They Call me Mrs Fete :Las Lap - The Review

Fete : Las Lap, Pier 1 Chaguaramas 

Price: $180.00

Date: March 17, 2012
Photos: http://www.triniscene.com/tsv7/galleries/?page=html&id=GALAFE2DF

Location:

Held at Pier 1, same as last year, with a slightly different lay out. The main stage faced North as an actual stage for "crossing" faced East. Ample parking and no traffic congestion, we got to the venue at 11. Entrance was to the back of Pier 1 as opposed to the front.

Ambiance/Décor:

TRIBE section banners were used to decorate the venue, the stage was dressed up in TRIBE colours with a huge TRIBE sign and there was also nice lighting on approaching the venue that could be seen from the street.

Bar:

Las Lap is a cooler event so your bar is only limited by the selection of drinks that you brought. In case you did not feel like lugging around a cooler there were drinks on sale and a FREE Sno Cone vendor who was serving up Puncheon Sno Cones

Food:

Gyros, fries, gourmet hot dog, corn soup (from what I can remember) were on sale. I had the hot dog, it was really good.

Performances:

Farmer Nappy kicked off the performances segment of Las Lap and as he was warming up I moved stage side. Shal and TC followed warming up the crowd some more, so by the time Benjai came on the crowd to the front of the stage was jamming like if it was Carnival again.The surprise performer was Machel who allegedly came direct from a boat down the islands and he looked it in board shorts and bare feet! Taking swigs from a bottle of 3 Zero Rum he killed it for the short time he was on stage. I also have to commend Machel for pointing out that I was in a YUMA costume in a TRIBE fete, kudos you actually know the different costumes!

Crowd Vibe:

I personally felt the crowd was a bit "stush" this year and took a LONG time to warm up and break loose. Maybe the fete should have been closer to Ash Wednesday to still capture the Carnival hype but nevertheless my "Stress Less" crew had a great time. We took a wine for all who could not be there. On another note TRIBE people the YUMA masqueraders really put you to shame, there were way more YUMA costumes in a TRIBE fete! I was also disappointed to see so many people not making the effort to be in some type of costume/Monday wear but you know Trinis they too cool for school, they will show up in a costume fete wearing a sweater vest and shirt. No words, no words!

 

Eye Candy

Hats off to all the yummy shirtless guys who came out in bits and pieces of costumes, you rock! And the women who were brave enough to wear costume you looked awesome as well. Otherwise it is a TRIBE fete so your usual high percentage of pretty people.

Bathroom:

Two bathrooms for the ladies, at first both were easily accessed with AC working fine. Then the second bathroom (closer to the pool side) became hot and crowded. I love the fact that they both have full length mirrors though.

Extras

THE STAGE! For Las Lap TRIBE constructed an actual stage, about four feet high with a ramp to get on. When they announced that the stage was open for crossing madness ensued. The stage crossing was fantastic for about five minutes then it became a mob of people and me praying the stage held up and did not go crashing to the ground under the weight. I cannot lie, it was a fabulous idea and people did not want to exit the stage, I swear it was always occupied for the rest of the night.

Overall Rating:

I would give Las Lap a 7.5 out of 10. Have to say I enjoyed it much better last year but as usual I had fun with my friends who could make any event a success because they bring the "vibes" and leading up to Las Lap planning for the event made me feel like it was Carnival all over again with getting costume organised. I would definitely go again next year, I just would prefer it wasn't so late on the calender post Carnival! 

It's Las Lap Saturday!

THIS is where we will be tonight! Cooler already packed with Johnnie Walker Green, Cafe Patron and Single Barrel Rum and I have my costume refreshed and ready! 

Some points to remember:

*Coolers in before 11:30 PM and no glass bottles allowed, feel free to walk with buckets it IS the experience of reliving Carnival 2012 after all.

*You are expected to wear costume, part of your costume or Monday wear (hot shorts/tank top/tube top/ etc and costume accessories) and/or headpiece! Last year several people dressed the part and it was fun, hoping to see more of you in costume this year.

*If you did not play mas for 2012 at least try to LOOK like you are wearing Monday wear; shorts, halter/bikini top, boots   OR just recycle bits of pieces of a previous costume. Tap into that creativity and guys it is quite OK to go shirtless... if you have a six pack ....and biceps...and tattoos!  

* Leave the cocktail dresses, clutch purses and 6 inch heels  for another event, it isn't THAT kind of party.

* If you have a problem with a Carnival party where people wear costumes in LENT, get thee to church tonight and not Pier 1.

*Designate a driver, be safe and car pool nah... ease up on the traffic.

Kes In Orlando

click the flyer for details 

Are You A Hottie Over 30?

Trinidad Carnival Diary's Facebook Fanpage is blowing up with all the "Hotties over 30" who have been nominated by their friends or sent in their own photos to be featured in a special certifiable "Hottie" album. And, we have both female and male hottties representing for the over 30s.

If you would like to send in your photo or nominate someone as a certified Hottie over 30 send their photo to : trinidadcarnivaldiary@gmail.com

The requirements  are pretty simple:

1. Male or Female

2. Over 30 years of age

3. Hottie

Much thanks to Carolyn Gomez who inspired and is leading the  Hottie Over 30 movement!

Are you the International Soca Monarch Super Red 20 Ultimate Fan?

Are you the International Soca Monarch Super Red 20 Ultimate Fan?

Then PROVE IT!

Channel your unique Inner Soca Star and you can win BIG! Follow these two steps:

1. Channel your Super Red 20 Fashion Spirit! Visitwww.polyvore.com and submit one (1) outfit each for the following three (3) artistes attending the International Soca Monarch Prize-Giving Ceremony on March 20th, 2012:

- The Official Crowned Champion of the International Soca Monarch Competition 2012 - Machel Montano (@machelmontanohd)

- An artiste of YOUR choice for "The People's Champion", AND

- A female artiste of YOUR choice dubbed "The Super Red 20 Soca Songstress" of the ISM 2012 season.

2. Channel your Super Red 20 Soca Performer Spirit! Submit lyrics for your ORIGINAL Soca Hit! One verse and one chorus is all you need!

- Submit your entry! Include the three (3) links to your fashion ensembles AND the lyrics to your ORIGINAL Soca Song in an email to internationalsocamonarch@gmail.com

Three outfits, one original soca song, and you have an eligible entry! It’s that simple!

Two (2) Grand Prize Winners will be selected, and will receive:

- One Prize Pack (each) including a Monster Energy 6-pack, a CPF SuperRed20 Edition tshirt, a Toyota Trinidad and Tobago Limitedrag and keychain, and a KFC Trinidad and Tobago Voucher valued at $100.

- 2 VVIP passes each (for you + a guest) to attend the International Soca Monarch Prize Giving Ceremony on March 21st, 2012.

- $250 voucher (each) in clothing courtesy Lulu-Rue Boutique.

- Amazing Magazine interview with We Style Magazine as the “Super Red 20 Ultimate Fan”.

- Rubbing shoulders and mingling with the SuperRed20 Stars of Soca and Industry Movers!

Contest Eligibility Rules & Requirements:
Contest Ends: Saturday 17th March, 2012.
Winner will be announced on that day.
Only COMPLETE entries submitted to internationalsocamonarch@gmail.com will be acknowledged as an official entry. Entry cut-off time: 5:00pm.
The judges' decisions are final and absolute.
Winners will be immediately required to email their contact information to internationalsocamonarch@gmail.com to arrange prize collection.
All prizes are eligible for redemption in-store in Trinidad & Tobago only.
If you have won an Prize from the International Soca Monarch/Caribbean Prestige Foundation for the Performing Arts for the 2012 season already, you are NOT eligible to enter.
International Soca Monarch & Caribbean Prestige Foundation employees, sponsors of International Soca Monarch/ Caribbean Prestige Foundation and their employees, affiliates of International Soca Monarch/Caribbean Prestige Foundation and their respective immediate family members are NOT eligible to enter this contest.

Let’s round up the 2012 Season in the Super Red 20 Spirit of Celebration!

Submit your entry today- We’re on the quest for the International Soca Monarch Super Red 20 Ultimate Fan!

Good Luck!

http://www.facebook.com/socamonarch/app_296062257129213

Celebrate Ten Years Of Caribbean Jazz At The 10th Annual Jazz Artists On The Greens

Charismatic songbird, Llettesha Sylvester, 

known for her performance in the Marionettes Chorale’s 2011 musical, Carmen. 

Energies are high at Production One Limited as preparations move into top gear for its 10th anniversary edition of Jazz Artists on the Greens (JAOTG) on The Greens at Farm Road, St. Joseph on Saturday March 24, 2012. In the spirit of celebration and reminiscence, Production One will highlight some of the fondest memories of the past ten years with the launch of the JAOTG Rewound! Giveaway Promotion. Starting Monday March 12, 2012 for two weeks, the veteran event management company will run a trivia competition via the JAOTG Facebook page giving away JAOTG 2012 tickets to ten lucky patrons.

Dominica’s leading kweyol (Creole) fusion jazz singer, Michele Henderson. 

As with previous editions, JAOTG 2012 promises a delicious mix of contemporary Caribbean jazz styles, delivered by some of the most talented performers in the region. This year, the JAOTG stage welcomes back the provocative kweyol (Creole) jazz inflections of Dominica’s Cultural Ambassador, Michele Henderson, backed by Ming & Friends. Bringing their unique Caribbean flavour to the celebration is Trinidad and Tobago’s veteran jazz musician, Carlton “Zanda” Alexander and The Coalpot Band along with London-based Trinidadian pannist, Annise Hadeed, and his quartet of Douglas Reddon, Theron Shaw and Richard Bailey. Hot on the heels of his latest album release, Songs from Deep Within, smooth jazz guitarist Clifford Charles will be among them to share his home-grown brand of silky-smooth music, while the charismatic, lively and eclectic jazz stylings of songbird, Llettesha Sylvester, are sure to be a delightful treat.

London-based Trinidadian pannist, Annise Hadeed. 

Come for the music, enjoy life and join the celebration at the 10th annual Jazz Artists on the Greens. This open-air festival-styled event encourages patrons to walk withtheir picnic baskets and lounging chairs to experience the energy first-hand, outdoors on The Greens. Car parks are located within 1 to 2 minutes walking distance of the venue. JAOTG patrons can enjoy an advance ticket price of $250.00, however, at the door, the price is $300.00. Tickets are available online at the JAOTG website at www.jaotg.org and at select locations nationwide. Connect with JAOTG on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JAOTG and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/JAOTG or email jaotg@estuarypr.com or call (868) 620-6920.

Rising smooth jazz guitarist, Clifford Charles. 

WHAT:

The 10th annual Jazz Artists on the Greens

WHO:

Production One Limited

WHEN:

Saturday March 24, 2012. Gates open from 4:00 p.m.

WHERE:

The Greens at Farm Road, St. Joseph

TICKETS:

Advance $250.00

At the door $300.00

Available online at www.jaotg.org or at Bewil & Co. Ltd. (868) 624-4206, Stechers – Long Circular Mall (868) 628-0987, Kanhai Raghubir Jewellery (868) 640-2522, House of Chan (868) 645-0347 and the Medical Dispensary (868) 665-5889. South patrons please call (868) 685-5556 or (868) 620-6920.

How to Combat Post Carnival Depression

If you have DJ Private's Ryan Post Carnival Depression Mix on repeat daily and cannot stop looking at Carnival photographs that keep popping up just when you thought there were no more new ones to be seen, then you just might be in the throes of the letdown that occurs soon after the build up and experience of Carnival is over. Never fear, seasoned masqueraders have been through this before so here are some tips to help you ease out of the depression stage until Band Launch season comes along to start the cycle all over again and give you that much needed Carnival fix.

1. Plan a Next Carnival - Have you ever heard the saying the only way to get over someone is to get under someone else? Well, apply that theory here. Sure Trinidad Carnival has ended but there is a Carnival happening practically each month around the globe so start planning to experience one of those. Jamaica, St Maarten and St Thomas Carnival are all happening in April, LehWeGo has a great guide for Jamaica Carnival newbies. For me personally I already have my ticket bought for Cropover and have accommodation booked now all I need is a costume and my fete tickets, I just never come down from my Carnival high. 144 more days until Cropover 2012 and yes, I am counting! 

2.Keep Busy - There are lots of events in the Caribbean taking place between now and Band Launch Season that will keep your mind off Carnival . Several Jazz Festivals are coming up soon including St Lucia's, Tobago Jazz Experience and Jazz Artists on the Greens for starters. Check out events happening close to you or on an Island you have been hoping to visit.

3. Relive the Experience - So you want to put on your costume and party with bucket in hand one last time, get a ticket to TRIBE Las Lap and do exactly that this coming Saturday. Or you can relive J'ouvert with Josie's Jamishness taking place in April  and don't forget to mark your Calenders for Fall Out's cooler cruise on June 19.

4. Take A Break - After being consumed with the obsession of Carnival maybe it is time to put all Carnival thoughts out of your head for a while and focus on something new. Start a class, get a new hobby, travel or just spend time with family and friends who do not participate in Carnival so you would have something else to talk about.

5.Get Ready For Carnival 2013 -  With 333 days before Carnival 2013 now is the best time to start your Carnival fund. It could as simple as dropping all your spare change into a tin or setting up a standing order to have a select percentage of your DISPOSABLE income squirreled away in a special Carnival account. Please note I am not telling you to neglect your bills, if you do not know what disposable income is maybe you should look up saving tips and financial planning advice.

Also don't fall off the wagon if you were one of those people who were working out and dieting like a beast for Carnival 2012.  Giving up the Carnival body and all the hard work you put into it means starting all over again. So after you allow yourself a week or so to pig out on all the junk you gave up get back in groove.

And if you missed your goal of getting the body in shape this year fear not you have more than enough time to achieve that goal for another Carnival. Do not wait until December to start panicking, make the goal for getting costume ready July when band launches start. Slow and steady wins the race, if you start NOW you can do it. 

Creative Creations Unltd Monday Wear Review

A Big Hello to you!!

Saucy,

This year I used Creative Creations to design my Monday wear for YUMA.

I wasn't sure what I wanted but I had three criteria. The first, it had to be white. Second, I had to feel beautiful in it. Third, It had to compensate for my breasts. I was introduced to Creative Creations though mutual friends and reached out to her.

 Because I didn't have a specific vision, she took complete creative control. I only had a tiara and from that she submitted a sketch of what she had in mind. She explained the process and asked pertinent questions. She was responsive and I walked away feeling that she was personally invested in making my dreams come true. She met me where and when it was convenient to me. 

 Always with a positive energy and professionalism. I was pleased with the product and it didn't fall apart in the road!!!!

She surpassed my expectations and plan on using her again!

Thanks!

I'm submitting the original sketch and copies of the finished product.

Shades Breakfast Party Review

Photos: http://www.triniscene.com/tsv7/galleries/?page=html&id=GAL6C2FBA

Hi Saucy

Here’s my review on Shades.

This year I wanted to try something different from the usual Dawn, Insomnia, etc. After reading such a glorious review about SHADES review from last year, so I decided to give them a try. I told my friends about SHADES and we’ve decided that we will attend. My cousin was arriving on Saturday night from Miami; his flight was late, didn’t leave the airport not until 2am, went home and got dress.

Arrived at SHADES around 5:30am, good time. Got there parked at the grounds, shuttle bus to take to you to the venue, a very short drive, less than 2 minutes. I like that, I didn’t have to walk, you know when you are wearing wedges and walking in them and trying to look sexy, is not a good combination.

VENUE.

Hotel Normandie in St. Ann’s first time going there, due to the limited space, SHADES did the best they can do.

FOOD.

A line up for the food, not too long, menu consists of: rolls, mini, bakes, saltfish, smoke herring, eggs, bacon, and sausages in a ketchup base sauce. I had the mini bake, saltfish, eggs, and when I was going to have a piece of the bacon, the male server yelled at me, informing me that I can only have 3 items on my plates, I said “ok” and moved on. This is a first for me, after going to all-inclusive events and resorts abroad, this was a shock to me, and the man’s tone was so rude and abrupt, so that spoiled my appetite right away.

I was looking for the omelettes station and the fresh fruit station that was mention by your previous blogger from last year. None to be found. That was it. Seats were very limited, finally found a seat and had our breakfast. Disappointed. After breakfast headed to the Bar to get my first drink, since I am always the designated driver, I’m only partaking of few alcohol drinks, low and behold no SHANDY, I was so shocked. I found my favorite bartender from when I played in Spice two years ago, he recognized he and we hugged and kissed, boy he looked cute as ever. So I had to resort to drinking vodka and lots and lots of cranberry juice.

MUSIC.

The DJs did an excellent job, kept the vibes flowing nice thorough the party. Then problem child came on, problems with the sound system, the DJ announced that we will return later, and then Mr. Bachannalist himself came on stage, Kerwin did a fabulous job.

BATHROOMS.

AS usual long lines to use the ladies, end up using the Men’s bathroom, wet and not clean, the cleaning lady tried her best to keep it clean, but too much people. Then to add insult to injury an old Chinese man, was telling us please don’t sit in front of the Hotel, we are bothering the guest at the hotel. He was demanding that we moved. Very rude. I said to myself, you rented the outdoor space in your hotel for a party, now you don’t want us to stand in from, while we wait for our friend while I wait for my friend. Sorry I didn’t move.

FOOD.

While I was scouting the place, finally saw the Corn Soup people finally ARRIVE; mind you it was well after 6:45am, the DJ announced that the Bake and Shark people were on their way. I saw displayed of grapes, apples and bananas, I thought it was decoration, but I saw people taking and eating. I didn't know that. There was a snow cone machine, juice machine, and coffee machine which was nice.I finally had a cup of corn soup, very tasty. Bake and shark was ok,

OVERALL.

It was a nice party, I will attend if SHADES do decide to have one in 2013, I like the vibes of the party, drinks flowed, easy access to drinks, the servers were quite friendly and polite. The DJs did a splendid job; the music was very, very good. Lots of eye candy for the ladies, which I enjoyed very much. SHADES, whatever you did at the first SHADES in Santa Cruz, what happen? Fixed the food problem, have everything available on time, and you will have the best BREAKFAST PARTY EVER.

BIG QUESTION IS WILL I ATTEND SHADES 2013, OH YES I WILL ATTEND.

Creative Creations Unltd Review

I came across creative creations united from your blog. From the very first time we spoke I was very happy with the customer service from CCU. Her positive attitude and excellent customer service continued from our first conversation until I collected my boots and even today. I must commend her because this is very hard to find!

 I contacted other boot decorating services and the responses I got were almost as if they were doing me a favor.So I must commend CCU for her one of a kind customer service that exceeded all my expectations. I told CCU I just wanted something very nice to match my costume. 

The rest was up to her. CCU kept in contact with me while she decorated my boots. We discussed ideas and she kept me posted on where she reached. I felt like her costumer service was personalized because she would always contact me to tell me where she reached with my boots. I know she had several orders so this was very nice of her in such busy times. 

When I picked up the final product I was so happy. I LOVED MY BOOTS. I could not take them off! I loved that she did not hold back on the bling. I was also surprised how the bling on my boots held up for the entire day on Tuesday. My only regret with CCU is not having her do my Monday wear and Monday boots for 2013 she will be seeing me again.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Creative-Creations-Unltd/198480790224980

Creative Creations Unltd Monday Wear Review

For Carnival Monday 2012, I decided to enlist the services Creative Creations Unltd to provide my Monday wear and I could not be any happier.

Initial Contact and Communication:

Creative Creations was recommended to me by a friend of mine, after I expressed my desperation of needing to find someone to create my Monday. Initially, I employed the services of another designer but because of the designer's failure to inform me of the cut off date for down payment I was stuck without Monday. Shortly after talking with the friend, the owner of Creative Creations reached out to me and offered her services. Our initial contact started in October and continued constantly until Carnival Sunday.

After sending countless emails about design aspect and my expectations, we decided on the final outcome: turquoise bodysuit with scattered gems and a shoulder piece. Creative Creations was very accommodating given my ever changing mind and responded in a timely manner to all of my inquiries. The only issue that we encountered was getting the body suit to her. On my first attempt, it was retuned to me undeliverable but I was told to send it again and given an estimated date on when my completed Monday wear will be returned to me.

About a week before carnival, I was informed that I will be collecting my Monday wear in Trinidad because she feared that if she mailed it back to me, I would not be able to receive it in time for my trip to Trinidad. Although I was skeptical at first, I appreciated her honesty and her prompt communication of a potential issue.

Delivery:

I must admit that collecting my Monday wear was a bit frustrating. Before I arrived in Trinidad, Creative Creations provided me with her contact number and the exact date on which I could collect my bodysuit. On the first day I was supposed to collect it, I spend the majority of the afternoon trying to collect my costume from Island People and because of transportation issues on my end I was not able to collect. Creative Creations was very understanding and was able to reschedule my date. On the second attempt, another issue with transportation and timing issues prevented me collecting my Monday wear again and at this time I started to get nervous. On Carnival Sunday, Creative Creations was in constant contact with me trying to figure out how to deliver my Monday wear and assuring me that I will receive my goods before the night was over.

Eventually, she was able to get her friend to drop off my Monday wear at my door at no additional cost. My Monday wear was delivered in a clear garment bag as promised on Carnival Sunday night and I was very impressed. The body suit was transformed from a boring swimsuit to a stunner. (I have included before and after pictures)

Overall services:

I would definitely recommend and use Creative Creations for Carnival 2013. My only worry during the entire transaction was delivery but it can happen to anyone, especially due to the fact of lack of transportation. Creative Creations rose to my expectations and she is very talented. My only suggestion for her would be to include a complete list of services she provided because it was only after Carnival that I realized she did more than customizing Monday wear. I received numerous compliments on the road and even after washing my Monday wear, my gems and shoulder piece are still in tact. My only problem now is figuring out wear to wear my bodysuit again because it still looks like it did on delivery.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Creative-Creations-Unltd/198480790224980

Creative Creations Untld Boot Review

Hi Saucy

Permit me to submit my review of my experience with Creative Creations Untld for carnival 2012.

I ANSWERED THE CALL OF DUTY IN MY SEXY-SOLDIER INSPIRED BOOT FROM CREATIVE CREATIONS UNTLD.

I heard about Creative Creations Untld through mutual facebook friends and decided to give her a try.Now, I have never gotten work done on my boots for carnival so I wanted my first pair of customed designed boots to be spectacular.Well,the end product was so on point that I absolutely fell head over feet in love with them.

After I emailed the designer and we discussed what my ideas were for the boot she quoted a reasonable price for the job and  I ordered my boots.I explained to her that  I  had a relative coming to the U.S for only one(1) week and she told me she would try to accommodate me for that time frame.Sent the boot and payment and collected my boot after the one week period back in Trini.When i unwrapped my package,what  I received wowed me.I kept wearing them around the house over and over.The product and her customer service exceeded my expectations and I  will definitely be using her for the CK13.

My instructions to her were as follows:-

1.No bling,no feathers

2.Grungy,Terminator inspired

3.I want to re-use my boot so no spraying or any other thing that will be permanent on the boot.

Loved my spikes,loved my insignia.....I LOVED IT ALL!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Creative-Creations-Unltd/198480790224980

Review of Belly Dancing Direct Body Stocking

Hi TCD – I wanted to share this info with your female followers

While playing mas in T&T this year, I noticed a disturbing ‘trend.’ I saw a lot of women with their pantyhose pulled up past their waist up to just under their breast. I understand that these women wanted more coverage in the mid-section and wanted to hide flaws like stretch marks and belly bulges, but pantyhose pulled up past your waist is not a good look.

This year I wore a “flesh-toned” belly stocking that I purchased from www.bellydancingdirect.com with my IP costume and it was great. The color I had on was called “Mocha” and it covered my whole mid-section and matched my skin color so well that you didn’t even realize that I was wearing it.

 I was able to wear a 2 piece costume without feeling naked and the power mesh fabric held me in on the sides and in the tummy area. I’ve attached a pic of myself wearing it,you can’t even tell that I’m wearing a belly stocking!

I was on the company’s FaceBook page and saw that they’ve come out with a new belly stocking with footless stockings attached. The picture I’ve attached shows it with sleeves, but I asked, and they are able to make it in a sleeveless version.

I think this is a wonderful idea and I think it will help a lot of female masqueraders who have been looking for a “flesh-toned” body stocking to wear under their costume. It will definitely take the place of the myriad colored lace body stockings that I also saw on Carnival Tuesday as well.

The power mesh fabric of the stocking is strong, but I can’t vouch for whether or not the footless part will withstand 2 days of wining .In that case, the option of just the belly stocking is available.

The company offers Mocha and Coffee colored belly stockings for darker skin tones, and various other colors for lighter skin tones.

Since it looks like the costumes are getting skimpier every year, I’m sure that this info will go a long way in helping many female masqueraders feel good while wearing almost nothing.

Roam Mas Theme 2013

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Roam-The-Mas-Band/113857845387722

Carnival Divaz Review

Good morning TCD,

I decided to get a custom Monday wear and decorated boots to match my costume for CK12. Some of my friends were also coming to Trinidad carnival for the first time so all of us decided to get custom items to look fabulous! Carnival Divaz was highly recommended by friends who had used her services in the past. The initial contact was very positive, she was upbeat, available and worked with us on making a final decision regarding designs, colors ect...She gave us an estimate (her prices were very reasonable compared to others) and all of us paid half, the other half would be due upon completion. We sent her our boots, sneakers and corset in November!

Everything was great and exciting up to the holidays: the Facebook group was active, she was posting pictures, my boots were done and I was very pleased with the design.After Christmas break, things started to get weird!We are now in January!! Everybody is getting the carnival fever, tunes dropping, first fetes of the season, yet Carnival Divaz is “missing in action”, she doesn’t reply to email as fast, we have no news of our Monday tops nor delivery dates (she is supposed to mail us all the items before leaving for Trinidad).

Fast forward to the first week of February, I’m literally emailing CD every day to remind her of my departure date to Trinidad and giving her the proper address to send my items since I work very late. She assured me I would receive everything by Wednesday the 8th and will send me a confirmation number. Wednesday NO news so I emailed her and she gave me some silly excuse that she forgot a pair of boots home, Thursday NO news I emailed her again and this time she said that she didn’t bring the items to be shipped from work-it was obvious that something wasn’t adding up but I remained patient in order to get our items before leaving-. After going back and forth with the most random excuses, I ended telling her to bring everything to Trinidad and I will pick up when I reach.

The circus continued in Trinidad, she was never home, never available and always had an excuse. I couldn’t believe I had to deal with all this madness in the middle of feteing and enjoying my vacation for something that was ordered in November. It’s carnival Saturday and she finally dropped half of the order at the front desk of our hotel (in the middle of the night while we at a fete); my top is too small, my friend’s top is too big; the boots are cute but sloppy (glue and thread showing); one of us still has neither footwear nor top. My friend’s UGLY and UNFINSHED Monday footwear was finally dropped off at the hotel carnival Sunday and the Tuesday top (sloppy and last minute work) had to be picked up by another friend on carnival TUESDAY at 5am (on our way to get our makeup done) somewhere in POS!

The worst is that she got more vexed than the paying customers who had to run after her to get a half-done job and had the audacity to mention delivery fees! *If the work had been done well, on time and mailed from New York, that mess wouldn’t have happened*!

Everything had started off very well but went downhill after Christmas and ended in a HOT MESS in Trinidad. I was very disappointed by her lack of professionalism, the tons of excuses she made up and her nonchalance until carnival Tuesday. I understand that things come up but when you run a business but most importantly you need to keep your clients happy and informed! I know other people who had a similar experience with her and we all ended up wearing our own clothes on the road or the band’s Monday wear. It was our FIRST and LAST time ordering from Carnival Divaz. NEVER AGAIN!

By the way, we have received NO apology to this day!

Saucy’s Carnival 2013 Costume Wish List

Every year I give a wish list of what I would like to see in costuming for the following Carnival; last year it was wings and we were SATURATED with wings in every band.  I did like that we got some new colour combinations for Carnival 2012, Fantasy's Principalities was just GORGEOUS:

For Carnival 2013 I don’t have a particular wish per se. I am feeling that I have done/worn it all when it comes to bikini and beads so I simply want to be WOWED by something different. When I am yawning at even the costume photos from Rio Carnaval 2012 you should know that by now I am simply fed up of seeing the same regurgitated designs in majority.

I am challenging designers to find away to circumvent the textbook formula of a beaded bra top and beaded belt. I honestly thought that Call of Duty Frontline was a genius costume in the bikini and beads genre. Not only did Call of Duty Frontline represent the theme (you could tell exactly what the costume was meant to represent by looking at it) I loved that the monokini was very sexy even though it appeared to give more coverage; think outside the bikini box!

When I tell people I do not want the “extras” for 2013 they laugh at me but I am dead serious. I am tired of lugging around all those huge pieces all day; backpack, headpiece, tail. I am envisioning simple, sexy, amazingly decorated body wear with a manageable headpiece/backpack/collar. Angry Birds back pack was super cute and light; many women wore it all day. I also loved Fiji’s headpiece construction, it looked very light and easy to carry … side note: someone needs to give Solange Shaw Gopaul the job of designing MORE costumes in both TRIBE and Bliss. A Solange Shaw Gopaul costume in Bliss could make Bliss my perfect band! 

Solange Shaw Gopaul "Fiji"- 2012

Solange's costumes for the past four years have all been varied and detailed, which that it sets her apart for me and which is the reason some people I know still play with TRIBE. Solange and Sandra Hordatt both need to be doing MORE designs, because they need to recognized for the consistency in their fabulous costuming year after year and I think that TRIBE and Bliss needs to move away from the dominance of myopic designers and embrace the younger talent; put ego aside.

Solange Shaw Gopaul "Caged Canary" - 2009

Solange Shaw Gopaul  "Mystery of Loulan"  - 2010

Solange Shaw Gopaul  "Persian Gold" - 2011

Masqueraders have also been complaining about the disappearing belt, and each year we beg designers for more ass coverage but they just give us LESS. It is almost like a non verbal way to say if your ass is bigger than the belt you have no business being in this costume! And on THAT note how about giving multiple options for all sizes of masqueraders? I know it is a long way coming to see plus sized models for each a section at band launch but would it not be nice to see a monokini or corset modeled along with a bra and belt? I know Fantasy did that for Carnival 2012 because they offered several monokini options for frontline in their presentation,  however I think those other options should be extended to backline as well. 

Finally, can we see some new materials? I am sick to death of rhinestones that serve no other purposes that to shred stockings. On that note if you DO want to use rhinestones Azteca is a demonstration of how it can be incorporated while still using materials to theme.

I am envisioning  new textures, new beading, new stones, new fabrics and of course I still want FEATHERS but ….imagine something new with feathers as well. I know bands LOVE using coque but here is the thing, after a while each costume begins to look the same when it is festooned with coque. Don’t they sell different feathers? Step out the feather box!

So here is hoping that for Carnival 2013 I am not only WOWED I am FLOORED and not bored; the challenge is set.