BELLA OF THE BALL

We were all there once ... dreaming our Seventeen magazine-induced dream of a date with Mr. Hot Stuff, with the flowers, makeup, shoes — and perfect dress. At least until we caught a glimpse of the price tag.

Maybe you spent your weekends at the shave ice stand to save up for your prom frock, borrowed your cousin's dress, or begged Mom and Dad to fork over a bundle so you could realize your Cinderella-worthy evening.

But what happens to young girls today without options or resources? That's where the Bella Project comes in. They aim to provide underprivileged young women with everything they would need to be beautiful on prom day, free of charge.

"We want to ensure that every high school woman has the opportunity to attend her high school prom," says founder and executive director Amanda Ross. In Chicago, Ross was part of a similar project, and when she moved to Hawai'i, she realized that there wasn't anything like it.

Starting with a June kickoff event at Pearl, the Bella Project is holding fundraising and dress drives to lead up to a first dress giveaway next spring, in time for the 2010 prom season.

Do you have a prom, cocktail or bridesmaid dress, shoes, jewelry or unused makeup to donate? Every Saturday through Oct. 24, Alliway at Ward Warehouse will host donation drives from 1 to 4 p.m. In exchange for donations, donors will receive a one-time coupon for 20 percent off their entire purchase at Alliway, good through Oct. 31.

Send monetary donations to The Bella Project, P.O. Box 195, Honolulu, HI 96810. For more information: 271-0644, thebellaproject@yahoo.com.

— Pualana Lemelle

MCKMETAL SHINES

Looking for a piece of jewelry that defines you? Something a little Earth conscious, a little rugged on the outside, a little rock and roll, but a whole lotta glam? Check out McKenzie Santimer's MckMetal collection.

"I am a big supporter of using organic and natural materials. I am a collector of all sorts of things and have been for years," explains Santimer. "Reuse, Re-invent and Rock it, those are my 3 R's."

She combines materials such as seeds, shells and leather with unusual items like bamboo, river rocks, antlers and coconuts as the basis of her jewelry.

Her recent collection of recycled leather is from a leather tannery on the Mainland. "The leather is a rough and tough look, but is soft and supple to the touch," she says.

Another unique element: salvaged zippers. "I went rummaging — came across these long zippers, and it was love at first sight." Shop online at www.mckmetal.com; mention From the Hip to score free shipping.

— Lacy Matsumoto

NATURAL NAILS

Nails La Vie — Natural Hand & Foot Spa is a little oasis in a new community of shops in Kahala, diagonally across the H-1 from the Macy's end of Kahala Mall. Thuy Tran and mom Sandy Pham have teamed up to provide the east side with a nail salon that distinguishes itself with pleasant, soothing surroundings and an emphasis on natural practices. Nails La Vie offers customers open space with relaxing mahogany massage chairs and curtain dividers between each station, so you don't feel crammed in the lineup.

The signature pedicure ($50) is a total indulgence, with slices of cucumber, orchid petals and essential oils in the foot bath, a sea salt scrub, callus treatment, moisturizing paraffin treatment and a 15-minute foot and calf massage. The basic manicure ($15) and pedicure ($30) are also a treat, with nail art and acrylic nail options galore.

The salon uses natural or milder products, including long-wearing polishes free of toluene, formaldehyde, phthalates and camphor, all by Zoya. Even the lotions are paraben-free. Nails La Vie is aiming to be healthy for its customers and employees. Technicians adhere to strict cleaning and sanitizing methods.

Young and vibrant, Tran works for a photo agency managing fashion photographers and stylists in New York, and developed the salon remotely from NYC. "Success is to not only to have (the salon) be busy, but to inspire and motivate people to be more conscious about their health through the experience," she says. Visit Nails La Vie for your waxing needs, too; 4346 Wai'alae Ave., Suite D; 734-1957, www.nailslavie.com.

— P.L.

POETIC PAU HANA

When the workday ends on Friday, it's time to unwind. If you're already dressed to impress, head over to Nobu for Haiku — but note, a dress code is in force.

At Haiku, social butterflies and business execs in their mid-20s to mid-30s eye each other over select dishes and cocktails. DJs Righteous Rob and Matt Kee tear it up with downtempo house in the early evening, pick it up when the dinner crowd thins out, and the party begins. Check it out from 6 p.m. to midnight Fridays at Nobu Restaurant, Waikiki Parc Hotel; 237-6999, www.noburestaurants.com.

— L.M.

SALES & BARGAINS