House of Aria Downtown

Decent clothes, ridiculous return policy.
My boyfriend was trying to do something nice and purchase a gift for me. Unfortunately, the dress he purchased did not fit. He was only able to return it for store credit, which is a little annoying, but understandable all in all.
Since I walk past this store on the way to the parking lot after work, I saw a dress that I thought might be ok. My boyfriend went to go purchase this dress for me because the shop opens after I start work and closes before I finish (and like hell if I’m driving downtown on a weekend just to try on a dress). The clerk then told him that all sales are final on items purchased with store credit. So if I tried it on and it didn’t fit, we would basically be screwed.
Why this policy? Are they somehow losing money when they have both the dress and the money that we paid initially? Is there not any leeway for people purchasing gift items? Did they seriously think my boyfriend might have been buying the dress for himself just to wear around the house for a couple days?
I’ve never heard of such a ridiculous policy.
If you are shopping for gift items, I would highly suggest you take your business elsewhere. From what I’ve seen in the window, the clothes are not even that cute. There’s like one item every couple of weeks that looks wearable and if I didn’t have to use this store credit I have, I wouldn’t even look at those.
Seriously not worth your time.

Love their clothes and prices! They have the cutest dresses and rompers for a great price. The design layout of the boutique is also very cool and chic. The girls working there are super friendly and helpful too! One of my favorite places to shop hands down!

Cute clothes at great prices. This is my favorite place to shop when looking for that unique piece. I do wish they stayed open longer. Since i work in downtown i stop by during lunch and try to get in more browsing time after work. I wish they closed at 7 instead of 6 or 6:30.

House of Aria is one of my favorite women’s apparel boutique in Downtown. They’re located on the same street as Hawaii Theater and across the street from Fighting Eel. Super cute selection of clothing for women in their early 20s to 30s. The clothes are separated by colors, which totally appeals to my sense of aesthetics! There are also some tables with shoes, bags, accessories, and lingerie pieces. Their price points are not for the thrifty shoppers, but they have the occasional sale. I was able to hit their buy one get one 50% off sale this past Presidents Day. ((Note: ALL sales transactions are non-​refundable! So the 7 day period does not apply.))
Check out their clearance racks and damaged goods rack. It sounds like a strange place to look, but if you’re handy with thread and needle, you’ll get a great deal for a practically brand new piece. I picked up these super cute, new embroidered shorts that just needed a button attachment for more than half off the retail price. Of course, I’m not encouraging you to pay more than what you feel is fair for soiled/​damaged goods. It wouldn’t hurt to take a peak to see what treasure (s) you can find, though! ;)
There are two dressing rooms in the boutique. The workers are so sweet, always checking on their customers and making sure they have free hands to look at the clothes!

I really love their shop! The first time I came here, I had a hard time looking for a parking & I had to pay $ 8 inside the parking garage.
I really like how they’re very nice and attentive compared to other clothing stores where they have sassy and mean workers. I felt very comfortable with my visit. On the other side, they don’t have that much sizes, but I’ll definitely come back :-)

Cute cute cute boutique! So I was looking for a cute new outfit for a party I was attending… And needed something fun cute and different. A cute IG post lead me their way. What a find!!! This boutique has a little of everything something for a night out, a birthday party, work and any fun event. Prices are reasonable and the staff are very friendly and super attentive. I definitely will check them out more especially with their posts in IG I’m kinda hooked.

I love this store! Cute clothes and good service. Expect to spend around $ 50 an outfit. In chinatown on the corner of bethel street. Its a trendy little shop with a very friendly and helpful associate working. Follow them on Instagram to keep up to date with what they have in store. Happy shopping!

Located across the street from JJ Dolan’s in the art at marks garage building, I had no idea this store was house of aria until I asked them. The downtown area has begun this great partnership where they provide maps of the shopping in the area. As «shopping in chinatown» was on my bucket list for hawaii, this was perfect for me!
House of aria is clean and has some of the best variety of sexy classy clothes on the island. The designers here sure do have style. However, modesty is not necessarily their forte. You will find a lot of cut outs, a lot of tight outfits, and a lot of crop tops. I think I have a few more inches to lose off my waist before I’m comfortable in a crop top (or I might be ten years too late).
It never seemed crowded when I went it, which left the service to be top notch. I will leave House of Aria at the top of my local shopping list for original flattering quality designs that do not play into the Hawaiian kitsch. Definitely worth checking out!
*****NOTE*****
Park a few blocks away in the municipal lot. Enter by Nuuanu and Beretania and take the elevator that will pop you up in Pauahi.

I have never written a negative review — until now. But I have to say I had the WORST retail experience ever at this boutique!
I’m a busy professional with little time to spare. I needed a special dress for an event I was attending in 2 days. I went to House of Aria and found the perfect dress. But it was nearly $ 200 and I needed to head out to a dinner meeting, so I asked the sales associate if she could hold the dress until noon the next day. She said ‘that was fine and if I didn’t make it by noon could she have my number to call me?’ I said of course, but I planned to be back by noon.
The next day at 10:54am I received a v-​mail while I was in a meeting, the message said that someone else wanted to buy the dress and (i quote) «I’m selling it to her now» there was no option to respond, to call back or even a question if I would be coming in at noon as we had agreed.
I called back within 10 minutes — but it was too late. She in fact had sold the dress right out from under me. I was calm but furious. I had NEVER in my life had this type of thing happen. I asked to speak with the owner. The sales girl said, she would have her call me. I waited 3 hours and nothing!
So I called back — I let the same sales associate know I was still waiting for the owner to call me. She said ‘the owner was very busy and doesn’t have time to call me.’ I assured her, that as a small business owner myself, I was pretty sure she would want to talk to me.
Well — that was that. The owner NEVER called. The girl who held the dress for me, tried to tell me that they «don’t hold items» which was news to me — since she put it on hold for me. At the end of this experience — all I can say is — this store has no integrity and they DO NOT CARE about their customers satisfaction or patronage.
That will only earn them a bad reputation, and in a small town your reputation is GOLDEN.

Located on Bethel Street and on the corner of Fashion Heaven (next to Ginger 13, Fighting Eel, Fashionista’s Market, etc.), House of Aria is a boutique I like to drop by during my lunch break for some much needed retail therapy!
Like most other local boutiques, House of Aria relies on Instagram (@houseofaria) to showcase new arrivals and sales to their customers. I have often scrolled through their Instagram page and made a lunchtime run to the shop to try a particular featured garment on! The styles House of Aria carries varies, but not everything fits into my own personal style. I have, however, found quite a few work-​appropriate pieces there from the Everly Clothing brand! Sometimes the prices are bit too steep for me, but they often have great sales whenever I stop by!
House of Aria is a great addition to downtown’s supply of local boutiques!

Shopped here last Thursday and I must say that this might be a favorite boutique on the island. Having just moved here from the mainland, I was faced with a HUGE hurdle; where am I going to buy my clothes? I know I can buy clothes anywhere buuuut my style is a bit different than others so I rely on brands that aren’t too «mainstream.» Back in LA, I had plenty of options and shipping, at times, were free when I ordered online. When I moved, I discovered that most of my favorite shops didn’t ship to Hawai’i at all or they were charging me an arm me a leg. House of Aria definitely filled a piece of that void. Price-​wise, they charge just the same as those on the mainland. At the time we were there, they had 50% off selected items!!! And among the selected items was this cute crème lace maxi dress with a cut out in the front that I CAN NOT wait to wear. Almost bought myself a cute kimono to wear at the beach.
Can’t wait to visit again sometime soon! I will say that the location is a bit out of the way for me (I’m rarely ever in Downtown) which I guess is good so I don’t spend too much money there!

I don’t usually feel comfortable going to boutiques because I feel that these boutiques will never have clothes in stock that will fit my body type. Luckily, I have been able to score a few precious clothing items from this location of House of Aria.
Easy to find as it is located on the corner of Bethel and you can name popular locales of Downtown around it. The shop is always clean and they are always switching up the type of styles that are out on the floor. However, I did go today and saw that there were a few items I saw from two months ago, but heck, I’m just too technical now.
I enjoy the fact that the staff at the store is very attentive. You can hear them throughout the store calling their customers by name and they even write your name on your fitting room as you are changing. The changing room is always neat as well and has lots of space to put your bag down, sit to put on pants, hooks to hang the «yes» pile or «no» pile or even the «maybe» pile.
I’d like to commend the girls at House of Aria Downtown for their work on Black Friday. They were highly organized and efficient at all times. The store was packed and the wait for the fitting rooms were long as the maximum items you may try on are five, but the staff made it enjoyable as they took the clothes we hoped to try on off our hands as we waited.
I do hope to see this boutique expand in their clothes, staff and location (but in Downtown).

I swear this store has the cutest clothes!
This boutique carries cute dresses, tops, and accessories!
The only downer is, I feel some of the items can be over priced. However, they have really good sales! So those are the best days to shop here.

4.9.13.
Great place to find cute, trendy stuff that is decently priced! My only «criticism» of HOW is that they closed their west-​side location!
…although I can’t complain much because I love the fact that this downtown location is so close to my office: P
The saleswomen are always friendly and there’s usually a great selection! You gotta get here right away though if you see something you like… otherwise it will be gone before you know it!
Unilocal 365 Challenge: #098/​365

They should really rename themselves to «House of awesomely cheap and trendy clothing store that every girl really lovesssss».
As with every boutique, they normally only carry sizes XS-​M. However, although as a boutique, their prices are just so reasonable and affordable that it’s so easy to come here, be confident that you can afford to pick out a few items and still look so fashionably stylish and runway-​es.
When I have a few extra benjamins, then I would walk myself over to the adjacent boutiques across the street, but I rather really spend that money here.
Check out their Black Friday sales. Come early!

I am always faced with a serious conundrum when it comes to shopping for clothing these days because of two reasons:
1) I’m in my mid-​thirties but I still want to look and feel young.
2) I’m not really young and I am after all someone’s mama.
What’s a working mother to do?! I have vowed that I will not let myself fall into the abyss of bad fashion paired with mom jeans and muffin tops. BUT at the same time I don’t want to look like a crazy cougar who dresses waaaaay too young with clothes that are waaaaay too tight. I’m still in the Puma realm and will not be brought down by fashion’s need to make us feel inferior!!! You might be chuckling but my personal style dilemma which becomes increasingly more difficult as each year passes. If you’re in your 20s you will look back on this review when you’re in your thirties and say «(Gasp) That old lady was so right!» That’s right girls, you will one day AGE and everything will start to SAG!!!
After a meeting downtown I decided to stop by the House of Aria. Located on the corner of Pauahi & Bethel, I always see their instagram posts (which I’d like to add feature clothing which is WAY too young for me) and decided that today would be a good day to stop into their shop. First off, this store is ADORABLE! I remember when it was an art gallery with really weird nude paintings of large women and I much prefer the racks of clothing. I wouldn’t say that this store is cheap, but it’s moderately priced so you know it won’t completely disintegrate after one wash. The clothing in the store is very well organized and easy to look through. I don’t wear much print (it’s something I’ve realized just isn’t attractive most of the time) so that instantly nixed more than half of the store. Anything with studs or spikes also was instantly out because well… I’m not in my twenties and I am not Lady Gaga. The very friendly sales girl offered to help and asked what I was looking for, to which I replied «dresses!» I pulled a handful of dresses and proceeded into the dressing room.
Dress #1 ($ 48): White lace dress which was somewhat conservative yet still youthful enough so I’m not mistaken for the chic from ‘The Ring.‘
Dress #2 ($ 76): Fish tale dress in beige with a fun chiffon bustle back. Really cute but I need to wear a bra because well… I’m someone’s mama and I’m not a hooker.
Dress #3 ($ 76): Same fish tale dress in turquoise. I didn’t even try it on because I’m not a fish and I’d really feel like one while wearing that color.
Top #1 ($ 46): It was a cute chiffon blouse but the thought of having to steam it every single time I needed to wear it was just too much to bear. I’ve got three kids… and there’s no time for ironing, let alone steaming in my life!
In the end I decided on dress #1 because it was the safe choice and I could wear a bra with it. I actually wore it today and I am happy to report that it’s age appropriate while still being youthful. I even got some looks on the street and yes… I’m still someone’s mama.

Update re: Online Orders! :)
I live in California and don’t make it home to Hawaii very often. So naturally, when I see great pieces offered at HI boutiques, i.e. House of Aria, via their Facebook or Twitter pages, I try to order online if it’s available. (Wish boutiques here did that!)
During my most recent experience, I called in to see if there was an online code for the shop’s MLK special — a buy one get one 50% promotion. I was notified that there wasn’t a code, but that they could do the price adjustments and take my order by phone — so convenient! The sales woman was so patient, even taking the time to individually look up items based on my description (I didn’t even need to get SKU#‘s!). The transaction went smoothly, and within hours, I got an e-​mail confirming my shipment.
I have previously ordered online from House of Aria and have received all items without a problem.
Props to Melody and her staff for their AMAZING customer service skills! I’m so sorry I can’t remember the name of the girl who helped me yesterday, but I couldn’t let this great experience go unrecognized! Thanks again ladies!

I came in here for the first time and it was love at first sight. They have a great selection of clothing, shoes, and accessories. The staff was beyond friendly. Even though none of the items I tried on worked, they continued with their excellent service (I hate it when stores are rude to you after you try things on and nothing fits… that is not the case here!). I ended up buying a pair of shoes for around $ 40 and a ring for $ 14. I will be back here again and again. The great selection and affordable prices puts this boutique at the top of my list.

This is my new favorite downtown boutique.
The best thing about this place is that it’s affordable; most boutiques have outrageous prices — not so with House of Aria. Of course, you’ll be paying more than you would at Ross, but you won’t be paying as much as some of the other places downtown.
I was impressed with the service; the staff really tries to give the customer a personalized experience. As I started to grab a couple of things to try on, someone came over and offered to start a dressing room for me. When I got to my room, I noticed she had paired my choices with jewelry and/​or belts to try on as well. Some people may think they are just trying to get you to buy more stuff, but I liked that personalized touch. How many times have I gone to a store, tried on a dress and thought «Ok, I think this will work if I wear a belt.» But then I’m too lazy to go find a belt and therefore end up either buying it and being unhappy because it didn’t look like I thought it would or I don’t buy it because I can’t imagine what it would look like as a complete outfit. House of Aria tries to take some of that guess work out for you.
They have a great selection and add new pieces often.
Definitely worth checking out!

I went here on a Friday, and whoever was working (I don’t know if it was the owner or just a part-​time worker) was sooo sweet! Some of the other boutiques I’ve been to, who I will not name, tend to have snobby workers.
The boutique is beautiful on the outside and the inside. I was actually on my way to Fighting Eel when this boutique (which faces Fighting Eel on the opposite corner) caught my eye. It’s so chic and the displays were really eye-​catching.
Most of what I saw was really reasonably priced, and I walked out with two super cute tops which were both under $ 40 and a really nice cobalt blue leather studded bracelet for $ 20 something.
I will definitely be back here! Five stars for good service and cute clothes.