There's an unexpected new fashion venue in the heart of Kaka'ako, in a mainly residential condo at 909 Kapi'olani Blvd. That's where you'll find Cloth, an upscale vintage boutique, and elle Couture, a high-end jewelry shop.

Cloth's owner, Micah Iaukea, shops "anywhere and everywhere — L.A., San Francisco, estate sales, even word of mouth if people are willing to part with their treasures," she said. She also has honed her design skills and makes use of them, having received a degree in fashion design from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles after graduating from Punahou.

Iaukea has culled her collection down to the best she can find of mainly 1950s- to 1980s-era clothing. Sometimes she'll take a vintage piece and do a little DIY on it, tweaking the shape to make it more flattering.

"I try to keep the integrity of the design but I may change it slightly, to improve it," she said.

Since everything is only available in one size, she offers free alterations right there in the shop.

The merchandise mix includes a few new things, such as stretchy belts and dangly earrings, as well as funky vintage luggage and some distinctive home decor, dishes and glassware.

The men's racks offer pieces to make a man stand out, such as kitschy tiki shirts from Iolani, circa mid-'70s, and well-cut blazers.

There's ample free parking in the building, with an entrance on Kapi'olani Boulevard; 597-9006.

Just around the corner is elle Couture Jewellers, where creative director Lance Ishibashi offers the exclusive Roberto Coin (from Italy) and Michael B. (from L.A.) lines of gold, platinum and diamond jewelry. Ishibashi and sales director Adrienne Baley aim to create a homey atmosphere in which to shop, complete with wingback chairs and inviting, warm colors and textures. The display cases are like dining room armoires; 591-8080, www.ellecouturejewellers.com.

BRONTIBAY PARIS AT ALA MOANA

Although Brontibay bags began in Paris, they were inspired by the beaches of Australia. That helps explain the fresh, colorful style that has become the company's signature. At the new boutique in Ala Moana Center, on the mall level of the Nordstrom wing, there's a wide selection, from nylon totes to bold leather hand bags. Bright orange, sap green and hot pink are a just few of the colors. The nylon bags also come in bold geometric prints. Prices range from $100 to $700; 949-1411.

ALOHA 'OE TO MISFORTUNE

It is with a heavy heart that we say "aloha 'oe" to Misfortune, Natasha Briley's diminutive boutique in Ward Centre. She brought to Honolulu hard-to-find lines such as Lucy Love, C. Ronson and Jenny Han. She also supported Hawai'i designers Indah, Ginger 13 and Michelle Lau. Misfortune is to close on Sunday. Mahalo for four years of shopping pleasure, Natasha.

ON OUR RADAR | ALOHA STYLE

It's always fun to find exciting little accessories with an Island vibe. They can give even your basic denims an air of aloha or Polynesian pizzazz.

We discovered these hand-painted leather rings at Adore in Kahala Mall. They are made in Bali and brought to the Islands by Maui-based Anandhi Designs. Affordably priced at $24, we think they're fun and fabulous.

GET HIP | HIFI AND FASHION FORUM PAIR UP ON BLOG

The Hawa'i Fashion Incubator (Hifi), a nonprofit organization with the mission of promoting Hawai'i fashion as art and industry, and The Advertiser's Fashion Forum have had a bond since the beginning. Now members of Hifi are blogging with us at http://hawaiisfashionforum.honadvblogs.com. Along with Stephanie Matsumoto's entertaining news and notes, you'll find insider information on beauty from Patricia Chang, as well as tips, shopping news and trends from Melissa May White and Toby Portner, co-founders of Hifi.