FIGHT PLAN

Mixed martial arts fighter BJ Penn reveals the story behind his successful career in a new book he authored with David Weintraub, "Why I Fight: The Belt is Just an Accessory" (William Morrow). From his youth in Hilo to the biggest arenas of his sport, Penn offers plenty of blunt, blow-by-blow accounts of details from his personal life and climb to the heights of the Ultimate Fighting Championship rankings, as well as the fights that made him famous. The book will go on sale at bookstores April 13. Check out more from Penn at www.bjpenn.com.

— Mike Gordon

INTERNATIONAL APPEAL

The second annual Diversity of Places Film Festival showcases a selection of short documentaries from around the world, all over the course of one day. The fest will be opened by speaker Mike DiGregorio, a project liaison at the East-West Center, followed by screenings of documentaries about international locations, from Russia to Honolulu's Chinatown. Students from the University of Hawai'i's Department of Urban Planning will also be showing their projects, filmed here in Hawai'i. Diversity of Places Film Festival, free for all ages, 3 p.m. today, The ARTS at Marks Garage, 1159 Nu'uanu Ave.; 521-2903.

— Honolulu.Metromix.com

JUST KICKIN' IT

The Kickstand bicycle shop, a hidden treasure in Kaimukī, can be found upstairs above the Champa Thai restaurant. It's a cool and friendly spot that attracts bike enthusiasts of all skill levels. The furniture, made from recycled bicycle parts, is seriously creative. And while you're ogling the bikes and accessories, there's coffee at the ready — so you can sit down and stay a while.

Owners Nicky Rowles and Cyrus Camp are an understated yet super-friendly duo who met at their day jobs, where they work with children with special needs. Their passion for conservation and the environment is evident throughout their establishment, which opened in August 2009. Every piece of furniture comes from something salvaged: closet doors morphed into a bookshelf, a fence piece used to hang backpacks, abandoned display cases refurbished and painted with a bike theme and a workbench made of wood from Re-use Hawaii. The powder coating used on their bikes is better for the environment, too. Walk in, tell them your budget and they'll work with you.

Camp, an expert in all things bicycle, told us about their Mechanics Club — an innovative program that allows you to save money and learn something new. With a six-month membership for $60, you'll learn how to fix your bicycle, have access to Kickstand's tools and be welcome to chill.

Kickstand, 3452 Wai'alae Ave., Suite 2; 384-0790, www.thekickstand808.blogspot.com. Hours are good for for nighthawks (and riders with day jobs): 6-10 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays.

— Amanda Stevens

ANIMAL-FREE INSTINCT

Fashion designer Stella McCartney has her own animal-free clothing line, and vegan actress Natalie Portman has come out with designer vegan shoes. There's a growing demand for such clothing, largely because it's become more fashionable — and easier to find. Check these items out:

• A washed denim hobo bag from Adidas by Stella McCartney, $125 at www.net-a-porter.com.

• Urban Decay has a full line of vegan cosmetics; check for the purple paw print. Heavy Metal glitter eyeliner, $18 at www.urbandecay.com.

• The Model T Tote Classic is made from recycled tires; its straps are reused seat belts. $109 for small and $129 for large at www.englishretreads.com.

• Cezanne Antique Garden open-toe pumps come in faux leather or microfiber suede. $149 at www.charmone.com.

• Blowfish Savior flats are made of vegan leather. $29.99 at www.swell.com.

• A Logan jacket (at right) by BBDakota is $165 at www.swell.com.

• Oscar gladiator pumps by Jambu are $119.95 at www.endless.com.

• The Stephanie fold-down boot (far right) by Cri de Coeur is $199.95 at www.freepeople.com.

— Gannett News Service

SALES & BARGAINS

• Have you ever tried cutting your own bangs at home and just couldn't get it right? We found a simple, clever product that can help people save money on haircuts — the CreaClip, a haircutting guide invented by Mai Lieu, an award-winning hairstylist who trained and worked in London and moved from Canada to Hawai'i six years ago. She launched CreaClip in 2008 on the Home Shopping Network and sold 5,000 units in 13 minutes, selling out her product on the spot. For $29.99 you get two sizes; a small one for bangs and a larger curved one for long hair and layering. Both have a built-in rotating level so you can get a balanced cut every time. CreaClip, 818-230-7644, www.creaclip.com.

• Jessica O'Neill has a reputation for bringing fashion to the people at great prices. She does this by taking her finds to select locations and cutting out the overhead of paying sales clerks and retail store rent. The next event for Jessica's Traveling Boutique is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Hapa Grill, featuring labels including Costa Blanca, Urban Behavior, Collective Concepts, BB Dakota, Trinity and Nissi Jeans, and a collection of jewelry and accessories ranging from city chic to casual. We've spotted finds like the silky romper pictured — just $46.

For more details or to book a private party (the hostess receives 10 percent of the sales in free clothing; sweet deal), contact Jessica at info@jessicastravelingboutique.com or go to www.jessicastravelingboutique.com. Find Hapa Grill in the Marketplace at Kapolei; www.hapagrill.net, 674-8400.

• Papyrus is having a "buy one, get one at half price" sale on glass stemware, featuring three styles of novelty martini and wine glasses great for gifting girlfriends and co-workers. Prices range from $14.95 to $24.95 for frosted polka-dot martini and wine glasses in spring colors such as pink, yellow, turquoise and lime green; or artsy, edgy, hand-painted martini and wine glasses in pink and purple, in styles like Glamour, Vixen and Love. These come in a stylish canister, easy for gifting and traveling.

Papyrus, Ala Moana Center; 947-2700.

• While shopping for bargains, I spotted an amazing book: "The 100: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own," a manifesto of style by Nina Garcia, "Project Runway" judge and editor of Marie Claire. You'll love the divinely amusing illustrations by Ruben Toledo. Here's a snippet from the book, describing an item she calls part of our DNA of wardrobe, the white shirt: "Endlessly versatile, it can go from the weekend to the boardroom to the red carpet. When worn correctly, the white shirt can assume so many different roles."

It's a must-read if your passion is fashion. Call before you trek to local shops; the word around town is they keep running out. Prices online range from $14.99 (at www.Amazon.com) to $21.99.

— Amanda Stevens