By Nadine Kam

Nadine Kam photos
At Pearl were, from left, Crystal Pancipanci, Alyssa Fung and Alicia Michioka.

Fashionista’s Market invited “Twilight” fans to join Team Edward or Team Jacob for a girl’s night out party for 500 that started at Pearl for food and drinks, and ended at Ward Consolidated for the screening of “New Moon,” the second film in the slow-moving vampire romance saga.

I haven’t read the books and hadn’t seen the film when asked to pick sides. I went with Edward only because he’s the lead, Robert Pattinson was cute as Cedric in one of the “Harry Potter” films, and I tend to like brooding men IRL, but after seeing the first “Twilight” on DVD a few days before the screening, I thought Jacob (Taylor Lautner) is much cuter on film — when you can see his bright smile and easygoing charm — than in still shots.

I don’t know. Years of journalism indoctrination trains you to avoid picking sides, choosing teams, being a joiner, to avoid perceptions of being biased. And I’ve made enough mistakes in my personal life to know that any guy who would have you force a choice is probably the wrong guy.

Donna Kooiman dressed the back of her shirt with a heart, sequins and a transfer photo of her beloved Edward Cullen.

As Fashionista’s Market owner Alyssa Fung was handing me my Team Edward T-shirt, she said, “You can cut it up to make it cuter,” and I was thinking, “How bad is this thing anyway.” It was a thick, boxy cut T-shirt with Team Edward emblazoned in pink on the front and a New Moon logo on the back. I didn’t have time for braiding or sewing, so I just did the basics of lopping off half the sleeves, the neckline and the hem.

Of course Alyssa had one of the cutest shirts of all, with the sleeves tied up with pink ribbon, pink ribbon lacing up the sides and a blinged crescent moon in the back!

Kaiya Clark, winner of the Team Jacob T-shirt contest, punked out her shirt sleeves with safety pins and ruched the back.

“Cutening” the shirt was one of the contests at Pearl, with Lena Hanson winning the Team Edward portion, and Kaiya Clark winning from Team Jacob. The funniest event was watching women from both teams dancing to win lifesize cardboard figures of their two heroes, while dancing in front of/with the cutouts. They were asked to keep it clean for the kids in the house — “Twilight” is, after all, a multigenerational female phenomenon — but there were some pretty risque moves out there!

On Team Edward, from left, Britta Davis, Arlene Villegas and Jessica McAlpin.

As far as cheering volume, Team Jacob, though seemingly fewer in number, could outscream the Team Edward wahine. Maybe there’s just a different type of woman who favors one true love scenario involving the tortured romantic vs. the ones who subscribe to  the boy next door or “love the one you’re with” philosophy.

What was really painful, though, was the howling contest, in which contestants had to howl like a werewolf. Oh those high-pitched yelps! Oh, my ears! Far worse than any self-inflicted injuries I’ve accumulated from playing drums or singing in front of them in bands.

It was when we got to the theaters that things got a bit ugly with a struggle to find parking and a seat that was not up against the screen. Some of the group had to be accommodated in other theaters.

At Pearl, Crystal Pancipanci with Bernadette Baraquio Hamada and Tess Baraquio—who were on opposing teams—and Christina Low.

But the mood lifted with the start of the film and it was hilarious to listen to the running commentary, the shouts to “Kiss him!” whenever Bella got in close range with Edward or Jacob. And just as Bella was cozying up to Jacob, the cries of, “What about Edward, bitch!” while another spouted her motto, “Get over one guy, get under another!”

There was much buzz before the film about Taylor’s bulked up body and shirtless scenes throughout the movie. The first one came after Bella’s motorcycle fall. Before you know it, he whips off his shirt to wipe away the blood, when really, a sleeve or bottom of the hem would have sufficed. One woman goes, “Oh no, why’d he have to do that?” at the gratuitous scene, while proceeding to yell for him to take off his shirt whenever he appeared in a T-shirt!

Outside the theater, in front of the line, were Mona Kim, Jenny Park, Alicia Cabo and Jessica Kim.

“Twilight” is really not my thing, and one of my friends accuses me of being more like a man in expecting more action in a film. It’s definitely more fun in numbers, but I just can’t fathom why a 200-year-old vampire would choose to go back to high school. That’s the last place I’d be.

Kiowa Gordon

In the end, I hope I don’t incur the wrath of Jacob or Edward lovers, but I would choose neither of the leading men, having zeroed in on of the wolf pack, Kiowa Gordon, a Native American Indian or First Nation Descendant of the Hualapai Nation, who has a snarky intelligence in his demeanor.

By Nadine Kam

Courtesy photo
Betsey Johnson signs her T-shirt at the Sharpie Bar inside the tents at Bryant Park on Sept. 14.

One of the perks at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week was the appearance of Betsey Johnson 2 p.m. Sept. 14 at the Sharpie Bar inside the tents, along with a giveaway of T-shirts she designed, to be colored in with various hues of Sharpie markers, also given away by the handfuls for the DIY projects.

I missed her appearance because all my IMG updates were going into my Star-Bulletin spam filter, and I didn’t check it until the day after her appearance. (The other giveaway I missed was for YSL tote bags.) The T-shirt giveaways were continuing through Wednesday though, so I was able to pick up a T-shirt and skinny white tie. Betsey and Sharpie were also giving away headbands and white sunglasses to personalize with the markers.

During her appearance, Betsey — a breast cancer survivor — customized one of her T-shirts to benefit City of Hope Breast Cancer Research Center.

The event gave me a feeling of déjà vu because when she was here after the opening of the Ala Moana store I had brought along a plain white tee for her to sign, which she happily filled with lips and kisses in the form of x’s and o’s. Plain white made sense to me because her designs are usually so full of splashy colors and patterns that a signature would get lost. Boutique manager Marilee Mattson always reminds me that set off an avalanche of signings that night.

Here’s a Sharpie video of Betsey at the Sharpie Bar: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoE1ZEagR1s

By Nadine Kam

If you’ve got old T-shirts in need of a second life, Aina Haina Public Library is hosting a “Teen T-Shirt Patching Party” in celebration of its Teen Summer Reading Program, from 2 p.m. July 18.

The free craft class will teach teens 12 to 18 how to add rock-star flair to their T-shirts with materials provided or brought in.

Teens are invited to stay after the class for snacks and a lucky drawing. Interested teens are asked to register at the library reference desk or to call the library at 377-2456.

Aina Haina Public Library is located at 5246 Kalanianaole Highway. Call 377-2456.

By Nadine Kam

Nadine Kam photos
Celebrating the opening of Aéropostale were, from left, store manager Claire Rathburn, district manager Joyce Stabbert, vice-president of visual merchandising Michael Cavallero, Chief Store Officer Mary Jo Pile, and regional vice president Judy Boyea. Michael and Mary Jo are in from New York for the back-to-back store openings at Ala Moana and Windward Mall.

Aéropostale opened at Ala Moana Center this morning, on the third level (ewa side), near American Eagle, Forever 21 and Spiral Girl. That area has become home to young shoppers, with clothing at Aéropostale aimed at the 13 to 19 set, or those who just want comfy kick-around clothes for summer.

Hawaii’s summer uniform: Bikinis, rubber slippers and shorts, all abundant at Aéropostale.

Sample prices: Graphic tees are two for $25; guys $34.50 polo shirts come with a buy-one-get-one-free offer; tote bags start at $9.99; and dresses are $24.99. The most expensive item I found, at $44.50, were a pair of the cropped jeans with ready-made pukas, which Morgen Chang tried on with other pieces, below. So cute for summer!

Morgen Chang steps out of the dressing room in Aéropostale.

Morgen attended the opening with her aunt Melissa Chang aka @Melissa808. Little did she know when she agreed to go that we would recruit her as a model for some of the clothes, in exchange for breakfast.

If you live on the Windward side, don’t worry about not being able to make the tunnel crossing right away. Aéropostale will open at Windward Mall on the 29th.

At the registers, a sign advertises a free Aéropostale drawstring beach bag offered with purchase during the grand opening.

Shoppers from Japan appear to find an armload of pieces affordable.

Afterward I checked out the BCBG sale, with some 50 percent off items offered at an additional 30 percent off over the Memorial Day weekend, a big one for sales. Better check in with your favorite boutiques.

I didn’t buy anything at the sale. I wanted to pick up one piece that would look best if I sliced it in half to wear as a separate top and skirt, but those “projects” often have a way of never being completed. At those moments I try to tell myself, don’t settle for anything less than perfect, something easier said than done.

By Nadine Kam

Nadine Kam photos
A T&C purple, long-sleeved shirt was altered to go from laidback casual to sexy.

Over the weekend, Jon Ching, manager of T&C Surf Designs’ Kahala Mall store, presented in-store Deconstruction/Reconstruction demonstrations on how-to recycle plain, old T-shirts into sexier, edgier pieces.

Perhaps borrowing from a burger campaign, the idea is T&C Your Way. This is, after all, the era of personalization and consumers want choices in all matters. So why wear a T-shirt everyone has if you don’t have to?

Ching showed a braiding technique that can be done simply and easily using only scissors, needle and thread. It leaves a ruched effect and a more shapely, body-conscious fit.

The technique worked really well with T&C’s tattoo graphics, so as a result, people bought new shirts like those used by the T&C crew used in the store’s window display. The window was designed by UH fashion merchandising students, and the clothing on view is up for auction, tentatively through the end of the week. When I was there, it was up to $75 for one of the men’s outfits, and $65 for the dress with hot pink braided straps.

For those with no talent whatsoever, or those too timid to take scissors to their new shirt, Ching is actually willing to do the work free, for now. That is a really good deal because the purple tattoo shirt in the window is only $24, and to have a custom piece at that price is pretty awesome.

Three men’s shirts were cut and stitched together to creating this wearable collage.

By Nadine Kam

T&C Surf understands a lot of people are just making do with their old clothes while trying to keep the rent and cell bill paid and food on the table. But wearing the same old day after day can be a drag, so, they’re hosting “Extreme Makeover — T&C Surf Tees Edition,” deconstruction workshops demonstrating ways to transform plain, boxy old T-shirts into “new” wearables, belts and bags, with just a few basics: scissors, needle and thread.

The event takes place at the Kahala Mall store, where manager Jon Ching will be offering demonstrations from 3 to 4 p.m. March 26 to Sunday the 29th.

You won’t hurt their feelings if you start cutting up T&C shirts either. “Not at all,” said T&C marketing coordinator Michelle Cabalse. “As long as they’re having fun. The only trouble will be if they steal their brothers’ T-shirts and start hacking them up!”

T&C photos

By Nadine Kam

Nadine Kam photos
Adore owners Tasha Matsubara, left, and Mayumi Villiatora welcomed fashion fans at the balloon-festooned boutique entrance.

Adore marked its one-year anniversary at Kahala Mall Saturday afternoon with an in-store celebration and launch of its private label girls’ line Adore Me, plus the opportunity to meet Allison Izu Song of Allison Izu Premium Petite Denim, Traci Morinaga of Midori Jewelry, and Marco Saheb of European Image Consulting.

Shoppers could also nibble on souffle truffles from Godiva Chocolatier and mini red velvet cupcakes from Hokulani Bake Shop.

Style consultant Trevor Yamamoto with Allison Izu, who was offering personal fittings and 25 percent off her skinny petite denim line, plus one of her free signature petite-themed tank tops with purchase. I can vouch for the fit of the tank tops, which look “normal” but are cut shorter from shoulder to armpit for a better fit on petite bodies. And her dark denim of course, that can be dressed up or down, and her pencil skirt, which also goes with so many tops.

Along with new collections, there were a lot of sales items including steals on Lyric Culture T-shirts at $9.97, marked down from about $80. At that price I didn’t even have to try on the “Super Freak” T-shirt, printed with the lyrics of the Rick James song. Also picked up a dress, for less than $20, with a print and weight similar to a vintage Lanvin shirtdress I have. It was the last one though.

Lyric Culture’s Super Freak shirt over my manikin instead of on it since my b.f. has adopted it as his jacket rack. I was looking for a striped T-shirt. Yay!

By Nadine Kam

Forever 21 photos
Courtney Arndt models F21 bikinis.

I don’t usually wander into Forever 21 because of a bad experience a couple of years ago.

A friend who is long past F21 age but keeps insisting on dressing like a teen, dragged me in there and I was so excited by the low prices that I bought a ton of clothes for about $100. The excitement wore off when I got home and took a closer look at the cheap details and flimsy fabric of the sort that doesn’t survive many washings. I wore a couple of pieces once and felt so yucky in them I sent them off to Savers. Only the very young and/or very thin can make flimsy fabrics work. The rest of us need a little more body and structure.

Lesson learned. Today, I rather have one carefully chosen dress or jacket than 100 pieces of throwaway clothing.

But a little birdie (thanks Allie!) told me to check out the F21 Web site, where former local model Courtney Arndt can be spotted modeling swimwear, in time for spring pool and beach time once we clear the recent spate of windy, cool weather conditions.

No longer in the market for a bikini, having just bought one for destressing in the Moana spa’s Jacuzzi (heaven!), I was more interested in the little pink heart in the left corner of the main page, pointing me toward the Shibuya Mon Amour collection. The cute, slouchy collection is described as being “inspired by the cool kids of Tokyo and Paris” with a girly + street style, cleaned up and priced to go at about $14 to $18 per piece.

I just might have to check out the store again. A T-shirt you can live in and style in many ways would be worth that price, which is just right for the times.

Fawn tee and Bunny tank.

Cloche Cat tee and Leopard Face tank.

By Nadine Kam

Every tribe has its markers, and those addicted to the garrulous universe of Twitter.com can show their affiliation with T-shirts from Aiea designer Valentino Valdez (@valdezign) and acrylic jewelry from London-based Twitterer @CouchObjects.

This twitterati nameplate, $20, is available through @CouchObject’s Etsy site. Below, prototypes for a nameplate bearing my blog and Twitter name.

I don’t often wear words or logos because they can be bloated with unintended meaning and would make me feel like a walking advertisement, but I’ll make an exception for my own Twitter name fashiontribe. The @ in front allows other tweeps to direct their comments straight at you so you can bypass the thousands of messages that flood the site every minute.

OK, geeky I know, but I think everyone on Twitter is proud to be part of the international geekdom.

If you want to learn more about Twitter, you might want to check out the HI Twestival coming up Feb. 12 at Oceans 808 at Restaurant Row, one of 160 events being held in cities all around the globe that night, allowing the Twitter/social media community to come together to benefit Charity:Water, a non-profit organization bringing clean, safe drinking water to people in developing nations.

Tickets are $20 for a pupu buffet, two drinks (plus $3 drink specials), a night of music and a chance to win prizes through a charity raffle. A $5 raffle ticket could get you:
>> A two-night stay at Wyland Waikiki
>> One of two 30-minute Ocean Massages from Spa Pure at The Wyland Waikiki
>> One of two two-night stays at any hotel from the Aqua Boutique Collection from Aqua Resorts
>> A 23-piece round tray from Happy Hearts Mochi
>> One complimentary tuition to Hawaii Bartending Academy
>> Admission for four to the Waikiki Aquarium
>> $500 closing cost credit on a loan from Innovative Mortgage Solutions

Plus more to come!

BTW, feel free to:

By Nadine Kam

Nadine Kam photos
The brightly colored windows at the Louis Vuitton store at Ala Moana Center pays tribute to the late designer Stephen Sprouse.

Someone asked me last week what’s coming for spring and I said “bright colors.”

She seemed puzzled by the response, saying, “Really? I thought in times of recession people wear black.”

Well, given that my last three purchases had been a black skirt, a black jacket and a black bracelet, I had to reconsider. Sure, retailers are showing lots of brights, but that doesn’t necessarily mean people are in the mood to buy them.

My mood has been black so maybe that’s been reflected in my color, or non-color choice. The other thing I wanted to buy was a dark navy T-shirt with black sequin bow at J. Crew on the Island, but when I went back after two weeks, they had sold out of them. I was too busy to try it on when I saw them, but they had so many at full price I felt certain they’d still be there. I didn’t think people were paying $80+ for T-shirts anymore.

But there’s only so much dark colors a person can take. It makes me somewhat depressed to go into stores now and see racks still filled with fall stock in their somber colors. There’s a dearth of new stock, but if people are not seeing anything new, they’re probably less inclined to buy.

The design on the Louis Vuitton window echoes the design on its latest collection of handbags.

I applaud Louis Vuitton, who’s showing neon brights and graffiti scrawl in an eye-catching window display, a tribute to 1980s pop designer Stephen Sprouse, who died in 2004.

The lettering was done by Stephen Sprouse as part of a collaboration with Marc Jacobs for Vuitton about eight years ago.

I was just talking with someone about the art of the window display, and it’s refreshing to see this splash of art and theater in the mall. It made me stop to look.

The Gap necklace set against my Roberta Oaks skirt.

I’m not quite ready for Day Glo, but eased into color with a purchase of a costume necklace at The Gap. I was wearing a purple T-shirt and my Roberta Oaks patchwork scarf skirt that day, so it just matched. It was one of those iffy things I don’t really need, so my b.f. asked that question we ask now with every purchase: “Are you going to get $14 worth of pleasure out of that?” So, that was a pretty easy decision.

The Gap is embracing color this spring, recently partnering with Pantone to create a line of limited-edition T-Shirts in the season’s hottest colors. They just opened a T-shirt shop in The Gap’s rotating concept venue adjacent to its flagship store at 54th and 5th aves. in New York. It features The Gap’s upcoming spring tee collection in true Pantone colors, including a limited-edition tee in Mimosa, Pantone’s color of the year for 2009. The display will be up through Feb. 8.

Lisa Herbert, executive vice president of Pantone’s fashion, home and consumer division said Mimosa was selected because the sunny yellow “best expresses hope and reassurance.”

The Gap/Pantone collaboration features Pantone’s 2009 color if the year Mimosa.