Flirty with a touch of sophistication. That’s how I sum up the looks for this year’s women’s spring/summer fashion. No need to stress, let me help you out with some fashionable options for this year’s spring/summer.

Hobo chic inspired bohemian patterns, florals (once again), stripes & lace. A few of the trends that have graced the fashion runways around the world in their spring/summer collections. Now, don’t just heed to the fashion gurus and wear whatever is in style. It’s not just about what’s in. It’s what looks fabulous on YOU! It’s all about YOU, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Maxi dresses suit all sizes; from my plus size bombshells to my ferocious size zeros. You cannot go wrong there ladies. BUT, watch out for the patterns. Vertical stripes help to elongate the body (chiffon, organza and other sheer fabrics work well), whereas horizontal stripes may disadvantage those with wide waists or full figured bodies. For my full figured ladies, you may try the contrast colors combined, bohemian patterns or even the animal prints (which I adore). You’re more of the feminine type? No problem. Go floral! You can never go wrong with floral during spring/summer (unless it’s a dress, don’t wear head to toe floral..not cute).

Mini dresses are also in for those ladies who like to show off their gorgeous legs. D&G, Betsey Johnson, Balmain & Paco Rabanne have all showcased mini dresses in their spring/summer collections and definitely seem to be a hit with the leggy & modelesque and petite women. Perfect for your cocktail parties or soirees, using bold color blocking patterns or tribal, which seems to still be a favorite from last season. You also have the option of wearing stockings, which are back in, or dark leggings to help pop your color blocking skills. Or you may even opt for pants with your top and/or a blazer to show off your color blocking skills.

Now as I always say.. Go worth and don’t do fashion, BE fashion! BE FEROCIOUS!

example of color blocking; shown in American Vogue’s September Issue 2007

further examples of color blocking

extreme color blocking

1. You were pretty much modeling your entire life and worked as a fashion stylist. Tell us more about that. We don’t get to hear much about you pre-ANTM. 

- Yes. Very true. I actually did everything. Not only have I modeled since I was 12 but I was also doing commercials, acting gigs, dancing, gymnastics etc. I use to draw fashion illustrations for fun and I also didn’t have much money.. ever, so I would create my own creations and sew them. A wardrobe stylist heard about me and asked for a meeting. Before you knew it, I was designing wardrobe for Babyface, the dancers and band for his whole world tour before I was 21. I also made the costumes for Spongebob’s live action scenes for Patchy the Pirate and mermaid outfits for the likes of Jennifer Love Hewitt. If you go to IMBD, there are two Lisa D’Amato’s. One being a wardrobe stylist. Styling was an amazing learning experience not just for fashion and funtionability but also learning about the “corporate side of things” and what they think is approvable- couldn’t stand that part! (LOL)

2. On ANTM Cycle 5, you were portrayed as insane, insensitive & arrogant. Do you feel like you’re misconstrued in some way?

- I personally don’t think I was portrayed that way. Everyone’s perception is different, I guess. But, the way I was depicted…some things were definitely hyper exaggerated. I think they definitely indulged in things that they knew were good for ratings. And, in the end, after all the things I’ve learned through the years you still need to be completely responsible for what you did on camera. It IS a TV show. It IS entertainment. Period. It is a hard pill to swallow because your best interest isn’t at heart, but you can’t blame the beast for being one. If you don’t wanna get burned stay out of the kitchen. Or get educated.

3. Like for example, the memorable heated argument you had with Coryn on Cycle 5. Would you say that was an example of you being misinterpreted?

- No. That happened, but she definitely didn’t deserve the last word in the editing because she didn’t get it. I did. And, she got sent home soon after. Little things like that can really get under your skin. It takes growth to let it go and move on. So many little things in editing can make you wanna tear your hair out, but at the end of the day you gotta address the facts: Time frames, story lines, editing, and IT’S ENTERTAINMENT first and foremost. 

4a. Also on Cycle 5, you exhibited your alcohol problem. Do you still struggle with it and what do you think was the main driving force behind that addiction?

- My so-called “Alcohol Problem” is not MY alcohol problem but a SOCIETY PROBLEM. A cultural problem. I drank because I was frustrated. I drank because I was sad. I drank because I was happy. I drank because I was at the club. I found out from Dr. Drew (of Celebrity Rehab) that this is an unhealthy relationship with alcohol and that I was an “addict”. Well, I’ll let the ‘sheep-ple’ label me whatever they want, but if I had a problem with alcohol, we all do. I was raised by our society. I was raised by billboards and advertisements. Drinking alcohol is in every 3 songs on the radio, it’s in every movie when they are stressed, it’s on billboards, advertisements, in the clubs, magazines, TV shows etc. Chelsea Lately’s every 3rd joke involves being drunk and proud of it.  I love her, but just to show an example of all the subliminal messages. We live in a culturally addicted nation where we celebrate numbing ourselves. Going to Rehab, I learned that I was one of the lucky ones. With a traumatic past, I could have went down darker roads, but instead I got more education on the subject and now I have the upper hand. People like to raise their noses at me because I “went to Rehab” while they are swallowing their Zanax, snorting their cocaine, being binge drinkers on the weekends and yet I still smile at them and ask how their day is! I feel so blessed to have had that experience. I was never detoxing from anything, but the therapy was priceless. I am the best I’ve ever been and I’m only getting better. The only problem is, I see our world’s problems from the outside now and it is a bit overwhelming. It is much easier to deal with life when you can put all your effort into trying not to feel anything. It makes me sad how deep in the thick we are in our substances. Everyone is on something. It’s sad but I don’t wanna preach all day.

4b. While you were on Celebrity Rehab, you spoke about the abuse you endured as a child. Would you care to talk about that and possibly say what really helped you to get past that?

- Well, I am one of the 250,000,000 kids in our world that were raised in physical abuse. That number doesn’t even include sexually, or mentally abused kids. It is the American way to sweep your problems under the rug and buck up. It’s the American way to say if your life sucks, it’s your fault. Our country doesn’t have affordable rehabs, hardly anyone can afford insurance, far less therapy. If you come from a past like mine then you know you feel defeated before you even had a chance to stand on your own. This is why I think the US is getting flushed down the toilet. We are one of the leading countries that profits from sorrow and others pain. When I realized that all the people that were truly ruining my life definitely weren’t better than me or deserved more than me or had more drive than me it made me angry because they DID have more than me! At some point in my life, I snapped. I truly felt like I was drowning. I then just began to believe that I was living on bonus time. Like I wasn’t even suppose to be here anymore and whatever I did from that point on was going to not give a FUCK! I had nothing to lose and I was going to get what I wanted because my heart was gold and I deserved it. I’m a huge supporter of ‘freearts.org’ and I am on a mission to be a part of the answer instead of the problem. It’s not about me anymore. It’s about those kids that I look in the eyes of and see such beauty and resilience and hope. I used to be such a hopeless hoper.  Those kids oil up my gears. It’s captivating to watch them smile.

5. In comparison to the person you were in Cycle 5 to Cycle 17 and who you are now, what do you think were some of those major changes?

- In cycle 5 I was married to the moment. I was having so much fun being spontaneous  and raising eyebrows. I didn’t give a FUCK! (LOL) I still don’t in a lot of ways. I was living with so much fakeness in the house that I was rebelling. I was a lead competitor but it was my own fault that I got eliminated. I wasn’t making the best choices. On cycle 17 I practiced the perfect balance between spontaneity and being married to my future…thinking ahead all while staying true to who I am and my character.
 
6. Now, tell us about your experience in Cycle 17 in comparison to that of Cycle 5. 

- I feel so blessed that the show (Tyra, CoverGirl, the Jays, Nigel, Ken Mok etc) saw my heart, my passion, my goals, my drive, my intentions, and listened and HEARD my story. That, I think is the real tear jerker for me! I’ve felt like all these years I’ve been running fast! Really fast, but on a mouse wheel and actually getting nowhere. It truly is validation that you can come from nothing, come from negative nothing, and make it on top.

7. During Cycle 17 we got a taste of ‘La Puchinetta’. Who is ‘La Puchinetta’? Explain what the inspiration behind that name came from and how you would describe your musical style.

- I made up the word LA Puchinetta. LA= the city I live in (Los Angeles). Puchi= was slang for that hot chick at the party that the boys want but can never touch. Kinda like a tease. And Netta= was a slang word that my old stylist mentor used to use and refer to me as. It’s like a tomboy. A girl that doesn’t give a fuck, likes to get dirty. 
There you have it! ‘LA Puchinetta’!

8. What inspires you as an artist in general? Whether it be modeling or song writing. 

- Everything inspires me. Hate inspires me. Love inspires me. Life inspires me. I am a leader and I always have been. I want to make the impossible possible. The people who inspire me are the ones that do that: Albert Einstein, Martin Luther King, Steve Jobs, Madonna, even Lady Gaga etc. I love the controversy that comes with pushing the envelop towards progression. That INSPIRES ME! Because if it makes the ‘sheep-ple’ think, regardless if they hate it or not, it still makes them think! I kinda wanna flip people’s brains in different directions like a rubixcube. I am a performer first and foremost, so if I can make people think through a visual image, to a song, to a role, to an interview, to a poem, to a performance in anyway- that is what I’m going to do.

9. Music seems to be a big part of you, would you still consider becoming a supermodel and still pursue singing?

- I do it all and always have. Yes, I have singles and 2 albums out, but I also have been working on a ton of other projects as well. Music doesn’t have language barriers which is why it speaks to the masses. Maybe I feel like I owe music so much because it played a big part in saving my life. Music is your best friend, your lover, your mirror. I love being a part of that. I love performing it to audiences as well. You can feel the love.

10. How did you feel when they called your name, and moments before during the silent bit in the finale episode to announce the winner, what was your immediate thought?

- It’s like that whole plucking flower petals thing….you go back and forth: “do they love me, or love me not, love me love me not.” I knew that if I won I would truly take the win to where it needs to go because 2012 was already going to be a huge breakout year for me in this industry. I couldn’t be happier that they want to piggyback on all my adventures. Winning the All-Stars was definitely the icing on the cake and I truly feel blessed. I truly do feel that some type of higher power was pulling strings for me. Maybe it was my grandpa who said my heart was star of the family. Who knows. I do know this, I will not let anyone down. 

11. Tell us more about your fragrance that has been released as a part of the ANTM endorsement. 

- My fragrance is now called ‘Dream Come True’. I wear it everyday! It smells beYOUtiful and I couldn’t be happier with the scent. It smells a bit like a mix my NEON scent that I created on the show. I will be doing a metro city nationwide tour in Targets and other specialty boutiques to do in-store signings and meet everyone in their hometowns. You can also reserve your order at http://shopdreamcometrue.com and I will sign those too. Hatch Beauty really did their thing and helped create a beautiful scent for all those young girls (or boys) that want to feel confident enough to pursue their dreams. It is remarkably magical. I couldn’t feel more flattered to be the face of this scent. Brittany(Brower) and Laura(Fitzpatrick) got to smell it the other day and they were fighting over it! It almost dropped on the floor. It was hysterical! Hahaha!

12. What other plans or projects do you have underway?

- I don’t like to talk about it but rather be about it, but I will say this. 2012 is definitely going to be a huge year! It was going to be already but now it’s going to be HUGE!! I am a woman of substance and drive on a mission- that is unstoppable. I dare you to doubt me. I do recommend all those iPhone users to download my FREE iPhone app: ‘Earth To Lisa’, so they can watch my EXCLUSIVE footage of my wild adventures in Hollywood. This is just the beginning and everyone can have the front seat to it all.

13. Last but not least, advice for all those aspiring models out there struggling to make it. 

- Modeling dreams are such a hard subject to give advice on, because lets face it, it is a shallow industry with specific specifications but I will say this. In terms of anyone’s dreams, I do think that investing in one’s own future is the most rewarding experience. I think everyone can create their own opportunities and blaze their own path but if you’re looking for the easy way out, you’ll probably get just as easy an answer which is no. You gotta pick your own battles and then own them at the end. It ain’t an easy world out there. Real talk.

Watch out for my new music video for my song ‘WHIPLASH” produced by The Cataracs! <3 Lisa

I promise to make 2012 memorable and informative. So keep on the lookout. And thank you so much to ALL those who keep checking the site. I check my statistics every month and I’m never disappointed. So, once again, thank you and keep reading!

new promo shoot with photographer Logan Thomas. I will be spearheading an anti-drugs campaign

Nichola Maynard, a strong, dominant personality with a smile bright enough to lighten up your darkest day. This warm, fun-loving individual will stop at nothing to achieve her goals, some may even say disclipine and perseverance has helped to mold this beautiful young lady for the challenge of competing in this year’s Miss Barbados World Pageant.

Maynard says, ” I am a currently a contestant in the Miss Barbados World Pageant 2011 who is
extremely excited about my journey ahead as I learn, progress and develop as an
individual. 

Described as the ‘life of the party’, determined,
hardworking, and down to earth; as a proud Island Girl I settle for nothing but the
best! Win or lose, I’ve reached a step further to the greater person I will
become destined for success.”

Take a look at her Facebook Fanpage and vote for her by clicking ‘Like’. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nichola-Maynard-for-Miss-Barbados-World-2011/135495163191902

MOTTO: Live. Love♥. Laugh

Sedia Jackman is a nineteen year old aspiring model of Caribbean descent. She has an associate degree in Office Administration and Management and having graduated from College she has decided to focus her energies on pursuing an international modeling career.

Her statistics are:
Bust: 34 inches
Waist: 24 inches
Hips: 34 inches
Cup Size: DD
Height: 5ft 11 1/2 inches
Shoe Size: 10/11
Hair Color: Black

To date, her body of works includes:

Shows:
• Absolute Caribbean Fashion Weekend 2008 (Barbados)
• Fashion Meets Polo 2008 (Barbados)
• Simon Peter Show 2009 (Barbados)
• ACF Fashion Weekend 2009 (Barbados)
• Youth Foundation’s Charity Event 2009 (Barbados)
• Islands of The World Fashion Week 2009 (Nassau, Bahamas)
• Barbados Under the Water Festival 2010 (Toronto, Canada)
• Baje Free To Fly Media Launch 2010 (Barbados)
• BB Fashion Week 2010 (Barbados)
• Emilio Pucci Eyewear Launch 2011 (Barbados)

Magazines:
• Island Life Magazine Issue No. 38
• Nu Woman Magazine 2009

Campaigns:
• Face of Waterhall Polo Barbados January 2008
• South Central Album 2010 – Swimmin’ In Soca
• Digicel Barbados –Digicel Christmas Campaign 2010
• Banks Breweries – Banks Calendar 2011

Marielle Wilkie, a well known print and runway model in the island of Barbados is one of the promising contestants of this year’s Miss Barbados World pageant (2011). Marielle has written up a small bio, just to give the public a little taste of her personality.

” For those of you that don’t know me, here is a little bit about me.
I love surfing, one of my passions is being in the water. I also love sewing and making outfits to wear, I went to canada to do arts and came back with glass blowing under my belt. Its an amazing art and really cool to watch as well! Another one of my great qualities is I’m a people’s person, I love socializing and meeting new people! I absolutely adore children, I believe that they are the new generation of the world and they need all the guidance they can get! That’s about it for now, if you want to know more you can tune into Tempo and Centric television to watch out journey to Miss World!”

Be sure to visit Marielle’s facebook fanpage, the contestant with the most ‘likes’ wins People’s Choice. So, click the ‘Like button’ if you like. – http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marielle-Wilkie-Miss-Barbados-World-2011-Contestant/195945737119108

I wish Marielle and all of the other contestants much luck! xoxo

I had finally found the time to interview this up and coming musical phenom(via email). Hailing from Atlanta, Eryn Woods is a constantly rolling ball of …for lack of better words..AWESOME! Ahaha. She had intrigued me from the moment I discovered on a music site online. I hunted her down and contacted her immediately! Just within a few moments I was drawn into the allure of Eryn Woods. From her edgy 80s punk mohawk to her funky style and kind demeanor, Ms. Woods is a genuine sweetheart and I am officially a ‘kupcake’!! (A term she uses to describe her fans. Hahaha!!)

I took the liberty NOT to edit this interview so much, because I wanted the reeaders to really get a feel of Eryn’s persona. Happy reading!

1. What inspired you to become a performing artiste?

-I have been singing probably since i was able to talk! I have always been surrounded by music (good music) and I was always encouraged to do what I love to do.

2a. What influences have had a hand in your image? I’m seeing a little Cyndi Lauper, Madonna and Grace Jones, haha.

-Well, I guess you could probably name certain people from different generations but I definitely am just doing ME. Being an artist gives you the ability to express yourself the way you want to.

2b. I absolutely LOVE the mohawk! When did you get it done and what drove you to it?

-THANKS!!!! My mohawk was done in stages….and this was the end product. LOL I always loved trying different things and hair was my outlet, so this is what came from it.

3. Tell us about your music. Which kind of genre would you say you fit most?

-If you want a description of my music….i have been told “If Cyndi Lauper and Gwen Stefani had a love child….it would be me” LOL So i guess you can say that its pop…but of course i add some edge which brings in the rock!!!

4. Who are your idols/role models in music and furthermore, in life.

-Some of musical influences would be Cyndi Lauper, Missing Persons and Madonna.

5. Did you always see yourself getting into music, or did you have other major ambitions?

-I always told myself that if i didn’t or don’t do music…i don’t know what i would do in my life. Thats why i never stopped pushing….because I wasn’t going to give up on the one thing i knew I was meant to do.

6. Are you currently signed to a label?

-I am not currently signed to a label but i am signed to a. production company, Pharsound Productions. We are doing everything independently until the fan base expands!!!!

7. What have been the most difficult trials as an artiste?

-I believe that the most difficult trials would have to be the whole journey of getting to the top…I’m not even all the way there yet and I’ve been through more then I’ve ever thought. Its a lot harder than just…being a good singer and then getting signed. You have to work 24/7. But to be more specific…being a woman in this industry is probably the most difficult thing.

8. Name two (2) things you love about being an artiste.

-I love making all my kupcakes (fans) smile and happy. And I love traveling and meeting all different people all across the world.

9. Do you write your own songs? If so, what inspires you?

-I have other writers that I work with in the studio to write my music. We sit down, talk about what I am going through or have went through and write about that. But the one thing some people forget when writing music, is you still have to think about the consumers/fans and what they can relate too.

10. If there is one person in your life that you live to make proud, who would that be and why?

-The one person that I have always wanted make proud of me now and in the past was/is my mom. She has always been there for me and has encouraged me to pursue my dreams since I was a little girl. She came to every choir performance, theatre performance, competitions, etc. Sitting there supporting her baby girl. Even when she had a million and one things to do. Especially since I have 2 older sisters and 3 younger brothers. She has never let me down, so I never want to let her down.

11. What are your guilty pleasures? (Eg. food, fashion, cars, etc.)

-I would have to say the 2 things that I probably spend way to much money on are sunglasses and shoes (heels to be exact). I can’t live without them!!! hahaha

12. What is your biggest dream accomplishment as an artiste?

-My ultimate goal would have to be getting to a point in my career where “my words” make a difference in the world. And being able to help any one in need, especially young girls.

13. Last but not least, what advice would you give to all those asiring performers read this interview right now?

-I don’t know if i can say everything in a couple sentences but I’ll try to summarize it. lol

DON’T GIVE UP….there will be times that you want to stop because there will be some steps backwards but if you keep giving your all, you will go 2 steps forward. When you are meant to do this….DOORS WILL OPEN FOR YOU. And never think that it will all get done for you….you have to put your heart and soul into it and work hard. Even if you have a great team around you, remember its YOUR career and life.

I asked Eryn just to give a random quote to sum up the interview. She replied, “Kupcakes are about to take over the world!!!!!” <3

You can't NOT love this girl! Hahaha.

Dre DeCarlo, xx

From jamming to their original musical fusions such as Hot Box (a song promoting marijuana use) or rocking out to Falling From Far, a more classic hard rock ballad fully equipped with screams and high notes, Threads of Scarlet, for lack of better words, BLEW THE ROOF OFF! The event was highly publicised and the fans kept flowing in throughout the night, emitting an atmosphere reminiscent of Woodstock!

The event was also attended by fellow musicians Mahalia Philips of Nexcyx, which recently tore up the SXSW Music Festival in Texas, and Coverdrive‘s Amanda Reifer. Coverdrive got signed to Geffen Records this year and were spending most of their time in the studio. Look out for even more Barbadian musicians abroad.

Amanda Reifer and I

Dre DeCarlo, xx

…..Stay tuned for the interview with Atlanta based commercial/fashion print and runway model Antonia Blain

Dre DeCarlo.. xx