Fall fashions call for rich, vibrant colors and the season's hottest hue, purple. Can't afford a head-to-toe seasonal ensemble? Why not focus on the fingers and toes? Make a fall fashion statement with one of celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann's new nail colors: Fade to Black, the little black polish that made its debut on Zac Posen's runway; Pump Up the Jam, a shimmery plum; Stop and Stare, a striking red; and Rhapsody in White, a frosty white that pays tribute to the '60s. Available for $15 at Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus.

— Paula Rath

METROMIX TIP

GO TROPICAL FOR HOT REGGAE, HIP-HOP ACTS

Tropics Cafe has become a Honolulu hot spot for catching up-and-coming reggae and hip-hop bands; the snug bar and lounge at Ward Farmers Market has been packing in crowds almost every night of the week. The formula is simple: drink and pupu specials, no cover charge and cool local acts like Creed Chameleon and Lost at Sea. Visit Metromix — www.honolulu.metromix.com — for a look inside this happenin' local hangout, reader's "playlists" of their favorite hot spots and more ideas for your next urban adventure.

FINAL WORD

"I don't want to be the black comedy guy. I want to be like the Barack of acting, where you don't see a color, you just see a person."

Brandon T. Jackson | "Tropic Thunder" actor, in Entertainment Weekly