LAKAY

So on Friday, my sister and I went to the Place St Pierre Christmas Fair. It was great! Especially because of the quick transformation that happened in the plaza. It went from a tent city to a renovated place ready to host a fair. Kudos to the mayor!

All the vendors were artisans selling their works from jewelry, to clothing, sandals, handbags, etc… I opted for this fè dekoupe cuff which I paired with this outfit from my mom’s atelier de couture. The vest makes a statement, no?

Hope everyone has a great Christmas…

HAITI ON MY HEAD

Love my baseball cap? I do too. Thought it was an amazing find when the beach vendor showed up with a laye full of goodies. I don’t think I had ever seen millinery made this way. I had to buy it.

Made out of fèy bannann (banana leaves) it definitely makes a statement! I can even be bold and say that it reminds me of the Louis Vuitton pattern. Ha!

Gotta love the patch of Haiti on the front and the neutral colors that can practically match anything. I think I’m going to wear it this summer in New York.

SWEET ART

While waiting for Maureen to wrap up her assignment, I stumbled upon Les Créations Moro shop. Perfect stop while in Jacmel. I used to see the unique creations online and was too pleased to finally visit the place.

So many things to entice you in the shop: from masks to dishware. I opted for a fè dekoupe butterfly ring and papier mâché pendants. The owner and his wife vibrant personalities bring even more life to an already animated merchandise.

MORE HERBS PLEASE

Bèlzèb (Beautiful Herb) is the brand of these botanical wonders ranging from teas to beauty.

I grabbed these soaps at the PAP airport on my way to freezing NY!

Vetiver is an excellent herb for Haiti with the following characteristics:

- Insect-repellent

- Antiseptic

- Controls erosion

The exotic scent of the herb is reminsicent of starry summer night skies of Haiti's country side.

The soaps are handcrafted, stirred by hand with a wooden spoon and cleanse so well.

I usually finish off with the brand's parsley body oil. I have to admit I was quite skeptical at the thought of parsley scent on my body but it absolutely smells great. Mwen santi bon (I smell good).

ISSSSS MINE....GIMMME!!!

Yes, that’s exactly what I said when I saw this breath of fresh air of a bag! I became like my then 2-year old munchkin buddy Maeva.

There were different designs of fè dekoupe but I chose the elephant because I know that most Haitians have never seen an elephant in their lives but artists here depict them very often in their crafts.

Grenn madjòk, the beads, were words I hadn’t heard in ages. Haitians used them a lot back in the days, especially to lock braids. Mwen renmen koulè grenn madjòk yo (I love the colors of the madjòk beads). And of course there is the added “green” factor of the recycled rice bag.

ONE STRAIGHT MOTHER %#@$#$

Three minutes ago I had a thermal and a wool cover on my back. One whiff and 2 sips later, I'm down to my tank top. This beverage sets you straight right away. The brand is Pam Alkon (not really sure what it means) but the ingredients are pineapple, grapefruit, oranges, spices and alchohol (must be kleren). I think this is one for those who can handle their liquor. Must definitely be consumed in moderation because I can predict the nasty hangover and the deep regrets. I like it and would offer it to guests, specially my foreign friends :-)

HOW I ROCK MY PERICLES

I didn't even remember this copper belt when it resurfaced in my life recently. I inherited it from my mother, or so I thought, until she called me yesterday claiming it back! It served her well for a while and now it's a must-have in my closet. It's Pericles.
Great contrast piece: Rough against Soft. Lots of options for day and night wear. This belt has character, craft and presence.

SWEET DREAMS ARE MADE OF THIS

My mother, in her spirit to help me support local craft, offered me this beautiful handmade crochet bed cover for Christmas. I had been eying it for months and it finally graces my bed today. The pattern is pretty and centers very well on my bed.
Driving around very often I see the maker. She works from the sidewalk and crochets garments as well.
This cover brings about memories of my youth in my parents' home and a feeling of comfort. This is a piece I can pass on to my children (when I have children). Thanks mom!

PORTABLE ART

I was filled with excitement when Tigèt showed me a bag full of these cute hand painted clutch/packs. I could not choose! I just wanted to grab them all! Alabwòdè (How Elegant) is the name of the line and each and every one of the products come with a kreyòl proverb.

The word play of the proverb in the picture renders the translation less faithful but goes something like this: It's two "goods" that make candy.

A GIFT FOR A GODDESS

I bought myself this beautiful pink shell necklace that I feel very special about. The intensity of the pink centerpiece makes a bold statement of love.

It's not the kind of piece you pull out any day. I've only worn it twice in the five months I've had it.

I bought it from an artisan at the local beach resort. I had found attractive, the designer being a man, was comfortable with using such bright pink as a center piece.