Aloha Style

Blaine Ashley, successful stylist and owner of the eponymous Hawaii-based online boutique, was sweet enough to speak with FB&F for the second of our super new interview installments (hope you caught the first of this brand spankin' new segment last week!). Not only did she let us pester her with questions, but offered us all a very generous discount in her online shop! Lovely readers, just enter the code BROKEBABES at checkout and save 30% through May 1.

But before you shop, read on for our favorite current picks from the store and interview with Miss Ashley. Oh and be sure to visit this site to read about the show Blaine held at the Waikiki Parc Hotel's rooftop pool (considering the fact that it might snow here in Chicago this week, "rooftop pool" sounds like possibly the loveliest and most glamorous thing on earth right now) earlier this month - and look at some great snaps of the clothes, too, of course!

Thayer Back Slit Top, $155; Myne Kylie Dress, now $142; Soni & Cindy Fiona Dress, now $137 (all available at Blaine Ashley).

Tallulah Romper by Objets Trouves, $295 (modeled by Blaine (!) and available at Blaine Ashley).

Now for the even more fun stuff. Blaine dishes with us on aloha style, working with the cast of LOST (!!!! - I know, I'm obsessed with the show, too), rompers and love of all things red!

FB&F: Tell us how you got your start - have you always loved fashion?
BA: Fashion has been an innate path for me. My mother modeled her entire life and was always extremely well put together. I modeled for the Japanese market throughout high school and worked retail. In college, I began to coordinate fashion shows and events while I was a VIP hostess for the W Hotel Honolulu’s weekend nightclub. During this I did a semester at the American Intercontinental University in London and a temp PR job with Catherine Malandrino in NYC, but decided to come home to expand the niche I’d developed with the “Blaine Ashley” brand. I was at the height of coordinating shows and events when LOST and North Shore came to Hawaii. I quickly was dubbed the go-to girl for print wardrobe styling and fashion contributing for local and national publications. I also picked up some personal shopping clients along the way (celebrities, the jet set part-time residents of Hawaii and social darlings). After 5 years of working to establishing a name for myself, a following and gathering experience in buying, styling, retail, design, representation and most importantly PR/Marketing- I decided it was time for something new- hence the launch ShopBlaineAshley.com.
FB&F: We'd love to know more about your styling gig - how fantastic! Tell us about some of your favorite projects.
BA: I LOVE working with Josh Holloway and Elizabeth Mitchell from LOST. My favorite shoot was the cover and editorial spread with Elizabeth for Modern Luxury Hawaii. I almost doubled as creative director as I do for most shoots here in Hawaii. It was my idea to have her get up in the tree to achieve almost a garden princess sort of aesthetic. She’s so great and loves everything I pick out for her. Josh is just so fun and the opposite of his character on the show - he’s fun loving. It seems like all celebrities that shoot here in Hawaii become immediately relaxed and simply lighten up. I guess it’s the sun, the aloha spirit, paradise…

LOST's Elizabeth Mitchell, in a tree. Styled by Blaine Ashley.

FB&F: What made you decide to add retailer to your roster?
BA: Demand! Clients and friends always said I should have some sort of platform to showcase my style. A brick and mortar would never work for me because I travel a lot with my work. I also attend a lot of events. My style and I work because I’m also a BIG people person. I was just at an event wearing an Objets Trouves romper and sold out of them within 3 days afterward. In fact - Josh Holloway’s wife bought one!

Blaine, second from right, wearing the romper in question, pictured with LOST's Daniel Dae Kim and Josh Holloway at Kim's new restaurant opening.

FB&F: Now for the fashion. What are some of your favorite labels?
BA: I’m constantly ripping and tearing pages from magazines of looks and designers to research. I’ve never been a big brand/label girl. I love bridge boutique designers. I look for cool cuts, unique silhouettes, interesting prints that will likely transcend the test of time. I like the idea of having an item in your closet forever that only cost $250. I love Objets Trouves (a new line from NYC, means found objects), Myne LA, Nanushka is edgy and cool, Larsen Gray is so sweet, and Ali Ro is full of fun party girl frocks and I’ve always loved Geren Ford and Graham & Spencer although I don’t carry either lines yet…there are too many and I hope to grow so I can bring them ALL in!! I’m only 5 months old ;)
FB&F: What are your favorite spring/summer trends?
BA: Color-cherry red! Can’t get enough of a great cherry red!! I also love high wasted skirts. Jumpers and rompers galore - can never have enough!! Abstract prints are cool and one-shoulder cuts are streamlined yet sexy!
FB&F: Least favorite?
BA: Neon-just not a big fan unless it’s pared down with neutrals.
**FB&F loves nudes & brights, too! See this, this and this.
FB&F: Finally, how are you staying stylish in this economy? Any tips for the rest of us?
BA: I buy really trendy items at cut-rate costs from Forever 21, H&M and Topshop. I splurge on collector-worthy items or items you can wear several different ways. I double almost all of my skirts as tops, too!

Thank you so much, Blaine!! We love you! xox