Then Came Friday...

Whew is all I can say as I type this.  This week got kind of crazy.  Misspelled words on emails, emotions were flying all over the place (one day I felt like Beyonce - girls run the world!, the next I felt helpless like Celie in The Color Purple), sinus headaches, oversleeping, misplacing things, forgetting things, unreliable WiFi connections - I dealt with all of these things and more this week.  Then came Friday.  I got my second wind and decided to give my people some weekend style-motivation.  I took a deep breath, kept going, and inspiration was born.   

My look was inspired by relaxation.  Sometimes you don't feel like the glamorous fashion, but you still want to make a stylish statement.  An outfit like this is perfect for those days.  It's chic but laid back.  The jacket I have on once had long sleeves - I felt they had to go so I cut them.  By cutting the jacket I can wear it during all seasons (with a sleeveless shirt or long sleeve shirt).  Each piece I have on in this post is old but of course I did a little research to find you guys similar pieces (see outfit details below). 

Similar Jacket // Similar Top // Similar Jeans // Similar Hat // Purse // Similar Shoes

Oh, and before I begin my weekend, I would like to announce the winner of the Style and Energy gift card.........*drum roll*.........the winner is Jasmine Sanders!!   Congrats Jasmine and thank you so much for subscribing. 

Thanks for kicking it with me this week everyone.  I appreciate you all.  Have a peaceful weekend and stay safe......and smile a lot!

Laters!

- Samjah Iman

Colorful Evolution

There was a time in my life when I was hiding.  I didn't want my light to shine too bright or to overpower another person's light for fear of being judged.  When I was younger, I was unaware of the realities of this world.  I was truly liberated.  I would do me no matter what anyone would say.  As I got older, I got a dose of how cruel the world could be and how some girls/women project their own insecurities on other girls/women which in turn breeds jealousy.  I slowly began to retreat into a secluded space that was comfortable for me.  To avoid any scrutiny or hate, I tried my best to stay behind the scenes for a while but it eventually became difficult to do because my light just wouldn't stay hidden.     

"If you haven't got it, you can't show it.  If you have got it, you can't hide it."  - Zora Neale Hurston

Since then I have awakened and evolved colorfully.  I am actualizing my potential.  I no longer try to suppress what God gave me, and I don't fear the consequences of becoming who I am truly meant to be.  I realized that it's about being the best Sam possible and inspiring others to be their best.

So there you have it ladies and gents - my colorful evolution.  I plan to continue evolving and rocking this life I have, and if that offends anyone then CHECK YO SELF!

  "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.  Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.  It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.  We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?  Actually, who are you NOT to be?  You are a child of God.  Your playing small does not serve the world.  There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.  We are all meant to shine, as children do.  We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.  It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.  And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.  As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."  - Marianne Williamson  

Why are you holding back?  Evolve!

In this post I'm wearing a ASOS crop top, a vintage Levis men's jacket that I found on etsy.com, the New Balance 410 sneakers (currently working on my collection) and some BDG Urban Outfitter jeans.  I'm sort of a minimalist when it comes to fashion.  I truly believe that less is more in most style situations.  The woman definitely makes the clothes, the clothes do not make the woman.  When in doubt, keep it simple. 

- Samjah Iman  

A New Balance

How cool is it that I am now 34?!  This post is so appropriate because I am wearing New Balance tennis shoes, and I feel I have a new balance on life.  My new balance has nothing to do with success or anything like that, but it has everything to do with accepting and loving the woman I am becoming.  I feel extremely blessed, and I am excited to see what 34 has in store for me! 

Now if you know me, you know I love an eccentric/vintage looking spot.  Riding by the store (Atomic Pop) in the pictures, it caught my eye.  I parked my vehicle to explore it and immediately fell in lust because not only did it match my sneakers, it was a vintage record shop!!

The outfit I'm wearing in this picture is what I call a "laid back look."  I love dressing up; however, what I love more is dressing down.  Jeans, a tee, some cool kicks, and fresh sunglasses are all I need to make a fashion statement.  Less is truly more.  

Outfit Details: Skinny Jeans (old) - H&M // New Balance Tennis // Blue Jean Jacket (old) - H&M // Grey Tee (old) - Forever 21

- The Birthday Girl

Respect the 70s

Although I am deeply in love with the era I was born in - the 80s - the 70s seemed so freaking cool.  I can picture myself kicking it in some dark, smokey club with this outfit on while men are swarming around the place talking jive, afro puffs are in full effect, and Al Green is blasting from the speakers.  The fashion from the 70s era intrigues me.  I love how the clothes were tailored to everyone's body during that era and how the outfits were simple but eye-catching. 

Flared jeans are pushing their way back on the scene.  The H&M jeans I'm wearing in these pictures have the right amount of stretch in them, therefore they hug the bottom perfectly - like a pair of 70s jeans should.  Tying my blue jean shirt up and adding some platform shoes to the mix definitely gave my outfit that 70s look.

Oh, check out my vintage Gucci purse!  This was an awesome Christmas present that was purchased from @Bells_Boutique_ (Instagram).  This boutique has all kinds of vintage designer bags (authentic) for excellent prices - my type of boutique.  

Outfit Details: Fitted Denim Shirt // Flared High Jeans // Aldo Booties (old) // Vintage Gucci Purse - @Bells_Boutique_

Are you digging 70s fashion?  Tell me your go-to 70s piece below. 

- Samjah Iman