Nuno zori are rice straw sandals with fabric straps that used to be typical outdoor footwear in Japan. In the 21st century, they are made of kimono fabric and are considered indoor wear. Charming and attractive in a homespun way, they are both comfortable and cute.

Learn to make nuno zori in two half-day workshops at the University of Hawai'i-Manoa, 9 a.m. to noon April 26 and May 10 in UH-Manoa Krauss 012 (Yukiyoshi Room). Cost: $50 plus $20 materials fee, payable at class. To register, call 956-8400 or download the form at: www.outreach.hawaii.edu.

It's a rare treat for Maui women to get to shop a sale of Fighting Eel clothing, the creation of local girls Rona Bennett and Lan Chung. Now's their chance: There's a huge sample sale of the popular line, along with Ginger 13 jewelry, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday at the Maui Beach Hotel. Entry is $5; 808-524-1472 or www.fightingeel.com/events.

HOT MAMA MATERNITY WILL STAY

We reported here a few weeks ago that Hot Mama Maternity, on 9th Avenue in Kaimuki, was closing. Now Melissa Jackson, who formerly owned www.therapyboutique.com, an online women's wear boutique, has swept in on her white horse to save the popular little maternity shop. It's scheduled for a grand reopening on April 25.

The boutique has been known for carrying clothes that keep moms-to-be hip and stylin' even as their bumps expanded to maximum capacity. Hooray for those Earl Jeans with tummy expansion capabilities. Jackson expects to carry more clothing that works for both pregnant and nonpregnant women, such as James Perse and Page Denim, as well as sustainable bags and other eco-friendly products. Customers can expect more toys, infant and keiki lines as well.

In the meantime, there's a huge sale going on through this weekend, with prices up to 70 percent off. Information: 737-2737 or www.thehotmama.com. If you want to go in after this weekend and before April 25, Jackson asks that you please call first, to make sure someone is there!

NEW ALA MOANA KIOSKS OFFER BAGS, AVEDA

It can be a challenge to find the perfect bag to go with a mu'umu'u, aloha attire or even some of the bright and colorful prints that are everywhere this season. Enter Na Mea Laha'ole, which means "things unique," a new kiosk in the Nordstrom wing, mall level. Some of the bags are woven from vines grown in Indonesian jungles and adorned with tropical motifs handcarved from wood. Another line of bags is woven from fibers of the buri palm dyed in splashes of bright colors. Some limited-edition bags are carved from the wood of acacia trees.

The kiosk also carries some unusual jewelry with a tropical, Island, beachy vibe.

Just outside the Nordstrom shoe department, a kiosk extension of Aveda Lifestyle Salon & Spa sells Aveda products and gift cards, and takes appointments for the salon and spa. For a limited time, new customers can receive a $20 certificate good for any salon or spa service priced at $40 or more.

MU'UMU'U HEAVEN GETS MAGAZINE BUZZ

No shop on O'ahu is more eco-friendly than Mu'umu'u Heaven, where the clothes are fashioned from recycled mu'umu'u and every store fixture has seen at least one previous life. Perhaps that's why it's receiving so much positive international press, or maybe it's because Hollywood celebs have started wearing the hip clothes. The April issue of Lucky magazine features designer Deb Mascia's summer strap top, and in the table of contents the store is referred to as "a secret resource for lush Hawaiian clothes."

Mu'umu'u Heaven is also featured prominently in the Japanese press, with articles in Madame Figaro and Voyage Japon. The latter carries a two-page spread featuring both the shop and the Mascias' gorgeous home.

STYLE IS AN ATTITUDE

That's the philosophy behind Macy's Ala Moana's event especially created for plus-sized women (sizes 14W to 24W). Lina Girl from KCCN FM100 will emcee a fashion show that highlights the best trends and hottest looks for the modern Macy's woman. After the show, there will be music and mini-makeovers, compliments of Lancome cosmetics. There will also be special discounts on Macy's Woman merchandise and those who spend $100 or more will receive a bag of gifts, while supplies last.

Seating is limited. To RSVP, e-mail macyseventshi@macys.com or call 945-6427.

FABRIC SAMPLE SALE

There are those who simply cannot get enough textiles. No matter how large their stash, there's always room for one more piece of fabulous fabric for a future project. Here's an opportunity to stock up at rock-bottom prices. From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, there will be a fabric sample sale at The Atrium, 2nd floor at International Design Sources, 560 N. Nimitz Highway, No. 201, between Kmart and City Mill.

RED PINEAPPLE LAUNCHES CHARITY CLOTHES DRIVE

Here's an incentive to do some spring cleaning of the closet variety. Red Pineapple in Ward Centre invites Island folks to bring gently worn clothing — children's, men's or women's — to the store. The children's clothing will go to an orphanage in Africa. The rest will be shared among the needy at PATH, Catholic Charities and the YWCA.

In return for the donations, customers will receive a 10 percent discount on all purchases. The clothes will be sorted and distributed on April 21.