PUPPET BURLESQUE

An adult puppet burlesque review, complete with partial puppet nudity? These shimmying sweethearts definitely aren't from "Sesame Street."

The University of Hawai'i-Mānoa's Department of Theatre and Dance presents "Madge's Shimmy Shack," 11 p.m. May 1, 7 and 8, and 8 p.m. May 2 at Earle Ernst Lab Theatre. The comedy — not for kids or teens younger than 13 — stars Madge, mistress of ceremonies of the Shimmy Shack Burlesque Club, and Rocky, a purple poodle.

Get tickets, $5-$10, on sale an hour before showtime at the theater. Details: 956-7655 or www.hawaii.edu/kennedy.

— Zenaida Serrano

FUNCTIONAL FASHION

"Color has always made sense to me," says David Kim. From an early age, he had an eye for appearance and design. Growing up in Kailua, he'd throw a fit when his mom put dented cans or cans with torn labels into her shopping cart. He started picking out his mother's outfits when he was 6 years old.

After graduating from the University of Hawai'i-Mānoa with a BFA in graphic design, he moved to New York, where he freelanced at Lloyd and Co. and on projects for Tommy Hilfiger, Cole Haan, Coach and Versace. One day he'd be on the computer, working on a layout; the next, he'd be running to a comic bookstore to find an iconic image of Superman or Wonder Woman for the American Man/American Woman Tommy Hilfiger ad campaign, or organizing models' books.

Eventually, Kim returned to Hawai'i, paddled for Anuenue Canoe Club and started to play with a logo for a brand that eventually became the symbol for his company, 'Ōiwi Ocean Gear. The company makes functional, attractive apparel for paddlers and ocean sports enthusiasts. Many of his creative designs are exclusive to one season; he'll make a handful, and then they're gone.

The clothing is soft and smart, and the four-way stretch fabric fits the lifestyle of the ocean lover. Those in the know go into the shop looking for the UPF 50+ protection clothing in fashionable colors and prints.

We found deals, at 15 percent off jerseys, regularly priced from $36 to $48; and 20 percent off men's and women's super-soft T-shirts, regularly priced from $20 to $25. 'Ōiwi logo items are on sale, too, including sleeveless men's UPF 50+ shirts at $34 (regular price $40).

New designs will be launched in the first week of May.

'Ōiwi Ocean Gear, 130 Kailua Road, Suite 109, Kailua, O'ahu; 263-7770 www.oiwioceangear.com

— Amanda Stevens

INDIGENOUS ART

Getting that first shell lei certainly is special, but as for the lei themselves? Most are crafted overseas. Not so for the exquisite and singular necklaces that hail from our northern neighbor island, Ni'ihau.

In Ni'ihau, assembling a single lei can take a week to a year or more to complete. It is an art form that has been passed down from generation to generation. Today, Ni'ihau shell lei have garnered such widespread recognition that the shells used to create these necklaces are the only ones in the world classified as gems.

In a rainbow of colors, and rarer than gold, the shells that comprise each necklace are gathered from Ni'ihau beaches each winter, when whole families go out in search. Crafted in a style similar to that of our better known flower lei, these necklaces are considered by some to be the finest of Polynesian art forms — in the past they adorned the kings and queens of royal Hawai'i.

The art form of Ni'ihau shell lei-making is a legacy of generations past and each new necklace created is a legacy for the future.

— PacificNetwork.TV

TREND SPOTTER

Todd Shimabuku of the hip shop In4mation is a trend spotter. "We are always on the hunt for the latest things going on in fashion," he said. "We stumbled upon this brand called Native a year ago. I took a look at it and instantly wanted to get a hold of it for Hawai'i." He did, and the shipment has just arrived.

Native shoes are like a hipster version of Crocs. They're made of a lightweight, comfy material in classic, casual silhouettes, and come in three styles: The Miller, with the silhouette of a Vans era; the Jefferson, inspired by the Converse Chuck Taylor; and the Corrado, reminiscent of the Clarks Wallabee low. They sell for $45 and come in uber-bright Hollywood pink, torch red, pylon orange and tennis ball yellow, as well as neutral black, gray and white. "Native has an appeal of a sneaker but the functionality of a slipper. I love that the shoes are so light and flexible, and perfect for our weather," Shimabuku said.

Get Native shoes at In4mation stores: Ward Warehouse, 597-1447; Pearlridge Uptown, 488-0411; Waikiki Beachwalk, 923-0888. www.in4mants.com.

— Paula Rath

SALES & BARGAINS

• At Olive Boutique, every element, from furniture to scented candle, flooring to window treatment, is chosen with intention. Owner Ali McMahon is no stranger to visual merchandising. Raised in Kailua, she graduated from the Art Institute of Seattle with a degree in fashion marketing, honed her craft at Banana Republic and transitioned into freelance work for luxury retailers, the likes of Gucci, Chanel, Escada and St. John. Wanting to return to her roots, she opened Olive Boutique in Kailua, a name she chose because of her fascination with olives and the color green. The name Olive really fits the store: It's vintage and cool at the same time. No need to drive to town to find chic casual clothing, paired with accessories; it's not about trendy at Olive, it's all about fashion savvy.

Some of our favorites: a green/white Ella Moss dress at $90 (regular price $160); a Piko 1988 vest at $31.50 (regular price $45); an Ella Moss flower top, $61 (regular price $88); and a solid green LA Made dress, $38.50.

Olive Boutique, 43 Kihapai St., Kailua; 263-9919, www.iheartolive.com.

• Jewelry designer Jo Jah Jae will be featured at Olive Boutique's May Day trunk show party (Mother's Day approaches!) — she'll be stamping whatever you want into necklaces for your mom or loved one all day and night. Sterling silver necklaces are $50, and gold-filled necklaces are $60, including chain and wording. Also, check out her romantic shell pieces, including double-shell hanging earrings ($25) (pictured).

Jo Jah Jae trunk show, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, Olive Boutique; www.jojahjae.com.

• Boston Pizza in Kaimukī and Kāne'ohe is offering savings and a way to help the community: Monday through Thursday, go to bostonpizzahi.com to print a coupon good for a 19-inch or specialty pie for $20. (Click "Fundraising and Coupons.") Or, go to kidneyfriends.org and purchase a coupon for a $22 pizza (a $28.45 value) — and 100 percent of the proceeds goes to Kidney Friends in Hawaii.

Boston Pizza, 3506 Wai'alae Ave., Kaimukī, 734-1945; 46-028 Kawa St., Kāne'ohe, 235-7756. www.bostonpizzahi.com.

• Starving artist? College student? Hungry? For deals on pizza and more, check out hawaii.suddenvalues.com.

— Amanda Stevens