STYLE:Sexy Feet This Summer

written by: Celebrity Makeup Artist Brandy Gomez-Duplessis

If you say "Bridget Sandals" in Jamaica, any fashion connoisseur as well as lovers of sexy leather straps will smile because they are of those in the know. I call it the official footwear for the Caribbean woman. Bridget’s line is delicate but sturdy, stunning but practical; the perfect blend of form and function. Bridget Sandals have been described as "wearable desserts" and things of beauty, so perfect they should be "hanging on a gallery wall or from a socialite's ear lobe". The lush, riotously colored garden is rivaled only by the beauties on display inside — a dizzying array of styles and every shade in the Caribbean color palette. Rows, like cake layers, of sinfully delicious sandals that seem to whisper fun and flirtatious nothings; yet is everything you want to hear.

What I like about Bridget Sandals is her variety of elegant, simple, and easy to wear styles. Her sandals ranging from leather sling backs and ankle wrap thongs to ornamental flip flops. Her delicate detailing is often inspired by nature with floral or leaf-like embellishments available in many colors particularly metallic and colors inspired by the Caribbean. The line boasts an eclectic mix of materials from snakeskin and Nappa leather. Her collection has been featured in numerous fashion shows including all of the Caribbean Fashion Week events, New York Fashion Week, and in the press such as Elle, Vogue, Footwear News and Caribbean Beat Magazines to the local Jamaican Observer and Gleaner.

So when you’re in Jamaica ladies, do what I do and make sure make sure you make Bridget Sandals your first stop…well maybe your second after a French pedicure, because your feet will look like dessert in them.

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Ed Hardy Swimwear Lands in the Caribbean

written by: Celebrity Makeup Artist Brandy Gomez-Duplessis

The Caribbean has always been the number one getaway location for A-list celebrities trendsetter's, and college students. As a result, one of the most popular and trendy clothing lines, ED HARDY, has made its way to the islands. With a brand already encrusted with crystals, bright colors and intricate tattooed designs, Ed Hardy swimwear is poised to decorate even more bodies in the future with even bolder designer wearables.

ED HARDY clothing displays the brilliant art work of Don Ed Hardy. He is a gifted painter, printmaker and tattoo artist. The uniquely vintage clothing which has become its own culture inspires the rebel in us all. ED HARDY offerings include Ed Hardy Swimwear, ED HARDY shoes and accessories. ED HARDY clothing and swimwear is just 5 years old and was launched by Audigier in 2004. Christian Audigier has created some famous brands like Von Dutch, Diesel and his own brand Christian Audigier. Christian Audigier and ED HARDY are the eclectic trendsetting brands that celebrate street culture. ED HARDY Swimwear like its clothing brand is not only as beautifully intricate with its artistic integrity, but also body conscious and form fitting. Since its launch, these perfectly stylish and sexy swimwear collections have been a rising commodity. There are many famous celebrities include Britney Spears, Jessica Alba, Mariah Carey, Lindsay Lohan, Heidi Montag, and Kim Kardashian, who wear ED HARDY. These swimsuits are not for the economically challenged, but if you want to make a statement on the beaches this summer, the look is worth the money.

Set to show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Swim in Miami July 2009 with ED HARDY 2010 collection, I am sure that we will all be stunned and immediately awed by this progressive and aggressive line.

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TO JEAN OR NOT TO JEAN: The Art of Denim

Rock and Republic Jeans

Almost every designer at one time or another has designed a pair of jeans or many jeans. Different cuts, fits, colors, washes, ripped, not ripped, jean shorts (throw them away)and so on. Am I doomed to wear only in fashion jeans? Aren't jeans about who you are? If not they should be. Jeans are a personl style signature. The fit, the color, the wash are all personal preferences on who you want the world to see. Sure, there are times when a dark classic fit jean is appropriate (the office on dress down Friday) or ripped jeans still say I'm cool (a concert), but how about a jean that works no matter what. A pair of jeans that goes from the office, to the ballpark, to a concert, to a bar. As previously stated in most of my fashion post, I am a man or versatile things and the jean should be one of the most versatile items ion your wardrobe. Forget the latest jeans, wash, or scribble scratch written on the backpocket to get people to look at your ass, buy a pair of jeans because they fit. Fit not only your body type, but who you are. Now granted, not all the newest flashiest jeans are for show, there are some trendy jeans that honor the time old tradition of great jeans. So slip on a pair of these perfectly fit jeans from Rock and Republic, Guess, or True Religion and enjoy the denim skin your in.

True Religion Jeans(left) Guess Jeans (right)

FASHION SPOTLIGHT: Caribbean Fashion Week 09

written by: Celebrity Makeup Artist Brandy Gomez-Duplessis

Known for relaxation and beautiful scenery, the Caribbean has always been a fashion inspiration. Now, the islands have become a fashion innovation with its own designers and its own Fashion Week. The Caribbean Fashion Week is the newest summer trend in the industry, and with its hot designers and even hotter setting, it’s the next guilty pleasure in fashion.

The 8th Annual Caribbean Fashion Week was held on June 10-15 2009 at the National Indoor Sports Centre featured many designers showcasing stunning dresses which are now all the rage in the Caribbean. Designer Camesha Powell (Poshe) showed the return of more ladylike dressing: the shapely silhouette with the fitted bodice and full skirt, though the skirts have been shrunk to give it a more modern touch. Poshe is definitely keeping up with the international scene, as Marc Jacobs has also reintroduced the silhouette into his fall collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York.

Lamaica also showed an eye for the revival of ladylike wear with dresses made in cool, comfortable fabrics plus bright hues and patterns from the super short to the ultra long; whilst Gavin Douglas’ silks, buckles and corsets captured the essence of femininity.

Neon colors and eye-popping prints: Deep hues of Caribbean color translated right onto the clothes at Caribbean Fashion Week. The design duo Zadd and Eastman synonymous with ready-to-wear, hand-painted ensembles (pictured above) brought Caribbean colors in unique neon stripes. The Caribbean’s icon of fashion herself, Meiling, characterized her designs with light ‘summery’ fabrics of vibrant colors, including rich reds, oranges and regal purples.

Prints and patterns were also the order of the day with swirls, flowers, stripes and abstracts on loose fitting garments. Nigeria’s design masters Nkwo and Brooklyn’s Rebel boldly stacked different African prints into tiered tent dresses.

Barbados Cassandra Mottley, under her label Sheneil, (pictured above) concentrated solely on swimwear. Her blend of bold colors such as green, red and orange was intriguing. Marsha Stephens included swimwear in her collection, Marsha Julian. Her use of ruffles provided uniqueness to her designs.

No longer love the Caribbean for just the water, the sun, and the cocktails…love the fashion.

photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

INSIDE THE LIFE OF A MAKEUP ARTIST

MISS SASSY & QUEEN B

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