Remember those Stussy wallets with the chain, and that tag-inspired signature? When Shawn Stussy started his company in 1980, he had no idea that the influence of rap music would elevate his self-expression-through-fashion to international street wear. The hot Stussy item of today is his logo T-shirt, littered with every Stussy logo designed over the past two dozen or so years. "It captured Stussy from the beginning to the end," said Ian Okui (pictured), who works at the recently opened Stussy store in Hokua Tower, 1288 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 106, one of only eight locations worldwide. Sag your jeans, clip your chain wallet and you've got a hot fashion flashback.

— L.M.

BEAT BATTLE

Some of Hawai'i's most talented underground beat producers will go head to head in the final Beat Root competition hosted by Kavet the Catalyst of the Lightsleepers. The competitors are Humdrummin, Laels Beatz, Opqosite, Ques?, Sentr1c and S.T.U. Using laptops to sequence beats or MPCs to kick them live on the spot, the six finalists will show all the creativity they can muster by sampling everything from rock to electronic music. Support your favorite beat maker this Friday at the rRed Elephant Café (1144 Bethel St.) starting at 8 p.m.; $10 gets you in, and all ages are welcome.

— Jake Miyasato

LOVING THE LEGGINGS

Your nails are painted, your hair is perfect, your outfit is almost there, you're just missing one thing: leggings. Our warm weather didn't make leggings a fashion necessity. Until now. Introducing Stockin Girl, an updated '80s retro look with modern prints that are just what a girl needs to create that unique outfit. From bright anaconda to luscious leopard, each design brings out your wild side; available at Exclusive (1311 Kapiolani, Suite 104, the bottom floor of the Hawaiian Life building) for $23; 593-9699.

— L.M.

PLENTY OF POTATO PIE

Hard to steer clear of sweets? Try Okinawan-Sweet-Potato Squares, a $3.66 (includes tax) dessert that is a little piece of home-baked heaven, full of local mouth-watering taste. The Diamond Head Market and Grill treats are baked to perfection weekly: A bottom layer of shortbread cookie crust, followed by a creamy sweet- potato layer, topped off with a hefty layer of homemade haupia. And best of all, "Everything is made right here," said pastry cook James Yoshioka (pictured). At Diamond Head Market and Grill, 3158 Monsarrat Ave.

— Lacy Matsumoto

HOT STUFF

BEJEWELED BALL GOWNS

Diamonds and designer gowns are classic red-carpet partners, but rarely have they gotten this close. The Diamond Information Center invited five up-and-coming designers to join forces with jewelers to create one-of-a-kind looks. "It's fun to have designers who are not always on the Oscar red carpet, because they're young and edgy, think about the Oscar gown," said Sally Morrison of Diamond Information Center. Here, Jovovich-Hawk paired a green velvet and chiffon gown with a Camilla Dietz Bergeron necklace. In other work, Los Angeles designer Libertine, known for Goth- and punk-inspired styles, came up with a black lace jacket covered in Neil Lane vintage diamond brooches.

— Associated Press

SALES & BARGAINS