Non fall clothing

Most of my regular blogs are show casing plum tones and wools.....so not relevant to me this year. When is it okay to wear linen and T-shirt to work in October? When you're interning on island and you can see the sea and cruise ships from your office premises. strings of faux pearl and pointed toe kitten heels suggests that you made an effort especially in a very conservative work environment.

T- shirt- The Gap

Linen wide leg pants - F21

Necklaces - Aldo

Flower in the hair - a poppy in memory of veterans.

be good. do better. look your best.

I cheated. I am sorry.

So. I have been in St. Lucia now for 13 days. I started a new travel blog CaribbeanConservationChic at tumblr to document that journey and because I find that pictures are better looking there.

St. Lucia is good so far. Like my homeland Jamaica, but yet very different. I am working on biodiversity conservation( read: protecting trees, animals etc and managing how people use these scarce resources that are essential to the 'sustainability' of Caribbean economies)

That JCrew Button down skirt (Thrifted) Shirt- Gap, Necklace( Goodwill) Shoes(Kenneth Cole)

Shirt- (BCBG), Top- (NY&Co.), Khaki-( Gap) Necklace - (Liz Clairborne) Paparazzi, for the organization's press release.

Blazer -(Old Navy(Thrifted), Top( Max Mara, stolen form my sister), Skirt- ??? Lady Bug Necklace( Lucky Brand@ Macy's))

I have been enjoying getting dressed with less than a quarter of my closet and lots of accessories. My challenge is even greater because of what I call 'post-colonial mannerisms' that limits what "work wear" is. Typical work wear here is button downs, polyester suits, nylon stockings etc......I try not to stand out...too much. Although I had some critical commentary on pattern mixing. Still a little taboo.... I know what is expected having worked in Jamaica......but I choose not to pay attention.....While the island is usually 80 degrees the office AC is kept at 26 degrees.....so layering is okay...for me atleast.

be good. do better. look your best.

From St. Lucia

Wedding Day. First Day. Same thing.

Something old. Something new. Something borrowed. Something blue.

The itsy bitsy, little yellow polka dot ( okay, it's not a bikini) is old clothes for someone but new to me. I picked up the 'thrifted' (read:poop inna/old bruk), at Goodwill in Boston. The vintage Ralph Lauren silk shirt fits like it was custom made for me! The pin striped belt is borrowed from the best friend a girl could have and the pants are basic blue wide legs from the Gap. No, I didn't wear those flip flops!

See travel blog here http://caribbeanconservationchic.tumblr.com/ ( I find tumblr a better platform for posting photos) I will post here less for the next six months that I am in the Caribbean.

be good. do better. look your best.

From St. Lucia....

Birthday in Brooklyn

Click photo above to view

I celebrated my birthday this past Saturday traveling 12 hours to get to St. Lucia. The day was the most unusual one i have had yet. I enjoyed pre-birthday and farewell celebrations in Brooklyn on Thursday. With a hundred tasks to complete before jetting off for my internship I wanted an outfit that was easy but special. This vintage madras, silk Brooks Brothers shirt came together nicely with a few borrowed pieces from my best friend.

Denim- old pair cut off(Marshalls)

Shirt- vintage Brooks Brothers ( Goodwill)

Belt- borrowed

Cocktail ring- borrowed( it hurt to return it)

Platform Sandals- INC(Macy's)

Purse- Vintage Gucci( circ 1964) (Goodwill)

Thanks to Mr. Husband I got the SLR I wanted.

be good. do better. look your best.

The week that was....info overload.

Will talk in incoherent manner today. Will post all of last week's pictures...week was hectic but enjoy dressing under pressure.

Prepping for the big trip to St. Lucia on Saturday. I question if the ' much anticipated' experience working on conservation with six governments of small Caribbean islands is worth me running around like a headless chicken trying to get my house in order before I leave. I could just accept a normal life by a desk someplace where wearing a silk dress to work is okay and documenting coral reef health, counting wildlife and training farmers and fishermen is not involved! With all this the mother-in-law moves in on Monday to care for Mr. Husband while I am away. Anyhow, this is not therapy so I wont go on.....this is what I wore...

Sunday

To church.. I really needed the spiritual boost.

Monday

To the supermarket and pharmacy, my Soy Joy party package arrived. More on that later.

Tuesday

The Haley House. Great food, job training for formerly homeless. Herbal teas, free refills and they use produce from neighborhood gardens.

To lunch at the Haley House with former Director at the job I broke up with. Good food awkward situation. ( felt very J-Crew-ish today)

Wednesday

To the dentist, optometrist and diamontologist ....this romper under dress for peak of color while looking pulled together. Brilliant!

To a tailoring session for the 'workshop/meetings suit', 'cause they never fit!

To Chinese Dim Sum Dinner with Mr. Husband and sister. Still in love with my 1970' Bonnie Cashin Coach Saddle bag.

The 10 day packing marathon for the big trip....still incomplete.

Thursday

To good bye dinner with grad school folks. First pair of jeans in forever.....in an attempt to wear the student 'staple' I will wear at least once each week for 6 months while on my internship.

Enter grad school folks here. They are off to Cambodia, Nepal and China to name a few.

Friday

To help out with orientation for the new cohort of students in my grad school program at Heller. I told you liked them jeans.

I am excited for the future leaders from over 40 countries.

Borrowed a friend's sewing machine to do more alterations. On a Friday night!

Saturday

To a over 30 yo dance party on a rainy night. I got in with Mr. Husband , he is that age cohort.

( cohort twice in a blog entry...how academic?)

Do not forget the giveaway...ends on Monday August 24th@ 5pm

There are a few places I must visit on every trip to Jamaica.Devon House in Kingston is one such place. The historical site is now home to craft shops, restaurants and the best Ice cream in the world!!! There I said it.

I stopped in at Starfish Oils, a handmade aromatherapy company. I picked up a scented candle just for you. Yeah you!!!

Email me, your name and a picture of you looking your best. One person will be randomly selected to receive the prize.

The Birthday List

I turn 27 in 10 days. So I am planting the sprinkling the seeds of the gifts I want out there in the big universe. I know I planned to surprise myself with the Bridget Sandals but I can wish for more. Can't I?

(1) Made by Girl Art. See here.

(2) Nikon D60 Black 10.2 MP Digital SLR Camera

OR

3) Canon EOS Digital Rebel Xs Black 10.1 MP Digital SLR

4) An opportunity to work/travel to Belize to work on forest conservation and cultural preservation with the Garifunas in Belize.

5) A pair of broken-in loose fit denim like these for field work days.

But most importantly, I want inner peace, strength, patience and understanding to continue growing and learning.

Okay I lied....I ALSO WANT TO NOT BE TRAVELING FOR 10 hours to get to St. Lucia on that day.(I was accepted to the fellowship program I applied to. More on it later.)

So much for I love airports at 5am.....I would rather spend my birthday with Mr. Husband, family and friends.

be goo. do better. look your best.

Pillow Talk

These pillows satisfy my insatiable appetite for all things turquoise. Wanted to introduce the color in a black, red, white and brown room. I think I got it. Yeah?

be good. do better look your best.

The Jamaican Review: Bridget Sandals

When I lived in Jamaica, time minus 4 years ago, I so badly wanted a pair of Bridget Sandals. Fresh out of college in 2003, I saved enough money to buy a pair and was discouraged by a friend not to. ....it wasn't worth it she said! Should have never listened to her.

Meet Bridget Sandals. Jamaican fashion staple for the uber fabulous and 'buy jamaican aficionado'. Hand crafted leather that pre-dates the current gladiator trend. The original Rastaman and root girls wear.

In Jamaica a couple days ago, I missed the opportunity to stop in to her store because of the conference. Royally pissed, I counted by loss and was moving on when I saw that they were sold in the airport. Nothing like sandals shopping at 6am!!

Look at her featured here for sneak peek of the production and interview and full review and a buffet of pictures here.

A pair will set you back $75 ( Jamaican $6,000) I consider it an investment Jamaica small business industries and myself!!

I bought the iconic rose pair in orange...I plan to open them on my birthday in 12 days and act all surprised.

Check out the tutorial on how to wear.

be good. do better. look your best.

Picked up at the library...but the boy couldn't carry me!

I bought this little cotton number on a recent "poop inna" shopping trip. 

Friday at the library.

Boy no more than 13 years old approaches me, " Hey there beautiful".

Me, flattered by the compliment, turns around to the surprise and replies: "Hi? Thanks. I guess?! [Pause] Are you old enough to even be here alone."

Boy: "Don't play me like that. You go to Madison Hyde Park right?"(referring to a local high school)

Me: "Excuse me?"

Boy: "I'm a be in junior high in the fall."

Me: "You are too cute. Do you know how old I am?"

Boy looking confused and realizing I wasn't a 'shorty', walks away.

I should probably trade this dress in and reconsider the flower in the hair ......

The Philanthropist

My name is Tamika and I am a philanthropist.

Except for the slight challenge of not having the funding needed to do said work. My heart is in it. So you must understand the excitement I felt when I found NBC's series "The Philanthropist". Not a TV fan. And even if I were, Mr. Husband hogs the remote and I refuse to have more than one set in the house. Anyhow, it is a must see.....the main character Teddy is Warren Buffet meets MacGyver (I grew up on that stuff), traveling to a different country in each episode and doing good! He is co-CEO of a company that acquires natural resources all over the world. (hence my interest) Burma, Haiti, Nigeria....I watched 6 episodes last night.

The show is loosely based on the life of Bob Sager...a Bostonian!! Funny, while I worked as a fundraiser//development professional the agency I worked for received funding from the Sager Family Foundation. I did find the workshops unorthodox but now I know why...MUST SEE TV.....I mean must see HULU.

be good. do better.look your best.

Post-Conference Style

Again sharing pictures from last week's conference. It was mostly serious days and fun nights. A couple clubs, a few dinners, festivals, agricultural shows , laughter and chatter with friends and family.

Clubbing

Dinner with a friend.


 Lunch with another friend.

Drinks with friends.

Jamaica's 47th Independence celebration.

Conference Style

So I decided how to share some of the pictures from last week's conference in Jamaica.  I'll share what I wore, what other people wore, natural hair beauties, food and local products. Not necessarily in that order.

This first batch will include what I wore to the two days of workshops in Kingston.

Day one: "Cool and Collected" - To co-facilitate a workshop on Mentoring.

I ditched the black suit for a more tropic friendly ensemble. Shirt:GAP. Pants:Tahari. Purse: BCBG. The story of this pink belt/band is forth coming.

Day two: "Pastel People"- To participate in workshop on Promoting Cultural Literacy and lunch with a cousin.

While pastel is not a usual choice for 'business setting" I saw that dressing for the heat and also the air conditioning took priority. Dress: J-Crew. Blazer: Old Navy. Bag:BCBG. Pumps: Tahari.

be good. look better. do your best.

Back from the Islands

Howdy blog world. 

Back from the conference on the islands. Stay tuned for highlights and a give away. In full disclosure, I was negligent at times in taking photos and am currently sorting and organizing the ones I have.

be good. do better. look your best.
Tammyanka

Airport Style Guide

3:45 am @ Logan Airport, Boston

I like airplanes. I fly as often as I can (afford to) and would rather fly to work than drive. A part of the fondness is going through airports. In full disclosure, I love being in airports.  Non-stop flights are over rated since you miss the chance to explore new airports.  An airport is the world in transit…..on your next trip stop and enjoy instead of watching the departure time screen…

Here are my pointers for a stylish airport experience!!

1.     Do book the earliest possible flight.  Lines are shorter at 5am, except on weekends. Book mid week if possible (Tues- Thursday) – flights tend to be cheaper.

2.    Do smile, breath and understand that TSA policies, despite how ridiculous they seem, are your safety. (Scratches head to ponder what 3.5 ounces of shampoo can do as opposed to 3)

3.    Do reuse transparent reusable toiletries pouch instead of  a new zip lock bag each time you travel.

4.      Do wear a cross body bag with pockets for ‘stuff’  (you may find nice vintage or modern ones at thrift stores) or carry a large shoulder tote.

5.     Do carry your own coffee/tea cup and tea bags. This saves  money and avoids Styrofoam cups (the flight attendant may find you odd!!!)  Ps. Hot water is usually free in the airport!!!

6.     Do carry a cute scarf that can double as a blanket – avoid the one left on the seat from the Istanbul or Cairo flight!

7.     Do avoid skirts and dress (gasp: I said it!) They are not the best option for running through terminals and picking up luggage.

8.     Do not wear denim and avoid clothing with pockets. This lessens the tendency to store coins.  Leave the bling at home. Coins in pockets & bling equals a search!!

9.     Do not wear shoes and clothing with hardware and extra fasteners i.e studs, buckles, metal gadgets, lace ups and zippers. Remember you are avoiding a cavity search!!

Linen pants and t-shirts (white, cotton), colored scarf with wooden accessories are my staples .…Chic yet practical and comfy. Cavity search avoided!!

be good. do better. look your best!