By Joy Kraft
The Cincinnati Enquirer

The splash countdown has begun. School days are short, and kids are thinking about sun, swimming and sand. Coppertone, the suntan lotion folks, is taking the worry out of long hours at the pool with Coppertone UV Protective Swimsuits with total SPF 50 protection against those nasty UV rays. The color-crazy suits, designed to look like modified surfer wetsuits, have no chemicals or additives. They're made of Lycra and spandex, and the sun protection is in the weave.

"Our incredibly dense weave is what blocks out the harmful UV rays," says Venessa Redman, president of Sunwise Swimwear, which makes the suits. "Yet the fabric stays cool, comfortable and strong enough to take all the action little kids can dish out."

A native of South Africa, Redman says the suits have been in beach-conscious countries for years. When folks started asking her where to get a suit like her daughter's when they came to the U.S., she saw an opportunity. (Sunscreen still needs to be worn on exposed areas, and hats are always recommended).

One- and two-piece suits are available for infants, toddlers, girls and boys from $19.95-$29.95 at Rite Aid and selected Target, Wal-mart, Toys R Us stores. (800) 645-0201; www.sunwiseswimwear.com.

Levi's looking: As part of their new "A Style for Every Story" print ad campaign, Levi's is looking for one man and one woman whose style leaves a "lasting impression," and they want to hear about how favorite Levi's jeans have made an impression on people's lives. The guy and gal selected will appear in print ads in People, Entertainment Weekly and Sports Illustrated magazines. Entrants are asked to submit a recent photo of themselves wearing Levi's, of course, and a short paragraph explaining why Levi's is their favorite jean brand. Entry forms are available at Levi's stores and at www.levi.com until Friday. Winners will go to New York for a shopping spree and photo shoot.

'O.C.' gems: The beauties on The O.C. may be picking up where the Sex and the City quartet left off. O.C. closed its first season with Mischa Barton, who plays Melissa Cooper, confessing her love to Benjamin McKenzie, playing Ryan, wearing an 18K white gold and diamond Cono-heart pendant by jewelry designers Dana*David. The finale's wedding scene also featured jewelry by Jude Frances on a bridesmaid and a Mikimoto necklace on the bride.

Jewelry trunk show: Designers Patti Rogers, Peggy Greenberg and Kate Lima get the spotlight through June at the Design Consortium Gallery in O'Bryonville. They use antique, semi-precious, precious stones and ceramic, hand-blown glass, wire, crochet work and beads in their one-of-a-kind designs. They will also take your old family beads and make updated necklaces and custom jewelry. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 2012 Madison Road. Information: 321-1800.

Eyes have it: Get a peek at the latest in frames and eyewear from Armani, Burberry, Christian Dior, Gucci, Kate Spade, Max Mara and Valentino at Eye 1 Unique Eyewear ,10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, at the Hyde Park store, 2648 Erie Ave. Representatives from the designers will be available to help customers update their look, and a 20 percent off discount will be offered that day. Information: 321-7800.

Men's day: Men get special treatment Tuesday at Lazarus-Macy's with an extra 20 percent off all tailored clothing, furnishings, dress shirts, neckwear, pants, sportswear and shoes, with informal modeling and refreshments. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Fountain Place; 6-9 p.m. at Kenwood Towne Centre.

• Meet the experts from Alfani, I.N.C. International Concepts, Jones of New York Collection, Jones of New York Signature and Liz Claiborne to hear about the season's new looks, noon-3 p.m. Thursday at Kenwood Towne Centre.

Image workshops: Image trainer and consultant Anne Janae Jacobs has summer sessions planned in Mason, 7-9 p.m. Mondays, for women who want to improve their appearance: Color selection for your wardrobe, hair, cosmetics and accessories, June 7; guidance on hair styles, cosmetics, necklines, collars and jewelry, June 14; clothing and accessory selection for your silhouette, June 21; and clothes that flatter the shape of your body and conceal your flaws, June 28. $25 each session. For location and information: 339-0835.

To be included in Style Extra, send information about a salon, beauty, fashion or personal grooming event at least two weeks before the date to Joy Kraft by fax: 768-8330; e-mail: jkraft@enquirer.com.

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