Coloured Bras..

For those of you looking for coloured bras to match your costume (for whatever reason) here are a few places to look for bras:

Wet Seal
Basic T Shirt Bra in a variety of colors (red,yellow, purple, orange, pink) up to a C cup - $9.50US

LaSenza UK
Satin bra in a variety of colors (pink, blue, orange up to an F cup -£15.00


LaSenza US
Lots of bras, sizes up to a E cup - prices range up to $39.50

Do not forget to check ebay (easy to search for exact colour and size) Victoria's Secrets (pricey and limited sizes) though the latter option was best earlier in the year when there were more colours on sale.

Who will survive?

Three more months to Carnival and with only two and a half bands sold out in the face of a global recession it is any one's guess how many Carnival bands will survive after Carnival 2009!

Contrary to popular gossip Saucy and Carnival Jumbie are not responsible for the lack of masqueraders registering in certain bands. The fact is prices are too high for an unknown band asking people to gamble on a chance that the band will deliver on said promises. In addition it seems that a bikini is not just a bikini and a board shorts is not just a board shorts! If your costumes are not cute or remotely attractive who is going to be paying the exorbitant price to parade around in an ugly bikini? Clearly not many people see the costume as "just a bikini" or else we would have masqueraders registering in droves all along Ariapita Avenue.

Finally the marketing strategy of bus limes and mas camp limes is not working; don't blame people for drinking out your free alcohol and not even glancing at a costume when that is what you are offering.. fire the marketing team and come again! The only thing to save some of these bands is costume redesign and DROP THE PRICES!! These bands are too fresh to think that they are TRIBE or Island People pricing costumes accordingly, especially when the costumes are NOT CUTE!

And you may think I am being harsh this morning, but I am simply astonished at the gumption of some of these bands that will not do something to change the situation that they are in! Hello, the world is in a recession, people are cutting back on spending,some are losing their jobs and many people will not even make it to Carnival 2009 so who are you waiting on to buy these costumes at the last minute? Yes I am asking YOU that question! The time has come to do something drastic and do it quick or else I am afraid we will see only micro bands on the road supported by their ever faithful committee members for Carnival IF they make it on the road at all.

So the question of the day is, of the new bands that debuted for 2008/2009 which one/s do you think, unfortunately, will "buss" ?

Which Band/s Will Not Survive Carnival 2009?
	Kaotic
	Elements
	Spice
	Evolution
	Wee International
	D Krewe
	Ronnie and Caro
Free polls from Pollhost.com

Together We Aspire

It's time to confess that I have this unexplainable fascination with Trini Revellers website, checking each and every day to see when all the sections will be available for viewing.

Some days I am rewarded with another "gem" from their 2009 presentation "Sweet T &T" but I am still waiting to see costumes for the sections "Ca Cest Le Bel Air", "Devil's Woodyard", "Food of the Gods" and "The Asa Wright Nature Center" almost two months after their band launch!

Fortunately "Land of the Hummingbird" made it to the website today, albeit just a sketch and not the actual costume. It looks as if Sonia Mack's Paradisus individual and TRIBE's Hummingbird birthed this creation:

Sonia Mack - Paradisus version 2.0


TRIBE- Hummingbird

By the way, anyone else noticed that D Krewe seems to have nixed their Hummingbird section (along with The Moon) as it is not to be found on their website?

But I digress, the main purpose of my post today is to ask w.t.h. were they thinking when they designed this costume to represent "Together We Aspire"; is the Trinidad male aspiring to be a pimp decked out in the national flag?

This takes the award for worst male costume of Carnival 2009... quite possibly, worst male costume EVER as you have to be a manicou, not a man, to be caught dead in that get up!

TRIBE Payment Options

For those who are interested in paying off the balance on your costume, please note the following:

Ready to pay off your costume? Log on to www.senvia.com to make further payments to your costume via credit card (Visa & Mastercard) or visit the mas camp during opening hours Monday- Friday 12pm-5pm to pay via LINX or Cash.

Close off date for early payments is Jan-11-2009.

Senvia instructions - http://www.senvia.com/carnival/masbandinstructions_tribe.pdf

Vintage Tuesday

There are only two republished articles for the year 1960 by the National Cultural Council Cultural Research. One is a look at "Ole Time Carnival" and the other an overview of Carnivals in Latin America and the Caribbean. Interesting, albeit, different subjects today.

To read the articles online, click on the book below:

Or you can download both articles HERE.

Hot Wings!!

Check out the hottness that is Selita modeling those fabulous wings for Victoria Secret Fashion Show 2008... I LOVE those wings!!! Individual costume anyone?

On Haitus

The weekly question and answer session with the band leader is on hiatus as it seems as if the feature has run it's course.

The question and answer will be revisited at a later date, as long as you have questions in the future.

It was a very interesting and informative feature and thanks to you all for participating.

The Carnival Baby’s Christmas Wish List

1. The most thoughtful, loving and fabulous gift you can give ANY Carnival Baby is to pay off the costume balance by December 31st. FAST TRACK is the word.

2. A Carnival costume. This one is for those who have yet to register for a band but wants to play mas for 2009. Lots of costume choices still remaining, it is not too late.

3. Fete Tickets to the hottest Carnival fetes. Extra points if you score tickets to D Vale Breakfast Party, Beach House and Brian Lara.

4. Carnival Footwear to match the costume whether boots or sneakers, just make sure it is cute and comfortable.

5. Make-up artist appointment for both Monday and Tuesday; Go Big or STAY HOME!

6. A fete wardrobe for at least three fetes. Have no idea what the Carnival baby’s tastes are when it comes to fashion? A gift voucher to their favorite store or cash will do just as well.

7. Extreme Lash Extensions for the ultimate DIVA. Get more info on these lashes here.

8. Gym membership with personal trainer. Two months to get rid of the pastelle, ham, turkey, ponche de creme and black cake pounds piled on over the holidays; you can do it!

9. Post Carnival Spa Day. Time to make this an Ash Wednesday ritual!No beach, no fetes just a full on day at the spa to massage that aching body and pamper those sore feet.

10. BRING BACK THE STAGE.. maybe this should be #1 on the list!

D Krewe , revamped "Butterfly"...

D Krewe has changed the look of their section "Butterfly"

Before:


After:

The new version is, dare I say, much cuter than the old one without the literal translation of butterflies on your head as well as that other backpack where you would have needed a good three feet away from another masquerader!Liking the upgrade and wish other bands would rework some of the not so cute sections as well!

Sold Out Section Update

Pulse 8
Caliente

Ronnie& Caro
Soca Monarch - Female

Harts
Sind

Elements
Lady Luck - Frontline

Destra in D.C.

click to enlarge

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Destra at the COTT Awards

Destra looks ready for Carnival as she performed at the COTT Awards held last week. I am loving her fringe, feathered, fluffy monokini!! Monday wear?










PHOTO SOURCE:
www.triniscene.com

Spoilt Rotten Kids Forbidden City

Spoiled Rotten Kids has launched their 2009 Kiddies Carnival presentation "The Forbidden City" and you can view their photos of costumes available at their website. Here is a sample from the 6 sections available:

Archers



Ladies in Waiting


Fan Dancers


I love how the kiddies bands are mirroring the adult bands with the theme and doing it MUCH better as well!

Vintage Wednesday

1959, George Bailey takes the crown again, sabotage in the controversial Jaycees Carnival Queen Show and more spectators on the streets than in the stands.


You can read the three articles online by clicking on the book below:

If you would like a copy of this week's article to download please email me at trinicarnivaldiary@yahoo.com

The Age Old Question… Sneakers or Boots?

Vintage Tuesday will be moved to Wednesday as I am having serious issues with BLINK (high speed internet provider) and am forced to revert to the excruciatingly slow dial-up! Today 's topic is somewhat of a "vintage" though, inspired by a question from a masquerader on whether or not to wear boots or sneakers. My response below:

The Carnival devotees are somewhat split on which choice of footwear is more comfortable over which one looks better with your costume. For me, the choice is boots since I believe that you can have both the fabulous complement of boots and be comfortable at the same time. The key factor in choosing the right boot is finding one that fits well. Here are some tips on selection your mas boots:

1. Boots that have rounded toes (not pointy or square) where you have enough wiggle room.

2. Flat or low wedge heel. This is especially important for the ladies who do not wear heels every day. Some of you Carnival divas can pull of high heel and 3 inch platform boots, many of us cannot!

3. Flexible sole, rubber preferably. You do not want a stiff, un-bendable sole as you will be jumping and dancing in these boots and need something that moves with you. Also hard soles tend to be hard on the foot.

4. Cushioned insole. Even though you will be adding gel insoles for additional comfort, make sure the sole of the boot has some cushioning as thin insoles means you will be able to feel every pebble on the road.

5. Soft, lined boots. There are many boots that feel stiff to the touch while others are soft (yet sturdy) and have a soft inner lining. You do not want fur lined or insulated boots however. The faux suede boots tend to be soft and comfortable around your leg when zippered.

6. Get boots one size bigger and wear gel insoles. This is the single most important tip! The gel insoles make your feet feel as if they are floating on air.

7. Break in your boots before Carnival; try them on, wear them around the house making sure your feet are used to the feeling of boots and that they mold to your feet.

8. If having boots custom made, measure your bigger foot and leave room for insoles. Also make sure that the sole has adequate thickness.

9. For additional protection and comfort some masqueraders wrap their toes with cotton and bandages, wear extra socks, use moleskin from Dr Scholls

If you absolutely cannot wear boots or have no intention of forsaking your tried, true and tested sneakers the best way to have Fab footwear is to decorate the sneakers to match your costume, especially if you are playing frontline. Gold or silver sneakers, which you can find in those colours without having to spray them, will look nice and simple with most costumes. For a customized sneaker Afro Chic does an excellent job, but you have to book early as her deadline is next month.

So, the bottom line is finding footwear that you are comfortable in, be it boots or sneakers, and most importantly putting in the effort to have it complement your costume. Imagine wearing plain white or black sneakers with a costume such as Bird of Paradise frontline or Rays of Light after spending so much money on looking Fab from the ankles up!! It does not hurt to be Fab from head to toe.

All footwear are customized creations of Fab! Footwear Boots (and sneakers) by Afro Chic. You can view her website HERE.

Island People Mas.. the story unfolds

According to the IP Mas newsletter that I just received, the story unfolds on the website , confirmation from the mas camp is that this is NOT how the sections will be revealed on the road as was presumed before.. sorry!

The story begins with LOVE, followed by MIDNIGHT BLOOM, AFRODISIAC and OCEAN WHISPERS.

Hi IP Mas Community,

In our introduction to Heaven on Earth- Its what you make it we hinted that... as the chapters unfold the story will be told. So for those of you who have not had a chance to visit the website often enough, here is your personal glimpse. We begin with Love.

Love
Love….is the symbolic piece in ‘Heaven on Earth’.

Love gives us that feeling that words sometimes can’t describe
It’s a kiss of heaven
A special gift
It’s the only feeling expressed by every creature
It’s everything…
We all need it… and should express love
Our planet needs your love.

You can never say it enough…call, email, text someone the words…“I love you”

“We love you”……

Midnight Bloom

In the most miserable or dark moments of life there is always something
beautiful and enlightening to be captured...

In the same way the 'Midnight Bloom' flower blossoms in the still, mysterious,
unpredictable coldness of night. A rare and magnificent sight, when
witnessed many have said, "This is truly a creation of God"...it only blooms
once. You only live once...live to the fullest...live your life in full bloom no
matter what the circumstance and tell the story...for one day you will look
back and say "I did it! I am a Midnight Bloom".

Afrodisiac

Mmm..afrodisiac you know that strong gut feeling…
that when it hits you the only thing you can do is react.
It’s that strong sense of independence
that awakens within you the freedom - to do as you please….
toned down with just the right amount of caution
out of an acute sense of self-awareness
and all in the bliss of a spontaneous moment…
A feeling of ultimate joy and enlightenment to....
’play yourself’…’like yourself’, ‘be strong for yourself’…because
a commitment when executed.. brings about a feeling of complete satisfaction.

Ocean Whispers

I am walking along the shore…
the water making contact with my feet every time the wave breaks with its rhythmic back and forth dance…
the breathless horizon kisses the beautiful sky…the birds of the sea chirp their notes in nature’s symphony in a wonderful melody...
an essence of peace…as I lay my head and close my eyes it all comes rushing back to me…
the ocean whispering sweet ‘everythings’ as I drift off to a tranquil sleep
….to dream of…my heaven on earth

Monday Question Time

It's another week, another round of questions!Please leave your queries for our band leader via comment or send me an email with your question at trinicarnivaldiary@yahoo.com.

Instant Make Up..

This year I introduced you all to Coloronpro Instant Eye Makeup which I, and several other bloggers, used for Carnival. The eyeshadow sheets were easy to use, the shade I got was "noche" and it worked well on Monday! I especially liked the fancy ones like the Zebra and Leopard which looked great with Island People's costumes. Browsing the Coloronpro website I see some new shades that look great!

You are probably thinking what is the big deal over Instant Makeup when you have lots of eyeshadow stashed away in your makeup bag. Well, Instant Makeup easy to apply and gives you one complete eye makeup look with just one application; if you have no idea how to apply makeup it is a cool tool.

For instance, I gave my friend (pictured below) the other shade I got, Pink Lemonade, for her to use on Tuesday since she was not adept at applying eye makeup and with additional face jewels it looked pretty good for someone who did not use a professional makeup artist or had any experience at applying makeup:

Coloronpro Makeup still going after lunch (and crossing both downtown and the Savannah stage)

Now, in addition to Coloronpro AVON has introduced the same Instant Eye makeup concept with their "In a Wink" eye shadow sheets. The shades do not look as enticing as Coloronpro, but the price is much cheaper, though we split a box of Coloronpro among us ordering customized shades.

So if you are at a lost when it comes to makeup and do not want the hassle of hiring a makeup artist, Instant Eye Makeup is an option worth exploring!

Monday Wear for the Birds?

2008 was the year of the boots, with many masqueraders returning to the footwear of choice that our parents wore years and years ago. The boots looked FABULOUS and really complemented the costume, from elaborately decorated to simple matching boots, I was pretty happy to see masqueraders putting forth the effort to accessorize their costume appropriately.

2009 we will be banishing the wife beater for Monday wear! That is for those who will not be wearing their costume or costume bra top at least. The goal is to retire the wife beater in all forms including airbrushed, sequined or in matching colour no matter how cute it is or how easy an option for Monday.

The time has come to glam up your Monday wear with creative and innovative ideas. It can be as simple as decorating a bra with gems, crystals or sequin braid paired with boy shorts , as easy as wearing a monokini or as elaborate as creating your own "costume" for Monday.

Personally I am tired of having all the glamour for only one day, I want to be fabulous on both days without having to wear my gorgeous costume on Monday as well. Boy shorts and wife beaters are simply not going to cut it especially since I also have my Monday boots begging for a costume in some form.No more wife beaters and shorts for Monday wear! We masqueraders can be much more creative and innovative than that!


Here are some ideas:

Crystal Bra:




Monokini






Feathered Body Art for the daring:

Sequin Tops

Other options can include scarves (jeweled and coin), coin belts and bras or even feather wings! The idea is to go forth and be creative.. Monday wear does not have to be your "boring" boy shorts and a wife beater for 2009.

SOURCE:
Rhinestone Bra - Frederick's of Hollywood
Mononkini - Ami Club Wear
Body Art - Enrapturing Re Visions

Teddy - Sherry's Lingere (cheapest price)

Braids by Passion

3 more months until Carnival and by now you have got your ticket to Trinidad, accommodation is booked, costume is going to be paid off next month, you have the makeup artist on lock down now what to do with your hair? Well, if you are looking for braids (the ubiquitous hairstyle of Carnival) Braids by Passion is offering this service and you can take a look at her work on her website HERE.

My favourites for Carnival are the Micro Braids (wet and wavy) and the Senegalese Twist (pictured below):

Braids by Passion


Braids in Action!


The best part is that Passion can do your hair in the comfort of your home; to make a booking or get more information contact Passion at 722 2118 or visit the website!