Island Style

Unite... wear white

Plunging back backless dress- American Apparel, Scarf: Zara Male

this has been one of those weekends where I wished Monday would never come- (that's every weekend, to be honest)

 

Tan Tan

This little tan dress available here went from ho-hum to me-ow.... with some leopard pieces. One pair of platform pumps from Nine West and my trusty Gucci handbag, which has gotten more than its fair share of work over the past several months. As always, I like to mix high and low end pieces when I put together my outfits. Tan is a safe neutral to use as a base for these wilder accent pieces. The simple A-Line shape of the dress works well too- easy to transition from day to night- which I did today by switching out plain flats for these heels.

Jewelry: David Yurman, Dress: Zara, Shoes: Nine West Bag: Gucci

 

SHOEGASM- Puma kicks

meet the new babies! I love them because they look like they're sketched, and not exactly three dimensional.

I have a small collection of sneakers- and I hardly wear them. That's not a good thing- I have got to give the heels a rest, and give my heels a rest. (get it?)

...I will probably never do that- lemme just add it to my list of resolutions for next year!

"b-sneaky"

Tee

Pretty Wings

I've been sick, not hospitalized, but heavily medicated, and for someone who loathes taking pills, the past month has been a trial. I am still functioning, but between work and Starfish, I haven't been in the mood for much else. It all started with one sharp pain in my side while lifting a sofa... yes, lifting it.... and things have snowballed into an avalanche of diagnoses and tests, and pills, and nausea.... and I'm reminded again how fragile our bodies can be- and just how important it is to "take good care".

There have been some "good" outfits too! ( you guys would love my snuggie-vicks- buckleys - snotty tissue outfit of January 1st 2012.) My plans for a night spent wearing a long red dress were thwarted and replaced with me, on a beanbag, under a comforter, watching the fireworks across the island. It wasn't so bad- a few good friends dropped by to ring in the new year with me, and I still scored the best first kiss of 2012. Not a complete loss.

It was, however, decidedly unglamorous. On the upside, LIFE has been teaching me a lot.

I tried to do my first post while I was bedridden, but my brand spanking new MACbook pro would not co-operate.

Lesson 1 : "Never let a computer know you're in a hurry".

I thought I was over the flu and could go back to concentrating on my second ailment, when I was told that things were even more complicated, and I had more pills to swallow.

Lesson 2: "Diamonds are formed under pressure. This won't be easy"

There have been a few notable outfits in the past 9 days- but sometimes my hair did not co-operate... and I just can't start off this new year of posts looking like a madwoman. As soon as my body recovers from ... everything... I will do a few full outfit posts. From today, I will show you guys some of the new shoes I scored this Christmas.

At the very least I can keep the momentum going, and share some of the things I've been liking lately.

And now, for the point of this post:

This morning when I was driving to work, I called a friend, who shall remain nameless, to complain about my health, and a slight that I had recently been told about- I was offended- and wanted to rant. (I specialize in righteous indignation) LOL. While dialing her number, another friend of mine called me to tell me that his father had died.

And that became Lesson 3 of 2012: "Life is fleeting, my loves. Lest we forget, we are here but for a time."

Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered - how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is a breath. We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it. And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you. 

Psalm 39 v4-7

So that's my first post of 2012- no resolutions, no outfit pics, no links to youtube. Just a short reminder of how quickly it all goes by. The one thing we have, everyday- and waste, everyday... is TIME.

luv ya lots

"b-thankful for LIFE"

NA WA OH

More pics on the next page

What we wore: #AFROFUNKY Pop-Up

Toya: Skirt: Chichia London, Tights: ASOS, Top: Inizio 

our first customer! Donna Tapper.... looking at some earrings.

So, originally this was gonna be a what "we" wore post, but it seems the internet isn't in the mood to co-operate. All my uploads are failing, and that's quite annoying, because I've got some beautiful candids from last night to share.

I can't promise I will have them up before Sunday, because I'm about to morph into "store cashier-mopper-bartender- sweeper-party planner- etc...." at my shop, and on top of how shattered I am from yesterday I may just sleep through Christmas. SMH.

Will do my best to get the rest uploaded... but no promises.

Tee

 

What I Wore: Yumnah Najah

Earrings: Yumnah Najah, Top: Sheldon Warner

Leggings: American Apparel

 

What I wore: CHICHIA Tee

Tee: CHICHIA, Jeans: Seven , Booties: Jeffrey Campbell Tick Wedges

Busy day today- Pop up later, and loads to do.

xo

Watch the stoic squirm

Like anyone worthy I am flattered by your fascination with me

Like any hot blooded woman I had simply wanted an object to crave

But you, you're not allowed

You're uninvited

An unfortunate slight.

Must be strangely exciting
To watch the stoic squirm
Must be somewhat heartening
To watch shepard meet shepard

But you you're not allowed
You're uninvited
An unfortunate slight

Like any uncharted territory
I must seem greatly intriguing
You speak of my love like
You have experienced love like mine before
But this is not allowed
You're uninvited
An unfortunate slight

I don't think you unworthy
I need a moment to deliberate.

                                Alanis Morissette

 

 

Last Weekend

we threw a party. And, as promised,here is another look at the headband... and the outfit. This is my fave pic,(BELOW) because I actually got a chance to sit down- hosting a party is loads of work...and we'd finally got a minute to sit and chat in the middle of the festivities. #toocuteforwords

 

It's Christmas time. I'm wishing you and your families a safe and happy holiday season. All the best for the new year from Island Style. ^_^

"b-blessed"

Toya

Nailing it

So this is the result of the nail art stickers from Sally Hansen. They weren't hard to apply... I had to do a bit of "patching" because some of them didnt exactly fit my nails, but luckily this pattern hides any mistakes very well. The best part? Zero drying time. I will definitely try them again. These should last a full 10 days... so far I'm five days in, and no major mishaps to report. Try em out.

Tee

Your Roots Are Showing

As many of you ladies (and gents) may know, the first #Afrofunky pop up boutique takes place at The Little Starfish this Thursday. What many of you may not know is just how much this movement means to us. While Amina and I appreciate the outpouring of well wishes and interest in seeing the pieces, we are moved to bring these products to you in an effort to make a larger statement ; it is important to spend your money wisely.

It is easy to go online and make a purchase from a department store, or walk in St. Johns and grab something from the rack.

It is harder to make your money make a difference.

This pop-up shop allows you to make a direct connection with the individual who made the item you wear- be it the YOURUBATIK earrings- which support AZIZI LIFE, an initiative which supports the Rwandan women, or CHICHIA's Chuki Ya Nini Sila Cha Mtu Tee (which I already snagged - outfit post coming soon) which is a collaboration between the designer and concept jersey label MADE BY AFRICA, there are lots of beautiful things which make a difference. In fact, 1 USD from every garment sold through that project will go towards supporting education for the SOS Children's Village in Tanzania.

 This video by another featured designer, MAKSI, is a promotional video for their work with Energy Solutions Foundation, an NGO, working to build a bio gas plant in Wa, Ghana. MAKSI is encouraging all Ghanians to get serious about their environment, and adDRESS the issue.

Your support of the pop-up boutique will help these and more projects succeed.

So, I'm encouraging you to "look good, and do good".

xox

Tee

Making "Love" out of nothing at all

I'm showing you guys this picture just to illustrate a point.... making something out of nothing can sometimes work out to be beautiful.

So I was supposed to wear another dress to my "b-happy" party- but when I went to buy it, someone had already grabbed it- I was bummed, because I had my heart set on that look. Nonetheless, I scrambled to improvise, and decided I would go grecian.

I've always loved those metallic headpieces, but of course, nobody sells them in Antigua (hmm) so I bought a belt, looped it around my head and secured it with bobby pins and voila- instant grecian headgear.

Will post some better pics soon- this is a phone pic, so it's kinda grainy... but well, you get the gist.

xox

 

 

Nailing It: Check it Out

so.... this is my new obsession. Nail art strips are easy and last just long enough to hold me over until I get my nails done.

 

 

TEA - with an afro

The pop-up shop is coming ladies... exactly one week to go.

And in the spirit of playing fair, I am giving you a sneak peek at some of what will be available. Check out this pic:

yes, those are sequinned mannequins- because I couldn't help myself...  I had to do it!

These designs are by TEA Tunics.

"b-at-the pop-up shop girls!

 

Stereo Hearts

A little over a month ago Antigua had it's first Film Festival. It was an impressive selection of local talent- with several movies written and produced by Antiguans (The Skin, Sweetest Mango, Working Girl, Hooked, Dinner ..yay Tameka... and Redemption in Paradise). There were also a few movies shot by Italian producers which were shot in the waters around the island. Altogether a great week of activities. I managed to squeeze in a screenwriting class and got cleaned up for the finale night.

Tis the season to wear sequins ya know.... what I wore

dress by Zara, clutch- which you've seen before... is a fave of mine from Topshop. I'm wearing six inch heels so I'm way taller than my boyfriend in this pic.. but he says it feels like he's dating a supermodel. HAHA

And because I couldn't settle on just one look (have we met?) I changed into this sexy number for the after party at Abracadabra.

The colours and patterns on this dress are so wrong, that they're right. I had to buy it. Ever seen something and had a hard time deciding if you liked it or not? When that happens to me, I whip out my checkbook- I love clothes that are "out there".

"b-aquickchangeartist"

Promotion at The Little Starfish

Scan the barcode to add us on your BBM, and if you have a chef or nurse, or doctor on your Christmas list, we've got the shoes for them. Think of it as the one gift you can give that they will use every single day- practical and thoughtful! That makes you- AWESOME!!!!

 

Sequinned Slip-Ons

These loafers are on every must-have list right now... they run the gamut from hundreds of dollars to more affordable options available at any Aldo store. This pair is from Steve Madden. So far, I've worn them with a white tulip dress (no pics unfortunately) and a pair of cut off boyfriend jeans (seen in an earlier post). Today I plan to wear them with some coral pants from Benetton for a Christmas function at work.

They're a party on your feet

 

"b-festive"

 

Shouldering it

Beaded tee-H&M... pardon the "no-foundation face"..LOL

.... so I've been busy, and a bit out of sorts..... hence the lack of posts. Christmas is usually hectic for me between the start of the hotel season and getting stock and staff ready for Christmas at The Little Starfish. I'll be back to it as of today- as promised on fb the "non-frontation" post will be up before the weekend, and I have a few outfit posts to share.

Speak soon

xox

Tee

All I want for Christmas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

... is to jump in this section for TRIBE in Trinidad carnival next year. I was in love with my costume from YUMA.... but now I want to play in this design- done by Anya Ayoung Chee... ah cyar tek it. SIGH

Something's gotta work out. I want in!