After the horror of hurricane Sandy and the dreary drizzle here in the Bay Area (I know, tiny violin), I thought it would be fitting to revive this long-hibernating blog with a little tropical escapism.

My now-official-partner-in-crime and I spent our honeymoon on the island of Maui enjoying spectacular sunsets, remote winding highways, tranquil beaches, and boutique-perusing (ok, the last one might have been more of a solo activity). Here's a quick look at some of the gems the island had to offer: 

Shopping in Paia, Maui

In this laid-back little beach town I found Biasa Rose, a boutique with a great selection of  eco- and socially-conscious brands and handmade goods (there's also a second-hand section hiding in the back). After finally breaking down and deciding to buy a pair of TOMS, I picked up this lovely hand-printed clutch by Palapala Designs:

And in spite being completely unnecessary in Maui's balmy climate, this soft and cozy cream-colored scarf knit by Fiorella of Krochet Kids International caught my eye.

I love the modelbehind the company, which provides women in northern Uganda and Peru with employment, training, and education to offer a pathway out of poverty. The website includes a "meet the ladies" section with a profile of each artist, and encourages you to write a thank-you note to the woman who created your hat or scarf. It may seem simple, but enabling that personal connection to a product is pretty powerful, making each accessory so much more meaningful than something generated en masse. I know I'll be thinking about Fiorella (and the presumably adorable alpaca who provided the wool) when donning my scarf on those chilly San Francisco mornings.

Around Town: Snapshots