Singer-dancer-performer Saïda knows a thing or two about looking stylish. Here she is with some majestic spirals toppling her head. Smokey eyes, blushed cheeks, with a touch of lip gloss complete this look. Check out more looks from Saïda!

This is probably the most casual we’ve seen her yet. A playful baseball cap sits on her head. Her outfit is simple but elaborate: a white, body-hugging tank top, silver accessories, including a sterling-colored chain and bangles, and a silver-accented black belt that hangs below the waist, with some laid-back sneakers.

Here she combines two personas: the sexy kitten and the career woman in wearing a silky dress but whose skirt length is above the knees…way above the knees, toppled by a provocative pose. The makeup is very understated, and the earth-toned necklace oversized. Check out her heels. She can basically go from casual to formal wit this outfit. Behold that inviting pout gentlemen. At this point, it’s quite apparent that brightness becomes her. The brighter the color, the more dynamic she looks. The scarlet reds from the looks above, to the bright orange from this look.

This look makes great use of make-up. With her make-up, you know it’s there, but it’s not so blunt that she looks like some pancake. This all-black look gives Saïda a certain mystery, but a sexy flair for sure. A bamboo bracelet matches perfectly with the wood-colored broach on her black top.

All my kreyolicious boys and girls…what do you think of these looks?

Let’s get to know Haitian groups and bands, and isn’t fashion the best way to get a perspective of whom they are?

Today’s Kreyolicious fashion spotlight will shine on the group named Gabel. Let’s see now…

The crew in their suits!

The band’s co-lead singer isn’t shy when it comes to experimenting with colors. Here he is in a sun-yellow, long-sleeved shirt and form-fitting jeans.

The members sport the title of their newest albums.

The Gabel boys looking very debonair in their custom suits and pink bow ties.

One of the singers hide his eyes behind some bright shades, while the band’s drummer goes for a casual nylon jacket thrown over a gray shirt.

One of the lead singers wears a yellow pants that pop, and a flashy mohawk. Hater blockers on deck.

Band members show their individuality through distinctive get-ups.

The band’s drummer sports a striped top over khakis! And a light gold necklace and playful wristband.

The boys of Gabel are dressed for traveling! Hoodies that can easily come off in hot weather or that can be pulled close in case the weather gets extra cold.

And this is Gabel! Aren’t the boys of Gabel looking Kreyolicious at every turn?

Photos: Via Band FB Fan Page

What time is it? It’s time to explore fashion as worn by some Kreyolicious celebrities. The band in question today is going to be…T-Vice. Yee-yay!

One of the T-Vice lead singers sports a pair of jeans, perfect for nighttime partying.

This look says tropical and island and Caribbean all over it. The boys in T-Vice are definitely wearing popping colors. With this look, the band demonstrates that a little color here and there can work, and will take nothing away from one’s masculinity.

The band gives tribute to 18th Century fashion in this photo, from their dramatic diagonal hats to tight pants.

Here the boys of T-Vice are dressed for a night of performing. They favor the long-sleeved shirt look. Rather than dressing alike, each frontrunner sport their own style. They choose to wear shirts that can transition easily from casual to semi-formal.

Ooh, I like this look. The boys don solid yet comfortable kicks to walk around and perform in. They have a penchant for hoodies and comfortable clothing.

And this concludes this edition of Kreyolicious’ Celebrity Style segment. See you guys next time!

Image Credit: All photos from band’s Facebook Page; colonial wear photo credit…Francois Adrien

Most fashion designers can trace their fashion obsession to their high school years—sewing a prom dress for a friend, organizing a school club fashion expo, or modeling at a mall back-to-school modeling show. For Carline Smothers, the CEO of clothing line Zoe Beautée, there was no fascination with clothing whatsoever during high school. When Smothers was attending the University of South Florida in the mid-2000s, being a fashion designer was still far from her plans. Inspired by her Haiti-born parents’ journey in America, the Florida-born college student wanted to become a teacher.

After graduating from USF with a Communications degree, Smothers launched a career in education. While working in the public school system, she noticed that the same insecurities that she had felt growing up about her culture, were manifesting in the kids she was teaching. During her lunch breaks, she ventured out to clothing stores and malls, but couldn’t find clothing that had a cultural perspective. “There was not one thing I could put on to represent who I am, and what I stand for,” she recalls. Smothers began scribbling notes in a journal and sought the feedback of her sister and a cousin. From there, the concept of Zoe Beautée was no longer a cherished idea, but an actual clothing line.

The Zoe Beautée brand mixes cultural pride with a level of sophistication, while also winking at street style.

Kreyolicious: What are some of the things you learned while in school that have helped you in starting and building your brand?

While attending the University of South Florida, I saw and met a diverse group of people. Different nationalities, religions, cultures, and beliefs. I also met other Haitians from all over and I instantly connected with them. I was able to appreciate everyone that I came in contact with while attending college.

Kreyolicious: What does it mean to be a Zoe Beautée?

Zo meaning “bone” in Haitian Creole signifying strength and life. Today, most Haitians refer to themselves as a Zoe. Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes [and] since I would be making t-shirts, it was only right to combine the two words…Beautée. “Expressing Beauty Through Language” is the slogan I use to describe my t-shirt line.

Kreyolicious: It takes a lot of energy to be in the fashion industry, and even more to be a fashion entrepreneur. How do your days start and end?

I’m currently a stay-at-home mom, my days start with getting our three young children up, fed, and ready for school. In between feeding our one-year old daughter and naps, I network and advertise via social media. My life revolves around our children. Any ideas I my have for my business, I jot down throughout my day. I have to stay organized in order to keep things running smoothly. While I’m sleeping, I’m thinking about ways to improve and grow my business. I feel like I never sleep…However, I’m so passionate about what I’m doing it drives me and give me energy every day!

Kreyolicious: What would you say to others out there who want to start a clothing line?

If you’re passionate about it, go for it! Don’t let your inexperience or others discourage you from your goal. I was able to start my business in 2011 with nothing. No loans, no business degree and still learning along the way. There may be a few setbacks, but do not let that stop you. Keep pushing forward!

Kreyolicious: Would you say that networking is important?

Networking is extremely important. I have met some amazing individuals through networking! Anyone successful did not reach that point without networking.

Kreyolicious: What keeps you going when things get tough?

My family. My husband has been extremely supportive and my children mean everything to me. My parents, cousins, in-laws and close friends have been rooting for me to succeed…I also think of all the youth and people who struggles with self-love and being comfortable in their own skin. All of my supporters have been absolutely amazing! I can’t and won’t let myself—and those who believe in me—down!

Kreyolicious: From the feedback you’ve gotten from your customers, which pieces are the most popular?

From my Bèl Moun Collection—Beautiful People Collection—such as Bèl Fanm, which means beautiful woman or lady—has had such a positive response…as well as Zoe Proud (Proud to be Haitian). All of my shirts are made to be uplifting, inspiring, and bring up self-confidence.

Kreyolicious: What can we expect from the Zoe Beautée brand in the future?

I have been working on expanding my brand. I’ve added a children’s collection which is the Bèl Timoun collection—Beautiful Children Collection. “I remember when I was a little girl, I was almost ashamed to say I was Haitian. I don’t want my children and other children to feel the same way. We must embrace who we are and love ourselves. My shirts are for all races and cultures that would like to express beauty through language!

[Photo Credit: Fred Louis Photography and Roe Michel ]

CLICK HERE to visit the Zoe Beautée STORE| Zoe Beautée on Facebook | Zoe Beautée on Instagram |

You might visit beauty and lifestyle vlogger Sara Clair’s channel to get her take on the latest beauty product, but find yourself clicking on her heartfelt videos about less-than-glamorous subjects like depression, and losing a friend. Sara is the sort of Youtuber who wants you to be beautiful on the outside, but wants you to take care of your inner self too.

Sara is a seasoned business woman too. She will soon launch Blaque Envy, her own makeup line.

The popular Youtuber will talk about her heritage in Part II, but for now, she’s going to let us in on her journey as a Youtuber.

Kreyolicious: What made you become a Youtuber and content creator?
Sara Clair: Starting my summer vacation leading to my sophomore year in high school, I had no activities going for me and I was literally banned from going out. That left me time with just a computer. I always was fascinated when it came to hair and makeup and I was just curious to know how they achieve these different looks and styles. I loved the creativity of it all so I started to discover different Youtubers like Peakmill and many more. I spent so much time learning techniques and I loved that the fact these Youtubers had the ability to post whatever they wanted to share at their own time for people like me to enjoy. As I continue to surf through Youtube, I notice something that troubled me. It was the fact there aren’t many Haitian Youtubers, especially in the beauty community. So when I decided to create my channel, my goal was to become one of the biggest Youtubers as a Haitian woman to knock down the stereotypes that are held to our titles. Also, I wanted to give content for my community as well.

Kreyolicious: All eyes are on you when you’re a Youtuber. How does that affect your approach?
Sara Clair: My approach is honesty and to give the best content I can to my ability. I, being part of the Youtube audience to many Youtubers, I appreciate the efforts they put into their videos and honesty that comes along. I wanted to bring the same vibe to my channel, no matter if I am doing a first impression to a product or I am doing a review. The reason why is because your audience can tell if you are honest or not and can also tell if you actually do enjoy creating content for them or you’re in it to reap the rewards.

Kreyolicious: What’s your favorite video from your channel?
Sara Clair: I have two favorites. The first being my recent is my depression video and my second being my first Haitian Creole makeup tutorial. The reason why I love my depression video is because it was my story, it was my truth and I felt like my truth can help someone who us going through it. It also I felt like it was vital to bring it to people attention that it is real and a serious thing that needs to be dealt with properly. For my second video, I felt like I help many people who aren’t fluent in English but in creole actually understand the steps to achieving a look. When I sat down to do this video, I knew I had people from Haiti who watches my videos and at times I know they don’t understand. That pushed me to do it , to help my Haitian women who wants to beat their face and actually connect with me in the process of learning the craft I enjoy.

Kreyolicious: What would you say to a Youtuber starting out?
Sara Clair: Have patience, love what you do, and put your all. Not everyone has the luck of starting out big or getting a million views on their videos. But if you continue pushing out good content and you enjoy what you do then it will be rewarding at the end.

Kreyolicious: Where do you hope to take your career?
Sara Clair: I hope to make it where Makeupbyshayla, Jeffree Star, Jackie Aina, and more are in their careers. It is important I get there not just for the success but to help open doors for other Haitians or Haitian-American girls that wants to take the same path.

CLICK HERE to visit Sara Clair’s channel. CLICK HERE to visit her page on Instagram.

Growing up, Mimi of Style By Mi didn’t have an older sister to show her the ropes in terms of styling herself. Not that she would have needed much guidance; style has always been an innate thing for her. The desire to always look different long-served as the budding stylist’s guide. She recalls being asked all the time by onlookers why she always looked dressed up. What was “dressed up” to them was actually her “everyday style”.

Her constant experimentation with clothes and looks did not go unobserved. Friends knocked on her door for fashion tips and outfit suggestions, knowing that she’s an avid reader of fashion blogs.

Kreyolicious reached out to the fledgling stylist to get to know her and her Connecticut-based business better.

Kreyolicious: What’s the best way to put an outfit together?

You need to think of the event or place that you’re going. Is this appropriate? Will I be comfortable in this? What will the weather be like on that day? Those are things that I think about when getting dressed.

Kreyolicious: Which celebrities’ style do you most admire?

If you know me or follow me on Instagram you’d know that I am in love with Rihanna! She is so stunning and it seems like she can literally make anything look good. I love that she takes risks with her hair and style. She exudes confidence and she doesn’t care what anyone thinks. She does what she wants.

Kreyolicious: Sometimes if you seem to be pursuing a career that’s not in the hard sciences or in the medical field, parents tend to shake their heads. What’s been your parents’ reaction in regards to your being a stylist?

Not only do I want to pursue a career in styling, but I also want a position at a national magazine. My parents realized a long time ago that I wasn’t the nursing type, so they finally let it go. I have gone to college, got my degree, and told them what I wanted to do. They support me because I’m determined to be successful.

Kreyolicious: What do you do when a client approaches you but don’t know what they want?

The only clients that I’ve had so far were my friends so it was easy to talk to them. Whether it was a friend or not, I just ask her what is it that she wants to go for exactly? Whose style is she obsessed with? I proceed to ask more questions about the individual that will give me some insight and will help them figure out what they want.

Kreyolicious: Your words advice to some of Kreyolicious’ readers who are having a hard time developing their own style?

Don’t compare yourself to others. It is also important to have confidence—so go with what works for you. What’s most flattering on you [is what] makes you feel comfortable. Know your body type. If anything, you can come to me for a consultation. [Laughter] But most importantly, have fun with it!

Kreyolicious: Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Five years from now, I hope to be a part of one of my favorite magazines—Seventeen, Cosmo, or Ebony preferably—as an editor. I see my blog really taking off and my styling clientele expanding. I also hope to do a whole lot of traveling.

Style By Mi’s Website | Style By Mi On Instagram| StyleByMi on Twitter |

The time has come to commence a new series on Kreyolicious.com. This time, we shall look at fashion history, and fashion moments in Haiti. This segment will concentrate on the 1910s decade. Sir Harry Hamilton Johnston who visited Haiti in the early 1900s, would later write this in his book The Negro in the New World (1910) about his observations of fashions in Haiti:

That they have a sense of beauty from the highest to the lowest the to the president of the Cercle de Port au Prince is evident from the of sites for their villas or villages the arrangement of trees and flowering around their habitations the breeding of peacocks these beautiful birds abundant in many Haitian towns and hamlets and the dress and adornments of the peasantry.

He further observed:

As to the dress of the two hundred thousand educated though less exotic than it was it is still as in Liberia a worship of the hat and frock coat. In the streets of Port-au-Prince as of Monrovia in a 95 degrees in the shade and something under boiling point in the you may see Haitian statesmen cavorting about in black silk hats of portentous height and glossiness with frock coats down to their knees and wearing lemon kid gloves The peasantry show originality taste and a real sense of appropriateness in their costume The educated people in their passionate admiration of France do not even dress as do the very sensible French colonists of the French West Indies or of Africa but wear what they believe to be the last fashion of Paris.

A farmer and his rooster on his way to the market, and perhaps to a cock fight? Ah, a man-dress, accessorized with a straw hat. Street fashion at its best.

Let’s take a look at the lady at the center this photo, taken in 1916. What a pose on that donkey. Aspiring models do take note. Let us look at her sweeping skirt, and the fine material from which her dress is made. Her head is wrapped with a scarf and a hat is place on top of the scarf to make certain the tropical sun is blocked from pouring directly into her face. And notice too, the other fashionistas in the background with their head wraps, thin waistlines and sweeping hemlines. And may I also bring your attention to the glamorous dame with her shawl on her shoulder?

Nord Alexis and his entourage in the early 1910s. They are uniformed in military regalia. Long, pointy-ended mustaches were the norm during that decade—apparently. See how fashionable one of those types look on the president?

And here’s Antoine Simon, a president of Haiti, whose resignation came in 1911. A clean cut mustache is the way to go. His hair is practically low-cut and he looks rather debonair and handsome with his salt-and-pepper hair. Oh, and look at his single-breasted suit! So elegant and accessorized with a handkerchief in the breast pocket.

Ah, Rose Anselinette Durand! What style! She was the wife of Tancrede Auguste and Haiti’s First Lady from August 8, 1912 to May 2, 1913. Her style is obviously very conservative, with a low-key sweeping of the hair, and up-to-the-collar neckline.

There’s no better indication of what was in vogue in an era than a family photo. On family photo day, most tend to wear their best. Here, we present you with the Lauture family of Jacmel in a photo taken circa 1919. Elvire Lafontant Lauture, the family matriarch—seated in the middle– has her hair parted in the middle. Her blouse is elaborate but modest. Her skirt has rows of embroidery. Justin Lauture, the father, dons a well-tailored suit, and his hair is cut to a medium level. And let’s take a moment to admire the shoe game of this family! The little girl in the front has a shiny pair of boots on. They don’t look masculine, and are topped off with black laces. And the hair! It’s padded down, looks like with gel or with a sort of pomade. They are about to go into the flapper era, after all! The young man standing has a nice suit on. The suit jacket appears to be made from tweed and the pants of linen. When one looks like his younger male siblings, one sees how much more juvenile-like they are dressed. Their shirts have ruffles and is practically indistinct from girl clothes, but apparently that was the style in those days.

This concludes Kreyolicious.com’s overview of fashions in Haiti in the 1910s. Tune in for the next installment!

[ Images Credit: Sir Harry Johnston; first lady pic Premiere Dame HT; Antoine Simon photos via HaitiXchange and Radio Vision 2000 Haiti ; Lauture Family photo: Klebold Press ]