SISTER, SISTER

Whitewashed walls, tall windows and a spray-painted chandelier provide a contemporary setting for the exquisite Soozou bags made from refashioned sails and perfectly '50s pinup-worthy 1979 swimwear at etown, in the heart of Chinatown.

Etown is both showroom and workspace for sisters Pia and Suzanna (Suzy) Kuhlemann. "It's a space for fashion, art and music," said Pia. "We hope to play out our creativity here," providing a showcase not only for their own designs, but for other creative endeavors.

The sisters seem perfectly at home in their new studio. The space is limiting in that it's no larger than a posh master bathroom, but that didn't stop Suzy. "I'm a cheesecake lover, so when I saw Otto Cake next door, I thought it was a sign," she said. They signed the lease the day after Otto Cake opened next door.

Celebrating a first anniversary just last month, Soozou bags are selling well; Pia has already added new styles, including a clutch and tote bag, experimenting with new and improved methods of construction. Prices range from $60 to $150.

For the woman who knows that less can sometimes be more, Suzy has created a line of elegantly fashioned one- and two-piece suits ($129 to $149) in colorful solids, prints and flirty aloha-wear prints. Fashionable options other than a skimpy Brazilian are hard to come by, especially styles that are fashionable and subtly sexy. The 1979 collection makes us forget about tan lines and our obsession for showing too much skin, and that's a good thing.

If the packed grand opening last First Friday was any sign of what's to come, this is a spot you'll want to be found at. The sisters are mulling over more creative ideas on evolving etown. One idea they shared: A live jukebox ... a local band performs inside the studio, with the audience peering in from the street. For a quarter, the shades go up, and a song is played. We'll be there! etown, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, occasional Saturdays and every First Friday; 1164 Smith St.; www.etownstudios.com, 225-2727, info@etownstudios.com.

— Pualana Lemelle

VIVRANT THINGS

The Vivian Girls, named for a cast of (slightly creepy) fantasy characters created by a reclusive Chicago hospital worker, are arty and mysterious, too: part garage rock, part girl group. This trio is talented; their entire album, "Wild Eyes," is to die for, and tracks like "Tell The World," "I Can't Stay" and "Moped Girls" will have you bopping around to the sound of tambourine and singing along with the three-part harmonies. Cassie Ramone, Kickball Katy and Ali Koehler got started in 2007 in the Big Apple and broke out of the pack. They're hitting O'ahu on Oct. 9 as part of a worldwide tour that includes Japan, Australia and the states. Get your tickets now, because this show is expected to sell out. Check out the Vivian Girls at an 18-and-over show Oct. 9 at the Loft, 115 N. Hotel St.; tickets at www.enterprise.bigcartel.com.

— Lacy Matsumoto

PIGSKIN TIME AT PEARL

Football season is a great excuse for boys' night out. Looking for someplace a little classier than a dive bar to watch the game? Check out Pearl Ultralounge's Monday Night Football Event. Score with their happy hour specials from 2 to 8 p.m., with deals like $3 specialty cocktails and Steinlager beers, and a $5 pupu menu. Looking for a highlight? There's no defense needed for their Kobe beef sliders served with fries. This week's game is Indianapolis at Miami. Pearl Ultralounge, Ho'okipa Terrace, Ala Moana Center; 944-8000, www.pearlhawaii.com.

— L.M.

BBQ WITH BLUE BOYS

Missed the Blue Scholars show at Loft — or loved it so much that you want more? Join MC Geologic, who grew up in Honolulu in the '80s, and DJ/producer Sabzi in an informal listening party from 3 to 7 p.m. today at Magic Island. The event, sponsored by the Blue Scholars and In4mation, is a celebration of the new Hawai'i-themed EP, "OOF!"

"It's a casual, friends, family and fans event — a unique, intimate opportunity to meet the guys and have a sunset BBQ," says artist/photographer/Hon ozooloo.com creator Aaron Yoshino, who worked with the hip-hop group on its art direction and album cover design.

— L.M.

SALES & BARGAINS

Jewelry designer Adina Reyter, with a notable celebrity following, is holding her once-a-year trunk show and sale today at Cottage by the Sea. Save 15 percent to 30 percent off her new jewelry collection (right) and one-of-a-kind pieces. In addition, when you stop by, you'll be rewarded with a free mini-massage. Cottage by the Sea, Ward Warehouse, suite 1110; 591-9811.