JOKERS IN THE HOUSE

Those Canadians are known for so many things — free health care, the winter Olympics and, now, electro music. The country has been putting out some amazing artists, including the boys in Jokers of the Scene.

Signed to the Fools Gold Label (started by fellow Canadian A-Track), the duo have remixed the Acid Girls, Mika, and produced their own original tracks. Their eclectic, bass-hitting music comes complete with sirens and whistles, earning them descriptions like "mind-meltingly intense," "cheeky" and "ravey." Check them out this Friday with DJ Eskae, DJ Kause and local indie band Girlfriends, at Loft, 115 Hotel St.; 18 and older, $10 before 10 p.m. for 21 and older; $15 for 18 and older and after 10 p.m.; www.theenterpriseparty.com.

Want to hear the music? Go to www.myspace.com/sceneofthejoker or get free downloads here: www.tinyurl.com/jokersmp3.

— Lacy Matsumoto

SOMETHING FRESH

When you think of Olde Ivory, first thing that comes to mind is the clean, fresh smell of soap. But local boys from Mililani Lyle Matsuura and Race Skelton are making something else that's fresh: Olde Ivory clothing. Friends since elementary school, they had skateboarding and music as their common bond, and partnered up after college to start up the lifestyle line.

Skelton says the company combines all-American attributes of brands like Ralph Lauren and J. Crew with a love for baseball, rock 'n' roll, skateboarding, Hawai'i, and street wear. To check out their designs, go to www.oldeivory.com, or shop at In4mation, Ward Warehouse; 597-1447.

— L.M.

NATURAL BEAUTY

You've taken your canvas bag to the farmers market, your morning cup of coffee is Island-grown, and you're riding a bike. Yes, you're trying your best to be green — but does all that go out the door when you head to your local salon? Some salon and beauty supply chemicals are toxins to nature. But there is an alternative (and no, it doesn't smell like dirt).

The Megumi Organic Salon has an array of organic, no-chemical components and hair products, from styling gel to basic shampoo and conditioners.

"I really feel like we have been over-exposed to harsh chemicals," says owner Lisa Nematjanova.

The salon offers a natural henna as a hair dye option. "It's just such an amazing product. It really puts a nice gloss to the color, and has benefits like protecting your hair from the sun," Nematjanova says. Because no chemicals are used in this salon, your hair cannot be lightened, only darkened or set at the same hue as your natural hair — perfect for gray coverups. Megumi Organic Salon, 1137 11th Ave., Suite 201; 626-5572.

— L.M.

FLYING HIGH

A gift to give yourself this holiday season: a five-week session of aerial classes, involving acrobatic movements hanging from tissu (silk) with Samadhi Hawaii.

Not quite sure you can hang? This class is for everyone, any age, in shape or not, girls and boys, novice or experienced. The graceful movements you'll be coached through on the tissu are an effective change-up in an exercise routine. Classes last 90 minutes, starting out with a warm-up mix of dance movement, pilates and yoga that build serious core strength — required to pull off such graceful stunts.

Introductory class is held at 1 p.m. Sundays, and will have you in the air on the first day with inversion exercises using basic wraps and foot locks. You might just find yourself wanting to join an aerial troupe after you get a taste of the thrill.

Classes are held at Boca Hawai'i, 330 Cooke St. in Kaka'ako. The five-week extended fall session starts Sunday; register at www.samadhihawaii.com, or e-mail for more details info@samadhihawaii.com.

— P.L.

SALES & BARGAINS

• Be savvy this holiday shopping season. Start with a list of your must-gift folks, family, close friends, etc., and make a list BEFORE you hit the mall or online shopping. You don't have to feel obligated to buy anyone anything, especially if it's something you just can't afford. Home-baked cookies and handmade cards can do the trick. Be realistic about your budget, plan ahead, and you'll feel less stressed and enjoy the holidays more.

• Sunday in Mänoa — how about a little holiday shopping after a nice breakfast? The MCK Metals trunk show takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at Red Ginger Café in Manoa Marketplace. McKenzie Santimer from Kona will be at this one-time show, with her one-of-a-kind handmade pieces. Save 15 percent off your purchase when you bring this column to the trunk show — a deal just for you, our stylish bargain-savvy readers! Red Ginger Café, 2752 Woodland Drive, Suite 5-213; 988-0588.

• One way to avoid buying yet another one-time-use-only frock: check out www.RentTheRunway.com. It's a Web site offering designer clothing on a short-term, rental basis, and can be much cheaper than buying an item by designers such as Herve Leger, Proenza Schouler, Yigal Azroul and Catherine Malandrino. Rent for short periods (four or eight days); pick a dress you like, and they ship it to you on the date of your choosing, in two sizes to help ensure a good fit. Returns are easy, with prepaid packaging.

— Pualana Lemelle