Zodeack Review

First off I would like to say thanks to the YUMA crew for allowing us, Afro Chic, Carnival Jumbie and I, full access to backstage with a preview and up close detailed look at the costumes. From that perspective  we were able to see the costumes in all stages, from lying on a table to the models getting dressed and then on stage. We also were able to examine each and every costume up close which I believe gave us an advantage over those of you seeing them for a few seconds on stage. 

And to the commenter who said “you mo-fos are ridiculous! Aftr people put their blood sweat and tears into their work..all you can do is sit there and critize!? “(sic). I hate to break it to you but this is what masqueraders do before we hand over our hard earned cash. We look at costumes in and out, poring over photos, making numerous trips to the mas camps and having consultations with friends. We DO have an opinion on whether we like costumes or not. After all, we are paying THOUSANDS of dollars for these blinged out bikinis . So until they are giving them away for free, I respect that a lot of hard work and effort would have gone into these costumes, but at the end of the day it is a product for public consumption and as a result it will be held up to measure. With that said, unto the costumes!

The Oracle

The frontline of this costume is very well done with all the bits and pieces that make up the bra , I love the fact that the back pack uses fabric as well as feathers and my opinion on it has not changed since the media launch. The regular costume is nicely finished as well, but I do have to say it reminds me of Spice’s Greece (circa Carnival 2010). Other than that I am liking this section, sure to be one that is popular. The Individual costume balanced a bit precariously on the model when she was on stage, leaning backwards, however she was dancing in the costume at the end of the show and did not seem bothered by the back pack.

Virgo

Interesting colour combination for Virgo as I was expecting white for virginity even though the colour associated with Virgo is blue, but I was definitely not expecting mauve and baby pink! This one did not stand out to me, when all the parts came together it looked “pretty” but I was expecting more from Virgo, something along the lines of the Individual costume. Too bad the female Individual model raced on an off the stage and the male looked as if he was having problems with his wings.

Libra

Different bra options for both the frontline and regular costume. Regular costume is simple but lots of gem work on the bra and belt. The frontline is lovely, but I have seen that backpack in Caspian Sea (I am sorry I know it is the same designers but I do have to point out the obvious). Other than that I really love the colour yellow and the overall impact of the frontline. I would love to know how comfortable the cut out bra was for the model as she was dressed for hours before the show.

Scorpio

One of my favourite costumes, if only because it is my Star Sign! Yes the beaded monokini reminds you of Spangled Cotinga but when last have you seen such a shade of red mixed in with black and a wicked Mohawk? Fierce! I love it. Now mind you I was expecting a tail or stinger of sorts on the frontline and I have to say I was disappointed that element was added to the individual costume. The regular costume is just as fierce but that belt may just be a tad too wide with all the stones, looks a bit chunky from afar.

Sagittarius

I like the decorated underwear and skirted bottom/belt, as an option apart from the teeny tiny belts on the other sections it could appeal to women looking for more coverage. However I am not partial to the colour, muted shades of earth tones don’t really grab me. The headpiece is interesting, and one of those that vary in style a bit thought they all basically have a similar shape. The “horse” element of the sign is captured in the headpiece with a braided ponytail….I will get back to you on how I feel about that one after I marinate on the idea!

Capricorn

I never really met a black and gold costume I liked until this one. I love the chains and the studded detail on the bra. At first when I saw it I went “what the hell is that supposed to be” But when all the parts came together I have to say I like it. I especially liked the sleeves on the frontline but those leg pieces! Great idea but not so good an execution as the model had issues in walking properly; I cannot see this working in a crowd on Carnival Tuesday . Love the headpiece with the gold feathers!

Aquarius

I still think the regular costume is very pretty, quite possibly one of the prettiest in the entire band. If this costume represented one thing it was all the stars in the night sky glittering with ALL that bling, wow, bling overload. The frontline costume sent the crowd wild, especially when they got a look at the back. I loved the Individual costume for this one, headpiece meets back pack ;very nice!

Pisces

I love the frontline costume with the plunge bustier; I get the “water” effect of this costume, very well done. The headpiece is a sort of 3 dimensional shape that is best observed up close. The regular costume is cute, and mirrors the frontline with the dripping beads and that headpiece that frames the face like a flying fish. Can you tell I am not a fan of this particular headpiece shape? I loved the wings on the frontline, liking anything with fabric on these costumes as it added something different and interesting with ALL that bling!

Aries

Disappointed that this costume is grey, I was looking forward to some more colour from Aries especially as this sign rules under the colour red. Rather generic regular costume, albeit well decorated. The frontline costume just had a larger headpiece but the Individual was  hot! I loved the structured dominatrix corset with the chains and that headpiece! This could easily be Scorpio as well. Aries the ram? Not seeing it, but I do love the Individual.

Taurus

Hands down Taurus is my favourite costume in the whole collection. I LOVE this shade of “earth tone”, the sandy colour and beige is supposed to represent a bull charging through dust….ok, then. Love the horns on the headpiece and LOVE the circular gemmed detail on the belt of the regular costume which is repeated in the gemmed over lay halter top of the frontline, HOT! This frontline would be my pick in YUMA, I love it.. love the backback with the horns…love everything about it. As for the individual costume those Swarovski covered sleeves look mighty familiar! And there are the pants I was hoping to see, I did have pants on my wish list for Carnival 2011. The male Individual needs to give those arm pieces to the male in TRIBE’s Xi An section!

Gemini

My least favourite section. I dig the belt on the frontline with the jeweled panties, however the panty needs more gems, as they are too spaced out so it looks unfinished. I do not like the shade of green or the mix with the pearls but the model wore this costume well! The regular costume is ok, the green is just not my personal favourite shade of green.

Cancer

The female costume is supposed to represent the coral that the male costume, the crab, rests on…..I would give kudos to the fact that the design details on the female costume does give a coral effect. The regular costume is nice, I like the bra and the shape of the headpiece as it is a bit different from the rest. The frontline has many things happening at once! I like the leg pieces and that underwear reminds me of Venus on a Half Shell for some reason. My main issue with this costume is the headpiece as it kept falling forward on the model all evening. Hopefully something that can be sorted out in production.

Leo

A controversial costume between Carnival Jumbie and myself, read her review for her take on it. I happen to like Leo! Ok so maybe I am not totally feeling the fur on the costume however I do like that headpiece! The use of hair weave? Brilliant! I love it, so you can comb and fluff your headpiece before hitting the road! Frontline Leo.. my word, I don’t think the crowd was expecting that back and I am sure I saw the President mopping his brow when the model turned around and her entire ass was outside! This monokini is NAKED! Clearly for the brave.

I am not even going to review the male costumes, for one the guys were in a hurry to get off the stage so I barely saw the costumes! I only remembered a few, Scorpio stood out as well as Taurus and Capricorn. But on the whole they were all rather generic, the females stole the show on the men once again.

Overall very pretty costumes no doubt, with TONS of bling and feathers. I gave up trying to “see” the star signs in the costumes as some of them did not even translate with the colour attributed with the Zodiac, theme, what theme? Just appreciate the costumes on aesthetic value. I do think many of the headpieces looked similar, same style, same placement of feathers so it did get a bit repetitive even though all the headpieces were well done. What I like is how finished all the costumes were presented; you can really see that the designers designed down to the last piece as a compliment to the costume. The main issue I think for some of the Individual costumes is that they looked laborious on the stage as the models had issues carrying them around. The good news is that all the bits and extras are all optional on the costumes, so you have the choice to remove or add pieces as you see fit.

So, tell me are you feeling YUMA?

Spice.. What's YOUR Signature?

Since I am not doing a review from Spice (I never review costumes I have not in seen in person, looking at pics can be deceiving!) I am going to leave it to you guys to give me your overall impression of Spice, first impression of the costumes...

Check out the pics HERE.

Much thanks to my assistant for these pics!

Are You A YUMA? What did you think?

Backstage pics HERE.


Band Launch Pics HERE

YUMA ... ready for a tease?

We are LIVE at YUMA folks!

Carnival Jumbie, Afro Chic and I are all backstage getting exclusive pre-show close ups and details on the costumes from the designers and YUMA team.

I have to say this Zodeack is going to light up like stars in the night sky because it is dripping with bling, down to every last little detail.

My fave so far, Scorpio! I am in LOVE with the deep red with touches of black, the headpiece is wicked and there is a surprise.... the costume has a "stinger"!

Taurus is my second favourite costume, LOVE the horns! I need to see more to give my full critique however, we have only seen bits and pieces.

Pisces, lovely, and it comes with several body wear options the ladies should be pleased at the additional coverage.

Aries, not a fan of black costumes but loving what I have seen of this so far.. silver, black and grey.

Libra, lovely yellow....you need to see the forntline bra!

Cancer ... fierce leg pieces ! The female costume represents the coral and the male (which we have not seen as yet) is a crab!

Capricorn is looking fierce with black and gold feathers.. need to see more but it stands out.

Leo.. earth tones and the headpiece channels the animal.. with a MANE of hair ... !

Sagittarius earth tones, Virgo mauve, white and baby pink...

And we have seen Aquarius and Oracle at the media launch... I am still placing Oracle at the top tier of costumes, but that may change after the full launch!

Stay tuned to http://www.triniscene.com/tsv7/stream/or interviews with the YUMA design team and models And don't forget you get the pics first on twitter! 

@carnivaldiary

@carnivaljumbie

@triniscenelive

@triniafrochic.

Teaser pics, can you guess the section?

Excited for YUMA!

In just about 10 hours we will be coming to you LIVE from YUMA's band launch. The show is slated to start at around 9PM however we do have some pre show interviews and behind the scenes action that you will also be privy to. Maybe you will even see sneak peeks of costumes before the actual launch, who knows!

I am pretty excited for YUMA's launch because I am dying to see costumes! Particularly interested in Taurus and red hot Scorpio. My spies tell me that the stage is that high because a 10 foot clearance is needed for costumes... interesting!

Models at Friday night rehearsal,including international swimsuit model 
Daphne Narvaez posing with local Mr. T&T World finalist 

So, once again the links you need to know:

Trinidad Carnival Diary on Twitter -@carnivaldiary or http://twitter.com/carnivaldiary


Triniscene on Twitter -@triniscenelive


Triniscene on Facebook -http://www.facebook.com/Triniscene


Triniscene Live Stream -http://www.triniscene.com/tsv7/stream/

Bliss Costume Videos

This one is for those of you who could not and cannot be at the Mas Camp to see the costume close ups yourself. Watch on YOUTUBE for bigger/ pop out videos, I only made them smaller as a preview.

For more videos, don't forget to check out my YOUTUBE Channel:
 http://www.youtube.com/user/TrineeCarnival 

Solaris



Ice Warriors



Cylon



Caprica



Titans


Pele


Izumi Clan

Bliss Mas Camp Opening

So since my decision to play with Bliss was made public via facebook, I was invited to the "soft launch" of Bliss mas camp which officially opens to the public on Monday, August 9th.

The good news is that Bliss has set up camp in the building right next to TRIBE's mas camp, making it easy to see both sets of costumes. I guess that fits in with the Bliss tag line "Same VIBE...Different TRIBE". 

Seeing the costumes up close really gives you a whole other appreciation for the little details and now I am totally in love with Caprica Frontline, even though I played in yellow LAST year. The arm pieces are gorgeous! I love the gold metallic (hard plastic) cuffs from which the feathers sprout. That is a whole lot of "wing spang" on Caprica. The Backline comes in two versions, with and without feathers.

Titans is also simple and beautiful, the best part is that it comes with several versions of the body wear; the monokini, whole piece and the plunge monokini which can all be selected for both backline or frontline.

I am also really liking Izumi Warriors, I only wished the frontline headpiece was bigger! The wire bra frontline is optional, a regular bra was displayed at the mas camp.

Those would be my personal top three in Bliss however I do think Ice Warriors has very pretty gem work on the bra and belt, I like this costume but have two issues with it, one is that the frontline headpiece is very large coupled with the backpack, I am thinking the smaller headpiece might have looked better scale wise and the silver "icicles" look like foil close up.

Pele was also popular among viewers last night, including my friend who said it is her personal number one pick, very pretty with a Machu Pichu vibe going .The guys will be happy to know Pele also comes with regular board shorts and it is one of the nicer male costumes in Bliss (the hubby also likes Caprica and Izumi male costumes).

Cylon is interesting and different, lots of studded detail best appreciated in person; in the booklet it is modeled with a light saber, cool! Solaris is my least favourite among the lot, the bra is VERY simple and I could do with it being another colour since we already have another yellow costume in Bliss. The metallic belt is nice, the frontline is just skimpy!

As for the mas camp opening/lime it was a nice! Complimentary eats and drinks, coupled with costumes and music and LOTS of people? What could be better!

For close up pics of the costumes, minus the section "Trakson Warriors"  which has seemingly gone *poof* click HERE.

Website www.blisscarnival.com goes live on Tuesday August 10th with more costume pics AND prices; when I enquired about prices I was told the female costumes are in the same range as 2010 but you can expect a "small" increase in the male costumes.

Win Tickets To Island People's Shades of the Universe Launch

Here is your chance to win tickets to Island People's Band Launch on August 20th. Open to all their Facebook fans, at 12 noon today all you have to do is answer a trivia question to win. Check out the Island People fanpage HERE.

The Poll Results are in Spice vs YUMA!

You guys voted on my poll and the results are in with 68.29%  of the votes going to YUMA as the choice for the Band Launch you are interested in getting updates from:

click to enlarge

As much as I would have also liked to see what Spice has in store as well, they have in effect made the decision even easier by * (see edit) 1. not issuing invitations to their band launch this year, as they have always done since inception and 2.turning down the offer from Triniscene and crew to do a live stream from Spice's launch. Seems like they just don't need the publicity this year! 

 I just want to state that Spice was given the same opportunity as YUMA for live coverage and they politely informed us that were not interested ; I think I need to make this statement for the critics who will, for sure, come on and suggest/imply that Spice is not being given adequate coverage .

 So come Sunday LIVE will be focused at only one event and one event only, YUMA's band launch at the Oval! 

*Edited to add:

New developments on the double launch this Sunday. Following my post this morning, Spice has informed that an invitation has indeed been sent to Trinidad Carnival Diary , even though the email is curiously lost in cyberspace, so I will be covering Spice's launch as well! 

ONE MORE WINE A Carnival Costume & Cooler Party

“One More Wine” re-creating T&T Carnival in August!!!

P.O.S, Trinidad (Sonique Solutions) – Following numerous requests, the Trinidad and Tobago masses are finally getting what they have craved. The desires to feel the energy, to indulge in the revelry and to re-live the “Greatest show on Earth” will all be satisfied at a major August event entitled “One More Wine”.

This Carnival Costume & Cooler Party is positively the event to shake up the summer events calendar and is set to give Carnival enthusiasts the opportunity to wear their carnival costumes one more time with their friends from various mas bands united in one unique bacchanal experience.

The event carded for Saturday August 7th will transform St. John’s Hall into the streets of Port-Of-Spain. In addition to the allowance of coolers (fully stocked with ones choice of beverages) One More Wine will also feature essential Carnival elements such as Body Paint, an All Star cast of DJs, special guest artistes and the obligatory 40 foot long music truck geared at re-creating that Carnival Monday and Tuesday road vibe.

CR Events, the promoters of One More Wine have been responsible for several well known Carnival oriented affairs and theme parties in New York and Miami and after the success of their T&T Carnival 2010 debut event Silent Morning they plan to once again unleash their one of a kind brand of entertainment to the dynamic local audience.

The July/August band launch season tends to give mas lovers that certain fiery festival feeling. Further to this, the event One More Wine aims to do more than inspire a Carnival feeling but to actually deliver a full blown Carnival experience. Due to the overwhelming interest in the event and the demand for tickets it is anticipated that this new party concept will be nothing short of a success.

For this Cooler and Costume Party the promoters have taken into consideration all factors and logistics to make this an enjoyable, accommodating experience for both the masquerader and non-masquerader partying public.

Although attendees must wear a costume or part of a costume in order to enter the event, they are not limited to bikini and beads ‘pretty mas’ outfits. For those male or female patrons who may have previously played mas but did not save their costumes and even those who never played before and still want to be part of Jammishness, there is the option of a T-shirt section whereby they can purchase an official One More Wine mas T-shirt.

In the spirit of ‘out of the box’ concepts and true T&T creativity the promoters are allowing alternatives for those without Carnival costumes such as the ability to utilize one’s Halloween costumes or to get crafty with glue, beads, decorative stones, glitter etc. and create one’s own costume.

In the latter case there will be a prize of a Spa Day courtesy Belleza Day Spa and one month membership at the Long Circular Club for most creative most original and best looking male and female costumes.

The buzz about this event has truly penetrated the local entertainment market and has attracted party goers from near and far to the extent that a shuttle has been organized to transport the South Trinidad party contingent to and from this key summer extravaganza.

The stage is set and the anticipation is high as T&T gets prepared to take One More Wine en route to Carnival 2011.

WHAT: “One More Wine …A Carnival Costume & Cooler Party”

WHEN: Saturday 7th August 2010 from 9pm to 4am

WHERE: St. John’s Hall, Port-Of-Spain, Trinidad

For Tickets and to obtain more information on “One More Wine …A Carnival Costume & Cooler Party”

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=114730301901611&ref=ts

Harts "Planet Rock" Band Launch

Everyone is doing a video now? Loving the trend!

YUMA Behind The Scenes....

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions!

In April I was in the throes of indecision on whether or not I would actually be participating in Carnival 2011 as a masquerader, remember my post then? Almost 4 months later and to tell you the truth I am still wavering on that decision. My quandary at that time, to sum it up, was this “Will there be a costume to excite me enough to warrant facing another TRIBE jam session or will another band beckon?” The irony is that today I face that exact same scenario!

When I first heard the news that TRIBE would be giving masqueraders the “intimate” experience in Bliss I was excited, here was the chance to have everything I was wishing for; a smaller band, same TRIBE experience and service translated into Bliss. In theory the idea worked beautifully and I was convinced that I would not care what the costumes looked like in TRIBE smaller band trumps that any day or so I thought. However the caveat came when TRIBE also announced that they too would be offering a “smaller” Ultimate Experience catering to 4000 masqueraders, approximately 2000 less than was the jam session this year, so that means TWO smaller bands to choose from, right?

Fast forward to band launch and what do you know the costume I absolutely LOVE is in TRIBE. There is no other costume, I believe, that I would choose over that costume just to play in Bliss for the intimate experience. The headache I am now experiencing is do I trust that TRIBE will indeed stick to the 4000 figure they are aiming for, what is to stop them from adding on an extra 1000 masqueraders, they after all running a business first and foremost? And why should they care that we, who wanted the smaller band, are complaining about how many people are in TRIBE when Bliss is an option? Am I really going to have to be forced to choose “intimate” over costume love? The IDEAL situation for me is to be able to play in Bliss wearing the TRIBE costume I love.. .maybe they can switch sections and even the playing field, because lets face it, TRIBE does have the stronger female AND male costumes! Not to mention that I am being teased and tantalized by YUMA and TRIBE has delayed their mas camp opening until Monday which gives me even more time to think about playing with another band; could I, would I even explore that possibility?

Why YUMA? Well of all the new bands that have arisen so far I have the most faith in this one that they can probably deliver on what they advertise if only because of the persons involved that bring a history and experience (Crystal Amming, Sean Burkett), designers who I know can do "pretty" pretty well (Richard and Anthony) and of course they do have the financial backing to make sure that things run smoothly. My fears in trying a new band are the same as always, worries of being enticed by pretty promises and disappointed with the final product. If the costume and smaller band is what would draw me to YUMA my costume better had look exactly like the prototype (shudders at the the thought of Spice's costumes that made it on the road) and the service/experience must be stellar or I would rue the day I left the Devil I knew for something unknown (flash back to the first year I left Harts for Poison!). I mean really my ONLY major complaint with TRIBE is size, so if I am leaving for something else that something else HAS to offer me something greater. In this case I am thinking YUMA might just marry the pretty costumes with the smaller band that I am looking for …..but, lots or “ifs” still left out there; they may have all the elements working in their favour on paper but the proof is in the pudding.

At the end of the day it is my money spending (lots of it) and as I said before I do want to have the BEST experience, one that I think is worth what I am paying for. The year 2010 left me unsatisfied and jaded, I would hate to have to eat my words and come grumbling in 2011 that things have not changed for the better if I do end up playing in TRIBE. So, where does that leave me? Bliss where I would have to “settle” for a costume that is my 3rd choice just to have enough room on the road to parade in said costume, into the unknown with YUMA or in the costume that I LOVE along with 4000 other masqueraders in TRIBE? Sigh, I have no idea!

Coming To You LIVE From YUMA!

Triniscene and Trinidad Carnival Diary has all your LIVE coverage from YUMA's band launch on this coming Sunday.Got questions for the YUMA crew? Ask here to have the YUMA crew answer you as we do a special interview and behind the scenes feature LIVE from the band launch!

Oasis Open For Business

The wait is finally over. We at Oasis have the pleasure of officially opening our doors to you for viewing of costumes and registration.

The Mas Camp @ 32 Rosalino St. is now open from 11am till 6pm Monday to Friday.

The website is coming very soon and we'll keep you posted!!!!

The price listing in $TT is as follows:

Golden Eagle
Frontline - $3,895
Female - $2,995
Male - $2,295

Ghost Flower
Frontline - $3,700
Female - $2,995
Male - $2,295

Kolibrie
Frontline - $3,999
Regular - $2,995
Male - $2,400

Gilia
Frontline - $3,950
Female - $2,995
Male - $2,350

Djinn
Frontline - $4,095
Female - $2,950
Male - $2,350

Downpayment:- $1200 Frontline; $900 Regular

Looking forward to getting you geared up for a great Carnival 2011. You won't go thirsty at an Oasis!!
216 more days!

"I love it...do you?"
Oasis

Are You a YUMA

An Actress and media professional

+

Experienced Event specialists who know how to throw a great party

+

A design team mentored by Carnival Great Wayne Berkley

+

the feedback of over 1200 fans on Facebook

+

Dynamic& Fun Committee Members

What does that add up to? The driving force of YUMA - Young and Upwardly Mobile Adults - a new band for carnival 2011.

The band leader, no stranger to the carnival scene and well supported by a group of seasoned event professionals, is Teri Leigh Bovell. She believes the band will offer what new masqueraders want, "We listened to what new and experienced masqueraders have been calling for and have created a movement or, as we call it - YUMA Vibe, that will engage masqueraders beyond the Carnival Monday and Tuesday." The YUMA Vibe is already being felt. Their FACEBOOK following is over 1200 people strong in just 3 weeks and grows daily. Queries about the new band have been dominating the social media and party scene for weeks. All will finally be unveiled come Sunday August 8th at YUMA's band launch at "The Oracle" (Queen's Park Oval Greens).

Why "The Oracle"? "'According to Ancient Mythology the Oracle predicts fate and knows all," explained Bovell highlighting the use of peacock feathers and intricate beadwork on the Oracle costumes to highlight the "seeing ability” of the mythological character the costume portrays. In YUMA's 2011 presentation, the Oracle predicts the horoscope of each of the signs of our ZODEAK. The spelling is not a typo. YUMA's "Zodeak" is unabashedly untraditional. "Every masquerader will have their birth sign portrayed but for Carnival 2011 they may choose to portray a different sign based on how the 'YUMA VIBE" takes them. Nothing is predictable and we're proud of that. Not because you're a Leo you'll like animal print and elaborate pheasant feather headpiece. Not because you're a Pisces will you like the of the water inspired design of the bead laden costume with plunging neckline - there's something for everyone in YUMA. The vibe will entice you to embrace characteristics of (ZODEAK) signs you want to display BEYOND carnival." For this reason, those expecting to be able to predict anything about the band, launch or costume presentation - look out for surprises!

One surprise was the use of a mix local and international models for the band's promotion. Daphne Narvaez, international swimsuit and music video model (picture attached), not only posed for pictures but gave our local new models tricks of the trade that can help increase the likelihood of successful modeling careers. "In exchange our models taught Daphne how to portray the YUMA vibe at the photoshoot and how to wine which was not completely foreign to her due to her Puerto Rican heritage ," said Bovell. "Its all about development. You need mentors to help you become Upwardly Mobile!"

Speaking of mentors, the YUMA team has a great one - Carnival legend, Wayne Berkely. Berkley was part of the design process and gave both design suggestions and feedback on each design as it neared fruition. At the costume review sessions he noted that there was still creativity in the design process and was thrilled to see materials being used in different ways to bring designs together. One costume, for example, uses Kanekalon (synthetic hair) in the headpiece to add movement. The YUMA design team benefitting from Berkley's mentoring and critiquing consists of award winning designers Richard and Anthony, carnival legacy and award winning designer Crystal Aming and Gina Maingot whose designs have recently burst onto the carnival scene.

So are you a Y.U.M.A.? Guess you'll find out at the launch. Limited tickets are available at $150 from committee members. YUMAscopes are released daily via their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/yumavibe . The band invites you to log on to begin catching the VIBE of the band today.

How To be A Recessionista Carnivalista

What exactly is a "Recessionista Carnivalista"? Well, it is someone who LOVES Carnival and going all out but  due to current economic times cannot afford to spend big bucks every single year on Carnival. After spending money on a costume, plus ticket and hotel for some, it  is such a huge bite out of your budget that you do not have the money to spend on the "extras" that  have also become part of the Carnival experience. 

 My friend asked me to do a budget on how much money in addition to my costume that I spend on things like makeup, boots, tights, Monday Wear, hair etc and to tell you the truth the last count was $2000.00TT; it adds up!So this year the challenge to myself is to spend as LITTLE money as possible on all the things that I think I need, I am not going to compromise on professional makeup however but really, do I need another pair of boots?

My current Carnival Boot Collection:

1.You do not need new boots or sneakers every year - I am guilty of this one, as it is much easier for me to buy a new pair of boots than to redecorate an old pair, not to mention I get caught up in buying boots and sometimes end up with three pairs to wear at one Carnival. Consequently I now have six pair of boots, one never even used! Afro Chic has great tips on her blog on how to use sand paper to get rid of dried  spray paint off your footwear so that you can reuse an old pair . It is amazing what she can do with just a can of spray paint as well. Get familiar with her "Do it your self" section and save money on buying more footwear this year.

2. Decorate  your boots yourself - Some of you may not have a clue on where to start but it can be as simple as just adding the leg pieces that come with your costume on to your boots or doing like my friend and covering your entire pair of boots in sequin trim! Patience and lots of magnatac (glue) is key:

Do it yourself boots

3. Do not order extra boy shorts with your costume - This goes for those of us that do not get anything "extra" for Monday wear. Go through your Carnival drawer, box or bag and see how many pairs of boy shorts you have accumulated over the years and recycle one of those. There is no rule that your Monday wear HAS to match your section so you can wear a red pair of shorts on Monday even though your section is green.This goes for the guys too, I know for sure you all have a lovely collection of board shorts with the band's logo on it, who cares if it is even from another band? 

4. Skip the professional makeup artist - You CAN do your own makeup with practice; find a a YOUTUBE makeup channel showing you how to apply makeup if you are a novice or get together with friends and experiment with different looks. Seriously you do not have to get professional makeup to have a great Carnival experience. Also you can reuse makeup that you already have or buy makeup together with friends in the same section and save on cost.

5. Strip lashes work as well as eye lash extensions and they are cheaper too! With lash extensions costing upwards of $100.00US for the individual lashes I say that you can get the same effect with the strip lashes that costs a fraction of that price. If you cannot apply them yourself, get a friend to do so.

6. Recyle, recycle, recyle - there are some things you just don't need brand new for Carnival and/or you already have in your possession. You can recycle insoles, tights (once they have no runs just wash and reuse), pouches and accessories. 

7. Do not buy "footless" tights for the extra $10.00, just snip off the toes from regular (cheaper) tights.

8. You do not need a brand new "fete" wardrobe every year, if you have worn an outfit before and it is blasted all over facebook, guess what? Delete the picture! Add some new accessories and shoes and you are good to go. Stock up on sandals , swim wear and shorts at the end of summer sales.

9. Cut costs where you can even though it may mean sacrificing some comforts. For example look for a guest house over a hotel and split the cost with friends, use your Local ID (if you have one) to negotiate a local rate. If you are out of a hotel budget stay with family or friends the  bright side is that family will drive you around and feed you for free! 

10.Know that you do not NEED to go to every single fete for Carnival to have a great time, as many have said before once you go to one fete during Carnival week you see the same acts that will be performing at every other fete from then on! 

And one last tip, if you cannot afford a costume in a particular band there is always cheaper to fit your budget,  do not get caught up in the hype and feel you NEED to play in any ONE band to have a great time. This year affords masqueraders choice... please use it!

Dream Team Band Launch

And check out a preview of  Dream Team's  Carnival 2011 presentation with a costume from the section "Japanese Fan Dance" from this video clip, news item, on Charlotte Carnival: