Sweet Sundays

"The sweet life"

Lately the weather has been a bit whacky this weekend but we decided to make our Sunday sweeter with a little roaming around town!! With the muggy weather and gray clouds lurking we ventured out to for a cool treat! Rain or shine, you gotta enjoy Sundays!!' 

We stop by a locally made sherbet shop for some strawberry and vanilla swirls!!

Louise and Amanda are both sporting some of our new Tidepool Love Jewelry pieces! Amanda's wearing our "Oahu Wanderlust" charm bracelet and Louise has our "Oahu Island" bangle both made with sterling silver.

We're loving our Spring looks!! Louise has our Cali Good Life "Catalina Tank" and Amanda has our "Sweetie Pink Top" and "Ocean Wave Shorts"

Sometimes you gotta have some rain and clouds to have some rainbows!!

XOXO Cottage by the Sea Blog Team

Saturday Style Session: Coachella Ready!!

 "Even though we're counting the days til Summer....We're going to embrace Spring in full bloom!!"

April is a month filled with change, new beginnings, and Coachella (of course)!! Everyone is counting the days until Coachella! Here at Cottage by the Sea we're loving all the new Spring boho looks filling our store. Although we're all the way here in Hawai'i, we still got the goods to get you festival goers ready to look oh so boho chic!  Since we have so many customers near and far, we're always taking phone and web orders and the best thing is we ship worldwide!!

Chelsea's wearing our "Swept Away" crochet top ($42) with our "Street Chic" vest ($82).  She's also wearing our new "Druzy" (geo crystals) rings and necklaces ($89-$159) with our new leather headbands ($33-$45).

 

Our "Cross My Heart" cardigan ($52) and "Boho Dreamer" tube top ($35) are perfect for the sunny, outdoor festival vibe! Our "Leather Fringe" earrings ($35-$55) are the perfect touch to complete any boho look!

Sometimes it takes just one piece to complete the final look, like our fringe scarf wraps ($30-$35)!!!

Whether you're near or far, we've got the bohemian looks to get you festival ready.  Our friendly Cottage girls are always so helpful to help you either on the phone, online, of in-store!!

XOXO Cottage by the Sea Blog Team

Memo from the Blog Team

To all of our Cottage by the Sea blog readers,

Time sure flies by when you're having fun and it's already April!! Although we're super busy here at Cottage by the Sea, we're still making time to enjoy the moment and have some fun! Through our adventures to North Shore to Cottage Girl Styling Tips, we want to thank all you out there for supporting our blog.  Everyone's support gives us inspiration for everything we do!! 

Just a little recap of all the fun things the Cottage Gals and the Blog Team have been up to!!

XOXO, Cottage Blog Team

Holo Holo: Island Hopping to Maui!

"Bask in the Hawaiian sun, dip your toes in the open sea, and smile to the road ahead..."

The weekend is almost here and we're still in vacation mode from our holo holo trip to Maui! The blog team got to do some adventuring around Maui's Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm, Ho'okipa Beach, and the little artsy Paia town. Maui's laid-back, small town vibes gave us just the little refresher we needed and reminded us what "island style living" really is.

 

Amanda from our blog team, met up with her best friend Genevive back home in Maui, to explore the Ali'i Kula Lavender Farms!! Both are sporting our Cameron Hawai'i tees ($42-$56) and Ocean Wave Shorts ($35-$55) with our very own "Golden Wish" bracelets and rings ($80-$120) from our Tidepool Love collection!

Although it was a bit rainy and cloudy in Kula, the girls made the best of it and create their own sunshine with our "Encased in Happiness Sunrise Shell Necklaces" ($160-$200)!

Amanda and Genevive, hit the road to watch some surfers at Ho'okipa Beach and got some shopping done in the artsy Paia Town with our Cameron Hawai'i Shell Clutches. 

Amanda stopped by the beautiful Grand Wailea Resort, to make one final stop at the "Lucky Mermaid Statue" and made a wish for good luck! 

It's little island hopping trips like these that remind us how lucky we are to live in Hawai'i. Whether you're in the city lights here in Honolulu or in the laid-back Valley Isle Maui, take advantage of all the things island style living has to give....

XOXO, Cottage by the Sea Blog Team

Erin Is Back: Ija Designs Weekend Sale

"Hand Forged, Environmentally Conscious, Effortlessly Chic"

After battling breast cancer for eight months, we can't express how excited and inspired we are to have one of our talented artists, Erin Hasler, in remission and back in full force with her line! Erin is a trained metalsmith and the sole designer of Ija Designs where every piece is designed and handmade by Erin herself.  To celebrate we're having a trunk show sale on Ija Designs!! There are tons of pieces to choose from and are all 15% this weekend only! Here's some of our favorites to choose from....

Fly away with her little "Gull Necklace" ($100-$105) or take a little twist to classic teardrop and hoop earrings with her "Geo Shaped Earrings" ($50-$58)

Erin and Amanda taking a photo break, taken last year at her trunk show here at Cottage by the Sea

Her strength and words of wisdom have inspired and given us insight, here at Cottage by the Sea to always remember that there's gonna be "bumps" in life but it's those "bumps" that show us the beautiful lesson of how strong we can be in life's journey.  With that being said here are some words from Erin....

"Thank you for all of your incredible support during this difficult bump in the road, but know that it was just that, a bump in the road. I knew I was a strong woman before cancer, but I feel unstoppable now."~Erin Hasler

Coffee Break with the Cottage Girls

"Easy Like Sunday Morning..."

Nowadays everyone seems to be in a hurry, to get to the next destination, to get a response on emails and calls, to get through the fastest line at a store, just taking short cuts in life's moments when we really shouldn't.  It's Sunday and we decided to take a little coffee break at our local Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Hawaii to enjoy the end of the weekend before Monday rolls around the corner...

 

Taking it easy in our new comfy tops, Louise in our "Casual Sunday Blue Top" ($44) and me in our "Keep Me Cozy Sweater" ($58), enjoying our yummy English Breakfast Tea Lattes!!!  We found it fitting to sport our silver spoon rings made out of actual forks and spoon by our exclusive artist Jennifer! Her "Rose Ring" ($64) that I've got on is made our of 16-24 little, sugar spoon handles and Louise has her fun "Fork Ring" ($36) made from a mini fork!

The friendly and talented Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf staff whipped us up the best lattes ever! We were lucky enough to have one of my good friends, Jon Kato, show off his skills and make us some latte art!

There's nothing like a lazy Sunday, so take your time, soak up every moment before the work week starts again. We did!!!

XOXO, Cotttage by the Sea Blog Team

Morning Recap: Discover Kakaako Fashion Show

We're slowly getting out of our weekend mode this morning from all the fashion fun we had at the Discover Kakaako Fashion Show, where our casual, Spring beach looks were featured! Here's some pics if you missed the show!

 

Our models showed off our "Oahu Love Totes" ($24), "Spring Maxis" ($68), and "Dip Dye Shorts" ($35-$55)

Thanks to our lovely models who showed off our Spring looks!!!

XOXO Cottage by the Sea Blog Team

Paw-fect Weekend Outing!

Weekends are the "paw-fect" time to spend out with our four-legged family members and friends! Here at Cottage by the Sea, we consider our pets family too and even if it's just a walk along the beach or in the park every bit of quality time counts.  We actually have a lot of customers who are dog lovers and they just love our paw print jewelry by Heather and our fun doggie message jewelry. The great thing about our store is that we're known for being Pet Friendly, so any four-legged shopper is welcome to shop at our store with their owner!  

 It's the unconditional love that our pets give us that makes it even more special having them as a part of the family. This weekend we took some time out with our buddies because it's moments like these where you appreciate the little things and the meaning of quality time with friends and family!

One of our Cottage girls, Adriana, brought her doggie Jackson along with her while she shopped around here at Ward Warehouse! Since Ward Shopping Centers are Pet Friendly, you can walk and shop around with your dog even grab a bite to eat with all the outside tables right in front of our store!

 Adriana's wearing our "Oahu Love Shirt" ($42) and our "Paw Ring" and "Paw Leather Bracelet" ($45-$55).

Our little buddy Cinnamon enjoyed the sand and sun during our beach outing! Although we had no luck finding any sandy, shell treasures this time, she still enjoyed being out and about and all the snack treats she got!

 Amanda's wearing our Cameron "Hawai'i Forever Shorts" ($55) and here's a few of our doggie message jewelry ($29-$55)

Make time with your pets, you can even bring them into our boutique to visit us on your next shopping trip!
XOXO Cottage by the Sea Blog Team

Cottage Girl Style 411

We took the time to get the 411 on style, favorites of the week, and life of the youngest gal of our Cottage by the Sea Team! We got to find out what trend she's loving right now, her style icon, and that she's been a world traveler at such a young age!

Meet Cynthia!!!

 Some of her store favorites right now are the "Chevron Bangles" ($78-90), our Cameron Hawai'i "Hawaiian Gold Tunic" (shown here on Cynthia $66), "Daydream Maxi" ($108)

She's also been helping with our blog inspirations and going on little adventures with the rest of the Cottage gals! Check out Cynthia and Louise's North Shore Sunday Funday in our previous post "Treasure Hunting!"

So stop in and visit Cynthia and the rest of the Cottage Gals for styling tips while shopping for your next outfit!
XOXO Cottage by the Sea Blog Team

Girl Put Your Record On....

"Girl put your record on, tell me your favorite song..."~ Corinne Bailey Rae

Missing the weekend and got the case of the mid-week Wednesdays??? Well we know how you feel and we got just the remedy to get you through the rest of the week! Sometimes it only takes a melody to spark some good energy, so here's a playlist with songs that are actually playing right now here at Cottage by the Sea on our video lookbooks! Take a Work Break: check out some of our tunes on our playlist either in our store while shopping or online on our video lookbooks.  So go on and put your record on!!

Here's one of our songs "Angel" by Jack Johnson featured in our Tidepool Love Video

Tidepool Holiday 2012 from Cottage by the Sea on Vimeo.

The weekend is almost here!!! XOXO Cottage by the Sea Blog Team

Farmers' Market Fun!!

"Shop Local. Buy Local."

Since Cottage by the Sea is locally owned, we try to shop local and buy local! Over the years we've continued to carry jewelry and clothing collections from local designers in our store to support local businesses like us.  

We just got in cute and sturdy canvas totes and bags that are perfect for any green shopper to take to the market. This gave us the perfect excuse to take a little work break and visit the market for good food and produce from local vendors. Not only were our cute shopping bags filled, so were our tummies with all the great local food vendors! 

Seeing the crowds of people who gather in the markets to support local businesses, makes us appreciate our local customers even more, who continue to shop and support Cottage by the Sea. So take a break and head down to the Farmers' Market near you for yummy food, fresh produce, and just good people!

Kristen and Chelsea are sporting our cute "Beach House Bucket Bags" ($42-65) perfect for shopping or the beach! 

There we got to talk to local vendors like Ono Pops who make their yummy pops from local and organic resources here in Hawai'i! Kristen tried their "Dark Chocolate 5 Chinese Spice" and Chelsea got the "Cherry Flavor," they also have fun flavors like "Butter Mochi" and "Green Mango!"

Kristen and Chelsea look adorable in our new "Cut Out Crochet Top" and our "Kiwi Mist Sweater" while shopping for fresh local produce!

Being silly and going bananas over all the fresh fruits like these locally grown apple bananas!! 

So remember "Shop Local, Buy Local!" 

XOXO Cottage by the Sea Blog Team

It's ALOHA Friday!!

 Say hello to the weekend! We love our Fridays, not just for the weekend but for all the new shipments of goodies with clothing and jewelry that arrive! Since we're so lucky that we live in Hawai'i with all the good things that come with it, we try to make the best of our weekends. Here's our "mood/inspiration" board filled with things that inspire the Cottage girls for the weekend!

 Remember, it's not what you have, but what you do with what you have that makes it what it is, and now that, is all you really need. That's what we're talking about!! So greet the weekend with a smile and enjoy it because it's....ALOHA FRIDAY NO WORK TIL' MONDAY!

Some jewelry featured here are from our Tidepool Love Collection "Laniakea Earrings" ($92) and our "Surf Session Necklace" ($44)

Cottage Girl Favorites of the Week

Meet Adriana! Our newest addition to our Cottage by the Sea Team! 

We're always getting new clothing and jewelry in weekly and we asked Adriana what are her favorite picks this week! Check out her favorites for this week...

Adriana's favorite dress this week is our new "Ballet Dreams Dress" (shown here wearing this pretty dress $90).  Little charm necklaces are her favorite jewelry picks ranging from our mini "Encased with Happiness Necklace" to our new initial charm necklaces!

So stop in here at Cottage by the Sea and meet our newest addition, Adriana, where she'll help you get your hands on our latest selection of clothing and jewelry!!

Treasure Hunting

"You, Me and the Sea...."

Lately here in the store we've been under a beach spell with our Tidepool Love jewelry becoming a customer favorite and our new Cameron Hawai'i tees and dresses filling up our shelves, reminding us that it's time to make a date with the sea! So the Cottage gals hit the road today, sporting our new Cameron goods in search of new treasures and inspiration!

With all the adventuring today, it's moments like these that remind us to always take time to enjoy your surroundings so whether you surf in it, collect treasures from it, or just plain wanna be near it...let the sea set you free (we sure did this weekend)! So make a date with the sea or with us at Cottage by the Sea and get your beach lovin' on!!!

P.S. It's contest time and we want you to show us your treasure findings! Get your Instagram on and follow us @cottagehawaii for more details to enter!

Our Cottage gals Cynthia and Louise are sporting our "Aloha Tee" and "Gypsy by the Sea Tee" (Both $42) and our Tidepool Love "Encased in Happiness Sunrise Shell Necklace" ($160-$180) and "Island Ties" ($12-29)

 

Sand in our toes and treasures from the sea! Check out our Tidepool Love bracelets with shells just like ones we found today!

Adventuring in Haleiwa Town and enjoying some refreshing acai bowls from Haleiwa Bowls!! We got a surprise to see one of our lovely Cottage by the Sea models, Malia Murphy, at Haleiwa Bowls!
XOXO Cottage by the Sea

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

Valentines Day is just around the corner and we've selected a few of our favorites for that special someone. As always, we offer free gift wrapping so that you won't have to worry about it later!

Stop by and check out our jewelry collections!

City Inspired: San Francisco

Once in a while, it's always nice to get off the rock to enjoy some off island scenery. And what better city to roam around other than San Francisco? With its beautiful mix of Victorian and modern architecture, San Francisco holds some of the most beautiful scenic spots on the West coast. Not to mention, some of the best food spots to dine at! Check out our photos below!

  Photo Credit- Matthew Sanchez for MattSanchezphotography

February Birthstone: Amethyst

Amethyst is a violet to purple colored gemstone with a variety of different meanings.  Known as a healing stone for its calming and cleansing properties, amethyst is also used to increase spirituality and enhance intuition. This month, we're featuring all of our beautiful amethyst jewelry selections! Check out our favorite pieces below...

Our Look for Less!

Everybody needs that perfect white tunic. One you can throw over a bathing suit while vacationing in the islands or one to pair with some wedges to have lunch with the girls. Its bohemian and easy going style is a classic "go to" dress when you're on vacation mode. It adds a refreshing statement to your wardrobe, signaling that you're ready to relax and unwind! Check out today's deal with our Cottage Look for less featuring our version of the perfect white tunic dress, priced at just $68!

Window Inspired...

Inspired by lace fabrics and crochet doilies, our creative team worked hard on creating another beautiful window display. We love seeing people walk by and stop, as they take a peek into our windows filled with vintage suitcases and singer sewing machines dating back to the early 1900's.  Scroll below and take a peak into our world of romantic lace, vintage styles, and feminine charm.

Announcing our Instacontest Winner!

Congrats to Jaselle Perry on winning our Oahu Love Instacontest!

There were so many great photos posted in our #OahuLove hashtag, that we decided to feature some

of our other favorite photos from our Instagram followers.

 

Photos by @tracy107, @ischipper, @jaselle, yuna_baby, @ericakaoru, @scruggs_, @beddydilks,

Cottage by the Sea Model Search!

Neutral Beauties

Beige, nude and blush tones can instantly class-up any outfit, transforming a basic look into a feminine beauty. These colors have the ability to soften up an entire look and help balance out bolder colors such as black or red. If you're unsure about wearing pale colors on your skin, don't be afraid to mix it up with a darker cardigan or a nice black pant or skirt. There are so many variations of neutral and blush colors out there, all you have to do is find the right one for you! Check out our favorite neutral colored beauties below!

Photo inspired

Photos from

What a Day Photography 

 

Oahu Love Insta Contest!

A Darling Deal

Capture the love of you & your sweetheart on romantic black & white film with our Darling Deal! Save your Cottage by the Sea receipts from now until Valentine's day to total $250+ to receive a free mini couples photo session with Lisa Uesugi of Utopia Photography. A complimentary 5x7 black & white print is also included! 

We're so excited for you to join us in-store with Lisa on one of the last two Sundays of February for this darling deal, so start saving those receipts!

Companies We're Inspired By

Our buyers & creative team just came back from a short trip! Here are some photos of the inspiring stores we visited and got to work with:

Looking forward to the cool collaborative projects coming up with some of our favorite design teams!