It's official — the '80s are never going away. The decade has left its mark, from skinny jeans to music, and it's impossible to get away from, no matter how tormented you are by those pictures of your big hair or wild outfits. With Acid Wash — the '80s party that started at Next Door in Chinatown, and vanished with the club's closing — back on the scene, breaking out those hoop earrings and teasing your hair might not be such a bad idea.

"I'm bringing back Acid Wash to reconnect a community," says Mike Licata, aka Vegas Mike, who promoted Acid Wash in its heyday, when the party brought the masses out to dance like it was 1984. Maybe the secret was no cover, or the DJs' selection of songs that revived memories, or maybe it was being scheduled on Wednesday, the midweek hump — but the night clicked.

When Next Door closed, '80s music moved to the Loft, where the original DJs spin on for a Totally '80s party. Vegas Mike left the Islands for a while, but he's back in Hawai'i and giving it a go once again at the Living Room. This Acid Wash has the same formula — no cover on Wednesday nights — but there's a new line up of DJs. Yes, there are two '80s nights now.

Acid Wash kicks off this Wednesday at the Living Room, Fisherman's Wharf, 1009 Ala Moana Blvd.; no cover; www.myspace.com/acidwashwednesday, www.thelivingroomhawaii.com.

— Lacy Matsumoto

SALES & BARGAINS

Last year at this time, we rushed to explore the new Nordstrom store and new wing of FOB-to-Hawai'i stores that opened along with it in the Ala Moana Center. Celebrating the first birthday of this new wing, Shop a Le'a is on Monday through March 29 at Ala Moana, with plenty of offers worth checking out, including gifts with purchase, free makeovers and giveaways. Highlights:

• At Club Monaco, get serious wardrobe advice from a brand stylist and receive 20 percent off. (Must schedule an appointment with a brand stylist to qualify.)

• At Le Grand Marqet, select items are offered at up to 80 percent off.

• At The Levi's Store, just stop by to enter to win one of three $50 Levi's Store gift cards.

• Visit W Salon, and take home a special gift when you learn about their Shu Uemura products.

• Lush is giving away an Avobath Bath Bomb and a Pop in the Bath Bubble Bar with any purchase of at least $40.

• Get a free ticket to LuWOW, the anniversary party for the Nordstrom-wing stores, when you spend a combined total of $100 in those shops tomorrow through Thursday. Bring receipts to Ala Moana's Customer Service Center to redeem a ticket in advance; limit two tickets per person.

• Redeem $200 in Ala Moana Center store and restaurant receipts at the Customer Service Center to tote away a bright, embroidered Shop a Le'a canvas bag (right).

• One lucky shopper will win the Shop a Le'a grand-prize giveaway — a luxury trip for two to Las Vegas. Ala Moana Center will also be giving away second-place prizes — five trips for two to Maui. Enter at Ala Moana Center's Customer Service Center, by the Centerstage, tomorrow through March 29; no purchase necessary. More information at www.AlaMoanaCenter.com.

Last week, we mistakenly informed you that Baci Bistro and Lucy's Grill and Bar in Kailua had the same offer. Our sincere apologies. Here's the correction: Monday nights are happening at Baci Bistro, where operators are offering a fab 25 percent off your entire check (drinks included — can I hear a whoot whoot!) and there's no limit as to your number of guests. Lucy's Monday-night deal: 20 percent off food only, up to a party of four. Make it a night out, even on a limited budget, and make your reservations now! Baci Bistro, 40 Aulike St.; 262-7555. Lucy's Grill and Bar, 33 Aulike St.; 230-8188.

— Pualana Lemelle

BAD, BUT OH SO GOOD

As the saying goes, "everything in moderation." But once you try a bite of the tempura-battered brownie at Doraku Sushi, you might need to practice a little self-control. The rich chocolate flavor and chewy texture of the brownie is surrounded by warm, slightly crispy tempura, then warm chocolate and strawberry syrup is drizzled over the brownie, and the final touch is a big scoop of vanilla ice cream — sealing the deal for your own small experience of heaven. At $6.50, you couldn't ask for more — except, perhaps, some smooth downtempo music by DJ Rob every Thursday night. But even without the DJ, this dessert will have you singing your own tune. Doraku Sushi, Royal Hawaiian Center; 922-3323, www.sushidoraku.com.

— L.M.

SPRING CREATIONS

Jewelry designer Noelani Love introduces her spring line this week with designs such as her Ligia (lee-he-ah) earrings, below. "I'm doing a lot of leaves for spring," says Love. "I took some time off from designing to get adjusted to being a new mom, and I'm just starting to get back into it. For me, the leaves are a symbol of a new beginning. It's like a rebirth of my creativity." This Island girl has created a unique niche with her delicate designs, designed and handmade on the North Shore of O'ahu. The pieces, made of high-quality gold wiring, semi-precious stones, shells, and simple beads, are a fresh accessory for spring, as seen on model Corinne Gold, above.

Celebrate the launch of Noelani's new line with a spring discount — 20 percent off — and free shipping and handling. Visit www.noelanidesigns.com, and type in "LOVE" when you check out to receive your discount.

— L.M.

JET SETTER

Take a free trip around the world, from India's tribal beats to Australia's didjeridoo, combined with a modern flavor of downtempo beats and melodies, when Mr. Nick, aka Nick Yee, above, hosts the "Jet Set" radio show on KTUH, 90.3 FM. The three-year-old show is full of energy and incorporates a worldly sound and sexy beats, and it's in a prime time spot on Wednesday nights.

With remixed songs from classic artists including Etta James and James Brown, and exotic tracks by artists such as Lal Meri and Les Nubians, Mr. Nick brings a new flavor to every show. "I'm dreading the day when I have to give all of this up," he says — but until then, listen in. "Jet Set," 6 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday; KTUH 90.3 FM, www.ktuh.org.

— L.M.

WHAT’S ON YOUR IPOD?

DJ Mr. Nick

1) "How Long Do I Have To Wait?" Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Tickla Remix

2) "Mercy, Mercy, Me," DJ Yoghurt and Koyas

3) "Squeeze Me," Kraak and Smaak Feat, Ben Westbeach

4) "Dreams of 18," Lal Meri

5) "Sex machine," James Brown, Readymade Dance floor Defector Remix