So I’m not gone quite yet, but there’s a lot of preparation (and packing) to do before an overseas trip! Thankfully Adriana stepped in today with a Style File on a bit of an unusual subject…

…Brandy.
Let’s see how she did!
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As she prepares to release her fifth studio album, it’s hard to believe that it’s been nearly 15 years since Brandy’s first single, “I Wanna Be Down,” dropped and became an instant hit. Brandy’s fashion sense has a fresh, youthful energy about it, and it’s been fun to watch her look evolve as she’s grown from teen pop star to multi-talented R&B icon.
Brandy’s initial style mirrored that of most any teenager in the 90s: shoe boots, baby tees, back-pack purses (was I the only one who forgot she took Kobe to her prom??)…
…and, of course, she rocked the signature Brandy braids!
As Brandy moved into her late teens/ early twenties, her style took on a new mature, flirtatious edge and we began to see her in more bright colors, fitted pieces, and short hem lines:
…And with the birth of her daughter, Sy’rai, Brandy entered full-fledged womanhood–all too evident in her fashion choices. Remember the flapper dress/gladiator sandal outfit she wore to the 2002 MTV Music Awards (two months after becoming a new mom?). She definitely made headlines…
These days, Brandy prefers a look that incorporates playfulness, function, and sophistication. She chooses red carpet outfits that accent her waist and slender frame, and feature earth tones and “statement” accessories, such as necklaces and bracelets…
Her casual look still leans toward the youthful, and like any girl who’s young at heart she seems to prefer graphic tees and long loose hair, along with other laid-back pieces to complement the look…
…yet she definitely knows how to dress for a party or chic affair:
It’s been a treat to watch Miss Norwood grow up!
Get some of Brandy’s looks with these pieces:

1. Alice & Olivia Wool Jersey with Belt, $395. 2. J.Crew Beaded Waterfall Necklace, $150. 3. RSVP Taupe Petra Boots,$136. 4. Bebe Diagonal Draped Tunic, $69. 5. Tiger Graphic T, $11.
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Great job Adriana!
Do you like Brandy’s Style?
Smootches!
PS A bit of throwback Brandy flavor, in case you forgot:
I did the dance to this for days…

You need to give it up…

And I’m still drooling over the guy in this viddy…

Hey!
So it took me all summer, but I’m finally taking a much needed vacation! I’m heading to London and Paris in a few days to capture some style (and rest a bit before Fashion Week)…

As a fashionista, you know I’d love to take my whole wardrobe, but the last thing I need are lots of bags to lug around London Town!
I decided to compile a list of 10 Fashionable Travel Essentials that will fit into one large carry on–along with 28 options that will take the most chic traveler through their journey with minimalist style. Pack lightly–but bring lots of accessories!

1. White T-Shirts
The epitome of crisp, a white tee goes with absolutely everything and serves as the perfect backdrop for dangling necklaces, bangles, and look at me accessories. If you’re on vacation for a week, I’d say bring 3 or 4 options (scoop neck, v-neck), and switch them up for endless possibilities. Wear one with cute shorts, under a jacket on cool days, or with just about anything! My picks:
1. James Perse Ultra Supima Rib Short Sleeve T, $60. 2. Intuition Wear V-Neck T, $26. 3. Unisex Sheer Jersey Short Sleeve V-Neck, $22.
2. Jeans
A pair of jeans is the perfect travel go-to, fitting yet stylish for a plane ride. Versatile, jeans can be dressed up in the city of your choice with flats or heels, and can be your solace on an unexpected chilly night. Bring your old faithful pair, you’re guaranteed to need them at some point!
1. Seven for All Mankind Stretch Skinny Jeans, $155. 2. BDG Vintage Crackle Cigarette Jean, $54.
3. Scarves
More than combatting the chill of the airplane, scarves serve as playful accessories to punch up your look. A scarf can instantly transform a ho hum ‘fit into fashion ferocity! Try these (note Rihanna is a fan of the middle option):
1. Silk Jacquard Scarf, $28. 2. Chan Luu Triangular Ethnic Scarf, $175. 3. A Peace Treaty Jhal Jhao Scarf, $99.
4. Graphic T-Shirts

With days filled with walking, it helps to pack a few graphic tees to showcase your fun side. I plan on repping Barack and bringing along some Fashion Bomb Swag:
1. Barack The Vote Sunshine T, $25. 2. Fashion Bomb T-Shirt, $21. 3. Natural Woman T, $25.
5. Tote Bag:
Use a large handbag to carry around all your essentials–reading, maps, your passport, and lipgloss!
1. Gianni Bini Addison Shopper, $142. 2. Melie Banco Double Handle Rouche, $95. 3. Armani Exchange Quilted Patent Tote Bag, $150.
6. Comfy Shoes
For pounding the pavement, nothing is better than a pair of chic flats or fashionable sneaks:
1. London Sole Metallic Flat with Patent Trim, $90. 2.Puma by Miharayasuhiro Patent Leather Sneaker, $160. 3. Dolce Vita Adam Flat Thong Bootie, $138. 4. J.Crew Penelope Ballet Flats, $120.
7. & 8. One Pair of Heels + Wrinkle Free Dress
As Beyonce shows, once you touch down it’s not all about comfort! For nights out, pack one or two wrinkle free dresses and one sensible pair of heels in neutral colors so you can mix and match:
1. Holly Ruche Jersey Dress in Light Olive, $84. 2. Riller & Fount Boatneck Jersey Dress, $135. 3. Imagine Keely High Heel Wedge Sandal, $91. 4. Charles by Charles David Spin Wedge, $110.
9. Oversized Sunglasses
Hide those tired eyes upon touchdown, then flaunt your specs for sightseeing. I love my Gucci shades, but you can still look hot in non designer brands:
1. D& G Dolce & Gabbana Oversized Logo Wrap Sunglasses, $150. 2. Max Studio Harlow Sunglasses, $90. 3. Armani Exchange Large Round Sunglasses, $70.
10. Oh so chic Carry On
Put everything in one bag if you can. You don’t want to deal with possible luggage lost (or extra fees for checking too much!). Go with something like these…
1. Diane Von Furstenberg Scallop Collection Expandable Bag, $180. 2.Liz Claiborne Escapade 21″ Suitcase, $130. 3. International Traveler Lightweight Wheeled Suitcase, $119.
Besides, you don’t want to be stuck like some people…
Ha!
The interns will be taking over for me next week (and I’ll be checking in from across the pond!)
Until then…
Smootches!

Last night super stellar intern Adriana came out with me to check out Trace Magazine’s Annual Black Girls Rule! Party:

Yeah, we were just chillin with our homie Ryan Leslie.
Anyway, lots of celebs came out to play, including cover girl Keri Hilson (who happened to be wearing Melody Ehsani earrings)…
…and MTV’s Julissa Bermudez (co-host of Countdown to America’s Best Dance Crew)…
…I love that skirt!
Adriana and I got to work capturing lots of Real Style via video and pictures. We don’t have it all ready for ya, but here’s a bit of a preview…
…fashion’s finest truly stepped it up! Not quite sure when we’ll have a video ready of last night’s festivities, but trust me, it’ll be worth the wait.
Smootches!
PS Shout out to Claude and Prince of Trace Mag! And everyone, cop your issue of Trace Magazine’s Black Girls Rule! Issue…
… available now on newsstands.

Hey!
This week has been pretty nuts (in the most fabulous way)!
But even with all the madness, I still take time to bring you trend lovers some fashion goodness! Today, I wanted to spotlight designer Melody Ehsani:

A Los Angeles native of Persian descent, her eye catching shoes, earrrings, and rings have been seen on several urban fabulous celebs including Rihanna…
Alicia Keys…
…Kelis…
…Erykah Badu…
…and Nas…
Originally in law school, Melody followed her heart, leaving her corporate courses to take classes at the Art Center College of Design…
She hit the ground designing tour merchandise for Prince, and hasn’t stop running ever since, creating jewelry and accessories for videos, red carpet events, and photo shoots.
More than just jewelry, Ehsani designs shoes as well…
Hot!
Her designs are surprisingly affordable, with earrings starting at $48 (for Kelis’ earrings), rings starting at $25, and those lovely shoes averaging about $120 a pop. Not bad!
For more info and to purchase, visit her online store at www.melodyehsani.com or at myspace at www.myspace.com/joonlife.
Smootches!

*Robin Givhan of the Washington Post reveals that Barack Obama is getting his own clothing line!

Sketched out by Diane Von Furstenberg, Derek Lam, and Tracy Reese, the line–consisting mostly of totes, tees–will be on sale at Obama.com starting next month. The clothes will also have a launch party at Charles Nolan’s studio on September 9 – during New York Fashion Week. How exciting! I can’t wait. [Washington Post]
*The Louis Vuitton Damier Graphite Collection just hit stores for you fabulous men out there…
…a revision upon the traditional brown Damier print, the graphite offers a gray and black color combo that can seamlessly meld into your wardrobe. Get yours at www.eluxury.com or Louis Vuitton.
*Mike & Chris (designers of Rihanna’s hot leather vest from last week) are moving into designing shoes as well…
…starting at $135, these beauts will be available at shopbop.com
*Friend in my head Wendy Williams’ show will be renewed for Fall 2009!!!
Um, can I take a moment to confess how much I love Wendy??? And that I stream her show to my computer during work?? My coworkers are always like, ‘What are you listening to???” I simply respond, “How YOU doin?!?!” [AOL BV]
*New York Magazine on the complex politics of Elle Magazine…
…and how reality TV has thrust all the drama into the spotlight. It’s juicy![NYMag]