What’s de Word with Nicki

Nicki Philbert
Nicki Philbert

Editor’s note: Dominica News Online is delighted to present a new column entitled “What’s de Word with Nicki.” It is written by aspiring writer and freelance artist, Nickisha “Nicki” Philbert. Nicki, who is also a former Miss Dominica contestant, says the articles for the column are drawn from her “Dominica Life Experience”. She states, “I enjoy life on paradise and simply document my journey through words and images. I would more than love to share these journal entries with others who go through similar experiences and who also share my passion for embracing the island life.” 

Here’s the first edition of the column “What’s de Word with Nicki”.  
What to wear if you live in Dominica…Seriously
In 2014, and more specifically as generation Y, image and how we dress means a lot. Unfortunately, I had to learn that lesson the hard way. The way you dress can determine many life altering things, like whether or not you get the job you wanted, or if you made the right first impression and how people on a whole perceive you as an individual. Don’t get me wrong, image does not DEFINE you but it does tell a lot about whom you are and how you approach life. After all, it’s the first thing that people see on the outside before you open your mouth and get acquainted. Therefore, creative effort must be put into making sure that the message you want to send to the public is properly conveyed through your choice of fashion. This is the same all over the world BUT as Dominicans we must pay special attention to this concept as our access to fashionable clothing in wide varieties is very limited.(Unless you are fortunate enough to have a barrel donor). So… what do you wear if you live in Dominica? Here are 5 fashion tips that should guide your island fashion sense and give you the image that you want to share with the public.
1. Choose your style and make it work. Fashion is a form of art as well as an expression of your individuality. We are not all the same and so it is impossible for us to all have the same image. So identify your style, whether its roots, dainty, punk, gangsta, gentleman, artsy, whatever! Get it, choose clothes that complement that brand and go with the flow. If you don’t know what your vibe is, then try matching your fashion to the role that you assume in society. If you are an entertainer and that’s how you make your bread and butter, then dress to impress ALL the time. If not, keep it casual and suited to you. The more unique you are in your fashion sense, the more appealing your image will be to the public.
2. Stop wearing things just because they are “in style”. I wish I could shout this one. “Stop wearing things just because they in style!” Ok. The main fashion hiccup in Dominica is that whenever there is a trend, everyone goes with it…everyone. Like the high wasted, crop top outfit combo. Be unique, stand out and stop being a follower.
3. If you’re a man there is a level of ‘too-tight’ when wearing skinny jeans. Honestly, I’ve never fancied the fashion trend of skinny jeans for men. Especially if your packing a little weight and tight muscle and far from skinny. From a woman’s perspective, a really-tight-jean on a man can scream ‘gay!’ We might not say it, but we’re thinking it. So fellas, find that balance between baggy and tight and opt for a fitted pant that compliments your body shape, shows us just a little butt and is decent and gentle-manly. The same goes for muscle shirts.
4. Don’t be Ghetto! This should actually be number 1. I can’t help but notice that the fashion trend in Dominica is tilting to the Ghetto side; for both fellas and ladies. Dressing sexy and wearing bright colours is great. But there’s a thin line between sexy/fashionable clothing and circus costume. Stay away from the neon colours, especially if you’re darker toned and please burn all your patterned leggings. Don’t put too much skin outside. Leave something to the public’s imagination. Putting it all out there is NOT sexy! Especially in Dominica where everybody knows everybody. You will always be the centre of attraction (in the bad way) and the butt of all office jokes. So keep it clean, make sure your weave tracks are covered neatly, trim down the length of your acrylic nails and choose sombre colours like white, peach, etc.. as opposed to traffic stopping neon. (PS I really despise neon).
5. Choose appropriate fabric. Remember we DO live in the tropics. Why would you wear a fur-lined winter coat at Melvina’s? Really? Dominica is in the tropics and we do experience humid, sunny weather conditions. Who ever said that to be stylish you must be uncomfortable? Cottons, linen and chiffon are best suited to warm climates and allow your skin to breath. Even jeans can be substituted at times with linen or cotton to allow some air to the body. So keep cool, opt for light materials and sleeveless tops. And guys, you can go easy on the hoodies too. And please, don’t wear neon… Hakuna Matata!
Nicki

Copyright 2012 Dominica News Online, DURAVISION INC. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.

Disclaimer: The comments posted do not necessarily reflect the views of DominicaNewsOnline.com and its parent company or any individual staff member. All comments are posted subject to approval by DominicaNewsOnline.com. We never censor based on political or ideological points of view, but we do try to maintain a sensible balance between free speech and responsible moderating.

We will delete comments that:

  • contain any material which violates or infringes the rights of any person, are defamatory or harassing or are purely ad hominem attacks
  • a reasonable person would consider abusive or profane
  • contain material which violates or encourages others to violate any applicable law
  • promote prejudice or prejudicial hatred of any kind
  • refer to people arrested or charged with a crime as though they had been found guilty
  • contain links to "chain letters", pornographic or obscene movies or graphic images
  • are off-topic and/or excessively long

See our full comment/user policy/agreement.

43 Comments

  1. christine
    August 20, 2014

    I really like this article. All of you saying ppl can wear what they want and oh let them wear their patterned leggings and fur coats are the SAME ones who pulling up next to them in their car,windows rolled up and taking pure kixxx on d person child! Plz allow this young lady to educate these ppl who dont know any better. And dont say shes wrong in fear of loosing your afternoon laugh. alu too wicked. and excuse me if madam say neon is not for everyone shes not lying!allu does be straight up scaring ppl at night 8-O

  2. trolol
    August 19, 2014

    GIRL U HATIN’ IZ U MAD OR NAH?
    Women are always hating on each other and this is a known fact, stop sizing each other up.
    Also. how TF u gone tell people to be themselves then tell them what to wear.
    #LMFAOOOOO

    • heehee
      August 19, 2014

      preachhhhhhhhhhhhhh

  3. Emile Zapatos
    August 19, 2014

    Good job well done. Thanks for creating an awareness in dress code. I would like to remind readers that fashion is promoted for making money, and taking your money.
    Do not be concern with the mind set of the negative people.
    I would like to recommend that you read up on creative writing of articles to give , especially on personal essays to improve your professionalism. You definitely have a talent that can go very far. I like the way you stick to the issue

    • SUMON
      June 9, 2016

      HI

  4. MUDD
    August 19, 2014

    What about those lady wearing extra black stockings everywhere, work, church, funeral, in rain, hot sun, air conditioned office, fan office and more.. please people.

  5. heehee
    August 18, 2014

    In the future Malpardee a.k.a Nicki please choose a more uplifting topic versus a biased, highly opinionated and judgmental one,

  6. grell
    August 18, 2014

    great piece esp to the overwights stop showing all the blubber,its a big turn of esp to a gentleman.

  7. The Calabash
    August 18, 2014

    Congrats, young lady.
    By the volume/nature of response, your first article has been a resounding success!

    Hate weaves and extensions myself. Too much of it is my ghetto dress!

  8. jane messam
    August 18, 2014

    Nicki some good pointers. Dominican girls/ladies stop wearing all those weaves/wigs and be proud of your own hair. Too many weaves is going on with black women today – what is wrong with their hair????

  9. DON JOHN
    August 18, 2014

    cannot tell peeps what to wear
    free world everythin not for evey body
    pls better topic

  10. blessings
    August 18, 2014

    I love this girl she is right on point. kudos to you my girl. Natural is simple the best…no artificial flavors. Again it’s my opinion.

  11. Shacky
    August 18, 2014

    ….”Don’t be Ghetto! “…..can you expound a little more on this supposedly #1 theme? :wink: Thanks…the rest of your article sounds/reads :lol: :lol: o.k. :-P

  12. Max
    August 17, 2014

    I hate to see women in DA wearing pantyhose leggings and poom poom shorts and having the men staring , its disgusting, no wonder sexual abuse is on the rise. DA women stop advertising your body, your body suppose to be the temple of the living God. Your conscience warns you (if you still have one) every time you put on these see through or extra short garments, it draws unnecessary attention to you and makes you very uncomfortable. Be Warned! :mrgreen:

  13. August 17, 2014

    Leave something to the public’s imagination. Putting it all out there is NOT sexy!—News article

    Nicky as a mature woman, I accept most of your advise on fashion–what to wear and what not to wear–I truly agree that there is a form of clothing that is suitable or not suitable for different functions–like Church, School, a classy social gathering, the beach, carnival, and any kind of party.

    As a teenager right up to present time, I would and will not wear anything that is tight, sleeveless, or any top that will cause the cleavage–as seen even in your top in that picture–for the mind of men can produce the wildest behavior when it comes to women around them.

    You are right to say that “people will first see you through the outside”; I am saying that it is our responsibility to make sure that what people see on the outside of us is what we are on the inside–that would mean the good inside–even if it is a fact that many are wolf in sheep’s clothing.

    Because of my style of dressing, since I was a teenager, people are always complimenting me, and what they see on the outside of me, is who I am on the inside. Most of those people who compliment me today, have spent time with me –socially–so they know me both outside and inside.

    One thing you have to remember that bright colors is part of the culture of black people–however it seem as it today those colors are attracting the world.

    I live in Toronto and I can tell you that much. You don’t find a clothing store which is packed bright colors in dresses, skirts, blouses or top–it is almost impossible to get a plain color skirt to match a top and visa versa–the dresses are sleeveless or they have no sleeve at all–good Lord!

    I look forward to your next post through this column. Blessings

  14. Jusayin
    August 17, 2014

    That’s why I love America the rest of the civilized world, people are too busy living their lives to mind other people’s business

    • Fashion police!
      August 20, 2014

      There are nosy parkers everywhere…and americans are well known for being fashion police and posting pics of a wardrobe malfunction….that happens way less in the uk. And u’re forgetting the fact that this is a column…she chose a controversial topic to get u all talking. smh. Some dcans just never get the point

  15. Jusayin
    August 17, 2014

    Um Nicki, as a dark skinned chick urself you should no that dark skin women can wear certain colors based on their undertones. Secondly it is apparent that you don’t love neon, you heard me, YOU!!! don’t try to dictate what other people wear, it’s their bodies they can wear whatever they like tan!!!!!! jeezzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

  16. marco
    August 17, 2014

    I must admit, she made a few godo points. Her opinion maybe biased but then again, It is her section and she can shares her views. You can agree or not agree. Keep up the good work dear. You are very attractive I must say. :)

  17. Fashion police!
    August 17, 2014

    Nicki no matter what you say on this column people will have something to say…if you had said u loved all the neon and the skin tight clothes on men, then some of the same people would say u’re a psycho and have no business writing a column. This is meant to be about topics frequently discussed and some of your own opinion. And i get why you chose this topic…to spark interest and get people talking… Controversial…but as usual they don’t get it and are ready to judge…the very same thing that they’re saying u’re not to do. lol

    • Malpardee
      August 17, 2014

      Exactly!

    • Tea
      August 17, 2014

      You too, are contradicting yourself. The column is to get people talking, and they are. Some will agree and some will disagree. It’s not meant to be harmful or judgemental. It just shows people are reading and also have an opinion to express. If no one commented or all agreed with Nicki, then that’s not a good thing. Keep working young lady!

  18. really?!
    August 17, 2014

    wat u mean dont be ghetto?!?!

    girl please!!!!!!!!!!

  19. Tea
    August 17, 2014

    Your subsequent points contradict one of your very first statements, “Fashion is a form of art as well as an expression of your individuality. ” So, people should where whatever they feel represents them even if it’s tight, bright or a common sight. I encourage you as you continue this column to find topics of greater depth, perhaps finding solid facts to back up your claims, this way you enlighten yourself and others. I applaud your effort.

    • Malpardee
      August 17, 2014

      If u read and comprehend u won’t make the first statement. She briefly descibed fashion, however……

      • Malpardee
        August 17, 2014

        Meant described typo error

    • Malpardee
      August 17, 2014

      Tea as u can see she is expressing her views based on her opinion , she did not tell us this is the truth. So no need to talk about getting facts to back up claims. She speaks based on her observation. When u read u must pay attention to key words.

      • Tea
        August 18, 2014

        She made many points that are not opinion based thus the reason I made that statement. For example “The more unique you are in your fashion sense, the more appealing your image will be to the public.” Is there fact to back that statement, if not, then maybe she could let readers know that this is just an opinion. This is feedback to help her improve as grows into her role of freelance writer. I hope she reads the comments and isn’t offended by the discussion.

  20. Lex
    August 17, 2014

    It’s a column, so it allows the personal touch. I take it as a trial from a young woman, whose “beauty-experience” allows a little step into fashion.
    Too-tight doesn’t only “scream gay” it can also look “bitchy”, “sexy”,”no money for new clothes”, “I love this shirt since 20 years” and much more.
    I wish you more sense for your readers and, young lady: don’t judge a book by it’s cover!

  21. dominican @ heart
    August 17, 2014

    well said some people need to learn to wear what compliments their body not what’s in STYLE……

  22. MSheree
    August 16, 2014

    You are right about one thing, fashion is an expression of one’s individuality. So while I detest hair extensions, fake eye lashes, acrylic nails and all the other beauty enhancements that women often wear I realize that I am among the minority because the majority of women adore these things and sometimes exude higher self esteem when they are wearing them. So who am I to judge if that’s what makes them happy and feel good about themselves.

    Personally I prefer a more natural look and try to stay away from everything false. I truly believe that beauty is on the inside. If you are beautiful inside it will show on the outside without any enhancement. My favorite accessory is my smile. I never leave home without it. I am also very conscious about the styles I wear. For one I try to maintain a timeless wardrobe because it just makes more sense economically. Which is not difficult to do if your style is more modest. Also not everything that is in style appeals to me. Like those gladiators slippers, ewwww. But can they be anymore popular?

    The bottom line is fashion is so diverse it allows everyone to choose their individual styles based on their personal likes and dislikes, backgrounds and culture or simply whatever makes them look and feel good about themselves.

    • Malpardee
      August 17, 2014

      That is y i am 100% natural no artificial flavour…

  23. BRAIN DAMAGE
    August 16, 2014

    Nick, first impression about you in the pic… sexy or needs to cover up….

  24. Jedi
    August 16, 2014

    Go Nicki!!!!!!!!

  25. Fashion police!
    August 16, 2014

    GIRRRRL Finally someone who says it like it is….I have been saying this for soooooooooooo long it’s not funny…i do not know wot they’re thinking wearing constant neon colours like’s they’re working on the road…not to mention everybody wearing the same things like it’s a uniform…and winter clothes are for places that have actually seasons…we have rain dwn here a bit and heat..that’s it…ppl are wearing knee high winter boots, ugg boots and fur coats smh! talk about follow fashion. Big up to u Nicki!!

    • Malpardee
      August 17, 2014

      Because they are a bunch of wanna bes. I live in the us i don’t even like to wear winter gear, but big hot sun in da they embarassing themselves with boots , seriously people. U all need a mental checkup. When i see all u i just laugh and say look at those clowns….

  26. Billy Jacobs
    August 16, 2014

    Who are you to judge people’s clothing? Losing at queen show and still judging people? I like my skinny jeans and muscle shirts that ride my beer belly. I’m cool so I can wear my hoody in town at 2pm on Saturday afternoon. And I like my bright ghetto girls… I run after them like an insect to a light bulb at night.

    • Malpardee
      August 17, 2014

      Billy u sound really ignorant!

      • Anne Wintour/ Vogue
        August 18, 2014

        You are not serious to be bring up losing at a queen show.

        Nickz, keep on blogging. it’s your opinion. Share it and embrace differing opinions.

        But personal attacks, as demonstrated in this small minded place from the likes of “Billy Goat”…..Jeez…lets stick to the topic

  27. free
    August 16, 2014

    Fashion is a personal matter..if a guy wants to wear too-skinny jeans, doesn’t mean that he’s “gay;” that’s his choice. I think you are on the right track with your column, but you are too bias. You can’t have an opinion on what trend or color one wears
    people wear what they like, or can afford…IJS

    • Turned off
      August 17, 2014

      You have lost many who would have otherwise continue to read your articles. I was excited about the concept of your piece but I am turned off because of your myopic views. I don’t like skinny jeans for men, but I won’t think gay and even if it was gay SO WHAT? Grow up! Get out of your small country mentality.

    • Malpardee
      August 17, 2014

      Free how can u tell d girl she cannot have an opinion , on what people wear. That is y it is called AN OPINION!

      • August 18, 2014

        malpardee,

        U are right,all she did is to give her opinion,and she is right too,i love my natural looking lady,with dignity,and men must live principles,that give us values,even if we have a beer belly,there are suitable attire to make us men still look good,

        hmm she her self looks good,she can send me her e-mail is she single hmmm

        ooooh p.s she can add pictures next time,that will help

Post a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

:) :-D :wink: :( 8-O :lol: :-| :cry: 8) :-? :-P :-x :?: :oops: :twisted: :mrgreen: more »

 characters available