May the Force be in 3-D

Lucasfilm announced yesterday that the "Star Wars" films will be converted into 3-D and rereleased theatrically. All six films of the saga, beginning with Episode 1, "The Phantom Menace," and concluding with Episode 6, "Return of the Jedi," are expected to be released in theaters in 2012. Lucasfilm and distributor Twentieth Century Fox have not yet set a release date.

WHAT’S IN STORE

Hologram device has believers

The buzz over Power Balance hologram jewelry started in the sports community, with athletes from Shaquille O’Neal to surfers Ekolu Kalama and Andy Irons swearing by its ability to improve strength and flexibility.

I might not have believed it except for the tests.

When I stopped at Hawaiian South Shore one day, owner David Kelly put me through the tests with one of the bracelets and without, with clear results.

The simple test for flexibility is touching your toes with your fingertips. Wearing the bracelet, my reach was 2 inches farther without really trying.

A skeptic could say my muscles were warmed up by the first stretch, but the result of the strength test was undeniable.

Standing with my legs together, with arms stretched out at shoulder height, Kelly had me lift one leg, then he told me to resist and keep my balance while he pressed down on one arm to tip me over. It was quick.

Then he had me slip a bracelet on and repeat the experiment. This time, he pushed even harder, but I was able to maintain my balance the whole time while standing on one leg.

What the … ?

The powerbalance.com website doesn’t say much to explain how the hologram works, except that it works with your "natural energy field."

It’s popular in the surf community, where balance is important.

Kelly also said you don’t have to be an athlete to benefit from Power Balance. He said his back usually hurts after three or four days of surfing, but wearing the Power Balance bracelet has helped relieve his back pain. He said others with aches and pains also have felt relief after wearing the jewelry.

The pieces sell for about $29.95 to $39.95 at Hawaiian South Shore, 320 Ward Ave. Take the test and see for yourself. Call 597-9055.

Flip Flop Shops expands

Living in Hawaii, we take our slippers for granted, finding them as close as the nearest Longs Drugs store, and at dirt-cheap prices at that.

So it took a couple of mainlanders to see the beauty and potential of slippers and come up with the bright idea of bringing multiple brands and styles of slippers under one roof, including Reef, Vans, Rainbow and O’Neill.

Flip Flop Shops was started by a couple of Bostonians, Todd Giatrelis and Sarah Towne, who attended a business convention in Vegas, where walking in the desert heat gave Towne sore feet. The situation called for comfy slippers, but none could be found, and the idea of a store specializing in casual footwear was born.

The franchise has made its way to Waikiki, opening at the Sheraton Waikiki a few months ago, and opening today at the Moana Surfrider Hotel, where owners Steve Haugse and Kurt Haller are dedicated to promoting the brand’s "free your toes" mindset.

BEAUTY SPOT

DFS Galleria hosts fashion evening

DFS Galleria Waikiki will be showing off its expanded Beauty World from 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday.

It will be an evening of entertainment, fashion and beauty, with demonstrations and free makeovers from brand representatives, including such DFS exclusive brands in Hawaii, such as Paul & Joe, Anna Sui and Helena Rubenstein.

There will be entertainment on the ground floor by Taimane Gardner at 6 p.m., an accessory fashion show at 8 p.m. and an appearance by international model Kurara Chibana at 8:30 p.m.

Then at 8 p.m., head up to the second floor for a champagne celebration of the 19,000-square-foot Beauty World.

Pau hana event brings makeup tips

BambuTwo Cafe + Martini Lounge welcomes "Cheeky!," an early evening pau hana event for women, and gents, if your interest happens to be picking up tips on the latest in makeup and hair and modeling of black pearls by Puratu and muumuu from Missing Polynesia.

Ryan Jacobie Salon will be featuring new red ginger products by Paul Mitchell, and there will be a scent bar, complimentary wine from Little Black Dress, and pupu .

The event runs from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Skin-care seminar planned at Aloette

Aloette is hosting a Career Day and Skin Care Seminar on Oct. 8 geared toward those interested in working in the skin-care, beauty and makeup industry.

Reserve your place to learn how to better care for your skin and get the most out of your makeup. The event will take place at 2153 N. King St., Suite 103. Free, but RSVP required. Call 721-6500 or 626-222-6950.

Mellow Antiques pulls out sapphires

Mellow Antiques is presenting a "Scintillating Sapphires" trunk show from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and tomorrow at 841 Bishop St., Suite 156 .

On view will be sapphires in many colors, shapes and sizes, with sterling-set jewelry starting at $75. While there, enter the store’s drawing to win a pair of silver rainbow sapphire earrings valued at $350. The winner’s name will be drawn at 7 p.m. tomorrow. You need not be present to win. Call 533-6333.