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Here's a chance to win prizes and look good

Hey kids, we want to send five students back to school in style.

Two girls, ages 8 to 12, will win a Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen outfit tailored to their style, valued at $125. To enter, write an essay in 100 words or less, on whether your style is more like Mary-Kate's or Ashley's and how your personality fits that style. (Mary-Kate's style has more of a rock 'n' roll, eclectic vibe. Ashley leans toward a classic, clean look. Both of the celebrity sisters feel accessories are what make an outfit.)

One girl and one boy, 13 to 18, will win $125 wardrobes from T&C Surf Designs by writing 100 words or less on what you think is most exciting about going back to school, whether it's studying a favorite subject or cheering on the football team.

Also, one teen, aged 13 to 18, will win a cosmetics prize from BeneFit, featuring the company's neutral "Big Magic" lipgloss, "Roadside Attractions" eyeshadow trio in fall's shimmery sand and cappuccino colors, and BADgal Lash mascara. Explain in 100 words or less why it's important to put your best face forward.

Send entries to: Back-to-School contest, Today section, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 7-210 Waterfront Plaza, Honolulu 96813. Include name, age, phone number, school and clothing size. Winners will be photographed for a style story. Deadline is Aug. 26.

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COURTESY SASSY MAGAZINE At Ala Moana's teen scene event, students got a peek at Fall back-to-school apparel. A similar event takes place at Windward Mall Saturday.

Hot for teens this season

Ala Moana Center's "Teen Scene" event last weekend featured fashion shows and makeovers, with retailers offering their Top 10 take on what's hot for teens this fall, as well as where to get them:

On the Windward side

"The Scene" moves to Windward Mall from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, allowing teens to hang out and shop for back-to-school ideas.

The Lounge will be open on the lower level next to Macy's, allowing teens to relax on trendy furniture from Icing's by Claire's while listening to DJ spins and checking out the latest home entertainment surround sound systems, and trying the latest videogames on XBOX and Play Station 2. The Pepsi Prize Wheel will be open from 3 to 5 p.m. Bring a Pepsi bottle cap for a spin to win back-to-school gear from select Windward Mall merchants.

Center Stage events from 4 to 6 p.m. will introduce the Mad Makeover Sweepstakes winners as they showcase their new look created with the help of personal shopper and stylist Tara Chanel.

And The Crud performs at 5 p.m.

Fall fashions coming

While the kids think of books and classmates, adults have holiday season to consider when it comes to wardrobes.

The fall lineup is starting to arrive at Neiman Marcus, and informal modeling of the fall collections are taking place noon to 2 p.m. daily through Saturday throughout the store. Of particular interest to party girls will be a show of little black dresses and other evening attire from Nicole Miller, Tadashi, Diane Von Furstenburg and more, from noon to 2 p.m. tomorrow in Galleria Collections, Level Two.

Denim and casual creations will be shown from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday in a "Fade-In" event, with refreshments and music provided by Dynamic Sound & Lighting. Shoes and handbags will also be shown at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Shoe Salon.

Then mark your calendar for next week, when NARS senior stylist Lilia drops in to premiere the company's Fall 2005 "Jagged Edge" color collection, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Aug. 26 and 27. Make a makeover appointment by calling the NARS counter at 948-7587.

Cosmo turns 40

Cosmopolitan magazine celebrates its 40th birthday in its September issue, and its cover girls are getting more comfortable in their own skin. So are the magazine's readers, says editor-in-chief Kate White.

When Helen Gurley Brown launched the magazine in the 1960s, the cover models were the most glamorous creatures she could find -- and then they'd be made up even more for their photo shoots. But since she took over in 1999, White says she's tried to make the new cover models as sexy as their predecessors but doing it by exuding more confidence and wearing less makeup.

"In Helen's day, when the covers got their over-the-top feeling with the really big hair and really big breasts in the '70s and '80s. ... (Now) I try to imagine a girl stepping into a party and saying, 'I own this room,' because she knows she looks great."

September's star is Scarlett Johansson, who wears Citizen of Humanity jeans and a champagne-colored Chanel top.

"I love the high-low look. It's reflective of fashion today, and of our reader," White said.

Her advice for wannabe Cosmo girls? "Don't get caught in that frump factor."

Look at pictures of yourself from a year ago. Are you still wearing your hair the same way? The same color eye shadow and lipstick? How old is your outfit?

If you haven't gotten a complement in a while, it's time to update your look, says White.

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