PRETTY, PACKABLE, PRACTICAL

Kailua designer Jodi Salmonson lives by the three P's: pretty, practical and packable. That's the DNA of her chic Martinique collection, which has been blowing out of savvy boutiques such as Moonbow Tropics.

Salmonson will introduce her latest collection from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday in the Lobby Gallery on Bishop Street. Be there for informal modeling in the gallery from 7 to 8 p.m. The gallery is also featuring "Nurture Nature," the art of Carol D'Angelo and Dexter Doi.

What's in the collection? Sexy separates in yummy colors such as sugar beet, as well as calming ocean blues. Styles include flirty three-tiered camis and skirts, her classic kimono silk chiffon blouse and a wrap top that seems to flatter every figure.

Lobby Gallery, 1132 Bishop St., www.martinique-resortwear.com.

— Paula Rath

WHERE THE BOYS (AND GIRLS) ARE

Looking for love in all the wrong places? You could do better by spending time where other good people can be found. We asked young professional Rebecca Pang where she hangs out on her time off. In between managing her PR job at Stryker Weiner and Yokota, and working out at Ala Moana Beach Park, she told us, you can catch her at Bar 35.

"I like Bar 35 for happy hour; its relaxed there," Pang says.

The Chinatown bar has become a hot spot for young professionals 27 to 35 years old. In fact, it's created Rendezvous Tuesdays to encourage social groups and networking. Take advantage of their daily happy hour, 4 to 8 p.m. and all day Monday, and special events; for the lowdown, go to www.bar35hawaii.com. Bar 35, 35 N. Hotel St., 537-3535.

— Lacy Matsumoto

BIG LOVE

The Green Band has been blowing up the charts recently, hitting No. 3 on the Billboard Reggae charts with the debut of their first album, "The Green" and big hits like "Love I." The band is about to launch its Right Love tour with Anuhea that'll take them all over the Mainland — but you can still catch them in HNL.

The official Right Love Tour Kickoff Party is tomorrow at RumFire. Meet the band, buy merch, and show some love for Anuhea and The Green Band before they hit the road.

Right Love Tour Kickoff Party, 7 p.m. Monday, RumFire, 21 and over, free; 922-4422

— Tracy Chan, www.Honolulu.Metromix.com

SADE SOLDIERS ON

Sade's jazzy soul songs have often teetered between heartbreak and hope. The title track of her new album "Soldier of Love" (Epic) walks that emotional line over a crackling martial groove, returning the British chanteuse to the spotlight.

It's been a decade since the last CD, 2000's "Lovers Rock."

"Time always passes quicker than you think," says Sade, aka Sade Adu, 51, by phone from her home in England. "One of the reasons it takes me a long time to get back into the studio is that once I go in, I'm there for the duration."

The new album is at once fresh and familiar, with the mesmerizing rhythms and hauntingly sensual vocals that have been Sade's signature since the group's debut.

"We've never been a trendy band," she says. "If what we do comes from the heart, I kind of feel that there will be somebody that gets it."

— Steve Jones, USA Today

SALES & BARGAINS

• For elegance with a local vibe, visit Riches in Kahala Mall. Owner Lo Kaimuloa exudes fashion sense and a kind heart; her No. 1 passion is promoting local artists. Our hot pick: pearl bangle bracelets by Leighton Lam Designs. These freshwater pearl bangles are $35 each. The pearls come in assorted colors: black, chocolate, white, green, pink and champagne, and look good worn individually or stacked. Partner the look with Hula Hoop Earrings, sterling silver with freshwater pearls in two sizes, $15 and $18. Great gift items. Riches, Kahala Mall; 737-3303, www.richeshawaii.com.

• The story behind the name Fighting Eel might be privy only to owners/designers Rona Bennett and Lan Chung, but their customer loyalty is no secret. The clothes are feminine yet edgy, and the soft fabric falls well on your body. The pieces are ultra-versatile and can be layered for urban chic, or matched with few accessories for a classic, more relaxed look — as seen on celebrities Eva Longoria, Hayden Panettiere, Kristin Cavallari and Ashley Greene! Do not miss their sample rack; find one-of-a-kind pieces 25 percent to 75 percent off at the Fighting Eel outlet. We've spotted these finds:

Dress Diaz – a fall 2008 item on sale for $40 (originally $161). Can also be worn as a tunic with leggings and booties.

Dress Niko – $40 (originally $184). Short-sleeve red tunic/dress with cuffed sleeves, button detail at neck and shirring at bust.

Dress Mele – a summer 2009 item for $50 (originally $202). Sleeveless blue dress with mandarin collar, batik print, empire waist and on-seam pockets.

Dress Linds – $50 (originally $163), only available in orange. Racerback dress featuring a built-in bralet and deep-V neck.

Shorts Haze (left) – a spring 2009 bargain at $20. Plum Flutter shorts featuring tie at waist.

Fighting Eel Headquarters, 47 North Hotel St.; 524-1472, www.fightingeel.com.

• Koa furniture sale alert! All koa furniture will be on sale up to 50 percent off until March 8 at all Martin & MacArthur locations in celebration of their grand opening of the new Hilton Hawaiian Village store. Martin & MacArthur, Hilton Hawaiian Village; 792-1140. More locations at www.martinandmacarthur.com.

— Amanda Stevens