ACID QUEENS

The homegrown clothing line Acid Dolls has a new home. Since launching in 2003 and re-branding last year, owner Cindy King has reached new heights, including the launch of a flagship boutique at the Royal Hawaiian Center, as well as an online shop.

The boutique opened on Friday, and is packed with cute clothes for the modern, flirty and fun girl. Dresses run from $60 to $170; shoes are $145 to $170; accessories range from $18 to $42.

The Acid Doll collection, which is locally designed, will also be adding a few new surprises. "I'm going to be working with other local designers like Matt Bruening and Ceilia Kim, who will be designing exclusive pieces," says King. "I really would like to expand to the West Coast, also Southeast Asia; but we will be taking it one step at a time, and the boutique and online store are a great start." Acid Dolls Boutique, Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, Suite 303, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily; visit www.aciddolls.com to shop online.

— L.M.

LOOKING FOR LOVE

When it comes to relationships, there are many ways to describe your situation. On Facebook, you can select from seven different statuses to explain where you stand. But with all the options, how do you define the lines?

According to Leandro Maruoka, a single bachelor who is "dating," there can be a language barrier when it comes to relationship statuses. Here's his terminology: "Dating means you're getting to know each other, you could be dating several people. Now 'seeing' someone is just as casual, but maybe there's something physical involved," explains Maruoka.

Confused about all the choices? On Facebook, you could always opt to leave your status blank, and call it a day.

Have something to say about modern dating? E-mail us (and send a photo, if you're willing; include a phone number, too) at Lacy.FromtheHip@gmail.com.

GETTING 86'D

It kinda feels like Anna Bannana's has been holding an extended funeral — but you can't blame indie-rockers for making noise at Anna's as long as it's open. 86 Productions gets the joke — its flyer for The Last Days at Anna Bannana's series says, "Weren't they supposed to be closed already??" The fact remains that space is limited for live music, and Anna's is one of the few venues that host indie nights.

"We don't know, the venue doesn't know, no one really knows when Anna's is shutting down," says event-promoter (and 86 List member) Josh Hancock. "For this event, we've gathered some of the finest — and we're venturing away from the previous punk and ska bands." This Saturday, join the party and check out some of Linus the Band, rising stars the Girlfriends, Shopping List (pictured), Invisible Monsters, and Clones of the Queen. The event is $5 for those 18 and over at Anna Banana's, 2240 S. Beretania St., 946-5190. Go to www.unitycrayons.com for more.

— Lacy Mastumoto

SALON BLANC

You've been great at sticking to your New Year's resolution; now treat yourself to a new 'do for the new you at one of Honolulu's most stylin' salons — Salon Blanc, owned and operated by local artist Alan Vuong, Mia Kim and Monica Ngyuen. The salon has a chic interior, like stepping into a high-end scene— with track lighting, tall white walls, minimalist approach and state-of-the-art equipment, it makes you feel like you're about to take on a major transformation.

"A great haircut will actually change lives — making people feel confident," says Vuong — a stylish guy in his own right, with his well-maintained hair and trendy attire. Here's a bonus for From the Hip readers: Bring this column into the salon and get 20 percent off salon products. Visit these hot stylists at 1288 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 100; 593-2100. Go to www.salonblanc.com for more information on services available.

— L.M.

SALES & BARGAINS

Most of us aren't able to hire Rachel Zoe, fashion stylist extraordinaire, to peruse clothing racks, selecting our perfect look. Instead, we do it ourselves, sometimes frustrated because we don't have the time to shop, can't find a great deal or can't find the right size. The Web site Shop It To Me is a virtual personal shopper that collaborates with about 100 popular retailers — and the service is free. You can monitor men's or women's clothing, favorite brands or types of clothing (swimwear, dresses, etc.) in your size. Sign up for daily, weekly or semi-weekly e-mail notifications, and you're set. Their management team in San Francisco referred me to O'ahu member Allison Lee, 24, of Moanalua, a Shop It To Me member since 2007, who says, "The service is really great, really personalized. Unlike other sale sites, I receive updates about brands and designers I'm actually interested in. In fact, today I just bought two T by Alexander Wang pieces that I saw in my e-mail!" I think I found a believer.

• In December, The Clothes Chick owner Susan Reaver decided to keep it simple and focus her energy on the Kapahulu store. Employee and protege Tara Phillips took over the lease at the King Street location and named the store Tara's Secret Closet. Phillips, a former model who's been in retail since she was 16, and only moved here from Texas four months ago, decided to leap, and she's thrilled about her new endeavor. While in Texas, she managed an upscale consignment store called Second Time Around. Through Jan. 30, everything in the store is 50 percent off the lowest ticket price. Tara's Secret Closet, 2013 South King St.; 942-2442.

Meanwhile, The Clothes Chick is busier than ever. Clientele ranges from college students and local business professionals to Waikīkī tourists, all looking for a great deal. Both The Clothes Chick and Tara's Secret Closet give store credit for clothing and cash for designer bags. The Clothes Chick, 415-B Kapahulu Ave.; 942-2442.

• Looking for stylish, sexy and functional swimwear that stays on while you swim and surf? Head to Waikīkī. Locally owned shop Pualani Hawaii is having an incredible sale on its 2009 collection. Find bikinis for just $25: You'll love the Coco, Paisley and Sumatra designs. Parking is not hard to find along Kapi'olani Park and Kaimana Beach. Pualani Hawaii, 2863 Kalākaua Ave. (in the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel); 923-0753, www.pualanihawaii.com.

• Get h.i.p. — happening in the present — with Nordstrom's fashion-forward junior collection. On chilly nights, partner an open-front, super-soft, knit drapey cardigan for just $34 with a lightweight racerback applique tank, a sweet, chic look for $24. The clothing in the B.P. Juniors Department is surprisingly affordable, too. Consider the high quality of the clothing and the h.i.p. factor. Nordstrom, Ala Moana Center; 953-6100, www.shopnordstrom.com.

— Amanda Stevens

Read Sales & Bargains first on the Hawaii's Fashion Forum blog, http://hawaiisfashionforum.honadvblogs.com.

GOT A TIP?

Reach us at salesandbargaintips@gmail .com.