Nicole

Everyday, I see women and a few men spending well over $200 to cover their gray hair. While taking their money my coworkers are dying their hair gray, lilac and every color in between. I found 1 gray hair and cried. My mother made sure to point it out to me while telling me "nuh pluck um out." I found this article last week and had to share.

Check out some Celebs with gray hair before reading the article after the jump.

I went to a coworker's baby shower last weekend. When we got our swag bag I was told my bag was customized. I then pulled out the tube of New Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Polish in Princess; I laughed because I'm called Princess at work. When I looked at the box of the gloss, I noticed the chick looks Black and she's wearing what looks like a carnival costume. Customized alright! My friend works at Bare Escentuals in SF so in my own ~~little~~ big head, I've convinced my self that I somehow inspired this lip gloss. LOL

New Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Polish

Color : Princess
Description : A shimmer pink-pearl luster
A Buxom babe is all about curves, tingles and attitude — and that includes the lips. Plump what you've got with our luscious polish, which naturally creates the look of fuller, more voluptuous lips. You'll know it's working when a tingly, cooling sensation rushes over you.

Lawd knows my lips doesn't need any more plumping, curves or voluptousity but the tingly sensation I can get use to...

You don't say good luck, you say don't give up... it's the fire.
Let it burn

The release date (6/22) for The Roots' new album, How I Got Over, is rapidly approaching. Today, we're blessed with track 11 off the LP, "The Fire," featuring John Legend. We first got a taste of this jawn back in March when footage emerged of The Roots crew performing the song during the opening ceremonies of the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Let "The Fire" burn up those speakers for now, and be on the lookout for the Rik Cordero directed video coming soon.

I like this one a lot!

The Roots featuring John Legend - The Fire

via: okayplayer.com

This is the last installment for now. I'm anxiously awaiting Guerre's next list.

7 Deadly Sins.

... well o.k. they may not be deadly sins, but when it comes to style... they should be considered sins.

1. Wearing a suit with no pocket square.
Now, while many may consider this a minor infraction, I think that not wearing a pocket square is an insult to a suit. Take time out and notice how that little addition works wonders, and how the lack of one leaves a suit screaming for more. I firmly believe every man should sport a pocket square (with suit), and the safest bet is a plain white one. Folding a pocket square (link courtesy of Sam Hober Custom Made Neckties)

2. Ill fitting anything.
This includes suits, jeans, shirts, and tees. One thing I have come to understand is that regardless to the cost, if the fit is not right - the look won't be right. It's better to wear something inexpensive that fits correctly, than something expensive that fits wrong. Wrong fit trumps bad quality.

3. Bad hygiene.
Putting a dress on a pig, wont make it a princess. Clean up before you 'dress up'. Now you may think this doesn't need to be stated, however ride the New York Subway or Paris Metro on a hot day, and you'll understand the importance of stressing this point.

4. Worn out shoes.
This may seem minor, but when it comes to style, nothing is minor (including this). A sharp dressed man, makes sure his shoes are well kept, and polished. Investing in a good pair of shoes is key, when the sole wears down, all you need to do is have them resoled. Add taps if they tend to wear quickly.

5. The look killers.
- A Tie that's too long - it draws the attention downward.
- Head phones wires - Gives off a messy look.
- Stuffed pockets - breaks the smooth lines in the clothing.
- Baseball cap / do rag and a suit - defeats the point of a suit.
- Cell phone on belt clip - unless you're working in the fields it looks too High School cool.

6. Ring tones.
I never understood the point of Ring tones (for anyone over 28). Hopefully someone can explain to me it's point, while letting me know why the vibrate function doesn't suffice.

7. Not knowing what works for you.
This is a hard one, but it's about being honest with yourself. Style is about expression of self, thus it should reflect your personality. The key is to know what works for you, and compliments your body - not what makes it reveal your short comings. Certain colors work best with certain people, and certain styles fit certain body types more so than others. If you like it, but it doesn't work for you -leave it alone, and like it on someone else. Once you've truly found your style, it will reveal itself in your Swagger.

Courtesy of Guerre

New Soca by Claudette "CP" Peters. Still Jamming!! I likes and will definitely get me ready to play mas in Antigua.

I told you about my experience at FELA! a few months ago. Well, you can enjoy the music without going to Broadway. Everyone can get their FELA! on with the new cast recording album, released this week. You can purchase the album here.

Backed by the irrepressibly funky Antibalas, FELA! The Original Broadway Cast Recording features the incomparable Sahr Ngaujah as Fela, Lilias White as Funmilayo (Fela’s mother), and Saycon Sengbloh as Sandra Izadore (Fela’s American girlfriend) singing all 16 of the Fela compositions that are performed on stage. This recording captures the electricity and joy that thousands have experienced at the Eugene O’Neill Theater every night since the play opened on November 23, 2009, and is not only a document of that experience, but also a musical statement in its own right.

Close you eyes and pretend you're there with the full length tracks below. My favs are #1, #4, #7, #8, #9, #11, #13 and #22.

Fela-on-broadway by knitrecords

FELA! Tony Nominations:

Best Musical
Best Book of a Musical: Jim Lewis & Bill T. Jones
Best Actor: Sahr Ngaujah
Best Featured Actress: Lillias White
Best Direction: Bill T. Jones
Best Choreography: Bill T. Jones
Best Orchestrations: Aaron Johnson
Best Scenic Design: Marina Draghici
Best Costume Design: Marina Draghici
Best Lighting Design: Robert Wierzel
Best Sound Design: Robert Kaplowitz

Cara, please go and and channel me :)

via: knittingfactoryrecords.com

It would be nice to walk up in Walmart dressed like this. I can see those folks in their cut off sweat pants, XS wife beater and imitation Crocs looking at me like I'm crazy. LOL

Skirt, leggings and Top with gold button
ORIETT DOMENECH
Tote Mercura For ORIETT DOMENECH
Mercura Sunglasses for ORIETT DOMENECH

Dress and swimsuit ORIETT DOMENECH
Mercura Sunglasses

Leggings ORIETT DOMENECH
Mercura Sunglasses for ORIETT DOMENECH

Mercura Sunglasses for ORIETT DOMENECH

Love the sunglasses, skirt, leggings...ok I love everything in the first pic. Peep the gloves-ish fingertip thingies. HOT! That bathing suit in the second pic is on FIRE!!! The sandals in the third pic by Giuseppe Zanotti are to die for. If I wore those to Walmart, someone would have to push me around in the cart :)

I never knew frozen pancakes existed!!!??? I guess if frozen waffles are in my freezer right now pancake aren't a far cry. Who really buys frozen pancakes?? LOL

Via Oriett Domenech

This list has to be one of my favorites.

The making of a gentleman.
How could I not help start your week with another list. Thus far I posted 36 Things every man should do before dying, and , 10 +1 Things to do/have (for the ladies) well today, it's about "The making of a gentleman".

Before we begin, let me say that the term gentleman has been overly used, misrepresented, misunderstood - I will not go to in depth on the subject at this time (that's a whole other book), however, I will state that if he/you are unable to check off most of the things on this list...hmmm...

1. On giving up the seat. Gentleman give up their seat to the elder and young children... not to the good looking lady, just because she's good looking (otherwise, you might as well never sit. Giving up the seat every time and for everyone doesn't make you a gentleman, it just makes you the guy with sore feet.)

2. On looking at women. A real gentleman doesn't look back after she passes. Look and learn to work your peripheral... but once she's out of your peripheral, let thoughts of her be out your mind.

3. On gossip. End it where it begins... if someone starts going down that path, interrupt and ask if what they are going to say will benefit either themselves, the person they are talking about, or yourself... if they say no, ask them what's the point.

4. On the quality of life. Gentlemen do not impose themselves on others, this means their music remains moderate, their boxers stay hidden, their hygiene unoffensive, and language appropriate

5. On greeting women. Now this is a tough one that I've been trying to master myself. Gentlemen should not be the first to approach a woman or even greet them. A woman should say hello first then he proceeds. On approaching a woman, the chap should only do so if she gives him an opening (i.e. a smile, eye contact).

6. On the shoes. Shoes must always be polished. Make sure those slanted heels are replaced and taps are added to them. Nothing kills a look more than a sharp dressed man with dirty or worn shoes.

7. On living life. A gentleman has an appreciation for life, he lives it fully understanding that everyday he has the opportunity to improve the world around him. He lives life with passion without caring to be a role model, but living consciously by example.

8. On penmanship. Learn to write and I don't mean just print.

9. On too much. Never be excessive - it's vulgar.

10. Understand elegance. Elegance is an attitude, It's about how you live both in the public eye and in the privacy of your home. Money doesn't buy elegance, it can only purchase items.

11. On making a person smile. This is one of the hidden gems of a gentleman. this is where the gent need not say a word, but simply senses the right time and acts on it without any motives other than simply nurturing or creating a smile. When that lady walks by and looks - smile and simply acknowledge her glance without a word or skipping a step... watch her light up. Even that chap you see who you know took time to present himself to the world...Acknowledge it with a simple nod of the head without skipping a beat. The 'little' things are never little.

12. On SMS. For starters, let's understand one thing - SMS stands for short message service. So, no conversations via text messages! Conversations should be had in person, CAPS somehow just don't express emotions as they should be expressed.

Courtesy of Guerre

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