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

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

Vintage Ralph Lauren Blazer

You know what has been getting on my nerves lately?  BRAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know I know I know....I need a bra (sometimes), but I just haven't been feeling like one lately (please don't tell my grandmother).  It's such a restriction, and at this point in my life I (they) refused to be held down!  So I let them go free, and I've discovered that I like them free under blazers.  Blazers are now my new shirts...sans bras. 

I want to wear every tailored blazer as a shirt now.  I feel it's such a cool look.  Even if I do pick up the habit of restricting my valuables again (i.e. wearing a bra), I will just wear the bra under a tailored blazer instead of a shirt.  And if the blazer is long enough, I will wear it without a shirt underneath and as a dress.  Blazers are life right now! 

If you've been following S&E, then you know I've been obsessing over vintage clothing lately.  I found this plaid, classic Ralph Lauren blazer on @shopvintagebowtique's Instagram page. I paid little to nothing for it.  It was literally a steal.  The purse I am carrying in the pictures also came from @shopvintagebowtique.  It was just $14 people!!!

I'm wishing everyone a beautiful and peaceful weekend.  It would be so nice if I could sleep all weekend and wake up just to eat crawfish then go back to sleep again, but I can't *sad face*.  I got people to see and things to do - everyday I'm hustling.   

Say no to restrictions and yes to freedom!

- Samjah Iman

Trenched

Y'all can keep sleeping on thrift shopping, but I'm not.  I'm almost addicted to it.  It's exciting to see what one of my favorite thrift boutiques will find next.  I literally stalk the boutique everyday, and my stalking efforts have been rewarded.  Check out the trench coat I got for under $100 below!         

I am in love with this coat!  Some days I open up my coat closet just to stare at it (don't judge me, I'm just admiring art). 

This coat is heavy, warm, and can be worn with multiple looks.  On this day, I paired my trench coat with a black turtle neck, my cut-off/homemade Wrangler shorts, some opaque/leopard tights, and my Steve Madden Pumps (similar pair here).       

I purchased this coat from Shop Vintage Bowtique which can only be found on Instagram.  This boutique has everything from affordable Ralph Lauren Blazers to leather handbags!  I'm super obsessed with this boutique!   

Thank you all for tuning in weekly and supporting me.  I appreciate you more than you know.  My goal is to be the best version of me and to encourage you all to do the same.  Let's rock this journey called life and stylish clothes together!  

Talk to you soon!

- Samjah Iman

Styling the Eccentric Blazer

Keeping it simple is the best way to go when styling eccentric pieces in my opinion.  I like to let the piece that is meant to be the focal point of the outfit stand out on its own without any distractions.  Check out how I styled my colorful, vintage blazer below.   

To pull this look together, I simply paired my blazer with a white tank top, high waist shorts, my Cuban Link Choker, and Stan Smith Adidas.  Keeping the rest of my ensemble toned down allowed the blazer to take center stage.  This blazer is another vintage goodie I purchased from @shopvintagebowtique (Instagram).  It is 100% silk and was only $36! 

When in doubt, always keep it simple. Now that's some style advice that can be used in life as well. 

Have the best weekend ever!! Please share my blog with a loved one when you get a chance. 

xoxoxo

- Samjah Iman

The Silk Blazer

I do not know who decided to give this blazer away to a thrift store, but I am grateful for their insanity.  When I first laid eyes on this blazer, I did a double take and thanked God for small blessings.  It was love at first sight.  

I found this blazer on Instagram from a thrift store called @shopvintagebowtique.  I couldn't believe someone had not purchased it yet (which means it was meant for me).  This blazer is 100% silk, and it cost $36.00!  I was drawn to the print because it reminded me of Versace.  I paired the blazer with a white bodysuit, white cutoff shorts, black Steve Madden heels, a small coin purse (similar one here), and my favorite necklace of the moment which brought the gold colors out in the blazer.

I believe thrift shopping is becoming the new way to shop.  You can find a lot of treasures shopping online or in stores that offer previously owned clothing, and you can save a great deal of money.  If you don't want to take the time to thrift shop on your own, try @shopvintagebowtique or @monicasthriftonabudget on Instagram and let them do the shopping for you.

Have a prosperous week everyone!  Keep the faith!

P.S. - Thank you to everyone that helped me with assisting the family in Baton Rouge who lost all of their belongings due to the flood.  They are overwhelmed with gratefulness.

Peace and Blessings

- Samjah Iman