Both Afro Chic and I have been getting emails from masqueraders wanting advice on what colour and type of footwear will be best for their costume of choice.
If in doubt you can always go with silver, bronze or gold basic metallic footwear which will match as opposed to trying to match the exact colour of the costume. For example, I would go silver with Habotai and a contrasting colour with Mulberry, pink perhaps? You do not have to match your boots to the exact colour of your costume, complimentary colours work very well.
On that note, that does not mean going completely out the box with something like fuchsia pink boots with Lapis Lazuil!! As in all things, with moderation and a little bit of common sense!
Masqueraders who have not seen the costumes in person may be a bit misguided when it comes to footwear colour choices, we do not want a repeat of Spangled Cotinga, given that the costume photographs differently depending on the camera/lighting/photoshop/editing! So I am going to give you a guide on the sections which are most popular in terms of footwear indecision:
If in doubt you can always go with silver, bronze or gold basic metallic footwear which will match as opposed to trying to match the exact colour of the costume. For example, I would go silver with Habotai and a contrasting colour with Mulberry, pink perhaps? You do not have to match your boots to the exact colour of your costume, complimentary colours work very well.
On that note, that does not mean going completely out the box with something like fuchsia pink boots with Lapis Lazuil!! As in all things, with moderation and a little bit of common sense!
Masqueraders who have not seen the costumes in person may be a bit misguided when it comes to footwear colour choices, we do not want a repeat of Spangled Cotinga, given that the costume photographs differently depending on the camera/lighting/photoshop/editing! So I am going to give you a guide on the sections which are most popular in terms of footwear indecision:
Mystery of Loulan:
Beige and TURQUOUSE Blue.
This costume does not have NAVY, TEAL or ROYAL BLUE feathers or stones people. For footwear I suggest going with camel, beige, natural, tan or gold.
Beige (urban originals)
Camel/Natural (urban originals)
Tan(ami clubwear)
If you want to do blue for a pop of colour go with TURQUOISE like the ones from Shoe Ocean, pictured below:
Turquoise(shoe ocean)
Bindi
GOLD and Burgundy, there is no silver in this costume, those are AB coated crystals backed in gold.
Gold (urban originals)
Zari
Teal, lime green and bronze... no gold!
Teal(Urban Originals)
Bronze (Shoekeepers)
Tyrian Purple
Purple and GOLD, again, silver boots will not match this costume.
Purple (ami clubwear)
Gold (urban originals)
All footwear pictured can be found at:
Urban Originals
Shoe Ocean
Ami Clubwear
Shoekeepers (The Piccadilly Store)
75 comments:
Saucy,
I've been reading your blog for 2 years now. Thanks for keeping those of us in foreign in the know. I have a question about those urban original ballet flats. Have you or anyone on this site worn them for Carnival before? I am in IP, Kalpana section and think this style would better complement the costume than boots or sneakers. But I do worry that they provide no support and the front of my foot would be blistered to death. Any advice would be appreciated.
Njoke, I have never worn ballet flats for Carnival though I know people who have.I would need extra arch support so for sure I would have to wear them one size bigger and with insoles and foot socks.
You really need to try them and see how they fit and how comfortable they are. Test them out before Carnival.
For the blisters you can buy the moleskin blister pads, many different companies make them.
what about osage? from what i can see it is a darker gold colour, but then on the Tribe website is it modelled with very pale gold boots! I feel the shoekeepers gold boots would be too pale as they are a whitey-gold colour from what i can tell! and the orange shoekeepers boots might be just too much orange! ah dilemas!
also i think with this trend for gladiator style footpieces, the shoekeepers boots are too short and loose fitting for them to work! at the moment i have some footwear, which go colourwise, but are v short so i think would look silly with footpiece. may have to disassemble my footpieces and remodel them!
Njoke I have worn ballet flats for Notting Hill carnival before - never again! for me the sole was way to thin and the shoes too flat, so although they looked good i was in pain!
Osage is not a pale gold, it is the darker shade actually. I would not do orange boots with Osage, but that is just me.
yea thats what i'm thinking! a darker gold boot would be best, so that rules out shoekeepers collection. the hunt continues...
Thanks for the advice Saucy! SLK, given your experience I think I'll have to pass on the ballet flats. Not worth the pain!
saucy what about taal
and taal fronntline at that
SLK, you can check this link http://s495.photobucket.com/albums/rr319/docangelsings/TRIBE%202k10/
for VERY closeup views of Osage. Be warned anything that looks silverish is light reflecting off of a diamante or a gold sequin. there is no silver in this costume. And as Sauce said the gold is true deep gold.
steupse!!
allyuh need to cut it out......suddenly big woman get fashion dysfunction and dunno wha color footwear does match with a color costume??!!
hahahahahaha
Taal is gold, with purple and pink. You can do footwear in any of those colours.
Well H after this year with everyone thinking that Spangled Cotinga was SILVER and not Gold,I think masqueraders are not taking chances and are asking those who have seen the costumes in person what the colour really is.There were people with silver boots and accessories for Cotinga this year that got a rude awakening when it was actually GOLD.
P.S. It still amazes me that when people have nothing to contribute they feel it necessary to mock others asking for advice... I thought the trolls and haters would have been tired of stalking this blog to make petty pot shots by now.. geez. Keep adding to the the page views and visits.. soon 1.5 million will come :D
Ok, I'm confused because whether it is lighting/crystals or not Bindi and Tyrian Purple look like they got a lot of silver in them more than gold. Even at the NY launch with the model onstage, it sparkled more silver than anything else.
Dee it is the crystals, but if you look close the backing for them is gold, not silver and the other beads on the costume is also in gold.
From IS pics:
http://s495.photobucket.com/albums/rr319/docangelsings/TRIBE%202k10/?action=view¤t=IMG_9905.jpg
http://s495.photobucket.com/albums/rr319/docangelsings/TRIBE%202k10/?action=view¤t=IMG_0335.jpg
http://s495.photobucket.com/albums/rr319/docangelsings/TRIBE%202k10/?action=view¤t=IMG_0344.jpg
http://s495.photobucket.com/albums/rr319/docangelsings/TRIBE%202k10/?action=view¤t=IMG_0340.jpg
BINDI
AB crystals with a gold backing and gold thread on the bra and fabric on the belt:
http://s93.photobucket.com/albums/l45/trinicarnivaldiary/Island%20PeopleKutchela%202010/?action=view¤t=DSCN0014.jpg
http://s93.photobucket.com/albums/l45/trinicarnivaldiary/Island%20People%20Kutchela%20Close%20Ups/?action=view¤t=DSCN0463.jpg
http://s93.photobucket.com/albums/l45/trinicarnivaldiary/Island%20People%20Kutchela%20Close%20Ups/?action=view¤t=DSCN0471.jpg
Hi,
I haven't seen the costume in person and I'm wondering if the backing of the crystals/trimming used on Mulberry are gold or silver. Also, the sequined portion on the sides of the waistband...is it light gold or silver? I've been trying to decipher the true colour from the various pics I've seen.
wow thanks island soul - reallllll close ups! def a dark gold!
Channell,
it is gold, even the ring on the belt is gold and the sequin part is light gold.
what about black boots for bindi? could that work?
Thanks Saucy, those close-ups were excellent and it does shed a whole new light on what we think we see out there on the stage.
STEUPSSS
Whatever H!!!
I don't have a prob for 2010 but I definitely got caught out this year with both the silver/gold thing, and also the actual shade of my costume. This is a VERY good post, if only the colours could be broken down for all costumes especially for overseas folk.
(I swore Tyrian Purple was silver!!)
Excellent post Saucy.
H, you would be suprised at the number of questions I get on something as what I see as simple as the colour f your boot.
And Digame I personally do not like black boots for Bindi.
thank ya! i finally get ah lil answer!!! lol
I concur with AC. I for one am one of the persons who always ask her opinion about which boot styles and colors will and won't work with my costume.
Being somewhat color blind when shades are too close, I NEED different opinions or I'm liable to end up buying something whack because my lying eyes told me it was a match lol.
Thanks for the post Saucy. I think I spotted some boots that might work for me.....at least if my footwear guru signs off on them *wink, wink AC* lmao.
Sauce, to be honest with you I am one of the ones that have been asking questions concerning footwear for my BINDI! But with me it wasn't about the color, but what shoe style would look best with the costume. The color didn't matter to me at all because I knew I'd be sending them to Afro Chic to FIX RIGHT. But this was an EXCELLENT post. Thanx.
BTW, I have decided to go with some flat gladiators that hit right under the knee. I think that will look decent.
Hey Saucy and Afro Chic,
I am playing in Xi Ling Shi with Tribe, and at first was considering getting a darker shade of blue boots.
Would you discourage this since the colors are turquoise, yellow and silver and recommend I go with silver boots instead. I am not sure if it will look funky because the blue is so dark. The description has it labeled as royal blue. I included a link of potential boots.
http://www.gojane.com/31874-shoes-slouchy-suede-boot.html
Thanks
I finally decided on going wid IP's Bindi....and i'm absolutely confused as to what footwear to choose?! or the shade! all I'm sure about is that sneakers are a NO NO! lol!
this is kinda frustrating actually...steups!
hahahahaahah.
Somebody state their opinion that goes against the grain and they are a "troll" and a "hater"...allyuh good yes......esp with d sheer common sense mystery of wha color boots to buy! hahahahaha
and I dont care about how many hits you get on ur page.....if thats what validates you.....more power to you..hahahah.....a large percent of this is quite helpful and then there are "filler" topics that make up the minority that gives me comic relief.
Anyways..ah gone..... I'll be back tomorow to see if allyuh decide to drink purple gatorade with a yellow costume.
H that was not an opinion but an inflammatory provoking statement;the type of behavior propagated by what is known as internet trolls,google it!
Anyway, yelselhu, Royal Blue will be perfect for Lais Lazuli, XI Ling Shi I do not think so. That blue is turquoise! Silver would be much better.
Digame
Hi Saucy!
Thanks so much for this post!
My dilemna is not so much color, but style. My friends are insisting on boots and booties, but I don't think that will look good with the gladiator style leg pieces that seem to be in fashion with Tribe this year. I am seriously considering the ballet flat option (not sure it's worth the potential pain) or decorating a plain sneaker. (I think I will wear boots on Monday)
I did not enjoy how my leg pieces kept falling down off my boot for carnival Tuesday last year.
But again, thanks for putting so much work into this wonderful blog!
I would like me some Haterade please. Yellow with purple swirls would do quite nicely
H, sounds like you really want colour-coordinated drinks! You should have come to Notting Hill and played mas with Bachanal Mas, theme was 7 deadly sins and the bar had 7 cocktails, one for each sin, in the colour of that section.
HQ I understand your dilema re. the leg pieces! Though with normal leg pieces (ie. not these gladiator style ones) i find wearing boots makes them easier coz you can glue them to the boot! If I just tie them round my leg they just work loose and fall off.
HQ take a look at some of the boots AC has done in the past,and how she incorporates the leg pieces. For those gladiator style leg pieces with boots you can always glue them onto the boot, like SLK said,of course this will look better on a smooth boot as opposed to the slouchy ones.
Or you can strip/take apart the leg pieces and use it to decorate the boot and not use it as one whole gladiator piece. This was what Afro Chic did when she decorated my boots for Lady of the Lake. The leg piece was a fitted type that was not going to fit over the boot so I steamed off all the appliques and she used them on the boot.
This year for Kiskadee I took the leg pieces and glued them on to my glittered boot, I had to make some amendments but I am with SLK, I do not like to tie them on as they will slip off.
Next year I will again be gluing the leg piece unto the boot!
Some flat sneaker type shoes:
http://www.zappos.com/naturalizer-cresson-goldie-leather-mesh
http://www.zappos.com/product/7490395/color/178900
http://www.zappos.com/product/7604648/color/222880
http://www.zappos.com/skechers-work-bikers-crossit-white?zlfid=111
http://www.zappos.com/naot-footwear-kirei-peacock-leather-purple-glitter-suede-peacock-patent-leather
http://www.zappos.com/privo-berry-stone-nubuck
It is always better to glue on your leg pieces to the boot, and not just tie them on.
Like what was done here: http://www.slide.com/s/CivSn_iX4z9mp91ReIQreOi5Ie-RDOGp
As for the gladiator leg pieces, those definitely need to be glued on, and I think a smooth boot will be better suited for that.
LOL. Don't take them on, H. Common sense is not appreciated on this blog. If you didn't come here to hang on to their every word, or to ask their opinion on everything down to what color panty and what style to wear then you are a 'hater' or a 'troll' People with the ability to think for themselves are not seen favorably around here.
Thanks for answering my question Saucy!! I was going to get silver boots, but I'll get a pair of gold boots now!!
No problem Channell! And anyone who needs advice on what colour panty to wear can ask away too!!!!
Thanks for the info & advice SLK & Saucy. Silly me for not thinking of gluing the leg piece! LOL. I am going to peruse the options and see how I feel....
I'm still trying to figure out what to do for Charmeuse. Seems the gold on the costume is kinda dark, so not sure if a gold boot would look right?
Saucy & Co., please help a girl out!!
Here's my 2cents on ballerina flats. I would be very cautious about those because your instep is exposed. It's not the most protective footwear.
Years ago my best friend wore similar styled flats and her instep was cut by a flattened soda can. This was carnival Monday so obviously she couldn't play mas on Tuesday. After she told me that I never have my instep or toes exposed. You never know what may or may not happen to your feet.
And when you think about it, for Carnival the streets are riddled with broken bottles, soda cans and whatever else.
To be stylish and safe, I would do like Saucy and AC and simply readjust the gladiator pieces and glue them on the boots. I simply tack on the leg pieces to my boots anyway and add other embellishments if needed.
Ballerina flats are cute: yes, comfortable: no, safe: no. Just like to warn everyone.
I agree with you Carnivalcocoa, I think this is where Saucy and I differ in opinion.
I do not like those ballet flats at all. They look too flat and just not right to me.
I will see if I can locate a pair locally though to try on and see how they feel and do a sample with them as well.
there isn't that much gold on Charmeuse SongBird, the blue and purple overpower it so you can go with gold boots if that is what you like.
Saucy, if that's the case, would purple boots work better than gold?
either one SongBird!
Thanks for the post Saucy!
For Tyrian Purple, it looks like the model has on Silver Boots. It seems like either gold or silver can work with this costume depending on what type of shoes you wear. I plan on wearing a knee length silver gladiator sandal. Just praying no one mash my toes on de road..
Thanks, AC.
Come to think of it ballet flats do look too flat on some people. I've seen that on some very naked/scanty backline costumes this year. Naked costume with naked-looking feet = no impact. Boots or a sassy coordinated sneaker gives an extra oomph.
Saucy... fine some foot wear for the guys to nah hon... The Blue Costume and red and yellow sneakers from 3 year ago should be a no no for 2010.. we have to do better than that fellers!
Actually SocaTee, The model in Tyrian purple is wearing what I call white gold pair of boots. It;s not VERY gold, but it's definitely not silver.
http://www.carnivaltribe.com/images/Gallery/Tyrian%20Purple%20backpiece%2Ejpg
Socatee the boots are not gold, these are the boots here, Shoekeepers:
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1196/251/70/40056537685/n40056537685_1246547_5559.jpg
Ok Nev, I will see what I can do :)
I went into Pos today and i was window shoping..........one of the guys from the office called the footwear a vans......i don't know if you all know exactly what i am talking about....... but i does call it slip on sneakers........i saw a purple and white that if nicely decorated would go well with taal (my section) or tyrian purple.....i was also informed that these vans comes in different colours...the shoe appears very comfortable as it is padded, covers toes and insteps and will go well with the gladiator foot pieces that can be attached to it. I must admit that affter seeing it and trying it on i may be using it for carnival 2k10.
what's the name of the store @ trinicandy?
not sure ........it is in the second entrance mall on the right side while walking up frederick street.........i was told that cache also have vans
I stand corrected...lol
Pics are very deceiving
Thanks Saucy...
Vans (that I know) are a brand of skateboarding shoes and other x-sports wear. They are quite soft and come in all sorts of colours and colour combinations!
I think they're very good looking and functional shoes for guys. My bf has played carnival in them with no probs.
Sauce and AC, what jokeys i should wear? I like blue and i think that would go wid my costume. Also, I have this itch i need to scratch...
PN, what section are you in? This would best determine the colour of your jockey shorts.
Vans.. u got to be kidding right? I will wear that for t-shirt and jeans, not for jumping in the road Monday nor Tuesday.
Thanks for the Zari reco!! Perfect match
Ok please tell me if I am being absolutely silly.....I am playing in eri....white/silver grey costume been dubbed Silver Mist II (I notice nobody talking about that section), originally was going with pewter boots but I am now wondering if I should go with something completely different like a bright purple, pink, blue just some sort of splash of colour....do you all think that might just be a bit too much...could match boots with wrist pouch, coloured contacts etc etc....might work...any advice??
Pewter/Silver/White boots sound great to me...I am just not seeing the purple/pink/blue as there are none of those colours on the costume. For instance I can see pink boots in Mulberry or with Threads of Morocco because there are pink stones on Mulberry and pink feathers on Threads. But it is Carnival and if you think it can work, it's your choice.
I think it’s fair to say that most guys wear trainers for carnival – so may as well colour co-ordinate a bit and be comfortable at the same time.
My father was an avid mas man and always had boots made. He usually stuck to gold, silver and black though. (Maybe it’s not too manly to wear purple or turquoise! lol). So that’s also and option for guys.
for a topic H and Classy find was nonsense this real get comments.
Songbird, I was also thinking of Charmeuse and the colour boot that would go with it *sigh*
HanaMarie, it sounds like our best bet will be gold, though I still kinda like the idea of purple... I just think that getting them to match could be a little tricky!
Hi Saucy! Great blog as usual! I know there are lots of Tribe and IP people here but I'm playin' mas for the first time with Ronnie&Caro (and first time at Carnival) in the Africa section and I'm wondering whether to go with brown or gold boots? Any suggestions would be well appreciated.
Can you help me with the perfect shade of gold for Legacy's Tassa??? deep gold light gold with metallic or no metallic??? Thanks for all of your great info. you keep us readyready!
Brown boots for Africa would be my pick and metallic deep gold for Tassa.
will black boots kill tyranian purple? i have not seen the costume in person due to location but the feathers look a bit dark, since i already have a great pair of black boots that are already broken in i thought mite e a good idea. Advice?
Hi Saucy,
This coming carnival will be my 1st time ever playing mas. I'll be in Legacy's FL Pink Aloha Section w/ wire bra. I too am having the hardest time picking boots. What color boots do you suggest for this section? pink, deep gold ,light gold, none/ I'm so lost Help!!
When in doubt go with the metallic :)
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