CUSTOM-MADE

The North Shore winter swells haven't wound down yet, so if you're looking for a way to be seen out in the water scene, one of these designs by Maliko Design might get you that attention. Local artist and owner Colleen Wilcox works with clients to create looks that fit their personal style. Whether she's creating a design for a freshly shaped, new board, or sprucing up an old one, she can turn your board into something truly custom-made.

Wilcox uses Posca paint pens and then seals the design with a waterproof, wear-proof acrylic spray. She charges between $150 and $200, depending on the size and complexity of the design. Interested in scoping out more of her looks? Check out her Web site, www.malikodesign.com.

— L.M.

ALL THE SINGLE LADIES

It has become socially acceptable to be a single lady. The young and childless can often afford late nights out with the girls, expensive shoes, pedicures, manicures — the whole stylish nine yards. So, with TV shows and films like "Sex and the City," and songs like Beyonce's "Single Ladies," do young, single and free females feel empowered?

"Is it me, or have the times changed?" asked one From the Hip reader, who asked to remain anonymous. "It's like it's actually cool to be a single lady nowadays. Is there some kind of incentive in being single and only focused on a career and friends? Maybe I'm old-fashioned, but I'm confused about all of it."

Are you single, and do you have thoughts on it? Send your thoughts to Lacy.FromtheHip@gmail.com. Feel free to include a photo, if you dare.

BOLLYWOOD LIGHTS

With their bright costumes, exotic dancing, underlying love story and pulsating music, Bollywood films are always visually stimulating, and often intriguing. Beginning Thursday, and continuing through Feb. 7, catch a prime example of Bollywood at its best — the film "DEV.D" at the Doris Duke Theatre, screening as part of the third annual Bollywood Film Festival.

The story has been adapted for the screen several times, but this particular version, released in 2009, has been hailed as one of the most vivid.

A classic love story, it pulls viewers into a world of self-destruction and lost love in the streets of Delhi and the mustard fields of Punjab. Be transferred into a new universe and see it: 12:30 p.m. Thursday; 12:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Feb. 7 at the Doris Duke Theatre, Honolulu Academy of Arts; $5-$8. Details: 532-8768, www.honoluluacademy.org.

— Lacy Matsumoto

GET IT FOR LESS

In this funny recession-era guide, author Rosalyn Hoffman's "Bitches on a Budget" (New American Library) offers sage advice on surviving the economic downturn without sacrificing style. It's about how to get it all for less.

"The wily shopping bitch is an out-of-the-box thinker, bold investor and bargain hunter all wrapped up in one stylish package," writes Hoffman.

Her style is whimsical as she welcomes readers to the "era of smart indulgence," offering tips on how to strip your closet down to the essentials, embrace vintage and snag incredible bargains online; exchange overpriced labels for stylish looks and wretched excess for social consciousness ; and purge your lust for the fancy trappings of the hedge-fund era while rediscovering your own pleasure spots. It's a great attitude- adjuster for the new year.

— Paula Rath

SALES & BARGAINS

• Some people were just born with it — a sense of style, that is. Christina Cook, affectionately called Cookie, is one of them. It’s in her genes; her parents were the co-founders of Bebe, and she longed to have a similar experience. This local girl, who attended Punahou, was finally able to realize her dream when she opened Cookie’s Clothing Co. in Koko Marina Center. Committed to her fashion education, her textbooks are Vogue, Bazaar and Elle. She flies to L.A. once a month to scout brands, as it’s her passion to create L.A.-meets-island style comfort; however, she’s not afraid to pull out a few show-stoppers. In addition to her own brand, she carries Sky, Da Nang and Soul Revival, to name a few. At the sales rack, you’ll find a long, red plunging dress, just right for Valentine’s Day — this attention grabber is just $10, seriously! For a sexy Snow White motif, try on a white strapless linen dress ($49) with a pearl/rose bracelet ($24). And Cookie’s has what’s hot and now — romantic ruffles, lace and champagne pearl tones. Perfect for the upcoming Valentine’s Day weekend: a rose-pink, flirty blouse with a vintage feel. That trend is not quite boho, it’s girly, earthy, confident and romantic. Cookie’s Clothing Co., Koko Marina Center, 396-2665; Windward Mall; 236-2665. On the Web: www.cookieshawaii.com.
• While in Koko Marina, don’t miss the Valentine’s Day Prep Sale from now until Feb. 14 at J. Boutique Salon and Spa. Although the hyped trend for nails is blue-based shades with soft shimmer and other metallic nail colors, for February, we recommend ruby, which is also in. A manicure/pedicure combo regularly priced at $44 is now just $32.99. And don’t stress about your hair — they offer a shampoo, cut and blow-dry for only $35 (select stylists only). Get with your friends and purchase a four-facials package for just $200. If you can split it, what a deal! J. Boutique Salon and Spa, Koko Marina Center; 396-1887.
• Speaking of split … Split Obsession has such a unique concept. He’s obsessed with interesting art; she’s obsessed with fashion. It’s a melding of minds, so to speak. A great love story, right? Bruce Chin is inspired by the Seattle art scene. and Erica Apana features up-to-date fashion pieces. Their mission is to expand art and style in Hawaiçi by exposing their customers to different artists, designers, trends and collectible toys. Save up right now with signed and numbered, limited-edition screen prints (100 prints total) from art heavyweight Angry Woebot at 50 percent off the original price of $75, and Dooperdoo artist-designed T-shirts and hoodies for men and women at 40 percent off. The sale ends Feb. 7. Koko Marina Center; 395-3380, Ala Moana Center; 951-8480, www.splitobsession.com.
—Amanda Stevens
Read Sales & Bargains first at http://hawaiisfashionforum.honadvblogs.com.