H&M Overall Shorts

March 06, 2017 by Samjah Iman in Style

Remember the movie Boyz in the Hood? Remember the part when they were little kids and Dough Boy stated that he was about to go to the store and his brother Ricky said, "why, you ain't got no money." And Dough Boy simply replied, "I'm going anyway!" This was me talking to myself this past Saturday. I met a friend for breakfast, then after breakfast my free self said, "Girl the day is beautiful and young...go shopping!" My reasonable self said, "You ain't got no money!" My free self said, "I'm going anyway!" As a result, I found these cute overall shorts from H&M...check them out!

I've been looking for some overall shorts and stumbled upon these for a reasonable price at H&M. I paired them with my leather Converse and a Cities Print Denim Tote I purchased from American Apparel.

Hope you all had an awesome weekend! I got the chance to catch the movie Get Out on yesterday - A MUST SEE! It is an incredible movie that forces you to use your brain and think beyond the surface. In a nutshell, it reinforces what we already know about us. Check it out!

Have a crazy good week!

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

Photo Credit: majstudios@yahoo.com

Fringe Benefits

June 14, 2016 by Samjah Iman in Style

I love a good skirt, especially a skirt with benefits. The fringe on this skirt adds flair to what would have been a normal skirt. Right when I put it on, I suddenly got the urge to shimmy, shake and twirl. Fringe is what I call fun fashion!

I paired my fringe skirt (similar one here) with an old denim jacket (similar one here and here) that I sliced and cut up myself for a little more edge. Adding my cap and denim jacket to the fringe skirt allows me to mix a sporty look with a dressy look. I'm able to play out my chic vibe and my “around the way” girl vibe at the same time.

My shoes are some oldie but goodies from Steven Madden (somewhat of a similar pair here), and my cap is from Private Stock BR.

Some may think that caps only go with certain types of looks – scratch that myth. Now I probably wouldn’t wear a baseball cap with a formal dress (I don't think), but I would definitely put it on with a lot of dainty looks to add a little attitude to the ensemble.

Thanks for stopping by! Please keep the Orlando victims and their families in your prayers as I will do the same. Stay positive and grind it out for the rest of the week everyone…..talk to you soon!

Hey don’t forget to subscribe to the blog if you haven’t already done so. I will be giving away a GIFT CARD to one of my readers soon!

- Samjah Iman

American Apparel Disco Pants + Swank Blue Shane Crop Peplum Top

Sass + Sushi

June 12, 2016 by Samjah Iman in Style

I met a friend this past Saturday at this sushi spot named Tsunami. I thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere. Women were celebrating, men were laughing, young girls were taking pictures, and the waiters and waitresses were bustling about the restaurant. It looked like a scene out of the popular television series, Sex and The City; therefore, I ordered a martini to pay homage to the show and to toast my fabulous surroundings.

For this occasion, I wanted to let my hair hang and add a little sass to the mix. I decided to wear my favorite color combo (black and white). I chose my American Apparel Disco Pants (they fit like a glove!) and my Shane Crop Peplum Top I purchased last year but never found the right moment to sport it. Got a wedding to attend this summer or a fancy soiree? This top will be perfect for either event with a knee-length pencil skirt or some high-waist, wide-leg trousers.

My shoes were a simple, ankle-strap sandal from Steve Madden and my purse came from Aldo. I even did my own manicure! I took a nude OPI polish (Tickle My France-y) and polished my whole nail, then I used a black color by Essie (Licorice) to adorn my nails with dots.

I had a cool time. It was nice to get away from the hustle and kick back. Now it's back to the grind!

American Apparel Disco Pants + Shane Crop Peplum Top

Feeling the blog? If so, please share it with a friend so that we can conjure up a style revolution!

Peace and Blessings!

- Samjah Iman

11 Wardrobe Must-Haves!

June 09, 2016 by Samjah Iman in Must-haves, Style, Style Review

Let’s be real style pimps, buying loads of clothing, shoes, and accessories on a regular basis is freakin’ expensive! Once you get a chance to buy one trend, another one is already out which makes it hard to keep up *insert tired face here*! Don’t trip, I’m here to alleviate as much fashion stress as possible.

Listed below are 11 wardrobe must-haves that I believe will have your closet set for decades. By having these fashion staples you will be ready for almost any event, and you will be able to continually build your wardrobe around these core items. With that being written…...let’s get our wardrobes in check!

1. Leather or Patent Leather Pumps – If you don’t have any other shoe, get you some neutral colored pumps! These shoes will go with just about anything, and they are timeless! (Pictured below, PROTO Steve Madden Pumps)

2. A Quality Purse – It’s fun to buy little dainty purses here and there for different occasions but investing in a sturdy, leather handbag is smart. This bag will ride with you forever and if it happens to break, a shoe or leather shop can quickly get it back right. (Pictured below, Reversible Vegan Leather Tote Bag)

3. A Good Pair of Jeans – Most of us have those favorite pair of jeans that fit us just right and bring all the boys to the yard. If you don’t, what are you doing??? Find those perfect jeans and rock them as often as you like! I personally like Urban Oufitters' BDG jeans because they are quality and have just the right amount of stretch. When looking for jeans, make sure it has at least 2-3 % spandex for comfort and stretch. (Pictured below, BDG Twig High-Rise Skinny Jeans)

4. Blazer – A nice fitting blazer (any color) is a major staple for your closet. You can wear a blazer with so many different looks (work, play, church, etc.), and it’s a piece that will never go out of style. (Pictured below, HM Blazer)

5. LBD – Every woman should have at least one “little black dress” in her closet. Throw this on for a date or outing with your friends, pair it with your pumps and maybe your blazer, and you are good to go! (Pictured below, Scoop Neck Bodycon Dress)

6. Stylish Flats – Ladies, our feet can definitely use a break at times. Stylish flats allow your feet to rest while keeping you fashionable at the same time. (Pictured below, WHITNEE Steve Madden Flats)

7. Tennis Shoes – Purchase at least one pair of fly tennis shoes for sporty outfits and for activities that call for lots of walking/exercising or traveling. (Pictured below, A didas Original Superstar Sneaker)

8. A Dressy Watch – Watches add a little pizazz to your outfits. A dressy watch will not only help you keep up with the time, but it will also add some flair to your look. (Pictured below, ASOS Minimal Mesh Large Face Watch)

9. Blue Jean Jacket/Bomber Jacket/Trench Coat – Personally I think you need all three, but depending on what climate you are in, at least one of these jackets will suit you. Neither will ever go out of style, and they allow you to be warm in the most chic way. (Pictured below, Bomber Jacket, Blue Jean Jacket, Trench Coat)

Bomber Jacket, Trench Coat, Blue Jean Jacket

10. White Blouse – A boyfriend blouse or a tailored blouse can be worn with EVERYTHING!!!!!!! (Pictured below, ASOS Oversized Boyfriend White Shirt)

11. Pencil Skirt/Trousers – The pencil skirt or trousers can be worn to church or work with your white blouse or to an evening event with a crop top. (Pictured below, HM Pencil Skirt, ASOS Wide Leg Pleat Pants)

HM Pencil Skirt, ASOS Wide Leg Pleat Pants

So there you have it, 11 things that can provide you with the blueprint for a fabulous wardrobe. At least 6 outfits can be created from the list above. After accumulating some of these staples, you are well on your way to style success!

- Samjah Iman

H&M Men's Shirt, cut-off shorts, Aldo Pumps

A Man's Shirt in a Woman's World

May 27, 2016 by Samjah Iman in Style

Here’s a little secret – I love wearing men’s shirts and jeans! Not all of their shirts and jeans, just some of them. When I was younger I used to wear my brother’s shirts sometimes, and I would wear my daddy’s jeans quite often. The fit was more comfortable and the baggy look was popular during those days. Then I went through a stage where I didn’t want to wear anything but women’s clothing. Now I’m back in my menswear stage, but I mix and match it with women’s clothing to give it a more feminine feel.

H&M Men's Shirt, cut-off shorts, Aldo Shoes

I’m wearing a men’s H&M collar shirt and it is currently on sale for $9.99! Of course the black and white colors attracted me to the shirt, but the pattern of the shirt is what stood out the most.

I paired my H&M button up shirt with some homemade shorts. I have literally been cutting off every pair of jeans in my closet. I’m obsessed with cutting, and I’m running out of jeans…someone schedule an intervention for me soon, please! For my shoes, I am wearing my Aldo off-white pumps (currently sold-out). I wanted to wear an ankle bracelet (haven’t owned one in years but now I want one again) so I turned one of my thick, chain necklaces into one. It’s over-the-top and gaudy – just what I was going for. My purse is an old accessory I picked up from Forever 21 years ago.

This fashion thing is not only limited to clothing that is made for your gender. If you see a fashion item that wasn’t made for you but you like it, make it work.

Have a safe Memorial Day weekend! And while you’re eating barbecue or whatever, tell a friend to check out my blog….it would make me blush! LOL

- Samjah Iman

Beachwear on the Bayou

May 24, 2016 by Samjah Iman in Style

I’ve been wanting to hit a beach for the last few months so that I can kick back and wear cute swimsuits and short shorts. Since I haven’t been able to get to the beach, I decided to flex my beach wear on the bayou baaaaaby!

There are no beautiful, white sand beaches this side of the Mississippi River – only murky waters, swamps, moss and grass (welcome to the dirty south). Ladies, we don’t need to be at the beach to wear our beach attire, we can jazz it up and wear it wherever. Check it out below.

Swimsuit as bodysuit and oversize blue jean dress as cover up

Swimsuit as bodysuit and white cut-off shorts

If you end up not taking a beach vacation, your swimwear does not have to suffer! Use your one-piece swimsuit as a bodysuit or wear your swimsuit cover ups as outerwear. This is a creative way to make good use of your swimwear instead letting it sit in your closet until you finally get that dreamy beach vacation.

In these pictures, I am wearing an oversize blue jean shirt dress as outerwear, my American Apparel swimsuit as a bodysuit (I love the cut of their swimsuits and bodysuits), some cut-off shorts that I created from some old jeans, and my Steve Madden comfy sandals (currently on sale). This outfit is ideal for a night-out with the girls, a social event, or festival.

There’s no rule that says you can’t wear your beach attire in the city or even your city attire on the beach! Just be as creative as possible, and the fashion possibilities will be infinite!

What beach look would you rock in the city?

- Samjah Iman

Saturday on Magazine Street

May 21, 2016 by Samjah Iman in Style

I spent Saturday with my friend Jewel and her daughter, my goddaughter, Kai. They are moving next week, and we wanted to get some quality time in before they left. Children are so funny and honest to me, and it's cool just to be in their presence. They are some of the most interesting little creatures.

Jewel and I are in the process of training Kai on how to take pictures (don't judge us). Above she was looking at the passer-by like "lady, please get out of our pic!" Since there were too many distractions in that area, I found another area for her to pose in with her mother, and Kai brought it! Check them out below.

Isn't this the cutest picture? Kai was not taking this picture without her toy ponies. She strategically positioned them in front of her before she struck her pose lol. Oh and Kai's entire outfit (shoes and all) was purchased from a consignment shop. Parents, don't sleep on consignment shops for your kids. You can find the most stylish outfits for half the price! Also, rompers are definitely a summer staple. Jewel's lace romper is a stylish way to stay cool and beat the heat.

Above is a more detailed look at my outfit. I threw on an old unitard (all in one suit) that I've had for years (I'm currently searching for a new one), a flannel shirt from Forever 21 to tie around my waist, and the most comfortable tennis shoes ever!!! These Asics tennis shoes are gel-like, and they conform to your feet. They are so easy to maneuver, and they have a classic look to them which is why I am really feeling them. I can't wear them enough! I got them from an exclusive sneaker boutique in Baton Rouge called Private Stock BR. If you are looking for some comfortable running shoes, these are it.

Thank you sooooo much for reading my blogs. I appreciate it more than you know. Enjoy the rest of your weekend - see you again on here soon!

- Samjah Iman

Bomb Product of the Day!

May 18, 2016 by Samjah Iman in Chokolat Creme, Style

When I was writing and editing for the fashion section at Everything Girls Love (EGL), I met some very interesting, hardworking young ladies. We all had similar goals, and we supported each other in reaching those goals. See some of the ladies below.

Pictured from left to right:
Talibah Stewart (@alwayzpretti), Marsha Badger (@marshbarscloset), Tysha (@styledtoatea), Ty Hunter (Beyonce's Stylist!! @tytyrone), me, Kindra Mone (@kindramone).

We all eventually left EGL to pursue our own endeavors, and one of the girls (Marsha Badger) became a fashion writer for one of the top, influential fashion blogs on the web – Fashion Bomb Daily. This popular blog, started by Claire Sulmers, attracts 2.4 million viewers per month and has been recognized by major publications such as Teen Vogue, Ebony Magazine and Black Enterprise!! Crazy huh?! What’s even crazier is that CHOKOLAT CREME’S FREE MIND TEE WAS FEATURED ON THE SITE AS THE BOMB PRODUCT OF THE DAY!!!! Marsha looked out for Chokolat Creme, and we can’t be more grateful!

You never know who you are meeting when you encounter different people. This is a prime example of why not only networking is essential but emitting positive vibes and treating people with courtesy and respect is even more important. I never knew the ladies I wrote with on a daily basis would turn into some women who would eventually make real power moves. I admired their hustler mentalities and thought they were some cool, stylish, and fun ladies to work with, and as a result I formed a relationship with them. I’m so glad I met them and cultivated a genuine connection with them – not for the resources but because we are like-minded women who love helping other women achieve their goals. This is a rare thing nowadays, and I’m blessed to say that I have met such women.

April (Chokolat Creme’s other half) and I are crazy happy and proud about this moment. When I called her after I got the notification, she hung up in my face lol! That is what we do when the other one calls with some crazy news (we are weird but it works for us lol).

Now it’s time to turn up the hustle and dig deeper.

But before we jump back on the grind, can we take 2 hours to bask in this wonderful moment, please (insert tired face here)????

Click here to see our feature on Fashion Bomb Daily.

Click here to purchase your Free Mind Tee. Hurry, they are going fast thanks to our feature!

Keep the Grind Alive!

- Samjah Iman

I Get it from My MAMA!

May 05, 2016 by Samjah Iman in Style

Some of my fondest memories as a little girl include watching my mother get dressed up for events. While she prepared for her outings, I would sit at the edge of her bed and study her. I asked several questions about what she was wearing and where she was going. Her outfits were always classy with a touch of sass, and her jewelry consisted of gold, diamonds and pearls every now and then. She kept her makeup to a minimum, she always had a small, dainty purse to accommodate each look, and she completed every outfit with a spray of White Diamonds or Chanel No. 5 perfume.

On occasions my mother would get me all dressed up as well, comb my hair into an elegant bun or French roll, give me a little dainty purse of my own to carry, and take me to the Ebony Fashion Fair runway shows. This was my first exposure to high-end fashion. I was in awe. Attending these shows and observing my mother's love for fashion ignited a style beast inside of me. I knew at a young age that fashion would definitely be my outlet through which I express my art.

As a result of my style exposure, I started feeding my fashion addiction very early. Emulating my mother’s style, I would dress up in her slips, nightgowns, socks and heels. I chose her slips and nightgowns because they seemed easier to tailor to my little body (great fashion sense for a style amateur huh?!). I would add a belt around my waist to make sure the outfit would fit as perfect as possible, and then I would politely pose for pictures.

Style plays a huge role in my family. My mother and her sisters are the first people I have ever seen turn up the collars on their shirts and jackets. I took this style technique from them and incorporated it in my looks that include jackets with collars. Check my mother, aunts, and grandmother out below. My mother is in the black and white, my grandmother is in the front with her head turned to the side, and my aunts are surrounding them. Excuse my brother and his photo bombing antics.

I love that my mother understands the need to have several pairs of shoes and a few different closets full of clothes. This, among many reasons, is why we connect! When I call her about an outfit or a pair shoes I want that I know I don't need, her usual response is "Buy it Sam." Man...isn't my mother the bomb?!!

Check out some more stylish pictures of my mother below to see why I get it from my Mama!

Above my mother is pictured with one of her favorite poets, Dr. Maya Angelou. In this picture she is wrapped in her fur coat looking very "Manhattan 5th Avenue." I need that coat Ma!

Here she is pictured with my grandmother in her silk suit. My mother loves silk, rayon and leather. Her style advice to me is to always purchase quality fabrics that will last.

Above is my favorite cocktail dress that my mother owns. Reasons being, it's my go-to color combination (black and white) and it's timeless. She has had it for double digit years, and it steals the show ‘til this day.

I love my mother dearly for encouraging me to express myself through style. She taught me that carrying yourself in a positive way makes you even more stylish. I thank God I have great women in my life like my mother, aunts, and grandmother influencing not only my style but my character as well. I will definitely take a lot of things they taught me on my journey in life, and I will keep our style legacy alive!

I love you Big P! Happy Mother's Day!!

Happy Mother's Day to all of the mothers out there!

What type of style/fashion advice did your mother give you?

- 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

April Joy

April 05, 2016 by Samjah Iman in Chokolat Creme, Style

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

Style Review

February 23, 2016 by Samjah Iman in Style Review

Every now and then I go through my previous fashion pictures to evaluate my style. I look to see if and how my style has evolved and what I can do to dig deeper into my art. This time, instead of going through my pictures by myself, I'm going to openly go through them using the S&E platform so that my readers can give their opinions as well. So let's get to critiquing!

For those that will be critiquing me, "keep in mind that I'm an artist....and I'm sensitive about my shit!" - Erykah Badu

Simplicity - my overall style theme. I like to keep it classic with a touch of pizzazz.

As you continue to scroll you will notice that I love incorporating black in most of my ensembles.

Some different color shoes besides black would have been funkier with the style above.

Finally, some color!

I absolutely love my blue jean blouse! I think this will be a staple in my wardrobe for a while.

I can't get enough of black. Don't judge me!

You got to love a good Carrie Bradshaw look!

I actually will not wear the skirt above again. Don't ask me why....I'm just over it.

Distressed jeans are at the top of my fashion list. They go good with everything - especially my vintage mink!

From looking through these pictures, I have come to the conclusion that I need to try adding more pop colors to my wardrobe. Although black is my ultimate shade, it won't hurt to branch out and try other colors in the spectrum. I will also tie in more prints. Spring is approaching and this is the perfect season to play with shapes, flowers and loud colors.

Any other suggestions on turning up my style?

- Samjah Iman

Respect the 70s

January 28, 2016 by Samjah Iman in 70s Fashion, Denim

Although I am deeply in love with the era I was born in - the 80s - the 70s seemed so freaking cool. I can picture myself kicking it in some dark, smokey club with this outfit on while men are swarming around the place talking jive, afro puffs are in full effect, and Al Green is blasting from the speakers. The fashion from the 70s era intrigues me. I love how the clothes were tailored to everyone's body during that era and how the outfits were simple but eye-catching.

Flared jeans are pushing their way back on the scene. The H&M jeans I'm wearing in these pictures have the right amount of stretch in them, therefore they hug the bottom perfectly - like a pair of 70s jeans should. Tying my blue jean shirt up and adding some platform shoes to the mix definitely gave my outfit that 70s look.

Oh, check out my vintage Gucci purse! This was an awesome Christmas present that was purchased from @Bells_Boutique_ (Instagram). This boutique has all kinds of vintage designer bags (authentic) for excellent prices - my type of boutique.

Outfit Details: Fitted Denim Shirt // Flared High Jeans // Aldo Booties (old) // Vintage Gucci Purse - @Bells_Boutique_

Are you digging 70s fashion? Tell me your go-to 70s piece below.

- Samjah Iman