Solange Natural Hair

Loves it! I like it even more that she is not trying to make a statement; not everyone that changes their hair wants to make a statement. She tweeted that she has done this twice before and wasn't trying to make a statement. We love your swagger Solange!

Shouts out to my friend Stew; you know you look just like Ms. Solange even more when you shaved it all off! Good times.

MochaBelle Look of the Day: Rihanna

Rating: Love It

Okay, who is Rihanna's stylist and where does she get all these clothes? Seriously, if you don't like this outfit you must be having a bad day! She looks fabulous from head to toe. That's how you work the break up revenge; make sure you look ten times better than you did while you were dating him!

Do you Like It, Love It or Leave It?

Italian Vogue Black Barbie Issue

Italian Vogue is trying to draw our attention to the lack of diversity in fashion once again this summer by having their Black Issue. This year, the focus is on Black Barbies since this Fall she will be getting a makeover and will have "black features" to include a wider nose, fuller lips and different shades of brown.

I'm sure this issue and the new Barbie will offend some, but the fact that people are making strides towards including more minorities in beauty is a good thing. Yeah, having a black issue shouldn't be necessary, but the truth of the matter is, racial inequality is prevalent in fashion and some people are trying to correct that.

As young MochaBelles, it's important that we work to change what we call beautiful in this country. Will Barbies that look like us improve the ideals of the country? Who knows, but I'm certain that relying on the media to tell us what is beautiful won't make any young MochaBelles feel confident in their own skin.

MochaBelle Look of the Day: Ciara

Rating: Love It

Eventually, once these abs are in shape, you will see me showing off that midsection before summer is up; and if not, I will be one of those people wearing my summer clothes into the Fall without a coat!

I love this look, maybe because she is channeling her inner Rihanna, but with her own spin. How many Mochas can show their midsections without thinking twice? Play up your assets ladies, it's a sign of confidence!

I'm feeling the ring and neon nail polish. Very 80's inspired with an acid washed ,dark grey cutoff t-shirt.

Me likey, you?

Free Manicures for NYC Mochas

So everyone needs to be pampered every now and then and Lifebooker.com is offering free manicure for new customers! I personally use lifebooker and love it. They give you updates on which salons and spas are giving discounts and most of the places that I've gone to are really great!

Please check out the site and let me know what you think.

Hump Day Music: Summertime Video

It's Wednesday, better known as Hump Day, and that means we are almost through the work week! With the week almost over, it reminded me how we are midway through summer, but I still have yet to catch that summer feeling. You know, when you are outside all day at a barbecue or hanging out with friends and family not doing much but feeling like you are at the right place at the right time?

Maybe it's the recession, but I am still waiting the have that "day" which signals summer has arrived.

A quintessential song that marks the beginning of summer is Summertime, by Will Smith. That's the feeling I want to capture! Like when we were kids and we couldn't wait for school to let out so we could swim all day and get "tanned". Ah, to be young!

Look of the Day: Lil' Kim

Say what you want about Queen B, but she is still staying relevant with her music, movies, and tv shows. She looks good here minus the hair.

Like It, Love It or Leave It?

Free Mocha Mondays @ McDonald's

This is gift for all Mochas! Even though this is not exclusively for us, it is a nice treat to brighten up your Mondays.

Until the end of July, you can get a free hot or iced Mocha from McDonald's from 7AM-7PM at various locations. Don't hold this against me if this is not happening outside of NYC!

I had one today and it made life enjoyable since the A/C is not working at my job today.

Did you have one yet? Did you like it?

Tips for Avoiding Office Politics

Its inevtable! It's like the big 100 lb gorilla in the room that no one talks about, but everyone will eventually become a part of. Office politics are a part of every job and for some it is reminiscent of our high school days.

1) Identify the Gossipers
These people are easy to spot; the ones that offer up unconfirmed information without reason. Avoiding these people or keeping a polite distance from them will be crucial to avoiding a lot of drama in the office. This may, however, work against you once they realize you are avoiding them. However, as long as you don't reveal any details about yourself, any rumors that they conjur up will be false!

2) Focus on Business
While it is nice to socialize and make friends at work, your primary purpose it to.....WORK. Make sure you are always focused on completing whatever task cross your desk with the best of your ability! Working at your best most likely won't allow much room for gossip and small talk that would otherwise buy you a one-way ticket into Gossipland.

3) Avoid Direct Confrontation
While the fiery MochaBelle within would love to give that lazy, backstabbing, leave-early-but-arrive-late coworker of yours a piece of your mind, the office is not the time, nor the place to let your aggression loose. If you have an issue, take it to your manager in a professional way and address the issue at hand, not the personal reasons why you can't stand that coworker.
If you stoop down to their level, most likely they are so skilled at office politics that they will take it to the bosses before you will and make you seem like the villain!

4) Office Politics Will Always Exist
Once you are comfortable with this fact, you will be able to deal with it head on. Be strong when it is your turn to be confronted, and make sure to maintain your own sense of self. Remember your morals and values and they way you handle negativity and stick to your intuition. Treat all coworkers with respect and try not undermine a coworkers efforts in order to make yourself look better.

5) Act Like a Team Player
To maintain your position at a job, you have to be needed. Along with your technical abilities, your personality should be enjoyable! Make sure you are a master at any task you are given and once you are, don't be opposed to showing your coworkers how to do what you do. Why? Because once you have a reputation for master a skill and being able to teach it, you are training yourself to be a manager. The higher ups will notice your work and may extend a climb up the corporate ladder.

Any other tips for a seasoned MochaBelle?

Music: Death of Autotune--Jay-Z

Jay-Z Music Videos

So what do we think? This track has been out for a minute now, but I'm not so sure I'm sold. Yeah I like the words and the fact that autotune is getting excessive, but really Jay?

I guess it will grow on me.

Your thoughts?

Look of the Day: Pharrell Williams

Rating: Like It

I have always been a fan of the equestrian look. Not so sure that it involves baggy jeans, but this is a good interpretation by Pharrell Williams. I like the boot, blazer and hat combo! Dare to be individual my MochaMen, we MochaBelles appreciate someone who can wear other things besides Jordan's and graphic tees!

Love It, Like It or Leave It?

Look of the Day: Ashanti

Rating: Love It

I love this look on Ashanti, seen here at the premiere of the upcoming Harry Potter movie. She is really wearing that Herve Leger light blue skirt and the top adds a nice contrast. The boots are cute too!

I am wondering when she will be putting out another album, but I guess she is busy performing The Wiz

on Broadway! I have yet to see the show, but I wonder how it is going?

So, Like It, Love It or Leave It?

Halle and Nahla at the Beach

Isn't this the best! Some of my fondest memories were on the beach with my family! Although I was to scardy cat out of all of my siblings and kicked it on the beach with my mom. It is fun to see Halle and Nahla having fun together. It's been a long road that Halle has traveled to end up with a good man by her side!

Have fun in the sun this summer with the ones you love!

Look of the Day: Jay-Z

Rating: Like It

I like the casual look that Jay is going for, but we all know his outfit probably cost more than my whole summer wardrobe! I like the rosaries around the neck too, very New York like! Oh, and I see he is back to the usual fresh cut!

Me Likey? What are your thoughts?

NYC Restaurant Week July 12-31

Hey MochaBelles,

That time has returned for all us New Yorkers hoping to have dinner at some of the finest restaurants in town.

New York Restaurant week has returned and is from July 12-31. During this time, some of New York's most prestigious places will reduce their menu prices and allow us common folk a seat at their decadent tables.

Please do take advantage! That includes you MochaMen ;-)

Getting a Job Part II: Dressing for the Interview

Hey MochaBelles,
I know the economy is tough right now, but that just calls for us to be even more prepared in this vicious job hunting arena.

By now I am sure you have created an awesome Professional Promotion Profile --not sure what this is..check out Getting a Job Part I--But now it's time to consider what's appropriate to wear to your interviews.

While most of us want to stand out by wearing bold colors, it's important to understand the environment of the company you are interviewing with. If it is a conservative company, please stick with a classic navy blue, or black suit that is fitted perfectly; avoid too tight or too trendy looks as this is not the time to showcase your unique style!

If the environment is more laid back, introduce color into your wardrobe with a bright silk blouse pair with classic colors. Again, an interview is not the time to show off your snakeskin patent leather pumps, save that for when you have made a name for yourself at your job!

Also, please invest in quality pieces. I know money is tight, but you only have one time to make a first impression. Make sure your suit is clean and pressed and you are well groomed so that you can put your best foot forward.

Any MochaBelles have other suggestions? Please tell!

Study Finds Exercise While Young Fights Diabetes

Hey Mochabelles,

On my morning commute, I decided to read the AM New York paper, since my paper of choice won't be out until Tuesday, and came across an article that discussed ways that young people can reduce their risk of developing Diabetes.

Researchers from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults examined data from a study over the course of 20 years of 5,115 people aged 18-30, and found that body mass index was the strongest predictor of developing diabetes, especially in Black men. They also found that less fit people were more likely to develop diabetes as well.

So ladies, I know most of us avoid exercising for a variety of reasons, but it is necessary for us as women of color to make our health a priority! Diabetes is prevalent among people of color and can be prevented with a reasonable amount of exercise and healthy eating habits.

Not sure where to start??........well the Goddess of Daytime television OPRAH WINFREY is having a special TODAY about getting back on track with your weight loss goals.

Check it out. I know I will try to have some updates tomorrow for all those working ladies that can't catch the episode!

Serena Williams Wins Wimbledon Title

Serena Williams 2009 Wimbledon

Congratulations to Serena Williams for defeating her sister, Venus, in their fourth time competing against one another for the Wimbledon title!

This is a victory for all little sisters everywhere! I love my big sister, but there is no doubt that living up to the precedent set by an amazing older sister is no easy task, particularly in the case of Serena and Venus Williams.

It has been six years since Serena has been to Wimbledon, but today she proved that she is determined to beat records set by her idol, tennis legend Billie Jean King.

Congrats Serena! I wonder where Common was during the match...

Look of the Day: Meagan Good

Rating: Like It

In typical Meagan Good fashion, she is rocking super-skinny jeans, heels and hoops, but if you find a look that works, why stray?

Love It, Like It or Leave It?

Healthy Eating During July 4th

With July 4th weekend upon us, it is necessary to think ahead when you are enjoying endless amounts of grilled food!

Remember the book, Eat This, Not That, well here are some tips from the author to avoid eaters guilt!

For me, I know I like to pig out during these holidays so I have been putting in some extra time at the gym!

Got any tips? Do tell!

Music Video: Drake--Best I Ever Had

Rating: Leave It

Hmm, I don't know what saddens me more...the fact that this video is just boobs and booty or that it was directed by the musical/visual arts genius that is Kanye West. I mean, I am really not feeling the direction of this video. Is it just me?

Maybe this is what Mr. West wanted, knowing that negative press is the best press? What's your take on the video?

Love It, Like It or Leave It?

Look of the Day: Gabrielle Union

Rating: LOVE IT

Gabby looks Mochalicious in this outfit which is appropriate for a night out in the summer months. Her hair looks great with the bangs, and the yellow boots are a great contrast for the zebra print top.

After wearing those MBT shoes I spoke about two posts ago, I am sure my legs will be ready for shorts!

What do we think? Love It, Like It or Leave It?