Self Careis NOT Selfish!

The M Word……

by with No Comment LatestLifestyle

Oh the M word….

The word people are apparently terrified of saying…
The word that so many people pretend doesn’t exist…
Mental Illness.

I can only talk on my experience with this as not everyone’s is the same. But, you may still resonate with the feelings and thoughts that I’m constantly plagued with.
Over the past 6 years I have developed both depression and anxiety,due to a really traumatic experience in my life.
I have gone weeks where I cried day after day, not wanting to be here, wondering what it would be like to end my life. I have taped my bedroom curtains to the wall so that they don’t blow up and allow anyone from outside to see me, I fear someone might be staring at me. 6 years later and my curtains are still taped to a wall. I have wondered my these things happen at all, not just to me, but to anyone. Why do I, or anyone at all have to feel like each day is a burden, draining the life out of me.

I have panic attacks where I sometimes end up throwing up because my body is reeling from whatever triggered it, and lots of things trigger it, dogs barking, having to mash brakes suddenly while driving, getting a phone call, hearing an unfamiliar sound while trying to fall asleep…and the list goes on and on. I’ve had panic attack last mere minutes, I’ve had panic attacks that lasted hours, but I can say that they all feel terrible. It always feels as though I am trapped, screaming to be let out, but still I’m stuck and I’ll never get out, that this is where I meet the end.

In all of this, I’ve taken the decision to not take any medication, I don’t want to feel like my life is dependent on it. For me, becoming self-aware was the biggest breakthrough I’ve had in identifying situations that made me behave in certain ways. For a long time I was angry all the time, I would lash out, I would scream and throw things, today I’m not angry, but I do feel often feel burdened by life itself.
I’ve tried desperately to implement self care, which for me is reading a book, talking to someone when I feel like giving up, going to the beach or anywhere outdoors where I can get fresh air, finding new hobbies (blogging is something I started when life had me at my worst), occasionally treating myself to a food I love, taking a nap when I really it, asking for help when I really need it and a few other things.

I know I didn’t share much, but for me its a start to being more open about my traumas and dealing with mental illness. And if you need to talk, if you need someone to listen, I’m always around because sometimes what we need most is each other. Maybe I’ll continue this post later, maybe I’ll stop here.. but I’m on the journey to getting better, to becoming myself again.

There is no shame in your story.
You are not alone.
You are loved.
You are strong.

 

(Featured Image is from equalityinstitute.org)

The Glow-Up Has Arrived!

by with No Comment BeautyCaribbeanFashionLatestLifestyleMakeupStyleTrinidad & Tobago

My dear friends, we are gathered here today to shine the light on my absolute favourite makeup product: Highlighters✨

My closest friends know I wear makeup about 1.5 times a month, but that doesn’t stop me from buying all the highlighters from golden tones to peachy shades simply because I have a problem (one I’ve come to terms with). Local cosmetics brand- Amerie Beautie is giving us all the highlight we need to successfully achieve the ultimate glow , I could already hear the makeup addicts in the distance shouting ‘ Yaaaaaas’. Handmade in pressed and liquid for every skintone and a million percent WOC friendly, totally coruscanting is unavoidable.

 

Be sure to check out @ameriebeautie on IG!

Stay Shinin’ ✨

 

Swim Good!

by with No Comment CaribbeanFashionLatestLifestyleStyleTrinidad & Tobago

Living in the Caribbean really does have its perks. I could to go beach any day at any time and have a beastly cold Stag (my beer of choice), and the weather (even if its pouring rain) is just right. For most the mantra is ‘Sun’s out, buns out’ and I don’t blame them one bit! If you’re obsessed with the beach like me, swimwear and beach accessories always catch your eye, even when you have a drawer full of bathing suits that still have tags ( Please tell me I’m not the only one). But seriously, if you’re looking to get your Baywatch on, you’ve come to the right place.

 

  • Miakalani Swim (Jamaica)- Everyone has a swimsuit body and with just a few days until the official website launch(www.miakalaniswim.com) Miakalani has the one for you! Daring or more conservative? Its okay Miakalani is mastering the balance of comfort and sexy whatever your style may be.

(Images from Instagram @miakalaniswim)

  • Jae Jolly (Jamaica)- If you get mistaken for a celebrity on vacation I could honestly see why. Jae-Jolly is serving up that one-of-a-kind, private island luxury kind of resort/ swimwear. Each piece allows you a unique experience you ABSOLUTELY CANNOT find with swimwear from anywhere else. Does anyone else look at clothing and could tell wearing it gonna end up a WHOLE scene?

   

(Images from Instagram @jaejolly)

  • Dominic Hutch (Trinidad)- Guys, I’m so sorry I often leave you all out, but not this time 😀 This is your version of the itsy bitsy teenie weenie bikini. Que the slow mo beach run. There’s prints to match your personality to a T from subtle to BOLD and anything that could quite possibly be in between.

(Images from Instagram @dominichutch)

  • Suga Apple Swim (Barbados)- Suga Suga how you get so fly? Nah, for real, I think that song was written with this brand in mind because MY GOODNESS! So many shapes for so many body types Suga Apple will have you lookin the flyest!

(Images from Instagram @sugaappleswim)

  • Vivre By Chelsea (Trinidad)- When Chelsea said ‘Only for the DOPE’ she wasn’t playin. Vivre is dripping in Caribbean sex appeal that really fascinates and excites and aren’t for the faint of heart. Want that head turning, jaw-dropping, have them drooling type swimwear? The you’ve come to the right place.

(Images from Instagram @vivrebychelsea)

  • Tobago Bag (Trinidad & Tobago) – The quintessential beach/travel bag is made right here! Big enough for these beach towels but not too big that you get carried away (like I usually do). The simple elegance of these bags make them easy to carry in so many situations that can come up in your vacation travels. Honestly, it’s the ‘IT Travel Bag’.

 

(Images from Instagram @tobagobag)

  • Drevait (Trinidad)- Drevait could proudly say that they’ve designed every Tropical Traveler’s dream tote. Put these bags to your ear and I’m sure you could hear the ocean. The latest collection so rightfully called ‘Wanderer’ fits all your vacay must-haves while you look like the chicest travel blogger around.

(Images from Instagram @drevaitofficial)

  • Timberwear Inc (Jamaica)- (Guys you’re included in this one too) When last have you seen HANDMADE sunglasses right here in the Caribbean? And don’t lie…. Made with 1 part brilliance, 1 part fresh to deathness, 2 parts Caribbean Excellence and probably the most important thing… Teak! Timberwear is sure to make you the belle(or beau) of the beach!

(Images from Instagram @timberwearinc)

  • Kitanilly Basics (Trinidad) – Sometimes we like to keep em guessin, so we prefer coverups (this is me when I don’t shave my legs). Kitanilly came through with the Kaftan, Kimono, Throwover- if you can cover up with it she’s made it. My fave thing is these transition to so many occasions. Its the all purpose vacation piece you need in that travel bag.

(Images from Instagram @kitanillybasics)

Vacation time is slowly creeping up and my wish for you is that your toughest decision will be bikini or monokini 👙

Feeling Shady? Visit ‘The Shade Shop’!

by with One Comment FashionLatestLifestyleStyleTrinidad & TobagoUpdates

For these past few weeks the sun is taking no prisoners with its scorching heat☀️🔥. Luckily, The Shade Shop is serving us with slaying sunnies for the blinding inferno that is the sun.

The Shade Shop is stylishly curated by a New-York based, Trinidadian CEO to bring you the latest trends and out-of-box shades to make it through these sun-shiny days! TSS began as a NY based venture that found its way back home (literally NY-> Trinidad)  because, well, who needs sunglasses more than people in the Caribbean? A lot of us really have trouble finding the pair that looks great on us. That ‘someone might stop you in the street and ask you for your autograph’ kinda pair. The first step is really identifying the face shape you have to find what suits you!

There’s 4 basic shapes to know:

  • Square- you have that strong  movie star jawline with a wide jaw and forehead. So what’s for you? The key is finding balance in contrasting shapes, try curvier frames like round or those with rimless edges to create softer features and balance a striking jaw. Your head is already square, you don’t need square shaped sunglasses too. Round, oval, cateye and semi-rimless are great options!

  • Oval- so your face is longer than it is wide. Not a problem, you can get away with both round AND square frames. Oversized frames are an absolute no as they blur out most of the face features. Proportion in this case is really what you have to keep in mind to find that perfect pair.

  • Round-  with lovely full cheeks and a narrower forehead/ jawline emphasized by soft features your best options are angular and geometric shapes, round shapes should be totally avoided.  These angular shapes will give your face a longer, leaner look as the angles offset the fullness/ roundness . Wayfarers and those alike should be your buddies.

  • Heart – you’re wider in the forehead and narrower at the chin. So, with the right proportions you can even it all  out. What does that mean? Well shades with a wider top or that are upswept (like cateye sunglasses) help to elongate the face. Round shapes do the same so they should be your go to! Round, cateye aviator and rimless shapes are you friends!

By now you probably have an idea of what your shape might be and also want to get a pair that you’ve seen on this post. No worries just keep on reading!

To purchase any of the sunglasses above: Visit the shade shop on IG @TheShadeShopNYC or email theshadeshop57@gmail.com

✨Here are some amazing ( local) brands where you can also find those stylish sunglasses:

  • Sanianitos (Trinidad) – IG @sanianitos
  • Timber Wear Inc (Jamaica)- IG @timberwearinc/ timberwearinc.com

7 Trends I Love!

by with 4 Comments FashionLatestStyleTrinidad & TobagoUpdates

If you’ve seen my last post on the ‘7 Trends To Ditch’, you’re probably wondering what trends I’m actually cool with! So here goes:

  • Stripes- No, they don’t make you look like a jailbird. They’re like the obeah of the fashion world, that and waist trainers (that’s a story for another time). But seriously, you ever wanted that long lean Wendy Fitzwilliams looking body? Then vertical stripes should be your friend. They add the illusion of a longer , leaner body as the eye scans up and down instead of  side to side. The ole folks say horizontal make you look bigger (wider), I say disrupting those lines (typically at the waist or smallest point) can help you appear slimmer. Don’t limit thin and pin stripes to your work suits, they too have a slimming effect on the body while larger stripes are more prone to highlighting problem areas so be mindful of that. Ultimately stripes belong in your wardrobe so if you don’t have them, you know what to do 😉.

(Images- Fashionmagazine.com/ Glamradar.com)

  • Athleisure Wear- Lemme tell you all one time, living in a tropical climate is sometimes a serious struggle between comfort and style because hobo chic could happen very easily. But Hallelujah for Athleisure! The ‘rules’ are simple, please don’t wear your old beat up Chucks, instead you can try a nice crisp sneaker with colour detailing or even embellishments to add some fun. Sport jackets and jeans, dresses and sneakers, joggers and crop tops they can all work just not all the sport pieces at once or else you’re just looking like you’re going to work out.  The trick is to  find a balance between the sport and casual but try to avoid oversized pieces because you’ll just look messy (in my JoanneTheScammer voice). Stay casual- cool and comfy!

(Images- Getty Images/ Gurl.com/ WhoWhatWear )

  • Mixed Prints- The queen of mixed prints HANDS DOWN is Solange, and you could be the princess. For some its a bit difficult and yes its very easy to look like the highway on a morning (BUSY) but there’s a method (kinda) to this madness. One easy way to do this is by sticking with the same colour family like Solange in the second pic with shades of blue. Another easy way to mix prints is by pairing a large print with a small one so that the outfit doesn’t overwhelm you. If the idea of print mixing still scares you, you could start off by pairing a print you really love with a bold solid colour and then work your way up from there. My advice: just have fun with it🎉.

(Images- 360Nobs/ Zimbio/ DressMeOutlet/ Harper’s Bazzar )

  • Off-Shoulder- Flirtacious, fun and just the thing for this heat we’ve been having. Its a great balance to show some skin without reaching heaux status even though some of us could hear our grannies saying ‘Cover your back child, you will catch cold.’ Its okay granny we’re just casually slayin. Off shoulder is a dynamic style as it could be asymmetric, straight across, have puffed sleeves, come with a thin strap or just  barely expose the shoulders for that peek-a-boo look. Off shoulder could be that Friday night drinks outfit, Saturday night club dress  or Sunday brunch date jumper. Who wouldn’t love such a dynamic piece?

(Images- Concrete Runway/ Style Pantry/ WhoWhatWear/ Star Celebrity Dresses)

 

  • Flared Pants-  these aren’t your average pant, flares give you that model-esque stature because it makes the legs appear longer especially in heels. The the trick is to have the hem them justttt enough to skim to the ground. The perfect fit gently hugs the knee and then flares to give just enough drama and those mile long legs.  Another general idea is when you have one flowing piece so try to keep the other closely fitted. So with flares opt for some closer fitted blouses, anything loose fitting is chartering into Hippie/ Boho territory. What’s also great about these are that it works for all body types, for example, for bottom heavy pear-shapes it streamlines the leg by making the hips looks smaller. But really its for everyone, so lemme see those flares!

(Images- Latte Samuels/ Young At Style/ Pinterest/ Style Pantry) 

  • ‘Millenial Pink’-  I could hear the collective ‘wah d a** is that?’ Its a range of colours from pink-based beige to a peach/salmon/coral sorta pink but truly started out as a toned down version of Barbie pink. Once upon a time I was not a fan of pink but things have changed now. From rose gold phones to Rihanna’s Fenty line filled with MP it seems like Pantone’s colour of the year for 2016 might stick around well into 2017. Pink these days is a pretty gender-neutral colour so its popping up all over and I for one appreciate it!

(Images- Pinterest/ NYMag/ Puma)

  • Wrap Clothing- DVF changed the fashion game when she created the wrap dress. Now, wrap clothing has taken on a life of its own from skirts to shirts to shorts, they wrappin’ everything outchea. These pieces have a sophistication that you hardly see coming but its definitely there. They create curves and accentuate the body in the most magical of ways depending on how and where you tie them. A lot of times these pieces can be worn in so many ways you like you’re wearing a different piece each time, so you better get wrapping.

(Images- Officially Adrian Foster/ Style Pantry/ Getty Images/ Pinterest)

These are just a few of my faves at the moment( Its clear from this list I’m not an accessories person *hides face*) and its in no way exhaustive!

Do you have some fashion faves? Leave them in the comments💕

7 Trends To Ditch: Caribbean Edition

by with 2 Comments FashionLatestStyleTrinidad & TobagoUpdates

There are pieces of clothing that are total must haves, like a blazer for example. These next 7 pieces are NOTHING like that.

 

  • Distressed (Tops/Dresses)- Unless you’re actually in distress you shouldn’t be looking like it. I really don’t know when, how and why this became a trend but when you purposely put holes in your clothing to look more ‘stylish’, then I really have to wonder if your sanity is intact. Where are you even wearing this to except for maybe Jouvert morning?

  • (Faux) Fur-We live in a Tropical climate. Why do you need fur? No! you are not the girl Flo Rida was talking about. Are you not sweating in these things? As intriguing as fur may look and feel, it simply isn’t made for sweltering heat.

  • Shorts unzipped & unbuttoned- is this intentional or do you require some assistance? If the pants are too small and cannot be buttoned/zipped then you shouldn’t be wearing it entirely. If however, you think it looks cute, I have news for you- it ABSOLUTELY DOES NOT. I’m so fed up of scrolling through fete pictures throughout the different fete seasons and seeing this, I immediately want to pelt away my phone or laptop.

  • Lace up Bodysuits- Did you actually get dressed if it wasn’t a lace up bodysuit? Honestly speaking, my issue isn’t with the bodysuit in particular. Its that people choose to wear it every-heffin-where. I kid you not, I have seen people dressed for work in this blazer et al . Yup, we’ve gone MAD!

  • Catsuit (jumpsuit)- Are you Catwoman? If you answered no, but have a Catsuit, fling it away immediately. Imagine my horror recently when I discovered a distressed catsuit. But really and truly, if you do not have a dance recital to be at, or auditioning for the role of Catwoman, please refrain from the suit.

 

 

 

  • Too Much Body Jewelry- Picture this: a person wearing a leg chain, body chain, choker with extra hanging pieces and full arm cuff. Are you a lagahoo(loup garou)? Then you need not be dragging so many chains around. Honestly, the only person this trend works for is Dylan Lex and that’s because she makes it.

  • Leggings- Once again my issue isn’t with the legging, its where and how its being worn. At work its a No No, I don’t care if its Casual Friday- cover your ass. Of course there’s an ongoing  debate if leggings are real pants and yes it is, once worn ‘correctly’.

 

 

As we all know fashion fades but (personal)style is forever. So I think we should tuck these all away in the fading fashion folder and move on. For me these things are just a Big Fat

 

Share with me what are some of the trends you’ve had enough of!

Wear Green!

by with One Comment Eco-FriendlyFashionLatestLifestyleStyleTrinidad & TobagoUpdates

Sustainable/ Eco Friendly/ Green, call it what you want, it has a HUGE impact! This type of fashion calls on an environmental consciousness that’s new to the industry, but allows brands to rethink how and what they produce, and us the customer to rethink what  and how we consume (fashion).

Wastage and energy consumption is apparently a trend (one that I don’t approve of) and we as the consumer ultimately have the power to change that. The obsession with fast fashion has made us a wasteful bunch, but, the (re)discovery of low tech pursuits is making its way back into our lives and I Love It!

Knitting, Crocheting, Upcycling and other endeavors are allowing us to produce as little or less wastage as we can. Even the pursuit of green fabrics such as leather from pineapples and mushrooms are making headway in the industry! Some cosmetic producers are reducing wastage by implementing programmes to recycle the product containers and usage of every piece of raw material to help our planet breath some sigh of relief.

Though an emerging trend, brands both in the Caribbean (and internationally)are making it their business to bring you green, sustainable products.

Aisling Camps  modernizes knitwear in a sultry and wearable style for the Caribbean woman and nothing like your grandma’s sweater. Each piece is knit to shape, allowing no excess fabric usage. They are also made to order made to order so there’s not too many garments on hand at once that may go unsold or unused further reducing excess amounts. Machinery? Meh, sometimes, but its more a magical process involving lots of skill and hand-eye-knit-fabric coordination so there’s low energy consumption. And, not to worry about those scrap pieces, they’re re-purposed and finds home in a new garment

(Images from ‘Aisling Camps Knitwear’ Facebook page)

One Memoir does its take on ‘One man’s trash is another man’s treasure’ by giving jackets a new sense of purpose through upcycling. What exactly is upcycling you ask? Essentially it’s breathing new life into a piece that one may longer see as wearable . You can cut, embellish, rearrange, colour and so much ,for clothing that looks completely new. One Memoir has found its niche in jackets with the motto, “Where opportunity meets creativity” to bring to you sustainable fashion choices that reduces wastage and helps our planet smile a little brighter.

(Images from Instagram @onememoir)

MakeupDoll Cosmetics a cruelty free, vegan cosmetics brand contributes to this movement by fighting the urge to hand you that printed receipt after your purchase, reducing your carbon footprint and as cliche as it sounds, saving the trees.  They’ve also implemented a program for us makeup junkies to return eyeshadow containers for refills at a cheaper cost as well as being advocates for package recycling. With every purchase you don’t only look like a Goddess, you’re also helping earth to GLOW too.

(Images from Instagram @makeupdollcosmetics)

Fashion can take a lot from the planet we live on, thankfully these brands have found a way to give back! These are only 3 brands Going Green in the Caribbean but there’s lots more that we already know and love or will come to know and love in the (near) future!

Share some of your fave sustainable fashion and beauty brands, or practices in the comments!😘