Who knows a little diva ready for her first or 50th pair of glamorous shoes? Go and see Lisa Matsuda-Telles over at Island Diva in Kapa‘a town, who has specialty shoes found nowhere else on Kaua‘i. She says the kids
Who knows a little diva ready for her first or 50th pair of glamorous shoes? Go and see Lisa Matsuda-Telles over at Island Diva in Kapa‘a town, who has specialty shoes found nowhere else on Kaua‘i.
She says the kids go crazy over these “blingin’” styles that are seen all over TV, magazines and the Internet (check out Teen People, Cosmo Girl or seventeen, MTV, AOL shopping, ABC Family and Nickelodeon if you don’t believe it).
In a recent interview, she said that growing up on Kaua‘i she wished there were shoe shops catering to young girls who couldn’t quench their thirst for shoes by pawing through mom’s closet. I couldn’t agree more. The self-professed shoe maniac (she owns a standard 50 pairs) said she opened Island Diva about nine months ago because she wanted women of all shapes, sizes and styles to have a fun and unique place to shop for high-quality footwear.
Plus, she was tired of traveling to Honolulu and Las Vegas on shoeshopping trips.
“Footwear has become an accessory.
It’s a need. Just because you have shoes doesn’t mean you can go out ‘like that.’ Can you really wear a pink dress with black shoes?” she said.
But for the most part, “Shoes can go with everything,” she said further. “Have fun!” “I would like to thank the patronage from all over the island.
I’m very thankful, and they’re a big reason why we were able to expand,” she said.
“I’ve watched so many little girls come in and try on our women’s shoes. As we all know, little girls watch and mimic the women in their lives,” she said. She says her latest addition to the shop was inspired by a recent visit by a mom and daughter.
The girl was trying on a colored slipper with a kitten heel.
They were, of course, too big.
She asked her mom “I like this one, what do you think?” Her mom told her she thought it was pretty, and the girl said: “I think these are a little snug,” says Matsuda-Telles, whose eyes light up in memory of her own first shoe experiences.
Lisa’s own preoccupation with shoes was started at a young age, when she decorated a “cheapie” jelly shoe with fabric, glitter and other adornments.
Though girls today have more of a choice, Lisa said nowhere else on Kaua‘i carries the ‘70s style “fish in the heel” shoe (a dolphin and fish actually swim and float around in blue liquid!), or the clear sandal with a band of rhinestones (the latter matches adult styles and have become a popular seller for weddings, pageants and special nights out, she added).
“Clear is in,” she stated simply.
But for the more casual dresser, she also offers comfy Sugar, Soda and Flojos brand slippers and sandals. And yes, these shoes meet the OK of school dress codes, she said.
Island Diva also offers tank tops featuring their cute and funky logo. Shoes for young ones are offered in sizes 9 to an adult 5, and adult shoes are offered in sizes 5 to 10. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Please call 822-0007 for more information.
