Brandy's Back!

It's December, y'all!* That means the first hint of snow is in the air, hot cocoa is never more appropriate, little kids are on their best behavior, and Brandy fans are super excited that her new album, Human, hits stores! On December 9th, R&B/pop music veteran Brandy is (finally) releasing a new collection of work that reflects her growth over the past few years.

"Human is my most personal album to date," said Brandy. "I have grown so much since my last album. Being able to express myself and my journey through my music is a feeling I can't describe. With this new chapter of my life it feels good to have Rodney, a familiar face, by my side again. He brings out emotions in me like nobody else."


She of course, is referring to super producer Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, who first collaborated with Miss Brandy on her multi-platinum album, Never Say Never. "It feels good to be back in the lab with Brandy again," said Rodney. "We've always made great records and I'm humbled and honored to be continuing our legacy. The sound might be new, bigger, and more uplifting but we've kept our musical promise by making great songs and great music again. There is no musical combination like ours!!!"

Rodney is clearly excited (note the three exclamation points) and I must say I am just as pumped for Brandy's new effort. I've always been a fan and having been pulling for her through the storm she's experienced over the past few years. Called "the most emotionally resonant album of her career," Human should definitely be on your Christmas list!

You can check out a preview of her album on Amazon here...

And below are some exclusive scans of Brandy's spread in Vibe Magazine...



*Sorry, I've watching Britney: For the Record and that accent rubs off

The "It Bag" Sale

Sang A Large River Bag

New Yorkers For Children and HauteLook.com are sponsoring the first-ever “It Bag" Sale. Top designers including Oscar de la Renta, Costume National, Sang A, Salvatore Ferragamo, Valentino, Carolina Herrera, Zac Posen, Alberta Ferretti, and Roger Vivier are each donating their hottest “It” bag to be sold online for 40% off the retail price! The sale is for two-days only, December 1^st and 2^nd with all of the proceeds to benefit New Yorkers for Children, which supports youth in foster care in NYC.

Sign up for HauteLook here and shop a great sale for a great cause!

Rebecca Minkoff "It" Bag

American Music Awards Fashion Recap

Hey everybody! Nastasia the Inaword Intern here. I'm home for Thanksgiving break and Elle asked me to cover the American Music Awards. Fun! The line up for the AMAs was exciting, except that the actual performances just weren't fulfilling. As for the fashions, there were some knock outs and there were some knock downs. Let's take a look...

HUGE TREND: Metallic beading. Carrie-Ann Inaba...

Taylor Swift...

...and Miley Cyrus were just some of the starlets that showed up wearing the popular style. Miley pulled it off best. I loved the sheer black fabric over the beading and the detailing of the belt.

The worst to take a crack at it: Christina Aguilera. Her body is sick for just having had a baby but her hair was a hot mess of a wig and her dress had too much going on.

I was also not too happy with Jordin Sparks. The yellow is too harsh and I think the red streaking in her hair has been a tad overworked. If she's trying to make this her "thing," she should rethink it.

Oh, Toccara. This Stepford Wives look is so not her. She should stick to being the vixen; it fits her attitude, her figure and her image. If she's trying to cross over, again she should rethink it.

On the other hand, Queen Latifah was looking good. Her make-up and hair were on point. As far as her dress, it was a beautiful silhouette on her but the fabric was no bueno. Overall though, she looked great.

Alicia Keys also looked amazing. This jewel color has been in for a while and the details were cute but the Dubai head piece was not a favorite of mine. It was interesting and out of the box but it didn't send me over the top.

Rihanna had a very natural look; her makeup was so soft and complimented the color and ruffles within her dress. It was refreshing to see her so girlie chic; and the satin gloves were an unexpected accessory that will probably end up catching on.

Nicole Sherzinger was stunning in a Christian Siriano original. I love the lavender highlighted in the midst of the gray. The ruffled bubble bottom and the sweetheart silhouette fits her well. I love this dress, I love the designer and I can't wait until he's EVERYWHERE on the runway.

Our usual screw up was in the building. T-Pain wore yet another ugly and unnecessary top hat and more hideousness beneath it.

Steven Tyler is stuck in the Aerosmith days of yore...but what can we expect.

I just thought I'd throw in this picture of Three Six Mafia just because of his shirt...why?

But the most surprising, the most disappointing and the worst dressed (just because he should know better) is Kanye West. Everybody is coming at him for saying that he was giving his award to Lil Wayne; but it's true, Graduation was hot LAST YEAR and Wayne had it this year. What they should be talking about is why oh why he had on a jacket fit for a newborn, an army fatigue hat that didn't go (and come on, that print is so over) and a foxtail in his pocket. Like, really?

Chris Brown looked cute as usual. His semi-formal look is always perfect on him. Sweater vests on guys are so dope right now. The leather jacket is a Fall classic. However, I wasn't feeling the bowtie and the sunglasses too much. It felt a little forced.

What's always nice is a dude in a suit! Ne-Yo did his thing in brown mixed with a deep gray. The two shades don't seem like they compliment each other but it looked really nice, making this a risk that was worth taking. The scarf was a nice thrown in accessory and of course his ever-loving hair line cover! He loves him some hats.

Akon is a little late with his skinny tie but while it's a trend that's dwindling...it's still in! It was great to see him in a suit because I feel as if he'd be one to wear a white tee, jeans, uptowns, a chain, and probably even a fitted.

The Jonas Brothers were in coordinated Ralph Lauren. They looked comfy, even suited up. They were definitely some of my favorites!

Overall, I wasn't overly excited or overly disappointed by the fashion this year. What did you think?

-Nastasia

Meet the hottest Bond girl

Bond girls over the years have been an item of fascination amongst men of all ages, and the latest addition to the elite and the sizzling list is the Ukrainian bombshell Olga Kurylenko.




The Ukrainian actress joins a long list of leading ladies to be cast alongside the super spy like Ursula Andress in 'Dr No', Halle Berry, Kim Basinger and most recently Eva Green in 'Casino Royale'. In photo: Actress Olga Kurylenko arrives for the screening of ‘Paris je t'aime', at the 59th International film festival in Cannes, southern France. (AP photo)




The Ukrainian bombshell was born in Berdyansk in Ukraine and was spotted by a model scout while on vacation in Moscow, signing up with a Paris-based agency. In photo: Actress Olga Kurylenko arrives for the screening of 'Paris je t'aime', at the 59th International film festival in Cannes, southern France. (AP photo)




The elegant girl began her acting career in France in a movie titled 'L'Annulaire', written and directed by Diane Bertrand. Olga plays the role of Camille, a Russian-Bolivian agent, in the latest 007 movie. In photo: Actress Olga Kurylenko poses during a photo call for the film ‘Paris je t'aime', at the 59th International film festival in Cannes, southern France. Kurylenko will co-star in the latest installment of the 007 franchise opposite Daniel Craig. (AP photo)




She also received the certificate of excellence award at the 2006 Brooklyn International Film Festival for her performance in 'L'Annualaire', and also starred in numerous movies like 'Je t'aime segment Quartier de la Madeleine' opposite Elijah Wood. In photo: British actors Daniel Craig who plays James Bond, right, and Gemma Arterton who plays Agent Fields, left, pose with Ukrainian actress Olga Kurylenko who plays Camille, centre, for photographers at a photo call for the new Bond film, which has now been titled ‘Quantum of Solace', at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, England. (AP photo)




While in France, Olga married French photographer Cedric Van Mol, whom she divorced after four years and then got married to a mobile phone accessory entrepreneur Damian Gabrielle to split again in 2007. In photo: British actor Daniel Craig who plays James Bond, and Ukrainian actress Olga Kurylenko who plays Camille, pose for photographers at a photo call for the new Bond film, which has now been titled 'Quantum of Solace', at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, England. (AP photo)




The bold and the beautiful actress has been in the news for allegedly having a passionate affair with 'Quantum of Solace' director, Marc Forster. But the actress was recently quoted saying that she will never belong to anyone and would never have a lasting relationship. In photo: Ukrainian actress Olga Kurylenko who plays Camille, and British actress Gemma Arterton who plays Agent Fields, pose for photographers at a photo call for the new Bond film, which has now been titled Quantum of Solace, at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, England. (AP photo)




The sexy siren said that she has no problem going nude and would have no hesitation in baring all opposite Daniel Craig in her upcoming film 'Quantum of Solace'. In photo: From left British actress Gemma Arterton, French actor Mathieu Amalric, Ukrainian actress Olga Kurylenko, British actors Daniel Craig and Judy Dench and Director Marc Forster pose for photographers at a photo call for the new Bond film, which has now been titled ‘Quantum of Solace', at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, England. (AP photo)




The temptress who sent her body double back because she wanted to do the scenes by herself in 'The Hitman' appeared nude in her first movie role in the 2005 flick 'The Ring Finger' where she was seen lying on a bed naked with her male co-star. In photo: Actress Olga Kurylenko poses during a photo call for the film ‘Paris je t'aime', at the 59th International film festival in Cannes, southern France. (AP photo)




The exotic actress doesn't stop here as she is rumoured to have clinched another big and influential role in the upcoming film 'Kirot' to be released in 2009. In photo: Ukrainian actress Olga Kurylenko who plays Camille, and British actress Gemma Arterton who plays Agent Fields, pose for photographers at a photo call for the new Bond film, which has now been titled Quantum of Solace, at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, England. (AP photo)




So, watch out for the hot and outspoken Bond girl in 'Quantum of Solace', who goes all out to give the other Bond girls a run for their money. In photo: Actress Olga Kurylenko arrives for the screening of "Paris je t'aime," at the 59th International film festival in Cannes, southern France. (AP photo)


[Source]

Celebs in Black

Whether you're heading to a party or walking the ramp, the elegant black is a no-fail option. Be it a see through saree, a sexy short dress or a suit for men, black always catches the eye. And that may be one of the main reasons our celebs take to black as they do to the screen. Is black the safe colour? Let's see these celebs painting a classy picture in black...




This former Miss World can carry off many colours with panache, you would still see her in a black evening gown many times, including her famous appearances at Cannes also. In Photo: Former Miss World, Aishwarya Rai of India arrives for the screening of 'Lemming' directed by French director Dominique Moll, opening the 58th international Cannes film festival, southern France, Wednesday, May 11, 2005. The film takes part in the competition. (AP Photo)




Not just mystic, black has exudes a sense of power also. Take a look at the power trio of the Bond movie- perfect in black! In Photo: British actors Daniel Craig who plays James Bond, right, and Gemma Arterton who plays Agent Fields, left, pose with Ukrainian actress Olga Kurylenko, centre, for photographers at a photo call for the new Bond film, which has now been titled Quantum of Solace, at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, England, Thursday, Jan. 24, 2008. (AP Photo)




Even a perfect figure needs black! Take a look as Penelope Cruz shows off a mermaid shaped black evening gown. In photo: Actress Penelope Cruz arrives before the screening of her film 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona' in Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2008. (AP Photo)




No wonder designers say that black is a must in your wardrobe. Can't think of anything for a formal party or an informal night-out? Trust a black short number which fits everywhere. Meghan Fox strikes a pose in this sexy black dress. In photo: Actress Megan Fox arrives at the premiere of 'Eagle Eye' in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2008. (AP Photo)




You would take our word on black with the Sexiest Woman of the world picking up a black dress for a fashionable event. Halle Berry looks chic! In photo: Actress Halle Berry attends the Calvin Klein 40th anniversary party during Fashion Week in New York, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2008. (AP Photo)




Be it anchoring the Academy awards or just another every day party, Nicole Kidman looks ravishing in black. In photo: Actress Nicole Kidman introduces an honorary Oscar to art director Robert Boyle at the 80th Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008. Kidman is wearing a necklace with 7,645 diamonds totaling nearly 1,400 carats by L'Wren Scott. (AP Photo)




Trust black even for wild performances! Madonna has a thing to do with black. She carries it with so much elegance and poise even during one of her performance. In photo: Madonna performs during her 'Sticky and Sweet' tour Wednesday Oct. 15, 2008 in Boston. Madonna and Guy Ritchie announced earlier Wednesday that they are divorcing after nearly eight years of marriage. (AP Photo)




A black leather jacket, or a skin tight dress has always light up the imaginations of movie goers down the ages. What if you see one at a party? Nicole Scherzinger attempts it. In photo: Nicole Scherzinger of U.S. pop group The Pussycat Dolls arrives for the Vodafone Live Music Awards in central London, Thursday Sept. 18, 2008. (AP Photo)




A black dress never lets you down, as Charlize Theron finds out at a party. In photo: Actress Charlize Theron arrives at the Virgin Unite Rock the Kasbah Gala on Thursday Oct. 23, 2008, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo)




Did you think that it was just Hollywood which sang praises for black dresses? Even though not considered auspicious, the Indian celebs do make a style statement in black. Abhishek Bachchan along with his wife Aishwarya Rai flaunts black at a photo shoot. In photo: Abhishek Bachchan, left, and Indian actress Aishwarya Rai pose for photographer prior to the premiere screening of the Bollywood film Sarkar Raj Friday, June 6, 2008, in Bangkok, Thailand. The showing kicked off a weekend-long Bollywood extravaganza of films, fashion shows and awards ceremonies. (AP Photo)




The latest rage in Bollywood, Deepika Padukone, trusts black for formal dos. Even if it's the ramp the leggy Deepika looks fab in black. In photo: Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone walks the ramp showcasing an outfit from her Bollywood film Om Shanti Om during a fashion show in Mumbai, India, Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2007. (AP Photo)




Want to make a style statement or show off a lighter moment, then black would be the best option as Katrina Kaif finds out. In photo: Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif models a creation by designer Ashish Soni, at the Grand Finale of the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WLIFW) Autumn/Winter 2008 in New Delhi, India, Sunday, March 16, 2008. (AP Photo)




Priyanka looks ravishing in a flowing black dress along with Salman Khan in a black suit. In photo: Bollywood actors Salman Khan, left, and Priyanka Chopra walk the ramp during a fashion show held at the launch of the music of Bollywood film 'Salaam-e-Ishq' ('A Salute to Love') in Mumbai, India, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2006. (AP Photo)




Kareena Kapoor dons the black dress with Shahid Kapur as they walk the ramp. In photo: Bollywood actors Kareena Kapoor, left , with Shahid Kapur, right, display creations by Indian designer Manish Malhotra, during the Wills India Fashion Week in New Delhi, India, in this Sunday, Sept. 3, 2006 (AP Photo)




Of course you could not deny the fact that black makes you look thin. Especially for the Indian full body it would subtly hide the curves at the wrong places. In photo: Indian actresses Preity Zinta and Rani Mukerji, right, smile as they arrive for the screening of their film 'Zeer-Zaara' directed by Indian Yash Chopra during the Bollywood Week in Paris Wednesday, April 26, 2006. (AP Photo)


[Source]