The Best Thing You Can Do Is....Nothing

I’m stagnant at the moment in regards to my ambitions and goals. I’m not failing, but I feel like I’m not progressing either - or at least I can’t see it. I’ve planted over 100 seeds in the ground, and it seems not one of them has yet to even peep through the dirt. Prior to writing this blog post, each and everyday I would think of something I could do to get some momentum going; however, nothing worked. Everything seemed contrived.

I went to a hot yoga class last week to relieve some stress, and it seemed to have been the hardest yoga class I had experienced all year. In between poses, almost the entire class was huffing, puffing, and fidgeting - attempting to persevere. The instructor noticed our restless exhaustion and said, “the best thing you can do in between poses is nothing….conserve your energy.” Her words got the wheels in my head turning. I began to analyze and compare my current yoga circumstance to what was going on in my life. The hard yoga poses were similar to the goals I’m trying to reach. The moments in between the poses symbolized the times when nothing is happening which makes me anxious to get to the next pose or the next step in life because the waiting process is agonizing. But (as the teacher put it) in doing nothing during that process I allow myself the time to just exist in the moment, as well as prepare myself mentally and physically for the next pose - or for what’s to come in life.

After making it through that yoga class and allowing the teacher’s words to sit in my spirit, I came to the conclusion that the best action for my current state is no action at all. It takes a great deal of faith (that I sometimes lack) to take my hands off everything and just be. I told myself that if I really trust what I’ve manifested, did my part, and believed that it will come to pass - then I should have no problem embracing this current intermission. Now is the time for me to sit back and let my angels work while I rest more, research more, be lazy, enjoy Sunday mornings, people watch, polish my nails while jamming to Leikeli47, take long baths surrounded by candles, catch up on some documentaries, sit in silence, etc. Because if I haven’t learned anything else about life, I’ve definitely learned that change is inevitable…nothing stays the same. And I’ve also learned that if you try to force things to happen, you interfere with life’s beautiful process which results in even more setbacks.

When you get the chance to restore and revitalize, take advantage of it - because before you know it…the yogi will be saying, “next pose!”

Being still,

- Samjah Iman

P.S. - This slip dress was given to me by my mother….she’s had it since the 90’s.

Sustaining the planet one recycled garment at a time.

The Art of Waiting...

I consider myself a pretty adventurous, bold person to say the least. I’ve moved to another state with no job before. I’ve jumped on a stage and talked in front of hundreds of people. I’ve quit an eight-year job to live out my passion. I’ve started businesses. I’ve even traveled to foreign places by myself. It’s funny that I had/have the courage to do all those things and more, but when it comes to WAITING - I sometimes fall short.

If there’s something in my life that I’m waiting on whether it be extra income, a business to jump off, a house, new this, new that - I find myself getting pretty impatient and trying everything to make sure it comes to pass. I sometimes feel like I’m not hustling hard enough or looking for opportunities in the right places. But as soon as I shake that feeling, step back, and let everything unfold on its own - I’m reminded that letting go of a situation is just as valuable as working hard for it. It’s the divine intervention aspect of the process….the part when you allow a higher power to intervene.

“With waiting, comes learning. ”

— Unknown

I often notice that when I’m NOT looking for something, I find it or it comes to me. And when I’m looking super hard for something, it’s nowhere to be found or if I keep looking hard enough, I end up finding the wrong thing. This is where the art of waiting comes in.

Once you’ve made your needs and wants clear and have done everything in your power to bring those needs and wants to fruition, the best thing to do after that is nothing. Surrender, trust that it will all work out, then move on to the next thing. Taking your hands off a situation that you can no longer control is saying that you trust the Universe/God to work everything out accordingly. Waiting not only builds faith, it sets you up to receive exactly what’s meant for you to have.

While everyone is telling you to turn your hustle up since it’s October and there are only 90 something days left in the year, I’m telling you that if you’ve done all you can do, then wait. What’s meant for you will come to you.

Being still,

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: Green Jumper // White Boots (Urban Outfitters…sold out) // Vintage Dooney & Burke Purse

Journal Entry: Check My Gratitude

June 5, 2018

Today I opened my Instagram app, and the first picture I saw was of a blogger I had been following for years.  She is fighting cancer.  When I saw her picture and read her caption, my heart sank.  She posted a picture of how she used to look before chemo treatments, and in her caption she wrote about missing who she used to be.  All she dreams of doing now are the simple things she took for granted before the cancer.  She longs to just be able to eat, run errands, and go to the gym.  I complained earlier about going to the grocery store and working out.  I feel embarrassed and ashamed.  Here she is praying that she could eat and run errands, and here I am, healthy, and tripping about doing both.  I'm getting my mind right real quick, and vowing to be grateful even for the littliest things.  I'm checking myself.   

Sam

36 Years Later...

I celebrated another year yesterday, and it feels good.  I feel accomplished.  I don't feel this way because I've done a ton of successful things, it feels good because I am actually starting to truly understand the art of just being.....and it only took me 36 years to get it. 

In my opinion, trying to overdo something breeds complexity/stress and keeping it simple is more peaceful.  In the past, I thought being the best at that or doing the most with this was the way to go.....now days, I do what I can then let the rest be.  Of course I give my all when it comes to my goals, but I do it because I feel it.  Not because I'm not trying to live up to any social media/internet definition of hustling hard - just mine.  I no longer feel the need to structure my life in a way that looks enticing to others because who I am and what I do is enough.  As long as I am doing what's in my heart and living out my visions then I'm good.      

So here's to year 36; I'm keeping it simple, just being, and living the life I've designed for myself.  It may not be picture perfect to the world, but it definitely feels good in my soul - and that, to me, is a high achievement.    

Peace and Blessings,

- The Birthday Girl

Photo Credit: shotbyclipz@gmail.com

Legacy > Likes

One of the most difficult things to do in today's society is to stay true to yourself and your passion when it seems the majority of the world is only worshiping that which is on the surface.  I witness so many people compromise their art or who they are just for the thrill of temporary popularity.  It works for now, but will it sustain?

I made a vow to myself a while ago to create art that has meaning behind it and to do what I am doing because it's authentically me - not for the money or approval of others.  I want to be able to wake up everyday and feel good about who I see in the mirror and the energy I am putting into the world because I know it aligns with my true self and purpose.  Twenty years from now I want to read my words or look at my fashion choices and feel good knowing that I didn't sell out to please others.  What I'm putting out may not always be right, stylish, or exciting to read, but what it is is my truth and my legacy.  And that's worth way more to me than being validated by this world.   

I chose the crop t-shirt I am wearing above because it speaks to what I preach on this blog often.  Creating a legacy and staying true to yourself is always greater than being liked and accepted.  To check this t-shirt out and more t-shirts like this, visit KandiceGuiceCollection.com. Also, see how other stylish bloggers rock their statement tees from the Kandice Guice Collection below! 

“You’re not supposed to give people what they want, you’re supposed to give them what they don’t know they want yet.”

— Diana Vreeland

Create a legacy....screw likes!

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details:  Crop t-shirt // Floral Booties // Black Denim Skirt // Mustard Cardigan (similar here) // Leather Tote

Jazz of thejdseries.com

Destiney of www.joyinmysoles.com

Kimberly of www.kimbeauxstyles.polyvore.com

Enjoy Each Phase

I was sitting at an empty bar one day holding a casual conversation with the bartender.  In the middle of our conversation the bartender said, "Man it's slow in here today...damn!"  I sipped my martini then politely asked him what was wrong with that.  He responded, "I want that money!"  I nodded my head in understanding.  I then finished my drink, paid my tab, and said my goodbyes.  A day later I passed by that same bar and saw that it was jumping with inebriated, seemingly impatient people.  The bartender was all over the place juggling several things at once.  I paused at the open door of the bar to wave at him, but he didn't have a second to look up.  I thought to myself, "I bet he wishes he would have enjoyed that down time he had the other day."   

I remember as a child wanting to be grown in a hurry.  And now that I've reached adult status, I sometimes find myself wishing I would have enjoyed every childhood moment that I didn't have any bills to pay.  I hear parents sometimes say, "I can't wait until my toddler begins walking or eating on their own."  Next thing you know the child is driving themselves to the prom, and the parent is wondering where the time went.   

As humans, we have the tendency to complain about our current situations especially if they aren't progressing like we want them to.  Whenever I start to do this, I remind myself to find the blessing in that current situation and enjoy it until change comes.  I used to get antsy when I didn't have any work to do because I felt the need to stay busy.  Now days when I get free time I cherish it, because I know my schedule will flip to full within hours.    

No matter what is going on in your life (good or bad) know that it will change.  Nothing will be the same way always.  Therefore, enjoy each moment of downtime, each phase of busyness, and each second of solitude - because you never know when the bar will get chaotic again. 

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

Photo Credit: keithshoots.com

I Flowed, Kept An Open Mind, Relaxed and Breathed in Barbados....

I was sitting in my office last week, jotting down some notes and wondering what the rest of the week would bring, then out of the blue I received a text from my editor.  The text went something like this, "Hi! Are you willing to represent the brand in Barbados for their Fashion Week this Thursday?"  I thought, "Barbados!?"  I didn't know anyone in Barbados and had no clue who I'd be working with when I got there.  I looked at my calendar.  Thursday was a couple of days away.  My brain began to race.  I had a full schedule planned out for the rest of the week.  I had some photo shoots coming up, a dentist appointment I desperately needed to make, a monthly panel I sit on, plus dirty hair.  I sank back in my chair and did what any responsible adult would do in my position.  I texted my editor back and said, "why not?!"

Pants available here.

Barbados was everything I thought it would be and more.  The people were interesting, the seafood was fresh, the colors were vibrant, and the fashion exuded Caribbean culture.  Although I was working with only 8-10 hours of sleep the entire trip, I was so grateful to breathe the fresh air of that island.  God is amazing!  

During the trip, I had the chance to experience snorkeling in the Atlantic Ocean.  At first I was hesitant because I didn't bring the necessary products to wash  my hair.  But after some convincing from my travel mates, I gave in.  When I put the snorkeling mask on, I immediately felt trapped.  I am very claustrophobic and this mask did not help my condition at all.  I took the mask right off and began to complain.  One of the people on the trip witnessed my mini panic attack, and quickly swam over to me and said, "relax and breathe."  He repeated himself, "whenever you feel anxiety, just relax and breathe."  I was consumed by his words.  I began to think about how relaxing and breathing could apply to other areas of my life.  Although I've heard relax and breathe several times prior to this trip, it made the most since right there in the middle of the Caribbean Sea.  I took heed.  I relaxed, took a deep breath, put the snorkeling mask back on, and down under I went. And boy was it a sight to see.        

I met some amazing entrepreneurs (libertyfairs.com, thebkcircus.com), a talented artist (Sheena Rose), models, a super cool fashion influencer (Ron Oppong), and an interesting blogger (Danielle Cooper) while in Barbados.  I'm so glad I jumped at the opportunity to experience that journey.  That spontaneous trip definitely proved to me that you never know what path life has in store.  With that in mind, it's best to flow, keep an open mind, relax and breathe. 

Check out a few more photos from the trip below.  Enjoy! 

Relaxing and Breathing,

- Samjah Iman

Picture Credit - @photosbyakira/@komacphotography/ @trevon_went

Fashion Designers - African print dress by @kimmysticclo,  Swimwear by @legenderesort ,  Bridal Exhibition by @kimmysticclo , Plaid Collection by @haus_rvr

When You Gone Get Up?

Jamming to my neo soul playlist the other day, I came across an admired song by Amel Larrieux titled Get Up.  In this particular song, she sings, "I know you're down, when you gone get up?"  That chorus alone sparked a much needed fire in me.  I instantly got inspiration from those words.    

A lot of us are not in the positions we want to be in and haven't been for quite some time.  Although everyone wants to accomplish something, not everyone wants to put in the work.  But as my intelligent friend so eloquently communicated to me last week, how do we expect to have a seat at the table when we haven't made reservations? In other words, how do we expect anything to change in our lives when we haven't made the effort to change them?

Some people wallow in being down.  They make 356 excuses as to why they can't get up and do what they've been meaning to do for years.  They love to tell any and everyone that will listen about how life has dealt them an unfortunate hand and blah, blah, blah, blah.  All that is cool or whatever, but when are you going to get up? 

I'm learning more and more on this journey called life that it only works when we work it, and what we can't handle is left up to the Higher Power. We have the ingredients in us we need to succeed.  All we have to do is tap into that greatness.  Complaining about being down is just like panicking when you've fallen in shallow water.  Sometimes you're in a situation you feel is too deep and could possibly drown you.  However, if you just calm down and stand up, you'll find that you're actually in shallow water and getting out and back on your feet is easier than you know. 

When you gone get up?

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

Photo Credit: shotbyclipz@gmail.com  

If You're Comfortable, You're Mediocre

I had dinner with a friend the other night and a motivating discussion came about as a result of our meetup.  While devouring some fried green tomatoes smothered in remoulade sauce, I vaguely listened to my friend as he discussed his life experiences.  I was so busy concentrating on my delicious tomatoes (I was super hungry by the way) that I could hardly hear anything he was saying until he spoke this, "If the house note you are paying makes you feel comfortable, then you need to search for a house with a note that makes you a little uncomfortable." I quickly lifted my face out of my plate and kindly asked him to repeat himself.  He explained further.  He said if you're in a comfortable position, you are not being stretched.  He stated that humans should seek some interests that make them feel uncomfortable for growth purposes.  He went on to say that a lot of people are in relationships that don't require them to grow or they go back to relationships that they once left because it's "comfortable."  Same with jobs or business ventures - people won't leave a particular job or start a business or get that degree because it will take them out of their comfort zone and require them to make some moves that they have never made before.  Therefore they settle and do what's easy.  

“If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try. ”

— Unknown

I took his words in for a second and was reminded of how I live my life.  I thought about when I committed to attending Howard University in D.C.  My parents were puzzled and asked me what was wrong with going to the local university in which I could attend for free.  I told them that was too easy to do, and I wanted to do something bigger.  So at 22 years old, my friend and I jumped in the car and drove 18 hours from Monroe, LA to Washington, D.C.  I got to that new city, got my school situation straight, got a place to stay, met some interesting people, and landed a few hustles.  This D.C. adventure set the tone for my fearless attitude towards my adult life.  From then on, I jumped at any and every opportunity to do something that made me feel a little uneasy and I still do.  It's a scary thing to do sometimes and I have doubts, but in the end I find that it always works out, I learn something, and I discover that I am even more powerful and resilient than I ever knew.     

Stepping outside of our comfort zone can be applied to every aspect in our lives.  For instance, if you do 10 squats in the gym everyday, bump it up to 12 squats and so forth and so on.  Challenge yourself to eat differently.  Take a different route to work than the usual one.  Read a new type of book other than your usual reads.  We weren't made to be mediocre and only do what's easy.  We were made to be dynamic. 

We are all powerful and brilliant.  There is magic inside of each and everyone of us waiting to be unlocked.  All we have to do is take some different routes, and we will discover our limitless abilities. 

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

Photo Credit: @87photography87 (Instagram)

Laced

I just love it when my fashion matches my persona - classy but sassy lol.  This Style and Lace Crop Top from Tobi.com fits right into that category.  It has a Victorian kind of vibe that I am digging and a sexiness to it as well.  I was immediately intrigued when I saw it. 

Check out how I sported it below. 

I love mixing dainty with street so I paired this cute little crop top with my custom, distressed Wrangler jeans.  Styling the top with my jeans added a little hipness to it and gave it that extra swag. 

This Style and Lace Crop Top is another piece that I will keep in heavy rotation this summer.  I love the details of the top and how it fits.  Check out this top and more cute finds at Tobi.com! 

Thanks for rocking with Style & Energy everyone.  You don't know how much I appreciate your support.  I am truly humbled and grateful!  Many blessings to you all!

xo

- Samjah Iman

In My Element

I'm at a place right now in my life where I am moving towards being who I am truly meant to be, and it feels wonderful.  There's nothing like living in your element and not giving a damn about what anyone or society thinks.  I have struggled with (and still do sometimes) pleasing people and doing what's expected of me versus what I want to do.  I'm getting over that phase in my life because it brings nothing but stress.  I will be the Sam I want to be, and if it doesn't fit a certain person's or society's standards then so be it.  My new way of living has me feeling so liberated, loved, and empowered - so I wrote it on my dress.  Check it out below.

When you are living in your element/truth - everything seems to line up.  You will attract the people and opportunities that are supposed to be in your life.  You'll be healthier and happier.  You'll feel at home in your soul.       

So about this dress.....my friend April and I were on the phone one evening discussing clothes that we could make ourselves.  I mentioned a dress I saw that had paint on it and cost about $250.  I wasn't paying that for the dress so I decided to make my own.  April encouraged my creative thoughts as she usually does so I went to Michael's, purchased acrylic paint and boom - my little dress was created. 

I hope you all have an amazing week.  I also hope you all find your element/truth and live in it.  

“COURAGE is being yourself everyday in a world that tells you to be someone else. ”

— Unkown

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

Photo Credit: kwesi.co

Get Like Oprah...

I woke up yesterday morning and looked at the clock which read 5:00 a.m.  I instantly got an attitude because I had just looked at the same clock 30 minutes ago and it said 1:30 a.m.  I don't know if it was daylight savings or someone stealing time but 5:00 a.m. came too soon, and on this day I wasn't having it.  So I turned on my back, looked at the ceiling and declared that I wasn't doing any work that day.  I was staying in the bed until about 12:15 p.m., and then I would binge watch all the shows I've missed. 

Content with my spontaneous decision, I turned on my radio to get a little news and laughter from the Tom Joyner Morning Show.  When I turned the radio on, Tom was interviewing Oprah Winfrey about the season two premier of her television series Greenleaf.  I was listening to how perky Oprah sounded for an early morning that I was not fond of.  Then with her bubbly voice she said, "Tom, I'm out here working like the rent is due!"  I laughed along with Tom and the crew.  Then I abruptly stopped laughing.  All of a sudden I felt like that joke was on me.  "Hold on, I can't afford to be laughing at/with Oprah," I thought.  "If she is out here grinding like her rent is due, then who am I to be chilling in this bed like my rent isn't?" 

I then got out the bed, got my mind right, and hit the ground running that morning.  I was reminded that hard work doesn't stop for those who want to reach certain heights.  You get back what you put out.  And if OPRAH is still putting out tons of effort, then I have no excuse.  

I know we all get tired at times (and we should take a break every so often), but if we keep going during those difficult times then we will only build endurance.  So the next time we feel like stopping, let's remember - Oprah is still out here working like her rent is due and it probably isn't.....but most of ours really is.  Let's get like Oprah.

Peace and Hustle,

- Lil Oprah

Clueless Dress

I was and still am a huge fan of the 90's blockbuster, Clueless.  When it first came out, I watched it over and over because it was hilarious (it's even more funny now that I'm older), and the fashion in the movie was super stylish to me.  Along with the flick Pretty Woman, Clueless goes down in my book as one of the best fashion movies of that era.  When I saw the dress I have on in the pictures in H&M, I was immediately reminded of the movie Clueless so I snatched it up.

I used to have several dresses like this.  My friend April and I used to get them from the store in the mall called Rave.  They were about $9.99 then, and boy did they come in handy!  I wore my first dress like this one to an Immature concert.  I paired the dress with my jelly bean heels and a book bag purse.  I just knew I was on! LOL.  Man, those were the days!

Have an extraordinary week everyone!  Keep it cool and positive.

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: Ribbed Jersey Dress // Steve Madden Boots

Photo Credit: majstudios@yahoo.com

For Us...

To all the women who wake up before sunrise and work until night falls

To all the women who carry the world on their shoulders and feel like they are alone

To all the women who've been told they were too skinny or too fat - too dark or too light

To all the women who feel uneducated, stuck, and unworthy

To all the women who look in the mirror and struggle with the person looking back at them

To all the women who make a dollar out of a dime

To all the women who feed the kids, do homework, cook the meals, and still manage to polish their nails

To all the women who cry when no one is looking

To all the women who give everything to an undeserving idiot

To all the women who make this challenging life look so easy

To all the women who aren't valued

To all the women who keep it cute even when shit ain't

THIS DAY and EVERY DAMN DAY IS FOR US!!! SALUTE!!!

Happy Women's Day!!!

- Samjah Iman

Queen B@$#H

I discovered my theme song as a freshman in high school.  It was and still is Queen B@$#H by Lil' Kim.  My brother purchased the Lil' Kim Queen B@$#H CD (probably for the salacious poster that was included in the CD), and I had a habit of stealing his music.  I got hold of the Lil' Kim CD, and my mind was blown.  I played that CD every time I jumped in my car.  I was amazed at the things she would say and how bold she was.  I made a mistake and left the CD playing in my car one day, and on that day my mother decided to drive my car.  She started the car, and Lil' Kim came blasting through the speakers screaming obscenities.  My mother went berserk.  I tried to explain to her that I didn't care to emulate the things she was rapping about, I just admired how bold and confident she was and how she defied the traditional standards that women were held to.  That explanation didn't work.      

Fast forward to now, and I still play the hell out of my theme song and the entire CD.  When I need to get pumped or when I feel like I've conquered something, I turn Queen B@$#H on and passionately rap every line.  On this day I shot these pictures, I needed something to get me going.  I put my song on while I was getting dressed and walked out the house like "WHAT?!"  

I guess you can kinda say that this outfit was inspired by Queen B@$#H.  When I turned the song on and started feeling the vibes, this is what I pulled out of my closet.

I got this vintage blazer from @shopvintagebowtique (Instagram boutique).  I love it because of the stripes and because of the shoulder pads.  I wanted to keep the blazer opened so I had to rock my bra as a top.  I threw on my men's Levis jeans to keep the outfit casual, and my Tamar Necklace to add some pizazz to the look. 

Have a bomb weekend everyone.  If you get discouraged about anything, just put your theme song on and boss up!  Happy Women's History Month!

“On a mission for the lucci creno.”

— Lil' Kim, Queen B@$#H

- Samjah Iman

Photo Credit: Majstudios@yahoo.com

A Shirt to You, A Dress to Me

Okay so this 90's vintage shirt (dress in my opinion) I'm sporting in these photos has been in my closet for years.  I felt it was time for her (the shirt/dress) to be seen again so I took it out for a spin.  I found it at a thrift boutique, and it was about $12 or so.  Thrift shopping is my life right now, and because of this addiction I'm saving money and looking good at the same time!  If you feel like you don't have the energy to go thrift shopping on your own (which a lot of people feel this way), no sweat.  They have boutiques that will do that for you.  Check out www.dotherightvintage.com and @shopvintagebowtique (Instagram boutique).  They have the best vintage treasures, and all you have to do is wait for them to find a item you like and purchase it.  Simple as that.       

On another note - I was listening to a TD Jakes sermon on Saturday morning (just a few hours after partying at Zulu and indulging in tasty libations - judge not), and he was touching on the mental aspect of life.  He was saying that you have to constantly feed yourself positive affirmations, and that you can't lose your head and let your emotions control your decisions or thought process when life happens.  This is something that I try to preach and practice often.  I do fall off at times because life does get hard.  However, I'm actively learning each and everyday that the more beautiful words I speak and the more positive things I believe, the more peace I have.  It's not about getting every blessing I've prayed for, it's about making the most out of everything I have already been blessed with and being confident that I will get all the things I need and more in due time.   

Keep your head to the sky my people.  It's all good.

- Samjah Iman

Photo Credit: Majstudios@yahoo.com

Mardi Gras Zulu Ball 2017

This is my third time attending the Mardi Gras Zulu Ball in New Orleans.  The first time I attended the ball, I learned a valuable lesson which was 'spend the least amount of money as possible on a dress.'  For the first ball, I wore an expensive dress.  For the second ball, my dress was about $40.  And for this ball, I wore a second-hand, 80's vintage dress from my favorite consignment boutique - @shopvintagebowtique (Instagram boutique).  I continue to preach that it's not about how expensive an item is, it's about how you wear that item.   

Have a beautiful Sunday everyone!  Back to Mardi Gras celebrations I go!!

- Samjah Iman

NYFW 2017

When I was 16 years old, I got the chance to travel with my 10th grade history class to New York City, New York.  Before then, the only thing I knew about NYC was what I saw on television, and I was excited to go based on my partial perception.  I didn't know what NYC totally had in store, and I didn't know that I was about to experience a love affair that would never end.  When I got to the city, my heart melted.  I felt like I was home.  

Ever since that summer of '98, all I did was talk about NYC.  I began listening to every New York rapper I could find.  I watched tons of movies that were based in NYC.  My brother thought I had gone crazy; he was correct.  I was obsessed.  I went so far as to declare my first child's name would be Brooklyn (yes, New York was that serious to me).  A lot of people go to NYC and fall in love with the tourist attractions and aesthetics.  Those things didn't move me at all.  The tall buildings didn't excite me nor did the bright lights make me beam.  What got me was the hustling vibe I felt.  I was amazed at the fact that everyone was on the move, and they were laser focused on their journeys.  Worrying about what other people were doing didn't seem to be on New Yorkers' agendas at all.  They concentrated on getting where they had to go to handle what they had to handle - this was definitely my type of place.          

Fast forward years later, and I have visited NYC several times.  I've sat in small cafes in Brooklyn, brunched with some fly girls in Harlem, partied at the 40/40 club in Manhattan, and walked aimlessly through the Bronx.  However, my recent visit tops all of the other ones because I GOT THE CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE NEW YORK FASHION WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

“Every year the women of New York leave the past behind and look forward to the future...this is known as Fashion Week.”

— Carrie Bradshaw, Sex And The City

Fashion Week in NYC was just like I imagined it to be; full of fashion.  I landed Friday morning, saw my girl walk in a show Friday evening, caught some sleep, and did it all over again the next day. 

On that Saturday, I was invited to attend a presentation by fashion designer M. Diggs titled The Mahogany Collection.  The ensembles that were featured had a 70's-inspired, glamorous aesthetic.  I was intrigued as I viewed the looks.  See below. 

Pictured above is Malcolm Diggs, the designer of the collection featured.  He stated that his inspiration for this collection actually came from the movie Mahogany, starring his favorite entertainer Diana Ross.  Malcolm's past designs have been seen on celebrities like Lauryn Hill and Fantasia Barrino.  His latest endeavor includes designing looks for the The "Colored" Girl Campaign which highlighted African American women and denounced the sterotype of blatant colorism portrayed by the media. 

To shop this collection, visit www.malcolmscloset.com.  Also, you can follow the brand on Instagram - @mdiggsnyc. 

Above is a better look of what I wore to the event.  I kept it sleek and simple in an all black ensemble with gold accessories.  

Overall my trip to NYC was bomb.  I always miss the city when I'm gone, but I was excited to get back to NOLA for some upcoming activities....I'll update you all soon!!

Outfit Details: Imitation Leather Skirt // Black Turtle Neck // Tamar Necklace // Booties with all black look (Steve Madden outlet store, not available online) //  Booties with vintage fur

xo

- Samjah Iman

10 Things I Learned at 34 yrs old

My life anniversary (birthday) is approaching; therefore, I've been in reflection mode for the past few weeks.  As I think back over the experiences I encountered during my year of being 34, I am reminded of some valuable lessons I learned and will share with you all.  Get into them below.     

1.  Inner peace is a valuable gift. (If it doesn't bring peace, then stay away from it.)

2.  S#@t happens - but that shouldn't stop you. (Life will do what it does.  Keep going.)

3.  Being true to who you are is grand. (When you are living in your truth and not faking the funk, life is easier.  You have a piece of mind and you are free.  You don't worry about pleasing others or fitting in.  You sleep good at night. )

4.  Trusting your gut is wise.  (Mostly every time I followed my gut, I was correct.  We were blessed with intuition for a reason.....let's use it.)

5.  Trying to please everyone will drive you crazy. (At the end of the day people will ultimately do what's best for them....so do what's best for you.)

6.  Having a positive and grateful outlook on life helps keep stress away.  (Positive affirmations make you feel good inside.)

7.  Every situation is a lesson. (I have learned from every incident that either made me happy, sad, mad, tired, etc.  There's a lesson in everything.)

8.  Self-evaluation is soul cleansing.  (Before you get the spec out of your friend's eye, get the log out of yours. Matthew 7:5).

9.  Pushing yourself to your limit makes you a stronger person.  (You never know how far you can go until you try.)

10.  Growing/maturing is a life long process.  (We should be working on growth daily.  If we don't grow then we aren't living.)

I look forward to living, maturing, and learning much more in my 35th year on this earth.  I can't wait to see what this new journey will bring.  I'm ready and excited! 

Happy Black History Month!

- The Birthday Girl

The Pink Tee

Style has everything to do with how you rock your attire, not with what your attire consists of.  I like having expensive threads, but I don't need them to feel stylish.  Most of my wardrobe is made up of t-shirts and distressed jeans.  I can wear a t-shirt with almost any look whether it be dressy, casual, sporty, or business.  The Cuffed Slub Knit Tee I'm wearing in this post only costs $8.90!  This shirt fits really good, and it will go with tons of looks.  Check it out below.     

I paired the tee with my H&M shorts that I cut myself, my Vague Steve Madden booties (found them at an outlet store), and of course one of my chokers from Intuition.  This entire outfit was under $100!  Fashion is even better when it's reasonably priced; don't you agree? 

Have a great weekend everyone.....tune out all of the negativity and concentrate on the positive! 

Peace,

- Samjah Iman

Photo Credit: Clipz (@twoclipz)