And It Continues...

So much thanks to everyone who commented on my last blog about Afro chic decorating wire bras. My friend emailed her on my behalf and seems like things are a go on that end :D.

Next up on the list are my boots and my monday waistband.

I plan to reuse my Monday boots from last year for Monday Mas again this year, but after last year's spray paint debacle i was in dire need of new tuesday boots. Just fyi....when decorating suede boots it is advisable to use FABRIC spray paint and NOT the regular spray paint. Lesson learnt! lol

I decided to step my game up a notch and go for wedge heel boots. I think I can handle it as my go-to pr of boots this last winter were wedges and I walked 20 mins to school in them on some mornings. It's really amazing the difference a wedge heel makes versus a regular heel of the same height. it feels as if you're wearing flats. I have narrowed my choices down to these three (see below) and will sleep on it and make a decision in the morning.

Amazon: $20.00

Go Jane: $30.80

Amazon: $22.99

My Monday belt will be pretty simple. It was inspired by the belly chains I've seen my Nigerian friends wearing. I just hope I'm skilled enough to pull off the design I have in mind lol. tomorrow I'm going to the bead shop to see if they have anything that will match Dubai. Hopefully I get these things out the way quickly so I can move on to my Monday headpiece!

The Quest for Monday Fabulousity:Pt 1

This is all i want...this style frame..decorated in my Dubai colors. So why is this whole 'find-a-wire-bra-designer-process becoming so gosh darned stressful?!

Now first off...TRIBE you should have made a wire bra option available. That would have definitely made things easier and I don't mind forking out an extra hundred or so US for said bra.

Secondly...why is it so hard to find a designer/wire bender to just make what you want. To date I have msged (or rather a friend did on my behalf to keep me anonymous :D) Darrel Bluze, Designing Daryl, Akin Ross and even the samba costumes guy.

Darrel Bluze is the designer of this frame and judging from his work he seems quite able to design what I need. He quoted me a price of $120US. I am based abroad and as he seems very hesitant to communicate via email this poses some problems. I emailed him initially and called when he requested, however after I sent a subsequent email minutes later based on our conversation he clearly did not remember who I was. He responded asking me to call him to discuss price etc, stuff that had already been settled during the first phone call :S If I was physically in trini I wouldn't mind taking a chance but I cant do much checking up from here so that option is out.

Designing Daryl told me his prices START at $125US. I sent him a photo of the frame I wanted only for him to respond saying basically that the design I wanted was shitty and he doesnt do work like that....I'm kidding! He didn't say shitty...just that his designs are 'far more elaborate'. Still contemplating this option....He told me to look at his designs that were featured on Saucy's page which I did. I kinda want something more naked than what I've seen from him so far. And I would feel kinda shame to tell him that, which is why I havent responded to him yet lol.

Akin Ross said his wire bra's are $185US and come with boy shorts and a matching neckpiece. Now I dont know where the boyshorts and neckpiece come in because I already have my extra bikini bottom and accessories lined up but w/e. $185 is definitely way...WAY out of my price range.

The Samba Costmes guy is not taking any custom orders... :(

So basically I am back at square one and contemplating just buying some wire and doing my own thing. If my last option doesnt pan out I just may end up doing so. In anycase I already have to make my own circlet/small headpiece since I got blanked from TRIBE. Not too sure why, as the girl just said 'the small headpiece is not an option for that costume' when i clearly didnt ask for it as an 'option' but an addition..o well...its honestly not that difficult to make one and trying to buy it from them was pure laziness.

BUT if anyone knows someone who would just make the bra frame I

want, no questions asked and no ridic price tag let me know!!!

Anyways fingers crossed I get this wire bra situation sorted out asap so I can focus on my Mon/Tues boots and Monday wear waistband! Yes I said waistband...I did say I was going all out right ;)

Monday Wear for SouthBeach/Dubai

Monday Wear - South Beach/Dubai by CarnivalBaby featuring a bikini swimwear

Early bird? Possibly. But I do not want to end up like I did last year. I ordered my Monday Wear at the very last minute and wasted $70 on a gold bikini that looked more Charlotte street quality than anything else. Also ordered my boots at the last minute only to realise that they were suede and not leather/pleather (how could i overlook that?!) and I didnt have time to get the spray paint for suede before I left for Trini. For the record NEVER use regular spray paint on suede, talk about a hot mess!
This year I promised myself that I will be better prepared and that I'll have all my stuff in order by December...we'll see how that goes~

Of course I will not be chippin anywhere in heels, those will probably be replaced by gold wedge heeled boots. AND all this is still dependent on if I end up in TRIBE or not... What with all this time on my hands and Polyvore being my new toy I can see myself doing more of these little creations, especially as I just realised I can clip my own pictures so persons will be able to find the actual source for the item.

Peer Pressure

South Beach Individual

After Saturday's launch I was adamant that I did not want play with TRIBE next year. I felt a little pressured to buy frontline as their backline costumes look kinda blah and under-decorated. Quite frankly the only backline I like is Santorini and I played in Amazon last year so that's out. Even when it comes to the frontline costumes the only one I couldsee myself in is South Beach, and I think part of that is because I missed Carnival the year that Charmeuse was an option. Also, I am not a fan of how crowded TRIBE felt last year and was willing to give BLISS' alleged intimate vibe a try.

Fast forward to today. The same friend who said she got our link lined up and BLISS was a surety goes,

"I'm not sure I want the intimate experience, I'm checking with
our TRIBE link to see if we can pre-register"

*blank stare*

I am the only non-TRIBE loyalist in my group of mas playing friends and it didn't click that this could be a deciding factor until today. I would much rather go with BLISS or YUMA but thats not going to work unless I have company. So for now I have to keep my fingers crossed that BLISS' costumes blow TRIBE's out of the water otherwise I just may end up with them again next year. Le sigh!

Dear TRIBE: I am NOT Impressed

I do believe that I may get some flack from TRIBE loyalists for this post, but I have to be honest with myself here. TRIBE disappointed me this year. I don't think that asking for some creativity or something 'out of the box' is too much. Last year TRIBE delivered everything I wanted and more and actually stayed true to their warrior theme. Silly me believed that this year would be similar.

My first issue is with staying true to the theme. Honestly those costumes are so run of the mill that they could be from any section in any band and for any theme. So the majority of the costumes look more or less like versions of each other in different colors, except for South Beach and Dubai which are the same colors in different designs -_- . Let me explain that statement. Its not that I am saying the costumes are exactly alike, but because they all have the same bikini, beads, feathers basis other than the colors there's little else to tell them apart. I also saw some repetition and similarities with 2011 presentations, See below for Exhibit A.

Gabrielle's Costume

This basically looks like YUMA's Scorpio version 2.0. Its like they took his leg and arm pieces...

and then the rest from this costume

tweaked it a lil and voila!

Now to all those who are saying TRIBE copied YUMA. Please recall that as I pointed out previously the designers who did Scorpio also did the very similar Spangled Cotinga, so if you want to go that way TRIBE copied YUMA who copied TRIBE :S

-----

South Beach looks a little Charmeuse meets Amazon/Amazonia.

South Beach pictured below

When I first saw this costume I was drawn to the wire bra, because its really well decorated. Then I realized it looks just like Amazonia's frontline bra. Strangely enough I cannot find a pic of anywhere on the web, hence the use of Amazon's frontline pic. The bottom is also essentially the same as Amazon's down to the triangle it forms on the back, however I was unable to get a back view to show you guys. May I take a guess that Lana Nobrega designed this costume?

Even Sandra Hordatt's Cyprus is bringing back memories. Take a look at YUMA's Leo frontline. See the uber naked back view. This post will be updated as soon as i can locate a back view of Cyprus, but again....very similar

This costume reminds me of TRIBE 2009 when it appeared that either a shipment of embellishments was lost or they were trying to cut costs with under decorated costumes. And of course the colors remind me of Osage.

Fiji is pretty but hypothetically speaking if I were to get this costume I would probably get my own backpack made, as for some reason this costume looks kinda naked. Maybe its that I'm not a fan of these mohawk headpieces, I prefer the more full ones that cover the entire head.

I wasn't interested in any of the other costumes other than Santorini and I couldn't find a pic of that on the web as yet.

Mention must be made of the lack of backline costumes. Firstly if the backline costumes are scaled down versions of what I saw last night then I am not looking forward to seeing them lol. there's barely anything to scale back! Secondly, how on earth do you have a band launch sans backline when the majority of you customers will be playing backline??? Don't get it at all.

Overall I do agree that that the costumes are pretty but they just don't get me excited like Way of the Warrior did. There's nothing there that looks 100% original and never before seen and I guess I had TRIBE up on a pedestal as it pertains to costume design. As I told a friend last night, next year just may meet me jumping up in an Angry Birds costume :P

Modern Day Torture

Yes TRIBE, give us a teaser...thats 80% black and white and grey...and a tad blurred/out of focus at times lol. I feel like I'm practically salivating..chomping at the bit. I WANT MORE!

OMG tho did you guys see those HUGE white wings on that costume. I think that's one of Sandra Hordatt's sections. . Knowing her penchant for uber sexy costumes this year she could quite possibly present a front line costume with a C string or a tapasexo. For the 5th? time I am really looking foward to Saturday, I can't wait to see the rest of the designs!

SIDENOTE:
Are TRIBE models required to sign confidentiality agreements? So many of them are on my bbm, facebook etc and not one peep from them on the theme and designs..

Also I think i caught a glimpse of the alleged animal print costume...between that and the pink its going to be a close call for me!

O well, 3 days to Take Off!

Straight from the Horse's Mouth

Earlier today TRIBE replied to my tweet and confirmed that BLISS will in fact have a separate band launch from TRIBE. As it is presumably more hassling to have two public launches I am now wondering if BLISS may have a smaller maybe invitation only launch? Also concerned about how this bodes for my C2K12 band selection. My intention and I'm sure the intention of many other prospective masqueraders, was to decide which band to play in based on their costumes. If BLISS launches at a later date I may have to make a decision on whether or not to forgo TRIBE without even seeing BLISS' costumes. I'm going to cross my fingers that BLISS launches prior to TLC registration for TRIBE, otherwise is pressure!

P.S. kudos to TRIBE on their swift reply, I must say I wasn't really expecting to get a reply this soon.

"Take Me To"

So its official(ish) that TRIBE's theme for 2K12 is "Take Me to", Saucy was right as always!

Dear TRIBE:
Take me to Rio or Dubai or Vegas baby!!!! *Ready for mas again!*

TRIBE is playing with my emotions

No seriously lol. Just few minutes ago I tweeted about TRIBE not having any leaks or hints or anything this year. I mean everyone else is putting out teasers and they were staying mum. Its been driving me crazy!!!.

I guess they read my mind because a few minutes later up pops the flyer for their band launch on my facebook feed.



Now my mind is racing! My friend jokingly suggested TRIBE was about to have us chipping in flight attendant costumes lol. I doubt. I'm more thinking 'destinations' but didn't they sort of do that already with their 'Secret of Silk' in 2010? I don't know what else it could be...but they definitely have my mind in overdrive!

**Edit**. I knew I was missing out on someone's destination type presentation. I just remembered TRIBE's first band was 'Tribal Fantasy' in 2005. That was also the first time they had an Amazon/Amazonia section. If they really do destinations for 2012 it will be interesting to compare the two presentations. I also hope they avoid the Moroccan, Egyptian, Saharan etc costumes and styles that we've seen so many times over the years, from not just TRIBE but other bands like Island People, and really step out of the box and showcase other cultures/destinations. Of course all this is based on a big IF I am right about their theme!

TRIBE:Way of The Warrior 2K11 Experience

How funny that my first year playing mas my #1 costume pick, Tribe's Amazon ended up being my costume. Will be forever greatful to my friend and her links for this experience, cuz of course since around 2008 getting into TRIBE minus a TLC card is only possible if you have that good good pre-registration hook-up! Strangely enough I had no real intentions of playing mas this year, compared to other years where I registered and then sold my costume (will always regret not playing in Water Nymph!) or contemplated playing with other bands....and then said nahhh


So because I tend to b a lil blonde at times, silly me didnt let one of my friends pick my costume up, but instead waited til I got home to go collect it. Collection was smooth-ish. They go by this chit system that if applied properly would make sense, but on this day for some reason they waited til they had a lot of people present and then started handing out chits so of course everybody rushed and the expected ' we were here first and they get chits before us' arguments started with one particular woman threatening to 'get beetham on them' *bbm scared face*

Then a few hours wait for my chit no to be called, but after that things moved smoothly until....the TRIBE Distribution lady came out holding my costume box and NO HEADPIECE. Fifteen minutes later and still no headpiece but the very nice lady keeps coming back to reassure me that 'the issue with my costume' was being sorted out. Eventually she comes up with a large headpiece (i had ordered a small) and told me that it was on the house and apologizes profusely. Now while this issue was dealt with swiftly and promptly and I LOVED my new headpiece, other masqueraders were not so lucky. While I was there there were a LOT of Iroquois masqueraders who were upset about their missing headpieces as well as the guy next to me was somehow registered for a wrong section in error by TRIBE and had to take a costume from another section. I'm not sure what it was about this year, if by bringing out two bands maybe they stretched their resources too thin but from the get go there were quite a few hiccups.

I had a great time on the road Monday, and have absolutely no complaints, the wait to cross the stage wasnt too bad, drinks were flowing, my lunch (pelau) tasted great and OMG those cocktails they served after lunch were divine! Some people complained about the length of time we stayed at the rest stop but I honestly feel like for me at least that was necessary for me to last the rest of the day on the road.

Tuesday...blehh...the wait to get to the stage was borderline ridic, no fault of Tribe's I know but I really wish that the powers that be would allow the drinks trucks to remain with the masqueraders until they actually go on stage as opposed to turning off beforehand. My stage experience on Tuesday wasnt all that either. Monday they held my section back until the stage was clear then let us go all at once so we got that euphoric burst onto the stage. I jus remember feeling this huge release and understanding that yes THIS was what the savannah stage was all about, niceness! Tuesday....there was a truck mix up..they started letting Amazon on then Hoppa had to tell the security no and call us back. Then when we did get on you could barely hear the music for some reason...and i dunno..it just didnt have that climax like Monday. Also there were nuff BLISS masqueraders with us..chippin wit the band..inside the rope mind you, getting drinks by the truck..and crossing, yes i said it crossing the stage with us as well. Now my thing is, if you pay for the ultra exclusive experience, because TRIBE is too big and what not then STAY with your ultra exclusive band nuh. Then people wonder how TRIBE ran out of food monday. well obviously if BLISS folks were up in the mix there wouldnt be enough food because they simply didnt cater for that.

What else...there was no announcement when the trucks started pulling off after lunch, so lo and behold by the time we get ourselves together the last truck is announcing that its leaving. Now this truck had some difficulties rounding a corner and ended up getting left behind, but the masqueraders that were left waited on it. Now imagine our surprise when this truck starts speeding off leaving us to literally run behind it to catch up to the band. and that set the trend for the rest of the day cuz from then on it was either the band not moving at all or they speeding :S. BUT I still had fun, I mean neverending Johnnie, sexy TRIBE men and that god send that is the TRIBE cool zone was all i needed to keep me happy lol. Until the storming started...I dunno if security was only hired to work until sunset but after it got dark had rel unsavory band-less types all up on the truck and smack in the middle of the sections as if they pay they money too. meanwhile security chippin right next to them holding the rope...make sense to u? no right.

O and as for my costume...smh..stuff was falling off before I even tried anything on. Monday Wear moved from an option to a necessity simply because there was no way that costume could have taken two days of jammin. I was chippin on the road and shedding beads all over lol. Thankfully not in obvious places but..yeh...better glue next time por favor!

Now being the unfit lazy person I am I just couldnt make with the after party, but kudos Tribe cuz the security to get in were not playing games, talking about 5 diff ppl checking your bands b4 they let you in and party had bare vibes, next yr when i'm a lil more fit I will take full advantage lol

All in all I had a great time BUT I really hope TRIBE takes note of what their masqueraders are saying and get these issues addressed and fixed in time for next year. And note I said addressed because to me it seems that they have been strangely silent post-carnival in light of all this feedback that they have been getting. I mean can we get a little email self saying that you guys acknowledge there were glitches and are working on them? That being said...I look forward to bigger and better things from TRIBE for Carnival 2012. Even with these little issues they are still my #1 :)