December 2014December 2014

OUTFIT5Steps to finding

your personalstyle

Ideas

Old Year’s Night

COMPLIMENTARY

Return of the

Bow Tie

4

Stylewise is produced by The Nation Publishing Co. Limited; a subsidiary of The Nation Corporation, which is a member of the One Caribbean Media (OCM) group of

companies. Every eff ort has been made to ensure that the information contained within this magazine is accurate, however The Nation Publishing Co. Limited cannot be

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Nine To FiveNine To FiveStyle 101Style 101

Work It!Work It!Dress To Impress AtDress To Impress At Your Offi ce Party Your Offi ce Party

Bold Yet CasualBold Yet Casual

Holiday Gift Holiday Gift GuideGuideIsland StyleIsland Style

Return Of The Return Of The Bow TieBow Tie

Old Years NightOld Years NightOutfi t IdeasOutfi t Ideas

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PUBLISHER

Vivian-Anne Gittens (246) 430-5425

EDITORIAL

Publication Editor – Tyson Henry (246) 430-5464

ADVERTISING

Advertising Manager – Paulette Jones (246) 430-5412

DEPUTY BUSINESS MANAGER

Lyle Jones

PHOTOGRAPHY

Jaryd Niles-Morris

CONTRIBUTORS

Folayann Taitt, Sueann Tannis,

Natasha Beckles & Cara Briggs

SALES EXECUTIVES

Senior Sales Executive - Kelly Johnally (246) 430-5515

Danielle Beckford (246) 430-5495

CIRCULATION

Circulation Executive – Adrian Bowen (246) 430-5501

DESIGN

Imageworx: Paul Bailey

PRINTERS

Printweb Caribbean Ltd (246) 434-6719 / (246) 467-2895

COVER CREDITS

Cover Models – Sarah Lambert & Ukweli Wilson

Location - Barclays Park

DECEMBER 2014 5

it’s a beautiful thing when creative minds come together

to create something so authentic that it’s almost organic.

When I fi rst reached out to two of the country’s most

consistently daring and envelope-pushing fashion

designers to collaborate on this magazine, I don’t think

anyone would have envisioned that the fusion of two starkly

diff erent styles would be this seamless.

Born out of the desire to push boundaries and capture the

essence of individualism that Stylewise is continually seeking

to promote, we knew almost immediately that the venture was

going to garner something special.

This month, there’s a host of looks in our pages, ranging from

the sheer daringness of Katrina Brathwaite’s Tri. Collection, to

Carla Gittens’ nostalgia-inducing ByCarlori line. In this issue

you’ll also learn tips for Old Year’s Night outfi ts, work party

attire, and healthy ways to avoid burnout during the holiday party

season.

Lastly, we know that this magazine wouldn’t have been

complete without a comprehensive holiday gift guide. If you’re

bereft of ideas for a loved one or you simply want to treat yourself

(or both), there’s a diverse spread of inexpensive options for you

to consider.

It’s been a while since our summer issue, but we’re happy to be

back with a new exciting magazine that we hope will be a guide

for this traditionally festive and fashionable season. Stylewise has

never looked this good, so please enjoy, and take care.

Welcome

EDITOR

6

BowTiecravat, necktie and dicky bow (thank goodness that’s gone out of

use) are all names for the same item that’s been a staple in fashion since the 17th Century.The bow tie first wound its way around the necks of Croatian mercenaries in the form of a scarf as a means of keeping the

opening of their shirt collars together. This commonplace practice really started to take off in the 18th Century, thanks to the ever-fashionable French elite adopting and refining the Croatian scarves into less narrow lengths of material, dubbed cravats. As cravats became sleeker over the years and designers experimented with different fabrics and patterns, the modern age bow tie is now a far cry from the frilly fussy cravat of yesteryear. The stereotypes and implied societal standing haven’t diminished with the bow tie’s size over the years, however. Men, or should I say gentlemen (such is the instant benefit of sporting a bow tie) and ladies who wear this neckwear, are immediately perceived as academics with an air of sophistication and elegance. Whether true or not, it can prep up any outfit if worn correctly with colours and patterns. You can pair it up with an elegant slim cut suit, be it corporate affair or an evening out. Even a tailored blazer is apt for the look. There is no way to subtly wear a bow tie. Because bow ties make a statement, they often become a conversation piece or the centre of attention, which makes choices about pattern and shape more important. The tie you choose will end up saying a lot about your personality and your character and demonstrate a playful, defiant sort of confidence. For evening formal wear, the custom is sure to be a black or white satin self-tie. In more casual settings, your range of materials and patterns increase to include timeless choices like flannel, stripes, polka dots, ginghams and plaids. Whichever selection you make, remember that the basic rule of wearing a bow tie is that your tie should not be so bright that it distracts people from your face. It should only emphasize your style, not overshadow your outlook.

of theReturn

by CARA BRIGGS

6

NINE TO FIVE

Style8

101by Natasha Beckles

DECEMBER 2014 9

Barbadian women generally like to dress up. If we’re attending a cruise, fete or wedding, you can be sure we’ll be dressed to the nines. But what about the place many of us spend the most of our time? Yes, work. Why is it that so few of us go all out when dressing for the office? Of course, you’re not going to dress the same way for a party as you would for a 9-to-5, but you don’t have to throw style out the window in order to look professional.

Gone are the days when women had to appropriate men’s styles to be taken seriously in the workplace. Think back to the grey, black or navy power suit of boardrooms past . . . and feel free to leave it in the past! Today’s women are allowed to express their individuality even as they climb the corporate ladder.

If you’re at a loss as to how to do this, here are some pointers:

Don’t be afraid of colour and prints. This is one of the easiest ways to elevate your everyday look. Neutral colours may scream “professional” but they can also be very boring. Start small with colourful accessories like belts and jewellery if you’re a bit hesitant.

Dress for success. Another simple way to boost your style factor is to incorporate dresses into your wardrobe. Make sure they’re structured rather than flowing - and of an appropriate length – then have some fun. The options are practically limitless these days.

Have fun with shoes a nd bags. Forget what you heard about only needing black and brown shoes and bags. It’s a myth. Unless, it’s stated in the dress code, colours, patterns and diverse styles are once again your friends. Just one note of caution about shoes: If the colour or print is crazy, keep the heel sensible. Red, patent leather stilettos are rarely appropriate for the office!

Use jewellery to show off your personality. If your style is more classic and ladylike, then pearl necklaces and earrings will complement your look, and tone down aloud prints. However, don’t be afraid of a statement necklace if you’re in a creative industry or you’re looking for a conversation starter. Bold accessories can also dress up simple pieces like shift dresses.

Devote some closet space to blazers and cardigans. Not only can they dress up jeans and pants but they can make strappy or sleeveless dresses appropriate for work. And if you’re office has the A/C way up, they’ll keep you warm in the process. Basically, there’s nothing they can’t do.

Last but not least, pay attention to the details: a lace trimmed collar, a sleeve with an interesting cut, a unique twist on a common style. All those little things you look for when choosing your other clothes also apply to office fashion.

Make adjustments where needed but there’s definitely no need to sacrifice style for professionalism.

bags

necklacecklace

10

by FOLAYANN TAITT

dress to impress at your office party

During the holiday season the saying “Never mix business with pleasure” is abandoned if only for one night – the company Christmas party. Whether your company’s dress code stipulates uniforms or you wear your own wardrobe, the annual offi ce party is your time to shine. It’s natural to go for the latest fashion trends but paying attention to styles that suit your body type will ensure that you are dressed for success. After all, no one wants to be the talk of the offi ce on Monday morning – for all the wrong reasons.

It’s your time to shine

10

Work I t

ArmsIf you are self-conscious about your arms, either because they are skinny or flabby, sleeves are a simple cover-up to keep them out of view. Go with sheer or lace sleeves, ¾ sleeves or flutter sleeves to cover this problem area. Highlighting the lower arm with a statement cuff or bracelet or exposing the shoulder can focus attention away from the upper arm.

Bust or ChestAmple bosoms are a feminine asset, however in an office setting you may not want your co-workers to focus on this area. Avoid making the bosom area the centre of attention by choosing dark colours and simple styles for tops or bodices. Choose scooped necklines over plunging v-necks and a-line skirts and dresses to balance your bust. While women consider bosoms an asset, the same does not go for men. Men hoping to conceal a heavier chest should stay away from light materials which tend to stick to the body. Layering, with undershirts or sweater vests, is a good way to reduce visibility or movement.

Hips Ladies who are wide at the hips can focus attention upwards with details at the neckline and shoulders in order to play down their hips. The eye of the beholder will go first to your top or bodice if it has elements such as beading, lace or metallic embellishments paired with a plain skirt. For your bottom half choose a-line skirts and dresses and dark-coloured bottoms and avoid bottoms with busy prints or made from clingy fabrics.

NeckWhen choosing dress shirts, men with short necks should choose a short collar; this gives the illusion of a longer neck.

Tummy The tummy area is one of the main body areas of concern for women. Millions have been made selling control garments to minimize the tummy’s shape and size. However, you can avoid these constricting garments with a few simple features. A peplum or flounce at the waist or ruching (draped pleats) centred at the tummy can camouflage this area comfortably.

Most men will not venture into the world of control garments but that doesn’t mean they don’t have tummy issues too. If your pant is worn low this will accentuate your stomach, look for a pant fit that flatters. Jackets can also help balance a belly bulge by giving the illusion of broad shoulders and covering your midsection.

Dress your:

Men can minimize their hips by avoiding the extra fabric and volume of pleats, go instead for a pant with a fl at front.

DECEMBER 2014 11

er signature embellishments combine well to play on the classic shapes and tailoring of old school Hollywood

glamour, channelling Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor.

Fusing old school Hollywood fused with Middle Eastern and Spanish cultures, ByCarlori is for the

woman who has longed for edgy, ready-to-wear multifunctional pieces that can be worn more than

once and be paired with other items (see page 15 for how we paired her “Dia” detachable mesh skirt with

the Tri.Collection “Robyn” leotard).

Casual....yet

by TYSON HENRY

WITH HER BYCARLORI LINE, MISSION CATWALK SEASON 4 CONTESTANT CARLA GITTENS HAS GIVEN NEW LIFE TO TIMELESS CLASSICS WITH ELEGANT INNOVATION AND INTRICATE ATTENTION TO DETAIL.

12

DECEMBER 2014 13

IT’S ALWAYS INTRIGUING TO HEAR DESIGNERS RATIONALIZE THEIR WORK, AND KATRINA

BRATHWAITE IS NO DIFFERENT WHEN SHE DESCRIBES HER COLLECTION

The Tri. Collection.

“Only confident women need apply….”

14

Refreshingly, there’s no messing around with midis or trailing slip dresses here. Brathwaite delivers in full force, a wardrobe for making killer entrances and exits, for women to whom easy dressing is a term for cowards. In just a glance at her pieces, stylized with unique accessories, it becomes clear that she sees fashion as performance. Who would dare go out in backless, stretch mesh and jersey bodysuit and pleated, full-fl ared taff eta skirt? (see cover). A ballsy fashion-competing performer would, of course. Not intended for everyday wear (the collection isn’t exactly meant to appeal to practical people), Brathwaite’s gallantry has captured the imagination of classically-minded women who aim to grab all the attention they can while encased in a circle of luxury.

1616

The Hottest Phonesfor th e Holidays

As expected, this year’s Apple event introduced a signifi cant redesign for the company’s beloved smartphone line. Gone are the boxy lines and slender proportions of the iPhone 5 and 5s, in favour of a curvier silhouette that better matches the iPad Air and iPad mini. But the big news here is all about size. With the larger iPhone 6 (and the supersized iPhone 6 Plus), Apple is ready to contend with the growing stable of big-screen Android phones.

Samsung S5

Nokia Lumia 1020

iPhone 6Acoprmthw

iP

SamHere’s why the Samsung Galaxy S5 should grab your attention: it looks good, it performs very well, and it has everything you need to become a fi xture in nearly every aspect of your life. The S5 excels at everything that matters -- Android 4.4 KitKat OS; a bright, beautiful display; blistering quad-core processor; and an excellent camera experience. In addition, Samsung’s eff orts to streamline its own custom interface and reduce pre-installed bloatware pay off .

The Nokia Lumia 1020 smartphone’s camera captures extremely high-resolution images with fi ne detail, and puts creative controls at your fi ngertips. The phone’s high-octane shooter defi nes it as a marquee Windows Phone 8 device, as it pushes the smartphone camera envelope with a combination of raw image-capturing prowess and close-cropping capability.

JULY 2014 17DECEMBER 2014 17

For thousands of years, people have used clothing and accessories to portray who they are. Such items have long symbolized class as well as religious and cultural identities.Statement pieces of jewellery allow women to step out of the mundane and defi ne themselves as unique, confi dent, passionate, and interesting people. Statement jewellery is nothing new, but many women still avoid wearing bold accessories because they do not feel comfortable stepping out of their comfort zone. Statement jewellery is bold and unique (this is not to say that it can’t also be simple), and it conveys a statement about who the wearer is. Whether or not one is deliberate about style, people judge others based on their appearance. People assume many things about personality, values, and beliefs based on what others wear. By consciously choosing

what kind of statement to make, this statement becomes more than just communication to others. Consider these tips to fi nd jewellery that will make the right statement.

1. SizeStatement jewellery is usually big. Chandelier earrings, thick bangles, and bulky chains and/or pendants are common adornments. While statement jewellery is intentionally large to draw attention to itself and the wearer, such jewellery does not have to be overbearing. Consider personal size as well. For example, petite women may look weighed down with overly large jewellery.

2. One at a TimeWear only one piece of statement jewellery at a time. If wearing statement earrings, wear a gentle,

unobtrusive ring. If the necklace is making a statement, choose simple earrings. Wearing too many big, bold pieces of jewellery will look a little showy and overdone.

3. MakeupMakeup should be simple so as not to distract from the statement jewellery. Indeed, one should coordinate her makeup so it is consistent with her jewellery. Although bold makeup is sometimes appropriate, it is better worn without statement jewellery.

4. ClothesTake advantage of the middle ground between plain and grandiose. Avoid attention-grabbing patterns, but use solids, pinstripes, and faded patterns.

Statement Jewell ery

FoanhacuStsteas

18

by SUEANN TANNIS

gift guide

our sense of style, our food, the magic in our music, our signature island lilt. The list of island things I love could go on and on. It should be no surprise then that I’ve pulled together an island style holiday guide. It features delightful, high-quality products made in the Caribbean or by Caribbean people, which have gotten my attention this Christmas. Hope you’ll love them as much as I do!

From notebooks to holiday cards to art prints, this online store is fi lled with wow! As you shop, you’re likely to fall in love with the modern simplicity and whimsical charm of each item like I did!

Betsywhite Stationery

I’m a sucker for the vibrancy of Caribbean culture,

Chattelwood is one of my faves because it’s so focused on sustainability. The studio in St. Lucy, Barbados designs and creates bespoke furniture, sculptures and decorative items with locally sourced and repurposed materials. We’re talking bottle caps, driftwood and the remnants of chattel houses. How cool is that?

Chattelwood

holiday

Immortelle Beauty, run by Trinidadian powerhouse Kathryn, has been redefi ning Caribbean beauty since 2011. This holiday season, I’m intrigued by Esscentials, their line of everyday-use bath and body products in irresistible, warm fragrances. Think Tea + Thyme, Citron

Immortelle Beauty

+ Granadilla, Agave + Hibiscus, and more delightful combos, each available as a shower gel, sheer moisture spray oil and sheer moisture lotion.

20

Old Year’s

Night

OLD YEAR’S NIGHT (A.K.A. THE BEST EXCUSE ALL YEAR TO DRESS UP, TRY SOMETHING NEW AND GET DOWNRIGHT CREATIVE WITH YOUR LOOK) IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!

So whether you’re gearing up for an all-out party, or a more turned-down soirée, these outfi t ideas will put an end to the dreaded what-to-wear dilemma on the biggest party night of the year and help you end 2014 on a sartorial high note.

Remember: The simpler the outfi t, the more fun you can have with over-the-top accessories.

Outfi t

Experiment With Textures and Prints for a Fun Look

You Can Never Go Wrong With Sparkles and Sequins

Try On a New Year’s Eve Tuxedo Instead of a Dress

DECEMBER 2014 21

Dress Down Your Suit with Jeans(Keep The Jacket, Ditch The Slacks)

Pair a Dark Suit and Tie with a Bold Dress Shirt (And A Dark Tie)

Break Out the Tux

22

JULY 2014 23

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