Chic Shak Lifestyle

Check out Chic Shak Lifestyle's website

2010-12-25T07:26:00.001-04:00

We recently launched our website with e-commerce. Visit regularly to see new products.

www.chicshaklifestyle.com or click on the title above.

Come celebrate Emancipation with Meet the Maker : Gerard Perry

2010-07-20T17:12:00.000-04:00

Gerard Perry is one of the latest designers to hit the Trinidad and Tobago fashion scene in 2010. He launched his label Gerard Perry Designs on Caribbean Resort night of Fashion Week Trinidad & Tobago (FWTT3), showing in Pigeon Point, Tobago. His Cosqu’elle Collection comprised of lightweight natural fabrics ideal for and reflective of the Caribbean climate, utilizing tie-dye and batik design applications on voiles and silks. He also featured this collection at San Fernando Fashion Week 2010.

The Trinidad-born designer maintains that his wearable art designs not only express who we (the Caribbean) are as a people, but also reflect from where we have come. From this perspective,
Gerard’s representation of his fashion style includes an indigenous exploration of our cultural heritage, often depicting carnivalesque elements rooted deep within our history. In so doing, Gerard brings to light an aspect of his Resort line the likes of which have not quite been seen before in the T&T fashion industry.

The fabric designer firmly believes in the multi- functionality of clothing, and his silk and voile designs can be worn in a range of occasions, from the free-spirited climate of the beach to the attentive demands of the elegant event. Gerard presents his Resort line with an eclectic mix of colour and style which appeals to a select sense of taste indicative of the Caribbean man and woman.

The initial collection from Gerard Perry Designs’ Resortwear comprised of fashion accessories like scarves, shawls, sarongs, salwars, wraps, and he is currently engrossed in constructing
garments for his upcoming collection to be launched in August.

Rasta Rebellion at Chic Shak's "Meet the Maker"

2010-05-24T10:20:00.000-04:00

Event: 'Meet the Maker'
Place: Chic Shak Lifestyle
Date: Wednesday,26th May 2010 and Saturday, 29th May 2010
Time:4:00 pm- 6:00 pm and 12 noon- 4:00 pm

Hi everyone,
Chic Shak's 2010 "Meet the Maker" Open House Series continues this month with Candace and her clothing line Rast Rebel Lion.
Rasta Rebel Lion is a locally based clothing line with a global reach. The line was launched in December 2008 and is a true example of determination and staying true to oneself. Rasta Rebel Lion’s (Rasta Rebellion) designer and Marketing Manager, Candace who holds a post graduate degree in marketing explained that she decided to leave a corporate job and follow her dreams. She said that there is such a feeling of accomplishment and purpose that she receives when she does her sketches and not just sees the finished product but sees someone wearing it. Candace’s aim for every design is to send a positive message. She admits that the line has a Rastafarian energy and influence to it, but the general message that she wants to send is that of “one love” where we do not define ourselves and others by the colour of their skin, gender, social status and other ‘labels’ that promote division and hatred. The activities of the line are geared towards promoting positivity, enlightening minds and instilling pride. She explains that with orders coming from other Caribbean islands and as far as Kenya, her job is more demanding than her previous job, because she is always working.

The Rasta Rebel Lion line currently includes male and female t-shirts and unisex jackets. In the past 17 months, the line has released two separate collections with the last one being entitled “W.A.R – World Awaiting Redemption”. (During this time there was also the launch of the brtands official website www.rastarebellion.com. )The new line is expected to be released at the end of June 2010 and will include the introduction of a ‘rootical chic’ line of dresses.

Candace's message to all young people is to think positively, surround oneself with positive people, work hard and God will do the rest.

Come out on May 26 between the hours of 4 p.m and 6 p.m and Saturday May 29 between the hours of 12 noon and 4 p.m and collect a few positive pieces and get a chance to meet Candace and get some more information about her line.

Some of Denise's work

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http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3774437&o=all&op=1&view=all&subj=18402854088&aid=-1&id=647918698

Meet the Maker - Denise Hendrie!

2010-04-20T22:17:00.000-04:00

Event: 'Meet the Maker'

Place: Chic Shak Lifestyle

Date: Wednesday,28th April 2010 and Saturday, 1st May 2010

Time:4:00 pm- 6:00 pm and 12 noon- 4:00 pm

Chic Shak is starting another 'Meet the Maker' Open House series and the first designer for 2010 is Denise Hendrie. Diego Martin based Denise admits to being a girly girl, and therefore, fashion has always been something of interest to her. However, from as far back as she can remember, her own sense of style always slanted more towards wearable art/craft (bohemian). She soon became known for donning orginal pieces which she herself crafted and for which she would often be complimented. It was the positive feedback received for her sewing/design stints that inspired her to explore her creative side further to realize her potential and release her inner artisan.

Although Denise still sews and sometimes dabbles in fabric design, she recently expanded her repertoire to include belts and jewellery, a venture that came about quite by chance, when one day, after making a dress she wanted a stand-out piece to complete the ensemble. Necessity became the mother of invention and that ‘stand-out piece’ turned out to be a belt, a macramé belt. Again, the feedback was very encouraging and she soon found herself making belts for friends which after continued experimentation, lead to jewellery.

To create her fashionable belts and jewellery, Denise uses mainly macramé cord and hemp twine/yarn, embellished with various types of beads. Her pieces are like nothing you’ve ever seen before, so, if you don’t like fading into the background and you like to be different, come meet Denise and see her stuff.

You can visit our Facebook group photo album to see a preview of her work.

Looking forward to seeing you.

CS

Copper, Calabash and Clearance Sales

2009-07-21T10:14:00.012-04:00

So it's been a while since you've heard from us on the blog side, so to make up for that seven months of silence, you get a super informative post =)

Firstly, we have Chic Shak July Jumbo Sale. It's on till the end of July, so if there's anything you've had your eye on for a while but you were just waiting for the price to drop, now's the time to get it =P
The discounts are as follows

50% off baskets
50% off home accessories
40% off African clothing
20% off bags
20% off slippers
10% of accessories

Ken's Collection
We have some copper items from Kenneth Forde's copper collection. These items are unfortunately not on sale, but the leather and copper jewellery and the copper trinkets make excellent souvenirs.

Calabash Jewelry
We have some pieces from Collin Cooper's Calabash Collection. These lovely hand painted and glazed earrings and bracelets are on consignment and aren't on sale, but are at a reasonable price for something so beautiful.

Ethno Chic at Chic Shak December 14th 2008

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Hi Everybody,
Plans are underway for our Ethno Chic Open House next Sunday 14th 10a.m. - 7p.m.

The following artists and companies have confirmed that they will be at the event. Several of them are new companies whose work we've never featured, therefore we strongly recommend you come and have a look :-)

Koko Karibi Designs
John Cooper Designs
Caribbean Ruby Expressions
Arthur’s Novelties
Jendayi Designs
Camille Harding
Ken’s Copper Collection
Rodco Home Essentials
Audra’s Ultimate Creations
Jacanna Jewellery
Robert Tobitt
Roland Warner
Millhouse Clothing
Nubian Heritage
Earth Scents

Mr. Robert Tobbit is a pannist and he'll have CDs for sale. We'll also have wine sampling from 3 p.m. jewellery. As well as our collection of scarves, clothing, handbags, Home accessories and other arts & crafts from the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa and Asia.

Walking through Chic Shak on Saturday November 15th

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Bangles Galore!!!!!

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Bangles are hot!!! So say all the trend forecasters, and they must be right, because on our last shopping trip we found so many beautiful bangles. Come in and match them up with your outfits for Christmas.

Ring in the season!!!!

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Here's our good friend Evelyn Munroe, modelling some of the funky new rings we have for the Christmas season. This one is ebony and silver and comes from West Africa.

October08

2008-10-15T15:24:00.003-04:00

Hey Chic Shak-ers

We only have about ten weeks till Christmas! Where did the time go? We have lots of news for you:

Firstly Chic Shak welcomes Oneka and Michelle to our team. We are now open on Mondays again (YAY!!!) So our week day hours are 10 a.m. - 6p.m. (Mondays to Friday and our Saturday hours are 10a.m. - 4 p.m.

We have loads of new stock for you. We now carry a small line of contemporary designer clothing - you know you guys always ask us about modern clothing from all over the world, well we have some great finds to add to your Christmas wardobe. Stop by and see, and we'll put some new photos up soon. Prices range from $155 - $695.

We also have lots of new handbags in stock in a wide variety of sizes and colours from clutches to large hobo bags - black, brown, yellow, green, orange etc.

Those of you who used to love our Haitian figures, we have a whole range in stock. These photos are already in our Facebook album.

Look forward to seeing you in store.

CS

Summer Jewellery Teaser

2008-07-17T23:03:00.003-04:00

Opening Hours and Other Chic Shak News

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We've changed our opening hours, and will be closed on Mondays till further notice. Our new hours are Tuesday - Fri 10 a.m. - 6p.m. and Sat 10a.m. - 4p.m.

Other Chic Shak news:
We're producing the promotional magazine for the Caribbean Gift Show. We have advertising opportunities for large and small businesses and the magazine will be distributed for free throughout the Caribbean. Send us a FB note or email us at manzanare.design@gmail.com for further details.

Call for artists and Fine Crafts producers.
We're partnering with a significant charity in October to produce a fundraising auction. Artists and craftspeople interested in being part of this event should drop us a line by email or Facebook so we can send you more details. Our regular customers can look forward to news about the exciting event soon.

Recycled paper workshop at Chic Shak

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Report on the little girl Winnie who we've sponsored in Uganda!

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Click on the image for more details.

Thanks to everybody for their donations. Visit Action for Children to do your part for a child in Uganda.

Earth Month at Chic Shak - recycled fibre workshop

2008-04-21T08:28:00.002-04:00

Chic Shak will be celebrating Earth Month with a recycled paper workshop with fibre artist Susan Harewood Thomas.
The workshop will take place over three Saturdays - May 10. 17 and 24th. Learn to make paper from paper pulp, leaves, flowers and grasses and make cards and decorations among other items.
Spaces are limited so book yours asap.
Call the store to book or for more information.
Chic Shak Lifestyle
27 Jerningham Ave
Belmont Port of Spain
625-4214 / 741-1875 chicshak@wow.net.
Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=18402854088

By the way don't forget we're taking orders for baskets for Admin Professionals Week and Mothers Day

Admin Professionals' Week and Mother's Day gift baskets with Chic Shak

2008-04-11T08:10:00.003-04:00

So you're wondering what to give your Administrative staff or your mom (mother - in- law, grandmother and other mothers in your life!)! Well we're making it easy for you again at Chic Shak. Why don't you order gift baskets from Chic Shak. We have gift baskets ranging from $75 - $150 Vat Inc. You can choose between the spa basket - which includes bath and spa products, fruit baskets or a wine basket. All the baskets include a complimentary $50 gift certificate from Chic Shak. Orders are welcome. We'll upload new photos soon, but have a look at some past baskets in our photos.

A wonderful time was had by all!

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Some photos from Saturday at the Chic Shak Global Crafts VIllage

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Books and post cards by Gillena Cox and Constance Mc Tair

Beautiful crochet by Beverley Aleong

Handmade Journals by Jemima Charles

We're working hard for the Global Crafts Village!

2008-03-21T18:53:00.000-04:00

Among the many artists who answered the call to participate in our Global Crafts Village are soap makers, jewellery designers, textile artists, leather workers, writers, painters etc. A full list of the local artists who will have work at Chic Shak, and countries represented is below. Belmont artists will be represented by Ken Forde and Ruchven Bari Waltins of Web Craf Concepts, as well as by Chic Shak and Millhouse Clothing.

Portrait artist Daniel Newflowers will add an interesting twist to the event by doing 'on the spot' portraits in 15 - 45 minutes.

The Global Crafts Village will take place on Saturday 29th March and Sunday 30th March from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Admission is free.

Beverley Aleong
Avery Ammon
Keith Cadette
Jemima Charles
Judy Coward
Gillena Cox
Susan Dayal
Tramaine Douglas
Kenneth Forde
Clare Gumbs
Camille Harding
Cibele Horsham
Donkor Humble Person
Kimo Ifetayo
Michelle Isava
Sandra Johnson
Camille King
Constance Mc Tair
Kamlyn Miller
Alicia Milne
Daniel Newflowers
Lesley-Ann Noel
John Stollmeyer
Ruchven Bari Waltins
Roland Warner
Gregory Williams
The Soap Kitchen
Earth Scents
Millhouse
Chic Shak Lifestyle

We have fine traditional and contemporary crafts from
Brazil
Cameroon
China
Colombia
Democratic Republic of Congo
Dominican Republic
Ethiopia
Ghana
Grenada
Guyana
Haiti
India
Indonesia
Jamaica
Japan
Kenya
Mozambique
Nigeria
Peru
Senegal
South Africa
St. Maarten
Suriname
Swaziland
Tanzania
Trinidad & Tobago
Uganda
Venezuela
Vietnam

Just another day at the office!

2008-03-12T21:22:00.006-04:00

Chic Shak is a great place to work, to lime and to shop. Here are our two newest members of staff: Azure and Jodie, with Lesley, the boss, not sure whether to approve or disapprove of all this play :-) Azure already has his eye on the Linx machine :-)! If you peep behind the playful staff you can see new stock.

Sharing some of our travel pictures

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We really do travel to many of the places we get stock from. People always ask how we get stock. Well Lesley travels a lot, and we make connections wherever she goes. Sometimes people who she meets move on to somewhere else, and that's how we get goods from new sources. That's how we had stock from Vietnam - a friend she had made in Tanzania moved to Vietnam.

Here is a photo of some ladies doing batik in Cape Coast in Ghana. They are using a batik technique that was based on a wood block, but today they now use sponges, which hold the wax better.

We'll share other photos soon.

International clay traditions

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We'll also use the blog to give you teasers about Work In Progress. So during the month of March, we'll be working with potters in Chaguanas. Hopefully they'll be ready in time for our Global Craft Village.

Here comes the Sun!

2008-03-07T08:06:00.001-04:00

This Sun clothes hanger is one of the new items in stock at Chic Shak. It comes from Indonesia, and is just one of hundreds of beautiful things in store.

Chic Shak Global Crafts Village Saturday March 29 and Sunday March 30

2008-03-06T07:48:00.003-04:00

Chic Shak Lifestyle is celebrating its fifth anniversary on March 24th 2008. To commemorate the event, we will be hosting a “Global Craft Village” at 27 Jerningham Ave, Belmont, on March 29th and 30th 2008.

Chic Shak, has fine crafts from all over the world including Africa, Asia, South America and the Caribbean, but would also like to promote fine Trinidadian and Tobagonian crafts alongside the international ones during its anniversary event. To this end, we are inviting local artisans and artists to display well-designed jewellery, clothing and home accessories at the store.

Interested artists or artisans should call at 625-4214 or email chicshak@wow.net., or come visit us at the store at 27 Jerningham Ave Monday – Friday 10 a.m – 6p.m. to get more details on the event.

Above is a photo of our friend Roland Warner, who has confirmed he'll be he here with his fine leather products. Among other artists confirming so far are a poet, a painter and several jewellery designers.

Our most famous customer ever, and here's what she got!

2008-03-05T08:59:00.006-04:00

We've maintained great relationships with our customers over the years. Our clientele has been very varied from Trinidad who's who (designers, athletes, current and former ministers etc) to our faithful neighbours in Belmont. Well our most famous customer ever was American songstress Roberta Flack! She was in Trinidad for a show at Zen in late 2005 I think, and popped in and had a look around. Some Bakuba cloth cushions caught her eye! And in 2 minutes she grabbed them up, gave everybody hugs and was gone! While we don't have those cushions anymore, we still have a few pieces of Bakuba cloth from Congo (and Lesley has some wonderful pieces in her private collection!)

Bakuba cloth is a handwoven raffia textile from the Kuba (or Bakuba) tribe in Congo. It is known for its abstract patterns. It comes mainly in two varieties, smaller tufted pieces, and larger flat pieces. We've included a link to Kenyan designer Lisa Christofferson so you can see what they look like. Our pieces start at TT$300.

By the way. we're going to try daily blogging on Chic Shak! Hope you enjoy!

What's New at Chic Shak - February 2008!

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Hello loyal Chic Shakkers,

I think we've all recovered from Christmas and Carnival. We certainly have. We've restocked with exotic new items from all over the world as usual. Such as incense and incense burners, exotic mirrors, jewellery, handbags, bells, windchimes, stools, and more.
Take a look at our photo gallery in Facebook or on our blog; and stop by our store to have a look.

By the way, we're looking for local crafts people to participate in our 5th anniversary celebrations (already!). If you know of any, they can call us at the store: 625-4214 or 741-1875 or email us at chicshak@wow.net.

We'll let you know about those anniversary plans soon.

Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=18402854088

See you in store!

Rabbit Rabbit Rabbit!

2007-12-01T12:59:00.000-04:00

Rabbit Rabbit Rabbit!
Anybody remember saying that on the first of the month? I don't know know where the tradition started, but I remember trying to beat my friends to it every 1st of the month while in high school!

So it's the 1st of December, 24 days to go!

You know there's so much new stuff at Chic Shak that you really must stop by! Looking for something for that Office Gift Exchange? Looking for a gift for someone special? Check us out. Remember we also have gift certificates on sale for the more choosy customer.

Just a reminder that we have our free gift wrapping service as usual. Ask in-store about that when you buy.

To our Facebook friends, even though November is over we still want to hear about your favourite Chic Shak purchase till mid December, and we have prizes for the most interesting stories.

See you in store!

We've lost count! Seven weeks to go?

2007-11-05T16:10:00.000-04:00

Hmm we think now, it's seven weeks till Christmas! Wow time flies! We'll be getting new stock every week from now till Christmas. This week we got new jewellery: earrings, necklaces, bracelets etc. in wonderful colours - blues, greens, browns and pinks.
We also got exquisite large glazed ceramic vases and bowls which are great for home decor. We'll upload the photos soon.
We've just uploaded photos of great baskets in case you want to put together your own Christmas baskets, or if you'd like us to do it for you.
We'll have Christmas gifts throughout the Christmas season for you, starting with our Facebook promotion. Tell us about your best Chic Shak buy on our Facebook page, and we'll pick one winner each week from now till Christmas. We have two presents waiting in store for our customers Bridgette Joseph and Shivonne Du barry who were the first people to tell about their Chic Shak buys. Bridgette bought some 'birdie' drink stirrers and Shivonne bought a 'bottle glass' chain from us sometime ago.
We want to hear more of your stories.

Looking forward to seeing you in store!

Ten-ish weeks till Christmas with Chic Shak

2007-10-22T23:08:00.000-04:00

One of our suppliers is certain that our countdown is wrong! They say it's nine weeks to Christmas already! For now we still think it's ten weeks. Write us and let us know what you think :-)

In our news this week:

Chic Shak Pre-Christmas Sale
I know some people thought it was a one day sale, but our Pre-Christmas Clearance Sale continues till November 3rd. So stop by, and check out 25% off jewellery and African clothing, and 50% off items on our Super Sale rack.

Join our Facebook group
If you're on Facebook, join our Facebook group. We'll be starting our online Facebook and blog promotions soon! We've started a discussion board on 'What I want for Christmas!'

Gift Baskets
We've uploaded some photos of some of the gift baskets available this Christmas to our blog and Facebook page, but if you don't see one that fits your needs perfectly, you know that we can do something special for you. Our Gift baskets start at $25, and contain, fruit, candies or soaps, as well as a Christmas ornament. . All gift baskets over $100 include a complimentary $50 gift voucher, courtesy Chic Shak.

Gift Vouchers
We just remembered some people have gift vouchers from our last Chic Bagai, which expire on October 31st! Don't waste them! Bring them in! Gift vouchers can't be used for sale items, but you might use them for other great buys.

See you in-store soon!

Pre-Christmas Sales! Eleven weeks till Christmas with Chic Shak!

2007-10-16T16:38:00.000-04:00

Hello hello,
Can you believe only eleven weeks left

In our news this week:

Join our Chic Shak group on Facebook!
Yes, we're hooked to Facebook like everybody else online! Last week we started our Chic Shak Facebook page. We'll still continue to use our blog, but we love how interactive Facebook is. Check out the group for special online promotions - which will be different to in-store promotions. Drop us a line on our wall, send us photos of your Chic Shak stuff etc, tell us what you want for Christmas etc. See you there!

Chic Shak October Clearance Sale

Chic Shak Jewellery Clearance Sale!
To make space for our new Christmas stock, we're having a jewellery clearance sale. Isn't that great! 25% off ALL jewellery - no exceptions! Earrings, Necvlaces, bracelets and more. Start your CHristmas shopping early! Sale starts Tuesday 16th!

African Clothing Clearance Sale
25% off all African clothing during the month of October. Come and choose some elegant outfits, co-ordinate it with some great jewellery - also on sale, and you're set for Christmas!

Chic Shak Super Sale Rack
Continuing our Pre-Christmas clean-up, we have a Super Sale Rack - with a 50% discount on everything on it! Come and check it out!

Look forward to seeing you in-store and online!

Chic Shak Twelve weeks till Christmas Countdown!

2007-10-08T08:13:00.000-04:00

Greetings, Greetings from all of us at Chic Shak Lifestyle!
We have been mighty quiet, but we're preparing the store for Christmas. We'll be letting you know week what's new in-store, as well as special Christmas offers we'll have for you.

Chic Shak's Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Campaign
From now till Christmas we'll have our Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Campaign. We are collecting crown corks (you know bottle tops from beer, soft drinks in bottles etc.) and pull tabs from tins ( soft-drink tins, Fruta cans, Vienna sausages etc). For every 15 tabs or bottle tops, you get a dollar off your purchase - maximum $20 per purchase). We're collecting these materials for art materials, so we'll also accept your donations of these items as well.

Christmas Gift Baskets from Chic Shak
You may remember we did gift baskets this year for Administrative Professionals Week and Mother's Day, well we're taking orders for Christmas gift baskets. These are great for office gifts, gift exchanges etc. And we have baskets to suit all budgets and tastes. From about $30 - $200, filled with fruit, soaps, candy etc., Gift baskets over $100 will include a complimentary $50 voucher from Chic Shak. Stop by the store, and you'll see we have baskets galore, so you choose a style, and we can make something up for you.

We'll have gifts for you in-store throughout the season, and are expecting new arrivals every week, including an extra special one, just before Christmas.

Indian Arrivals at Chic Shak

2007-05-25T17:26:00.000-04:00

New Arrivals
We've got lots of new stuff at Chic Shak this month from India, Ghana, the Philippines, and several other exotic locations, and much more coming in June and July too.
Stop by and check out what's new:

Pashmina Shawls
Work Handbags
Fabric casual Bags
Ladies and Gents Kurtas (Tunics)
Linen Shirts for Men
Ceramic Vases
Bamboo Dishes
Baskets
Jewellery
Ladies Outfits and Skirts

Change in Weekend Hours
Our Saturday hours have changed. We now open from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on a Saturday, though of course we'll extend those hours coming up to Christmas.

Chic Shak Half Hour on Ebony 104
Listen out for our radio segment every month-end Saturday from 10 - 10:30 on Ebony 104. You could even win a Chic Shak gift voucher if you call in.

Chic Shak gift Baskets

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A - AT006 Sweets and Fruit basket
B - AT012 - Ceramic Soap/ Scents Basket
C - AT002 - Sweets and Fruit basket
D - AT008 - Soap / Scents basket
E - AT010 - Fruits and Sweet basket
F - AT007 - Mini Hershey basket
G - AT004 - Wine and Grapes basket
H - AT005 - Wine, Cashmere Scarf and Crackers Basket

Baskets range from $60 - $175 + VAT
All gift baskets include a $50 gift voucher from Chic Shak

Some of the baskets we use for gift baskets

2007-04-19T08:00:00.000-04:00

Administrative Professionals Week and Mothers day are coming up,
and the pressure is on to get some exciting gifts for your administrative staff!

To make it easy for you this year we are doing gift baskets for your staff - whether its a staff of one or an army of fifty!
Our gift baskets use our exotic baskets from Uganda, Tanzania and Dominica and we can fill them for you with fruit, sweets, chocolate, wine or soaps and scents. All gift baskets include a complimentary gift voucher from us - Chic Shak Lifestyle.

Please note you need to order gift baskets by midday the day before you want it - we may need a little more time for orders of more than 10 baskets, but call us at at 625-4214 or 741-1875 to verify.

Call us or drop by to get details on the various packages and price ranges. We'll have some other pictures soon.

Other new items in store include Indian kurtas from Karma Highway - just in time for Jazz, and some beautiful modern home accents.

New Stock!

2007-03-12T14:13:00.000-04:00

Hello, hello,
Here's a list of new stock as we remember:
Furniture:
Coffee Table, CD Stand, 'Step' shelf unit (you have to see it to understand but it's beautiful!

Jewellery:
New Shipment of earrings from Brazil

Home accessories:
Boxes, Lamps, Vases, Containers, napkin rings, shell toothpicks etc.

Look out for next month's stock update.

Bwindi Lamps for Radical Auction

2007-03-12T14:02:00.001-04:00

Bwindi

With its mysterious name, The 'Bwindi Impenetrable Forest' in Eastern Uganda served as inspiration in the development of this series. The main material for the execution of these lamps is a Ugandan bark cloth. It is combined with the jeans in different ways to explore the forest theme.

The results are:

a) Bwindi Impenetratable, inspired by the vertical lines of tree trunks,

b) Bwindi Philodendra, inspired by the large leaves of tropical rainforest flora.

c) Bwindi Jungle, inspired by the horizontal lines in building facades in our modern concrete jungles.

Here's a close up of Bwindi Jungle, but visit the store to see the works in progress till Friday March 16th.

Bwindi Lamps for radical Auction

2007-03-12T14:02:00.000-04:00

February Greetings

2007-02-06T14:04:00.000-04:00

Hello, Hello, greetings from Chic Shak,

January went by so quickly, and we can't believe February is here already and Carnival is upon us! Hope everyone is having a great Carnival season!

We finally have new stock at Chic Shak including:

Trinidad & Tobago T shirts for men and women - 868 T shirt (re-designed - recognise the model?) and a new 'T&T Amerindian Heritage' T shirt featuring Amerindian drawings
Karma Highway Kurtas and Tunics
Jewelry for all occasions - earrings, bracelets and necklaces to match your fete outfits, to match your Carnival costume, as a great Valentine's Day gift.
Spiral earring racks

We're open Monday to Saturday 10 - 6. If you want to stop by outside of these hours, give us a call and we'll see what we can do.
Don't forget to bring your Carnival visitors to check us out when they're looking for great gifts and souvenirs.

Chic Shak

BLOG VISITOR'S SALE!

2006-12-10T12:16:00.000-04:00

All I Want for Christmas is a Chic Shak Sale!
Well if you live in North West Trinidad, you may have recently received a TTPOST Redpak with lots of specials, including a Chic Shak special valid till December 31st. Since we also have clients who live in other parts of T&T, we decided to do something special for them too. So when you make your purchase before December 31st this year, please quote the code "CHICSHAK 27" and you'll get your 15% discount off your purchases, just for being a regular customer and visiting the blog.
Merry Christmas from Chic Shak!

Wrap it Up!

2006-12-10T12:14:00.000-04:00

Just as we did last year, we can wrap your gifts for you if you wish at no additional cost, however we normally ask you to come back for your gifts on the following day, especially if we have a lot of people in the store. We wrap overnight, so we can do some really fancy stuff for you in our usual Chic Shak way.

A few of our favourite things... Kitchen Chic!

2006-12-01T23:47:00.000-04:00

If you've come into the shop recently you may have noticed some boxes with 'kitchen stuff'. That's because we've decided to start a little 'kitchen chic' thing, with our favourite kitchen utensils and other products. We have Anolon, Farberware and Phyralon 12, 13 and 7 piece Cookware sets, Le Creuset cast iron 'French ovens' and Pyrex dish sets. Look out for interesting cutlery and crockery coming soon from Brazil and other exciting places. These will make wonderful Christmas and wedding or housewarming gifts.
Pictures coming soon.

Christmas Tree Chic etc

2006-12-01T23:43:00.000-04:00

Christmas Tree Chic
Our tree is finally up and well decorated. It's near our door at Chic Shak. Of course you know we're not into traditional trees, so you really have to see what we've done this year. The tree also features decorations from Trinidad & Tobago, Haiti and Tanzania which are for sale.

Bocas and Bulldog Chic
We have copies of "The Bocas and the Bulldog" for sale. This book is written by Constance Mc Tair, a regular Chic Shaka, on the history of the ferry service between Trinidad and Tobago. Take a read and see how far we've come with our inter island ferries.

Ugandan Tunics
We just received large and extra large ladies tunics from Uganda. These contemporary tunics are made of plain and tie ad dyed 'bazin', which is the embossed cotton used in African clothing. They'll look great in casual and formal occasions.

Eco Warrior Chic!

2006-11-24T10:25:00.000-04:00

Eco Warrior Chic
For the longest while we've been meaning to tell you about the cool eco-friendly products we have in store, including recycles magazine paper jewellery, banana fibre earrings made from the trunks of the banana trees, recycled glass beads and beaded recycled rubber flip flops, and other great items. Come by and see what catches your fancy.

Sunday's Cool at Chic Shak

2006-11-24T10:23:00.000-04:00

Sunday's cool at Chic Shak
We'll be open every Sunday starting this Sunday till Christmas Eve.
This Sunday we'll be open from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m., if you want us to open earlier or later just give us a call (625-4214 or 741-1875) or send us an email. The following Sunday 3rd December will be extra special so please save the date.

Buy Local Chic!

2006-11-13T10:03:00.000-04:00

Buy Local Chic
Chic Shak Llifestyle has a wide selection of locally crafted gift items alongside its selection of work from Latin America, Africa and Asia, so if you only want to buy local this Christmas, Chic Shak is still a great place to come.

Here are the artists and crafts-entrepreneurs who have work available in-store:
Judy Coward, Susie Dayal, Agatha Governor, Clare Gumbs, Charles Hing, Michelle Isava, Sandra Johnson, Mario Lewis, John Milton, Lisa Moore, Anthony Norton, Robert Skeete, John Stollmeyer and Gregory WIlliams
as well as Chic Shak staff: Lesley-Ann Noel, Carlene Celestine and Dara Jordan Brown.

These creative people supply us with
Dolls, Key rings, T shirts, Ladies and Gents clothing, Lots and lots of Jewellery, Beautiful cushions, Framed artwork and sculpture, Handbags and baskets

Stop by and check out their work.
If you also want to support our Caribbean neighbours we have products from Guyana, Jamaica, Haiti, Suriname, Grenada and Antigua.

And may all your wishes come true!
Well they just might if you tell us what you're wishing for! Tell us what you really like at Chic Shak Lifestyle, so when people come and ask us, we can tell them. Create your Chic Shak Wishlist and let us (and the people you want to get these things for you) know. Because we have a pretty close relationship with many of our customers, your friends, spouses and coworkers, ask us for recommendations on what to get you. So make sure we know, so we can give them some hints. J

Change for good!
As we mentioned in an earlier newsletter, we have a collection drive for Action for Children
in Uganda. It only costs US$100 to sponsor a child's school fees for a whole year in rural Uganda. We already sponsor one child, hope that you can assist us with sponsoring more. We have a collection pan at Chic Shak where you donate your loose change to a good cause. We sponsor through Action for Children, www.actionforchildren.org.ug which is an organisation that we know, and have done volunteer work with before.

Web Chic!
We've been 'blogging' like crazy. Visit our main web presence at: http://chicshaklifestyle.blogspot.com/ and follow the links to our wholesale and arts and antiques pages. It'll also give you some ideas on what to tell people to get you. J

Afterhours Chic!
You don't have to break the door down if the store is closed. If you want to shop after hours, you can call and make an appointment at 625-4214 or 741-1875 or send us an email at chicshak@wow.net. We'll have extended Christmas hours soon.

Zambian serving dish

2006-11-05T10:53:00.000-04:00

This is yet another new item instore this week. Check out our wholesale blog for more photos of new items esp. jewellery.

Bakiga Milk Jug

2006-11-05T10:45:00.000-04:00

This jug is used by the Bakiga tribe in Western Uganda to store milk. The Bakiga tribe lives near to the border with Rwanda, their capital city is called Kabale.

Hey that wasn't here last week!

2006-10-29T11:10:00.000-04:00

Yes there are a lot of new items in store this week, and there'll be more every week till Christmas.
Here's what arrived last Friday:
Beaded leather sandals from Kenya. We only have 11 pairs, so if you've been waiting for them: Come Running to grab yours before they disappear!

SCARVES SCARVES and more SCARVES - Wool, Cotton and Cashmere

Congolese Masks by the Luba, Rega and Pende tribes

2006-10-29T11:02:00.000-04:00

What's Your Budget?

2006-10-29T10:58:00.000-04:00

What's your budget?
This Christmas at Chic Shak Lifestyle you can tell us the budget for your office or school gift exchange and we'll recommend a great gift for you.

Here are some ideas:
Under $25
Recycled Paper Bead Earrings
Beaded T&T Keyrings

$26 - $50
Ceramic Candle Holder
Bamboo Soap Dish

$51 - $75
Straw Ring Basket
Various coaster Sets - Straw, Vinyl, Cork

$76 - $100
Karma Highway Kurtas
Pashmina Shawls

$100 - $150
Grini Table Lamp
Butter Dish Set

More ideas next week.

2006-10-29T10:50:00.000-04:00

Alittle help for and from our friends!

2006-10-29T10:47:00.000-04:00

Join the Chic Shak Team!
We are looking for someone to work on Saturdays in the store, and we figure the best way to find this person is to ask our friends and customers first. If you know of anyone you can have them call 625-4214 to make an appointment to see us. You know the kind of person we're looking for: a friendly people person, with some interest in art or design, - we can teach them the rest.

New Stock!
Yes we have new stock! We've re-arranged the store, and though we haven't set the date for our open house yet, (because all of the stock hasn't arrived), you can stop by and get what's new. We have HANDBAGS! Work bags, evening bags, straw bags, big ones and small, ones. BEAUTIFUL colours: Red, Orange, Green, Blue, Brown, Black, Beige. Some of the other new products include Japanese and Vietnamese pottery and coasters, mudcloth bags and wallhangings from Mali. Some of our new clothing is already in the store. Come and see the bags and other new products for yourself!

Trinidad Chic!
Even though we sell goods from all over the world, we have a lot of Trinbagonian products this season. Check out the jewellery made right here in T&T looking great next to the new Kenyan, Ugandan and South American jewellery!

Sponsor a Child in Africa
Madonna is not the only one who can do her part for Africa. Chic Shak Lifestyle is sponsoring the school fees of a little girl called Winnie Nawakoni in a village called Masuliita in Uganda through an NGO called Action for Children, which is based in Kampala. This Christmas season we will have a collection drive for this NGO, with the aim of sponsoring some other children's school fees. You can find out more about Action for Children and how you can help them directly on their website: www.actionforchildren.or.ug or you can look for our collection tin in the store. We'll be updating our blog with information on Winnie and Action for Children in the near future.

Twelve the Band
Our friends of 12 The Band will have a Live Music event "INCARNATE" its a Birthday Party on Saturday November 4th 2006 at 8:30 pm in our corner of the world Alice Yard 80 Roberts in Woodbrook between Murray and Carlos Sts.
Adm $100.00 "Free jersey on entry". We will be selling tickets for this event.

Such a Tease!

2006-10-13T08:45:00.000-04:00

Here's another teaser. These images are from the Zambia trip so they are from Zambia, Kenya and Uganda, but we also have new stock on the way from Japan, China (handmade Chinese crafts), Vietnam, India as well as right here in Trinidad.

Doubleclick on the images for a closer look. Maybe you can book what you're interested in.

CS

Tease Me! Tease Me!

2006-10-13T07:15:00.000-04:00

We know you're curious to know what we'll have in store this Christmas. Though parang is on the radio and you can see Santa Claus popping out here and there. We launch our Christmas season with an open house on Saturday November 18th. Save the date. Here is a preview of our new stock.

2006-10-12T07:47:00.000-04:00

Futons

2006-08-13T11:21:00.000-04:00

If you've been to the store recently, you'll realise we're expanding. We're trying to create some space for ourselves and have to sell our dear old futons. They've served us well, especially at Carnival! We have two to sell one with a rounded arm (see photos) for $400 V.I. and one with an almost 'Mission-style' design (except with horizontal bars) for $500 V.I.
Call us if you'd like to make an appointment to view.

Order! Order! - Earring racks

2006-08-13T10:27:00.000-04:00

I know you're wondering 'How can Chic Shak put order in your life?'
Well you always ask us about our spiral acrylic earring racks, so we've ordered some for you.
We have 5 left and are taking orders for new ones.
We should get every week because they're made right here in Trinidad & Tobago. They cost TT$150 Vat inclusive.
Check out the attached photo or our blog if you can't remember what they look like.
Not in Trinidad? The racks are light and we can pack and mail them to you. Just tell us where you are and we'll get a shipping quote. We can also mail or drop off around Trinidad and Tobago as needed.

Chic Bagai

2006-07-09T09:43:00.000-04:00

Chic Shak LIfestyle invites you to:

Chic Bagai

A Chic Shak Open House showcasing new stock for Summer 2006

Come see our new stock which includes:
Bead and Silver jewellery from the Philippines
Handbags
Tropical Clothing from India, Ghana, Benin, Tanzania, Trinidad
Trinidad & Tobago Memorabilia

Come see our new layout and expansion.

Gifts for you with selected purchases.

Saturday 15th July 4 - 8 p.m.
Please note that we will not be open to the public on that day, so to be added to our guest list please call 625-4214, send sms to 741-1875 or send an email to chicshak@hotmail.com.

Red White and Shak!

2006-06-11T13:45:00.000-04:00

Cheer for the Trinbago Soca Warriors in a Chic Shak designed baby doll top. Available at CHic Shak and selected retailers including Pour Toi Voyager Mall and Passion Fruit Trincity Mall.

Welcome

2006-05-17T20:33:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Chic Shak Blog