SPORTING B-WARE

Everyone knows a "hot boy," the type of guy who's a little street, surf, skate and finesse wrapped into one. The fashion sense can't be defined, but transcends into a look of his own. Designers Jim DiCarlo and Jonathan Boulware from the North Shore are hot boys, and design their clothing line to flaunt it. Their partnership in B-Ware Men's Clothing is a representation of their own personal lifestyles — designed with inspiration ranging from music to the waves in these boys' backyard. The collection is versatile and true to its roots, from lightning-emblazoned board shorts to durable ready-to-wear jackets.

For more information, or a look at their latest designs, visit www.bwareville.com. Find the locally designed line at North Shore backyard sales, or on the Waikíkí strip at Aloha Army, 226 Lewers St.; 923-0888.

— L.M.

THE GOOD LIFE

You know the Kanye West hit "Good Life": "Welcome to the good life — I go for mine, I've gots to shine. ..."? Well, Jason Takahashi, better known on the Honolulu nightlife scene as JT, has been living the life long before Kanye shone a light on it. JT's company Good Life Entertainment has been living it up and shining while producing parties and events for years now, in both Honolulu and Japan. He's thrown parties with headliners like K-Salaam and Masterkey of Tokyo. His weekly parties at Lotus and the former Living Room have always been a hot spot for hip-hop and house lovers. Lately, JT has been putting his creativity into creating screen-printed logo clothing. Rocking one of his T-shirts is another way to get close to Good Life now. Get more about JT's events at www.goodlife-entertainment.com, and get the T-shirt at Diglifestyles, Ward Warehouse; 591-8501.

— Lacy Matsumoto

THINK YOU'RE DA BOMB?

As part of the first anniversary celebration for Metromix Honolulu, Metromix will be hosting Honolulu's first-ever sake-bomb challenge at Shokudo Afterdark. If you're a sake-bomb master, you could win a $500 gift card to Shokudo. It's a chance to check out the new additions to their Afterdark menu and enjoy three new sake shot flavors, too. The Bomb Shelter @ Shokudo Afterdark; 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Thursday, Shokudo, 1585 Kapiolani Blvd.; free all night, 21 and over — and no, it's not a costume party this time; 941-3701.

— www.Metromix.Honolulu.com

BENZI IN THE HIZZY

DJs are storming the music scene, and one of the new kids on the block is Michigan's DJ Benzi. "I started DJing in the 10th grade when I saved up $300 and bought one of those all-in-one kits out of a Source Magazine," says Benzi, aka Benjamin Brottel. His music is a mash-up of classic hip-hop with new Top 40 hits that kick up the beat and make each song club-worthy. He's kept up with the times and has made his music accessible online, while collaborations with artists like Plain Pat and Diplo have put him on the remix hot list. "My favorite part about DJing is seeing the world. Meeting all different types of people — it's great to have so many contacts," says the DJ; he's currently finishing up his debut album, "Get Right: The Album" on Amalgam Digital.

Benzi's got two gigs lined up on a Hawaii visit. What's he got in store for us this wild weekend? "I got a crazy set ready for Halloween," he said. "I've been making all types of special edits for the night and I'll also incorporate my other standards into the mix. It's gonna be crazy!"

This Friday, catch him at ARTafterDARK at the Honolulu Academy of Arts; cost is $10 for non-members. On Saturday, he hits NextDoor (43 N. Hotel St.; $10 for seven clubs at the Hallowbaloo block party).

Want to see what all the hype's about? Scoop one of his mix tapes for FREE today only. As the exclusive retailer of Benzi's CDs, In4mation at Ward Center (597-1447) will be giving away one mix tape for each person who brings in this From the Hip article, while supplies last. Want more information on the artist? Visit www.djbenzi.com or follow him on Twitter @djbenzi.

— Lacy Matsumoto

Have a sales or bargain tip? Reach us at salesandbargains@gmail.com.

SALES & BARGAINS

• Dunno what to be, huh? Well, you've now got less than a week to pull off your Halloween surprise. Whatever you choose, makeup is a must on Saturday. Masters of making up your disguise MAC will be doing Halloween makeup, by appointment only ($50 purchase required). So book one now, and get your sweet or freaky look on. (It's not too early to think about Christmas presents, either, and MAC has just unveiled its rockin' good beauty packs of lip and eye makeup sets.) Nordstrom Ala Moana is just one of the MAC counters offering appointments: 953-6100.

• A look we're fond of that we spotted on spring 2010 runways: Camo fatigues paired with dainty lace. It won't wilt in this heat, and it's tres chic — chinos paired with something lacey and frilly. Lace is always a standard come holiday season, so find something adorably girly and toughen it up with an army green jacket.

— Pualana Lemelle