Several stores have received cosmetic updates in recent months, and now look better than ever.

• Escada
  According to Escada public relations manager Helen Shen Tarrach, the renovation of the store, on Level 3, is part of a grander relaunch of the brand's image, which also includes a new creative director, Damiano Biella (formerly of Carolina Herrera and Valentino), and supermodel Christy Turlington as the new face of the brand.
  
   
• 
  Prada
  Prada brought in the same Italian architect who redesigned the Kala-kaua location to update its second-level Ala Moana store (the former space on the third floor will become home to Miu Miu in 2009). The updated store design features curved windows, plenty of light, reflective surfaces and mirrors, and will offer a full shopping experience, with women's handbags, ready to wear and shoes organized by roomlike sections, while the back of the store will be dedicated to all things men.
  
   
• Jeans Warehouse
  Jeans Warehouse revamped its look, creating a larger, more modern space. While the exterior got a makeover-the façade was brought up to date with a clean-lined glass front and new window displays-shoppers can still find the great fashion steals and deals for which the brand is known.

• Spiral Girl
  Spiral Girl, a Japan-based casual clothing boutique, brings the latest trends straight from Shibuya 109, the famous shopping center in Japan. Highlights include the Spiral Girl line of T-shirts, dresses and jewelry, which is made in collaboration with Hawai'i's Maxi Jewelry Company.
• 
  Nestle Toll House Cafe
  The delicious, ooey-gooey goodness of Nestle Toll House cookies has arrived at Ala Moana Center. The cafe sells cookies by the dozens, as well as giant cookie cakes, which are great for special occasions. It also serves Nescafe hot and cold coffee drinks and ice cream treats.
  
   
• Custo Barcelona
  Two brothers, Custo and David Dalmau, were inspired to create the Spanish brand after a whirlwind global trek. While traveling, the brothers encountered the vibrant, California lifestyle, and the unique fashions rooted in the state's surfer and psychedelic cultures. These influences became the basis for the label, which, today, is known for its whimsical flourishes, bright, saturated color palette and edgy silhouettes.
• Express
  Island fashionistas rejoice! We're finally getting our very own Express. For those not in the know, the label stocks on-trend women's and men's apparel and accessories at affordable prices. We love the fall collection, which is chockfull of spot-on shrunken leather jackets, menswear-inspired vests and fabulously fun dresses. Opening fall 2008.
• FAO Schwarz
  The legendary toy store (the backdrop to that famous piano scene in the movie Big) will open up shop inside Macy's this November. The store within a store will stock an exclusive FAO private label collection along with an assortment of the other well-known toy brands that have helped make FAO one of the country's oldest, most-revered retailers.
• Brontibay
  Opening in the Nordstrom wing on the second level, this French brand sells incredibly stylish handbags that are perfect for achieving that casually thrown-together, yet totally chic, Paris-girl look.

• Miu Miu
  Prada's funkier, edgier little sister brings sexy back to Honolulu with its lust-worthy shoes and bags.
• Michael Kors
  The reigning king of American sportswear (and our favorite Project Runway judge) is opening an Ala Moana outpost, which will sell his utterly wearable clothes and accessories. Opening summer 2009.