Hawaii + ARAE + Beltshazzar Jewels

Although it’s not a Thursday, I’m throwing it back to 2015. I recently received photos that were taken over a year ago from an amazing photographer in Hawaii. I went to a friend’s wedding and during some downtime I met up with Rianon Stephens, who is a local Oaho photographer. In honor of #traveltuesday, I thought it was only fitting that I would share these images from Hawaii featuring ARAE silk hand-dyed tops and Beltshazzar Jewels necklaces. This shoot felt very nomadic and tribal to be on white sand beaches barefoot with messy hair and (TMI) no bra 🙂 I know it’s been a while, so feel free to brush up on my two sneak peek posts from last year, here and here.

In the look above, I am wearing the ARAE Split Seam Maya Tank in Midnight. This is my favorite tank from ARAE. I love the added detail of the split seam down the front. The split seam and the way that the bottom hem is finished speaks to the quality of ARAE. The top feels very organic in design, color and construction. There is actually only one seam in the entire shirt, the split seam down the front, which makes for a beautiful drape. The straps are very creative how they meet at a V in the back, again to add to the draping.

The necklace added so much dimension to the look with the gold chain, leather and pendant. Plus the tan leather was the perfect contrast to a deep blue and green top. The necklace I’m wearing is very similar to the Unbridled II. Breastplate necklace shown in Pyrite Sun on the Beltshazzar website, except I was wearing a different stone. Two other necklaces that are similar on the website are the ‘Nabatu’ Breastplate – Onyx Druzy – Black Leather Necklace and the Ursa Necklace – Amethyst – Ivory Leather, which is almost half the price as the others since less leather is used. I love Beltshazzar pieces for the originality in design and for how each piece harnesses such raw earthiness. 

For a split second during our shoot the bright Hawaiian sun went behind the only cloud in the sky that day, just long enough for me to run up and down the beach and capture a couple shots on the white sand. It was magical… In this look I am wearing Nabatene Woven Leather – Brass Necklace from Beltshazzar. This necklace is so special because it’s the perfect contrast. Hard metal chains against buttery soft black leather. Plus, the metal ring design is very modern, with a feel of chaos as the leather is woven through the chains. It’s definitely a stand out piece that can completely change the entire mood and feel of a basic dress or a knit top, jeans and boots. 

As for the ARAE top, this crop top is no longer sold online, but it’s very similar to the Split Seam Chloe Tank in Onyx, only shorter. Crop tops are everywhere these days and whether or not you feel comfortable showing off your midriff, there are so many high-waisted options for bottoms. A crop top can be paired with high-waisted pants, shorts, skirts, culottes, etc. If you prefer a longer top, the Split Seam Chloe Tank is similar to the Split Seam Maya Tank except that the straps are wider and more delicate.

The craftsmanship in both the necklaces and tops is impeccable. For the fact that both are handmade is unheard of these days. The shibori tie dyed pieces each have a completely unique pattern from the next due to the dye process. I love how both designers are so true to their own aesthetic. It really shines through in their work.

Other Details…

Rianon Stephens Photography | Oahu, Hawaii Photographer | Website | Instagram

ARAE | Website | Instagram | Facebook

Beltshazzar Jewels| Website | Instagram | Facebook

Location | Waimanalo Bay

Be you, bravely.

The Foxy Kat

Visit The Foxy Kat’s profile on Pinterest.