I absolutely love Danza Kuduro! With Omari Ferrari on this track, I hope to hear it for this upcoming carnival season. Espeically since I can't get enough of Omari Ferrari's song, In De Fete, where he reppin' the Virgin Islands HARD !!

 
The roots of kuduro can be traced to the late 1980s when producers in Luanda, Angola started mixing African percussion samples with simple calypso and soca rhythms to create a style of music then known as "batida" which evolved to Kuduro. Kuduro dancing is similar to Dancehall dancing of Jamaica. It combines traditional Angolan Kilapanga, Semba and Zouk with Western house and techno. Kuduro is very popular across the former Portuguese overseas provinces in Africa, as well as in the suburbs of Lisbon, Portugal, due to the large number of Angolan immigrants.
Here is the video of Don Omar ft. Lucenzo  Danza Kuduro. This song was #1 on Latin Songs on the Billboards. Read more about Kuduro at Cutlass & Cane and here.




Here is my favorite Kuduro videos/songs:



Pure hotness! Peep the eye makeup in the first and last image. I love it!






Title: Fatal Beauty
Magazine: Vestal January 2011- The Fetish Issue
Model: Daria Zhemkova
Photographer: Kevin Sinclair
Stylist: Fumi

So, I have this grand idea to make my own Peacock feather eyelashes. I'll probably wear them on Monday for Trinidad carnival 2k11. I'll have to wait and see how it looks with my headpiece and collar. I'm thinking it might be over kill on Tuesday with all those pieces so Monday may be best since I won't be wearing my headpiece or collar.  Going big with your lashes is an easy way to create drama if you don't want to deal with  getting creative with your makeup or putting gems on your face.

I plan on using a pair of extra long false lashes and strategically placing peacock sword feathers on them:








I was inspired by this and these pics below (I must have a plan B and some dry fletch in case it rains):



These are available for $25 here if you are not as ambitious as I am.


Here are some links to get creative with your false eyelashes. I've shopped at the first two links and have been pleased.








I'll be sure to show you the outcome even if it's horrible :)


Earlier Vybz Kartel said this “I’m my own man, and as such I do my own thing. When black women stop straightening their hair and wearing wigs and weaves, when white women stop getting lip and butt injections and implants, when bald men stop getting hair transplants, and when people stop getting nose jobs and cosmetic surgery then I’ll stop using the ‘cakesoap’ and we’ll all live naturally ever after. Until then, f–k you all.”

Cipha Sound & Rosenberg from Hot97 interviewed Vybz Kartel. Listen below


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Maison Martin Margiela was inspired by Spring's flowers and created bold floral arrangements in this Spring 2011 Artisanal Couture collection. Maison Martin Margiela more experimental line, Artisanal, as its name indicates, is made by hand. This collection was all about color with tons of rosette-embellished dresses made with bandannas and Liberty fabric, and even transparent evening gowns.




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On my last trip to Jamaica, which was about 5 years ago, I purchased a few candles at one of Starfish Oils' concept stores. Lucky for me, I found my last candles this weekend while cleaning out my makeup drawer. I forgot how good they smell and was amazed that it still had a strong aroma even when it wasn't lit. I probably have about 2 more hours left with my Bob Marley Ride Natty Ride Candle and I must replace it.

Our aim is to provide you with quality Caribbean experiences – a piece of the Caribbean - through our natural products. And we’ve been doing so with pleasure since 1996.

Starfish Oils fragrance factory is located in Jamaica, on the same road as Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong recording studios.

Our team is made up of the finest Jamaican craftsmen and women -- and our products are still hand-made. “Made in Jamaica by Jamaican hands”.

Our team culture is to put warm Caribbean care and flair into every item we make. This is the intangible spirit we blend with natural Caribbean aromatherapy for a unique pampering experience . . . good for your body and nourishing to the soul.

We want to know you’ll experience the joy of Starfish Oils and our products. The same joy we have in making them.

Starfish products evoke the true spirit of the Caribbean Islands . . . wherever in the world you may be. No matter where you live you can enjoy Starfish Oils, soaps, and candles. They’ve been featured on the pages of Bon Appetite, Caribbean Travel & Life, Mademoiselle, Natural Living and Organic Times.

Over the years our quality and service have earned us the privilege of supplying ‘welcome gifts’ for weddings and other events around the world.

You can find our products throughout the Caribbean islands, in the USA, the UK and anywhere else in the world via http://www.starfishoils.com/
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Here is another Soca 2k11 mix to get you ready for the road.




Tracklist:
INFLAMMABLE SOUND
01.JW & BLAZE - TOGETHER
02.PATRICE ROBERTS - WAVE IT AWAY
03.SHAL MARSHALL & SCREWS - ALL OUT
04.OMARI FERRARI & FRIENDS - IN DE FETTE (XTENDED MIX)
05.ALPHA - ANYTHING
06.BUSY SIGNAL - GET OUTTA MY WAY
07.FAY ANN LYONS - CONSIDER IT DONE
08.BUNJI GARLIN - ME ALONE
09.PROBLEM CHILD - DELINQUENTS
10.FIREBALL - PELE PELE PA
11.FIREBALL - WOW WOW WOW
12.3 SUNS - HOLD MEH
13.PRECIOUS - COME FOR THE WINE
14.ALISON HINDS - MAKELELE
15.MACHEL MONTANO - JAMBOLASSIE
16.SHAGGY & QQ - STUCKY TEACHER
17.VOICEMAIL - GONE A LEAD
18.TOK - ALL MI KNOW
19.RDX - GIRL TURN AROUND
20.DELLY RANX - PUSH IT
21.BUSY SIGNAL - DO DI SUMMIN
22.MISTA VYBE - DING DING
23.BUSY SIGNAL & TREVOR OFF KEY - BRUM PUM
24.BUSY SIGNAL - BEND OVA
25.BUNJI GARLIN - ZOOM ZOOM
26.BUNJI GARLIN & PROBLEM CHILD - PARTY CYAN DUN
27.SKINNY FABULOUS - FEEL LIKE
28.RAGGA - FETTING AGAIN
29.ALISON HINDS - BADDEST WINE
30.LIL RICK & MACHEL MONTANO - GO DUNG (REMIX)
31.LIL RICK - FUCK OFF
32.BEENIE MAN - SWAGGA DANCE PON DE ROAD
33.MERITAL - WINE TO DA ONE
34.KMC - TWO TINGS
35.FLIPO & KMC - ROLL GYAL
36.KMC - GET AWAY
37.SLAMMER CUTTER - PASS ME THE FIRE
38.SILVAH - BURN DEM DEH
39.ZIGGY RANKING - GYAL IN FRONT MEH
40.ZIGGY RANKING - MANGO TREE
41.CHUCKY - MY BAD THING
42.LEA ANNA - KISSES (JUNEZ SOCA REMIX)
43.GYPTIAN & ALISON HINDS - NAH LET GO (SOCA REMIX)
44.GYPTIAN - HOLD YOU (SOCA REFIX)
45.MOHOMBI - BUMPY RIDE
46.GAPPY RANKS - WEST INDIAN GIRL
47.PROPHET BENJAMIN - FIELD AH WEED

Inflammable Sound  has some good reggae mixes as well.







Very interesting and creative. I love it!
Herring & Herring is a collaboration between Dimitri Scheblanov (Russia/USA) and Jesper Carlsen (Denmark/USA), engaging in fashion photography and art direction.

The team’s approach is based upon concept rather than a singular style. Their aim is to continuously push the boundaries of storytelling through a ever expanding visual vernacular.

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black|Up might be worth a try, especially since Mylah Morales (Ri-Ri's makeup artist) has cosigned on the quality of their products. black|Up is currently in hundreds of stores in France and throughout Europe and Africa.  This Parisian cosmetic company recently launched online in the US and will be opening a store stateside soon as well. They offers 11 shades of fluid foundation, six hues of pressed powder, 36 highly-pigmented eyeshadow colors and 26 lipstick shades, along with various nail varnishes, makeup brushes and tools. Check out black|Upcosmetics.com in between time.


Unique products , magical textures , amazing colors : you will be addicted !
Our complexion textures , oil free , velvet finish , offer impeccable hold . Get ready for ultra-gentle formulas that ensure maximum comfort .
Prepare yourself for an unbeatable choice of delicious shades : discover our Lipsticks , Mascaras and Eye shadows...
Innovation | Style | Results
Created in 1999, black|Up became the first French Make-up Artist brand that combines quality, efficiency and glamour.
Especially designed for black and mixed beauty, and also for all women, black|Up, skin color leader and colours pioneer, offers an unrivalled selection.
    black|Up fulfils all its consumers needs :
  • Matt effect
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    Our adapted and patented Foundation Textures are ideal for all the beauty of the world.
    With their selected and colorful pigments, our products will surprise you with their brilliance and their color richness.
    The ultra|Mat range also meets the quality requirements of its consumers :
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  • Specific Skin Care





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In my search for some makeup ideas for this carnival, I found these and thought they were amazing.  Kakuyasu Uchiide, the brilliant Japanese head make-up artist of renowned Shu Uemura cosmetics, did an extraordinary job and I'm inspired. 



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Listening to a song and experiencing a song gives you two totally different feelings. I'm sure my pre-carnival top soca songs will channge after Trinidad carnival. Here's are my favs for Groovy soca so far:

  Trini by Benjai

  Wotless by Kes The Band

  Coming Again by Machel Montano

I love the Flagship Riddim...the next two songs.

  Whole Day by Shal Marshall 

  Speaker Boxx  by Super Jigga TC

  Feel Like Wukkin by Destra Garcia 

  Mas & Wining by Patrice Roberts

I love this Swahili Riddim too! (the next two songs)

  Dance & Dingolay by Denise Belfon

Tanti Woi by  Blaxx

I posted this song lastnight and didn't really like it. I woke up this morning and love it. I must have had a dream about Machel at a Techno club?? LOL

  Bend Over  by Machel Montano
I can already tell this is going to take some getting use to.

  Machel Montano - Bend Over Soca 2011 by NicoleC

I like this remix better!

  Machel Montano - Bend Over (Bruk Up) Refix (Soca) 2011  by J2VProductions
Anita Quansah Spring/Summer 2011 necklaces makes a huge statement. Now, I just need to fill up my piggy bank with ALL my coins.
Anita Quansah Londons designs are synonymous with sophistication, femininity and ethnic chic. Designed to fit the needs of all fun loving, free- spirited & passionate women.
Founded by Anita Quansah in 2008, Anita Quansah London is an eclectic stylish and expressive one-off pieces of clothing and neck-pieces that fuses together timeless sophistication with great originality using recycled and vintage materials with intoduction of mixed metals, silver, gold, gunmetal and colourful elements such as pearls, beads, rhinestones, ribbons . All pieces are handmade in the UK with LOVE.

















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