When I was a kid, my Trinidadian mom would say "livin life in London" in her thick accent. And I didn't know what the heck she was talking about. I visited London for the 1st time this summer and what a cool place! Ok I'm a fashion whore so let me take you on a London fashion excursion. I got lossed & bumped into Sloan Street which was so insanely luxe, it nearly killed me. I had to call my best friend & have him talk me down from the Dior sunglasses I almost purchased for 400 pounds, that were larger than the huge ones I already own. And I only stopped myself because I was ending my trip in Milan, the real fashion capital. But they were smoldering hot! Did I also mention that the value of a dollar is only 1/2 the pound! Anyway onward to Bond Street, South Molton Street, New Bond Street, and Saville Row with cute, ultra cool boutiques nestled between Vivienne & Issey. And of course the markets--Camden Market reminded me of the East Village back in the day, but 10 times better. It's young & mohawked. On my way to Portobello Market I got lossed again, thank goodness, because I stumbled upon a sample sale with the likes of Stella, Martin, Helmut, Alexander, Diane, & Marc. It was called "On the QT" and it was (www.ontheqt.tv). But my nose can sniff out a designer sale even when I'm lost with a map up to my nose. And I gave in, had to snap up a top the sales girl called naughty, sexy adorable, a few other pieces, and some way innovative suede pants that were only 15 pounds. Didn't even try those wierd things on. For that price I'd figure them out. And I did. Portobello Market was cool, good vintage finds & better cafes than the Camden Market area, & not as many teenagers. Love, love, love the Tube. It took me everywhere. Get that day pass! I visited Top Shop, very juniors, wasn't impressed, but had to go. Harrods I liked, went wild in their logo merchandise section. Yes, that's where everyone's gifts are from. Was looking for new & innovative designers. I guess I have to go back for that. Didn't find them. I looked high & low for the trendy, fashion forward dressed folks, but they weren't in the Tate, Pically Circus, Lecester Square, Elephant & Castle, London Bridge, West End, Chelsea, Earls Court, Mayfair, the Markets, Bond Street, I did see some fabulously dressed, designer clad mates in the Sloan Street area. WHERE ARE YOU LONDON INNOVATORS?? All the stylie girls were rocking the skinny's. I did happen upon a trendy dining spot in Chelsea, where the American celebs hang out. Yep, lossed again. Loved getting lossed in London. That's when I'd find the coolest stuff. And I now finally understand what my mom meant by "livin life in London"--Chill, flow, shop, & enjoy. On to Lisbon!

Although Lisbon has no fashion forward crowd to speak of, I did see a chick pumping a Patricia Field's logo T on the bus to Tower Bebel, big sunglasses are huge, and sneakers with colorful graphics (nike, converse, etc) are the shoe of the day, I'd say add this city to your travel iteneray. In terms of sheer beauty & the most gorgeous nightlife I've experienced in years-- I'm talking about Bairro Alto.....(my translation "off the chain" in Portuguese). The stunning medieval alleyways of steep hills paved with mosaics, has loads of shops featuring new designers (Tendenicia's is great for picking up bold ethnic pieces that make the best beach cover-ups), bars, restaurants, and clubs in every nook & cranny. And yes, I tried to hit them all in my short stay. Loved it!!! You should also visit Alfama, Baixa, Chiado, Guincho Beach, Caiscais, Estoril (kicked it with these 2 amazing 80 year old women at the most extravagantly costumed show, Danca Com Letras, in Casino Estoril), and please do check out the oldest town in Lisbon, Sintra. Obrigado (thank you) gets you a long way if you can't speak the language.

Madrid---Ok. My hotel: Room Mate Alicia (www.room- mate.es) was brand new, ultra modern, sleek, and right in the center of the happenings. So I had a major party moment & got side tracked from my trendspotting duties. But I must say that it's a gorgeous, antiquated little town. Beauties on the street but not much street fashion. However I did notice the people rocking even bigger sunglasses in Madrid than in Lisbon. Good people, Good food, and even better parties! I suggest spending more than 2 days there just to recuperate from the parties to have energy to spot trends & see sights. Hola gets you into the VIP section if you know how to work it. Barcelona, Rome, & Italy trend reports up next.

BRICOLAGE...A Musical (World Premiere)The poignant story of two unfortunate souls who recount the tale of their glory days at Club Bricolage. Set in the hip NYC underground club scene where fantasies are realized and dreams are shattered. Written and directed by Franco Dunham (Creative Stages Entertainment). Over the top hair & make-up by world renown make-up artist Roberto Morelli (creator of Lauren Hutton's make-up Line) and costumes are designed by the ultra talented NYC based designer, Roberto Tillery. This is a must see production! Add it to your Sidekicks.

• BRICOLAGE Schedule:

• July 25th & 30th--Von King Park (Lafayette & Thompkin, Bed Stuy, Brooklyn)
• Aug 6th--Marcus Garvey Park (122nd Street & Madison Ave, Harlem, NYC)

6 Amazing Fashion & PR Workshops presented by M Shop who has rocked out a NYC boutique; are E-commerce website owners; teach at Parsons; produce tons of Fashion Shows & Special Events for designers, retailers, and corporations nationwide; are a Public Relations Firm; are Fashion & Manufacturing Consultants; have their own successful line (LaMa); a partnership with 24/Seven, and have dressed everyone on the A-List including Mary J Blige, Lenny Kravitz, Pharell, Angelina Jolie, Jessica Simpson, Aerosmith, Jada Pinkett-Smith and Shakira. Join us in:

• LA on July 22 & 23

• How To Start Your Fashion Company (Clothing & Accessories Lines)
• How To Start Your Fashion Company (Boutique + E Commerce Website)
• How To Do Your Own PR/Publicity + Marketing
• How To Manufacture Your Clothing + Accessories Lines
• How To Produce A Fashion Show
• How To Become A Stylist