The Mystery of Matching Footwear

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:

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)

Gerard Kelly "Festival in Dance"

I have been getting requests for Carnival Bands for the kids, apart from the ever popular Rosalind Gabriel. Gerard Kelly is launching "Festivals in Dance", his kiddies carnival 2010 presentation, on September, 27.

Click on the flyer below or check the website for more information.

I

Get Wassi in Harem for Miami Carnival

Harem, special section in D Wassi Ones "X-Otica" for Miami Carnival 2009, is now open for registration.

All Inclusive Prices are as follow:

Harem Female:
Large Headpiece - $200.00US
Small Headpiece - $160.00US
Taniki Bustier available at extra cost.

Harem Male - $150.00US

Large Female Headpiece and Male


Small Headpiece


To register :
CALL
868-461-4353

OR EMAIL
dookhdeen47@gmail.com

Cosmeticon Prime For Carnival 2010

Those of you still looking for a makeup artist, Cosmeticon Prime is taking bookings and has some exciting extras included for masqueraders next year:

It's almost Carnival time and we're here to help you have the best experience for the best value. Cosmeticon Prime Makeup Services will be offering Carnival Makeup services for Carnival 2010, as well as 'fete support'. Look out for our newsletter and advertising coming out soon.

For those of you who contacted us last year to make appointments, we would like to offer you the best of both worlds. Although we know the global economy is under some pressure, we still think that you should be able to enjoy first class service and not sacrifice having fun by paying exorbitant prices. With that in mind, we're giving you a few great opportunities:

- First dibs on Carnival Appointment times.

- Pricing discounts

- Carnival shuttle service to be sure you DO NOT miss meeting your band in time to cross the stage!

We'll be forwarding more concise information and a copy of our rates within the upcoming weeks.

We look forward to providing you with exceptional first class service, reasonable rates and of course, ensuring an memorable Carnival 2010.

Thanks again for using Cosmeticon Prime Makeup Services. We look forward to bringing the best to you!

--

Warm Regards,

Cosmeticon Prime Makeup Services

www.cosmeticonprime.com

I am REALLY liking the idea of the shuttle service after getting your makeup done!

Pulse 8 Aloha Band Launch Videos

Pulse 8 Aloha Band Launch Photos

Departing from tradition where I normally review the costumes, giving my critique, I open the floor to you readers to give your thoughts, comments and impressions of Pulse 8's Aloha.

I look forward to your comments.....are we feeling Aloha or not?

More photos from the launch, held last night at Aura, can be seen HERE, at the Pulse 8 Alohaalbum on my photobucket.

The nine sections of Pulse 8's Carnival 2010 presentation "Aloha" are:

*click on the photos to enlarge

MOLOKAI

PINA PACIFIC

PARADISE COVE

POLYNESIAN LUAU

MACADAMIA

TAHITIAN BLACK PEARL

WAIKIKI

MAUI

HULA HULA

Mas Sweet Mas American Indian Prices are up

FEMALE LARGE HEAD PIECE - $3,500 TT

FEMALE SMALL HEAD PIECE - $2,985 TT

MALE LARGE HEAD PIECE - $5,040 TT

Small - price coming soon

I cannot believe the male is priced more than the female in this section, I also wonder if the female large headpiece price includes the bustle? Will find out more information on this tomorrow with a call to the mas camp because I am really loving this costume!

Black and White vs Blocko, Miami Carnival 2009

Ok people, my group is split on which fete to attend on Friday, October 9, for Miami Carnival.

Being a newbie to Miami Carnivla fetes I was advised Blocko is the one to go to however, some of the other ladies are bowing out of Blocko (which is free drinks with Kes the band and Hoppy) in favor of Black &White (which is also free drinks with Back to Basics and DJ Private Ryan).

So, my question to you, expert Miami Carnival fete go-oers is, which one should I choose and why? Feel free to add suggestions of other Friday night fetes as well, I even saw a boat cruise advertised!

BLOCKO

BLACK & WHITE

Black White or Block, Miami Carnival 2009, which is the better fete?
	Blocko
	Black and White
	Other
pollcode.com free polls

News from Genesis and D Krewe's Website is Up!

So, at least some of my questions in yesterday's random thoughts were answered. I was informed that Spice has 1900 masqueraders registered (and not the 100 as it is being rumored) and some of those have registered in sizes up to 44DDD (none frontline however)!

I am guessing the fact that none of Spice's sections are marked sold out as yet means that with those many supposedly registered they are leaving the secitons open due to the overwhelming response from masqueraders?

Genesis is making a return for Carnival 2010!!! Though there is STILL no information on their website I found this bit of info:

Genesis band launch is due to take place on Sunday the 20 at Aura and the theme for Carnival 2010 is "The Desert"...otherwise known as "Sahara" ... de ja vu!

D Krewe has finally updated their website WITH prices since registration started in house yesterday. I am pretty happy to see that one section has a male costume for under $2000.00TT. On the flip side, as much as I do like Kindred Spirit Frontline I don't see how it is $5500.00 which puts it at more than Mystery of Loulan and just $100.00 CHEAPER than Caspian Sea. I personally think it is an expensive frontline being just fabric and all!

Here are D Krewe's prices :

Kindred Spirit
Male $2795.00
Female $3295.00
Frontline $5500.00

Corset + 250
Bustier + 150
One piece suit +50
Boy shorts + 40
Hot shorts + 40

Venom
Male $2195.00
Female $2995.00

Corset + 250
Bustier + 150
One piece suit +50
Boy shorts + 40
Hot shorts + 40

Tsunami
Male $2195.00
Female $2995.00

Corset + 250
Bustier + 150
One piece suit +50
Boy shorts + 40
Hot shorts + 40

Soufriere
Male $2195.00
Female $2995.00

Corset + 250
Bustier + 150
One piece suit +50
Boy shorts + 40
Hot shorts + 40
Fabric side panels + 50

Rainforest
Male $1995.00
Female $2995.00
Frontline $3495.00

Bustier + 150
One piece suit +50
Boy shorts + 40
Hot shorts + 40

Riptide
Male $2195.00
Female $2995.00

One piece suit +100 (low back)
Sexy-cut one piece suit +100
Boy shorts + 40
Hot shorts + 40

Yellow Fever
Male $2195.00
Female $2995.00


Corset + 250
Bustier + 150
One piece suit +50
Boy shorts + 40
Hot shorts + 40

Desert
Male $2195.00
Female $2550.00
Frontline A(orange) $3295.00
Frontline B(red) $2995.00
Frontline Male $2550.00

One piece suit + 50

Hawk
Male $2395.00
Female $3195.00

Corset + 250
Bustier + 150
One piece suit +50
Boy shorts + 40
Hot shorts + 40
Fabric Wings + 500


Zulu
Male $2195.00
Female $2995.00
Frontline $5500.00

Corset + 250
Bustier + 150
One piece suit +50
Boy shorts + 40
Hot shorts + 40

Comancheros
Male $2995.00
Female $2995.00

Corset + 250
Bustier + 150
One piece suit +50
Boy shorts + 40
Hot shorts + 40
Large Headpiece (bonnet) + 700
Chief Headpiece(Bonnet and Trail) + 2600

Passion
Male $2195.00
Female $2995.00

Pulse 8 in the News

Pulse 8 costumes are in the Express Newspapers today

Click for large view

Random Carnival thoughts....

The section Taal is now sold out in Island People, lets see if Bindi will be next, but I am really wondering how long it will take before the entire band is sold out this year; reminds me of when TRIBE went the "different" route with "Ole Time Something" and never sold out.

Africa Frontline is sold out from Ronnie & Caro, seems like their 2010 presentation is also getting good reviews.

First band to launch Spice, is yet to slap a sold out sign on any of their costumes, why is it taking them SO long to sell out at least one section? Very, very odd....

Never got an email from TRIBE with my receipt but was told it can be requested at the mas camp for those still waiting, they will print it out for you....hmmmm.

What is D Krewe waiting on to launch their website and professional costume shots are all over facebook? We want prices and more pics!

Trini Revellers really needs to update their website with some information on their band launch, isn't it supposed to take place this month?

Is it just me or does Glen Carvalho have very similar section names to Pulse 8!

Midnight mas is supposedly making a comeback for Carnival 2010, will it do well I wonder?

How come Harts is yet to release the price of their Mas Sweet Mas/American Indians costume?

And where is Genesis for Carnival 2010, anyone knows?

Dream Team launches “GEMS” for Carnival 2010

Saturday 19th September will be more than just the beginning of a long weekend. It will also signal the start of Carnival 2010 for one of T&T’s most energetic Mas Bands.

The Dream Team Carnival Events Committee will be launching their 2010 presentation entitled “GEMS OF THE WORLD” at the St. Johns Entertainment Centre (opposite the Hasely Crawford Stadium), Wrightson Road, Port of Spain.

According to Dream Team’s communications director, Pat Garcia “this will be a lot more than just a launch of costumes”. We intend to treat all patrons to the same ambience and excitement that they can expect on the road with Dream Team, come Carnival Monday and Tuesday.

She continues, “for Carnival 2010 we are focusing on the key ingredients which make a satisfied masquerader. Good music, good security, tasty food, unlimited drinks, friendly and beautiful people and of course a well made, cost effective costume.

A happy and satisfied masquerader is a loyal customer, she added. Our road DJ’s are amongst the very best in the industry and will ensure that our patrons have the time of their life, both at the launch as well as on the road for Carnival.

Pat Garcia further explained that in a show of appreciation, all Dream Team masqueraders, inclusive of all players from our first presentation in 2007 to the present, will each receive a complimentary ticket to the launch and will also have the opportunity to purchase one at half price. She added, “2010 is the year to extend our commitment to their loyalty and support over the years. All players can simply call the hotlines listed below and give your name and year you played with us and you will be given details for collecting your tickets at a location nearest to you.

For 2010 Dream Team Carnival will also be catering for the adverse effects of the economy, which will undoubtedly continue way past carnival, by offering our own “Stimulus Group Package” for all our loyal masqueraders and their friends. We guarantee it’s a package that you will definitely want to take advantage of. This offer will run until 16th November 2009. So those interested must act quickly.

Dream Team Carnival’s motto “One Jammin’ Street Party” will come alive on Saturday 19th September with doors opening at 10.00 p.m.

Advance tickets are one hundred dollars, available as follows: Main offices 756-2449 or 329 4301. South outlets: 791-7134 or 749-0253 or 683-2413 or East:738-4887 , 355-0655. Central: 665-9571.

Students with ID will be free before 11.00pm. for more info. Join our facebook page “dream team carnival events” or email us at : info@dreamteamtnt.com. Website http://dreamteamtnt.com.

Pulse8 Presents Aloha…. (a Pacific fusion)

The exotic islands in the Pacific, its sights, cultures and much more will be presented by Pulse8 through its Carnival 2010 presentation “Aloha…..(a Pacific fusion).

Come Sunday 13 September 2009, nine (9) themed sections will be unveiled at Aura –Cipriani Boulevard, Newtown. Doors open at 6:00pm with the live costume display at 9:00 pm.

This Hawaiian greeting means much more than welcome to the Hawaiian people, it’s a feeling in the heart and a way of life as evidenced by the Pulse8 team of designers, Tracy Julien, Christine Sadler, Chris Santos, Gregory Medina, Antoinette Maud and Dana Cheekes.

Sections include “Polynesian Luau”, “ Macadamia”, “Hula Hula”, Tahitian Black Pearl”, “Tiki”, ”Paradise Cove”, “Maui” and “Waikiki”.

Using the Hawaiian word which means affection, love, peace, compassion, mercy and more recently in English to say goodbye and hello, Pulse8 will embrace this warm feeling and energy as they welcome you to an Aloha affair where revelers will be greeted with Mai-tais and garlanded with lies… or maybe some Hula girls wearing coconut shell bras and grass skirts, swaying their hips to pulsating calypso beat.

Supporters and party people can get advance limited $100. tickets from Committee members, all Ate Logo outlets and at the band house 6 Gallus Street, Woodbrook.

In its fourth year, Pulse8 led by Meg Cheekes entered the Carnival arena in 2007 with “Cocktails… You Shake….We Stir”. This award winning presentation was followed by “Marrakeck” in 2008 and “Hot Hot Hot… Sizzle and Burn” in 2009.

In 2010, Pulse8 all inclusive carnival experience will be an Aloha affair of more mas… more fun.

Registration for Carnival 2010 will begin on Saturday 19 September at the Bandhouse, 6 Gallus Street, Woodbrook. Tel (868) 627 8830 or visit the website www.pulse8carnival.com

Harts Missing Section

Presenting Local Sights & Delights/ Local Motion, the Karen Hart section of Harts "50".

This is a special section that can only be registered for through the section leader, Karen Harts is reknowned for having the "budget" section in Harts, as you can see the prices are quite reasonable.

Prices are as follows:

FEMALE

( A ) $ 2500.00.......

( B ) $ 2600.00......
DEPOSIT: $1000.00

MALE

$ 2100.00.....
DEPOSIT: $800.00.....

On another note the section "Lets Make Waves/Whe Whe" is now SOLD OUT in Harts!

Aloha -- Pulse 8 Preview

Well, at least they are sticking to theme!

Booties for Carnival...

The typical Carnival footwear of sneakers will hopefully die a final death for Carnival 2010, looking at photographs from Carnival 2009 some masqueraders are in dire need of guidance in the footwear department! I simply cannot see those gorgeous, detailed costumes presented by all bands thus far, especially those draping with voluminous fabric, complemented by sneakers no matter how comfortable they may be!

can you picture sneakers with Rubies of Mumbai?

We have toyed with the idea of sandals and beaded slippers to wear with those costumes that knee high boots do not seem to be an option for; something as stylish as boots but not as cumbersome when you have costumes with layers of fabric.

booties will look cute with Charmeuse

For those masqueraders looking for more comfort and support yet desire the stylishness that boots afford, I am thinking that booties or ankle boots might be a viable option particullary, as one masquerader pointed out , they will work with the gladiator foot pieces that are all the rage on all the costumes. Plus, you can always pop an insole in these cropped boots for extra comfort.

masquerderader in booties at

Nottinghill Carnival

I am thinking booties as my Monday footwear! What do you think, are we loving the booties as a compromise between boots and sneakers or not?

Your Choice of Footwear for Carnival 2010
	Thigh High Boots
	Knee High Boots
	Calf High Boots
	Ankle Booties
	Sneakers - Female
	Sneakers - Male
	Sandals
	Slippers
	Pumps
pollcode.com free polls

All footwear pictured from Ami Club Wear.

Carnival news, Updates!

Brian Mc Farlane's Trinidad Carnival 2010 presentation will be called "Resurrection" and sources say it will be based on traditional Carnival characters; hoping to see Mc Farlane's interpretation of Blue Devil and Midnight Robber!

Harts has added three more sections to their SOLD OUT count, Utopia/Oriental Fantasy, The Etruscans/Voyage BC and Mexico/ The Mayans bring the total count of sold out sections to SIX thus far.

Looks like Harts will get huge support for their 50th anniversary presentation!

Labor Day Live

You can view live streaming of the Labor Day Events by logging on to the West Indian Amerian Day Carnival Association Inc. (WIADCA) website.

All it takes is a quick registration to be able to view the live stream, Happy Labor Day to all those celebrating today!

Generation Next...

Click on the following link to read the requirements to register for Generation X's Eye Candy, special all female section, for Miami Carnival 2009:

Special All Female Section – Only 20 costumes

Only small and medium sizes available

Price - $225

Deposit - $125

REQUIREMENTS

• Age: Between 18 and 29

• Height 5'2"- 5'10"

So for one section you have not only a size requirement but a HEIGHT and AGE requirement as well as a FACE and BODY SHOT. If you are not old enough or too old, not tall enough or too tall, not small enough or too small , don't have the right face or body you cannot register for this costume:

Is this Rio Carnival where the Drum Queen is chosen from a Samba school, the muse of the presentation, and works for months to perfect a routine (and their bodies) to wear a costume they are given for FREE? I am thinking these bands are getting a little carried away trying to emulate a Carnival that has no bearing on West Indian Carnival or the foundation upon which it was built. If they want to be that selective when it comes to exactly who wears their costume they should not be asking the chosen 20 to pay for the privilege.

Kalpana - Prices

I am finallly in possesion of prices for Sonia Mack's "Kalpana" from Island People's Kuchela. The website can be found HERE.

As expected, the prices for Kalpana are more expensive that most of the sections in Island People, especially when you add in the cost of the extras like fabric, nose and hand jewelery, which I thought would be included in the price! Also, the remaining frontline is the most expensive one in Island People, in fact it the most expensive frontline of any band launched so far at $6190.00.

*EDITED TO ADD:

The price of Kalpana Frontline (option A) is now $5190.00 on the website as of September 7,2009.

Sold out so far are costume option B frontline as well as costume A option with the headpiece #3 which is the headpiece from Morocco (this option was not shown at the band launch):

Morocco - Poison 2006

Female Costume A Backline $TT 3,595.00
Choice of Headpiece: #1, #2, #3

#1 Indian Head Dress

#2 Curved Head Piece

#3 SOLD OUT

Female Costume A Frontline $TT 3,895.00
With Backpiece - $TT 6,190.00

Female Costume B

Frontline - SOLD OUT!

Backline - TT $3,795.00

Extra for Females:
Fabric Sari - TT $385.00 in Silk,TT $185.00 in Voil
Hand Piece - TT $165.00
Nose Piece - TT $165.00
Whole Piece - TT $150.00
Tankini - TT $150.00

Male:
Costume A - TT $3,195.00
(Choice of bolero or Chains)

Costume B - TT $2,995.00
Necklace - $165.00

Registration for Sonia Mack is different from registering with Island People; please note her downpayment as well as it is FULL payment for over seas masqueraders!

Down Payment must be made to Sonia Mack via Western Union.

Down Payment is required for ALL Masqueraders.($1500 TT for backline, $3000 TT for frontline )

Full payment for foreign masqueraders

Mas Camp: 29 Kathleen Street, St James.
Contacts: Cell: (868) 680-2442 or (868) 685-8422
Fax: 868-633-7859
Email: soniamack1@yahoo.com

Evolution Band Launch Postponed

Got this in my inbox:

Our band launch was scheduled to be this Sunday 6th sept,at the Zen
night club is now on Sunday 4th of Oct,09

The Evolution Family apologize for the inconvenience

They are now launching AFTER Legacy, interesting!

Ronnie &Caro's Website is Up

Tribute is now open for registration, Ronnie & Car0's Carnival 2010 website is up. None of the regular female costumes cross $2995.00 TT, frontlines max out at $4995.00TT and the males are all $2595.00TT.

Africa and Wonders of Bucco Reef are my two top picks for Ronnie &Caro!