ISLAND LIFE SHORTS
From the HIP
| |||
|
|||
| |||
| |||
| |||
| |||
|
|||
PINK PASSION
Pink Martini is an eclectic little orchestra whose music has been in everything from "Nip/Tuck" and "Hitch" to "Desperate Housewives" and "The Sopranos." See them live at the Blaisdell Concert Hall, 7 p.m. tonight, $37.50; tickets at www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 800-745-3000.
— Tracy Chan, www.Honolulu.Metromix.com
ALICE IN BAT LAND
From the colorful ghoulishness of the scary twins to the snide Cheshire Cat and wicked queen, "Alice in Wonderland" has a mysterious and dark element. So it's only fitting for the monthly Bat Cave event to host an Alice in Wonderland costume party.
Come and join DJ Nocturna, Modboy, Shadowfoxxx, the Cherry Blossom Burlesque, the Mad Hatter, the Hookah-Smoking Caterpillar, the White Rabbit and the rest of the gang Saturday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the Loft, 115 N. Hotel St.; the cover is $10 for those 21 and over. Find out more at www.djnocturna.com.
— L.M.
GOOD TO GRILL
Whether you're looking for a place to have a laid-back date or just want to hang with the friends, Good To Grill is a great spot to head for dinner. With an affordable menu ranging from healthy salads with grilled fish to creamy pasta dishes with blackened chicken, you're looking at spending $10 to $15 per person.
On Tuesday nights, there's an added bonus: live music. Join event coordinators Jeremy Cheng and David Asing for an open-mic format. "We've been doing this since December," says Cheng. "It's really great because it's relaxed, we're outdoors, the food is delicious and it's BYOB." The crowd includes college types and young adults heading home after a day at work. Fans include Jason Laeha, lead singer and guitarist of the band Lost at Sea. "My girlfriend and I went shopping at Safeway and heard the live music. We found out it was open-mic, and we've pretty much come every week after that," Laeha said. "The crowd here really appreciates good music." Join the acoustic vibe. Good To Grill, 888 Kapahulu Ave., www.goodtogrill.com, 734-7345.
— Lacy Matsumoto
SALES & BARGAINS
• Dolce, at Ward Centre, is in the middle of a Girls Day Sale. Owner Christie Yang is clearing out space for her new summer collection. Lauren Moshi brand graphic tanks are only $30 — the ultra-popular brand normally runs $85 to over $100. This artistic designer is known for her hand-drawn original creations and uses the finest fabrics for maximum comfort. Her clothing caters to customers who have an eye for intricate art and an appreciation for soft textiles and durable prints. Check out the sale rack for LnA racerback tanks. You'll love the soft cotton feel and vibrant colors; prices start at $15. If you want to create a feminine silhouette that caters to varying body shapes, go for a hi lo tank with a little tail by Alternate Apparel ($40 and up). Pair this dressy tank with leggings, cinched with a skinny belt if you prefer, and the "still popular" gladiator wedge and you're set. Dolce, Ward Centre; 596-9436, www.dolcehonolulu.com.
• We're wild about Deuces. This locally owned shoe boutique opened at Ward Centre in December and has generated a lot of buzz for its variety of underground brands and hot printed hosiery from London. Men, check out Vlado footwear, the official sponsor of the hottest "Jerk" dance crews in the nation. Right now it's exclusive to Hawai'i and only $50; big boys fear not, sizes run up to 15. Owners Darcie Pulawa and Arlynn Orpilla feature new signature pieces every month — their inventory is always moving. Take advantage of their sale rack. Some hot items we found:
• Slip into something fierce — animal prints are the rave this season! A Cherry in Zebra style by Madeline is $29 (regular price $37).
• Gerogi in red by Madeline at $30 (regularly $57) will let you spice up your look for a special occasion in gorgeous ruffled high heels.
• Bronze gladiator sandals by Luichiny are $30 (regular price $38).
• Guys with an urban style will like Eboy by Gola (below), black with yellow and red stripes at $34 (regular price $68).
Deuces, Ward Centre; www.mydeuces.com, 593-9055.
• Allison Izu, premium denim guru, has some amazing deals on her Web site right now. Her fall 2008 items are priced at $50 and the spring 2009 collection is $56.80 to $67.20. Here's an exclusive deal just for Honolulu Advertiser readers of Sales & Bargains: a $10-off coupon if you spend $50 or more. Use coupon code HonAdSale. Don't procrastinate but the coupon is valid until April 30. Also: get free shipping for orders of $100 or more, and free return shipping if something doesn't fit. www.shopallisonizu.com.
• When is the last time you treated yourself to a great haircut? If you're looking for high-end style but you're on a tight budget, Paul Brown has a Jr. Stylist program at the Ward Centre location. The offer is a shampoo, haircut and style for just $27.50. This doesn't include tax or gratuity. While you're there, get 25 percent off Paul Brown cosmetics when you schedule a brow wax for just $21.99. Also, get 30 percent off Artec/L'Oreal products and keep your color fresh between visits with their color shampoos and conditioners. Paul Brown, Ward Centre; 591-1881, www.paulbrownhawaii.com.
• Get your vintage fix at Catherine's Closet, with two one-day sales, Saturday and March 20, with all accessories (purses, hats, jewelry and shoes) marked 25 percent to 65 percent off. Be sure to check the $20 dress rack. Create a unique mash-up; a vintage dress updated with a hot fantasy shoe (sky-high wedges and ruffles). Pair that with feminine yet bold hair accessories and, voila, you've got your look. Catherine's Closet, 2733 East Mānoa Road, suite 204; 386-2746.
— Amanda Stevens