AIR YEEZY POISED TO BLOW SHOE LOVERS AWAY

You know what "fo' sheezee" means (for sure), you've been working on your swagger, but you don't quite have street cred yet. But the new Air Yeezy kicks from Kanye West and Nike might help. Dropping this weekend, with only 15 pairs of the Air Yeezy shoe available in Hawai'i, they might be one of the hottest commodities on the streets today. People started lining up for the last two Air Yeezy editions more than 72 hours before they were released. The newest version is a combination of pastels, a glow-in-the-dark sole and a hint of hot pink lining. "I'm a collector. The shoe is limited to only 500, so it's really hard to get. And since Kanye wears it, it's become really hyped," says Eddy Haus, co-owner of Kicks HI, one of the exclusive stores chosen to carry the shoe. At $300 a pop, these kicks will have you walking around feeling fly. Kicks HI, 1530 Makaloa St., 941-9191, www.kickshawaii.com.

— Lacy Matsumoto

JIMMY CHOO BUSINESS BOOK IS A PERFECT FIT

We know there's no such thing as too many shoes. And when those shoes are Jimmy Choos ... well, we can all fantasize about a closetful, can't we?

If we can't afford an endless supply of sexy stilettos, especially in the current economic environment, at least we can dream and perhaps learn a little about what went into the Jimmy Choo brand. "The Towering World of Jimmy Choo: A Glamorous Story of Power, Profits and the Pursuit of the Perfect Shoe" (Bloomsbury, $26) is primarily a business book, but it's also the tale of London society girl Tamara Yeardye, who acts as muse and inspires a London cobbler with a few famous clients to launch a luxury shoe line.

Tom Ford described the book's co-authors Lauren Goldstein Crowe and Sagra Maceira DeRosen as having impressed the fashion and business worlds with "their thoughtful critiques and analysis of the fashion industry." This is no easy summer read, but it offers cunning insight into what makes a modern luxury brand.

— Paula Rath

ELVIS COSTELLO'S 'SUGARCANE' IS SWEET; RANCID'S 'DOMINOES' NEVER FALLS

Elvis Costello, 'Secret, Profane and Sugarcane'

4 stars

Comment: Top of the crop.

Few British artists have embraced American roots music with as much affection, diligence and grace as Costello. His previous work with T-Bone Burnett is a good reference point for the beautifully crafted, bittersweet acoustic pop on this album, which Burnett also produced. Haunting ballads such as "She Handed Me a Mirror" confirm the tender intuition that separates Costello from his less empathic disciples. — Elysa Gardner, USA Today

Download: "Complicated Shadows," "My All-Time Doll," "I Dreamed of My Old Lover"

Skip: Nothing

Rancid, 'Let the Dominoes Fall'

3 1/2 stars

RANCID, 'LET THE DOMINOES FALL'

Comment: Punk with spunk.

Punk apathy is debunked as the East Bay quartet marshals all their strengths — ferocity, stout melodies, ska oomph and a big heart — into a vital topical album that proves the band's authority and durability.

Sounding as fresh and urgent as ever despite their Clashist leanings, they yank as many heartstrings as guitar strings on their 19-track seventh studio release.

Tim Armstrong and Lars Frederiksen slur-sing with typical pep, belligerence and sincerity as they appraise a host of societal ills, including war. Media that idled as Iraq boiled are targeted in "The Bravest Kids" and "Civilian Ways," inspired by Armstrong's brother, addresses a soldier's homecoming adjustments.

"Dominoes" never falls into despair. Rather than wallow in Katrina's ruins, New Orleans rejoices in the city's resilience. On the ska-stung "I Ain't Worried" and burly "Last One to Die," the punkers take pride in their longevity and self-reliance, howling on the latter: "We only listened to the words that we sang/Now a million are singing along." This is revivalist punk at its most revivifying. — Edna Gundersen, USA Today

Download: "Civilian Ways," "Up to No Good," "You Want It, You Got It," "I Ain't Worried"

Consider: "New Orleans," "East Bay Night"

WHAT'S ON YOUR IPOD?

Fashionista Anne Au

"Bang Ya Body" by Tigga Calore

"White Unicorn" by Wolfmother

"Turn Left" by Little Dragon

"He Doesn't Know" by Fleet Foxes

"Sex On Fire" by Kings of Leon

LACE HEADBANDS A DELICATE WAY TO BEAT THE HEAT

As we head into the sweltering days of summer, sometimes fashion has to be shoved to the back burner because all you want to do is throw on a pair of shorts and a tank. But this summer when you're trying to keep cool, remember how the the flappers and hippies did it: They were on to something when they donned their headbands, necessary accessories for a hot look that helps keep off the heat. The lace headbands at Dolce Boutique in Ward Center are made out of delicate lace, and are light, stretchy and comfortable. For a chic, bohemian look, try wearing the lace headband across your forehead, keeping you cool with your hair out of your face. Find the lace headbands for $12 at Dolce, Ward Centre, 1200 Ala Moana Blvd., 596-9436, www.dolcehonolulu.com.

They sell for $60 at The Walking Company in Ala Moana Center, Raging Isle Sports in Hale'iwa and Sole Mates in Kapa'a, Kaua'i. To purchase online, visit www.simpleshoes.com.

— P.R.

SALES & BARGAINS

• Snatch this deal fast. Roberta Oaks is offering a swinging deal online: $50 bikinis and 40 percent off all dresses. Normally more than $100, her suits aren't offered as separates, but her designs offer a unique boho-inspired mismatched look. Hurry, limited sizes and quantities available. Sale through June 10. www.robertaoaks.com.

• Today at Ward Warehouse, check out the new Sidewalk Sundays, which will repeat every Sunday through July. Stores are offering sales or unique items throughout the mall outdoors. Our pick: The Wedding Café is offering a Bags That Change The World sale. The café will be selling handbags that are slightly damaged or gently used, all priced at $20 or less to raise money for Divas Doing Good. The proceeds from the sale will be used to sponsor a runaway house and purchase supplies to clean up the home. Ward Warehouse, 591-1005.

• Mary's Toys in Kailua is closing. After losing her husband last month, Zanakis is selling her entire inventory at 20 percent off so she can be home with her two sons. The store will close as soon as possible, so get there quickly to show your support. Kailua Shopping Center; 600 Kailua Road; 262-1332.

• Take note of the glorious sandal sale happening now at Nine West, with a 30 percent off additional sale on most styles already marked down. Cute ankle strap platforms in summer-worthy colors (including pink, blue and citron) ring in at just $35. You'll want to (and be able to) strut out the door with more than just one pair. Ala Moana Center.

• Now with more sunshine each day, you have no excuse to not be active. Lululemon has you covered with a rare massive sale on tops, pants, jackets and bras. We found in the mix their famous groove pants, in the roll-down and cropped versions, that are now marked $54-$59. (Normally a whooping $86!) Get 'em fast, with pants that look this good on, these won't stay on the shelves for long. Ala Moana Center.

SHOES + PHOTOS = A SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL PARTNERSHIP

Surfer and photographer Joe Curren has partnered with eco-friendly Simple shoes to create a sneaker collection featuring his gorgeous photos of surfing and sunsets. The sneakers are made of 100 percent organic cotton, with laces from recycled plastic bottles. The outsole is fashioned from recycled car tires. Both prints are made in men's and women's styles.

— P.R.