5 Steps to being Sexy

1. Own that shit
For you to understand this point, it's easier to illustrate what's not sexy.

You know when someone gives you a compliment and says

 " Gosh girl, you have such great legs!"

You immediately rush to say,

"Oh Gyad! I'm so fat! I haven't been to the gym in months!"

Oh Gyad is right. Who's ever going to want to give you a compliment again when all you do is throw it back in their face with scorn? Say "Thank You" and start looking at your legs with new eyes! Someone saw beauty in them! Someone found they were sexy! Start seeing yourself as sexy and it will come true. 

2. Dress for your age

Sometimes we think dressing younger means we look younger, or dressing more maturely will make us seem a bit more older and sophisticated. WRONG. A fifty year old women wearing her daughter's clothes looks even older, and a twenty year old in Mom's 80's jackets is not impressing potential employers by looking older. For every age, body, personality and woman there is a type of sexy. Do not try to be your daughter's sexy. Do not try to be a celebrities' sexy. Plunging necklines and booty shorts aren't becoming when you start to have grandchildren. Try showing off your curves with styles that skim your natural silhouette. Highlight your eyes, your mouth, your shoulders. 

 

I know, I know. "Age is just a number". I hear you. You feel young! But sorry to break it to you, you no longer look that way! It doesn't mean you're not hot! Feeling young has nothing to do with how you look. Be active and enjoy life.  When you stuff yourself into spandex pants and put on bright matte pink lipstick you are not doing yourself justice! Sexually you are more knowledgeable and experienced! Show that off! Less is more. Be demure and tasteful. Trust me, it's much sexier.

3. At least look like u give a shit!

You saw Gisele and Jennifer Aniston on E news looking all natural and walking around with no makeup on being all fly. Newsflash! They are wearing makeup and were probably styled to create an effortless look! I'm not saying you have to go overboard and take an hour before you leave to go to Massy Stores to pick up some turkey ham, but don't feel that sexy bed hair is created on a pillow. It's created with a curling iron and salt spray.

Quick steps to look radiant and sexy even when you feel you don't have to:

1. BBcream or tinted moisturiser, just to even out your skin so you look fresh and not blotchy

2. Sheer or Mineral Under eye Concealer to help with the overall tone without being cakey or heavy

3. Tinted lip moisturiser

4. Highlighter and sheer blush (You can skip this is you want but it makes a huge difference in literal seconds!)

5. Clean, wrinkle free clothes that fit you and look like they're from this decade.

4. Feed your body well and it will Reward you

I sure as hell don't feel to strut around in a bikini after a burger and fries! The food we eat has a huge psychological impact on the way we feel and of course look. I heard somewhere that we should eat foods that reflect the way we want to be, for example foods that are vibrant, fresh looking, firm and natural, instead ones that are stale, fatty and limp. Who wants to be limp? lol

5. Flaunt what yo mamma gave you

As I said before, everyone has their own sexy. Everyone is different and unique, so of course what makes them sexy would also vary. Know your body. Go to the mirror right now, strip down and look! What parts do you believe are amazing? Don't say none. Refer to Number one on this list. There must be at least  one thing- your eyelashes, your ass, your calves your toes-SOMETHING! When you figure out what it is, focus all your outfits around showing it off tastefully. (Unless it's your pudenda. Never show off your pudenda. Camel Toes will never be in style)

Sticker Shock

My boyfriend found a receipt from my latest shopping expedition at Meiling's, and had a slight panic attack. He could not believe what I pay for clothes. Later this same week, I was planning with my mom what she should wear for an upcoming event and when we got to price-point, she too was not on the same page.

When I teach style to different groups, we discuss the difference between investment pieces and fashion pieces. Investment pieces are those garments that act as the building blocks of your personal wardrobe. They are the staple pieces that can be paired countless ways to create new looks. They should also be of the best quality and perhaps therefore cost the most of all the items you stuff n your drawer.These are pieces like solid shift dresses, black trousers, pencil skirts (One of the most expensive things I own is a plain black pencil skirt from Adolfo Dominguez) and classic blouses. Investment pieces, like any investment, should be maintained well. Alter them to perfection so they fit you impeccably. They should also be hand washed or dry cleaned according to specific label requirements to last you years.

PLEASE note that higher price does not necessarily mean higher quality. Look for quality first, THEN peep at the price tag.

"Fashions fade , Style is eternal." If your investment pieces are the foundation of your personal style, then the trendy seasonal looks are like the throw pillows and temporary accessories of it. These fashion finds are where you can bargain hunt and get away with less than perfect quality. This is what you go to F21 and Asos for. (I have repeated bought f21 basic tees for US$3 and after one wash I need to buy another. Basic tees are investment pieces.) Fashion pieces are the flavour of the month. Your iridescent totes and lacy peplum  tops with aztec prints. Your Nicki Minaj moments. Basically it's anything that you can only see yourself wearing a couple times. A fling. HeeHee.

So where do you draw the line with your shopping? How much would you spend on something? When do you pull out the credit card? Is it on the sparkley sequined mini you can only wear once (because after you post 10 selfies of yourself in it on Instagram you know you can never wear it again), or on a tailored blazer for work? I want to know what you think is too much. TT$1,000 per item? TT$300? Who are you go-to designers or which are most frequented labels?

 I advise consulting your monthly budget and see what you can spare each month. Then buy one item every 2 months. It's better to spend more on clothes so frankly you cannot afford to buy too much! Cluttered closets are the eighth deadly sin. After you have acquired the top ten wardrobe basics, then you may adorn (sparingly) with fashion pieces. And when these fashions fade, please deliver them to the Salvation Army.

*My go-to labels are Calvin Klein, Banana Republic and French Connection for a great balance between price and quality.
*I will not spend more than TT$2,000 per item.

What the hell do you wear to a fete?

As an avid Machel Follower, I will be finding myself in Fantasy's fete tonight. Tried on my outfit and asked my boyfriend the usual "Do I look fat in this?", not expecting that my ample bodiness was the least of his concerns.

 "Why you don't wear something a bit more stylish?" Why? Let me tell you why.

Fetes are hot. You sweat. A lot. They are often on gravel or in mud. You have nowhere to sit. You get stepped on. It's super crowed. The toilet is a dark portable latrine. You aren't doing the waltz, you're basically reenacting Monday morning's aerobic class, and my favourite; people are drunk and spill drinks on you. I don't know about you, but the event doesn't seem to call for high heels and silk embroidery.

You have to find something breathable and easily washable. Sexy and sleeveless, but with the possibility of wearing a strapped bra underneath (the bra-less jump and wave may result in injury). Shoes as comfortable as sneakers, but as blinged out as Beyonce's aura. Short pants that won't ride up, but that accentuate the ass-ets since soca related dancing refers basically to waist down movements only. AND if your boyfriend is anything like mine, you better make sure the whole thing looks pageant appropriate.

I put on a cropped t-shirt and high waisted white knit shorts. It seemed to fit the criteria. I guess I was wrong. What do you wear to the fetes to stay cool, comfortable, sexy and able to jump and wave without ripping a seam? Hint: Contrary to popular response, "Rubber slippers" is not the answer to the above question.

Over the next few weeks of palancing I'll be solving this. Stay tuned.

2014 Style Resolutions

Together with all the promises to stop cursing, smoking and eating KFC, it may be best to throw in some style resolutions for 2014 too. The Caribbean is known to have quite an impressive number of Fashion Laggards, adopting trends and fashions only after ensuring that everyone else already likes it. God forbid we START  a trend. It's out with the old and in with the new.

1. Ditch your Little Black Dress

We live on islands. It's summer 24;7, 7/52. Black is for sunless folk. The new LBD is the Little Bold Dress. Get simply cut, but superbly fitting sheaths in the colour that lights up your eyes! Go for curve skimming silhouettes in colourful prints and optical illusions.

Regina Salomao 2014

2. Cut your hair

Unless you are getting creative with face framing styles, and rocking different updos on a daily, why is your hair cascading past your boobs? Leave that for the mermaids who have no bikini tops on. Get with the programme. Super-long hair is so 1970's. Where your hair stops, is where the eye will be drawn. Your hair ends around your waist, well you better skip that doughnut, because you are asking everyone to look at your mid-section. Your hair ends at your shoulders; you're asking people to notice your fantastic smile.

3. Learn to sew

I'm not saying to go take a draping course at FIT, but spend an evening with your Grandma, or pick up a book that teaches you the basics. Learn how to form a dart, hem jeans, attach buttons, fix seams, etc. How many times have you turned away from buying a fab outfit because it was a little too big, or too long? This ends in 2014.

4. Buy Local

2013 showed us that Trinidad's got Talent. So many Trinidad based designers showed us fun, stylish and well-made collections. Keep following this blog to learn about different designers. Their work is at great prices, and often custom-made for you! Put down the credit card and step away from the laptop. Give the online shopping a lil rest.

5. Reuse, Re-wear, Recycle

I'm not a fan of buying an outfit to wear once. It's an absolute waste. When you're out shopping, only purchase pieces you can imagine yourself wearing at least 3 times. I know with the advent of Facebook photos and Selfies that you don't want to be caught repeating an outfit- but hey, if Kate Middleton can do it, who are you? Find ways to turn pieces into something else. Wear a pencil skirt over a body con dress and it becomes a top. Layer. Tie. Wrap. Accessorise.

Have a Sip!

A launch I have been waiting for- the J. Angelique boutique!

Spent a fun Saturday evening at the new Valsayn boutique for the sexy brand! Divas (and their gentlemen) came out for a Sip! I was welcomed at the door by Strategist Rian Codrington and a tray of deadly shots of venom! The showroom  displayed all the past collections and the new mini-Collection Mod Divinity!
I grabbed a couple of girlfriends and newbies to the J.Angelique movement, and we had a time!

Rian updating us all on all the fabulousness that they have planned for the brand

oooh that Sangria did it!

The original Diva! Janelle Forde

Mod Divinity

Right to Left: Designer Janelle Forde, Leah, Me

OOOOh... And the best part was this little sneak peek!

Off the Rack!

Here I am with the humble talent behind the brand

Yesterday I attended what I was told was the first of many Off the Rack events by Designer, Adrian Foster. At these fun soirees, you can pick up your AF RTW pieces. He had his popular Romper Wraps, new Wrap Trousers (in different prints, lengths and fabrics), printed pant suits, shirt dresses and button-ups oh my!

With even close scrutiny, you can only see what I call immaculate tailoring. His trousers fit perfectly- hugging the curves and skimming the bumps. The fabrics are a textural adventure, ranging from smooth taffetas, to breezy cottons and then heavier embroidered weaves.

The next time you hear that one of these is coming up, do whatever you can to attend! (Even if it's for the complimentary wine and food!) It is really special to see this brand grow. I just know that Adrian Foster is going to be a name on everyone's lips!

Egyptian inspired copper printed pants suit. Jewellery by Cocoa Vintage

Vertical Monochromatic Print Wrap Jumpsuit

Made these Emerald Indian Printed Wrap Trousers mine!

Go Shorty! It's trendy to be petite in 2014

One of the first rules of Styling, is to use optical illusions to make your client long and lean. This is one of the most flattering things you can do for your body. What I have been noticing though, is a bunch of Spring 2014 fashion trends that do the opposite- they actually shorten the leg line! Is this some sort of revolution, leading to a new concept of beauty? I certainly hope so!

Midis!

Midi and tea-length skirts hit between the knee and ankle. Thought before to be quite unflattering unless you're of Giselle proportions, these shortening styles are all over the runways!

Alice and Olivia

Jil Sander

Marni

Getting Strappy with it!

Before Victoria Beckham made pumps and pointy toes popular, all girls were rocking metallic strappy sandals with everything. They're Back. The most popular variety are those with a nice big ankle strap. The light footed shoe pairs unexpectedly with the clean and futuristic looks of 2014. We're also seeing the trend in chunky styles that even more so cut off the long flow of a leg-line. but we're seeing a lot of them! 

image courtesy vancitybuzz.com

Paired with a midi

Roll it gyal

Remember when it was super lame to roll up your jeans like if there was a flood in your garage? Well, now it's cool. Gotta love fashion. Rolling up your jeans is one of the quickest way to make your legs look short and make you look squat, but paired with some high ankle strap heels, it's the newest way to be a fashionista. To lengthen the rest of you so you don't go totally into midget-mode, don't wear handbags that hand below your hip. Also, look for styles that bring attention to your face like collar necklines on shirts buttoned all the way up. Also, opt for darker colours below and brighter ones above.

Image courtesy fashiondivasdesign.com

Quickie Beach Weekend

Quickie Beach Weekend by stephanie230687 featuring a scotch&soda

Matthew williamson
modaoperandi.com

Gottex bathing suit
$200 - zenggi.com

L Space l space bikini
shopthetrendboutique.com

Billabong bikini
tillys.com

Victoria s Secret victoria s secret
victoriassecret.com

Gucci leather flip flops
$305 - flannelsfashion.com

Scotch Soda scotch soda
$19 - scotch-soda.com

Neutrogena
target.com

Music and Style

Conveniently two big music nights happened this weekend- The Soca Monarch Finals and The Grammys. I can just as easily get lost in great music as I can in a fabulously cut dress, so having two big nights one after the next was thrilling!

The Grammys has always set super high expectations for extreme fashion risks. This year stylists were issued regulations about dress code and modesty (if that's how you would describe "puffy skin"). With their second highest rated viewer numbers, it means that many of us tuned in to see who broke the rules! The Soca Monarch finals is always an opportunity for the artistes to go all out with outrageous costumes and gimmicks. This year, fashion was on the forefront, with the first ever "Fashion Police" and a show decorated with clothing by Meiling, Anya and Anthony Reid. It was a baby step for Trinidad fashion, but I was excited to finally see the link being made between dress and music. I have high expectations for next year, such as more designers dressing media personalities and performers- a little diversity rather than Carlos Street's finest.

Here are some of the looks that stood out to me from both nights!

Kelly Rowland made a huge statement, stepping out from Beyonce's shadow (perfectly timed after a reunion at the Superbowl half-time show). This dress is PERFECT for an event like the Grammys. She pushed the limit with these new dress rules, and straddled the line between class and crude. The dress fit her as well as her own skin. everything was exactly where it should be! Her body looked fantastic-- ugh- BEST dress I've seen on a red carpet in a long time!

Another Destiny's Child  family member, Solange Knowles outshone her sis Beyonce in this emerald (on- trend colour) dress with bright coral shoes! I love her style!

Speaking of Beyonce, her body looks AH-mazing, but she is insane to be this under-dressed at the Grammys for crying out loud! Not to mention she was a presenter- and has been out of the spotlight for so long! No excuses. This was a major disappointment.

Someone I can always count on to raise the bar is Machel Montano. His both performances were fantastic and high energy. I love that he did not resort to verbally bashing his main competitor, but paid homage to Super Blue in this provocative choice! Machel is the best entertainer we have. I say so!

For his Groovy performance he wore sparkly jodhpurs! Not the most flattering item of clothing, but a welcomed risk! I just hope he hasn't started a trend with this one.

 

Grammys men won the fashion award in my opinion. They were the risk takers and trendsetters this year. I'm loving the sophisticated take on the white suit! Wiz Kalifa and Host, LL Cool J also wore white.

Best accessory for the night was Trey Songz's pierced bow-tie!! Loved the little accents the the guys wore to accessorize their suits, but this was by far my favourite!

Worst accessorizing had to be done by Carrie Underwood. She is such a poor dresser it bores me to tears. Who helps this poor girl?!! That necklace was like 30 million dollars! Sadly she could have done without it. She succeeded at the impossible task of making a Roberto Cavalli dress look like a lame granny number. Wish she wore her hair up and did something a bit edgier. One word comes to mind every time I see this girl- "lame"

"Lame" is not a word I would use for Destra, however. While her style choices are ALWAYS quite questionable, I must commend her on actually making an effort. This wolf-like jeweled face looked like a bedazzled penis flapping between her legs, but hey- at least the girl has a glam squad! What she needs is a new one, but kudos for taking your presentation seriously! When you decide to change your stylist, "Call my name!" lol. I just had to.



(Machel pictures courtesy Nationnews.com and zimbio.com respectively.
Destra image courtesy Arlene Villarule.)