Shopping Day

We wake to a day that is a little overcast, with splotches of blue here and there but by the time we commence our shopping expedition there is more blue than grey. The air is warm as we climb into Kate’s new iridescent bluey green 230i BMW coupe, the paintwork reminds one of oil on water changing constantly depending on how the light reflects back to your eye. The car looks and smells as if it rolled off the assembly line just yesterday but in fact it’s a year old. First stop is a local designer Anne Namba, her designs are inspired by traditional Japanese influences that are carefully crafted into lightweight modern ladies fashion garments designed for elegant easy day and night wear. The lightweight non wrinkling silks and cotton fabrics are ideal for the local climate and for travellers. The showroom is situated just a few minutes away from Ala Moana in modest surroundingsr, the style, elegance and glamour is all inside. We met Anne on our last visit this time though she is showing her wares at fashion shows on the mainland’s east coast. We are greeted by Mary, Anne’s very knowledgable assistant who explains the fabrics and the stories behind the designs to our eager ladies. Kate and Amanda flit about like butterflies in a field of colour seeking that perfect drop of nectar. Mary hurries back and forth as Amanda gives a yes or no to various selections that are then carefully hung in the dressing room. 
I wander the showrooms polished concrete floors, displays feature natural polished timber highlights as do the dressing room doors. An ancient Japanese iron and leather suit of armour sits in the corner holding a fan emblazoned with the rising sun, intricately woven with yellow orange and green silk it sits above a Buddha head and painted portable rice carrier silently overseeing events. The clothes here are the real stars though and take precedence, the showrooms decor cleverly designed not to distract the buyer. 
The real fun starts as piece by piece Amanda tries on this or that outfit with both sisters bursting into spontaneous giggles if the fit is outrageously wrong. I try to retreat to a quiet corner but my presence is required for a critique on each outfit as it is presented. After some parading and twirling, piece changes here and there decisions are made and it’s Kate’s turn. Kate seems more considered in her approach carefully singling out just a few pieces before deciding which ones to try on. Interestingly they settle on the same basic dress just the mix and match pieces are different reflecting their individual body sizes, tastes and personalities.
We climb back into the car, parcels loaded in the “trunk” the heat of the day forcing the aircon on to full blast. Next stop Ala Moana shopping centre again just a short distance away. Ala Moana shopping centre is the largest outdoor mall in the world some 80,000sq meters of shopping space over three levels. Consistently voted one of the top ten successful malls in all of the US. A new wing completed last year and a freshen up of some of the malls more ageing infrastructure has given it a fresh look. With contemplative pools of Koi fish swimming in crystal clear waters that divide the malls walkways and 340 stores and restaurants there is literally something here for everyone. First we stop of for a quick snack to fortify us for the forthcoming afternoon then onwards to the stores.

The afternoon rapidly turns to evening, the sun gradually sinking, we head for our dinner rendezvous with shopping wary Jim at Nordstrom’s Ruscello full service restaurant. Jim wondrously has secured a table on the expansive balcony that is nestled in among the high rise apartment buildings with a direct line of sight to the swaying palm trees and sparkling ocean of Ala Moana Beach Park. As the sun goes down apartment lights pop on all around us bathing us in twinkling light. Dinner cruise boats hug the coast while yachts in colourful sail head for port.

We settle in to enjoy Mediterranean Hummus with garbanzo beans, kalamata olives, marinated feta, extra virgin olive oil and rosemary bread. Followed by Cilantro Lime Chicken with organic baby greens, romaine lettuce, jack cheese, tomatoes, grilled corn, pumpkin seeds and cilantro lime vinaigrette for her. For me Ginger Crusted Ahi Tuna with organic baby greens, cabbage, blistered green beans, red pepper, seasoned wontons, candied ginger, soy glaze and spicy thai basil vinaigrette. Of course accompanied by a glass of, on this occasion, Washington State Chardonnay.
As the hour approaches 8.00pm we depart for home, exit is through the still open Nordstrom department store waiting to snag that one last sale. Tired after a day on our feet and a successful shopping expedition we are happy to fall into bed to recharge our run down batteries.