POP SYMPHONY

The New Pornographers, A.C. Newman's eight-piece outfit (with eight others helping here) is a pop orchestra without the pretension, and its new CD "Together" (Matador) finds them at a peak. The melding of Newman's voice with those of Neko Case and Kathryn Calder is endlessly inventive, weaving in and out of the nervous-sounding rhythm that is the band's calling card. The first four songs are what the Electric Light Orchestra meant to achieve but never quite did.

Pretty good considering it's next to impossible to figure out what they're talking about lyrically. We're still looking for the translation for "Silhouette tell me a tall tale, go, shout it out. Silhouette shout from the top. Sweet talk, sweet talk."

— David Bauder, Associated Press

JUMPIN' JIVE

The idea of trashing your wedding dress while preserving it in a memorable photo has taken hold in the imaginations of some Island brides — it's an extravagant statement. Reena Shah, a veterinarian from the North Shore, didn't want to destroy an expensive gown, though. For her June wedding to surfboard shaper Robin Johnston, they wanted a "trash the dress" photo on the invitation, so they found a creative compromise: They went to Goodwill and dug out a used wedding gown and tuxedo. The saleslady at Goodwill loved the idea enough to give Reena her own wedding bouquet from years ago. Shah and Johnston jumped off the Waimea rock on April 2.

— Paula Rath

SALES & BARGAINS

• Local girl, busy mom and young entrepreneur Kimmie Nestor started her All That Glitters jewelry business about three years ago with younger sister Heidi to make some extra money. After losing her infant son Chayse to primary pulmonary hypertension in 2007, Kimmie Nestor began making inspirational bracelets and earrings to help her cope. "It was like therapy for me," she said.

Nestor donates 25 percent of her jewelry sales in memory of Chayse to a charity that researches cures for primary pulmonary hypertension. She creates special jewelry parties for birthdays, bridal showers and the occasional but oh-so-necessary girls' night out. The host gets free gifts plus 10 percent off jewelry and an instant $10 credit. For information, e-mail Kimmie at all.that.glitters.com@gmail.com or check out the online store at www.all-that-glittersonline.com.

• Angie Higa was inspired to create a travel blanket/bag combination after catching a cold on a flight in 2007, where there were no blankets on the plane. In May 2009, while planning a family trip in celebration of her daughter's return from serving in the Middle East, she designed and sewed a blanket/bag that is easy for carry-on — and stylish, too. Her first creation was modeled on her mother's pattern with an updated flair. Just pop the latest issue of Vogue in the bag and you're set for flight — or use the blanket/bag combination for a picnic tote. The travel blanket (40 by 58 inches) sells for $29.99 and up, with free shipping within Hawai'i until May 15; 626-8831, www.skydreamsllc.com.

• The mix of world music and flamenco at Custo Barcelona gets you in the mood to strike a pose. Walls are lined with green leaves and colorful faux flowers. And the clothes? Just imagine the bright blues and hues of a peacock. In the early '80s, brothers Custo and David Dalmau took a year-long motorcycle road trip spanning many countries. Along the way, they were inspired by America's colorful surf culture. After tons of research in graphic design and screen-printing techniques, their Custo Line was launched.

They now have more than 83 stores worldwide and one here in Hawai'i. Custo's draping and comfortable fabric allow clothes to fit different body types. Ongoing great deals. Get a T-Queen feline top, $49 (regular price $58); skinny spiked belt, $15; and European silk scarves starting at $29.

Custo Barcelona, Ala Moana Center; www.custo-barcelona.com, 941-5655.

BLING THING

Uh-oh. No gift for Mom yet? Here's a fun solution you can pick up today: a blinged-up Clipa.

The Clipa, created by Designs by Tiare exclusively for Riches Kahala ($60) can hold a handbag up to 40 pounds, and Mom can dangle it off a table at her favorite restaurant, use it to protect her bag from sticky movie theater floors or place it on a shopping cart. It also doubles as a fun bangle and comes in a rainbow of colors, in a single hue or a mix of bright and shiny shades. Get it at Riches Kahala, Kahala Mall; 737-3303.

— Paula Rath

METROMIX PICK

If you're itching to go out and chill on a Sunday, Sun-daze at The Manifest, hosted by Ruby Hong from Downetowne (Honolulu's most popular lesbian night), is the place to do it today and every second Sunday of the month.

Guest DJ Joe Rodriguez (right) from Gravy LA returns to the Islands for this edition. There's a bloody mary bar from 4 to 6 p.m., so get there early. They've got wireless too, so if you're looking for some place to do homework, read, drink or just talk story with some friends, take Sun-daze for a test drive.

Sun-daze, 4-10 p.m. today; free; The Manifest, 32 N. Hotel St.; 523-7575

— Tracy Chan, www.Honolulu.Metromix.com