3 ACCESSORIES IN 1

Here's a pretty and practical little multitasker: a belt that can easily morph into a choker or headband.

It's designed by Alfonsina Ladogana of Waikíkí, an Argentinian who has them made in her home country, a country well known for quality leather goods. She calls it the rosette Cirque Leather belt.

Ladogana's belts were put on hold for a few months while she was rather busy giving birth to a daughter, Coral, who is now 3 months old. Coral's daddy is pro longboard surfer Kai Sallas.

The belts come in black, gunmetal, red, tan and blue and sell for $48 at The Butik, 1067 Kapiolani Blvd. Phone: 593-4484.

— Paula Rath

ARTIST AT WORK

If you're into anime, cartoons or just interested in something new, you might want to check out this artist. Born in Taiwan in the late 1970s, illustrator Martin Hsu (right) has gotten a majority of his inspiration from his own family history, including influence from Chinese mythology. His animated art is bright and colorful and has various hints of religious meanings. One of Hsu's highlights was a character named "Ruby Gloom," which started off as a T-shirt design, and took off to become a hit cartoon character. His resume of clients have ranged from Disney, Nickelodeon and Sprint, and he has been interviewed by animation magazines like Helio Magazine. His work has been in galleries like the Giant Robot, the M Modern and Art Basel, and Gallery Nucleus. To see some of his work, visit www.martinhsu.com or check him out from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday at Split Obsession at Ala Moana Center, where he will be autographing prints and T-shirts. Call 951-8480 or visit www.supergoodforyou.com for more information.

— Lacy Matsumoto

FORT KNOX FIVE GETS FUNKY

The DJs have been here before, packing NextDoor's dance floor with sweaty, transient dancers from around the island. The members of Fort Knox Five's funky beats, with pumping bass lines and eclectic melodies, create an almost euphoric sound. Their latest album "Radio Free DC" reached the Top 10 on iTunes, and placed No. 1 on the Beatport, which maintains their standard of producing hit albums. The Washington, D.C.-based recording group consists of Steve Raskin, Jon Horvath, Rob Myers and Sid Barcelona — all important players in the electronic and house scene. Their like-minded sense of great music adds to the high and positive energy of their albums, which mix funk, reggae, hip-hop and electronic, crossing over all genres of music for your dancing pleasure. Catch them this First Friday at NextDoor, 43 N. Hotel St. $10 cover, 21 and older or visit www.fortknoxrecordings.com to scoop some of their latest music.

— L.M.

MUSICIAN-PRODUCER TURNS VISUAL ARTIST

PHILADELPHIA — In his nearly four decades as a vanguard of pop culture, Malcolm McLaren has worn many hats: musician, producer, filmmaker, impresario, fashion designer, reality TV star.

At age 63, the one-time manager of The Sex Pistols is adding another discipline to his resume: visual artist.

"Shallow 1-21," a series of 21 short video works that combine snips of obscure 1960s sex films with musical "cut-ups" by McLaren, is on view at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts through Jan. 3.

It's the first time the 86-minute piece is being shown in its entirety in the U.S.

The 21 segments — only four of which include nudity — consist of just a few frames of film, slowed down and repeated to match the length of each piece of music.

— Associated Press

SALES & BARGAINS

• Jessica's traveling boutique partners with So'mace lifestyle today from 11 a.m to 5 p.m. Save up to 40 percent on items at So'mace, while shopping for cute and affordable outfits from Jessica. The Kon Tiki shave ice truck will be adding to your shopping pleasure with its refreshing, yummy delights. 1115 Young St., 593-8780.

• Just another reason we're lucky to live in Hawai'i: When the fall half-yearly sale kicks off at Nordstrom Wednesday, it'll be just in time for us to stock up on warmer clothes in anticipation for when temperatures finally start to dip, even if only a little. Find women and children's favorite brands on sale at Ala Moana Center and online at www.Nordstrom.com.

• It's crazy, but with Halloween now over, the holiday season has begun. If there was ever a year to really think about making every buck count, this is it. Luckily we just happen to know the very thing most of us really want to have forever: Great shots of our family. While snapshots from the cheap digitals are fine, it's the high-quality shots we'll cherish forever. One local girl who really knows her way with cute kiddies, families and adults is Nicole Seu of Studio 3511. Her holiday $48 family portrait gift special buys you the normal family photo sitting time of 20 minutes, in a location in town. Two 8-by-10 pictures chosen by the photographer are included. All images can be purchased for an additional $55. It's a gift you can give to others, too. Dates are filling up quickly, so get your spot reserved now. 779-7855; www.studio3511.com, or follow her blog at www.studio3511photography.blogspot.com.

— Pualana Lemelle

WHAT'S ON YOUR IPOD?

Local filmmaker Jason Hakala
1. "Poker Face" by Lady Gaga
2. "Promiscuous" by Nelly Furtado
3. "I Kissed a Girl" by Katy Perry
4. "Lucky" by Britney Spears
5. "Quit Playing Games With My Heart" by The Backstreet Boys