#174: Honeychild (Friday, April 30)

"Thrash diva Honeychild brings to mind Miriam Makeba meeting Bjork in the Sex Pistols basement." -Greg Tate, VIBE Magazine

I love that quote. I can't quite describe Honeychild's style, but if I could put it into words, I think that's the most accurate description. In two words, "she rocks!" I first heard of Honeychild Coleman through her DJ skills. I was attending a dance party at the Brooklyn Academy of Music and was thoroughly impressed with the black woman spinning the amazing dance music. I found out she was DJ SugarfreeBK. A few months later, I met her through a mutual friend who invited me to see her play.

I assumed I was going to see another DJ performance. Instead I got afropunk meets alternative, and loved it, even though I'd never really been into punk. Check out Honeychild's music (including two of my favorites, Friend and The Last Time) and her videos on MySpace and if you're in (or visiting) Europe, you're in luck, cos...

She's on tour with renowned punk band the Slits! (For those who aren't up on their female punk history, the Slits are like the mother of female punk bands).

#173: Martine's Dream (Friday, April 23)

I am unbelievably excited with this week's Good Friday. It has been nearly two years in the making, I alluded to it in Good Friday #163, and now the site is finally here. I can share the work of one of my favorite people with all of you.

Martine's Dream is the creation of a great friend, Debbie (aka Martine). I absolutely love her. Besides the fact that we have a lot in common (Jamaican roots, love of the sun and the arts, etc.), she's just a beautiful human being with a wonderful spirit. Ok, I admit it, when I first saw Debbie's creations I was a little hesitant. Don't get me wrong, I LOVED her clothing...just not for me. I'd never been a fan of prints; I thought they made me look crazy. But Debbie changed my mind, and last year, I wore two of her creations almost everywhere and got an overwhelming number of compliments.

But Deb's not just about creating stuff; if you're short on imagination, she'll also give you ideas on how to wear her
pieces, based on your body type. Our typical conversation goes something like this:

Me: Deb, it looks amazing, but the print...
Deb: ...Is perfect for your skin tone. If you were a shade lighter it wouldn't work.
Me: But I'm bulky around the middle. It won't sit right.
Deb: You need to wear it on your waist, or with a belt...

Her style tips are always on point. So check out the long-awaited Martine's Dream at: www.martinesdream.com (be sure to read her bio!), and if you're in Brooklyn, drop by her store at the Brooklyn Flea on Saturdays. Here's to the children of Ililanga!

Be excellent!

#172: Let The Music Play! (Friday, April 16)

I first met SKS through a mutual friend. The minute I met him, I loved him and knew he'd be a lifelong friend.

The guy's amazing. I mean, really. How many people do you know who can claim they are a track star, a former Peace Corps worker, a systems/IT whiz, a (working) comedian AND a working DJ? I'll give you a minute to think about it...

Unless you know SKS, then your answer was probably "none". While I could extol his many talents, it's the last talent I mentioned that saved me from ruin today...

I was having a bad day; I wanted more than anything to be home in my house in Jamaica with the burgundy roof, but I couldn't, so I turned to Baby Ace Radio instead. After a half-hour of nice dancehall tunes, I was back to my old self. :)

So if you ever want to escape to Jamaica, but are physically stuck somewhere else, SKS and his crew over at Baby Ace Radio will make you feel at home. Check 'em out:
http://www.live365.com/stations/babyace

Be excellent!

#171: Dress to Dance Everyday (Friday, April 9)

"Dress to dance everyday." That is the motto of Rowenzita, a little boutique owned by Shireen, the cousin of one of my very dear friends. I first met her in Barbados several years ago during Cropover. She was wearing an amazing dress; it fit her perfectly and was just up my alley (one-of-a-kind, artsy, free-flowing).

When I complimented her on her outfit, she admitted that she'd "just whipped it up" to take along on her impromptu trip. I was completely impressed; if she could whip up such a great dress, imagine what she could do with some time! LOL.

I found the card for Rowenazita when I was moving the other day, and was excited to learn that she has a store on Etsy and also vends at the Brooklyn Flea on occasion. So check out her stuff, and since she makes everything herself, she may also do custom requests, so sign up for her mailing list if you see something you like.

Be excellent!

#170: Funky (Friday, April 2)

Sometimes I think I was born in the wrong time. I love old movies (Bette Davis is one of my favorite actresses), 80's pop music (if you don't have Air Supply, Pat Benatar, Blondie and Foreigner on your iPod, what's the point of having music?), Motown, and 70's clothes.

So a few years ago when I discovered Funky Fanny's Vintage, it's safe to say that I was in heaven. Not only is Serci (owner) one of the nicest people, she has amazing deals on vintage. I went to one of their $10 sales and CLEANED UP. I even got one of my favorite dresses there...I get so many compliments on it every time I wear it...and it was only $10 bucks. I heart vintage. :)

Soo, check out Funky Fanny's, and get on her mailing list so you can hear about her sale events. (Or if you're looking for a particular vintage piece, she can help you out there too). Did I mention I heart vintage? LOL.

Keep it funky, and keep it excellent.