Da Kine Star-Bulletin staff and wire services

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Hit the books in style

Darn, is it back-to-school time already?

Shasa Emporium wants to reduce the pain by hosting a Back to School Giveaway beginning Saturday. Get a free gift from Paul Frank with any purchase of Paul Frank items, with some restrictions and while supplies last. The gifts include posters, coloring books, keychains, magnets, compact mirrors, buttons, and, ear plugs -- no doubt to tune out all the distractions while you hit the books.

Shasa Emporium is at the Kahala Mall. Call 735-5122 for more information.

Practice safe sun

If the heat has you worried about going outdoors, bring your questions to Macy's Ala Moana from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, where the Hawaii Skin Cancer Coalition is sponsoring a Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Event to enlighten individuals about the risk factors and prevention of premature aging, skin damage from the sun, and skin cancer.

Experts from the coalition will present an overview of protection issues for Hawaii, the latest research, and discussion by a physician and skin cancer patients, as well as offer complimentary screenings.

Participants may also take advantage of safe sun activities, which include sunglasses/eyeglasses evaluation, a sun protection "wheel of fortune," auto and home tinting information, and more. Plus, enjoy an informal beach attire fashion show.

Here's the schedule:

Noonto 1:15 p.m.: Safe Sun Seminar, Special Events Room, Level 3

Noon to 4 p.m.: Check out the latest sun-protection cosmetics products in Cosmetics & Fragrances, Level 2.

1:15 to 2 p.m.: Skin Cancer Screenings, Special Events Room, Level 3

The event is free.

Closet Swap debut

The Fashionista's Market will host a back-to-school clearance sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii.

Students and teachers who show their school I.D. will receive an additional 10 off markdowns of up to 80 percent off retail prices.

Admission is $3 for FM members, $7 for the public, and free for JCCH members.

The rules: No large handbags will be allowed. Payment must be by cash or credit card. Wear your best underwear because dressing rooms are communal.

Even bigger news is FM's planto stage Hawaii's first meaningful Closet Swap 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 18 at JCCH.

The benefit for the Leeward Domestic Abuse Shelter will bring together women of all ages and sizes to recycle and refresh their wardrobes by bringing in unwanted gently worn clothing then diving in and taking your pick of the offerings available.

Purchase $20 earlybird tickets at this weekend's sale, or a girlfriend pack of six tickets for $100. Otherwise, tickets will be $25 pre-sale and $30 at the door. For information, visit www.fashionistasmarket.com.

Fresh event at Y

The Valerie Joseph boutique will present the inaugural Fresh benefit from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Laniakea YWCA.

Tickets are $25 at the McCully Shopping Center boutique for the night of shopping and fun, with a wine bar and food from P.F. Chang's and Phuket Thai.

Proceeds will go toward supporting the Dress For Success Honolulu program at the YWCA, which provides free interview and work outfits to economically challenged women who are job hunting.

Call 942-5258.