From slanging art out of an ice-cream shop to traveling the world, David Choe has lived the life of a rebel artist and turned it into an upstart dream. Born in Los Angeles, the Korean-American kid experienced his fair share of trouble — he dropped out of high school with no money, no home, and a rap sheet that included vandalism and assault. But he found himself in graffiti and street-inspired art, moving on to publish graphic novels including "Bruised Fruit," "Slow Jams" and his most recent piece, "Cursiv: Giant Robot Presents a Book of Dirty Drawings." He has painted several large murals, created a T-shirt line with RVCA, and continues to make a living doing what he does best — art. Now, a film documents his story. The Hawaii International Film Festival presents "Dirty Hands: The Art and Crimes of David Choe," at 9 p.m. Monday and 7 p.m. Wednesday at Regal Dole Cannery Theatres; $9-$10. www.hiff.org.

— Lacy Matsumoto

SALES & BARGAINS

• We were pleasantly surprised to find a sophisticated yet bold new beaded clutch, right, at Club Monaco. Emanating a '30s/'70s vibe, with a choice of three colors (our pick is the pewter), for just $79, it's about the price you'd pay in a vintage shop for a similar look. A flashy yet tasteful statement to make on a night out. Ala Moana Center, second level, Nordstrom wing, 941-4277.

• Give yourself a lift with lingerie at Macy's, with discounts of 30 percent to 50 percent on brand-name bras including Calvin Klein. Multiple locations, including Ala Moana Center; www.macys.com.

• Hard times? Show off your "red badge of courage" with a pop of lipstick. Maybe go for something unexpected in hot pink? Make Up Forever has done it with a creamy fluorescent orange-pink style, No. 203. Great for those with pinky undertones, it's instantly fun, yet glamorous, too. Upset that after the bailout, the Dow still went tumbling? Show off that pout. Available only at Sephora. Ala Moana Center, 944-9797 or www.sephora.com.

• Go bold in gold, with J.Crew-on-the-Island's very chunky, 12-karat gold-plated linked Jenna bracelet. Gold is huge this season, and at $75, it's affordable as a statement piece, good for a night out or a meeting at the office. Ala Moana Center, 949-5252 or www.jcrew.com.

— Pualana Lemelle

CREATING A HALLOWEEN HOUSE

Spooked at the thought of having friends over on Halloween? Don't boo-hoo. There are plenty of Halloween items, from cute and creepy to scary and freaky, that can help you set the scene for Halloween. It's all about attitude, when you turn up with a basket that says, "Hand over the candy and nobody gets hurt."

We found this tabletop treasure trove at Red Pineapple in Ward Centre. Set the mood, set the table, let Halloween begin.

— Paula Rath

METROMIX PLAYLIST

JUST ONE DRINK

A place-to-be playlist from blogger SuperCW, www.supercw.com: "If you only have a second, these are mandatory."

1. thirtyninehotel 39 N. Hotel St.

2. The Mercury Bar, 1154 Fort Street Mall

3. Loft Lounge and Gallery, 115 Hotel St.

4. RumFire, Sheraton Waikiki

5. Nobu Waikiki, Waikiki Parc Hotel

See more picks at Metromix, www.honolulu.metromix.com.

INDIE VIDEOS ON TAP

Watching music videos with scantly dressed women, SUVs with rims and rappers dripping in diamonds? Such a cliche. For an alternative, check out the Hawaii International Film Festival Music Video Showcase (yep, HIFF is at the heart of the action this week), with videos from some of Hawai'i's top indie bands and hip-hop MCs. The lineup includes Aim For the Heart, The Hell Caminos, Missing Dave, Detego, Nomasterbacks, Linus the Band, Bless and Pimpbot (pictured). The showcase promises variety, video and audio stimulus — not to mention an open sake bar. Stay for the after-party with live music by Pimpbot, Make the Change, and DJs Ross Jackson and Casey. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Loft, 115 N. Hotel St.; $5 after 10 p.m., 21 and over. 688-8813, www.hiff.org.

— L.M.

RELEASES

SOLID ROCK

Chrissie Hynde may have spent the past three decades in London, but you wouldn't know it from "Break Up the Concrete," the Pretenders' latest smart set of scrappy rockabilly and rootsy American rock 'n' roll. Flanked by competent hired hands, she's the sole original on her band's ninth studio album in nearly three decades, but Hynde was always the great Pretender. She continues to project a tough, wise and vulnerable personality in bracing songs that dare to reach beyond the yearbook sentiments of love-struck teens. Her pain-revealing poignancy can startle, but she's at her best when snarling, as in the militant title track's call for environmental activism, set to a thumping Bo Diddley beat.

— Edna Gundersen, USA Today