The Left Lane
That's my bag!

Back in July, Leong, who designs accessories, clothing and home decor under the label Pili Aloha, sent a box of embellished skirts, bags and jeans to the fashion-forward hit series. Sunday's episode featured a lauhala bag she embellished with shells and bright raffia rosettes. It is sitting on a box when the star of the show, Carrie Bradshaw, played by Sarah Jessica Parker, enters her apartment. "It was the thrill of my life," Leong said of seeing her creation on national TV. Pili Aloha skirts and jeans are at Coco Moon in the New Otani Hotel, and The Green Comb on the corner of Kapi'olani Boulevard and Pi'ikoi Street.

Chinese writing

The Hawai'i Chinese Writers' Association highlights the essays, poems, stories and other works of writers here who work in the Chinese language in "Blue Hawai'i, Vol. II," a new collection being given its official welcome Saturday at the Chinese Cultural Plaza, Room 302.

The first edition of "Blue Hawai'i" was favorably reviewed, and is in many university libraries. Information: Hawai'i Chinese Writers' Association, P.O. Box 75176, Honolulu, HI 96836.

Keillor chronicles

You could call them "guerrilla broadcasting," those "Night Out" shows, the documentary-style broadcasts that Garrison Keillor occasionally does when touring with his popular radio show, "A Prairie Home Companion." Now visiting the Islands after sold-out shows at the Hawai'i Theatre last weekend, Keillor plans an episode of "Night Out" to be aired 8-9:30 p.m. tomorrow on Hawai'i Public Radio (KHPR 88.1, KKUA 90.7 on Maui and KANO 91.1 in Hilo), with a feed to Mainland stations. The twist: The public is not told in advance where Keillor will broadcast from; he moves from one spot to another, interviewing people and presenting music by choice performers. Catch the tape-delayed show this one time; there will be no rebroadcasts.

Plum of a pageant

Calling potential contestants: The first Miss Umeboshi contest, noon Sunday at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i, is inspired by the Cherry Blossom pageant, but with more emphasis on daffiness than decorum.

Wannabes should come in shorts, T-shirts, rubbah slippahs — no gowns, nylons or high heels — at 9 a.m. for make-up, hair, and dress information, prepped to strut by 11:30 a.m. A yukata kimono will be provided. Contestants will be asked impromptu questions — the more hilarious their answers, the better. The buzz is that some early sign-ons boast dubious beauty — kind of a drag, if you get the drift. Organizer Ann Asakura, one of several judges, said Miss Umeboshi should "reflect a healthy virility. After all, the contest is named for the plum seed, and ume is a healthy food, right in the middle of the musubi." Another contest clue: Keep your poise on stage, and legs closed when sitting. This is, after all, a search for royalty ... or is it? Inquiries: 945-7633.