When Jennifer Binney is not coaching her paddling team in Lanikai, surfing epic waves, running the slopes of Diamond Head or keeping busy with her two children, Rella Moon, 9, and Kaiwa, 3, she is jetting off to India, Los Angeles, New York and Australia in search of her next design inspiration or sales. As the designer of Samudra swim and resort wear and owner of the Aloha Superette boutique in Kailua, she has a full plate, but you’d never know it by her put-together appearance.
Jennifer Binney
>> Age: 42
>> Occupation: Designer, Samudra swim and resort wear; owner, Aloha Superette boutique in Kailua
Favorite swimsuit: “I designed my new Samudra one-piece in Makena Palm print with my lifestyle in mind. It’s made with high-quality fabrics that can stretch and move when you’re surfing or moving around.”
Travel must-have: “My Tata Harper Irritability Oil. It keeps me calm and in a happy place, and, of course, my iPhone.”
Self-described style: “Tomboy meets utilitarian, with pops of neon.”
On maintaining a polished look amid a busy family and work life: “That’s funny. I would never call myself polished, but I think my motto ‘less is more’ transcends to all aspects of my life and it helps keep it simple and together.”
Favorite beauty products: “Everything from Tata Harper and Herbivoire.”
Summer 2016 forecast: “I think the tropical print is once again coming back — in my eyes never went out — as well as certain body parts being highlighted, like a shoulder being exposed and a little more cleavage, low backs. So basically, seeing some skin is going to be in.”
Tips for adding personality to an outfit: “No fear is the mantra: Add color in places you normally wouldn’t; wear a bikini as your bra or a one-piece as your bodysuit.”
By Lacy Matsumoto, special to the Star-Advertiser. Island Lookbook is a weekly feature that spotlights local trendsetters. Contact features@staradvertiser.com.