1979 GOES ARTISAN

No one wants to see themselves coming and going at the beach. It's kinda like wearing the same prom dress as another girl. That's why swimwear designer Suzanna Kuhlemann of 1979 has introduced her special-edition collection for summer 2010.

Each suit is one of a kind, hand-painted by Kuhlemann herself. She paints swirls or stripes in a subtle, sophisticated charcoal and white color scheme. The hand-painted edition comes in three styles: the nautically inspired bikini with grommet details, the high waisted bikini and a one-piece.

Available in sizes S, M and L, with XS and XL by special request; $150 at eTown in Chinatown, 1164 Smith St.; www.1-9-7-9.com.

— Paula Rath

PUMPING UP THE BEAT

Every song has a beat, from the top-40 hits on the radio to what you've got on your iPod — and more and more often, that beat has been produced by a synthetic beat-making machine, or a sampler. Hawai'i's nightlife scene is littered with DJs and emcees, but not much credit goes to the producers who groom that beat into something unique. That's why Beatroot has been grooming the best of the best.

After six qualifying rounds of beat-making competition, Sentric, Joe Gosalvez, Joe Dub and Nomasterbacks remain in the running for the Beatroot 2010 Grand Championships. Each producer uses a variety of equipment, from drum machines, samplers and PlayStation Portables to iPhones and laptops, to create their own beats. Anything that can make music is accepted as the finalists pull off what magic they can in a timed event. With DJs Observ, Oliver Twist and Kavet the Catalyst on the turntables playing the best of hip-hop, and Philippe Anthony exhibiting live painting, this is an event you can't miss. Check out the Beetroot Grand Championships from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Saturday; $7 for ages 18 to 20 and $5 for 21 and up at Fresh Cafe, 831 Queen St., 688-8055. For more on the Beatroot showdown, go to www.lightsleepers.net.

— Lacy Matsumoto

LITTLE GLORY

The Little Oven dessert shop is a modern day Cheers without the alcohol. Eventually, everyone there gets to know your name. Owner Joyce Harada is a reflection of her establishment — beautiful, humble, approachable and sweet.

The theme is comfort desserts — American nostalgic, European and local — with a contemporary twist. There are no display cases; everything is fresh and assembled when you order it. Her American nostalgic offerings include Pink Satin cake (a play on red velvet), egg cream, cobblers made with fresh fruit, marshmallow, floats, shakes and parfaits. Her training and research in Europe led her to create the cultural delights (say it with an Italian accent) canoli, affogato, pavlova and meringues. Indulge your late-night munchies and choose from local favorites dobash, chantilly, haupia sundae, and lilikoi chiffon. She makes all of the ice milks (lighter than egg-based ice cream) and seasonal mango and lychee sorbets. Don't miss the Easter-themed desserts featuring a customer favorite: homemade egg-shaped marshmallows dipped in chocolate.

Harada says, "I want everyone to feel comfortable and happy at the shop, like going to an old friend's place." Bonus: lots of free parking in the back of the building.

Little Oven, 1467 S. King St.; 947-6836, www.liloven.com.

— Amanda Stevens

CLOSET CONFIDENTIAL

Winona Dimeo-Ediger has a sharp, self-deprecating wit, and fashion savvy. The fashion writer, who blogs at www.daddylikey.blogspot.com, has now published "Closet Confidential: Style Secrets Learned the Hard Way" (Sasquatch Books), covering everything from hats to shoes, lingerie to outerwear, to help women become divas on a dime. She's got a sense of humor that keeps things interesting: Her denim field guide, for example, offers Latin names for styles of jeans such as Jeanus Interruptus (cutoffs) and Accidental Exhibitionus (low rise). Don't miss her A to Z guide to all things shoe, or Einstein's Theory of Handbag Relativity.

— P.R.

SALES & BARGAINS

• Trends Heirloom Furnishings features handcrafted furniture and affordable soft furnishings from Jodhpur (the second-largest city in the state of Rajasthan, India). Twenty-five-year-old co-owner/creative director Kavin (pronounced Kahveen) Mehta is well-traveled, having lived in India, Spain, Germany, New York and elsewhere. The perspective he brings to home decor in Hawai'i is a fusion of traditional Indian craftsmanship with contemporary designs, prints and textiles. Select home furnishings are now 20 percent off or more. Here's what we found:

• Silk/cotton hand woven brocade cushion covers are a steal for just $20; cushions are only $5.

• Handmade table runners (beautiful, you'll want to wear them as a wrap) are $35 to $49 (regular price $59).

• Intricate hand-woven silk table covers are $45.

• Handcrafted mango wood jewelry boxes are $49.

• Candle stands range from $10 to $35.

Peruse the store and be taken in by the signature furniture pieces made from refurbished wood and antique doors. Trends Home Furnishings, Ward Centre; 593-9601.

• Check out the casual chic and retro clothing featured at the House of Aria's Spring Collection showcase from 12 to 6 p.m. today at the Blaisdell Center. While you're there, enjoy a complimentary dessert and wine bar. The average prices for knit tops, sweaters, dresses and tees are $25 to $50. Brands include 03 Everly, PaulnKC, Final Touch, Naked Zebra, Andie Hart and Lush. Don't miss these deals: Buy one, get one at 30 percent off; buy two, get two at 40 percent off; buy three, get three at 50 percent off — and $10 off all Junk Food clothing.

Some of our favorite picks:

• A super-flirty black and white one-shoulder mini dress (above) ($42).

• A gray and white striped racerback top with a feminine appliqu neckline ($30).

• A turquoise off-the-shoulder top perfect with jeans, or glam it up with a skirt for a night out ($32).

House of Aria, Blaisdell Center, Maui Room; www.houseofaria.net.

• You've heard of wine tasting, but have you ever been to a coffee tasting? You'll have your chance at the King of Coffee Tasting Event, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the House of Health. Coffee tastings are growing in popularity and can be as fun as wine tastings, without the next-day hangover. And this tasting is free. Try the Brazilian — Brazilian arabica, that is. This special coffee comes from OrGano Gold, a company known for providing healthier coffee and tea alternatives. Start your day off with a great cup of joe and check out this locally owned natural food and supplement store. House of Health, 1541 Beretania St.; 955-6168, www.houseofhealthhi.com.

— Amanda Stevens