Be Your Own Kind of Fly

The world we live in will try to tell us how to dress, how much to weigh, how to do our hair, when to fall in love, what type of person to fall in love with, when to have kids, what music to listen to, what type of job to get, and a whole slew of other things.  If we're not careful, we will began to conform to society's standards.

It's easier to follow a crowd, but it's more rewarding to do your own thing.  We have to live our lives according to our own rules.  When it's all said and done, we will be the ones who will have to live with our decisions, not society.  Trying to please everyone is the quickest way to insanity.  

One of the main reasons I love fashion so much is because it represents individuality.  I can dress according to my classy side one day or throw on some sneakers to accommodate my cool side the next.  The outfit I'm wearing in these pictures represents my "I'm chilling today" side.  Sometimes I like to rock a low key look with a classic pair of sneakers and stylish cap.  Truth be told, a low key look is one of my favorite looks to rock.  It stands out in any setting.    

I'm praying that every one has the best weekend they have had in a long time!  I'm gearing up for a new chapter in my life so I will be grinding as usual (stay tuned). 

Remember to ditch the rules and rock to your own beat.  Wear what you want, love who you want, go where you want - be your own kind of fly.

God bless you all.....even if ya'll didn't sneeze (lol). 

Peace,

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: Black Vegan Leather Hat // Puma Careaux // Full of Color Faux Fur Bag

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

Green Courage

It took some self-encouragement to do this shoot.  I was feeling a little uninspired due to the recent flooding that affected my hometown and caused havoc for my family and friends.  I felt helpless because I wasn't there to lend a helping hand.  Then I came to the conclusion that I needed to revive my positive energy and keep going so that my loved ones could sense my vibes and do the same.  

I found an old Urban Outfitters dress in my closet that I hadn't worn in a while.  I decided to pair it with a worn baseball cap, my Steve Madden combat boots and my Louis V bag.  In this outfit, I'm ready for whatever.  It's comfortable yet still stylish.   

Olive green (or military green) is a color that looks good on anyone.  It's not loud and it's not too subtle.  You can pair this shade of green with just about any other color.   

I love accenting most of my outfits with gold jewelry.  It just seems to stand out so well. 

Enjoy your holiday weekend sweeties and remember, no matter what, KEEP GOING!!!!!!

- Samjah Iman

The Hat is the Reason

When I was younger, I didn't understand why my father wore so many hats and caps or why my mother often threw on wide brim hats to complete her wardrobe; but now I get it.  In most cases, hats make an outfit come alive.  I have learned that I can throw on a nice hat or cap with almost any outfit and make my look even more stylish.       

I would suggest that every fashion junkie own at least two stylish hats or caps.  They turn an ordinary outfit into an extraordinary one.  Hats not only make your outfit pop, they also camouflage your hair when you are not in the mood to comb it; and that is exactly what was happening on the day I took these pictures.       

The other staple in these photos, aside from my hat, are my Steve Madden Wantagh Booties.  These faithful booties have gotten a lot of wear.  They go with just about anything!  I wear them with skinny jeans, shorts, skirts, and of course dresses.  I consider these shoes a fashion investment.  When you purchase shoes that go with almost any outfit and can be worn all year round, you are definitely getting your money's worth. 

Outfit Details: Wantagh Booties // Ribbed Raceback Tank Dress // H&M Duster (old) // Wide Brim Hat (old) - Urban Outfitters

- Samjah Iman