Ambitious women
start magazine

The three women are the brains behind SMART Magazine, a new publication that focuses on the "stylish, smart and fashionable" and gives readers "information and advice on all aspects of fashion, beauty and lifestyle."

What's impressive is the risk they're taking to get things off the ground. Both Watanabe and Honda gave up opportunities on the mainland (Watanabe recently got her MBA; Honda had established herself as a talent manager in New York City), and Alston quit her management job at BCBG to focus on the magazine's launch.

The April 2005 issue, which features local girl Malia Jones on the cover, is currently available for free. Subsequent issues will be priced at $3.50 each. Inside are informative features on fashion trends and places to shop, and I like the attention they give to local designers.

A launch party for SMART Magazine was held on Friday at the W Honolulu, with DJ mr.Brown spinning tunes and Lance Rae helping with emcee duties. Other notable faces in the crowd included promoters Philana Bouvier, Flash Hansen and Matty Hazelgrove, KITV's Jill Kuramoto and KHNL reporter / MidWeek columnist Melisa Uchida ...

NEED TO get a good start to your weekend? Do what I did last Friday and kick things off with happy hour at Kincaid's.

Get there between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. daily, and you don't have to worry about spending a lot -- Bud Light drafts, margaritas and Bloody Marys are just $1.95 each. Along with the normal pupus (be sure to try the Brie cheese with macadamia nuts!), there are great deals like a spicy chicken quesadilla for $1.95, shrimp fireworks cocktail for $4.95 and teriyaki tenderloins for $5.95. The popular crab dip is also on special at $6.95.

Sitting with Honolulu nightlife maven and MySpace junkie Christa Curtiswittmier at the bar, we got our grind on while exploring the extensive drink menu. It was the perfect way to get in gear for a busy night ...

WANT ANOTHER tip about a spot you shouldn't sleep on? Don't miss "Cruz Nite" on Sundays over at On Stage Drinks and Grinds in Kapahulu.

The extremely talented (and recent Grammy Award winner) John Cruz gets started around 10:30 p.m. with a pretty chill crowd, and there's cheap beer and a sushi bar here. What more do you need? ...