When Misa Hamamoto graduated from Punahou School in 1999, she did what she was "supposed" to do: She went to UCLA and got a degree in economics. Then she took the career path she was "supposed" to take and became an investment banker. But it was all wrong. "I knew in my heart it was not the right thing. I could do it with my eyes closed," Hamamoto said.

She took a jewelry class and discovered her passion. Now, how to make it a career? The answer: to create a unique, sophisticated line that incorporates her talents for metalsmithing and sculpture.

Her debut collection, Shima ("island" in Japanese) incorporates her love of Hawai'i's ocean and reefs. The subtle textures are created by hand, the old-fashioned way, from a wax cast she sculpts using dental tools, files and sandpaper. No soldered edges or seams here. "I look at it as a little mini-sculpture as I'm carving away," in her Hermosa Beach, Calif., studio, Hamamoto said.

Shima is comprised of 40 designs, in 14-karat gold and sterling silver, some incorporating moonstone, labradorite and amethyst. It's definitely day-to-night jewelry that looks right at the beach or out on the town. Prices range from $195 to $600. Sold in Hawai'i exclusively at Riches Kahala.

— Paula Rath

SALES & BARGAINS

Restless nights make for bad days in the office. Cure your sleepless nights with more than Ambien. Macy's has luxury bedding from Calvin Klein and the Hotel Collection slashed 40 to 50 percent off, with additional clearance items marked

EAT, DRINK HEALTHY

It's off the radar, but once you find it in the Honolulu Club, the Honolulu Juice Co. can become an addiction. Specialty smoothies like their chocolate acai — a blend of Land of Organica acai blue sorbet, soy milk, bananas, and chocolate protein — is one of the reasons patrons keep coming back for more.

"My favorite item that I could eat every day would have to be the Mexican salad made of beans, cheese, lettuce, chicken, tortilla chips and homemade southwestern dressing," says owner Cliff Davis.

With prices like $9 for a salad, $8.50 for the sandwiches, and $6 for a 24-ounce smoothie, you can't help but feel happy and healthy.

Honolulu Juice Co., 932 Ward Ave., seventh floor, 543-3949.

— Lacy Matsumoto

GETTING THRASHED ON FRIDAYS

When you think of the Vertical Junkies, the promoters' rager parties packed full of surfers and littered with hot beautiful women come to mind. What most don't know about the Vertical Junkies is that the company began as an art design project of VJ member Russ Inouye. After returning to Hawai'i from art school in Seattle, Inouye teamed up with other members Blaine Tomita, Kanoe Sandefur and Mike Nagasawa to form Vee Jay Entertainment.

This Friday and every Friday, the boys of Vee Jay Entertainment bring you at the Loft with DJs from the Nocturnal Sound Krew, a special discount for skateboarders, and drink specials all night long.

"Expect the unexpected," says the VJ crew.

Loft, 115 N. Hotel St., 21 and older , 9 p.m.-2 a.m., www.verticaljunkies.com.

— L.M.

FASHION PUNCTUATED WITH ARTISTIC TEES

This summer, we set our sights on those artist-designed T-shirts that the Gap was selling as part of its limited-edition Whitney Biennial Collection. We were particularly drawn to the one by Chicago artist Kerry James Marshall, which features a drawing of a pigtailed girl, fist raised in defiant optimism, declaring, "EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT. I JUST KNOW IT WILL."

Every time we wear it, we get a happy buzz of contagious positivity. When we wear that tee, we feel like maybe, just maybe, global warming can be averted, peace will break out in Iraq and everyone will start reading newspapers again.

Today's graphic tees have come a long way since those one-size-fits-no-one monstrosities announcing "I'm With Stupid." Now you can wear your philosophical heart on your chest with a lot more sartorial flair. These tees both flatter and fit, from fangirl rocker numbers to tees decorated with original art or Warholian renderings of John McCain and Barack Obama. Pair one with a pencil skirt, booties and a leather moto jacket, or tuck it into high-waisted trousers for an updated take on Katharine Hepburn.

And you can spread the love at the same time you're expressing yourself: One3snapshot's tees are created by an arts collective committed to creating art for social change, while proceeds from CommonThreadz's tees provide uniforms for orphans and needy children in developing countries.

— Teresa Wiltz, Washington Post

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