Noelani Love
>> Age: 33
>> Occupation: jewelry designer, yoga instructor, musician, doula
>> Residence: North Shore
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Noelani Love’s resume — mother, yoga instructor, jewelry designer and doula — is a testament to her free-spirited lifestyle. The North Shore resident is also a singer and bodysurfer, and leads women’s retreats to Bali. All that requires versatile, free-spirited fashion.
“I’m an athlete, and I prefer running over walking, so at any point in my day I might need to pull some kind of wild stunt, and I need to be wearing clothes that allow for that,” she said. “Being the mother of a very active 8-year-old boy also encourages me to dress this way.”
Though she grew up in Charlotte, N.C., her mother is from Hawaii, where she spent many summers visiting extended family and bodysurfing at her favorite break, Publics in Waikiki.
She moved to the islands 11 years ago to explore her Native Hawaiian culture, and gave birth to her son, Aukai, at home, an experience that inspired her to become a doula. In 2013, she opened the Noelani Hawaii boutique in Haleiwa, which carries her own line of jewelry as well as women’s clothing, gift items and accessories.
“It was such a dream to come to Hawaii,” she said, “just to experience the magic — the mana — of the islands, visiting my grandparents and learning about my culture.”
(Her comments have been edited for length and clarity.)
Describe your style: “I’d say my style is feminine, playful, colorful and practical with a hint of sexy. I love fashion, and our bodies are able to express our uniqueness, so why not be authentic?”
Dressing for comfort: “If I’m uncomfortable in my clothes, I’m not a very fun person to be around. But dressing for comfort can mean elegant as well. I love wearing Lily Lotus organic cotton leggings. I’m in love with Groceries brand tank tops, as they are organic hemp. Their cut is perfect, where it’s flattering. I also love Tolani silk dresses, and I love Lululemon sports bras with the cross backs because they’re comfy and stylish, and they can also work as a bikini top if I’m inspired to jump in the ocean after a beach run.”
Favorite beauty product: “I don’t wear a lot of makeup, so I would say I love Honua Hawaiian Skincare’s olena oil ($48) for face and skin, along with Zenziva’s ui oil ($40), both of which are made with organic and natural ingredients. I don’t know if it counts as a beauty product, but Nature Girl’s Pit Balm ($10) because it’s an all-natural deodorant, made in Hawaii, without chemicals.”
Must-have accessories: “As a jewelry designer, I wear all of my own jewelry styles — because that’s why I design jewelry! But some of my personal faves from my collection right now are Noelani Hawaii ‘Huna’ necklace ($122) with a Herkimer diamond set on a delicate 14-karat gold fill chain; the ‘Truth’ necklace ($52) with a faceted turquoise heart; and Wa‘a earrings with turquoise ($92).”
Wardrobe MVP: “My Tolani silk tunic dress ($121). It’s a top, but I wear it as a dress with shorts under it in case the wind blows. On the North Shore, it’s bikini culture so I can get away with a short dress. Also, my Indah Paz jumpsuit ($128). Indah has always been one of my favorite brands. The designer has great style and the details count. It’s sexy, it’s elegant and unique. My favorite swimsuit brands are Naya Bikinis and Jolyn, which are both great for bodysurfing, and I love my Kicks fins by DaFiN.”
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By Nina Wu, nwu@staradvertiser.com. Island Lookbook is a weekly feature that spotlights local trendsetters. Contact features@staradvertiser.com.