One not-too-shabby perk enjoyed by professional fashion nomads is traveling far and wide (ideally from lousy weather to good!) in pursuit of the best in world style. When in December, surfwear giant, Billabong invited me to Maui to meet the pro-surfers who promote their brand and see them compete in the Billabong Pro Maui, naturally, I accepted. (How great to escape holiday shopping frenzy for a few days, too!)
Had to get up at 3:30 AM for the crack-of-dawn flight and upon arriving at Maui airport made a beeline for the ladies room to strip off my thick leggings and sweaters and change to sun dresses. Minor inconveniences immediately remedied when Billabong rep Gina greeted us, took us to our fab hotel: The Ritz Carlton Kapalua, where we were greeted with beautiful leis-beats a wool scarf !-and delish guava punch. Aloha!
The next morning, we woke early to head down the road to Lahaina to meet with Tara and the ladies from the surf school and travel agency "Girls Gone Surfing" and some of the Billabong athletes. We each got a longboard and practiced with Tara-- on LAND first. Then we hit the water. I wasn't too worried considering they gave me a 13 foot board!! Basically, it was like surfing in a canoe. It was so much fun, I got up on my first wave and after my first couple of waves they actually downsized my canoe!
How much fun is making your maiden surf voyage with women's longboard champ, Schulyer McFerran and Sanoe Lake, one of the stars of the movie Blue Crush? And all of the sun-kissed surfer girls live in their in their brightly colored or fluorescent boardshorts and bikinis while surfing and hoodies and cute jeans when relaxing. Let's just say: The Billabong brand and these tanned athletic bodies serve each other well! Unfortunately the luau to celebrate the Pro Maui competition got rained out and was brought indoors- but it didn't dampen anyone's style. Lots of adorable sundresses, some in bright hibiscus prints and others in bright solid colors, paired mostly with flat sandals and sometimes a cute wedge. We watched an amazing video of all of the pro-surfers from previous competitions. It's insane to see these young girls (some only 14!) surfing 15+ foot waves. Afterwards, Ashley Mannix, a 15 year old surfer and up-and-coming singer from Australia, and Citizen Cope performed a concert for us. It was a "Fantasy Island" moment!
The morning of the competition we got up bright and early to head over to the site at 6:30am. Before every competition, they have a pastor come and bless the waves for the surfers. This was a new guy- their longtime minister, Pastor Lucky, upped and moved to Vegas...I guess his name says it all!
Not sure whether the prayers had anything to do with it but the waves were apparently bigger than they've been in years, more than 16 feet. Seeing these tiny surfer girls in the water with these massive waves towering over them is just crazy. After two days of competition, Australian Layne Beachley won her 7th World Title.
After the trip I realized that if I ever get to come back to Hawaii I will have to rethink my packing. All you really need is a bunch of cute, easy to pack dresses, great flat sandals, a light cashmere sweater for the mornings and evenings, and a great anorak for the occasional afternoon shower. Found that Billabong's spring line would work for summer in the city, too: chock-full of fantastic dresses, really great denim, cute mix-and-match swimsuits, and adorable hoodies...and the price points are amazing. The Hawaiian people have it made since the weather is so nice year-round But it was refreshing to see the girls so natural, almost no makeup ever, their hair flying in the wind, embracing their natural beauty.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
-
Princess Eugenie Posts Sweet Birthday Message to Husband Jack Brooksbank
"Always making joy wherever you are."
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Bindi Irwin Opens Up About Her Decision to Go Public With Endometriosis Diagnosis
"My fear was not knowing what would happen when I stepped off into that world of sharing my journey."
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Kate Middleton is Expected to Stay Away From "Public Duties for Some Time"
The Princess of Wales will be able to attend events "when she feels able to," reports say.
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
The Best Yoga Pants Endorsed by Three Fitness Experts
Whether you're advanced, a flow newbie, or want something easy to throw on for the gym, these several qualities are deal-breakers when it comes to workout wear.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The J.Crew Sale Is Full of Fashion Editors’ Favorite Summer Essentials
From airy linen button-downs to nautical stripes, these are the closet basics of every style maven.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Tankinis Are Fashion's Most Practical Swimwear Trend
With the days inching closer to beach and pool season, it's still unclear if the '90s swimsuit style will resurface as the It style of the season.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The J.Crew Sale Has Everything on My Spring Outfit Mood Board
The perfect fashion destination to shop for warm-weather looks.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
20 Trending Shoe Styles From Sam Edelman’s Major Spring Sale
From sandals to pumps to sneakers, the footwear brand now has over 500 markdowns to shop.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Fashion Editors' Full-Proof Formula for Elevated Going-Out Outfits
Part of growing up is realizing that style and comfort can coexist.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Stylists on Why Leather Jackets Are a Great Investment
Fashion insiders weigh in on their favorite styles.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Grown-Ups Are Rediscovering the Charm of Peter Pan Collars
From bibbed button-downs to round-neck leather jackets, this year's takes feel more sophisticated than sweet.
By Emma Childs Published