5 Ways To Exude Caribbean Style At Home

Now that it's officially summer, many of you may be planning chic beachside getaways for the season. I recently took a trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico and now that I’m back stateside I’m still yearning for that carefree Caribbean style that always puts me at ease. One thing I noticed about the Caribbean is that aside from being a haven of relaxation, people there really work to live instead of living to work. There’s a clear difference, and I think just taking a few cues from this philosophy can help reduce stress and help you live a happier life. Here are some fun & easy ways to bring carefree Caribbean style home, long after the vacay:

1. Wear your favorite beachside maxi dress on a non-beach day.

Beachwear doesn’t necessarily have to be for beachside occasions. Pairing your favorite maxi dress or printed beach cover-up with the proper undergarments and accessories can give it new life, even when you’re not kicking up sand.

Maxi dresses are my absolute favorite. I dress them up for a night out or pare them down with flats for daytime.

2. Unwind with Malibu Island Spiced cocktails.

Cocktails might be my favorite part about poolside lounging while I’m on vacation. Rum, the quintessential liquor for island gals like myself, is a great base for fun & fruity drinks. Enjoy them out with your friends or in the comfort of your home. I really love the new Malibu Island Spiced rum. It has such a unique flavor infused with coconut, vanilla, and a hint of cinnamon. And get this, it’s sweetened with Truvia® so there are only 70 calories per serving. Flavorful and guilt-free? I was sold.

Malibu’s website has a really great list of special cocktails you can mix using Malibu Island Spiced. For my island-themed night at home, I mixed two of their signature cocktails - the Spiced on Ice, the Sparkling Spiced and a variation of the Chaise Lounge using Orange Juice instead of Pineapple. Here’s what I did:

Spiced on Ice is literally just 1 serving of Malibu Island Spiced over ice, garnished with lemon:

Sparkling Spiced (another low-calorie cocktail) is 1 parts Malibu Island Spice and 2 parts sparkling water:

Chaise Lounge is 1 and 1/2 parts Malibu Island Spiced and 3 parts pineapple juice, which I substituted for OJ instead:

3. Try a traditional Caribbean recipe.

One of my favorite west-Indian dishes is jerk chicken. My dad is Jamaican so I grew up eating this at home. Though it’s spicy, it tastes amazing. Depending on what recipe you use, it’s quite easy to make milder versions of this. The key to a great jerked chicken dish is in the marinade. You should let your chicken soak for at least 8 hours before broiling, grilling or baking it.


4. Bump your favorite reggae tracks.

I grew up on Sanchez and Beres Hammond. Something about smooth reggae tunes puts me in another place. This is a surefire way to bring the sun & sand of the Caribbean to your living room. Put on some of your favorite reggae tunes and get into the groove.

5. Paint your nails turquoise.

I think one of the reasons turquoise and other blue-green shades are my favorites to put on my fingers and toes is because they remind me of the ocean! I’m a believer in the power of beauty putting you in a good mood. I could be having the most horrible day but bright colors on my fingers and toes immediately lighten my mood. Try out a new aqua shade and don’t worry - be happy.

How do you exude care-free Caribbean style when you're back stateside? 

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MALIBU ® Caribbean Rum with Coconut Liqueur & Natural Spices, with Truvia® Sweetener. 30% Alc./Vol. (60 Proof) ©2013 Imported by Pernod Ricard USA, Purchase, NY

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*when mixed with your favorite zero calorie mixer. Limes and other garnishes may add calories

LBS at Coachella: The Recap (Part 2)

So I've already given you a run-through of my crazy first day in The Recap - Part 1. By day two, I had music festival fashion literally down to a science after seeing all the creative outfits and trends re-emerge in similar fashion. I also now officially knew my way around the festival grounds (and where to get a Wifi signal - c'mon 4G, don't fail me now!) Days 2 and 3 had more of the music acts I wanted to see so it was a ton of fun stage-hopping and dancing with strangers. Good times.

Here's what I got into on Days 2 & 3:

Day 2: Performance-Hopping

via @LoveBrownSugar on Instagram

For Day 2, I knew there'd be a ton of running around. Plus, it was a scorcher at 97 degrees so I sprung for a "Florence & The Machines" graphic tee from H&M, jean cutoff shorts from Forever 21 and a pair of Sam Edelman gladiator flats.

The crew headed to the 2 Chainz performance

There were so many great acts on Saturday. Everyone from 2 Chainz to Janelle Monae. I split my time between music performances, heading back to the H&M tent (I was addicted to shimmying down in that photo booth!) and taking street style pics.

Me & Nikita of Darling, Naturally

I even bumped into some old friends! Remember Nikita from our Drop The Dryer series? Yep, she was there in an amazing pair of printed shorts. 

In between shows and street style-snapping, I headed back to the H&M tent for another jam session in the video booth with Nikita and her friends...

After eating and going to a few more sets, I headed over to see my favorite - Janelle Monae.

Janelle played an amazing set. And proceeded to crowd-surf to close out her performance. Amazingness.

Day 3: Poolside Coachillin'

On the final day of Coachella, they rested. Well, not exactly but something close to that. Instead of slaving out in the hot desert festival grounds for the first half of the day, we partied it up at the Adidas Originals Do Over #Dochella Party. 

Finally time to whip out the swimwear!

The pool party took place at the Ace Hotel Palm Springs. Such a chic venue.

Photo-bomb! That's me all up in the pic with DJ Questlove

Guest DJ Questlove was on the 1's and 2's spinning everything from old school classics to original beats. 

Loved all the swimwear on display at the party. Such great colors and patterns.

This two-piece from H&M was such a huge hit, me and Kamaria both showed up wearing it. Such a great style for curvy girls. The high-waisted bottom hides imperfections and the top gives vintage pin-up glamour.

That's all folks! Thanks for tuning into my LBS at Coachella adventures and for those of you who helped me decide what to wear, you're life-savers! 'Til next music festival...

What festivals are YOU guys looking forward to this summer?

For more of my Coachella Street Style pics, head to VIBE Vixen HERE.

LBS at Coachella: The Recap (Part 1)

Whew! California treated me so incredibly well and I'm back on the East Coast with a mini tan and a lifetime of memories from my very first visit to the Coachella Music Festival. As you guys know, I attended on behalf of Indique as their correspondent and I did everything from live tweets and instagrams to interviews and street style.

Coachella was overwhelming but SO much fun. Aside from being excited about the indie artists and live performances, I couldn't wait to snap pics of my favorite fashion and beauty looks. I shot every look imaginable from flower girls to punk rockers. I also got turned UP in the video booth at the H&M tent each day, got my nails done at the DIY bar courtesy Incoco, danced to show tunes at the Red Bull Speakeasy. And I found heaven in a bucket of Crab Garlic Fries. Epic times.

Here's a snapshot of what I got into on Day 1:


The Arrival

Dress: L'Amour by Nanette Lepore | Bag, Sunglasses, Necklace: H&M | Shoes: Minnetonka | Hair: Indique

If you follow me on Instagram @LoveBrownSugar you'd know I was completely undecided about what to wear on the first day and had to put it to a vote. Neon A-line dress or tribal print tunic?

via LoveBrownSugar on Instagram

I opted for the neon look! My favorite L'Amour by Nanette Lepore frock ($30), a gold & turquoise necklace from H&M, a crochet bag and sunglasses from H&M as well, and blue fringe Minnetonka sandals I scored at Marshall's.

We head to our first round of performances. Every stage is packed with festival-oers preparing to see their favorite bands. Preparation includes everything from dancing in circles to hula-hooping. It was intense.

Me & Kamaria (@KamariaLove on Instagram)

Me & DaMonica Boone

In between performances I snap street style shots of festival go-ers. Crop tops, bikinis, tribal print and crochet are the uniform of choice. With graphic tees, cutoffs and flower crowns making regular appearances.

Next up, I stop over at the H&M tent to cool down, refresh, recharge my phone and dance like nobody's watching in their video booth.

 DJ Shiva was on the 1's & 2's playing our favorite tunes.

 Dove Dry Shampoo to refresh your hair in the heat, Kiehls face products to keep the skin toned and hydrated, Aubrey Organics deodorant spray and more!

 This was the most amazing photo/video booth ever. I literally came back everyday for this. Who doesn't love to watch a GIF of themselves acting a ratchet fool? Hilarious.

By this time, it was almost nightfall and the food stands were calling my name. So I beckoned, and I stumbled on a small piece of heaven in a bowl...

Garlic Crab Fries. Garlic fries topped with horseradish aioli and snow crab meat. *swoon*

And that concludes my first day at the festival. Click HERE for Part 2 - all about my favorite performances and the Adidas Originals Do Over Pool Party I'll never forget.

For pics of some of the street style I captured on Day 1, head to the VIBE Vixen "Coachella Street Style" gallery!

LBS Beauty: 5 Beauty Must-Haves for the Jetsetter

Tis the season to travel! Christina's headed to Cali for Coachella and many of us will be planning our spring and summertime destination vacays in the coming months. Seasoned travelers know that easy adjustments can make any trip feel like a first class affair. When I’m away from home I always make sure these five essentials are in tow: 

1. A Moisturizing Mask

Whatever your preference: plane, train, or automobile; the recycled air in compact spaces dries skin at an unflattering rate. A refreshing mask upon arrival will is like a drink of water for your skin. When’s Essence Gel Masks are packaged individually and hydrate and soothe fatigued faces.

2. Makeup Removal Wipes

You don't need to watch an investigative report to know that commonly shared areas--like airplane armrests, hotel remotes, and gas pumps are hotbeds of lingering dirt and bacteria. Use your makeup removal wipes (like the Yes to Cucumber ones above) to clean them up, and save the rest for your face. 

3. Candles

Nothing will keep homesickness at bay and usher familiarity in faster than comforting scents. Store a few of your favorite candles (or try a new fragrance) in travel sizes in your bag. My favorite luxury travel candles are by Trish McEvoy and Tocca. 

4. Tools

Brushes are expensive, so treat them with a little respect in your suitcase. Store them in an easily cleaned, compartmentalized makeup bag. You can also opt for a special Travel Brush Set to throw in your carry-on.

5. Bite Size Beauty

Preparing for a getaway where you can let your hair down a bit? Vacations are excellent opportunities to try new products. Round up some travel samples from your local beauty store and discover a new favorite.

Shop The Products: 

- Ashley Weatherford of August Skin, @sincerelyash on Twitter

Wearing your natural hair on vacay this year? Be sure to check our our Top 5 Natural Hair Tips for Travel too!