Nothing Signature about the Signature Collection

`So it's no secret that I've been out of the action lately, but simply put a combination of my personal issues and the lack of me having anything to report about carnival is the cause of this long posting drought.....however, after seeing Saucy's post and pictures about Spice's media launch....I needed to voice my opinion.

To say I am not impressed is an understatement, as a previous Spice supporter and patronizer I am most disappointed in the sneak peak costumes displayed last night. These costumes look like bits and pieces of previous popular costumes stuck together to make an ode to those once hot costumes. It is best they call the theme "Signature Collection: Tribute to Signature Carnival Costumes"

I may sound harsh, but honesty is the best policy, I can condone slight influence from a previous successfully appealing costume, but when i watch a costume see, the blatant copy of one other popular band headpiece( from 2005? ) just in all crystals, a sea salt belt, modification with brighter crystals and cuter... and instead of a headpiece, lets take those feathers and make it into wings!

A headpiece that is a mixture of several costumes, the neck piece which has been redone and killed to death since it came out last July, a flashback of multi-coloured costume, except just not as catchy and an overall, out-of-place flashy sequin bra, blandly pink feathers.... perhaps if the feathers were brighter, the bra a plain silver lame or foil, would enhance the rhinestones, help bring them out...

I'm sorry but I just cannot get hyped for their band launch, I hope there is something else to be revealed at their band launch that can help bring the collection back to signature...

Spice Collection

My Costume - Spice Moroccan Heat

So as many of you may know, I actually thought I was down for the count for Carnival. But by the grace of God I made it and I palancin!!!!!!!!!!
So distrution starts at 12 I was there at 12:30 and there were about 20 people already. These people not playin nah! lol There were only 2 cashiers, Anya at Cash and another at Linx. I guess that because all the others did not come to cash until 12:45 or so!
Anywho the ballroom is layed out with Rocky handing out chits, the chairs to sit while waiting to collect, then there is the Last Call Costumes Bay which people who now want a costume can get one, I saw 5 people over there. There is the Express Collection where she looks over your bill and signs.
Now onto the costume. When I went to get the costume now, my cuz workin the distribution lmao as well as 2 friends on is a cashier the other in repairs. Anywho I get my costume the belt fits lovely the headpiece wonderful, bra cups and band fit wonderful until we reach the top of the bra with the halter neckpiece.
It was too long so I had to take in repairs, waited for a 10mins for them to finish the repairs they were working on and my friend hook me up! niceness in 10mins i was ready to head across....low and behold Carnival Kicks has a booth at collection! complete with boots, no prices lol to sell! So while yuh waitin on your band you taking in boots....niceness lmao.
Got my band and goody bag and was on my way. All in all collection took an hour. But Im glad I got to see Caspian sea fl backpack which is gorgeous and the fl to my costume, Moroccan Heat, which the flho said the backpack heavy...between you and me she may be a first timer lmao!

The costume is absolutely gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In fact the belt is even prettier than the prototype, the colour is rich and I am excited!!!!!I must say the quality of Spice's costumes have improved drastically then last year and not one single thing dropped from costume, nothing!!! and trust me I played around with it plenty!


So the only qualm is the goody bag...is a recessionary goody bag, at least they put the sunblock in there eh! Thank God!!!!


All in all Spice gets a thumbs up for collection!

Bags Done so Far!

Hi Guys, so here are some pics of a few bags done for carnival...much more to come in January, I've got a lot of incomplete bags, so be on the look out for more stuff!

SPICE- Gates of Petra

SPICE- Greece

SPICE-Wings of Isis

TRIBE - Threads of Morocco

TRIBE - Osage

Island People - Bindi

SPICE - Thailand

TRIBE - Osage

Island People - Mudra

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!

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!"

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

Spice Website Apology

Spice just sent this message on Facebook because for the whole day anytime I checked the website I was seeing that foolish note

"Hey Spice Peeps,

We have been working feverishly behind the scenes to get our website up and running today however due to unforeseen technical problems with our servers the launch of the website has been somewhat delayed.

For this we sincerely apologize and assure you that the website will be fully operational by tomorrow for viewing and online registration.

Our goal at Spice Carnival, since our inception, is to ensure that you, our masqueraders, have the best possible Carnival experience with unsurpassed service and beautiful costumes that are second to none.

This is our guarantee to you and we continue to work tirelessly to make your Carnival 2010, your best ever!

We wish thank you for you support and patience.

Regards,
The Spice Team"s

Now, Spice,you would've had time to short out your technical difficulties if you didn't decide to do everything simultaneously and opened up prices and website this weekend like us potential and past masqueraders asked/suggested!
I am holding all my comments till my visit to the camp tomorrow. Unfortunately I got held back by the rain today. Such is life.

Spice has commented

On their Facebook Fan Page yesterday Spice Carnival said :

"Hello all, the prices on the blog are not official prices... The prices will be officially published on Monday 10th August on www.spicecarnivalband.com."

My only qualm is why open camp,website, registration and release prices all on the same day. I personally believe the prices should've been released today along with mas camp being open for viewing costumes, therefore giving persons ample time to really decide what costume you want and to organise funds over the weekend. Well I hope that the prices come out early Monday morning.

Spice yuh on shit!

Yes I said it!!! SPICE is on SHIT!!! You know why?! I 'll tell you why those m.c. prices are too outrageous for a new band such as themseleves to be having! YEAH you in demand and YEAH your costumes nice, but I am not and I repeat not amused nor satisfied at all!!!!! I paid $3975 this year for my FL which was great, last year their highest priced FL was $4800....so whats up with the 1200-2000 increases jed?Just remember Spice demand is a funny thing and just as quick as it rise it d same way it will fall!!!

The Gladiator Footpiece Trend

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b
So was it just me or did anyone else notice the gladiator style footpieces this year in Spice and TRIBE's costumes?
Is this going to become a new trend? What do you think about? Do you like it or not?

Do you like the gladiator styles footpieces?
	Yes
	No
	I don't care
Free polls from Pollhost.com

Some more Spice Pics

All Images Are Property of Photography by Devi Nath!

These pictures are fantastic!!!! Wow...check more of them out here

Spice....yuh stickin

Over the past few days, my friends and I have been eagerly awaiting Spice's prices....but alas no prices...Last year the band also launches on the 19th which was a Saturday the website was up by the time I came home from the launch and prices were up by the Friday!!!!
So what happen this rounds? I've been nice but we about to go into August and registration is supposedly Monday...as in Monday the 3rd! As in the Monday after this weekend and we have yet to get a message from Spice on anything regarding registration.....so I'll say it again.... and this time not so nice....(takes a deep breath woosah mimi woosah) Spice where is the F@$%in prices...lmao

Spice Website and Other Info

(click all pics to get larger)


So guys spice has moved from it's location on Tragarete Road to Upper Rosalino Street....interesting. Also the mas camp is open from Monday coming for viewing, Website launch is 3rd of August, which leads me to believe registration starts either on that day or soon after.

You can watch Spice's online book here.

But I have a question. In the picture below Moroccan Heat has a backpack, but in the book there is no back pack! Is the back pack optional? We'll find out!

___________________________________________________________________

Now in non Spice news, Tribe Band launch is Saturday, Non masquerader tickets were officially sold out since the weekend, not sure about the others. I won't be attending, but once pics are up I will comment on the costumes. Saucy however is going to TRIBE launch, so more than likely she'll keep you updated
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BBM news is Boots for 2k10!!!! The official boots for 2010 Info. This is only for Trinidad and Tobago, boots can also be ordered for other carnivals, but orders must be made 3 weeks or more before Carnival date and will only come up to size 10!

Purple Wedge Heel Boot
Perfect for Spice Costume Greece
TRIBE costume Tyrain Purple
Price : TT$350
Code: C01W
sizes 6, 6.5,7,7.5,8,8.5,9,9.5,10

Wedge Heel Boot

Price : TT$350
Code: C02W
sizes 6, 6.5,7,7.5,8,8.5,9,9.5,10

Teal Flat heeled Boot
Perfect for Spice costume - Wings of Isis
Price- $350
Code- C01F
sizes 6, 6.5,7,7.5,8,8.5,9

White wedge heeled Boot
Perfect for Spice costume - Ceylon Pearls
TRIBE- Eri
Price- $350
Code- C03W
sizes 6, 6.5,7,7.5,8,8.5,9,9.5,10

Orange Flat heeled buckled Boot
Perfect for Spice costume - Moroccan Heat
TRIBE- Osage
Price- $350
Code- C02F
Sizes- 5.5,6,6.5,7

Gray Flat heeled Boot
Perfect for Tribe Costume Eri
Price- $350
Code- C04F
sizes 6.5,7,8,8.5,9,10,11

Pink Flat Heeled Boots
Price- $350
C03F
sizes 6, 6.5,7,7.5,8,8.5,9,10,11


Yellow Flat Heeled Boots
Price- $350
C05F
sizes 6, 6.5,7,7.5,8,8.5,9,10,11

Pink Flat Heeled Boots
Price- $350
C06F
sizes 6, 6.5,7,7.5,8,8.5,9,10,

White Flat Heeled Boots
Price- $350
C07F
sizes 6, 6.5,7,8,8.5,9,

Purple Flat Heeled Boots
Price- $350
C08F
sizes 6, 6.5,7,7.5,8,8.5,9,,10

Boot purchasing faqs and tips:

• Purchase boots a size larger than you regular shoes size to enable room for the toes
• Insoles should be purchased
• Boots can be spray painted to change the colour

The boots will be available by order only! Most boots run from sizes 7 - 11.
To make an order, you must send an email or fill out boot order form on BBM website

• The name and colour of boots
• Your name
• Your Address
• Your email and telephone contact

After you will receive an email acknowledging your order. Then, proceed to down pay on your boot order, the minimum down payment is TT$100. or US$15 per boot and must be paid via *Money Gram,* Western Union or in Person. Your order will only be processed once the down payment is made.
If the down payment is not made in 5days your order will be automatically cancelled.
All Boots have a Flat PriceTT$350

The First 10 orders will receive a free pair of Dr. Scholl's Insoles!
All Boot orders must be made by September 13th 2009!!!!
Order quickly to ensure you get your size!