Caribana Virgin...Returns!!!

Costumes Thus Far...

2009-05-15T15:55:00.000-07:00

I haven't been as on the ball this year.

I haven't been too too enthused by any of the costumes yet.

Tribal Knights has some I like (I know a whole argument ensued about who copying who). As a Caribana reveller...I like the Trini influence - for those of us who can't make it to Trinidad for the spectacular and elaborate costumes, this is our closest taste to it.

Carnival Nationz had a few I liked, but their costumes are just too naked for me this year. I know you can get a tankini options and all that, but it never looks as nice because the tankini tops never get the same effort. And honestly this year I don't feel like running around looking for appliques and stuff to decorate a costume I paid for.

Callaloo...Callaloo...I don't know man. I saw the costumes from the launch on www.toronto-lime.com and it just looks like they weren't ready. The costumes just don't have that nice finished look. The headpieces are really nice but the costumes some of them the colours just don't all match up. It looks like they were behind and rushed the prototypes for the launch. actually VERY surprised that the costumes didn't look up to par because Callaloo usually produces very nice costumes that look of a good standard. So I was very disappointed. But I will wait until they launch the website and professional pictures are up maybe there will be some improvements then. On a positive note though, Callaloo is offering a $99 early bird special if you are apart of the Facebook group. Check it out for more info. $99 is great - we're in a recession and everybody can't afford that $150 for a costume this year.

Fantazia International - their website is up and running with pictures of the costume and the option to register. I must admit I REALLY like the costume entitled "Midnight in Rio". The combo of the black/white/yellow is just nice. The costume is simple, but the details are nice. If it weren't for the fact that Fantazia is late in the line up I would actually play this costume. It is one of my top picks thus far.

Toronto Revellers - I wasn't wowed by most of the costumes. REALLY LOVED "Pink Pleasure" (pictured below). It was just a beautiful combo of fuchsia and purple. By far Revellers best costume this year. I heard from a reliable source that this section is already SOLD OUT. Again, if it weren't for them being further down in the line up. This is a costume I would actually play in.

PINK PLEASURE

Fantazia International - their website is up and running with pictures of the costume and the option to register. I must admit I REALLY like the costume entitled "Midnight in Rio" (pictured below). The combo of the black/white/yellow is just nice. The costume is simple, but the details are nice. If it weren't for the fact that Fantazia is late in the line up I would actually play this costume. It is one of my top picks thus far.

MIDNIGHT IN RIO

Tribal Knights 2K9

2009-04-28T13:56:00.000-07:00

This blue section is entitled "Humming Bird"

Tribal knights `Birds of Paradise` bandlaunch was this past Saturday. I wasn`t able to attend but I searched the internet for pictures. The pictures posted here are from their facebook page.

I must say from what I have scene I like alot of the costumes. They are reminiscent of Trinidad Carnival, and it gets you excited because you can get a piece of it in Toronto.

They haven't updated their website with pictures and prices yet. But for future reference it is www.tribalknights.com

When I am able to see the professional pictures and get section names I would be able to make a better assessment.

Caribana Fever 2009 - EDITED

2009-04-02T22:58:00.000-07:00

Updated - I would like to apologize for the misinformation that was posted earlier in regards to Will Morton designing Kemet. That was incorrect information as was due an upcoming post I was working on getting mixed in with this piece by accident (this is what happens when you try writing multiple posts late at night without more than 24hrs sleep). I extend my apologies to Will Morton, and his new band as the information was severely incorrect as he has produced some of the top selling sections in all the bands he has been affiliated with in the past.

In 24hrs I've pretty much hit you with 3 new posts. lol...

Ahhhhhhhhhh...It's Caribana season again!

As winter finally truly ends...the days are longer, warmer and sunnier!

And Caribana fever starts to sink in!

The first bandlaunch of the season is 2wks away! "A Taste of Brazil" by Fantazia International.

I actually am looking forward to see this presentation, simply because Will Morton is the band leader. And he has had much success in previous years bringing out top selling sections in Saldenah when he was affiliated with them, and as well as at Carnival Nationz during his run.

Will Morton has been involved in Mas for some time now - since the late 80's so hopefully he can continue with run of success, and bring together a group of innovative designers that can as a collective create costumes people want to wear.

Can I also point out...that Will is essentially using the same theme as his former band of affiliation. Toronto Revellers theme is "Brazil; Bacchanal in Rio"....and Fantazia's theme is "A Taste of Brazil". Its really hard to separate yourself from a band and create your own if you are using a similar theme....just saying!

Other interesting news has been the Carnival Nationz shake up. The band leader used Curtis Eustace, who announced yesterday via a letter sent out via "toronto-lime e-newsletter" that he was no longer involved with Carnival Nationz, the departure was described as amicable. However, he also mentioned that he is launching a new band for 2009 entitled "All Spice" with the theme Safari" on the All Spice website he has listed Andre Defreitas as a contact for the band...Andre is supposed to be the bandleader of Evolution Canada.

Either way...it will be interesting to see how everything plays out.

I haven't decided if I am playing mas this year. Canada is in a recession people! pockets looking dry dry dry this season! But I think I'll treat myself to the fun. If I play mas I am not joining any band beyond #4 on the parade route. So it's pretty much back to Saldenah (I played with them in 2007)...or to try out Callaloo....or maybe Mas Toronto....I guess it depends on what costumes those bands come up with.

I'm a little disappointed that Tribal Knights is so far down in the route. They have the theme "Birds of Paradise". We saw the whole bird theme play out in Trinidad Carnival...and all the feathers, and wings/collars made me excited to be a bird this year! lol But that excitement has quickly dwindled as I will NEVER join a band that is #7 on the route. It's so sad too, because Tribal Knights costumes are usually so beautifully designed and crafted...ah well another time!

We have an array of themes this year...Covering locales such as Brazil, and The Nile...Precious items like Gem Stones...Elements of nature such as Birds...Fruits & Flowers....an interesting year indeed! Lets hope they can wow us with innovation and creativity!!!

Fantazia International Bandlaunch

2009-04-22T21:52:00.000-07:00

Fantazia International - Will Morton (formerly of Toronto Revellers) band launched last weekend. you can view pictures from the launch of the website www.fantaziainternational.net

The costumes are pretty decent. Some are better than others. My only issue is the lack of beads on the waistbands, you're really seeing alot of panty. And I suppose that's following with the Brazilian theme as most of the bottoms are simply bejeweled thongs. But I think for the Canadian public, there is a need for a little more beads.

Also in staying with the whole Brazilian feel we see some caged bras.

The backpacks on the front lines are nice and elaborate, but in the photos the models are positioned as if the backpacks are too heavy.

My favourite costume of the lot, would have to be the white.

My least favourite is the mishmash of colours - the blue, red, yellow etc. The colours just weren't put together in a way that was aesthetically pleasing for me personally.

More band launches to come people...stay tuned!

Caribana 2009 - Themes, Bandlaunches & Position # on Parade Route

2009-04-02T22:14:00.001-07:00

The bands are listed in the order they are to appear on the road for Caribana 2009

1. Mas Toronto

www.mastoronto.com (the link doesn't seem to be working)

2. "A Tribute to Harold Saldenah; The Golden Years"

Louis Saldenah Mas K Club

www.saldenahcarnival.com

Band Launch - Sat 30th May @ Embers Banquet Hall (781 Warden Ave, Scarborough)

3. Nip Davis & Associates

www.nipdavis.com

4. "The Ganges Meets the Nile"

Callaloo

www.callaloo.net

Band Launch - Sat 9th May @ Location TBA

5. "In Full Bloom"

Carnival Nationz

www.carnivalnationz.com

Band Launch - Sat 2nd May in the Solariam @ Polson Pier (formerly The Docks)

6. "Brazil; Bacchanal in Rio"

Toronto Revellers

www.torontorevellers.com

Band Launch - Sat 9th May @ Events & Catering on the Park (1095 Leslie St)

7. "Birds of Paradise"

Tribal Knights

www.tribalknights.com

Band Launch - Sat 25th April @ The Wyndam Garden Hotel (185 Yorkland Blvd)

8. "All Aboard"

Jessie Matthews & the Calabash Company

9. Borokeete Canada

www.borokeetecanada.com

10. Pleasure Players

11. "Gemstone"

Connections - TCC

www.tocarnival.com

12. "Mas Hysteria"

Doldron, Doldron & Associates

Band Launch - Sat 23rd May @ Latin Sensations

13. Evolution Carnival

(I'm taking a wild guess that this spot will turn into "All Spice" as it seems that Curtis Eustace and Andre Defreitas have teamed up to create the new band, and Andre is supposed to be the band leader of Evolution)

14. Sherry & Friends

15. "A Taste of Brazil"

Fantazia International

www.fantaziainternational.net

Band Launch - Sat 18th April @ Embers Banquet Hall (781 Warden Ave, Scarborough)

(Interesting to note that the band leader is Will Morton formerly of Toronto Revellers who in 2008 designed one o the most popular sections last yr, the blue and gold one)

16. "Safari"

All Spice Carnival

www.allspicecarnival.com

NB. Not actual position on parade route

Apologies in Reference to Last Post entitled "Caribana Fever"

2009-04-03T19:02:00.000-07:00

I would like to apologize for the misinformation that was posted earlier in regards to Will Morton designing Kemet. That was incorrect information as was due an upcoming post I was working on where Ian is now in regards to his costumes from lasty getting mixed in with this piece by accident (this is what happens when you try writing multiple posts late at night without more than 24hrs sleep - which is still no excuse for misinformation). I extend my apologies to Will Morton, and his new band as the information was severely incorrect as he has produced some of the top selling sections in all the bands he has been affiliated with in the past.

Again, I extend my apologies for any misinformation that was put out there, and have made all necessary corrections.

New Band "All Spice" for Caribana 2009

2009-04-02T17:20:00.001-07:00

Carnival Nationz bandleader Curtis Eustace is has left Carnival Nationz on supposedly amicable terms to release a new band for Caribana 2009 entitled "All Spice" with the theme Safari. Below is the letter that was distributed via Toronto-lime.com's email list.

To all,
First of all I would like to thank all of you who have supported me in the past and who continue to support me to this very day. Whether it may be through Unite D’Nationz, Memoirs of Soca, Las Lap, All Ah We Boat Cruise, 4 Kings Fete, Carnival Nationz, Evolution in Trinidad and lets not forget all those great times in Fortress North (Those who were there know exactly what I’m talking about).

Sadly, as life changes-so do people. Therefore, it is with deep regret that I announce my separation from the Carnival Nationz family in order to pursue my own ventures in life. In doing this I would like to also thank the rest of the the nationz family - for their continued support and enlightenment in all aspects of business and would like to wish them nothing but unparalleled success, not only now but also in the future wherever their paths lead them.

I would also like to take this opportunity to announce that I am in the planning stages for the production of a new Mas Band for the 2009 Toronto Caribana Parade. It going to be a band with lots of energy, positive vibes, sexy ass costumes and crazy music! When fused together it cannot be called anything but“All Spice”. I personally think that there is and always will be room for improvement with our CARIBANA Parade.

With the experience I believe I possess, I hope to take this new venture to the highest level and try my best please the public. With that said, I look forward to your continued support, now and in the near future. May God bless and once again thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Curtis Eustace
Band Leader

(416) 728 6504
www.AllSpiceCarnival.com

This should be interesting. Unfortunately new bands typically get stuck at the back of the parade in terms of what # they are on the route. But it should be interesting to see what costumes they come up with.

Socacize DVD

2009-01-29T20:34:00.000-08:00

I mentioned Socacize last Caribana season, as they have bootcamps leading up to Caribana, and keep classes regularly throughout the year in various parts of Toronto.

Now Ayanna the founder of Socacize has introduced the SOCACIZE DVD that allows you to do her fully body workout, as well as learn some new dances all in the comfort of your own home. The DVD is $19.99 and shipping is $8. You can get more information and see clips of the DVD on her website www.socacize.com
I must say it looks like a really interesting and fun workout , I think I may order one in the near future.

New Blog To Check Out

2009-01-03T10:31:00.000-08:00

So the Caribana season is long gone and slowly approaching again. With Released themes;

Toronto Revellers - Rio
Carnival Nationz - In Full Bloom
Tribal Nights - Birds of a Feather

With the Caribana blog in hiatus...I've taken to reading new blogs, Or rather I was introduced to one via email, as she read my blog and emailed me to inform me about hers and I took a read. http://www.ms20somn.blogspot.com/ . This blog is quite interesting, being a new blog with only a few post its safe to say that her life is quite eventful. It delves into a young womans dealings with men, sex, love, and life in general. I think the thing I like most about it is, its quite open and honest. She's done some questionable things, she shows her vulnerability, her passions, and her feelings. It's hard to be all your life out there for people to judge but she does. She has kind of captured me (like a soap opera), I want to know if she'll get an explanation for the disappearing act...if she'll sort out her university situation...if she will manage to find someone who truly loves and respects her.

So I'm putting it up here as a must follow blog for 2009. I'll definitely be following Ms. 20Something from now on. Also take time to check out the blogs in her blogroll, some of them are actually very interesting.

TORONTO REVELLERS 2009 Theme

2008-10-12T08:47:00.000-07:00

Toronto Revellers to Portray Brazil - Bacchanal in Riofor the 2009 Caribana Festival

TORONTO, ON, October 10, 2008 - Toronto Revellers is delighted to announce the theme for their presentation in the 2009 Caribana Festival. Brazil - Bacchanal in Rio will be a shimmering celebration of the colour and vibrance that is Rio Carnaval.Brazil - Bacchanal in Rio will prove to be one of Toronto Revellers' most ambitious presentations to date. Following in an unexpected trend of geographic themes; Brazil Carnaval is the next logical choice following their very successful portrayals of Viva Las Vegas (2007) and Alkebu'lan (2008) which earned them back to back Band of the Year titles.
Toronto Revellers is confident that it will be able to provide Toronto Revellers Masqueraders with yet another incredible experience, one that that upholds the richness of Brazil and delivers on the authentic detail of Rio Carnaval.
As the "Peoples Band", Toronto Revellers caters to all masqueraders; the young and young at heart!
If you would like to join our mailing list, or would like more information regarding membership, please email, info@torontorevellers.com.

About Toronto Revellers:Toronto Revellers Inc. is a cultural non-profit organization developed to embody the distinctive qualities of the Caribbean by showcasing its rich traditions. We endeavour to achieve a standard of excellence, focusing on innovation while servicing the community with astounding customer service that exceeds expectations.
Visit Toronto Revellers on the web at www.torontorevellers.com.

###

For more information, contact:
Marion MagloireManaging DirectorToronto Revellers Cultural AssociationFax: 416-352-1738Email: mmagloire@torontorevellers.com

Caribbean Region STAND UP!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-08-18T13:28:00.001-07:00

So Caribana is a memory in the not too distant past, and exciting weekend and I am still experiencing withdrawals from all the fun that was experienced almost 3wks ago. As you know my blog will be in somewhat of a hiatus until all the Caribana fun stirs up again, but ill take moments to big up Caribbean people doing things LARGE.

Bejing Olympics 2008...What an Olympics!!!! Never have we had such a Caribbean dominated event!!!! I was going out of my mind!!!!!!

Men 100m...we had Kittitian Kim Collins (form World Champion) running in the Semi-finals. Trinidadians. The Jamaicans - Asafa Powell and Usain Bolt. Then Usain just cruises across that line in the finals like it was the EASIEST run in his life! Thumping his chest...SMASHING THE WORLD RECORD! At this moment I was actually in the Eaton Center watching the replay in the Olympic Zone and I was like an idiot!!!! Then I watched the replay several times with a Bajan friend of mine. We are not Jamaican but we were soooooooooooooooooooo EXTREMELY proud of what Caribbean people were doing. Can you say GOLD to JAMAICA, and SILVER to TRINIDAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pure GREATNESS

Womens 100m...we also had a number of Caribbean athletes in the heats for this one Virgil Hodge from St.Kitts, there were Bahamians, I think there was one from Suriname (French Guyana) and a few others I cant recall. The commentators called it a race of the Americans vs. Jamaicans. Most expected the medals to be mixed. No one was prepared for the Jamaican women to SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP the GOLD, SILVER and BRONZE. Man I was insane. I was like that is CARIBBEAN TALENT...It was a proud moment. Especially for Jamaicans so often any news you hear about Jamaica is about violence and poverty. It was great for them t have this glorious moment. And for the world to recognize, that the Caribbean has a place on the international scene.

Now, Ato Boldon...former sprinter for Trinidad & Tobago. He has 4 Olympic medals under his belt and numberous world titles, and medals. Aren't absolutely PROUD to see him as a commentator for the track and field events on NBC!! He is holding his own. So professional! Representing the Caribbean again to the fullest. My sister and I were discussing on the phone last night what a wonderful job Ato is doing. At this point, I also have to mention how SEXY I find Ato to be! So maybe I am a little bias and I find him to be such a handsome and poised man.
Take a moment to check out his website http://www.atoboldon.com/ there are quite a few very interesting things on this site.

Feel free to leave comments on Caribbean people doing wonderful things in this world. We really have to support our own!

2008-08-09T00:31:00.001-07:00

Share news magazine has quite the spread on caribana and low and behold there is a GREAT photo of my friends and I on the last page. I'm on the road now heading to Toronto but ill be sure to scan it and share my 10 seconds of fame! LOL
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2008-08-05T19:00:00.001-07:00

Firefete was okay. I think a lot of the crowd was tired though because performances were good lots of people were there but it just wasn't exceptionally hype. I really have to give kudos to Trini artist though Destra was really good she took long to come on stage but her performance was quite entertaining. Bunji and Fayanne were really good too (she had on some SEXY shoes!!!)

Band of the year went to Toronto Revellers once again. A lot of people seem to be up in arms about this but since I don't know the specific criteria for judging band of the year for Caribana so I will reserve comment until I do because I don't want to be ignorant. Does anyone know the criteria if so enlighten me with a comment.

All in all the caribana weekend was an exceptional one to wild out to the wonderful sounds of soca and to catch up with friends. Feel free to share your caribana experience by leaving a comment.

And to all the masqueraders remember you can do it again in Hamilton this weekend.
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A Few Pics

2008-08-03T08:36:00.000-07:00

These are just a few pics plenty more to come!

I wore gold sneakers instead of the shoes previously shown on the blog. We were running a little late getting there, so this pic is pre glitter.

This is a back view of the costume, to showcase the chain that ran from the neckpiece and connected to the waistband. I turned my top from a regular bra into a halter top by cutting the bra straps, this gave more lift for us big girls.

This was immediately after being soaked in the downpour while crossing the stage. However, I must admit that the feathers regained life once they dried.

Caribana Thus Far

2008-08-02T17:48:00.000-07:00

So last night was jouvert which many of you attended. Its always a plus to show up to these events early to avoid a line, but somebody was on my side last night. We actually didn't get to Palazzo until about 1am, and there was a fairly long line which we joined to the back, as we joined a bouncer let us know that they were now letting people in through a back entrance so we got in immediately. If you are familiar with Palazzo, its pretty large and has various rooms. Now let me tell you, it was ram pack with people and steaming hot despite airconditioning and the heavy utility fans they added to the venue. However the venue did allow for indoor and outdoor feteing. Indoor was supposed to be clean, and outdoor was supposed to be dutty. Now outdoor was dutty indeed, cause even if you tried to play cute and hold a wall you left the venue with a little water or paint. The buckets of paint were never ending! guys coming in with the buckets and tossing paint into the crowd, or wiping it on you themselves, paint was being tossed off the stage. Then came the water truck spray water into the tent with a high pressure hose (this happened several times throughout). The vibe was just crazy. The outdoor option was also alot cooler, so made for more comfortable jamming. It was too much fun, me and my friends were like "wow! this feels like jouvert back home". Oh there were also live performances from various caribbean soca artists like Zoelah, Ricky T, Skinny etc.

Now, onto the parade. It started late, which has now become a norm with Caribana. Carnival Nationz was the 3rd band on the route. And as the band began to cross the "stage" what happens but a mini rainstorm. Not a little drizzle you. When I say the clouds open up and the rain fell HARD til it stinging you! But you know Caribbean people rain or shine we jamming, so everyone just continued jamming hard and screaming in jest and excitement making the band realllly hype when crossing.

Things were moving a little slowly so by time we got down onto the Lakeshore on lookers had already started barging the band. However, it wasn't as bad as it tends to get later in the day. The band was really good about handing out the water and drinks (non alcoholic) as you really didn't even have to go to the truck. They had marshalls patrolling the band handing out the cold bottled and bagged waters (quite nifty same amount of water in a bottle in a nice compact plastic bag container) as well as fruit juice boxes and other beverages. The fruit juice boxes may seem a bit immature, but the ice cold mango juice was quite refreshing once the sun got to blazing in all its glory!

The costume stood up to the test of time. I never once had to adjust my waist band. Elements of my costume did not fall apart. It was quite comfortable to wine up and all that in. So that was a plus.

All in all I do feel that Carnival Nationz was a pleasant experience, and I actually enjoyed it alot more than Saldenah.

And so it go!

2008-08-02T16:34:00.000-07:00

So im back home. My feet ready for a rest. I will give you a nice lengthy review, but lets just say it includes a mini rainstorm, new mas shoes, and good times. And by the way, JOUVERT was freaking INSANE! to all the people were there hope you had as good a time as me. Hope you had fun on the road, and see you at FIREFETE!

IMG00039.jpg

2008-08-02T09:08:00.001-07:00

REPORTING LIVE!!! Caribana 2k8
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Add A Little Spice to Your Costume

2008-07-31T17:21:00.000-07:00

I remember on Saucys blog someone asked the bandleader about adding extras to the costume your receive from the mas camp. And I must say me and my friends are guilty of this already. But nothing too crazy, we just found the bra and waistband for the Sextant Horizon costume in Carnival Nations to be a little plain, so we went out to Micheals Arts and Crafts store and found orange gemstones exactly like the ones used on the costume and added them to our costumes to give it a more glammed up and personal touch. It actually looks alot nicer now, but not overdone.

Backline B.A.B.E reporting for duty!

2008-07-31T08:41:00.001-07:00

So 2days until the big day! I read saucys post today and thought it was absolutely fabulous. This year I am a backline B.A.B.E in all my glory. As I type from my blackberry I am in the nail salon to get my nails done to match my costume. Then its on to find face jewels and accessories. Later this afternoon all the waxing will get done. Backline B.A.B.E indeed!
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Carnival nationz costume pick up experience

2008-07-30T20:45:00.001-07:00

We arrived at the mas camp at about 20mins to 6. Not many people were there. They weren't allowing anyone inside. 6PM came and still no one could go in. Shortly after 6 a young lady came out and proceeded to hand out numbered tickets and we would be served according to number. We thought this meant progress however people weren't allowed into the mas camp until a few mins before 7PM. So it was essentially an hour long wait that many of us weren't pleased with, by this time the crowd was pretty large.
Being one of the early birds I had one of the first tickets. Once inside the process was quite quick and effortless. You showed your registration receipt and paid your balance, then escorted into an adjoining room where your costume was delivered to you and you could check the contents of your bag.
I was quite pleased with my costume. They got everything correct especially the sizing! The bra was the correct size and even had the little tag inside still. So at least they made an effort to get correct sizes and not the generi large, small etc.
My only peeve is my friend ordered a tankini and received a bra instead and no one even called her to say well the tankin option is no longer available. However, my friend is very laid back and no issues with getting the bra instead.
The sextant horizon costume also came with 2 pairs of hoop earrings while though plain actually match the costume well as it has all the gold hoops connecting parts of the costume together

That was my experience. Feel free to leave comments sharing yours whether it was with carnival nationz or any other band

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CARNIVAL NATIONZ COSTUME DISTRIBUTION REVISED

2008-07-26T12:44:00.000-07:00

Carnival Nationz revellers received this email today about costume distribution.

CARNIVAL NATIONZ COSTUME DISTRIBUTION DATES FOR CARIBANA 2008
Ladies and Gentlemen the time is here for 2008. Time to get ready for de road. We at Carnival Nationz are just as excited as you are to get this Pirate ship to sailing on the Lakeshore. I know all you care about right now is where and when is pick up, so lets get to that and finish with the long talk.

We have set aside special days for each section. Pickup begins on Wed July 30th and ends on Fri Aug 1st. For all out of town masqueraders please make sure we know to hold your costume until Friday evening. Please NOTE: At pickup you will recieve all other information pertaining to Caribana day assembly time, location, order of crossing the stage etc. The scheduled time for costume pickup is as follows:

Caribana Wednesday July 30th
Sextant Horizon (Yellow/Orange), Kacike (Brown), Captain Morgan's (Red), Calico Jack (Black/Pink) , CawCaw! (revised)
6pm - 9pm

Caribana Thursday July 31st
Treasure Island (Black/Blue),
6pm - 9pm

Caribana Friday August 1st
Baubles and Bullions(Purple and Gold), Shipwreck (Cream), Caw Caw (Green/Gold), Misty Dawn (White)
11am - 8pm

PICKUP RULES AND GUIDLEINES:
Please do not show up on days not assigned to your section before your scheduled pickup date. In other words if you are to pick up on Thursday PLEASE do not show up on Wednesday and assume your costume will be ready.

There will be no trying on at the mas camp on pickup days. We are also not responsible for alterations. For all minor alterations (as everyone may have) please feel free to do at home or at a professional tailor or seamstress ..thank you in advance for understanding.

Lastly if you cannot come to pick up your costume on the assigned date, not to worry, we will hold your costume for you until 8pm Caribana Friday. Please come to the mas camp OUTSIDE the other sections scheduled times. In other words if you are in Kacike and are supposed to come to the mas camp between 6-9pm on Wednesday and cannot make it for that time, then feel free to come anytime between the hours of 10am-4pm Thurs or Friday we will hold your costume until 8pm unless an appointment has been made for special pickup. PLEASE NOTE ALL FINAL PAYMENTS ARE DUE AT PICKUP.

We look forward to meeting you in person once again and jumping with you on de Lake Shore!!!

Mas Shoes - Complete Revised

2008-07-29T03:44:00.000-07:00

So I just added the pics of the shoes on my feet. lol...not the greatest pics as I had to maneuver close ups of my feet myself!

So this is the finished product.

Nothing spectacular. Quite simple - incorporating colours from the costume. When I get a chance I'll take a picture of them on my feet to get the full effect.

Caribana 2008 Roll Call

2008-07-19T23:53:00.000-07:00

Caribana 2008 Roll Call
Which band are you bloggers jamming with? Leave a comment and let us know. This helps people who may be in the same band and looking for friends to jam with to link up.

~-CARNIVAL NATIONS-~-

CaribanaVirgin - SEXTANT HORIZON
SocaKing - MISTY DAWN
De Cocoa Ponyal - SHIPWRECK
Ms. Sexy from Carnival Divas - SHIPWRECK FRONTLINE
Trini in Toronto - CALICO JACK & HIS LOVER ANNE BONNY
Karabana - CALICO JACK & HIS LOVER ANNE BONNY
Bubblenut
PartyAnimal - CAWCAW!
Anonymous - CAWCAW! FRONTLINE
Anonymous - BULLIONS & BAUBLES

-~-TORONTO REVELLERS-~-

MasVirgin - GEM OF THE NILE
Anonymous - GEM OF THE NILE
Anonymous - GEM OF THE NILE
Anonymous - DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH
Anonymous - CITY OF GOLD

-~-TRIBAL KNIGHTS-~-

Elsa - SEXY SAILOR

-~-MAS TORONTO-~-

Anonymous - ARC ANGELS

Mas Shoes On A Budget - Phase One

2008-07-27T18:48:00.000-07:00

So this year I didn't necessarily want to go with a sneaker, but I didn't want to go with a boot. So I came to the conclusion that the cutesy inbetween is a flat. Now gold flats are available in all there abundance and glory in places like Ardenes and Xcetera, but those not ready for the road yet cause those shoes hard, and before end of the day I gone be bawling "me foot" and that gone just spoil my whole experience. Those type of shoes need to be bought months in advance to break in, and considering I'm on a last minute vibe I need to come up with an alternate plan.

So I had some flats I got about 2yrs ago from payless (Yea BOGO!), they were light gold, quite comfortable. So much so they essentially became my everyday shoe (I do alot of walking) so these became my shoes of choice. Now after 2yrs of almost every day wear the shoe colour losing it life, and they were begging to get put down. So I decided to use these shoes as my Mas Shoes since the only real problem was the it losing colour, they were greatly broken in and are excellent for countless hours on your feet.

So I headeed to my Trusty Walmart, and purchased Metallic GOLD spraypaint, as well as gold spray glitter (it wouldve been fabulous if they had orange great contrast!). I sprayed painted about 4 layers of Gold, to get a nice rich hue. Then when that dried enough I proceeded to spray on 2 coats of glitter spray.

Pictured Below is completion of the first phase. (Forgive me for how the insole of the shoe looks - like I said its 2yrs and counting of wearing the shoe almost every day). I wished I had remembered to take some before pictures, as this is quite an improvement to how the shoe looked previously...lol

My second phase will be the finish touches. I will be adding orange detailing to the top brim of the shoe, by adding a slim ribbon finish, gem stones or maybe sequins. Just depends on what I find and whats more economical.

MAKEUP

2008-07-27T02:17:00.001-07:00

So I have admittedly gone from Ms. Plain Ole Jane...to Miss love a makeup. Sometimes I take time out and just tamper with different looks and feels to see what works for me. But I'm definitely falling in love with getting glammed up!

I try to go for a made up look that doesn't look OVERLY made up, nothing worse than looking like somebody can take a knife and slice the makeup off your face.

Pictured immediately above is a dramatic eye that I did, don't critique me on it 1st of im not a makeup pro, and 2nd I was really testing the vibrancy of the colour not the technique so forgive me if its not up to par. I used L'OREAL H.I.P. (High Intensity Pigments) eye shadow in "Reckless 514" ( it gives a duo of an eggplant shade and a brighter purple which is what I used in the pic). I also used a tiny bit of an orange shadow from a CoverGirl Eye Enhancers shadow combo (featuring blue, green, organge, yellow-green shades). Definitely not a look for everyday wear but something fun and funky when you're looking for something dramatic. Now, I am not a makeup pro, in fact im soooooooooo far from it. So I give myself kudos, it not good but its not the worse out there lol...I found the vibrancy of the H.I.P. products good on my skintone BUT, this was only after layering it on thick.
Below are photos of the products I used.

L'OREAL HIP "RECKLESS 514"

COVERGIRL EYE ENHANCERS