Urban Renewal Recycled Camo tee , Adidas Tights, Birkenstock sandals

Birkenstock Sandals + Adidas Tights

June 02, 2016 by Samjah Iman in Style

It's the weekend so kick back and dress comfortable! I love wearing stylish fashion that is low maintenance (especially on the weekends), and my Adidas Tights fit right into the low-maintenance fashion category. They are thick enough to cover your goods, yet light enough to wear during the summer months with just the right amount of stretch. I paired my tights with two other low-maintenance fashion staples - the Birkenstock Sandals from my wish list (yup, I got them!), and my new favorite Urban Renewal Recycled Camo tee from Urban Outfitters. Expect to see this t-shirt often because it fits me just right, it can be worn so many ways, and it's recycled!

Have a safe and fun weekend everyone!

Any specific plans?

- Samjah Iman

Colorful Evolution

April 14, 2016 by Samjah Iman in Denim, Style

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

Partying with a Purpose

April 10, 2016 by Samjah Iman in People, Energy, Style

This past weekend was a busy one, but purposeful. I got the chance to party with my friends and family for a worthy cause - to bring awareness to Sickle Cell Anemia.

The Northeast Louisiana Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation (NELA SCAF) held its annual "Evening with Sickle Cell" event on Friday, May 8, 2016 in Monroe, LA. The reason behind this event was to encourage individuals to educate themselves about this disease that plagues our community and to know their sickle cell status. My father, brother, nephews, a friend and I all have the sickle cell trait, so I was glad to be able to participate in this meaningful event and give back.

Check out my coverage of the event below.

Pictured above is my mother conversing with her colleagues from the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

My brother Brad and his wife Tonya.

My friends and former classmates.

Above is what I wore to the event. Black and white are my go-to colors for most events because these colors stand out and look sophisticated. I had on an Urban Outfitters top and skirt, and my shoes (pictured below) were from Aldo.

The event was entertaining and lively. I thoroughly enjoyed myself!

For more information on this disease, visit www.sicklecelldisease.org.

Do you KNOW YOUR SICKLE CELL STATUS?!

- Samjah Iman

Currently Coveting...

March 31, 2016 by Samjah Iman in Must-haves, Style Review

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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

Green Courage

March 23, 2016 by Samjah Iman in Hats, Style Review

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

February 10, 2016 by Samjah Iman in Hats

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