ISLAND LIFE SHORTS
From the hip
Advertiser Staff and News Services
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This year’s almost up, but there’s one more pau hana Friday to make the most of. Why not go pro?
Five to Nine pau hana for the professional at thirtyninehotel, held every last Friday of the month, is specially tailored to encourage downtowners to let loose and unwind.
Thirtyninehotel’s sensational cocktails — one of a kind, and designed to order by their award-winning bartender, Christian Self, are on special for $5, Stella Beer is $4, and Spanish-style tapas are served fresh from the kitchen. This month, a special treat: the soulful sounds of James Brown, as part of an annual tribute by event organizer Steven Kanemoto, aka DJ Eskae, above. Eskae and friends will be playing James Brown tunes all night long. Five to Nine, 5-9 p.m. on final Fridays, thirtyninehotel, 39 N. Hotel St.; no cover; 599-2552, www.djeskae.com.
— Lacy Matsumoto
SOMETHING WILD
Want to be cool and give a gift that’s educational, meaningful — and real? The Honolulu Zoo has an annual pass that’s perfect for a family gift, and lasts all year long. Packages include the Flamingo Family Pass, starting at $25, which includes two adults and up to six children. A Komodo Dragon Pass, at $150, includes admission for two adults and six children, as well as four tickets to a Moonlight tour. Member benefits also include a newsletter, 20 percent off at the snack shop and gift shop, and discounts on educational programs. Honolulu Zoo, 151 Kapahulu Ave.; 926-3191, www.honoluluzoo.org.
— L.M.
DECK THE NAILS
Liz Dahl and her daughter, Star Dahl-Thurston, 10, top, are decked out — right down to their fingertips — for the holidays, thanks to nail artist Yuko Fadigan of Plumeria Nails at CHOP Salon, who’s embellishing stylish locals with the latest in Calgel nail design. Fadigan can make anything from a sweet snow scene complete with snowman (on Star) to festive snowflakes, glitter and rhinestones (on Liz) and sultry, sexy leopard spots (on Yuko). She also creates dozens of other decorative designs including some cute Hello Kitty figures and anime-inspired flowers.
Calgel doesn’t damage the nails; in fact, many find it helps them grow longer, stronger nails. It takes less than an hour for a full set and 20 minutes about every two weeks to maintain them. It even dries immediately, so no worries about messing up a nail while reaching in your handbag for your keys.
— Paula Rath
RELEASES
Women make a mark
Young women provided much of the spark in 2008, a relatively dull year for pop.
Katy Perry, right, released the most talked-about single, the bi-lascivious “I Kissed a Girl.”
Jordin Sparks had the sleeper with her Chris Brown duet, “No Air.”
Miley Cyrus transcended her Hannah Montana character with her summer debut, “Breakaway.”
Taylor Swift crossed genres with “Fearless,” the album of the winter.
In R&B, 20-year-old Rihanna was unstoppable, and 21-year-old Jazmine Sullivan emerged as the genre’s hottest new voice.
Among critical favorites, retro-soul singers Adele and Duffy both got major Grammy nods, while teen singer-songwriter Laura Marling won blogger hearts.
— Ann Powers, Los Angeles Times
HIP GIFTS
Getting gifts for the hipster can be easy and cheap:
• Key caps from Alliway (below); Ward Warehouse, 525-5492); accessories at $5.95 a pop.
• Hokulani Bakery (500 Ala Moana Blvd.,587-7098); sugar and gingerbread cookies at $3.75 and $4.
• Santa’s Pen Ornaments (Kahala Mall, 737-1525); personalized ornaments from $4 to $20, whether for a sports fanatic or animal lover.
• Vintage-look sunglasses at Exclusive Boutique (1311 Kapi'olani Blvd., Suite 104, 593-9699); from aviators to oversized lenses, for only $10.
• A Nocturnal Sound Krew Vol. 2 mix tape from Kicks HI (1200 Ala Moana Blvd. No. 633, 591-8018); the hottest tracks of the season, just $10, and proceeds support the local DJ group.
— L.M.
SALES & BARGAINS
• Avoid the crowds; instead, head to Catherine’s Closet in Mänoa for all the women on your list. One-of-a-kind vintage jewelry will stand out from the rest on Christmas morning. These days gift cards seem to reign supreme — a piece that was picked out by you will mean much more. 2733 East Mänoa Road; call for appointment: 386-2746.
• What to do for New Year’s Eve? More importantly, what to wear? Nordstrom Rack just got a whole lot of cute party frocks trucked in, including beautiful pieces in satin and lace from evening-wear designers Nicole Miller, Diane von Furstenberg, Shoshanna and David Meister. At $60 to $150, these won’t be on the rack for long.
• Does it seem a whole bunch of your girlfriends are expecting?
Bella Mommy and Me is closing at the end of this month, so you’ll be able to afford super-cute presents for the preggers. All regular-priced maternity clothes are 40 percent off. Their Bella Bum Bum nursing bras, Sweet Island Baby nursing covers, and My Brest Friend nursing pillows are on sale, too. 1067 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite A5; 591-8599.
• Making room for their 2009 swim collection, Pualani Hawaii’s Red Hibiscus print bikinis are now just $20/piece and $40 for a one-piece. With all the hot chocolate and cookies consumed recently, it’s time to get active in a cute suit that fits and will stay put. Visit www.pualanihawaii.com to buy, and check out other deals in their sales & specials link. Or stop by their flagship store, 2863 Kalakaua Ave.; 923-0753.
— Pualana Lemelle
