I never have just one favorite Alexandra Knight product. Currently I am favoring two of many. I am totally reliant on my alligator portable charger that Alexandra gifted me for my birthday. I am also totally dependent on my hunting tote with my initials in white alligator with the bag strap. If I am not traveling with my daughter to a volleyball tournament I am taking an Indagare trip and I only travel carry on.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP FIVE LATEST OBSESSIONS?
Traveling with my Travel Tribe
Since participating in my first Indagare journey in 2010, I have traveled the globe and made some incredible friendships along the way. The gift of travel is my favorite splurge.
I have an aromatherapy machine that was gifted to me last Christmas and rarely does a night go by that I don't use it. Orange blossom and Lavender are my favorites.
Collection of Vintage Hawaiian Hula dashboard dolls
I have been collecting them for the past 13 years and have them displayed in my tiki bar.
Fresh Flowers
There is nothing better than the smell of fresh cut gardenia, night blooming jasmine in my backyard in Florida or the scent of a puakenikeni lei.
TELL US ABOUT ALOHA MARINA AND HOW YOU GOT STARTED?
Blissful summers in Hawaii over the past 15 years have given me happy memories of days with family, bright colors of the landscape and bold vintage prints everywhere. I have always collected vintage shirts and fabrics and dreamed of one day creating my own prints.
After two years of working with an amazing textile designer, poring over old photographs and mixing and matching stunning fabrics, my labor of love has come to life in Aloha Marina.
Aloha Marina prints are all short-run and one of a kind. Vibrant, whimsical patterns of flowers, hula girls, banana leaves and leis are expressed in soft brushed cotton fabrics. Initially I began designing for a board short and quickly fell in love with the prints and expanded to dresses, tops, and skirts.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE ALOHA MARINA PIECES?
I truly love the Board Short. My husband Tom and teenage son Tate have always loved the fit and length of the traditional surf trunk but I have always been left unimpressed with the patterns. Inspired by the longer length and tie front closure of a traditional trunk coupled with a soft brushed nylon fabric and convenient side pockets this short brings you from beach to town. Produced in whimsical patterns, named after towns on various islands of Hawaii, I wanted to echo the vibrant colors of Hawaii.
The Maxi is my favorite style to wear. Influenced by the classic MuuMuu, the maxi embodies the perfect solution to the quintessential beach dress. I have always wanted an easy effortless look for my beach vacations and I wanted something colorful and easily worn with flip flops. Crafted in 100% cotton and absent of zippers or buttons, the maxi can be worn to a casual beach lunch or out to dinner with a fun bag or earring. Did I mention it has pockets?? Offered in many bright colorful patterns this dress will not go unnoticed.
WHO OR WAHT INSPIRES YOU AND WHY?
I am always inspired by the cheerful, relaxed vibes of the Hawaiian Islands. I am always amazed by the sites, inspired by the people I meet and reminded of how healthy it is to get out and explore. Recently I attended an annual dinner with great friends and I was gifted a quote...Remember to eat delicious food, walk in the sunshine, swim in the ocean, be kind, and be silly. My Aloha Marina fabrics remind me of places I have been and they make me smile!
ANYTHING ON THE HORIZON THAT WE SHOULD LOOK OUT FOR?
I have always loved to entertain and some of my fondest memories are from around a dining table. There is always room for a stray houseguest and I usually incorporate a fun place card or floral lei for everyone to take home. No party is complete without delicious food, lots of laughs, a beautiful table and of course, Tequila or a scorpion bowl. I am launching Aloha Tabletop early this Fall with three of my prints (Kona, Hanalei and Kaimuki). Before Trader Vics went out of business I ordered up a huge stash of china drinks bowls , my bar floor is painted with huge lilypads and koi fish and frogs and my Hula Lamp is always in full swing. I hope these fun tablecloths and napkins will bring smiles to your table.
WHAT IS ALOHA MARINA AND WHY DO WE LOVE IT?
First off to love Marina Purcell is to love Aloha Marina. Never have I seen a brand reflect the heart and soul of such a beautiful person. Marina is exceptionally creative and generous and when she mentioned she might start a brand I was ecstatic to get to own a piece of her passion and share it with my friends and family. From the packaging to the fit she is thoughtful, diligent and spares no expense. Her board shorts are now a staple in my husband's wardrobe and her dresses are the perfect resort wear pieces - the maxi just makes you want to spin and smile. Her brand embodies her playful spirit and the quality and fit holds true to her demand for perfection. My husband will not wear another board short now because the perfectly placed pockets, length, print, fit and quality all check boxes for him where other shorts have failed. I love seeing him in them as they fit his personality so well and he wears them on and off the beach.
I am extremely lucky to be part of the travel tribe and when I spend time with Marina and explore the world my heart is full. I am beyond excited for her new line and thrilled to be able to share it with you. Snap up her items now as new prints are coming and repeats will be on the horizon.
