SHE SELLS SEA SHELLS

The Seastar 8.4.23 boutique celebrated its grand opening Friday, but if you didn't get to join the festivities, don't fret, because the adorable clothing and items are now available to the public.

Owners Nana and Yuri Fujise opened the boutique with their youth in mind. The name, Seastar 8.4.23, is a nostalgic play on their grandparents' home address during their childhood. Their experience traveling the world, from the Netherlands to Japan, is translated through their unique eye for quality and design.

"Hawai'i's my favorite place since childhood, but the one thing I missed is the selection of stores like in New York City," says Nana. Visit Seastar 8.4.23 at a new Waikīkī location, 423 Nahua St.; 922-8423, www.seastar8423.com.

— L.M.

VINTAGE GUIDE

It's often said that a great vintage shopper is born, not bred. Some even say there's a "vintage gene" that enables some to be super sleuths with a nose for fine vintage.

For everyone else, there's "The Little Guide to Vintage Shopping" by Melody Fortier (Quirk, $18.95). It's all about reaping the benefits of retro, teaching readers how to distinguish time period and evaluate quality, ensure the perfect fit and silhouette, identify what little fixes and alterations are possible and how to clean and care for vintage clothing.

There's even a fabric guide that would be especially helpful for aloha shirt collectors who need to know rayon from polyester. There are plenty of shopping tips from international pros as well as sought-after shops from L.A. to Manhattan.

Let the hunt begin!

— Paula Rath

LUCKY CHARMS

Feeling down on your luck? Maybe a little charm — or even better, a necklace — will cheer you up.

Wings Hawaii's jewelry is designed to give you good vibes. "We created the necklace as a way to offer a little something special, to make you feel good on a day that's maybe gray," says Samantha Howard, the Maui-based owner and jewelry designer. "It's a constant reminder of something that is holding your good faith or anticipation. We are firm believers in the power of positive thought."

How does it work? The necklaces are all made with a silk thread and a combination of a shell and stone, and can be worn several different ways, as a layered bracelet, anklet or however you decide to tie it on; when you first put the necklace on, you make a wish. Once the threading breaks, your wish is destined to come true, Howard says. Check them out at www.wingshawaii.com.

— Lacy Matsumoto

GO, JOHNNY, GO

Everyone knows a Johnny Cash song, whether you've sung along at a karaoke bar or heard the deep voice booming out on a country or classic-rock station. Cash is a hero in American music for songs like "Ring of Fire," loved by roots-rockers and country music aficionados alike.

"I grew up listening to Johnny Cash with my father. I remember he had such a deep voice that I'd be in awe of his earth-rumbling range. My father fought in the Vietnam War, and he'd sing 'Cotton Fields Back Home' and 'The Ballad of Ira Hayes' to me," says guitarist/singer Jayder Kalk, who's promoting and performing in The Church of Cash Show this week. The show, set in Chinatown at O'Toole's Pub, is a tribute to Cash, featuring a rockin' four-piece band that includes Lisa Gomes of Irish Hearts.

"The Church of Cash is a great opportunity for people to celebrate the music of Johnny Cash. I really wanted to carry on the tradition of an American story telling through songs," explains Kalk. "I've always loved the opportunity to play music, and for years, people have been telling me that I sound incredibly like the man himself."

Check out The Church of Cash show at 9 tonight at O'Toole's Pub, 902 Nu'uanu Ave.; call 536-4138 for more.

— L.M.

SALES & BARGAINS

• Prayer box bracelets are a meaningful gift for someone special — for birthdays or graduation, or simply to say, "I'm thinking about you." Print your own prayer, good wishes or a personal message, roll it up and tuck it safely in the prayer box. The recipient will know how much you care.

Alexa's Angels bracelets (right) are created by a mother-daughter team, Sharon Bridges and Beth Lang, based in Colorado. Having recently lost a father and husband to cancer, they wanted to encourage others dealing with illness and grief, so they began designing Angels with inspirational names, accompanied by a short message of comfort, hope and encouragement. In 1999, a retailer-friend encouraged them to go into business.

Alexa's Angels (named after Beth's daughter, Alexa) was the original company to add a prayer box charm to a bracelet. The events of 9/11 triggered many people to purchase the bracelets for loved ones. These prayer box bracelets are a bargain at $12 to $15. The stunning beads are fashioned on a stretchable cord, and the prayer boxes are detailed and made from a high quality rhodium plate that is hypoallergenic (suitable for nickel allergies), tarnish- and scratch-resistant and easy to clean by just buffing (don't use jewelry cleaner on rhodium). Guys, it's almost February. The heart-shaped prayer box bracelet would be a thoughtful and original Valentine's Day gift for your gal. Alexa's Angels can be found in a number of hospital gift shops and at Plantation Home D cor, 338 Kamokila Blvd., Suite 105, 674-4101; Sandal Tree (multiple locations), 792-8501; Cinnamon Girl (multiple locations), 674-2916; Kualoa Ranch, 749-3233, Downtown Gifthings, 195 S. Hotel St., 531-5497; Boutiki, 640 Club Road, Pearl Harbor, 422-6662; Red Bamboo, 602 Kailua Rd., Suite 101-A, 263-3174; WOW Hawaii, 1778 Ala Moana Blvd., 384-7456.

• So you're sticking to your fitness goals. Reward yourself with a hot number. Old Navy is launching its new activewear collection featuring the latest performance fabrics in new colors, styles and patterns, on sale until Jan. 21. All yoga bottoms and sports bras are $12, graphic tees are $10 and jackets are $15 to $20. Old Navy: Ala Moana Center, 951-9938; Waikele, 677-0019.

• Who says you can't get a real meal for just $5? Now through Feb. 28, select restaurants at Ward Centers are offering $5 meal deals. Some participating restaurants: Diem Caf ; Satura Cakes; Sushi at Ward; Taco Del Mar; Wraps & Rolls; Pā'ina Cafe. More details online: www.victoriaward.com.

— Amanda Stevens

GOT A TIP?

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