YFB February Issue- People- Elle King {Risse C}

Confidence, determination and patience are three characteristics which supermodel Elle King has credited to her success in the international model arena thus far. Unlike the scripted shows where young girls dream of being models from the time they could wobble in their mother’s heels, Elle’s initial career aspiration was to become a veterinarian, which stemmed from her passion for animals and she has plans on opening a clinic in the future. 

 In 2006, she walked in the Cave Shepherd Barbados Fashion Week and shortly after was offered to appear in BET’s annual fashion show ‘Rip the Runway’. This gained her much recognition locally and internationally and placed her among the likes of other supermodels such as Tenielle Stoute and Sara Collins. With a career that has taken her to various countries, she has come to the realization that as a model, she is also an ambassador for her country. She is usually greeted with the question, “so where are you from?” which when answered, stirs up even more curiosity, since many people have never heard about Barbados. She enjoys talking and promoting her country any chance she gets, knowing how vital tourism is to our economy.

Currently based in South Africa to build her portfolio, Elle is signed to RED Model Management NYC and Base Model Agency. Thus far, her accolades include but are not limited to: shooting her first commercial with renowned Italian photographer Oliviero Toscani for Woolworth South Africa, becoming the face of Vichy L’Oreal in Africa and opening the fashion showcase for Patricia Field, ‘Sex in The City’ stylist/designer.

Elle named local designer Shanika Burnett of Shakad Designs and international  designer Lavin as presently being her favourites and stated that “being a Bajan model has also worked in my favour, since I stand out from the competition as they’re few models working internationally from Barbados and the Caribbean in general”.

Even models have a day off, and Elle takes full advantage of these rare occasions. As an island girl, the beach is her second home and coupled with a good book, completes her perfect day R&R. She also like bike riding and since being relocated to South Africa has taken a keen interest in hiking. Her pet peeves include poor customer service, know-it-alls and being late, the latter being a key aspect of a model’s day to day, which can make or break their career.

Elle has great plans in motion for her future in the industry, having already walked in shows for Patricia Field, Halston and Monique Lhuillier, she would love to add Bottega Veneta, Lanvin and Chanel, but this list is not exhausted in the least.

She advises young women who want to pursue a career in the industry to take that leap of faith if they are truly passionate about modeling, but warns that this is no walk in the park or the runway for that matter. The industry is very competitive and cut throat so you must be able to roll with the punches and come out on top.

YFB February Issue- Style- Health n Fitness {Dre J}

If the extent of your daily exercise regimen is to search for the remote control for the television or going to the refrigerator for a midnight snack, then unfortunately you living a sedentary lifestyle which places you at risk for the many health complications which go hand in hand with being a ‘couch potato’. Being active doesn’t mean you have to be a fitness fanatic, but an increase in your daily activity can start with a 30 minute walk.

FACT: A lack of physical activity is one of the leading PREVENTABLE causes of death worldwide.

FACT: A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to or be a risk factor for:

•Anxiety
•Cardiovascular disease
•Depression
•Diabetes
•High blood pressure
•Obesity
•Osteoporosis

Another risk is muscle atrophy - the shrinking and weakening of muscles which subsequently makes them more susceptible to physical injury, so it’s like they say if you don't use it you lose it. This is usually associated with persons in their senescence, but can also be found in younger generations. It should be noted that there is a direct link between physical activity and the human immune system, less activity equates to a weaker immune system.

Sedentary lifestyles carry with it the same risks as SMOKING, and we all know smoking kills. Physical activity at any level can: make the heart stronger; reduce blood pressure; help control stress levels and help maintain or lose weight.

Some exercise is better than none, so let's get out there and get active.

YFB February Issue- Style-Fashion n' Beauty {Paula J}

Beauty is skin deep. What is inside the black woman, or any woman regardless of ethnicity, is of tantamount importance if not much more important than her weave, false lashes, afro, any of it. But ladies (and gents brave enough to read this) the body is a temple and it must be treated as such – what people see and most importantly what you see when you step in front of the mirror can make or break your day, your week even your life!

So what does the young, fabulous, Bajan gal do to keep on top of her game? We can’t fit all that into one article so (permission to be redundant?) I’ll start at the beginning – skin care. Now guys don’t stop reading just yet, skin care is asexual… like Godzilla? I just lost my one reader. Cleansing, toning and moisturizing daily are the three basic steps all of us can take – men, women, and even children to ensure we avoid breakouts, wrinkles, and a variety of skin ailments and remain beautiful on the outside. The face is the most exposed part of the body so it requires our care and attention. P.S Ladies, clean skin is the best palate for your fabulous makeup!

Welcome to the Best 5 Minutes of Your Life

And I promise you will not have to call your ex! All you need is warm water, a wash cloth, facial cleanser or foaming face wash, toner, after shave (for men) or daily acne cleansing pads, cotton balls (or suitable equivalent) and a daily moisturizer with at least SPF 15.

Step 1 – Cleansing:
Moisten the wash cloth with warm water. Then moisten the face using both hands starting at the base of the neck and working up to the face with upward and outward circular motions.  Next take a nickel-sized portion of facial cleanser and dab small amounts of it all over the face and neck. Then moisten fingertips with the warm water and work in small circular motions upward and outward starting on the neck and working up to the face. Once we’re all covered then we use warm water to rinse that off thoroughly.

Step 2 – Toning
Using the toner, after shave, or cleansing pads you need to cover the cleansed surface of the neck and face. I usually put a small portion of it on a cotton ball and rub the solution and my neck and face in the same upward and outward motions used for cleansing. Why do we keep using these upward and outward motions? This gentle massage is doing the skin wonders and you’ll thank me in your 60’s! I know you’re with me now.

Step 3 – Last one! Let’s moisturize…
Dab small drops of moisturizer on each side of the neck, chin, lower jaw, on each cheek, each side of the nose, each eye lid, each temple and about three dabs across the forehead. Smooth the lotion all over the neck and face (I know you see it coming) in upward and outward circular motions as before. By now you may feel exhausted just reading it. But as my closest girlfriends will point out much to my embarrassment, if I can do it in all my lazy glory then anyone can! Of course there is more… much much more to skin care but what reason would you have to read next issue if I said it all now?

YFB January Issue- Style-Fashion n' Beauty {Nick C}

In 2010 we saw many Barbadians rocking some of the international fashion trends to hit our shores- from trendy animal prints to wild back breaking heels. So, what do we have to look forward to this year? 2011 promises to be an epic year in fashion. We have seen metal outfits from Lady Gaga and even her outfit made entirely of meat- with this heat in Barbados that is one fashion trend we would sure want to miss out on- furthermore, we like our meat well cooked and served on a plate! Here are some summer trends for us to consider for 2011:

>Sheer Maxi Dresses<

Sheer fabrics are nothing new to fashion, for those who want to be sexy without showing off too much skin, sheer fabrics are ideal. You can play them up by mixing bright colours with dark sheer fabrics and prints.  Sheer maxi dresses have become a big hit with many designers and are gracing the catwalks of brands like Dolce & Gabbana and Fendi. 

 >Heavy Metal<

Metallic colours are bold and daring gold, silver and bronze can be seen on California Girl Katie Perry. These pieces no longer have to be boring and can be worn as party outfits and we know there is always a party in Bim.

>Tail Hems<

Dresses and tops that are tapered (short at the front and longer at the back) are expected to be a hit for 2011. They fill the void between a mini and a mid-length and provide you with modest comfort. Tail hems can be very flirty and offer a fun twist on everyday dresses, skirts and tops. Included in the look for womens boutiques for their 2011 collections, tail hem blouses can be great alternatives for work wear with tailored jackets, while the more casual tops can allow you to still incorporate one thing that us Bajan girls love to wear- leggings. Leggings worn with tail hemmed shirts can be very classy and casual. 

>Tassels<

I know many of you know what tassels are, you remember that little thing hanging from your hat at graduation well that is expected to be another big hit for this summer and will not only be seen on clothes but yes- you guessed it on shoes, bags, hats and belts and jewellery as well. This new insurgence of tassels promises for them to be big, bold and bright.

>Stripes<

Stripes, much like jeans, are pretty much here to stay but the style associated with stripes is often changing. With a mixture of colour combination from bright yellows and reds, keep the classic style fresh, to the characteristic sailor blue and white.

>1970s< 

Many trends are recycled and given a modern twist. We expect to see the rise of the seventies once more in the fashion arena, with denim skirts and jackets. As we welcome back flares and bell bottoms, you can leave your afro picks and hair spray at home because fashion is not going quite that far with the seventies.

So there you have it, an inside look at what to look forward to for 2011 fashion trends. Remember to wear what suits you and you can also put your own personal twist to any of these trends and make it your own. I am sure many more fashion surprises are yet to come so keep your eyes glued!!

Young, Fabulous and Bajan Online Magazine

Seasons greetings to one and all I hope all is well with you and yours. I love Christmas but I am sure that businesses love it more. So much for the economy being in a recession cause the way that I see people spending is LAVISH. 

Please direct me to the money trees which seem to be growing by the acre. I clearly didn't get the memo.For the holidays I am working at a restaurant and I have a new found appreciation for that business especially. I don't care how 'civilized' we are claiming to be when it comes down to hunger people revert to their very primitive and primal ways.

Moving onto matters at hand, for 2011 YFB is expanding its name to an online magazine. This magazine will be available from the first weekend in January. Without disclosing too much information about the magazine I can say this venture is 100 % BAJAN focusing on  people, style, issues, accomplishments etc. 

We at YFB look forward to bringing you objective and accurate articles, giving you new insight and appreciation for our beautiful gem of the Caribbean.

Until next time when I reveal the links to you 

Happy holidays from me to you 

xoxo

Risse