What would Levi Strauss have to say? A pair of vintage 1880 Levi jeans found in a Nevada mine will be on the block Friday on eBay by the online auction site. They are expected to sell for $25,000-$35,000, according to Butterfields Auctioneers, in the auction sponsored by the History Channel. No word on the size, style or whether they are pre-washed.

        Rechargeable watch: Batteries made watch-winding obsolete. Now Dakota Watch Co. has a new timepiece that puts batteries to rest — a watch with electromagnetic technology that recharges on a special “nightstand.” The REQ (Rechargeable Electromagnetic Quartz) lasts more than a year with a 36-hour charge, according to Dakota. But they suggest charging the watch overnight every few months on the special stand that transmits power and allows the owner to see the charging status of the watch at a glance. It's tested to 330 feet water resistance and has a 10-year warranty. $150-$225 at Dakota Watch Co. Stores.

        Pregnant is beautiful: In a move to make pregnant women feel good about themselves, Bravado Designs has come out with a thong for pregnant women in patterns, florals and colors to match their bra line. The company swears women who have worn the Bravado Thong say it “feels invisible” and that wearing one will perk up the expectant mom's self-image. Those who don't think that is a stretch should call (800) 590-7802. $11 in S-M-L-XL.

        Sparkle aplenty: Here's a twist on a craft book — one that tells you what to do, step-by-step, and includes the materials you'll need. Beadgirl (Chronicle Books; $18.95 teaches readers how to make 25 projects — Twinkle Toe Rings to Enchanted Chokers — and includes 500 beads — enough for about 10 of the items. Ages 8 and up. At bookstores.

        Ding-dong, fitness calling: The doorbell ringers at Avon have joined the nutritional, aromatherapy and at-home relaxation proponents by introducing the Avon Wellness collection. It includes VitAdvance, a line of multivitamin and nutritional supplements; VitaTonics, fragrance products “infused with vitamins,” and Body and Mind, a line of exercise and fitness equipment, plus relation and stress-management products. If you don't know an Avon rep, call (800) 367-2866 or log onto www.avon.com.

        Heeled in retro: With fashion looking back to the '80s, it was only a matter of time before we'd see upholstery-studded shoes with clunky heels. Candies Vintage Collection brings back the glitter and shine of the disco era with high heel wooden platforms in shimmery metallics, suedes and leather. It's debatable whether the new line is any easier to walk in. $39-$52.

        Searching for models: Elite Model Management is stopping in Cincinnati to look over prospects during its 30-city visit hunting for the next generation of spotlight material. An open call will be 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Tri-County Mall. It is for women only, 14-24. Information: (212) 529-9700 (ext.117).

        E-mail jkraft@enquirer.com.

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