The card exchange

Some of the cards being offered at Gift Card Granny.

Was Santa good to you?

New kinds of days keep emerging around Christmas season to help retailers move products, but Gift Card Exchange Day is one of the few to help consumers move their unwanted gift cards.

Returns and exchanges once applied to physical goods, but with gift card sales hitting $100 billion, chances are the same qualms apply. While appreciative of the gifts and blessings that come our way, all the good wishes won’t erase the reality that some retailers just don’t suit your style, or maybe you turned vegan in the last year, but your aunt remembers your steakhouse-frequenting past life.

Gift Card Exchange Day is actually the day after Christmas, but if you were too overwhelmed to do anything that day, you can still head to GiftCardGranny.com to get the ball rolling.

At the site, you can enter the merchant name and denomination on the unwanted card to receive cash bids from gift card resellers. The highest rates paid are the day after Christmas. Cards from such popular retailers selling necessities, i.e. gas stations, Target, Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club and Safeway will get you 92 percent of the card’s value. For other retailers, you’ll generally get back 75 percent of the value of the card, so a $50 card is likely to net you about $37.50.

The site also includes links and phone numbers where you can check on the balances of the cards you have.

You can also shop for gift cards at a 6 to 23 percent discount (they even do the math for the math-challenged, so you know where the biggest savings are) off their face value, mostly through eBay auctions that the site can link you to.

If you’re not sure you can trust the average eBayer, here are other sites to check out. The savings may not be as great, but you’ll have peace of mind that the card will arrive at the stated value:

Cardpool.com

GiftCardRescue.com

PlasticJungle.com

Coupontrade.com

For those who frequent just a few favorite stores, buying cards at a discount is one way of making sure you can shop at sale prices through the year, even when there's no sale going on.

Go for the GLO!

GLO Brilliant photos
Dr. Jonathan B. Levine puts whitening power into the hands of consumers with his GLO Brilliant unit, which makes whitening a no-brainer.

You may not be familiar with his name, but Jonathan B. Levine just may be the Steve Jobs of dentistry. The New York-based aesthetic dentist will be here in Honolulu to show one of his newest inventions, an iPod-looking gadget designed to whiten teeth, but that’s just the beginning. He believes the device will revolutionize oral care as a platform for future at-home uses.

You can see the GLO Brilliant system from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 21 at Sephora Ala Moana, where the doctor will be on hand to answer questions and offer smile evaluations.

GLO Brilliant has been clinically tested to show the device can make teeth five shades lighter in three to five days, a result equal to professional whitening, the doctor said in a phone interview for my story that appears in the paper today.

There was a lot of remedial science going on as he explained how the hydrogen peroxide solution breaks down into water and negative-charged oxygen that oxidizes the stains from teeth. The unit generates heat and light that is channeled through a flexible mouthpiece designed to concentrate heat and light on the gel to accelerate the process.

I told him he must get tired of explaining the science to journalists who probably became journalists because they were no good in science and math, but he said he never gets tired of talking science, and it’s pretty obvious inventing things is his passion. Finding solutions to dental problems is what he thinks about when he’s biking with friends, and Kona has been part of his riding circuit for about 15 years.

Like other technology, you have to charge the unit when you take it out of the box. Then, plug in the mouthpiece, line your teeth with the gel (refrigerate when you get it to preserve its potency), stick the mouthpiece in your mouth, press the button on the unit, and just go about doing your chores while your teeth come clean.

Instructions call for four 8-minute intervals (32 minutes) in a row, for three to five days. The unit turns off after 8 minutes for precise timing. After that, you can maintain your brighter smile with up to four 8-minute sessions a month.

Some will be likely become obsessed with getting the whitest white possible and not stop, but Levine warns that overdoing it will damage the internal structure of the tooth, which may turn gray in the process, and you don’t want that, do you?

The initial purchase is $275 at Sephora, and additional mouthpieces are $79, allowing others in the household to use the device. Additional 10-vial sets of whitening gel are $45.

The mouthpiece glows while you’re whitening, and shuts off after each 8-minute interval. It may be funny-looking, but it works!

Hildgund jewelry hunt begins today

Hildgund Jewelry
This pearl bracelet, valued at $695, is among the 24 pieces of jewelry that will be hidden around town for anyone to find during Hildgund Jewelry's "12 Days of Christmas" holiday hunt.

Today marks the start of what has become the annual "12 Days of Christmas Hildgund Jewelry Hunt," with two jewelry pieces awaiting holiday sleuths daily.

The items, ranging from $100 to $5,300 in value, will be placed in white boxes tied with a gold bow and hidden around town for lucky — and fast — hunters to find, with no strings attached.

Look for daily clues posted at www.facebook.com/HildgundJewelry and www.twitter.com/HildgundJewelry, where you can also follow the action at #HJHUNT.

When I interviewed Hildgund Jewelry president Bruce Bucky for a story last week, he said it's not that easy to hide $20,000 in jewels, and I believe him since I was enlisted over the past two years to hide two of the boxes. It's hard to think of a spot that's out of the way, so the package isn't easily swept up or trampled, yet still public enough for everyone to have access.

The first year, I tried to think of the sort of person I would like to find the package, which would be a humble sort of reader. So I stowed it outside the Liliha Library, took a partial picture of the library for sleuths to figure out, and tweeted it. Well, there were several people looking for it at the right spot but they couldn't find it. I heard later it was found by a homeless man who slept there, who sold it for something like $20. Oh well, at least it made two people happy.

Also to be hidden is this pair of gold and diamond earrings valued at $5,355.

Then, last year I was having lunch at Fresh Cafe, and thought it was a good place for a jewelry drop, so I put it on a shelf near the door. It was pretty obvious if you were looking for it, and certainly easy enough for an employee to have picked up as well, but like Bucky said, how many people really observe their surroundings? It took three days for someone to tweet back that he'd finally found it.

Bucky said others hid them in grocery stacks where they languished for days as well, and it speaks to the fearfulness of the times, that even when found, some people won't pick them up out of fear of a practical joke or worse.

At any rate, it's well-intended, and Bucky also wraps up food gift certificates for direct distribution to the homeless.

Good luck to all who go on the hunt! For more information, call 523-1123 or visit www.hildgund.com.

Holiday shopping at Vuitton

Nadine Kam photos
From left, Michelle Olo, Sherri Vallejo and Lizette Chang-Zahn show off the Louis Vuitton ensembles they tried on, complete with accessories from sunglasses to shoes. They are the tri-chairs of next year's Sacs in the City event.

Louis Vuitton Waikiki opened its doors to the Junior League of Honolulu for a girl's night out holiday shopping event Dec. 8.

It was a grown-up, dress-up party, with displays of scarves, jewelry, sunglasses, purses and other accessories set up for easy access to all who wanted to touch and try on.

JLH Board of Directors president Lisa Haeringer gave some of the opening remarks, saying that on days you don't feel like a star, LV's sunglasses and scarves will help, and 10 percent of sales that evening would go back to the JLH for the organization's community outreach programs.

Chai Chaowasaree provided the food for the event, but I'd just come from an event at Halekulani, so didn't have the capacity to sample any more ono-looking treats and desserts.

After dressing up in head-to-toe LV, the women lined up for photos by Rae Huo and Zakka. I wanted to try on the black dress Sherri Vallejo tried on, above, but I didn't and regretted it the minute I stepped out the door. How many times can you put on LV and have the moment documented by such fab photographers?

Anna Pang helps Janice Choate-Zavakos with a monogram scarf.

JLH president-elect Jennifer Dotson tried on a trench coat with Monogram Vernis clutch, while Dianne Bosworth added a scarf and satchel to her own skirt and sweater ensemble.

Accessories were arranged for easy viewing and trying on.

Mildred Schwarz tried on Louis Vuitton's dramatic wide structured patent belt.

Holiday renewal at SpaHalekulani

Nadine Kam photos
Yuko Whitney gets a hand massage from Terri Luong.

SpaHalekulani hosted a holiday open house, "Treasures...From Voyages Across the Sea," on Dec. 8, allowing guests to view holiday treasures exclusive to the spa, as well as get on the track of renewal just as we're in the midst of holiday fatigue of crowds, traffic and deadlines.

Guests could first enjoy hand massages with silky Waianuhea nail balms, while sitting back in the spa's new spine-supporting zero-gravity chairs, then step out onto the lawn for the spa's foot-pounding ritual, while sipping a refreshing detox blend of pineapple juice, ginger and mint.

The spa was sharing its exclusive, limited-edition gift items for the holidays, including two Kealopiko pareu, Hinu Jewelry braided silk necklace and $25 SpaHalekulani gift certificate packages for $115. A black wrap with a seashell design comes with a necklace that reads "Ola," while another water-inspired design is paired with a necklace that reads "Wai."

Also being offered are a Waianuhea shirt and product of choice for $55.

There was also a trunk show of designs by Hinu and Kealopiko, that guests could browse when taking a break from the mini international buffet set up by executive chef Vikram Garg and his crew. Guests could enjoy an array of sushi, Mediterranean selections, risotto with rock shrimp and ample dessert bar.

If you want to make a spa appointment, purchase a gift set or gift certificates, call 931-5322 or email spa.halekulani@halekulani.com

Polly Keyes-Tanabe gives a demonstration of the Waianuhea steam massage.

Guests could shop for jewelry by Hinu, including sunrise shell and puka shell bracelets.

SpaHalekulani director Lena Mossman shows one of two pareu created by Kealopiko, and braided silk necklace by Hinu, created exclusively for the spa as limited edition gift sets for the holidays. This seashell design comes with a disc-shaped necklace stamped with the word "Ola."

The second blue Waianuhea design comes with a necklace stamped "Wai." Both packages come with a $25 SpaHalekulani gift certificate, at $115 for the package.

Guests at the event included, from left, Paradisus Jewelry's Akemi Ueda, Jamie Makasobe of Kealopiko and Leina Ley.

A full sushi bar was set up on the lawn.

Hummus in the foreground and baba ghanouj.

Gianduja financiers were among desserts that also included chocolate caramel walnut tarts and lemon meringue cones, below.

John Hardy designer drops into Neiman Marcus

Nadine Kam photos
Two John Hardy naga necklaces in sterling silver with black sapphires.

Guy Bedarida, head designer and creative director for John Hardy, presented a trunk show pieces from his new Cinta, Bedeg and Naga collections, plus showed some one-of-a-kind designs at Neiman Marcus Dec. 7.

Pieces appeared to be selling fast across the board with Bedarida kept busy engraving new purchases, but of most interest now and into the new year are his Naga pieces, inspired by the dragon of Bali, said to be a protector of its people, who watches over them from the mountaintops.

His pieces cover several aspects of dragon lore, from the beast's love of pearls, which it dives into the depths of the ocean to sleep with at night, to the articulation of its scales, which drip water as it climbs back onto the mountaintops, spreading the water which gives the land its verdancy.

On his bracelets, the dragon has a mouth that opens and closes to clasp and release the jewelry, and his instructions are to wear the mouth pointed outward fro protection from the world and frenemies, and inside if you want to bring love, spirituality and peace to your being.

After an impressive career working at such prestigious houses as Boucheron and Van Cleef & Arpels in Paris and the United States, Bedarida was wooed by the beauty of Bali to work at John Hardy's 36-acre compound in Mambai, and in 2007, he and a partner purchased the management of the John Hardy Group, where he continues the company's mission of maintaining the Balinese legacy of handcrafted work, and as caretakers of the land as well. For each piece of John Hardy jewelry sold, the company plants bamboo.

The company also maintains a vast organic farm that feeds its all of its 650 employees daily. We need more of that kind of enlightened thinking here!

John Hardy head designer and creative director Guy Bedarida shows a photo of the company compound in Mambai, Ubud, Bali, where each piece of jewelry is crafted by hand.

Bedarida shows his Naga bracelets, facing outward to offer protection from any bad vibes and negativity.

Kristen Chan, left, was admiring a cuff Catherine Lin was wearing.

Some of the John Hardy's one-of-a-kind pieces, including koi bracelet.

Brianna Acosta wears some of the pieces. The unusual, and somewhat dangerous-looking earrings caught my eye.

Shop: Barrio Vintage

Nadine Kam photos
Barrio Vintage curator Bradley Rhea, right, with Jonathan Saupe and shopper Tamara Allen.

While waiting Friday night for the Milk & Honey fashion show to start, I wandered upstairs to the Chinatown Artists Lofts in the neighboring Mendonca Building to stop by Barrio Vintage, which, like a rare blossom, opens but two times a month, on First Fridays and Slow Art Friday on the third week of the month.

While I was browing the racks, it was great to turn around and see the familiar face of stylist-owner Bradley Rhea who I'd met a couple weeks before at Nordstrom.

Having moved here from the desert and big sky locale of Tucson, Ariz., Bradley still marvels over some of the otherworldliness of Chinatown, but feels Barrio Vintage fits in with its combination of "style surprises and great prices."

Great prices is right. I was a little scared looking at a white sequin blouse with no price tag in sight. I was imagining up to $40 would be fair. So when Brad said $10, I was like, "Sold!"

Deena Frooman, who tried on one of Barrio Vintage's coats, while her friend Stacy Cowell tried on a vintage Hawaiian print blazer, said she had a ready caption for this photo: "We're vintage and so are the clothes." Thanks for that!

Another girl who was snatching up $3 pieces from a suitcase was more emotive, saying, "I love this place and I love you guys!"

Going through the suitcase, I found a cute polka dot skirt that reminded me of Marni's spring 2012 print for H&M, but had to pass because it might have been too small.

I didn't stay long because the show downstairs was about to start, but I look forward to seeing what's coming in months ahead since he has ideas of collaborating with like-minded artists, independent jewelry designers and apparel designers with a similar aesthetic.
———
Barrio Vintage is at 1109 Maunakea St. #208.

Milk & Honey new to downtown shop scene

Nadine Kam photos
Milk & Honey celebrated its grand opening with a fashion show on First Friday.

There's a new place to shop downtown with last night's grand opening of Milk & Honey at 1128 Smith St., just in time for the holidays.

The boutique celebrated First Friday with a lion dance blessing, giveaways and fashion show to whet the appetite for such wares as House of Harlow 1960 sunglasses and jewelry, J.J. Winters handbags, Low Luv x Erin Wasson jewelry, Soludos espadrilles, REPORT shoes, Dolce Vita clothing, Disney Couture and MM Couture by Miss Me.

With recessionistas in mind, 95 percent of the inventory is priced at less than $100, and owners Patricia Chang and Christine George promise "just the right outfit for every event in a girl’s life."

It's a busy time for multitasker Patricia, who's also in the running for Narcissus Festival queen. When I mentioned she must be super busy now, she added that she's also planning her 2012 wedding. Just another Hawaii superwoman!

The store will be open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays, and by appointment only on Sundays. Call 533‐3343.

Milk & Honey owners Patricia Chang and Christine George.

Christa Wittmier, seated next to me, snaps a photo from the front row of the fashion show.

Jane Kim, left, and Sarah Kim.

Mike Watanabe and Kyle Higa.

From left, Mary Lee, Matthew Bartolome and Tiffany Au.

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 More weekend shop spots:

Acid Dolls photo
Black Week ends Sunday at Acid Dolls.

Acid Dolls
The Royal Hawaiian Center boutique is wrapping up its Black Week Sale Sunday, so there's still time to shop deals including:
50 percent off regular price Acid Doll items.
30 percent off non-Acid Dolls shoes, Lovelessizm, Prolifik tees, Matt Bruening, For Japan tees and hoodies and My FAVORite Source jewelry.
And, of course, who doesn't love a $10 rack and $20 rack, and gifts with select purchases.
Acid Dolls is in Building C, Level 2. Open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Indulge Christmas sale
At 3604 Pahoa Ave., 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, brings together friends Ann Asakura, Moana Eisele, Merle Grybowski, Amy Hansen, June Hirano, Jan Kawabata and Happy Tamanaha offering, respectively, jewelry and pieced quilts, kapa printed tops and towels, clutches and totes, pearl and silver jewelry, hand-knit infinity scarves, handmade cards, and florals and jams.

Wiki Wiki One Day Vintage Collectibles & Hawaiiana Show
The event returns to the Blaisdell Center Hawaii Suite on Sunday with Hawaiiana, kitchenware, jewelry, textiles and apparel dating back 20 years or more.
Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with general admission of $4. There will also be early entry at 9 a.m. with $15 admission.
For more information, visit ukulele.com/wikiwiki or call 941-9754.

Kahala and the reverse-print: Fabric of history

Nadine Kam photos
Nat Norfleet was in town to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Kahala, the company his father Nat Norfleet Sr., founded. He's with Michelle St. John of OluKai.

The 75th anniversary of the aloha shirt and Kahala Sportswear marked a homecoming for Nat Norfleet, who returned from California to celebrate the company his father, Nat Norfleet Sr., founded.

A celebration at the Kahala store at Ala Moana Center on Dec. 1 brought out watermen, industry pros and friends of Nat's when he was more serious about the waves than shirtmaking.

Of course, he came around, having, post-Kahala, launched labels of his own—Cooke Street and Norfleet—before arriving at Ocean Pacific, where he continues to innovate.

At the event, he gave props to Kahala parent—it's a long story—Tori Richard, saying he's pleased at the way they've managed to capture the waterman feel and continue the company's legacy.

Paul MacLaughlin, a childhood friend of Nat's, at left, flew in from Maui for the event, chatting with Tori Richard CEO Josh Feldman, center, and Dale Hope, in a 1950's vintage silk Kahala shirt created by Nat Norfleet Sr.

It was interesting how the company managed to survive in the hands of other local kamaaina dynasties, from having been purchased by Dale Hope in 1986 (son of Howard Hope, who launched Sun Fashions and the HRH-His Royal Highness label), to currently, Tori, founded by Mort Feldman, now run by his son CEO/president Josh Feldman.

When talking aloha shirt history, there are all kinds of island lore about who started this and who started that, and with the principals gone, there are few who could refute or make the case for particular claims. But during my interview with Nat on Nov. 28, just after he arrived from the airport, the one thing he was adamant about was that he was there in the early 1960s, when Kahala came up with the reverse-print shirt, territory that I believed had been claimed by the Reyn's' McCullough clan over the years.

Nat told a story that sounded plausible because of its accidental nature.

Clockwise from left, Krishna Chatterjee, Dale Hope, Joss and Jimmy McMahon.

TOMS Style Your Sole at Whole Foods

Photo courtesy Whole Foods

Eight artists will be unleashing their creative talents for a good cause when Whole Foods Market hosts a "TOMS Style Your Sole" event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 3.

The artists—Jamie Allen, Solomon Enos, Ryan Higa, Byron Inouye, Christopher Lum, Jon J. Murakami, Cade Roster, and Masako Schwalbenitz—will be creating custom-designed TOMS canvas shoes that can be purchased for $49.99.

As customary at TOMS, the company will donate a pair of shoes to a child in need for each pair sold as part of its "One for One" campaign.

TOMS Shoes launched in 2006 with the mission to match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes for a child in a developing country. As of September, more than one million pairs of shoes have been provided to youth in need around the world. Individuals are also welcome to host Style Your Sole events. Information is available at http://www.toms.com/style-your-sole

Also on Saturday, Whole Foods Market will also be showcasing artwork from local keiki participating in the Honolulu Academy of Arts' Art to Go program throughout the store. Art to Go allows qualified art instructors to bring supplies and lessons in various media and techniques to sites such as elementary schools to help make art accessible to underserved youth. The program was a recent beneficiary of Whole Foods Market's "Recycle Your Change" fundraiser this year.

For more information, call Whole Foods at 738-0820.

TOMS photos