MochaBelle Look of the Day: Solange



via Essence.com
  

I love, love, love this look on Solange. This is super elegant and seems like something Beyonce would wear but her baby sis is rocking it here at the 6th Annual DKMS Gala here in NYC. This seems like a great idea for a wedding dress since it is so subtly glamorous. I like the makeup too! Sticking with a neutral and nude palette makes the dress the star of the show.

"Think Like a Man"-J Hud and Ne-Yo feat. Rick Ross

Good morning Mochabelles and happy Friday. There's a lot happening this weekend at the movie theaters for us MochaFolk and I hope you are able to see "Think Like a Man" with your friends and family.

 Here is one of the songs off the "Think Like a Man" soundtrack by Jennifer Hudson and Ne-Yo. I must admit I like the new swag Jennifer has gained with her new weight loss, however, I want to see Ne-Yo change up his style a bit. Nonetheless, this song is cute and catchy!

Here's to a fabulous start to your Friday morning!

"Think Like a Man" Movie in Theaters Friday, April 20th

via ConcreteLoop.com

I must admit that I have not read Steve Harvey's book, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, which is the basis for this movie but I'm considering reading it since he is giving an insider's perspective on the way men think. I mean, really, I have yet to snag a boo in NYC this year and may need to brush up on my Manology 101.

It's been a while since I have been to the movies and seeing the trailer for the film makes me think this will be a great movie to watch for ladies night out. The cast seems to include almost every black/brown actor/celebrity/athlete that is either cute, current or relevant at the moment so hopefully there will be excellent on camera chemistry. Are you planning on seeing the movie this weekend?

Watch: Think Like a Man (Official Movie Trailer)

Forbes Five Wealthiest Hip-Hop Moguls

photo credit

Today's financial lesson MochaBelles is simple, Fame + a Great Product/Service= Cash Flow! I was surprised at how much the top 5 Forbes Hip Hop moguls have amassed. However, I want to know where are the Hip-Hop female moguls and why aren't they on the list?

 Ladies, we have a long way to go in terms of wealth creation amongst African-American woman, but kudos to the fellas for setting a great example.

Coming in at #1 is Sean "P.Diddy" Combs who netted a total of $550 million dollars from various business ventures to include Bad Boy Records, Ciroc, Sean John Clothing and Blue Flame marketing agency.

Want to see who else made the list? Check out the article here.

MochaBelle Look of the Day:Ashanti



via Essence.com

 Good Morning ladies and what a fabulous outfit Ashanti is rocking here! This is a great example of color blocking which will be BIG this Spring and Summer. The coral lip color works wonders for her skintone and I think I may try to find a color similar to this one to add to my Spring/Summer make-up arsenal (I'll try to get a post together with some color lip colors, too).

News: Magic Johnson and P. Diddy to Launch Their Own TV Networks

These MochaMen, known for their business acumen, are now venturing into the television industry with the launch of their respective networks. Magic Johnson is launching "Aspire" which will focus on motivational programming and Diddy is launching "Revolt" which aims to revolutionize the way we experience music television.

Both moguls are working with Comcast to launch their networks, but I wonder if they will unite with Oprah to create a conglomerate of minority-owned networks. Isn't there strength in numbers, especially when it comes to business areas where the barriers to entry are high for minorities?

I like one quote Diddy said it his excitement about Comcast being on board with his latest project where he applauded them for:

"....recognizing the importance of minority ownership in cable television."



News:Miss Jessie's Titi & Miko Branch Launch a CurlBar In NYC



The Miss Jessie's empire is growing! I had the pleasure of meeting Titi and Miko at a Curly Girl Collective event and witnessed first hand how knowledgeable they are about curly hair. These sisters are on a mission to empower us curly girls and has opened a CurlBar here in NYC to cater to our needs. Their menu includes services like the "Wash N Go-Go" and the "Uptown Girl" and offers quick hair services for the curly girl on the go (...kinda sounds like a great advertising slogan, right?)

 This is in stark contrast to the trendy Dry Bars that are popping up across the city where women can pop-in for a blow-out. I am excited that this option exists for us MochaBelles that want to have our hair treated by people that are knowledgeable of its needs. Check out pics from the launch event over at Essence.com

Photo: via NYTimes



Go 'head Titi and Miko...I'm inspired by your entrepreneurial pursuits!

MochaBelle Look of the Day:Beyonce

via GlobalGrind.com

Beyonce has recently been spotted strolling around NYC with Blue since the weather in NYC has been so divine!  I love this look on Beyonce and am contemplating if I can pull off the rolled up look with my pants. Thanks Auntie B for making the glasses, hoops, loafers, blazer and sunglasses look part of my Spring wardrobe ideas. 

This pale pink color is popular this Spring and my prediction is that it will replace white jeans as a Summer staple.....similar to the way nude pumps are the new black pumps. 

Check out some more pictures of Beyonce and Blue Global Grind:Beyonce and Baby Blue in NYC

Music Video:Ashanti "The Woman You Love"



So MochaBelles are you feeling this video or not? It's been four years since we have heard from Ashanti and I hope she gives us something fresh once her album drops.

I like the futuristic motif but thought the effects used on Busta's appearance were the coolest. Also, I feel like she had the CLASSIC love mistakes in the video. For some reason tattooing a guys name on your body means that the relationship won't last. And staying with a man that doesn't value having a child within a committed relationship isn't a keeper and will do the same to the next chick.

Money:7 Clues That You Are a Woman Behaving Wealthy?

Photo:Getty

The answer to this question may be in the very purse that you are carrying with you right now! Stop and consider this step in the "7 Signs that you are a Woman Behaving Wealthy":

1. What is the value of your purse and the contents in it? 

Calculate how much your purse costs plus the cost of the items in it (i.e. wallet, smart phone, make-up, tablets, laptops, etc.). Take this amount and see how it compares to the amount you put away in a savings or retirement account last month. If your purse and its contents equal more than what you have invested in a savings or retirement fund, you aren't building wealth.

Check out the other signs that you are a wealthy woman in this Black Enterprise article: "7 Signs You are A Woman Behaving Wealthy" and consider a FREE Wealth Assessment at WomenBehavingWealthy.com.

It's a new year, but are you financially in the same place you have always been? Maybe that's because you are a woman behaving broke, but consider becoming a "Woman behaving Wealthy". For too long, money has been a taboo subject to talk about, especially among women of color and it's time that we change this archaic mentality. Engaging in conversations about wealth is necessary for women of color to get our financial houses in order.

MochaMale Mondays: John Legend New Video "Tonight"

Happy Monday MochaBelles. I stumbled upon this video and thought this would be a nice wake up for anyone that is dragging their feet today. Check out John Legend's new video "Tonight" featuring Ludacris for a nice piece of MochaMale to heat up your Monday!

Celebrity Events: MochaBelles at Rodial Awards, Paris Fashion Week & Details Magazine Party

 MochaBelles have been "spotted while chic" around the world at various events around the globe. Check out these pics.

Tolula Ayedemi at Rodial Awards in London via Essence.com



Alicia Keys at Stella McCartney Paris Fashion Week
via Essence.com



Cassie at the Kanye West Ready to Wear Fashion Show in Paris
via Essence.com

Rashida Jones at Details Magazine party
via Essence.com



Cubicle Wisdom: 10 Steps to Make Your Dreams a Reality

If you are like me, Monday is when you think about your job and whether you are living and working my passion or just fumbling along on a job that pays the bills without any thrills. Consider the following steps you can take today to transform you work life from mundane to magnificent! Here are a few tips from the article:

1. Write a daily To-List and hold yourself accountable.
2. Secure at least five (5) seasoned professional allies that can show you the ropes.
3. Write down your last 10 mistakes, analyze them and create solutions for each scenario for future reference.
4. Each month, choose three professionals in your network and send out "Appreciation" cards for their support of your professional dreams.

Check out the rest of the tips from this article I found at Black Enterprise by Jessica Styles of the FAB Network.

MochaMale Mondays: Boris Kodjoe

 Good Morning MochaBelles and Happy Monday! Today's MochaMale is brought to you by Boris Kodjoe. What a fine specimen of a Mocha man indeed! We know he is an actor and a former model and I'm sure you fell in love with him when he played on Soul Food alongside his current wife, Nicole Ari Parker.

Want to know what the sexiest thing about him is.............................

MochaBelle Look of the Day: Estelle



Estelle at BET's Rip the Runway via Essence.com

My fav "stylcon" Estelle is showing us how to really ROCK color! She is seen here at BET's "Rip the Runway" fashion show at the Hammerstein Ballroom here in NYC. I am super excited for Spring and Summer and can't wait to incorporate lots of rich, bright colors into my wardrobe.



Health & Fitness: At Home Workout Routine by Celebrity Trainer Jade Alexis

If your New Year's Resolution was to get in shape, but you have every excuse under the sun not to exercise (I don't have time, no gym clothes, can't afford a gym membership) here is a workout routine that you can do in the comfort of your own home for the low, low price of $FREE.99!

Jade Alexis, who has trained MochaBelles like Alicia Keys and Elle Varner, has just the routine for those who need to jumpstart a healthy lifestyle:

Choose your level, complete the sequence of moves and repeat the entire sequence five (5) times. This is what fitness experts call circuit training (repeating a specific sequence of moves for a specified number of repetitions)

Beginner:  Jumping jacks-25 reps Sit stands-25 reps Pushups on knees-5-10 reps Crunches-15 reps Walk up a flight of stairs without holding on to railing-5 flights

Intermediate Pushups-10-15 reps Squat-thrusts/burpee-10 reps Squats-20 reps Crunches-25 reps Run up flight of stairs-10 reps

Advanced Squat thrusts / burpee-10 reps Pushups-20 reps Squat jumps-10 reps Push-ups-20 reps Double crunch-20 reps Run up flight of stairs-10 reps

Try these routines 3-5 times a week.  If you have a jump rope, incorporate that into your workout as well. If you have an iphone, try my fitness app Jade of Spades.  

MochaMale Mondays:Khasan Brailsford



via Essence.com

  Good Morning MochaBelles and Happy Monday! Say hello to Khasan Brailsford! I saw his picture over at Essence.com this morning after trying to figure out who would be a lovely addition to the MochaMale Monday files. Not only does this dancer travel the world with the likes of Beyonce, but he has some pretty solid values when it comes to life and love. He wants a woman that is: intelligent, lives a healthy lifestyle, wants to be spontaneous, enjoys outdoor activities, and prefers having dinner rather than the movies for dates so he can talk to you.

Check out the link(Khasan Brailsford) to the Essence gallery and feast your eyes on today's piece of eye candy

via Essence.com

New Movie:Tyler Perry's "Good Deeds"

Black Media outlets are buzzing about the release of Tyler Perry's movie surrounding the life of an affluent Black man and his quest for a life of deeper meaning. This weekend, I hope to head to the movies and see Tyler Perry's latest film, "Good Deeds". Check out the full description from Tyler himself at his website: Good Deeds-Tyler Perry

Personally, I want to see a Tyler Perry film that showcases Black affluence because it speaks to a different segment of his audience. As a people, we do have folk that come from or are independently wealthy and this should be displayed on the big screen! Check out the trailer for this film and let me know if you will be supporting the Tyler Perry empire with your attendance.....

News Round-Up: Bronner Bros. Hair Show, President Obama Sings, Boycotting a Harlem Restaurant, Ex-Playmate Gets Money from NYPD

In an effort to bring more news to Mochabelle.com I want to start providing a round-up of some stories floating around the blogosphere. Have a look at some of the interesting articles (via theGrio.com) surrounding what's happening with MochaFolk across the nation:

65th Annual Bronner Bros International Hair Show

President Obama sings "Sweet Home Chicago"

NYC Councilwoman Inez Dickens boycotting Cedric French Bistro in Harlem for Discriminating against Black Women

Ex-Playmate wins $1.2 million in excessive force settlement with NYPD

Black History Month: Old School Hair Products

Remember those days when you left for school with your face slathered in Vaseline? Or those nights when you got your hair done in four braids with the help of a wide tooth comb and some Blue Magin Grease? Here are some old school beauty products that had MochaBelles lookin' fly back in the day and some products that MochaBelles still swear by today! Are there any products that I forgot?

MochaMale Mondays:Tyson Beckford

Happy Monday, Mochabelles!

It is still Black History Month (in case you forgot) and since it is fashion week here in NYC, I decided to give you a two for one special. Today's MochaMale, Tyson Craig Beckford, was the first Black supermodel and has been serving up some major sexiness since the 90's. Ironically, he was teased as a kid about his eyes and cheeks, which are due in part to his African-Jamaican-Panamanian-Chinese roots. How silly those kids were, not knowing he would become a major force on the runways and revolutionize the modeling industry for Black men!

Remembering Whitney Houston

I was at a birthday party celebrating life when I found out that Whitney Houston passes away. I know life on Earth is limited for all of us, but it was difficult to process that Whitney Houston passed at 48. Yes, she dealt with her own demons, but it seemed like she was turning her life around and the news of her death was sort of numbing. Rather than mourn her death, I want to celebrate her life and the amazing gift she shared with the world. Here is a great article I found at theGrio.com and wanted to share with you all.

Whitney Houston--The Queen of Pop

Black History Stylcon: Diana Ross

You can't think of Diana Ross without thinking about a larger than life, diva extraordinaire! Most of your favorite fashionistas, singers and style gurus have taken cues from Diana's sense of style. Check out some of her glam looks and notice how entertainers today have been inspired (aka copied) her looks........