The #Countdown2Carnival is ON!
18 days to be exact. The photo above is a sneak peak of what I will be wearing on the road. Section is the soldout Macaw with Toronto Revellers. I have not played with this band before so this will be a totally new experience for me. Kerwin Du Bois AND Kes the Band will be on the road with them too so I am super excited!
Toronto Carnival Launch
July 5th was the official launch and I was there with one of the newest bands on di scene, Island Vybz. We were introduced to the Face of the Festival Azalea Zoe AND it was announced that the high fences from last year will be taken down (this should be interesting). Nonetheless, check out the video below; it also includes clips captured by CTV and CP24.
If the video link is not visible, please click here: https://youtu.be/_63YlYPy80Q
Participating in Carnival (a.k.a playing mas) allows you to be creative, explore, and have fun. Therefore you have to go big or go home! Your costume is your base but it is up to you to elevate it even further. I receive a lot of questions about where to go and what to do. So below are a few elements that you want to consider when vamping up your carnival look; plus a few places to go or people to see that may help!
My goal here is to get you READY for the road.
My goal here is to get you READY for the road.
Essentials
You SHOULD NOT play mas without the following items:
- Sunscreen
Carnival costumes give pretty bad tan lines!
Carnival costumes give pretty bad tan lines!
- Refillable Bottle or Cup
DO NOT rely on your band to keep you hydrated*
DO NOT rely on your band to keep you hydrated*
- A Bag to secure Identification Card(s), Cash, Keys.
ie. Purse, clutch, wristlet, back pack, fanny pack, - bonus points if it matches your costume!
If your wearing a full face of make up though - this would not be a good idea.
- Sunglasses
Footwear
DO NOT wear your brand new all-white Jordons on the road! HA! You want to wear something comfortable and worn in, something that you don’t mind getting dirty… and ideally something that matches the colors in your costume.
One of the most popular carnival footwear options are boots! They are hard to find during the summer, so be on the look out. Try places like Orfus Road, Urban Planet, and Ardene. I have three new pairs from the Carnival Spice inventory for sale at $10.
Msg me if interested ASAP! Available are:
2 black suede in size 7 (SOLD OUT); 1 beige pleather in size 6.
One of the most popular carnival footwear options are boots! They are hard to find during the summer, so be on the look out. Try places like Orfus Road, Urban Planet, and Ardene. I have three new pairs from the Carnival Spice inventory for sale at $10.
Msg me if interested ASAP! Available are:
Tip: If you plan on wearing boots or sneakers, apply powder to your feet to prevent blisters, wear comfy socks, and if possible add cushioning insoles ***
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| Boots EXAMPLE - I designed them myself (by the way) |
Next is the fun part - decorating! You can spray paint your choice in footwear add glitter, or rhinestones to achieve your carnival look. To find unique gems, feathers, or fabrics, head to your local craft store (ie. Micheals), John Beads Craft Outlet or visit the fashion/fabric district by Queen and Spadina. For more cost-effective options (see photos below) try good ole’ Dollarama.
If you are not the crafty type, there are several companies online that offer this service. Please see some examples below; and I urge you to contact them ASAP:
647-836-9095
@feteinflats
Carnival Kicks
Toronto Carnival Bling
Flag Sneakers
647-9917250
Tights
Tights were never a “thing” in Toronto until recently… probably because there are a lot less belt options, and a lot more spider panties! Tights also provide clean lines and keep everything in tact. Please do not wear your church stockings or pantyhose on the road… they are not the same thing!!!!!!! You can find appropriate/SEAMLESS ones in winners, and/or some lingeries stores.
If you are woman of color, finding tights or fishnets to match your skin tone is challenging! ...Especially the good quality ones you can easily find in Trinidad. Below are a few merchandisers that are selling in Toronto!
If you are woman of color, finding tights or fishnets to match your skin tone is challenging! ...Especially the good quality ones you can easily find in Trinidad. Below are a few merchandisers that are selling in Toronto!
Shades Hosiery Club
Matched For Me
Malabar (limited shades)
14 Mccaul Street at Queen
(416) 598-2581
Jewellery
Most costumes now come with bangles and earrings however you can never have too much. Go big or go home! A lot of stores such as H & M and Aldo are having sales on accessories - perfect opportunity to find pieces to match your costume.
Make - Up
Carnival make up is so much fun to wear and to apply. You can totally get away with big lashes, the brightest color lipstick, and glitter or jewels all over your face! Be creative - there are so many products out there! However, if you want to leave it it up to the professionals, definitely get in touch with one of these awesome ladies below - but do it ASAP:
Mobile Make Up Artists (who can come to you):
Purple Box Mobile
Contact Sasha at 647-408-4090
Royal Artistry
Contact Elle at 226 - 972-9176
On Di Road
You can find Nikki D Make Up in the masquerader assembly area doing make up on site.
Contact Nikki at 416-819-6454
Hair
Your hairstyle will depend on what headgear your wearing (Ie. Tierra, headpiece, head chain). I anticipate that single braids or cornrows will be very popular ESPECIALLY considering how hot this summer has been.
HairKerr
If you are looking for a braider/locstress contact Kerry - Ann at 905-999-4258
Carlene’s Beauty Lounge
For all other hair services contact Carlene at 416-241-5694
Fitness and Nutrition
The video below was filmed last year but includes expert fitness and nutrition principles that STILL apply. Get those bodies RIGHT and TIGHT. Check out how:
If the video link is not visible, please click here: https://youtu.be/INS4Dw4krEA
Body Envy
Contact Trudie German at www.bodyenvy.ca
Soul Fuel
Contact Lisa at info@soulfuelwellness.com
Carnival Spice Dance Fitness Classes
Getcha Caribbean Dance Fitness on with Carnival Spice. Summer classes are running in Brampton, Mississauga, Scarborough, and Downtown, Toronto until July 21st. WE CURRENTLY ARE OFFERING 50% OFF CLASSES***
Reserve your spot here before it’s too late: https://spicejuly.eventbrite.ca
Reserve your spot here before it’s too late: https://spicejuly.eventbrite.ca
Toronto Carnival Run
Once Carnival Spice summer session is complete we would love for everyone to participate on our team for the Toronto Carnival Run taking place Saturday, July 23rd. This is a 5k run or walk meant to encourage wellness and community involvement with a Caribbean carnival theme.
For full run details or to register, click HERE
- Our Team Name is "Di Carnival Spice Crew"
SEE YOU ON THE ROAD JULY 30TH EVERYONE!
The order of the bands on parade day are as follows:
1.Toronto Revellers
2. Saldenah Mas K Club
3. Carnival Nationz
4. Tribal Carnival
5. Fantazia International
6. Durham Mas
7. D'Regulars
8. Concept Creators
9. Island Vybz
10. Sublime Canada
11. Atlantic Mas
12. Carnival Redemption
*I want to be able to find you on the road!
In the comments below, please let me know *
In the comments below, please let me know *
WHO ARE YOU PLAYING MAS WITH & WHAT SECTION?
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| *#TBT - My Look For Toronto Carnival 2015* |
Stay Connected With Me Via:
Twitter: @SimplyShakera
Facebook: SimplyShakera
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SnapChat: Simply Shakera
Email: info@simplyshakera.com
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ReplyDeleteOliviaaaaa!!! How Did It Go??????? ... Hope you got my last minute tips in time! <3
DeleteHappy New Year Olivia!
DeleteFirst, I would like to say I absolutely love your blog! Every single spread is giving me life and you deliver each of them with such knowledge and enthusiasm. I spotted it somewhere on instagram and I have no regrets clicking on the link! Keep them coming!
ReplyDeleteSecond, this year I am playing with Carnival Nationz in section called Australian King Macaw. I just registered 2 weeks ago. I am really and truly indecisive! At first I was thinking Scarlet Macaw because red looks good on a lot of people. Also because I have red converses to match. Then I thought about Oriole because the orange is so vibrant! When I Went To the Mas camp, I fell in love with Australian King Macaw and King Fisher. Online Pictures didn't do them justice. It was when I seen them in person that changed my entire choice. I picked Australian King Macaw because of the details and intricate jewelry. Hope I made a good decision. What are your thoughts on it?
I am definitely excited yet nervous to go on the road. This is my first year. Although my sister and friends are playing in Carnival Nationz, they are playing in a different section. So I'll be going down the road by myself. Lol. Any words you can give to first timers/ new masqueraders?
Oliviaaaaaaaaaaaa, on behalf of all the carnivalians around the world, I would like to say welcome! Prepare your mind and body for one of the greatest experiences ever.
DeleteCarnival Nationz eh? I played with them my first year too. They get the award for best looking male masqueraders (yup, I said it…) so enjoy the eye candy, lol!
By this time my hope is that you have your costume in hand!! YAHHHOOOO! If you don’t, then it is only a matter of time. (TAKE LOTS OF PICS!)
My thoughts on your section: was who da heck made up that name???? …LOL! And THEN, I thought yessss, this one is prettyyy. CNZ these last 3 years in particular have been very creative with their textiles. After wearing at least a hundred costume, I much appreciate the small things like fabrics, gem shapes, and color combinations.
TIPS: That pop of orange in your costume calls for super sexy make - up! There are some awesome artists listed in the blog but if you are doing it yourself, invest in “Lady Danger” lipstick by MAC. If you are looking for a matching bag, H&M has some cute gold ones on sale! Again, if you are wearing shoes, apply powder to your socks to keep your feet dry. Moist feet = blisters. TODAY practice drinking at least 3 bottles of water to build up your bladder. Bathroom potties are scarce - the last thing you want to do is search all over for a bathroom “Cause you can’t hold it”. Crossing the stage is one of the best parts of the experience. Try to stay close to the front or the sides so you can clearly see whats happening. SOAK IT ALL IN GIRL AND GET READY TO SOAR!
Thank you sooo much by the way for your kind words and sharing your experience. I hope to see you carnival day! If not, tag me in your photos (@simplyshakera) I would love to see the finished look. xoxo