For six years, Rylee Cabaniero worked her way up from sales to manager to buyer at Philanthropy by Madison and Company in Waipio, so when the store closed eight months ago, she decided to open her own boutique in its place called Milieu (pronounced mil-yoo). Located at 94-1235 B Ka Uka Blvd., the boutique focuses on carrying specialty, oneof-a-kind pieces at affordable prices.
Brands you’ll find include Chief Hawaii, Tylie Malibu, Love at Dawn, Khush Clothing, Ginger Lamb, Melinda Y. Butler Jewelry, Kira Hawaii, Pieces of Me and She Speaks. The store also houses artwork by local artists including The Waves of Change, Pastenture, Mackdizz and Dylan McCain.
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Pono Fernandez: Love at Dawn teal Aztec dress $64.25, Imi Jewelry infinity ring $36.50 and studs $28.50, Tylie Malibu 'shakira' beaded fringe clutch $327.25
“I try my best to balance the daily operations of the shop and family life of two little ones at home,” says Cabaniero, 24. “Milieu is a hidden gem for Oahu, especially for people out West who don’t feel like going far.
It’s a refreshing boutique that features a variety of current and upcoming specialty apparel, accessories, jewelry and novelty items. We also have a consignment/recycled section where we sell gently loved apparel, handbags, accessories and shoes. Our buyer, Lynn Dagan, offers consignment services for designer goods.”
A summer family event is in the works to take place at the end of July featuring trunk shows and services by local vendors. For more information, visit facebook.com/milieuhi or milieuhawaii.net, follow them on Instagram @milieuhawaii or call 744-8667.
Morgan Clark: Tylie Malibu feather ombré hi-lo dress $142.50, Melinda Y. Butler smoky quartz tourmaline necklace $67
Morgan Clark: Fashion sunglasses $15.25, Joanne Balestrieri sterling silver green petal necklace $34.25, vintage kimono $125.25, Ambiance Apparel tank top $18.25, Chief Hawaii upcycled shorts $54.25
Pono Fernandez: Dooney & Bourke vintage bucket tote $34.50, vintage scarf $15.50, Love at Dawn mint pants with gold trim $54.25, Zinga hi-lo tank tunic $32.50
Misty Maa: She Speaks floral crown $24.75, Indie Ella ‘Laila’ dress $78.25, Melinda Y Butler rhodochrosite ring $66, Melinda Y. Butler Swarovski pear-drop earrings $36.50, Melinda Y. Butler Swarovski pink heart necklace $52.25
Pono Fernandez: Love at Dawn teal Aztec dress $64.25, Imi Jewelry infinity ring $36.50 and studs $28.50, Tylie Malibu ‘shakira’ beaded fringe clutch $327.25
Morgan Clark: Audrey 3 + 1 black Aztec button-down shirt $17.50, black bandeau $8.50, double-bar ring $12.75, Iris black jeans $12.75, Coach skinny belt $42 (all from the store’s consignment section)
Misty Maa: Silver cuff with chain $24.50, Melinda Y. Butler sea fan necklace $82.25, Ambiance Apparel tank top $18.25, sunglasses $15.25, Chief Hawaii upcycled shorts $54.25
Pono Fernandez: Flying Tomato cut-out neckline jumpsuit $74.25, Kira Hawaii three wish knuckle ring $54.25 and ‘X’d out’ knuckle ring $48.50, Joanne Balestrieri sterling silver purple bead bracelet $32.50, Tylie Malibu hornback sub terra clutch in brown $340.50
Misty Maa: Khush Hawaii tango jumpsuit $92.50, Kira Hawaii ‘X’d out’ cuff $74.50, Melinda Y. Butler turquoise ring $66, Pieces of Me chevron rope tote $65.25