The Backline/Homemade Individual or Individualized Backline

So I read Saucy's post today and I have to say that after reading that and the comments, the 'Backline Individual' talk has gone too far. Being one of the people who was present in CBOX and initiated the 'Backline Individual' talk I think I need to lay down my opinion on this issue.

The Backline or Homemade Individual or Individualized Backline or what ever you want to call it is basically, when someone has a backline costume and add something extra which makes a noticeable but PLEASENT change in their backline costume. BIs are not meant to take over, overpower or push up themselves infront of their section, frontliners or individuals, as I said on the SPICE FB discussion board, they did not buy the right to do so. After FHOs and indis pay TT5k+ for their costumes, BIs have no right to push to be infront because its simply not your place.

I don't know about others, but I know the reason why I am adding a BackPack, is that I could have afforded Frontline, but simply I have other priorities and that 2K could and has been used in other areas, however I want to add a little extra so I am making a small shoulder backpack to satisfy my want of having a personalized costume. Maybe the reasons why people are looking to this phenomenon is simple maybe they couldn't have afforded a Frontline or maybe they just express themselves as a creative individual or they find their costume lacking. Perhaps if bands start introducing more options then this can decrease the number of persons wanted to take up the BI approach.

Two questions that keeps coming up are: How much is too much? and Should you contact your Band to inform them of Your customization?

In my opinion, I think that once the original costume is not recognizable or looks cosquelle, its too much. When customizing try to get the right colours and trims to match your costume, don't put brown feathers on a yellow costume,etc.

With respect to informing your band however, in my utmost honest opinion I don't find it necessary, simply because I am paying for it and when I paid and signed that dotted line, there was no fine print or contractual obligation that stated I cannot add extras. In my eyes its like buying a car, if you buy it and add rims, flare kit and spoiler, can they do something about it?

Wee International Taking a Step up!

Normally when people say wee international I usually think WTF? However of the past few years they've been in operation, they've built a following and clearly building up a better design team! No longer are there much "WTH" designs but more along the lines of "This can work!"

Check out the article!

First bag of the season sewn!

Hiya guys!

So I got my new machine and sewed my first bag of the season for Threads of Morocco!

bags in the container waiting to decorate

So as most of you know, my sewing machine died this vacation, I ran through 2 machines in 9months! So i knew it was time to step up to a fully industrial machine. I searched and searched and finally found the one for me the yamata fy8500!

This machine is a God send! It sails through layers of fabric like nothing and my God is it fast, took me a while to get accustomed to it! In the end when I got the hang of it finished a bag in 5 minutes!!! Now that's a record!! I love my machine!!!!

the workstation/ my new machine!

These boots are made for walkin!....sure as hell not limpin

So Its now 4 months and some weeks till Carnival 2010. Most of you should have started getting things together or now starting to by now. I must admit I'm moving a little slow this year, but I've got the ideas, just haven't done them all.

So far I've got

• Monday wear idea
• Backpack idea
• Boots
• Make up appointment
  
• Diet and exercise starts today.

I got my boots yesterday!!!! I am hopping on board the wedge boot train! This pair is also featured in my boot catalogue, I have to admit I've had my heart set on them for a while now, but they kept coming in and out of stock so quickly! But finally I got my pair.

The boots came in a full length box, here I was wondering why in the hell postage was so expensive. The boots have a full length zip on the inner side as well as the lace up front so you can determine how tight you want your boots to be. The only problem is that the size runs a bit small so it fits more like a half size smaller. But they are really comfy though

Most boots, the top of the boots are hard/stiff.

This can pose a problem on the road as chippin is basically on the ball of your foot and your foot may slide forward. Thus bringing back memories of days when I used to do point ballet....enough said lol.

So here are some pointer and things you should invest in.

Gel Toe Pads

These gel pads cover your toes and protect your toes from blisters and pain.
Gel toe pads are mostly used by dancers especially for point shoes to protect their feet from blisters and ease the pain from being on pointe.

Please if you do decide to invest in them do some research look for reviews.

Please ensure you buy GEL toe pads as they provide more support than foam or cushion pads.Lamb's Wool toe pads are good too.

Danztech Skinny Dip Toe Pads are really good and they relatively cheap, under $10US

You can get them from

Discount Dance Supply

Dance Wear solutions

Another solution, use band aids and wrap them around the toe that can also prevent blisters.

Band aids can also help when back of your foot uncomfortably rubs against the boots, place a band aid over it and voila! instant comfort!!!

New Band Alert!!!!!.....and they sting!!!

Hiya!!!

So yuh gyul reall looking through the Sunday Express Woman Mag and comes across a whole 2 page spread with carnival costumes from a newbie band called Scorpion Mas.

"Calvin French captures the sexy looks of the Carnival 2010 Season by Scorpion Mas, in their Treasures Of The Desert presentation. Brilliant and Fresh, these costumes range the cool, easy Desert Explorer to the sensational Cactus Flower and Oil sections. Calvin's vision covers the future of fashion for Carnival 2010"

Trinidad Express Woman Magazine, Sunday 27th September 2009"

So now that they've shared this lovely little tidbit with about zero information I then went looking around but when I tell yuh like this scorpion mixed with cameleon, not one piece of info on this band at all!!!! not even on Macobook!!!(GASP) I'll scan and upload the rest of the pics later guys!

Jinglin down d road!

Hiya guys! I know its been a while, but BLINKin TSTT internet was acting up i time, so I had to switch to flow. You could believe BLINK had the audacity to have hooked up our internet connection with old wires. Steups. Anyway

Carnival is coming fast and furious and a lot of ladies and gents are getting on the band wagon of preparing accessories from early o'clock! Hey I am all for that! So with the plethora of Asian themed bands its only right that those of us in Trinidad say amen to finally being able to put those Indian trade shows to good use!!!

I see a lot of people are jumping up with the beaded shoes and flats trend for Carnival. I personally wouldn't do it, I think there is a limit to accessorizing trumps comfort, and this is one of those times, I know I totally would not be comfy in that! But for those of you who are, how about getting a little creative with your footwear.

Suggestion

Purchasing a flat ballet shoe

you can get a pair in the following colours from Kali Shoes from 5.5 straight up to 11! for USD$7.95 -USD$8.50

black

pink

green

gold

yellow

purple

blue

silver

white

brown

red

nailheads

rhinestuds

Heading down to your local craft store stocking up on rhinestones, rhinestuds. nailheads, trims whatever you so desire and decorating your flats, that way you get to keep the creativity and fun of decorating your footwear.

I have noticed that a lot of costumes this year have gold rimmed rhinestones and rhinstuds/nailheads. Some you may be wondering what is the difference between rhinestones and rhinestuds, well rhinesotnes are crystals but rhinestuds are like flat backed metal embellishments shaped and coloured to look similar to rhinestones. For instance Loulan has gold rectangle nailheads. Rhinestuds/nailheads are great embellishments to accessorize your boots, sneakers or flats because they look good and are cheap!

Also to keep in theme with your costumes, especially those in Island People beaded arms bands should be on your accessory list. Just head on down to your local Indian Trade show if your in T'dad or you can look online in any Belly Dance shop!

Update on Boots

Due to increase in shipping costs, Effective from October 1st boot prices will be
Flat -$375-$400
Wedge - $425-$450

Check out some new boots added to the BBM boot catalogue!

Almost sold out sections in SPICE

So there have been a few people asking about spice and what is sold out...so for those of you who think you have months to wait if you want in on the following sections...

"Driselle Ramjohn sent a message to the members of SPICE CARNIVAL 2010 - The Spice Route!!!!!!

--------------------
Subject: Spice Carnival costumes going fast!

Hey Spice Peeps,

Just letting you all know Thailand, Wings of Isis, Rubies of Mumbai, China and Greece are almost sold out online...however you can still get your sizes @ our showroom...make sure you secure your first choice early!

You can message me right here on facebook or e-mail me at pr@spicecarnivalband.com if you have any questions or queries!

Thanks much!"

I just have one question....since when China was on the scene? I though China Female was scrapped...as in never to be seen again?

My Letter to Spice

Now even though I am registered and I support them in all that they do, I cannot take their lack of communication and accomodation for certain bra sizes. I have given Spice enough time to send out a message about certain things, but all Driselle Ramjohn seems to send out is about section launching at prive and updated closing times. Simple put it annoys me that up to now Spice has not sent masqueraders a proper message about registration and prices. I am routting for Spice but they've got somethings to learn.

So here is my letter to spice, I know they ain't ging to reply but I know they'll read it.

"Hello, I have been meaning to write you guys a message for a while now concerning you lack of accommodation for certain bra sizes and lack of communication. Up to now, I have YET to receive a message about registration details! I have YET to receive a message about prices! That is just unsatisfactory! After the great and timely service you gave for 2009 what happened? Please you need to buck up on that! Why is it that frontline bras go up to 36c I can understand in terms of the monokinis, but regular bras, such as Caspian Sea, Rubies of Mumbai and Rome should go up to the same size as backline bras! Also Why are persons NOT allowed to bring in their own bra to decorate!! Honestly you guys need to be more accommodating because a lot of people are upset and unimpressed with you guys as a band about this issue, because simply put it is not done. No other band I know about rejects people even bringing in their bras for you to decorate if you don't carry their size. I am telling you as it is, a lot of people are turned OFF from the band because of that. This is not a hate mail or anything, I am just a concerned masquerader routing for you guys to be the best!"

Costume Swapping has begun

carnival junction done start to light up with costume swaping...I say give it a few days for sales! lol

But I didnt know carnival jucntion become ebay since when you does sell Iphone n ting!

Eye shadow : A bloggers experience

Hi guys....So I want to hear from you about the best brand of eye shadow you use on the road! In the meanwhile take a look at the collage from Queen of Blending

Spice mas camp special opening hours for tomorrow

Hi Spice Peeps,

Just letting you all know that the Spice Mas Camp/Showroom will be closing @ 6pm tomorrow (Saturday 15th August, 2009) instead of the usual 8pm. This closing time will be for tomorrow ONLY.

The Mas Camp will be open as usual from 12 noon.

Normal Mas Camp hours are from 12 pm - 8pm and this will resume after tomorrow.

We apologise for any inconvenience and we thank you for your support and understanding.

Regards,

The Spice Team
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device available from bmobile.

Can you guess the costume?

Hiya my bloggers!!!

SO remember I told you that there will be competitions, well we've passed 25000 visits, so it is long overdue!!!!

So here's the competition

You must guess the costume in the following pictures

The person with the correct answer will be given EITHER ONE of the following:

• Bag compliments BBM

                    or

• A Survivor Pack Basic

                    or

• 1 Bottle of Fletch Dry Waterproofing Powder

Send in your answers to bagsbymimi@hotmail.com with the subject "costume guess" with the following

Name:

Contact:

Answers: 

Hint: Not all costumes are 2010

My Spice Mas Camp Visit

So I visited the spice camp today to register for my Moroccan Heat Backline...yes I said Backline, as much as I wanted to do Frontline this coming year and even though I had the money for it, I personally felt that with that 5k+ I could do so many things with it, I've got priorities and playing frontline was not going to help me when I need to get those things done.

So spice mas camp was very nice, still think they need a proper sign than the boat. Any who the registration are and show room are nicely decorated and clean, even saw Rocky doing a little vacuuming. There were quite a few people there about four chicks registering, I must say considering last year when I went and it was empty, they've got a pretty much steady flow of people. Nicholas and Rocky were basically the PR people, they stood and answered your questions.

The registration process itself took about 10 minutes because they make you try on a bra to ensure your bra for the road fits, they also show you the bottom pieces to make sure you get the right size.

The costumes are all displayed, some on mannequins and some on the wall. Only backlines were displayed
Adulis
Still love this costumes, it is beautiful it would look really nice on the road, I love the headpieces and 'space' bra as people have dubbed it, is nice, simple and effective. The only thing I worry about is the footpieces with those beads, wouldn't it be annoying with that swinging back on your legs all the time? I don't know maybe its just me. At $3795, It's a good option in my opinion.

Ratnapura
Up to this day I still can't spell that damned costume properly.
Anyway, I don't care what anyone says this costume is cute! It is very skimpy but I think it would look good on all skin tones. Does anyone else feel like saying midnight bloom when they see it? It is the section I can still see young ones going for and those who don't like too much fuss.

Wings of Isis
This costume is sooo blinged out its not funny, bling is everywhere!I can totally understand why this is $3795.However I think this will be a stocking ripper. I love this costume, but the two wholes in the front where the cloth goes just annoys me for some reason. Although i think that cloth looks like you can remove it as I know many of you wish to do.

Thailand
My views on this cotume are still the same I totally love it. It is a gorgeous costume.

Rome
Rome is an iffy one for me, because only certain skin tones will look good in it. Its a pretty costume a little Harts reminiscent. I love the footpieces though.

Caspian Sea
In my opinion this frontline is best value for money! The Backline is also one of the better prices options.

Merchants o Venice
Up close it is a beautiful costume, however the dropping feathers on the head piece is questionable also the frontline back pack looks scanty!

Moroccan Heat
It is beautiful! A lot of intricate beading going on and it very much covers the backside well, I think its another o the better ones.

China
So the whole warrior and princess thing had me confused but the difference is in the headpiece. I still think China is an underestimated costume it is beautifully beaded, just those pieces of silk need to go!

Greece
Gosh this is another blinged costume, I love it, my sister loves it too!!! It has a lot of gems and it simply decorated but very beautiful and offers good coverage. I think its price is justified.

Rubies of Mumbai
One of The Best costumes hands down in the band! I lovee this costume and if I hadn't played red this year I would've been up in that!!!The costume is a rich vibrant red, well jeweled and decorated and one the best values for money in the band!!!

Ceylon Pearls
This backline option or whatever it is being displayed is gorgeous, I absolutely love it, its fully decorated with pearls. I think the backpack could've gotten different type of feathers to make it look fuller.

Gates of Petra
The pink is like a pink bra covered with candyfloss so it has a sparkly sheen, the beads help bring out the pink but not enough for it to look really great on a dark skinned person. But question...where were the footpieces?

Although much effort has been put into the mas camp and so, they completely failed at online public relations. Bands on the whole need to act as though blogs like Saucy's and other carnival enthusiasts do not exist and do their own public relations. Why is it that up to now Spice hasn't sent an official message stating their prices, downpayment fee and accepted methods of payment? By the way they DO NOT take credit card, cash and linx only in the mas camp. PR contributes to overall service and outside of the mas camp and I am not impressed at all! As for the prices, The prices are still the same just in TT, Do I have fool written on my face? After denying that the prices on sauce's blog were official, you come back with practically the same prices! I will say that some costume prices are justified however others are simply unreasonable in my books.Also the idea of prices, registration and website launcing all simultaneously was definitely a ridiculous idea, whoever bright plan that was need a lash. Hopefully Spice has learnt from their mistakes so far and try not to screw up anymore, because I am afraid to think of them losing any more potential masqueraders.


Anyway here is a nice lil joke for allyuh...I just can't go anywhere with my sister

Nicholas Pena looks across at my sister
NP : So what section you playing in?
My sis: Um....Home section
NP looks confused
NP :Excuse me?
My sis: D home section
Silence
Then a smile breaks out on NP face and we start to laugh
NP : Oh ho.....all inclusive or wha?
My sis: Yea complete with Pelau!


Lmao you see why I can't take her backside anywhere

View pics here

TRIBE prices

Tribe Prices!

Charmeuse All Inclusive Package

Floor Member TT$3,795 (US$633)
Floor Member (Large Headpiece) Add TT$200 (US$33)
Frontline TT$5,995 (US$999.)
Male TT$2,895 (US$483)

	Eri All Inclusive Package Floor Member TT$3,550 (US$592) Floor Member (LargeHeadpiece) Add TT$300(US$50) FrontlineTT$5,950 (US$992) MaleTT$2,775 (US$463)

Habotai All Inclusive Package

Floor MemberTT$3,575 (US$596)
Floor Member (Large Headpiece)Add TT$300 (US$50)
FrontlineTT$5,975 (US$996)
MaleTT$2,825 (US$471)

Lapis Lazuli All Inclusive Package

Floor MemberTT$3,725 (US$621)
FrontlineTT$4,250 (US$708)
MaleTT$2,695 (US$449)

Mulberry All Inclusive Package

Floor Member TT$3,650 (US$608)
Floor Member (Large Headpiece) Add TT$275 (US$46)
Frontline TT$5,600 (US$933)
Male TT$2,795 (US$466)

The Mystery of Loulan All Inclusive Package

Floor Member TT$3,750 (US$625)
Frontline TT$5,350 (US$892)
Male TT$2,950 (US$492)

Osage All Inclusive Package

Floor Member TT$3,625 (US$604)
Floor Member (Large Headpiece) Add TT$285 (US$48)
Frontline TT$4,295 (US$716)
Male TT$2,875 (US$479)

Serica All Inclusive Package

Floor Member TT$3,499 (US$583)
Floor Member (Large Headpiece) Add TT$200 (US$33)
Male TT$2,750 (US$458)

Silk of Rajasthan

Floor Member TT$3,550 (US$592)
Floor Member (Large Headpiece) Add TT$300 (US$50)
Male TT$2,795 (US$466)

Threads of Morocco All Inclusive Package

Floor Member TT$3,550 (US$592)
Floor Member (Large Headpiece) Add TT$350 (US$58)
Floor Member (with Wings) Add TT$400 (US$67)
Frontline TT$5,250 (US$875)
Male TT$2,950 (US$492)

Tyrian Purple All Inclusive Package

Floor Member TT$3,575 (US$596)
Floor Member (Large Headpiece) Add $295 (US$49)
Frontline TT$5,595 (US$933)
Male TT$2,850 (US$475)

Xi Ling Shi All Inclusive Package

Floor Member TT$3,695 (US$616)
Floor Member (Large Headpiece) Add TT$295 (US$49)
Frontline TT$5,495 (US$916)
Male TT$2,875 (US$479)

Zari All Inclusive Package

Floor Member TT$3,725 (US$621)
Frontline TT$4,795 (US$799)
Frontline (with Back-pack) TT$5,950 (US$992)
Male TT$2,850 (US$475)