Let's Go to the Farmer's Market

Saturday morning shopping, fresh brewed coffee, a bag of fruit, freshly made tamales. Dress for comfort and style in a chic silk dress by Adam, leather thong sandals by Steve Madden, and a simple necklace by Sonya Renee. Throw all of your purchases in your satchel by Roxy Over the Rainbow.

Beauty: Summer Hair

Summer nights make for pretty hair looks. Whether you choose to let it fall loose and free, keep it swept to one side, or let the tendrils flow, choose a look that's easy to maintain.

Get the Look: Go Green

Green looks beautiful on chocolate skin as shown here on Michelle Obama. It is the color of hope, health, and growth. Whether you opt for Kelly green, Forest green, jade, emerald, or lime, green is great for a casual look and won't make you look dated. Add a bling bangle or two, and you're all set to take on the town.

Designer Collections: Louis Vuitton & Miu Miu Fall 2009 Ready-to-Wear

Louis Vuitton

Rose Codero

Jourdan Dunn

Georgie Badiel

Miu Miu

Liya Kebede

Jourdan Dunn

Ideeli.com Sales for Friday, July 31

Ideeli.com is bringing Nicole Miller and Harajuku Lovers to the web tomorrow. Known for her exquisite dresses and accessories, Nicole Miller lovers will be able to save up to 75% off regular retail prices. If you're a fan of the Japanese inspired line of handbags, Harajuku Lovers is just for you. Save up to 65% off!

Not an Ideeli.com member?
Click here: www.ideeli.com/invite/chocfashblog

Event Photos: Express TXT L8TER Denim Campaign Launch Party

Ciara

Ciara & Camila Alves

Gabrielle Union

Express launched their new TXT L8TER Denim Campaign at Nobu last night in Los Angeles. The initiative is a join venture with the Entertainment Industry's Voice for Road Safety initiative. Singer Ciara will be featured is featured in the advertising campaign.

How to Choose a Nail Salon

When it comes to being a true Chocolate Fashionista, it's all about having the total package. Gorgeous hands and feet are no exception. When choosing a nail salon there are a few things to consider such as location, amenities, customer service, and above all, cleanliness. Here's a few tips to help you tell the rocks from gems:

1. Appearance. Is the salon clean? Do customers appear relaxed or frazzled? Is the floor clean? Are the stations neat and orderly? Does the staff clean their stations after every customer? Are the implements (tool) clean? If not, you might want to keep looking. Fungi runs rampant in nail salons. Be sure before you take a seat that the shop is sanitized.

2. Services. Are the services plain, so-so, or elaborate? Higher end nail salons usually offer better services because their goal is to make customer feel beautiful. Cookie cutter nail salons want to get you in and out, they are all about the dollar. This is what I call the assembly line affect, the more customers they serve, the fatter their pockets. A good manicure should include at minimum a decent hand massage, one that relaxes you completely. Pedicures should be enjoyable as well. If you want more luxury, an upscale salon is likely to offer more incentives such as aromatherapy, massage chairs, body waxing, massage therapy, beverage service etc.

3. Staff. Are the nail technicians and staff licensed? Do they display their licenses within full view of the customer? Any nail salon worth their salt wants to keep customers coming back. A well-trained staff should be friendly, courteous, and eager to help.

4. Location. Location is always important because it usually determines the level of service you get. Nail salons that sit on every corner usually offer little incentive to keep customers coming back other than the fact that they are quick and convenient. You want to feel safe when you're going to a nail salon and not worrying about what's going on outside.

Chocolate Fashion Blog's Nail Salon A-List

The Paint Shop - Beverly Hills
319 S/ 1/2 Robertson Blvd.
310-652-5563

Bellacures - Los Angeles
239 N. Robertson Blvd.
310-550-5822

Jin Soon - New York
23 Jones Street
212-229-1070

421 E. 73rd St.
212-249-9114

NSeya Salon & Spa - Atlanta
6090 Roswell Road
404-781-6090

Hand & Foot Company - Miami
5792 Sunset Drive
305-668-0504

Polished Lounge - San Francisco
470 Third Street
415-543-0993

The Rock Spa @ The Hard Rock Hotel - Las Vegas
4455 Paradise Road - Main Level
702-693-5554

Parties & Events: TAG Signature Series Body Spray Launch Party

The TAG Body Spray Launch Party was held at The London Hotel in West Hollywood, July 28th. Check out the Chocolate Fashionistas in attendance.

Singer Teairra Mari & rapper Hazel E

Publicists and T.O. Show co-stars Monique Jackson & Kita Williams

Teairra Mari

Model Eva Pigford

Model/Actress Denyce Lawton

TV personality Claudia Jordan

VJ Lala Vasquez

Ciara

Bare Necessity

Strapless dresses are the way to go for day or night looks as shown by one of our favorite Chocolate Fashionistas, Rihanna in a black and cream strapless dress. Baring your shoulders makes your neck look long and sleek. Accentuate your look with a statement necklace or a pair of chandelier earrings.

Style Profile: Genevieve Jones

Just who is Genevieve Jones? Inquiring minds want to know. Well according to the powers that be, Miss Jones is a socialite, it girl and jewelry designer who hails from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She has been featured in Vogue magazine on countless occasions and remains on the guest list of the most fabulous parties. We love how Genevieve is unpredictably fashionable and you have to respect her reinvention techniques and lust for the fabulous life.

See Genevieve's jewelry collection at: www.Genevieve-Jones.com

Michelle Obama Complements the President

Like a high note from a tenor, the President and Mrs. O wore matching ensembles to the Ambassadors Reception Monday evening in the Grand Foyer of The White House. Michelle Obama wore a simple but elegant sheath with a black bodice, white skirt, and red ribbon belt.Her handsome hubby wore a black suit, white shirt, and red tie.

Michelle Obama's takes a Bow at the Marine Corps Parade

Michelle Obama does it again. Her lavender cardigan and turquoise dress (with a bow worthy of a Christmas gift), were absolutely fabulous at the Marine Corps Parade. I love the way the first lady uses color. She makes just about everything work for her.

Real Housewives of Atlanta Profile: Nene Leakes

I saved the best for last! Ohmigoooooodness...In the spirit of Shenayneh, Nene Leakes knows how to keep the drama going. We loved her last season as she went toe-toe with Sheree over who was the "classiest", with Kim to see who could out talk who, and her gripe and moan sessions with Dwight a.k.a The Sixth Housewife (how dreadful--and exciting). The irony of Nene Leakes is that while she may come off as a bit much, she actually seems to be dealing with a full deck. Is that scary? Could be, it just depends on what day of the week it is! This season Nene is back to get it started again and of course we wouldn't miss it. Nor would we miss looking inside her new house (she was rumored to be evicted from the last one) to see what the real tea is. Will she and Sheree become friends? Will she squash the beef with Kim, and will she find the man she's been looking for all her life--her father? Time will tell, and in a couple of days we'll know if want to stay tuned or turn the channel. Trust ladies it's going to be a bumpy ride. Thank God for plush peanut butter leather seats...

The Real Housewives of Atlanta airs on Thursday, July 30 at 10PM PST/EST on Bravo!

Arm Candy: Paging "Satchel"

The satchel was created in the 17th century to carry books in prior to the invention of the backpack. Since then they have evolved into stylish accessories and carried women from the streets of Brooklyn to the coasts of California. It has been dubbed a messenger bag or "man purse" and is pacious yet conveniently compact. The satchel is a requirement for every fashionistas wardrobe.

(Click on photos for bag details or to purchase!)

Vibe Magazine's Final Issue

Vibe magazine is saying ciao, but not without giving us a fashion spread that is drool worthy. The final spread features NFL hotties Osi Umenyiora, Will Demps, Dwight Freeney, Kerry Rhodes, Devin Thomas (whew), and Darren Sharper (fan me). Joining the fellas for the final hurrah are singers Chrisette Michele, Adrienne Bailon, Melanie Fiona, and LeToya Luckett. And oh yeah, Christina Milian and her beau, singer-producer The Dream grace the cover in a Janet moment with his hands over her boobs. As much as we wanted a more enthralling final issue, this will have to do. We hate to see you go Vibe, but thanks for leaving the ladies with some good eye-candy...Any chance you might bring Vibe Vixen back?