I have so much admiration for the style bloggers at the top of their game. I’m talking about Gabifresh and Style Pantry, Karen of Where Did U Get That and Eileen of Miss Whoever You Are. Girl With Curves and Marie Denee The Curvy Fashionista. Nicolette Mason and Le Blog de Big Beauty. ChiTown Fashionista and The Sassy Peach. Claire of The Fashion Bomb. Angel on Fire of Concrete Loop. These are women who seem to effortlessly be able to put together an outfit. These are women who I turn to for fashion inspiration when I need it. And I need it often.

Sometimes it takes me a while to plan an outfit. It requires forethought and often, I get stressed out while thinking about it. When I’m traveling for an event, at least three or four days before I take the time to sit and come up with a complete outfit itinerary for my trip — including shoes and accessories. It is that serious.

I’ve always had strong opinions of what I’d like to wear, and I love beautiful clothes. But sometimes I feel stuck. Like many of you, I wind up standing in front of an overstuffed closet lamenting that I have “nothing to wear.” And I realize that’s because I have many options but sometimes I struggle to put things together. At times I’ve found myself unsure of what I would define as MY STYLE, and I know I’m not the only woman who has felt that way.

That’s where Pinterest comes in. Pinterest has helped me get a visual idea of my style that’s become really helpful in deciding what to buy, where to shop, and what my style is evolving into, now that I’m a woman in my early thirties.

What do I share on My Style board? Items I own, or items I’d like to own. Some of it’s aspirational, some of it’s affordable. It’s a vision board of clothes and accessories and women who inspire me to put it all together and turn it out every time I need to.

My Style Inspiration board is more about the famous faces through history who inspire me to look and live as fiercely as possible.

This week is full of MAJOR events I’ll be attending and I had a momentary lapse in style confidence. Then I looked at my Pinterest boards and then my closet, which I took the time to reorganize recently — I need to write a post on THAT because it’s a project in itself! And now I feel like I GOT THIS. Will share my pics on Twitter so you can let me know if I got it right!

Are you into Pinterest? Click here to follow my boards and leave your Pinterest link in the comments!

And for beauty inspiration via Pinterest, check out this post by India Jewel-Jackson over at Fashionista.com – 10 Beauty Boards You Should Be Following on Pinterest!

Where do you turn for style inspiration, bellas?

When you think of Jody Watley, very specific visuals might come to mind. Sleek hair. Bangin’ brows. Hoop earrings. A matte red lip. When I visualize Jody Watley, I always envision her in an all black ensemble. And for me that’s entirely because Jody Watley was one of my earliest beauty icons. Her Eighties hits like Looking For a New Love, Don’t You Want Me, Real Love, and Friends were in regular rotation on BET when that was my daily diet of TV, and they helped to shape my definition of beauty.

I have always had so much love for Jody Watley as an artist. And now she continues to make amazing music and she also has an incredible style blog — please do yourself a favor and check out JodyWatley.net for a much needed dose of style and glamour from of the best to ever do it!

When I went to the Beautylish Beauty Social last year, Jody greeted me with warmth and kindness, and even made a point to attend the Brown Girl Beauty Uncensored panel I participated in. Honored was NOT the word. I was so absolutely thrilled that she would do something like that!

Jody is as beautiful inside as she is out. We first met at the home of legendary makeup artist Billy B, and they told me all about the video they worked on together for A Beautiful Life. Directed by the insanely handsome and talented Mike Ruiz, with flawless makeup by Billy B, Jody is transformed into myriad looks to display the range of her gorgeousness. And in case you missed Billy’s interview about the amazing experience – click here to read Billy B on makeup, being a legend, and Jody!

Must have been A LOT of fun on that shoot! I was lucky enough to catch up with the beautiful and talented Jody Watley, and ask her questions for Afrobella.com. We discuss music, her personal history as an artist, the shoot for A Beautiful Life and her love for Billy, and her beauty and hair favorites! Read on, bellas!

The Afrobella Interview — Jody Watley

Afrobella -   Of course anyone who’s reading this blog would instantly know who you are, but I always love to ask people to define themselves. So for anyone who was born and raised under a rock and doesn’t know, who is Jody Watley?

Jody Watley — I’d just send them to my website and say “It’s all there”  to be honest, LOL! In short-form I’m a Grammy winning artist – Best New Artist of 1987. It’s been written that I’m one of the defining and trendsetting artists of the 80′s at my pinnacle – I’ve learned to really appreciate what that means because thousands of artists release music every year without an impact. My style and music videos it has been written – raised the bar for women in music – not just black artists which I find to be really humbling.

I am also the first artist to blend Pop/R&B and have a Hot 100 Top Five single with a customized 16 bar verse and guest rapper with Eric B. and Rakim – obviously that formula continues to dominate the charts. When Eric B and Rakim and I did “Friends” it was called a ‘duet’, because no one knew how to refer to it. It’s been written in a couple of books already about the history and evolution of Hip-Hop… that’s a little of who I am..I’m also a songwriter of the majority of my songs and not just eye candy, lol (had to say that). So, that’s a little of who I am – as an artist.

Afrobella -  Fans have watched you grow up right before our eyes, from the days of Shalamar and Soul Train to the Eighties, and right on up to now where you’ve been in control of your musical destiny. When you look back on your career, which three performances are your favorites?

Jody Watley — Thank you! Well, I’ve always been in control of my musical career since I went solo – with God’s grace, strength and wisdom…and of course my freestyle Soul Train days.

My Mom recently asked me if I remember telling her very matter of factly at 4 years old that I had started my own modeling agency, LOL! I’ve always had big dreams. My first stage appearance was with my godfather soul music great Jackie Wilson. It’s impossible to pick a favorite performance – my most recent shows in Japan were awesome – I really try to appreciate being in the moment and feel each opportunity I choose to take is special.

That said, every Arsenio Hall Show performance whether I was doing up-tempo/ jazz or inspirational (Friends, Your Love Keeps Working On Me, After You Who, It All Begins With You, etc). The MTV Awards, The Beacon in NYC, Gibson Amphitheatre some of the footage captured in my ‘Everything’ video..performing with Stevie Wonder for his Skeletons MTV Special, The White House by special invitation, Lifeball (Europe’s biggest AIDS Charity Gala) in Austria a couple of years ago was so fabulous and over the top and the biggest stage I’ve performed on  — so many…being a part of Band Aid..I can go on. God is good and I’m so thankful to have the opportunities I’ve been given.

Afrobella -  Would you say you have a signature look? I would say you change the hair but there’s a timeless quality to your look. If you had to describe the look that’s become synonymous with Jody Watley, what would you call it?

Jody Watley – Most people say the jumbo hoop earrings. I went looking for the biggest ones I could find. I wore big hoops in junior high – of course not a big, but the big ones for that time. I’ve also worn an afro off and on since junior high.

My solo debut my style was more street chic funky trendy and with punk rock edge (lots of black the metal belts with spikes, short studded biker boots, etc) my desire was to create timeless classic images. Mixed with that were high end designers like Gaultier (preceding Madonna), and Issey Miyake and also vintage – I’ve always added vintage since my Soul Train days.

I’m a true chameleon in that I’ve changed so much and adapted to so many styles that I like and have made them my own. The jumbo hoops are still here  – not just for me but I see them on other young singers on the commercial radar, reality stars, in fashion editorials etc..my style has always evolved. Toward the end of the 6 years I was in Shalamar I was heavily into Vivienne Westwood / World’s End. My solo debut was trendy with a rock girl edge..my second album went in a more high fashion direction with Steven Meisel shooting the album cover. David Fincher doing the video for ‘Real Love’ – all of that was a bit of the fashion curve at the time. All of it holds up which was my goal – to have everything from the start be as authentic as possible. “Still a Thrill” in Paris – was funky and chic at the same time. It was all un-choreographed freestyle, which was and is different than most ‘dance’ videos. Other than make-up, I was my own glam squad (no stylist) on the style tip – also very unique to other artists.

My third and fourth albums ‘Affairs of The Heart’ (Tailored suits) and ‘Intimacy’ (Bohemian chic) were more introspective and I really didn’t want the focus so much on the fashion so I took things down a notch but still very me.

Afrobella - I want to talk hair with you! In your stunningly directed video A Beautiful Life, you go through many hair transformations. Of course my favorite was the big, fabulous afro!! What was your favorite look from the video, and if you don’t mind me asking, how are you wearing your hair now? Any favorite products or recommendations?

Jody Watley – Thank you! ‘A Beautiful Life’ was written as one of two new songs I’d written for my last album in 2006 ‘The Makeover’, which was an ambient electronic covers album. I released it directly to a major retailer and it was #1 for them – really cool on the entrepreneurial side for me. The project had 3 Top Five Dance Singles on Billboard, with one of them, the makeover of the CHIC classic “I Want Your Love” giving me a 13th #1 Dance Single. “A Beautiful Life” was #5 and I wrote it with the thought of writing a song for women or anyone in a bad or unhealthy relationship. “I’d rather be living on my own, then to live in a constant state of misery…because I’m stronger, wiser and feeling beautiful” are a couple of my favorite lines. So, I write what I live or think other’s are living – always have, all of my songs tell a story – old and now. I have to say that, because when you’re not in the Top 40 the average person assumes an artist isn’t doing anything..sometimes that’s true but not for me.

I think that’s what everyone should aim for. Life is too short to settle for less. I’m not talking about money and superficial things in the song.

My favorite is the Philip Treacy cyborg hat. It was a fun day of hair and make-up with Mike Ruiz and Billy B. We were doing a photo session / video.

As far as products, I have so much stuff, my bathroom can double as a beauty supply. I’m always trying new things. I’m currently big on natural things you can keep in your kitchen, olive, coconut, jojoba and vitamin E oils — they all have natural anti-aging anti-oxidants. I like making my own concoctions. I recently did a coconut milk, coconut oil and avocado mask for my hair – it was fantastic. Fresh cold milk soaked eye pads are great to whiten and depuff the eyes. I recently started using that because I suffer from allergies, which can make my eyes puffy. It works, it’s also soothing. Fresh cold cucumbers work of course as well, but the milk is really something!

I also use a jade roller to ward off wrinkles – although my Mom is in her 70′s and doesn’t really have many wrinkles – so I made get lucky, LOL! But jade is an Eastern tool that’s been around for centuries. It’s also a great de-stressor, very relaxing. We’re all more beautiful with less stress!

Afrobella – You worked with makeup legend Billy B on that video, and he’s such an inspiration to me. Billy does such amazing work, particularly with women of color in my opinion. Talk to me about working with Billy – what’s it like, and what do you love most about him?

Jody Watley — We first worked together on the artwork for “The Makeover”, including the special effects faux plastic surgery photo’s for the inside booklet, inspired by a layout I’d seen in VOGUE Italia featuring Linda Evangelista photographed by Steven Meisel called “Makeover Madness”. I thought OMgosh, this will work for the album. Getting older in this business of course you see people painfully trying to hang on to their youth with plastic surgery and I wrote a bit on the inside about the unbalanced view we have now on what beautiful is and the lengths people go to erase father time. Anyway – that’s when I met Billy, in NYC for the session with Mike Ruiz. The second was the video for “A Beautiful Life”, and then fabulous “Lifeball” in Vienna, Austria…and a test session we did for ‘Chameleon’ – which I LOVE.

I adore that Billy is a southern gentleman. One would expect him to be a prima donna or full of attitude.  He knows his craft is so down to earth in a genuine way. Billy is collaborative yet very honest.  I remember him telling someone it’s not about the bag – it’s what’s IN the bag – and of course how to use it when giving advice to up and coming artists. That’s Billy. He also turned me on the fried olives, which I’d never heard of, lol. We had them at lunch once at one of his favorite Italian restaurants. No one does lashes on me like Billy – I want to say!

Afrobella – What’s your philosophy about beauty?

Jody Watley — I recently came across an article with me in my late teen’s from my Shalamar days and I was talking about the importance on taking care of yourself and to be happy and wanting to age well. It made me smile to see the younger me was already on the right path. I still agree with that – it’s from the inside – out. It’s how I raised my daughter – using your intellect and brains is beautiful. I made sure she knew her brown skin was beautiful. Much of what we feel about ourselves comes from our home environments and so parents must be mindful and diligent as teachers, role models and cheerleaders of our own children.

We are beautiful – in all of our diversity of hues, features, hair textures, personalities, shapes and sizes and so on. Growing up I had pics of a range of women I looked up to in addition to my own Mom – from Beverly Johnson, Diana Ross Judy Pace, Diahann Carroll,Nina Simone, activist Angela Davis – as well as Janice Dickinson and Twiggy. You can have a pretty face and be ugly – because of your actions or character. If you are miserable – it will show..so inside – out. A smile and a pleasant face can be beautiful. A positive attitude is beautiful.

It’s a blessing to grow older but it can be tough in that women are said to become more invisible the older we get. For me as I get older, it’s about doing it with grace. You can still be fly and fabulous but it’s about finding what works – wherever you are today.

Everyone has to define beauty for themselves, though I do think we are often too hard on ourselves, and the media doesn’t help. So it’s important to learn to love and appreciates ourselves; while always leaving room for improvement but not beating ourselves up about it. This sounds cliché but it’s true. Validate yourself and all that is distinctly you.

The title song of my forthcoming album is ‘Chameleon’ and the title song is about us as women, mothers, wives/ex-wives, daughters, etc – and all that we do and the changes we go through and not just our appearance – our journey.

Afrobella -  What are your favorite products right now? Skincare, makeup, perfume?

Jody Watley – I’ve been a longtime products fanatic – my bathroom is like a beauty supply store, LOL! I try new things all the time. Obviously, I’ve become very focused over the last 15 years on anti-aging treatments and creams. Retinol, etc. I answered this one above when speaking about how I use olive oil, etc…

I don’t wear much perfume I’m more of a scented cream or oils person but though I like Annick Goutal Petite Cherie, it’s very light. The coconut oil mixed with a touch of vanilla oil always seems to get a great reaction when I put that together. I like the soft scent of fresh roses. Monoi Tiare Tahiti Oil is yummy. When I wear my curly fro’ I really like what ‘Curls’ Coconut Sublime Conditioner does.

Make-up is a combination of Chanel, MAC, Kett, NARS and on and on! I love false eyelashes, and crazy about the range of choice in nail polish available now. My favorite lip colors at the moment are NARS Falbala and Clinique Chubby Stick 07 Super Strawberry – for a more natural mouth.

Rosebud Salve is one of my must-have at all times products. I keep it in my car and purse. It’s multi-purpose for quick fix dry skin (hands), lips (an instant gloss), hair (sheen), and it of course smells divine.

Also for dry hair — I love Moroccan Argan Oil.

Afrobella -   Tell me about A Beautiful Life – what message do you want your fans to get from the track?

Jody Watley — Aspire to be in a healthy, uplifting and empowering environment – personally and professionally. We all deserve it – believe that and don’t let anyone make you think / believe otherwise about your self worth and value. If you’re in an abusive environment – get out and don’t look back other than to remember the lessons you’ve learned.

Afrobella -  What new and exciting musical projects are you working on?

Jody Watley — My thoughts on releasing more albums continues to shift though I remain immersed in creativity of all forms – music remains a passion but I’m realistic in today’s sales climate – especially for established veteran artists. My last album in 2006 was an exclusive with the Virgin Megastore chain directly through continued entrepreneurial side. ‘The Makeover’ was #1 for them as they worked to bring consumers back to the brick and mortar retail experience. The album which is available at iTunes debuted at #3 Top Electronic Albums which was cool.

“Chameleon”, will be my 10th full length and touches in part on my early Disco/Funk influences which of course is also full circle for me as my career started back then first as a dancer on Soul Train and then as a member of the group Shalamar. Additionally, the music oozes with soulful dance and electronic music my genre since 1999.  I plan on releasing a summer single titled ‘Nightlife’ which is inspired by my love of 70′s disco funk.

I’ve also done two fun guest vocal appearances with Canadian Electro-Pop band “French Horn Rebellion” as well as Stones Throw’s international modern funk artist Dam-Funk which I believe will be out this summer.

I’ve been doing select live dates to preview my new music, celebrate the 25th anniversary of my solo debut..and all of the other great music I’ve been known for the past few decades.

I have  literary aspirations in books that can translate to TV and film. I’ve loved writing since I was a child. I started writing poetry and short stories, which evolved into novels at 12 – which turned into songwriting. So, I’m looking forward to that next chapter – writing more. My children aren’t children anymore and so I have more freedom now. My #1 goal, in the midst of having a successful career was to be a great Mom and give my children a great foundation – and for the time I was married to be a great wife.

With my longtime associated with style and fashion I’m working on line of figure flattering pants for full figured women in particular – inspired by the creator of Spanx!

Basically, I’m adding to my goals and dreams and looking forward to the next chapters of my life and career.

I also maintain my own Style and Beauty Blog, which was in part inspired by Afrobella

Afrobella -  For anyone who has looked to your career as an inspiration and wanted to be like you…what’s your advice?

Jody Watley  — Be the best YOU, everyone else is already taken!

Seeing as we lost a legend yesterday, I had to ask Jody for a statement on the loss of Donna Summer. Jody has weighed on on her blog and you can read her post here. She shared this with me:

“Not simply “Disco” Donna Summer also ruled “Pop” Music radio and charts. Her double albums were/are unparalleled concept albums, few did them better male or female in any genre – her releases for me were events.  I couldn’t wait to see the cover art, read the liner notes and listen to the music, much of which she helped write.

Donna Summer also brought elements into the mainstream fusing Rock (Hot Stuff) with dance – one of her Grammy’s was in Rock..she really worked all genres and was such an inspiration to me in dance/pop. I also understood when she reached a point of not wanting to be put into a box and that she continued to work and create good music up through her last release a couple of years ago.

When I signed my solo deal with MCA, the executive who signed had worked with Donna Summer during her Casablanca years – which made it easier for him to understand and trust me..and to galvanize the company to market and promote me out of the box.

The current dominance of dance music that young artists have jumped on is rooted in disco .. electro, techno is simply another extension and so I hope they know she’s another artist whose shoulders they stand on.”

Bellas do yourself a favor and check out Jody’s blog right here. You can also follow her on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.

Thank you for being so amazing, so inspiring, and so accessible, Jody!

What’s your favorite Jody Watley song, bellas?

This Sunday – May 13, in case you haven’t checked a calendar – is Mother’s Day! Now’s the time to order those flowers and put together those gift baskets, if you haven’t already. And for the moms who read Afrobella.com – I’ve got special Mother’s Day goodness for you through the rest of the week! Some of my FAVORITE brands have offered Mother’s Day giveaways, and I handpicked only the best for you!

Giveaway #3 – The Sofistafunk RX Emergency Skirt!

By now you already know how I feel about Sofistafunk The Skirt Company. I LOVE them! Everywhere I’ve worn their garments, I’ve gotten nothing but compliments.

The Oscars.

The Curls Unleashed Textures on the Runway event in NYC during New York Fashion Week!

The Red Pump Project Fashion Show here in Chicago!

Everywhere I’ve worn Sofistafunk, it’s been a head turning, OMG that is fabulous where did you get that experience. And bellas, I want YOU to have that experience too!

Behold, the Sofistafunk RX Emergency Skirt. It’s a brand new concoction by these amazing designers from New Jersey, and the intent is portability and spontaneity.

Isn’t that the CUTEST IDEA EVER????

As one of of my Mother’s Day giveaways, Sofistafunk is offering THREE LUCKY AFROBELLA READERS  a special Sofistafunk RX Emergency Skirt of their very own!

BUT unlike other contests, this WON’T be right here on the blog. This is a TWITTER ONLY GIVEAWAY!

How do you enter, how do you win?

Follow @afrobella and @sofistafunk on twitter and then tweet: @afrobella sent me! Please enter me to win the @sofistafunk RX skirt!

This contest will officially be open until MONDAY. So tweet it up! Oooooh and Sofistafunk is also on Facebook, check em out there!

This contest is open to entries in the U.S.A, from readers over age 18.

Winners will be notified via e-mail, and they’ll have 48 hours to respond with their name, address and phone number — if a winner fails to respond in time, an alternative winner may be selected.

Giveaway is closed and winners were chosen and announced via Twitter! Thanks for entering, ladies!!

I want to know what you think! Comment in the discussion box below for a chance to win gift cards and other fun prizes!

Everyone has benchmarks for themselves, and aspirations they develop as their career grows. For me as a young teenage writer living in Trinidad, I wanted to write books and I wanted to write for magazines. I decided early on two of them I wanted to contribute to – Rolling Stone and Caribbean Beat. Rolling Stone being Rolling Stone, and Caribbean Beat being the official airline magazine of Trinidad and Tobago, the magazine in every back pocket of a BWIA (which is now Caribbean Airlines) plane seat.

I wanted to write for Caribbean Beat because the best known writers of the diaspora contributed to its pages and their articles were always engaging and great. It’s like the best writers of the Caribbean writing about the most significant Caribbean luminaries and experts in their respective fields. But despite my efforts, it never happened – maybe because I don’t live in Trinidad anymore, and I wasn’t there to make the right connections? My e mails never seemed to land in the right inbox, or never got any meaningful response. Through the years, I pitched one or two stories there but my career has taken me in a different direction. I began to focus less on pitching to print and more on building my name and reputation online. And now, instead of writing FOR Caribbean Beat, I’ve found myself being written ABOUT in the pages of Caribbean Beat. Which is a wonderful turn of events indeed.

This story has been in the works for a WHILE now – the brilliant writer, Kari Cobham, has been working on this for a minute, but various Caribbean magazines hadn’t yet heard about me or didn’t express significant interest. And finally, here we are – entirely thanks to Kari’s believing in me and my story. I’m SO EXCITED to see this in PRINT!

For the article she interviewed my dear friends Felicia Leatherwood and Kim Coles, both of whom said such amazing things about me that I really need to take them both out for dinner and drinks ASAP, LOVE these women!! My sisters from other misters! AND she interviewed my parents! Mama and Papa Bella could be a whole article by themselves, I know – Kari did such a great job of putting it all together. When I first read it, I cried. I did. Because it means so much to me to be recognized in my own country, by my own people. If you’re flying on Caribbean Airlines in May to June, you’ll get to see it. OR you can click here to read it online!

The accompanying photos were by Chuck Olu-Alabi – we did a shoot at my apartment just for the occasion! I kept it very Trini for my outfit. I’m wearing:

Earrings and bracelet by We Dream in Colour, an amazing jewelry line by Trinidadian designer Jade Gedeon.

Necklace by Eloquii – their accessories are great quality!

Cocktail ring by Max and Chloe.

Dress and sleeveless cardigan M Squared by renowned Trinidadian designer Meiling – this is her affordable line that’s available at Micles stores in Trinidad. I bought these at Westmall The Falls on my last visit home.

Other photos in the issue are by Krystle Rowry of KrissDidIt.com!

Thank you, Kari and thank you Caribbean Beat for making this dream come true! Next stop, Rolling Stone!

Just kidding

I want to know what you think! Comment in the discussion box below for a chance to win gift cards and other fun prizes.

For this post, I was asked to speak about a celebrity that I admire. Someone I turn to for style and beauty inspiration. I didn’t have to think twice when asked. My number one style icon right now is Michelle Obama.

Via the official White House Flickr page. (Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton)
When she speaks, I want to hear whatever she’s saying. When I see photos of her, I want to know who and what she’s wearing. When there’s a book or a magazine with her on the cover, I’m that much more likely to buy it — and I’ve got quite a nice little collection so far. And when the time comes for me to make an appearance, dress up in a fancy outfit and wow a crowd, I try to think about what she would wear, say, and do under the circumstances.

Michelle Obama is more than a style icon to me. She’s a life icon. The way she carries herself as the First Lady of the United States has ushered in a new era of femininity and has inspired me to be my own best, most stylish self.

What I love most about her style is the effortless simplicity she always manages to express. Michelle Obama isn’t a woman who makes fashion missteps often quite simply because she KNOWS herself. She knows her figure and which shapes of dresses suit it best. She knows that she looks amazing in bold, jewel tones, but she’s also stunning in a more understated palette, or in an unusual pattern. She boldly mixes low end with high end fashion without batting an eye. Her ensembles are never over the top or fussy, always timeless and appropriate.

Her beauty is classic and typically understated — Mrs. O isn’t exactly known for bold eyeshadows or out there lipstick. She keeps her hair in a sleek style that works for her, she’s always known for looking polished, classy, elegant and yet approachable and chic.

And that’s what I’ve learned from her. From watching Michelle Obama be the best First Lady she can be, it’s inspired me to be my own best self, and I definitely take style cues from her. She makes me want to wear shift dresses. She makes me want to go for a bold color that compliments my shade of brown skin. She inspires me to be classy and approachable, and a role model. I love that.

My Michelle Obama book collection currently includes:

Mrs. O – The Face of Fashion Democracy by Mary Tomer
Everyday Icon – Michelle Obama and the Power of Style by Kate Betts
The Obamas by Jodi Kantor
Commander in Chic by Mikki Taylor
and the brand new What Would Michelle Do? by Allison Samuels.

Have you read any of them? Which are your favorites? Also, I am contemplating adding book reviews to the Afrobella mix, what are your thoughts?

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