Island Style

Bob Marley Said: "Forget your worries, and dance"

Last weekend I went to "The Yard" on Upper St. Mary's Street for a celebration of the life of Bob Marley. The location was good, parking was no problem, and since we are apparently living in a police state, the cut off time was 2 a.m. (what's up with that? Mr Commissioner?)

The crowd was small, and as usual everyone found a wall and kinda tried to prop it up ^_^, but at about 1 o'clock, the deejay started to spin some seriously good tunes, and everybody started to skank, or rockaway, or grind, or throw the requisite finger in the air and sing along. Even in the smallest of places, music can transport you to a higher plane.

That music stayed in my head all weekend... and I gave several impromptu concerts to innocent bystanders on Saturday. HAHA. When all is said and done, the music lives on.

Forget your worries- and dance- today!

 

"b-dancinginthemusicofthesun"

One shot

Two years ago yesterday, I started this little blog- the same day that Alexander McQueen died. How strange is it that exactly two years later, another brilliant talent, Whitney Houston died. There's something about February 11th it seems.

Anyway, I saw this picture yesterday, and I decided to share it. For me, every single emotion about the things that should matter to us in LIFE can be seen in that shot. It also reminds me of the way I was feeling when I decided to start this little hobby- I literally wanted to grab life by the horns and never let go! It goes by so fast, and sometimes we blink and miss it.

Yet another moment to stop and reflect- and go hug someone you love.

"b-withsomebodywholovesyou!"

xox

Tee

How to charm an angry chihuahua

I met a cute little guy two weeks ago while house hunting- and he hated me.

Usually I have a way with dogs. Having grown up with a plethora of furry friends, I presumed myself to be somewhat of a dog whisperer. Most dogs love me immediately, and even the most wary tend to warm up after a little coaxing. Not so with Beenie Man. (yep, his name is Beenie Man...LOL)

My initial plan was to do my usual cooing, where I bend down to their eye level- to remove the presumed threat, avert my eyes, for the same reason, and begin to say little things like "who loves you little buddy? who's a cute little fella?? wanna treat?"

I was met with a sharp bark, and he ran to the top of the sofa to scowl and sneer at me- and all the other little things (pun intended) that toy dogs do to let you know they aren't having it.

After he spent the better part of half an hour scowling and showing me his (surprisingly) clean little row of teeth, I left, unable to win him over. 

I could not get the dog out my mind.... but I chalked him up to the one that got away, and moved on.

Fast forward five more days, and I went back over to have a second look at the condo... and that's when I saw this:

Mister was a model! Immediately I knew what to do.

So I walked straight past him- like he wasn't there- and he quit barking right way. While I walked around the condominium looking at floorboards and room sizes, I never laid eyes on the little guy. When I was ready to leave, I looked down and he was faithfully trailing me, looking up for me to pet his little noggin. Completely smitten ... just like I knew he'd be.

 

Life Lesson:

When you're used to being catered to, it's always the one who completely ignores you that captures your attention.

This is true for people- and for dogs.

 

'b-thedogwhisperer"

xo

Tee

What I wore: TEA Tunic

one shouldered  dress- black and gold

for this look I piled my hair into a high bun and opted for no accessories at all. The dress is generously beaded, so I felt like I could get away with it.

You may have seen different versions of this look before, as it was available in white, black, navy, burgundy and brown ... but I realized I didn't own one of these pieces, so I grabbed one from the store before they all sold out. I think there is only one left... so if you like it, you can get it at The Little Starfish.

 

Happy Friday

 

What I wore: Snakeskin pants

I just love how these pants go from basic to bad-ass with texture. Snakeskin is so sexy.... you gotta have the cojones to wear this look though.

I wore this pant with a nude vest, and nothing else. I'm a tall girl; one statement piece per outfit is all I need. I've been spending lots of time in bed- because I was unwell, and I started reading books from my bookshelf that hadn't seen the light of day in years. I love the smell of the pages- a kindle really doesn't come close!

This book: And Then There Were None, by Agatha Christie, is a timeless classic in the genre of murder mysteries (is there such a thing?). I have had this book since I was a little girl, and no matter how many times I read it, I feel like I'm seeing something  for the first time. I'm trying to learn about character development, and books like these ones highlight how important the little details are when you are fleshing out a plot.

You're never too old to learn!

"b-alwaysinterested" 

The outfit: pants by Zara Woman ,Top: by H&M.

 

The View

I'm a typical island girl. I think a view is supposed to be blue water, blue skies, white sand.... anything else doesn't count. An unusual thing has been happening to me though- I find myself loving the way the city looks at night (especially since the Chinese put up all those extra streetlights HAHA). I have to admit that I've gained a new appreciation for the thinking that there's a real "island beauty" in our city-scape.

"B-alwayslookingout"

The Wall: How it began

If you haven't already done so, read part one HERE, and part FOUR here, before you begin below.

 

She heard someone say her name. It happened a lot to her. Nobody ever just said "Toya". It was always "Toya Turner". Some people may look at that and think it were a good thing- indicating some sort of appreciation for the individual in question. She would always think 'whenever they are talking about serial killers they use their full names too! "Jeffrey" just doesn't have the same effect as Jeffrey Dahmer'.... in her mind, it denoted a form of infamy. Truth be told it was a form of respect- but she would never see that.

She turned her head. Hearing her name like that indicated to her that this was not someone she was close to- all her friends knew how much it annoyed her. She looked up at the man next to her and thought "FUCK"... but instead she said " Liam..... hi!" - and flashed him a grin.

A million things went through her head-

"why did you take an early flight and wear no makeup, you idiot?"

"Why didn't you go blow your hair out instead of that wutless braid you clapped into it an hour ago?"

"Do you have any listerine breath strips???"

... don't let him sit here, don't let him sit here.... don't LET. HIM. SIT.... HEREEEE!!!!

 

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