Real Housewives of Atlanta Profile: Lisa Wu Hartwell

Lisa Wu Hartwell, wife of Ed former NFL player Ed Hartwell and mother of three should be a professional juggler. Hailing Inglewood, California, this Atlanta housewife is the most industrious of the bunch. The Duluth, Georgia resident is a professional real estate broker, jewelry designer, baby clothing designer, writer, model, actor—and oh yeah, fashion designer (her new line is called "Closet Freak"). With so many hats to wear it’s a wonder Lisa doesn’t have her own energy drink. The entrepreneur has her hands full but knows how to make it happen. After a verbal showdown with Kim at the end of Season 1, is she ready for more drama? Find out on Tuesday, July 30^th on Bravo at 10 p.m.

Retailers Respond to Demand for Michael Jackson Merchandise

Michael's infamous military style jacket on display.

Michael Jackson tee available at Kitson in Los Angeles

The Jackson brothers in Versace and Michael's signature glove.

Janet Jackson with sisters LaToya and Rebbie all in Versace.
Versace was one of Michael Jackson's favorite designers.

Since the King of the Music World's untimely passing, the demand for Michael Jackson merchandise has caused retailer's and apparel vendors to scramble to get their hands on the merchandise. Southern California based apparel company, Hot Topic has licensed two men's shirts and one women's shirt. Los Angeles retailer Kitson was already selling MJ shirt's prior to the entertainer's death but has seen merchandise fly off the shelves over the last two weeks. Women's contemporary designer Allen Schwartz of A.B.S. had already shipped Jackson-inspired jackets in black or red gabardine with gold trim the day he passed. Schwartz says, "I saw the trend developing two months ago, and now I plan to build on it." At Tuesday's memorial ceremony, Jackson's brothers wore Versace suits and his signature "bling" glove. Sister Janet, also wore Versace.

Celebrity News: VH1 Gives Pepa & Chilli Some Spice

Sandra "Pepa" Denton, one-half of the hip-hop duo Salt & Pepa and Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas, one-third of the record breaking group T.L.C., have been given deals for their own half-hour shows on the VH1 network. Centered around the ladies' quest for love, the reality-based shows will air some time in 2010. Thomas is the designer of handbag collection called Bags by Chilli.

Oh Snap! The Real Housewives of Atlanta are Back!

Hold onto your seats ladies (and gents), those southern belles from the ATL are back to cook up more exciting drama than a pot of Dooky Chase's gumbo! I've been waiting all year to see the Real Housewives of Atlanta, and after enjoying the Real Housewives of New Jersey's blast-of-a-season, I'm sure tour favorite Georgia peaches will not disappoint.

Joining the housewives is none other than singer and Grammy Award-winning songwriter, Kandi Burruss. We're sure this chocolate diva will be a welcomed addition (sorry DeShawn) to the show. And who couldn't forget the feisty Nene, prima donna Sheree, the driven Lisa, and flirtatious Kim. Tune in to Bravo on Thursday, July 30 at 10 PM ET/PT.

Stay tuned for exclusives of the Real Housewives of Atlanta on the Chocolate Fashion Blog!

Chocolate News: Melody Barnes Marries in Amsale

White House chief domestic policy adviser Melody Barnes tied the knot with Marland Buckner, Jr., Saturday June 13 wearing a beautiful fitted gown by Amsale. The ivory hued garment with rhinestone detailing, which flared below the knee was a perfect complement to Barnes' slender frame. Ethiopian designer Amsale Aberra started designing wedding gowns when she needed one for her wedding to film executive Neil Brown more than 25 years ago. Unable to find a simple, refined gown to her liking, Amsale started what is now known as the Amsale Collection. Halle Berry, Salma Hayek, and Lucy Liu are fans. Visit the designer's website at Amsale.com.

Ebony Magazine's July/August "It Issue" features Mrs. O, Halle, Tina, & Alicia

Are you on the it list? Well 25 beautiful sistahs are. Ebony magazine is not only featuring 25 of the most beautiful, accomplished, and successful black women, they are giving us 4 covers to prove it. Michelle Obama, Halle Berry, Tina Turner and Alicia Keys put on their best face for the July/August issue of Ebony Magazine.

In This Issue:
The It Factor: 25 Women Who Make Us Sit Up & Take Notice
6 Cities, 24 Hours, 50 Bucks: Have Big Fun on the Cheap
Addicted to Facebook? We Can Help (I say, yeah right!)
2009 Sexy Singles Ready for Love in the Fast Lane (What's that?)
Biggest Loser Couple: How They Shed 250+ Pounds

Ciara Covers Rap Up Magazine

Nothing like a good piece of good eye candy. Atlanta's musical princess Ciara who's latest album "Fantasy Ride" has been slowly heating up the charts puts on a pretty face in the latest issue of Rap Up magazine. There is no doubt CiCi is a beauty. She could give a few models a run(way) for their money. Always one to test the boundaries of fashion, Ciara rarely disappoints. And if she does we pretend not to notice.

Fit for a Queen: Angela Bassett at the Black Movie Awards

Angela Bassett at the Balck Movie Awards , originally uploaded by chocfashblog.

Desiree Rogers & Valerie Jarrett cover Capitol File Magazine's Summer Issue

If you haven't heard of them by now, let me scold you. Two of the most powerful women in the White House, Social Secretary Desirée Rogers and Obama senior adviser Valerie Jarrett, grace the cover of Capitol File magazine for their summer issue.

The New Orleans born and Harvard educated Rogers is a well-known socialite and business-executive in Chicago. Jarrett, who was born in Shiraz, Iran holds degrees from Stanford University and the University of Michigan.

The two longtime friends discuss their friendship, their focus, and what it's like to be a part of the most historical presidential administration of our time. Available at most newsstands or at: www.capitolfile-magazine.com.

Why the New D.C. is Good for Fashion

The new Washington is reminiscent of the fashionable 40s and 50s. Michelle Obama has trademarked elegance and simplicity. This was a time when people put more effort into their appearance. No guy could get a date if he wasn't well-dressed, and even the "fast" women browsed their closets carefully before setting a foot outside their front door. Even the 1960s brought on a surge of glamor a la Jacqueline Onassis. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, even designers named bags after their selected muses. (Think Gucci's Jackie O hobo bag) Washington D.C. has become the center for upwardly mobile professionals with an affinity for great clothes on a moderate budget. J. Crew has seen a boost in sales since Mrs. Obama publicly acknowledged that she shops online, "You can find some great things there," she said when she appeared on Jay Leno wearing a J. Crew ensemble. It is important for women to be confident, and Mrs. Obama in all her statuesque glory is proving that style is not about what's expensive. White House staff members like the 49 year-old Desiree Rogers prove less is definitely more. When support staff members of the White House appeared in a recent issue of Elle magazine, all stressed their sudden need to revamp their image and look the part of nouveau members of the Obama regime. I agree that clothes are influential when determining the social climate of Washington's movers and shakers. People are going to be paying more attention to the way they look, and rightfully slow. Don't get caught slipping...

What Does Your Look Say About You?

Imagine you're at an event where you're the star. You walk into the room and all eyes are on you. What are people thinking? Are they in awe? Excited to see you? In shock? Or simply unmoved by your presence? I learned at a very young age that people treat you how you look. It may sound like a cliche but it is totally true. Every tried to get upgraded to first class on a flight wearing sweatpants and Uggs? Try it wearing a crisp white shirt, a fitted pair of slacks and pumps. You'll probably get upgraded and an invitation to the company party.

People are impressed but what they see more than what they hear. No one wants to listen to how fabulous you are if you don't look fabulous. It's like trying to sell ice cream to the snowman. Why should they buy it? But every true fashionista knows, the better you look, the better you feel. If you saw the move The Devil Wears Prada, you know that the wrong look can be devastating for your career. Who would've paid Andie (Anne Hathaway) any attention if she entered a room wearing that godforsaken blue sweater, plaid skirt, tights, and boxed heeled shoes? Clearly a fashion makeover was in order.

I watched an episode of What Not to Wear the other night where the director of a music school needed a makeover stat. Clearly she wasn't seriously expecting to get fundraising wearing a pair of rhinestone jeans, tank tops, and tennis shoes to work with her hair in a frilly ponytail did she? Clinton and Stacy showed her a thing or two, upgrading her wardrobe to include classic looks in the spirit of Ann Taylor and Chanel. If you want to raise money, you better look like you have it. As unfair as it might seem, no one wants to give money to someone who looks like they need it.

In honor of the new First Lady, I challenge those of you who are "fashion-challenged" to upgrade yourself and turn over a new leaf. When you look good you feel good and you never know who is watching. These times are trying but just because we're in a depression there's no reason for you to look like one.

Photo: Desiree Rogers, the new Social Secretary for President Obama
(by Jonathan Becker for Vogue)