The Generational Leather Pants

I got some leather pants for free.  I got them right out of my mother's closet.  Believe it or not, she purchased these leather pants when she was about 28 years old.  She tells the story of how she purchased them every time she sees me wearing them.  Momma was strolling through the mall one day and saw the leather pants displayed in a window.  She initially thought they were too expensive to purchase.  She went back again another day to find the pants still sitting pretty on display, waiting to go home with her.  So she swooped them up and kept on kicking.  Little did Momma know, those pants would be passed down to a daughter she didn't even have at the time: a daughter who would cherish those pants and rock the hell out of them too.

Y'all know I love to rock simple, but classic pieces.  So with this look, I wore my Not Your Dad's Hat from Intuition, my Fuzzy Cropped Sweater, and some classic black pumps.  When it comes to style, my motto is keep it simple and fierce.  

When you shop for quality threads you get your money's worth, and you'll have what you've purchased for years to come.  I can't wait to pass these pants on to my unborn daughter and tell her the story of how her grandmother purchased these pants and rocked the hell out of them - as did her mother.      

P.S. - Make sure you serve someone this weekend in honor of Dr. King.  You don't have to participate in some big MLK program or volunteer with a notorious non-profit organization. All you have to do is perform an act of kindness in his honor.  Happy King Holiday! 

- Samjah Iman

Essence Festival 2016 - Day 2 (Frenchmen Street)

Day two of the Essence Festival was a chill one.  I wore another old dress that I purchased years ago with my favorite Steve Madden booties (currently sold out) to keep my feet comfortable and chic.  I hung out on Frenchmen Street in New Orleans with my girl, and we did some eating and bar hopping.  I'm enjoying the weekend and have no complaints.  I hope the same for you guys!  

Peace and Blessings!

                                                                                                                                                             - Samjah Iman

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

April Joy

I want to take a minute and shout out my friend, my sister in style and partner in business - April Joy.

Her style is crazy dope don't you agree?!

April and I met in the late 80s and became close friends through our love for fashion and bike riding.  On any day you could catch us cruising the neighborhood on our purple and pink bikes in matching shirts, cut-off shorts, and Keds tennis.  Whether it was a dance contest against some sassy little girls on another block or a new TLC song to learn, we were down for the cause.  April and I were a team then and still are a team now.  

When we were younger, we made a pact that we wouldn't cop any pleas with anyone or for anything (we stole the phrase from a rap song probably).  We often refer to this on the low as CNP (copping no pleas).  To us this meant that we were going to go hard at any cost and not give in or up. 

I hope we continue to reach new heights together and continue to be down for the cause.  Keep your head up Coop and keep styling on 'em....and remember CNP for life!!!!

- Samjah Iman 

Currently Coveting...

The picture above shows the face I make when I see items I want.  I get mesmerized.  I guess it's safe to say that I am a functioning shopaholic.  I say functioning because I don't need to check into rehab just yet, and I pretty much have my shopping hobby under control (I think). 

Anyhow, summertime is approaching and there are a few items that I would like to have in order to make my 2016 summer super cute.  Peep the items I am coveting below. 

Picture courtesy of Urban Outfitters

These Birkenstock Arizona Mono Sandals would be perfect for the summer.  They are the ultimate relaxed sandals.  I actually owned a pair when I was younger, and what I remember most is how comfortable they were on my feet.  On any day I could throw on some distressed jean shorts, a ripped t-shirt, my Birkenstocks and boom - a chic summer outfit is born.  

Picture courtesy of ASOS

I love relaxed jumpsuits.  There are so many ways I can wear the ASOS Minimal Jumpsuit.  I can style it with a belt, a hat, some heels, or some sandals (the Birkenstocks above).  It's a perfect versatile piece. 

Picture courtesy of Steve Madden

What needs to be said about these bad babies?  I want them!!!

Picture courtesy of Shop Private Party

Summer means swimming, and hitting the beach in this Private Party swimsuit is a must.  I am into one-piece swimsuits because they can also be worn as bodysuits under jeans, skirts and shorts.  I live for multipurpose fashion. 

Picture courtesy of Urban Outfitters

I adore photography and how different pictures can tell a story.  I want to own several different types of cameras one day so why not continue my collection with a cute one?  The Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 camera has a vintage look and takes cool pictures depending on the film you use.  I must have one NOW!

PIcture courtesy of beachbikes.net

Last but not least....this is my ultimate wish.  I have loved bike riding since I was a child.  This bike would be perfect for me to cruise around town on while exploring and looking stylish.  I can't wait to get it!

Well there you have it...my small wish list (it grows daily).  Stay tuned to see if I purchase any of the items above soon. 

- Samjah Iman

Free Mind

"Free your mind and the rest will follow." - En Vogue

I believe a free mind is essential in order to live the best life you can possibly live.  Freeing my mind is something that I have been working on for a while.  I used to be caught up in certain standards and perceptions that I just couldn't let go, but the more I experience life, the more my mind opens up.   

My friend sent me a picture of some jeans that had chains attached to them.  I decided to try and create my own.  I hadn't worn these jeans in a minute because the cut on the thigh area was too wide.  So I decided to take my chain necklace and loop it through the holes in my jeans.  It worked out perfectly for me. 

This statement t-shirt was created by Chokolat Creme.  We aim to promote liberation, forward thinking, and openness; hence, the "Free Mind Tee."  

I told you guys that I would start adding some pop colors to my wardrobe....boom!

If you are a believer in having a free/open mind, check this t-shirt out by clicking the outfit details below or by clicking shop above.  Until next time....

- Samjah Iman

Is your mind free?

Photo Credit: Sailor Jackson Jr. (Facebook Page)

Outfit Details: Free Mind Tee // Shoes - Steve Madden (old) // BDG Jeans - Urban Outfitters (old) // Felicitat Sunglasses

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