Nicole

Dem gone guh change meh costume, WTH! Carnival Nationz has made some changes to 3 sections: Saltfish, Royal Jail and Sexy Marajhin. Here are the before and after.

Saltfish Before

Saltfish After

Royal Jail now has a waist belt... a necessary change I feel

Royal Jail Before

Royal Jail After

Sexy Marajhin Before

Sexy Marajhin After

I don't LOVE the changes they made to Saltfish. It's looks like an afterthought. I really liked the dimension/texture that's in the original head piece. Now the gray feathers look so drab.

Now that they've added a waist belt to Royal Jail, it looks so much better. I'm sure it will sell off now.

Sexy Marajhin...they got rid of the yellow feathers and added some trim to the bra. I don't remember there being a FL for this section but take a look:

?????

Idris Elba, aka King Dris who gained notoriety in the US playing Stringer Bell on HBO’s hit “The Wire” has a new video alongside 9th Wonder. Some comments floating around the net is that he is confused and he is a Londoner pretending to be Jamaican. Idris is of Ghanian and Sierra Leonean descent. He was probably surrounded by the huge Caribbean influence specifically Jamaican while growing up in England. Not to mentioned he did a good job in the Jamaican movie “One Love” starring Kymani Marley and Cherine Anderson.

KING DRIIS - HOLD ON from Pricefilms on Vimeo.

Friends at Cutlass and Cane

Music lovers in New York, can look forward to this year’s Caribbean Music Festival free concert series, which will be held in Queen’s, New York, every Thursday from June 10 – July 8, 2010. The festival will feature musicians from a number of music genres including calypso, ska, jazz and reggae.

In Sex and the City 2″ Carrie wears an amazing turban. Turbans has popped up on several runways for many Resort and Fall/Winter 2010 collections.

tur·ban [túrbən]
noun

1. headdress: a man's headdress that consists of a long piece of fabric wrapped around the head or around a small cap, completely covering the hair, worn especially by some Sikhs and Muslims
2. woman's hat: a woman's hat that is similar in shape to a man's turban
Microsoft® Encarta® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Jean Paul Gaultier for his Fall 2010 collection presented African print Turbans

Temperley Fall 2010 collection gold lame turban

Charlotte Ronson Fall 2010

Yigal Azrouël Resort 2010

Chris Benz Resort 2010

For those of you less willing to commit to a truban you can try a headband+turban=Turband. Thanks to Gold Saturn, you can now experiment. They've created the part turban, part headband Turband — thick enough to resemble a real turban but thin enough to not envelope your entire head.

Here are some other options:

More Jennifer Ouellette...

The No No List. I agree with every single point on this list!

Many of you may have made your New Years resolutions months ago, and may have no intentions on adding another list to your already hectic day. So, instead of things to do, get, have, I decided to simplify things... A list of No No's.

1. The cheap stuff. The economy is supposedly still bad, and it may be obscene to over indulge (over spend), but this is certainly no excuse for the cheap stuff. Look to invest in quality, and look at it as a long term investment. During those summer months, remember that the cheap linen only looks good up until you pass your front door. Poor quality in general shows after minimal wear, in the case of shoes, quality shoes can be resoled and last a lifetime. Discover the art of thrift shopping and even ebay (you'll find great quality at astonishing prices).

2. Flip Flops in the big city. Although they may look 'cute', the city dirt on your heels isn't. The other problem with flip flops is that you run the risk of having someone step on the back of them... crowded space don't make for leisurely walks. (ladies - clogs are great for summer and work with a summer dress. Gents - no socks and the right shoes/ athletic footwear can work. Just make sure you let your shoes air out afterwards).

3. UGGS. For those who know me, UGGS are UGLY. Unless you're under 21, I firmly believe that UGGS are a NO NO (especially in summer). I have yet to catch an person in UGGS that I would photograph.

4. Sunglasses after dark. Do I really need to elaborate?! If you're not performing on stage (as a singer) think twice about it... Actually don't think about it - just don't do it!

5. iPods and a suit (or elegantly dressed). Without realizing it, those white wires kill the look. The point of being well dressed is to maintain a level of neatness, the wires only give a messy effect.

6. Overstuffed pockets. This is an eye sore. When it fits just right and there's a bulge (in the wrong places) it no longer fits well. (Gents - an everyday bag solves that simple dilemma. Ladies, no excuses, you should know better than put anything in the pockets of those tight jeans).

7. Tube socks and a suit. I shouldn't have to say this but... I have to! There is absolutely no way you should wear tube socks with anything other than sneakers/tennis shoes.

8. Baseball cap and a suit. Unless you go to an Ivy league university, don't do it... and if you do go to an Ivy league university, only do it on their campus.

9. Overdose on Make-up. Ladies, with the weather changing, consider going a little easy on the make up. The point is no longer to look "made up", but instead, as natural as possible (with a little help).

10. Clip on bow ties. This is a Gentleman's faux pas... actually, real gentlemen don't even do clip ons. Part of the beauty of a bow tie is the imperfection of tying one, the time and effort invested and satisfaction afterwards.

11. E-books. Now I'd like to consider myself a man in the know and also a gadget kind of guy... however, E-books just don't cut it. Yes, it saves space (as opposed to a hard cover), but nothing compares to the smell of an old book... and books make for a better looking library filler than 1 e-book with a hundred titles.

12. Eating on public transportation. Make the world a better place, keep your crumbs to yourself.

13. Your child being your best friend. Your child should not be your best friend....ever. You may be theirs at some point, but it should not be the other way around. There's something wrong with parents who dress like their children, act like their children, live like their children. Although there is a closeness, their is also the separation. Let a child be a child, and let them act like children be mindful that childhood is precious, and let them enjoy it as long as possible.

Courtesy of Guerre

I like this list a lot. #2, #4, #7, #9 and #11 are my favs.

My last list was the list of 36 Things every Man should do before dying.

Well, today the list is much shorter, and since the previous list covered plenty for both sexes, I didn't want to be redundant. I however still wanted to create a short list for the ladies who sent me e-mails on the subject.

11 Must haves and things to do +1

1. The black dress. Own a black dress, not a scandalous or extra tight dress, but the perfect black dress that compliments your features and assets without being too revealing. Part of the charm in the black dress is its perfection in simplicity

2. The Heels. Now I've seen some outrages priced heels, and I'm certainly not one who believes in spending beyond your means, but ladies... investing in at least one pair of BEAUTIFUL heels is a must. This is not something to be worn everyday, but when you put them on it will have a magical effect on (you and) those in the know.

3. Sunglasses. For those who do sunglasses (which should be everyone), METAL FRAMES are not for the winter. Metal will attract the cold and no matter how cool your wire (aviator) Ray Bans look, they're not worth the cold against your face. Plastic frames are best for the winter... plastic (if you do Cartier, wood) frames are the only option for winter.

4. The Walk. Do not believe that walking consist of simply putting one foot in front of the other. Learn to infuse personality into your walk (that doesn't mean hopping and skipping everywhere) it simply means be conscious that you are more than simply bones and muscle, walk with attitude. (Good posture is a must. Stand tall, breath in deep, be proud at all times)

5. The Coat. A well fitting coat is KEY. A coat is not just something you throw on to keep warm, it's an extra layer of expression.

6. Read 'Confessions of the Greatest Lover' yes, it's my work... no, I wont overly promote it... I'll let you be the judge.

7. The Summer dress. This is the true test of style, when less says more. Less as in less bells and whistles - a summer dress, open toe sandals and simple details. Give the tight jeans and tights/leggings a well deserved break.

8. A good book. Take time out to read a great book this summer that inspires you.

9. A get-together with your male friends. Enjoy being the only woman there, sit back and enjoy the study group.

10. A Photo Shoot. Grab an outfit or two that you really enjoy and set up a photo shoot. Be it alone or with a few friends, make it a point to capture the moment.

11. The Function. Make it a point to try to go to 1 function a month where you have to dress up. Mind you when I say dress up and function, I'm not talking about the club. Try an opera, a play, a charity event, the point is to live what most only fantasize about.

12. The List. Take a look at the list of 36 Things every man should do before dying then make up your own list.

Courtesy of Guerre

Since Germany has no Caribbean carnival, all Soca crews celebrates during Berlin's Carnival of Cultures on May 23. Most of the Caribbean islands are represented along with two Soca music trucks during this parade. The Berlin "Carnival of Cultures" takes place over the Whitsun weekend as a four-day celebration, representing the cultural and ethnic diversity of Berlin as a multi-national town. About one million people will be expected to participate and watch.

The official start for Carnival weekend was on May 21 with a fete called "Carnival Jump Up" where David Rodigan from London was one of the DJs and Problem Child performed. On the 22nd they had a GLOW Party with Skinny Fabulous. Sunday 23rd was time for the road followed by an after party called Caribbean Invasion packed with live performances by KMC, Ziggi, Gappy Ranks, Problem Child and many more!

Sounds like it was fun. I may have to add this one to my list! Just watching this video makes me wish I was there.

CAREFULLY read the warning before watching this video !!! The warning is sooo funny.

Okayplayer just unveiled the second song off The Roots’ forthcoming new studio album How I Got Over. The band reinvents John Legend’s soulful tune “Again” with their Rootsified version which I think is missing from their first release, “Dear God 2.0″. "Doin' It Again" is track 10 from the album and features John Legend. June 22nd needs to hurry up!

The Roots featuring John Legend - Doin It Again

Antigua's Exotic Mas had their band launch on may 29th. Their theme is Lost at Sea. It looks like I'll be wearing spruced up version of The Sea.

EXOTIC MAS... Yes you know how we role when we hit the streets and this year for Antigua's carnival 2010 we going to mash up the place, it go MAHD! Dat meh say...
'LOST AT SEA' is our 2010 theme and it 'NAR GO NORMAL'.
Calling all my carnival pirates...

Come and jump with us... be EXOTIC...

Hidden Treasure

Pitch Black

The Sea

Drunken Pirate

Contact Info:

careeng@hotmail.com
Exotic mas New Winthropes
New Winthropes villageSaint John's, Antigua

via: Exotic Mas Troupe

There are a few blogs that I visit daily and Guerre's (Gear) Swagger 360 is one of them. His street style blog gives me hope that there are still people with STYLE out there.

Over the next couple of days I'm going to share some of his posts from his Commentary and Notes section of his blog where he shares his opinions, dos and don'ts and tips with his readers. I'm sharing with you because I find his perspective interesting and sometimes funny.

Food for thought, take what you like; and like he said "start your own list."

Who is he?
Hopefully a product and the sum of all my work. I've always said the message is more important than the messenger, and that my work should speak for itself. I will say that I am a chap who works daily on being a gentleman and a modern day renaissance man. I have been labeled by my peers as a Writer, Poet, Photographer, and Film Director.

Swagger 360's List of 36 THINGS EVERY MAN SHOULD DO.

You have become accustomed to seeing the images on the site, but should also expect to read some gems from time to time. Recently I came across an Australian Magazine (Men's Style) and their list of 69 must do things... So out of inspiration I wrote my list before reading theirs ... only to find that great minds think alike on many things)

I present to you 36 things every gentleman should do before dying. Of course this is not etched in stone (or in any particular order) and you may decide some don't apply... the point is to create your list at some point and do your best to live it.

Because Street Style should never be just about street photos... Live with Swagger.

1. Travel to Paris, and New York.
These cities have a certain mystic about them... it's well deserved. Plan to visit one (preferably both) and be sure to experience what makes those cities unique. Side note - Real gentlemen don't do tour buses.

2. Master the omelet.
This is one of those things every man should learn. know how to create an omelet and know how to find those hidden and forgotten items in your refrigerator. Nothing goes better with that good morning kiss than that good morning breakfast.

3. Travel to a third world country.
Nothing will ground and humble you more than this experience. walk down a third world street and take a moment to reflect on what's important in your life.

4. Get a manicure.
A real manicure and afterwards, might as well cater to your shoes - get an old fashion shoe shine outside while people watching.

5. Throw a real party.
I mean prepare every detail. from rolling the sliced turkey, to mixing the olives, to slicing the french bread, to lighting the candles. Select the right music,, chill the white and let breath the red wine. Throw a white table cloth on the table and invite the big boys.

6. Write a love letter.
A high school note doesn't count. Take time to write a real love letter to someone deservant. No e-mail, no text, a hand written love letter that speaks from the soul. (keep a copy for yourself, you'll be glad that you did in the future)

7. Establish a reputation
A gentleman, a scoundrel, a dandy, a lazy bum. People will perceive you a certain way and there is power in perception. Hopefully you'll choose to present yourself in a favorable way.

8. Give something away just because.
One day when someone tells you they like something you have, just give it to them as a gift. it may be a book you're reading, your watch, your pen, the point is to simply give away something simply because the person complimented you on it or because they noticed it.

9. Fast for 3 days.
Not a juice fast where you fill your belly with sweet stuff, go 3 days only consuming water. Take time to reflect on yourself, your life, and literally let the inner you relax.

10. Give up something you enjoy.
Practice self control and decide to simply give up something you enjoy. be it soda, a certain type of meat, candy, a tv show. The point is to practice self control, you'll be fine... even a bit stronger.

11. Buy an Antique.
Take a day and search through an antique shop. Find a piece that you enjoy and add it to your home. Find a piece that adds character to your home and you'll find it may become one of your favorite things at home.

12. Repair a piece of furniture.
Now I don't mean go build you an elaborate cabinet with hidden compartments, or putting together an piece from Ikea. Take the time to strip down a table, buff it, refinish it. No need to make it a habit, but at least experience it once.

13. Play chess.
If you don't know how, learn... if you already know how, play it more often. Chess is for the big boys, gentlemen don't play checkers.

14. Have a suit tailor made.
Pick out the material, discuss the process with your tailor, enjoy he measuring process. While everyone can't afford a bespoke suit, this is one of life's guilty pleasures you should make a point on experiencing.

15. Give away a keep sake.
Find an item, hold on to it for a while (maybe a coin, a token, a lucky pebble, a money clip) then give it to a friend after you've had it for a while.

16. Write a book.
Now everyone may not be able to do this, but everyone should at least try. Take time to document something worth documenting.

17. Have a hobby.
Every gentleman should have at least 1 hobby. be it card collecting, stamp collecting, pens, or watches. Nothing gives you as much peace of mind as sitting home relaxing looking over what you've taken time to gather.

18. Spend a quiet evening ALONE.
Cheese, wine and candlelight or a cold beer and pizza - learn to enjoy your own company.

19. Vacation alone.
This one needs no explanation... ALONE.

20. Have a wall full of photos.
Select a section on your wall and frame photos of close friends, family and loved ones in general. A picture paints a thousand words... a wall full of photos speaks volumes of love.

21. Stay up all night working.
I'm not talking about working the graveyard shift. Spend all night working on something you enjoy, something you're passionate about. Then, look out the window at day break before you go to bed.

22. Bid at an auction.
Don't just bid, WIN. it may be an item you may not cherish forever, the point is the thrill of the win.

23. Strike up a conversation with someone you're not attracted to.
Take the time to strike up a conversation with a woman on the merits of simply making her smile. Not because you think she's beautiful, but simply because making a stranger smile is a beautiful thing.

24. Celebrate your birthday.
Celebrate your birthday by giving something back to the world. It has allowed you to see another year, why not give back... write a book, a poem, make it about what you give, not what you get.

25. Buy a painting.
No litho, no generic painting, save up some money and buy an original.

26. Prepare a picnic.
Plan it, surprise her, and enjoy it.

27. Custom make a piece of jewelry.
Although you may think it may be too expensive, you'd be surprised. Design a piece and bring it to a jeweler. It'll have a special meaning and will be one of a kind ... like you.

28. Write yourself a note.
Write about the temperature, how you feel that day, your thoughts on love, life and in general. Date it and tuck it away Come back to it a few years later (if you remember where you hid it) and reread it.

29. Dance the Waltz.
At least (try it) once. You'll be surprised.... and the electric slide!

30. Write a thank you note.
Write a note to a close friend, a family member simply because. Let them know what role they played in your life.

31. A Kodak moment.
Capture a special event on film. Time surely flies, but memories have a way of lingering when captured.

32. Buy an Item with the intentions of giving it away.
Save it for someone much younger and give it to them when they can appreciate it.

33. Volunteer for a good cause.
Invest one day in something you always wanted to support. giving back is golden.

34. Buy an elderly person lunch.
One day while you're buying yourself lunch, just turn around and offer... no, insist on paying for the elderly person's lunch behind you.

35. See an opera, and/or play.
Dress the part.

36. Live with Swagger.

Courtesy of Guerre

I am truly obsessed with The Legendary Roots Crew, particularly Black Thought. When I lived in NYC, I NEVER missed a show. I often dragged my sis and cuz kicking and screaming until they were fans themselves. I've meet them a few times, got hugs and cd covers signed. I'm impatiently waiting for their ninth studio album, How I Got Over, to be realeased on June 22nd.

Here is the first single entitled "Dear God 2.0" which is s a reinterpretation of the Monster’s Of Folk song entitled Dear God (which I also like). Black Thought rhymes about his faith in god as well as the ills of life.

Hopefully, a video will follow sooner than later.

The Roots - Dear God 2.0

via:okayplayer.com

Jamaican model, Gaye McDonald, recently graced the cover of Pop'Africana.

Popafricana.com is the audiovisual continuation of Pop'Africana magazine; A magazine dedicated to delivering a rejuvenated image of Africa and Africans in the Diaspora and a robust and educative guide documenting the endeavors and achievements of Africans, home and abroad.

I love this pic... of course I see carnival makeup!!!!

THIS IS GAYE MCDONALD
The cover girl and muse of our debut issue hails from Jamaica.
Gaye is represented by the world-renowned agency, IMG and she literally pops out of every page!

25 APR, 1989: Born in Kingston, Jamaica

2005: Wins the Caribbean Model Search

2007: Signs with Next Management

APR 2007: Lands on the cover of Luire

11 MAY, 2007: Featured on Models.com as a girl to watch

SEP 2007: Debuts at the spring Custo Barcelona, Diesel, Diane von Furstenberg, and Heatherette shows in New York

OCT 2007: Walks the spring Loewe and Lanvin shows in Paris

2008: David Sims photographs McDonald for the Benetton spring ad campaign

2008: Appears in Nordstrom spring catalog

FEB 2008: Closes the fall Aquascutum show in London

JUN 2008: Appears in French Vogue editorial, photographed by Cédric Buchet

SEP 2009: Walks the spring Salvatore Ferragamo, Anne Valérie Hash, Kenzo, Giambattista Valli, and Viktor & Rolf shows in Milan and Paris

via: http://www.popafricana.com and http://nymag.com

It's no secret that I'm obsessed with accessories. I never leave home without bangles and at least one ring. My staff laughs at me because they hear me coming from the klink.id.di.klank of my bangles. They say it gives them time to "get right" so I don't have to yell at them in my accent. LOL

So, a major trend for Autumn / Fall 2010 is to wear rings, plenty of them. I know summer isn't even here yet but I feel we should ALWAYS stay one step ahead of the game. I say start now!!

Embellish your fingers with rings like it's nobody's business. And don't be afraid to let them creep up your wrists. And that is perhaps one of the ways to imagine it: as you'd wear an excessive amount of bracelets on a wrist, so should you wear rings on your fingers. Rather than punky skulls and knuckeldusters or the overly blingy sparkly cocktail rings, try stones like turquoise, amber, aquamarine, garnet, lapis lazuli and onyx.

Pile them on but don't over clutter!

My custom made 2 finger ring has been an obsession for a few months now. I got it on the streets in NYC in the Village. Dude molested my finger (he said that's all he needs to do to accurately determine my ring size), I selected the stones and then he worked his magic. He turned out a ring I love! I'm going to hunt him down some time soon...I need another one.

Here some more of my rings that I'm currently obsessed with:

This one I got at Top Shop while in NYC:

Others:

via: fashionising.com

My fitness crazed cousin, Kevinia, and her workout partner, Robert, who I loving dubbed "Abs" is filming their Get Fit for Carnival DVD this weekend in Antigua.

Kevinia Francis and Robert Fox, certified fitness trainers, will lead three workout sessions at YMCA tonight.

Antiguan-born fitness trainer Kevinia Francis and her partner Robert Fox will warm up for the weekend filming of Francis’ workout DVD with what is being dubbed a fitness explosion tonight at the YMCA Volleyball Court.
There will be three sessions this evening, at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30. A press release said “Kevinia and Robert promise three sessions of exciting, fulfilling and invigorating exercising tips for a better and healthier you.” The organisers say there is a “$15 contribution.”
The shoot for the Get Fit For Carnival DVD will take place on Saturday and Sunday on a closed set. The producer is Omari Harrigan of Chosen Sounds Studio. The director is Lawson Lewis of Palette Design.
Francis, an offspring of the clan locally famous for the Kennedy group of companies, is a certified fitness trainer, with a Masters of Science in physical therapy. She resides in Miami.
She met Fox, who trained with the Dallas Cowboys and is also a certified trainer, stateside.

via: antiguaobserver.com

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