, with love

2009-09-04T05:23:00.008-10:00

What I see out my kitchen window...

Does it make me miss seeing the crazy homeless guy's ass crack in the AM instead? Hmmm... Too close to call.

I don't remember what book it was, but I'm getting a flashback of a woman leaning out her kitchen window and picking an orange or something of the sort and eating it... Or was it just Cher from "Clueless" picking a lemon from a tree outside her fathers office for his tea? Again, too close to call.

Must learn to make banana muffins ASAP.

musica

2009-08-31T15:24:00.008-10:00

I just finished doing last minute organizing and packing with my mother and grandmother because if I have my way I would pack my entire wardrobe, book collection... Basically my entire life. I need supervision apparently.

In the midst of being questioned how on earth I have 15+ bikinis but no sneakers and hiking apparel (I plan on becoming a hiking extraordinaire, FYI), I realized I need to make some serious plane ride playlists.

Tons of reggae, tons of classic rock, tons of homoliciousness = puuurrrfection.

aloha

2009-08-27T07:08:00.005-10:00

My name is Caitrin and I am a soon-to-be former New Yorker who is taking a leave of absence from the NYC fashion rat race in favor of a temporary life of coconuts and sunscreen.

I'm pond jumping from the island of Manhattan to the island of Maui. I guess I have a thing for being water logged.

I also have a thing for things that are beautiful, sparkly and a bit strange -- I hope to bring you all this from my little cottage on the beach in Hawaii (of which I will reside with my beautiful, strange man).

So give me love and I will give you a glimpse of a life of bikinis, avocado trees, surfer boys, volcano hiking, and frolics on sandy beaches.

mound of clothes

2009-08-27T07:02:00.005-10:00

Organizing and packing several years of garment collecting is quite possibly worse than the torture methods used in Guantanamo.

In Hawaii, my gorgeous vintage collectibles are irrelevant - same for anything silk, tulle, and items whose purchase price was over $200. I scoured through the mess in search of:

Bikinis
Cotton and linen garments of all kinds
Sundresses
Light, layering pieces
Sarongs / Scarves

Some silk snuck into the pile but I'm deeming it necessary.

Naturally, I thought I wouldn't have to edit after sorting through everything, and hopefully I wont. Packing my suitcases will resemble me trying to squeeze into my (very) old stand-by size 38 Dolce. HA, I wish.

Everything I hope to take was thrown on my bed for further editing.