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Style it out! Back to School!

Posted on September 3, 2013by admin

While Trinidad and Tobago do not see a autumn/fall season we do have a wet season and we are in full throttle to the hurricane season. This fall all college undergrads and grads are coming out with a bang! The first day of school is no longer a date on the calendar but a fashion event to remember. Hence, some fashionistas are calling on autumn trends and mixing them up with local vibes for this semester’s functional but fashionable look.

Pantone for each season can help you put your wardrobe together. This season some colours to watch out for are grey, black, navy, red, mustard,emerald, browns, coral to name a few. Dresses are taking a fancy to animal print, lace and floral that can be made uber “stoosh” with cardigans and blazers. The outfit can be dressed down with a jean jacket. In light of the season for cold weather flat boots and flats as well as some brightly colored sneakers seem to be the order of the day.Textured looks with faux fur and plaid features are the autumn favorites that can be added in minute detail than vavavoom runway styles perfect for school. Our ladies are getting the nails done paying attention to jewel tones, metallics,holographic, textured and sparkly glitter. The graphic tee is also making its appearance.

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While chic looks, rings and things are making an appearance. School can be quite expensive so cost effective yet eye popping “feel good” looks can be found by adding some pop up to your present wardrobe. A flirty or funky scarf can make your used outfit a belle of the halls. Hair bands and bows can add a cute stylish pop to a boring hairstyle. Some simple accents to your outfit can be midi rings which can add that silver or gold lining accentuation to your look. A staple to your outfit is the jean. There is a throwback trend to the classic with bootcut, skinny and flare so resurrect an old pair or two.The oversized tote and school bag is seen as the stripe,messenger and patterned styles including holographic which I’m sure you have at least one of each if not all three styles in that closet of yours!

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So this season style it out and be cool for school with these tidbit styles.

I’m sure you already have a few in mind!

(my personal favourite see below Loud by Afiya)

Jazzy Vibes; Tablespoon Coffee and Dessert House

Posted on August 28, 2013by admin

If you have been to Coffee Bean in Barbados or have developed that love and appreciation for the time and effort put into Cafe decor, seating structure, customer service, cleanliness and ambience then you will count your lucky stars and jump up and down like me at Tablespoon Coffee and Dessert House. Monday 26th August 2013 was a monumental day in my calendar. I finally made it to Tablespoon Coffee & Dessert House after religiously following them from inception to the raving “foodie” reviews. This quaint, rustic, jazzy vibed coffee house can be found on the Eastern Main Road in Curepe just a few buildings down from Hi Lo Food Stores. Their opening hours are usually 10 am until 6 pm between Monday to Friday.

My particular jaunt for lunch led me to the Coffee House. Upon entering my restaurant radar started buzzing. Again my restaurant and hospitality experience accompanied by my burning love for food among other things can be blamed for this habit. Tablespoon Coffee & Dessert House is small but their tactful use of space must be commended in the coffee hues of brown wood accents, furniture and soft lights. I really like the idea of the scented candle and jazzy notes. The plates and cups were not matchy matchy and I applaud this table decision to mix it up and dare to be different! Personally, I believe this careful consideration given to structure and detail guarantees a customer flow at Tablespoon Coffee and Dessert House. This is our “trini” spin on the Bajan Coffee Bean and may I be a little bit ostentatious to say it has something extra but my lips are sealed! Come EXPERIENCE for yourself!

Tablespoon is the most appropriate addition to the St. Augustine/Curepe area popular for lecturers, business professionals and students who may be interested in a tasteful breakfast meditation, quick lunch getaway, business meeting or casual dates with their cohorts at a real Coffee House. However, it is unique because the cafe culture caters to all persons. Yes I said all! It is the first cafe I’ve been to in a long time that’s been done for the people by the people! Simply you see all different types of customers here. Couples, students, elderly, vegetarians and the average Joe or Jane.Their recipe is crafted in their personal relationship with their customers as they treat you like their own. Always going the extra mile to make their customers satisfied and happy. In addition, the tuna sandwich and crostone are exceptional ! Yes this means quality of food, quantity, cost, presentation and of course customer service delivery all vie for a 5 star position in my gourmet books.

I must commend Chef Bean who is an exemplary young lady in the food and beverage industry. If I could give her an award I most certainly would have done it already! I believe She not only has the knowledge, skills and abilities to venture into this business but a hell of a lot of passion and personality; a winning combo to make her business the best in Trinidad thus far! She owned her information by confidently rattling of the contents of her creations. But it doesn’t stop there this was heightened by her very enticing food sales pitch that makes customers want to just buy buy buy! She also knows how to quickly counteract any grievances that customers may experience if any at all. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw her customer service blue print execution. She effectively dealt with any situation that may arise in her Coffee House. She cooked, served, cashed, took orders and helped out in whichever way she could she truly is a chef who is in command of her kitchen and House!

Since returning to Trinidad in 2010 my impression of the restaurant business was understood to favor certain establishments even the Coffee House Model which must be built in the environment that predisposes that particular crowd in order to be successful. However, I learned something new on Monday. It dawned on me that once a chef has that passion for her craft she can easily cultivate the culture in her domain with a support staff like Tablespoon’s there’s no need for specific environments because once the culture is maintained the experience would always be beyond fabulous! I guess the “foodies” in the “food universe” were listening to my plight for a premium, authentic local coffee experience as they sought to give me something better at Tablespoon Coffee and Dessert House.

Cheers to the entire staff and their Chef Bean for their poise to set the standard in our food and beverage industry and lead by charting a new way forward in the local restaurant and coffee business in Trinidad.

Thank you again for your hospitality

Join the movement! – #fashionconsciouscricketcouture

Posted on August 7, 2013by admin

The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Twenty20 Cricket Tournament is a hot topic with locals in Trinidad. Recently, Marylebone Cricket Club drafted a dress code which permits entrance into the Lord’s Cricket grounds. Some of these include shirts with collars for gentlemen but no polo shirts, T-shirts or anything made of denim. Whilst the ladies are banned from wearing bikini tops, bare midriffs, leggings without skirt. There is even a picture card to reinforce what the ideal dress code looks like. This immediately makes me think whether our cricket club needs to instill a few of these rules at Queen’s Park Oval? Our islanders are noted for wearing the said banned clothing items.Basically, this could be a good thing or a bad thing. My personal opinion is that this definitely spurs a fashion conscious cricket movement that could sweep the entire Caribbean!

So if we were to endorse these rules I still think our Caribbean designers would be able to add pomp and flair to Cricket Couture. The Art of Wear has a retro collection that maintains that golden era look with Hollywood pizzazz and an exotic twist of colour. Some of the designer’s dresses are at knee length and would work wonderfully for the event. Meiling has a few pieces in her Shirt Tales collection that speak volumes about classy couture that can be included for a Cricket finish. While there are other designers that would be on demand I believe Deron Attz and his tribal prints can make an eloquent but maintain the Caribbean’s ethnic aesthetic in its appearance at the cricket pavilion. These are my quick picks for CPL Cricket Couture!

Come out and support your team Red Steel Trinidad and Tobago!

Join the movement- #fashionconsciouscricketcouture

Let’s Go Trinidad and Tobago!! REPRESENT!!

Rediscover yourself – The Personal Stylist Faux Pas

Posted on August 6, 2013by admin

The ever popular desire for a personal stylist has often been seen as a luxury afforded by Hollywood Celebrities and VIP socialites. But rest assured this is far from the truth. Let me de-tangle the myths and get you up to date with the reality of this faux pas. Knowledge is power so prepare to be enlightened! The information you about to receive could change your life in home sweet home Trinidad forever. I suggest you be prepared to be blown away.

The Investment

A personal stylist is a professional in his / her science. Their job is to help you with your personal style. This is an investment into your own branding identity. The stylist becomes familiar with your body type, skin tone, personality and uses their working knowledge of fashion to best advise you on what suits you and your personal brand identity. The guaranteed return on the investment of a personal stylist is significant. After consultation with the stylist you do a shopping tour with them where they help select essential items that help build your wardrobe.

Once they are familiar with the you they can even do the shopping for you if you don’t have the time . Also, you gradually develop your confidence and sense of style. Soon you become your own expert based on the stylist’s tips and you can shop and save. Yes, you are no longer prone to the “must buy” sales and the trends alerts or fashion cycles that are just not for everybody. You save money and you have made an investment for life! Celebrities who claim to do it on their own usually had some styling advice whether they would like to admit it or not. Blake Lively constantly confesses her style is totally “DIY”. However, Eric Daman her Gossip Girl costume designer swears she’s the next Jackie -O and helps Blake out with her big events!

The Trini Stylist

Yes, we have stylists in Trinidad! They are certainly “no fly by night” professionals as these incredible people have been trained in their fields and have the credibility to boost their desirability as well. They can help you look better and make wiser decisions so you enjoy your new found life. Rediscover the real you and start living today!

Crystal Ivy London

This chic started off as an intern then assistant and eventually a wardrobe stylist for designer icon Claudia Pegus . London became an image consultant and an aspiring designer at Ivy London Designs. She then worked with Caribbean Next Top Model’s Finale show where she arranged the outfits for the Show and managed the clothing for photo shoots as well as dressing models on location. Crystal became the head wardrobe stylist and host of Soca Monarch Fashion Police at Trinidad and Tobago’s International Soca Monarch. Do you all remember this where Trinidadian born celebrity Tatyana Ali became acquainted with our local designers?! Crystal certainly put Trinidad on the map! Her experience took her further working as a wardrobe stylist at Filtered Fashion magazine, a leading fashion magazine in Trinidad and Tobago. Crystal Ivy London is certainly the stylist to be reckoned with as She continues to excel and make huge contributions to Trinidad and Tobago’s Fashion Industry.

Stephanie Ramlogan

This stylist has her fair share of credentials to boast off which accentuate her resume and also make her repertoire exceptional. She started with her famous No More fashion Victims blog. Stephanie has a background in Spanish, International Relations and graduated from the Caribbean Academy of Fashion Design with a second degree in Fashion Design. Moreover, she included schooling in personal fashion styling from the London College of Fashion. She became assistant to editor in chief at Trinidad Lookbook Magazine. Then she became an intern for Designer, Stylist and Creative Director Babatu Sparrow. Some of their projects included work for local designer icons Claudia Pegus, Meiling and famed photographers Laura Ferreira, Matthew Mora. Ramlogan’s credentials include styling for Soca Star Kees Diffenthaler, Canadian Soca Star Logun, Collis Duranty as well as international models Leah Marville and Michelene Auguste. As an image consultant she did a presentation during Administrative Professional Week themed “ Dressing for Success”. Another successful project was the recent Women’s Confidence and Empowerment session. Overall, Stephanie’s mission is to make clothes reflect a woman’s inner radiance! She continues to expand her knowledge and expertise in this field.

Welcome to my country! Welcome to Fashion Destination Trinidad and Tobago !

These are just two of the many stylists that are at your service. They not only have a passion for fashion but a love for all things Trinbagonian and that includes you! Make the investment today that you won’t forget for life!

Let’s Get Tribal!

Posted on August 2, 2013by admin

If there was ever a time to wear print and pattern the most I would declare Emancipation Day the official Tribal Wear Day. My people for this very day there is a movement to think Tribal Wear, Live Tribal Wear and Love Tribal Wear. This special day means so much at fashion destination Trinidad and Tobago. The commemoration of a nation’s freedom reflected in an expression of print of solid and strong prints showing affection for rigid foundations of family and friendship, love and unity.

This year saw several designers getting up close and personal with modern and chic looks for tribal wear. Traditional garb is fabulous but for those who want a more stylish, unique sense of appeal then designer tribal couture is definitely the way to go! Deron Attz, a very talented designer showed his tribal collection at San Fernando Fashion Week. The collection speaks about power, strength and his passion for his fashion to combine history, culture and couture.

While other designers are trying their hand at fabric and designing tribal clothing there is a particular designer duo who brought Tribal Wear to a whole new level. Oh yes ! Denneza and Patrice Oliviere and their Tribal Footwear! Sandalias Apparel is renown for their multicoloured fashionable and trendy interchangeable sandal straps. This Emancipation they brought tribal print to the market! This particular strap is sassy and steeped in culture with immediate revelations of “oohs” and “aahs”. This makes the wearer feel empowered and ready to break their shackles and exalt their own rendition of Ella Andall’s “Bring down the power of love…” So look no further darlings every detail you need is right here in Fashion Destination Trinidad and Tobago!

Happy Emancipation!

Remember Marcus Garvey’s words…

Freedom for all – Emancipation Day

Posted on July 30, 2013by admin

“On Thursday 1st August 2013 the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago celebrates Emancipation Day. This is the commemoration of freedom from a life bound by oppression and shackles of forced labour and torture of an African and Creole slave society.”

They came from Yoruba, Hausa, Congo, Ibo, Rada, Mandingo, Kromanti and Temne in Africa. They were skilled craftsmen and builders who were brought to fulfill the British Empire’s labour shortage in the colonial Trinidad and Tobago. The slaves came at a time when sugar estates were the main economical driving power on the islands. Their labour helped to supply the high demand for sugar in Europe. After years of being subordinate to disease and cruelty the slaves revolted in whichever way they could. These included working slowly, damaging tools and equipment as well as complaints among other things. It was only until 1838 that the slaves were all granted complete freedom. They settled in areas away from the plantations like Belmont, Arouca, Laventille, Port of Spain and San Fernando. It was here they began their new lives executing their craft and establishing their family life.

Today, August 1st is a national holiday with much festivity. There is a week long celebration which includes street parades, a market area for trade of artifacts and crafts from skilled artisans. There are intellectual symposiums as well. Even international artistes from the African continent visit the country for musical performances in concert. Celebration is due as a nation upholds many achievements for the African society. From Uriah Butler, Dr Eric Williams, George Padmore, CL R James, Stokely Carmichael renown politicians to iconic sportsmen, international music artistes, poets, esteemed academic lecturers, financial advisers, mas men and incredible fashion designers. It is safe to say equal opportunity for all in the land of oil . The community has been able to safeguard some of its traditional religions such as Shouter Baptist and Orisha fellowships. Their crops have even migrated here today. Some of which we take for granted for eg. our pimento peppers. They have changed the demographic and added their fair share of spice and colour to the cultural landscape with their diaspora.

As a Trinbagonian Emancipation day for me heralds a triumph of a people not just an African people but all people in Trinidad and Tobago. A cosmopolitan society that is independent of any colonial ties. We have forged a way forward for ourselves to excel, to govern and to prosper. The people of Trinidad and Tobago have a voice and this ability to demand and chart the way forward for our brothers and sisters to excel and rise as a nation signifies a new chapter in Emancipation. Not only are the shackles of slavery abolished but the mental bounds of an oppressed society are now liberated. Trinbagonians have emancipated themselves. Truly, they have realized how important a nation moves forward when together we aspire, together we achieve.

Live, Love & Let Live

Let’s Go Trinidad and Tobago

REPRESENT!

Hafiz Grill and Pasta Hut

Posted on July 29, 2013by admin

It was a breezy tropical night on the beautiful isle of Trinidad. I was starving as my dinner time had already expired. There was so little time with my other engagement taking place in about 2 hours. I had to find a restaurant and I really was not settling for a typical fast food night. Finally, my friends and I decided to head down to Dinsley Junction. We turned left and continued on the main road. The hunt was definitely on for some quality food and ambiance at a reasonable price! I know way too much wishful thinking right! As we approached some food shops I saw a grill and pasta hut that looked clean and the car park was near full. I wailed for the driver and my friends to stop! We scampered out the vehicle and into Hafiz Grill & Pasta Hut for a very chillax evening!

The interior decor at Hafiz is chic but not overdone. The decor boasts of warm tones of red and green with chic chandeliers. The couches are perfect for customers waiting to pick up their order. The dining area also has some classy looks with details of glass tables. The seating at the window is accompanied by soft lit candles for couples or pairs. It stirs ample vibes for friendship, close family and loved ones. The music is hip and not too loud just enough to keep the ambiance lively without people falling asleep or turning it into a sports bar! Hafiz Grill and Pasta Hut is fabulous for family and the loved ones to catch up on old times or spend quality time together. Obviously, they put a lot of thought into every stage of decor and site planning. There is even an employee outside in the car park for security and parking purposes. How cool is that?! Especially since that particular main road is always enveloped with traffic!

Hafiz Grill and Pasta Hut has a variety of menu selections. There are lamb, fish, chicken combos, popcorn chicken, burgers, pastas, smoothies, dessert cakes and milk shakes. The smiling, dancing very skilled chef gives you the food! You can see what’s going on in the kitchen since it is directly in front of you.The price is right at Hafiz Grill and Pasta Hut. There were 5 orders with drinks and we could not complain about the food bill because it was under TTD$200.00. The quantity is more than enough for one serving! Usually, when I order an overpriced dinner I never have leftovers. My pasta primavera was steeped in marinara sauce and I was able to have 3 portions from that one serving. My friends were surprised when they ordered combos and I was the first to be served. They anticipated that pasta would have taken longer and I would have been served last. They were even more astonished that the popcorn chicken came in such a huge quantity and was so yummy even including a side of fries.

I am such a food critic when it comes to dining out. I guess my experience from being around international chefs from high end hotels and restaurants when I travel can be blamed for this as well as my passion for hospitality and tourism. I look at customer service, cleanliness, ambiance, quality, quantity of food and pricing among other things. They topped my checklist. My friends and I all loved the “Hafiz Experience” . The owners obviously have a vision for this place and I can’t wait to see only better, more exciting and fabulous things to come from Hafiz Grill and Pasta Hut!

If you are ever in the area I recommend Hafiz Grill and Pasta Hut!

Let’s Go Trinidad and Tobago

REPRESENT!!

Summer Love – Romance Isle Tobago

Posted on July 12, 2013by admin

So while the Brits are swooning, cuddled up and smooching in their parks we remember its summer time. While we do not quite have summer here we have two seasons and our July / August months are mistakenly and affectionately called summer. It’s that time of the year where we profess our love for the beach, the cooler parties and band launches and yes as the latest reggae/ dancehall and soca vibes have been crooning “couple up” season. There is no sweeter place to “couple up” than Trinidad and Tobago.So this time around I will definitely say cheers to our sister isle Tobago.

Unlike the party hard sister isle of Trinidad, our Tobagonian counterpart is better known for the most photographed jetty in the world. It has the more laid back attitude and even more gorgeous ambiance of coral reef waters and a very irie romance vibe. The beautiful thing about Tobago is this Summer love can last a life time because these favourable weather conditions exist year round! So you can let the beach waves romance you and dive into the spunky activities on the island like kite surfing, scuba diving or snorkeling. “Couple up” and sail out on a sunset cruise that ends with a beach party. Don’t forget to savor the warm sunsets while horseback riding on the beach or swim with the horses while the Caribbean breeze plays with your hair. An island tour can be done in a day so escape to your romance destination today.

If you are worried about dining options you can relax. The isle has intercontinental, Italian, German, French cuisines, island seafood and due to several indigenous influences it still has its own signature dishes such as curry crab and dumpling. Cocoa Estates, hoteliers, cafes and restaurants like Ciao Cafe or King’s Bay Cafe has enough menu options to keep you and that special someone steeped in interest so there is never a dull moment. So be sure to check out our food review experts online at Trinichow and make your checklist for your future visit to Romance Isle Tobago.

Summer Love is in the air and you have your ticket in hand already but you are unsure about your accommodation. This totally depends on your couple personality. Yes I said it couple personality! If you want to rediscover your romance and spark your love’s interest there are a plethora of options on the island with some unique twists. If you are searching for an eco resort then check out the salt water pool at the main eco resort on the island at Cuffie River Nature Retreat which is situated near one of the oldest rainforests in this side of the hemisphere, The Main Ridge. Cuffie River is the eco tourism resort model on the island and also an award winning resort for its sustainability. However, if you are interested in holistic wellness and spiritual bonding then you need to check out Kariwak which has complimentary yoga and tai chi sessions. Also they won the table talk food award for best lunch this year. Other than that there are luxury options such as The Villas at Stonehaven or The Magdalena Grand situated on an elegant golf course and former plantation.

An underwater love affair awaits my diving buddies in Tobago. My scuba diving fanatics, the Manta Lodge is your scuba haven. Tobago has several prized diving locations that are also available throughout the year. Mostly, the coral reef protects it from bad weather conditions and change in under water climate. . This island has been dubbed the Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe Island . The details in the author’s book suggest the island is near the mouth of the Great “Orinoque” River. The 4^th edition of Defoe’s book depicts a map of an island within 2 degrees latitude of Tobago. Crusoe’s ship is shown sailing on the North Coast of Brazil heading toward Barbados but also being in line with the ship wreck at Rockly Bay on the South West coast of Tobago. So this could very well be the Robinson Crusoe island. Get ready to be enchanted!

So darlings your summer love awaits you! Do savor the moment an act upon love’s true quest! Come to Romance Isle !

Come to Tobago Today!

St. Peter’s Day

Posted on July 1, 2013by admin

This weekend saw the Christian world over celebrate the 29th of June as the birthday of Peter the fisherman and former Apostle to Jesus. This is met with much anticipation on the Trinidad and Tobago isles of fete and frivolity! The Seafood Industry Development Company boasts that the local marine fisheries sector in 2005 contributed TT$ 63 million to the country’s Gross Domestic Product. There are 67 landing sites in Trinidad and 32 in Tobago. It is without a doubt that episcopal church services in the Roman Catholic communities as well as its denominations continued this year with fishermen receiving their blessing from the parishes. However, this year a 30 foot statue of Saint Peter was unveiled at newly named St. Peter’s Square in Moruga. After all Saint Peter is the patron saint of the fishermen so some recognition was definitely long overdue.

In addition, hundreds of islanders of all races and religions still turned out to the festivities at the shores and bays of fishing villages island wide for beach parties, fun activities, delectable fish and food! The fishing village of Cedros in the south western peninsula of Trinidad is famous for this particular fete. People from all over the island come to Manmohansingh Park at St. Marie village in Cedros. The crowd thickens every year with cars lining the streets, vendors setting up shop and Dj’s on the beach hosting the inaugural “fishermen fete” Other parts of the island like Carenage had their annual cultural presentations, fish broths and danced away with frivolity, gaiety and unity. Maracas Bay is also known for its parties and their annual fishing boat race to the shores . This was another favourite this year.