Dodger Cap + Yellow Pumps

August 08, 2017 by Samjah Iman in Style

When it comes to fashion, my motto is definitely, "do more with less." To spice up what would be considered to most just an ordinary outfit, I simply added some eye-catching pumps and boom - a cool look was born.

It doesn't take much to create a swanky look. In certain style situations, all you need is one item to elevate your ensemble. Trying to do too much will almost always lead to a style faux pas.

Continue tuning into Style & Energy, and I'll dish out more tips you can use to create simple yet bomb looks.

Outfit Details: Wrangler Jeans // Steve Madden Daisie Yellow Pumps // Markie Seamless Muscle Bra // Dodgers Cap

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

It's Golden...

July 28, 2017 by Samjah Iman in Style

Hey my people! I am currently in Denver enjoying my surroundings (and this free WiFi thanks to Starbucks lol). As I type and gaze off in space, I'm reminded of how absolutely golden life is. What makes it beautiful is that we can really control which direction it goes in by controlling how we think. It truly is all about perception. Everything definitely works mentally. It's really amazing how strong our minds are. Let's remember that.

On a fashion note, in these photos I am sporting a super cool top by Dusse Boutique. When I first received it I was going to dress it up all girlie. But then I started getting dressed, and the rugged look felt so much more comfortable and fitting to me. So I went with what felt right. Check it out below.

I paired this jazzy top with my combat boots and some H&M jeans I found for $20. Ya'll already know I had to recreate the jeans to fit my swag. I literally cut every pair of jeans I have these days!

Oh and check out my friend I met while shooting below. He stopped and asked to be apart of the photo shoot, and I was like what the heck - let's do this. So we posed.

Don't forget that your thoughts create your life! So let's all think BIG! See you soon!

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

Wrap Your Head With This Material...

July 21, 2017 by Samjah Iman in Style

The title of this post? Oh, it came from an Erykah Badu song I was listening to while going through the pictures above. The phrase goes perfectly with the beautiful jumpsuit I have on in the pics.

In her song ...&On, Badu was speaking in terms of knowledge when she sings "wrap your head with this material." I gave this post that phrase as a title because not only is the material I'm wearing beautiful, it also has some history and significance behind it. This vibrant, soul-train inspired jumpsuit was crafted by two designers from the IBO tribe in Nigeria. The people of this tribe are known for their creativity amongst other things. It has been said that the history of some bold African prints stem from the mid-19th century when West Africans were sent to Indonesia for political purposes. Wrap your head with this "material" and read more about it here.

If you're feeling this Daveda Dot Jumpsuit, get yours here!

Have a colorful weekend everyone!

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

Photo Credit: Patrick Melon - info@melon.photos

Just Do You

July 17, 2017 by Samjah Iman in Style

The media has a clever way of persuading us to be like someone else other than ourselves. When you turn on your television, there is someone telling you to grow longer hair like the models or drive a certain car that most celebrities drive. When you scroll on social media someone is bragging about their vacation in Bali causing you to think that your vacation to Destin, Florida was below average. The concept of "not being or not having enough" is everywhere. You need to be bigger, skinnier, wear more elaborate clothes, eat this type of food, rent a private jet, work for a Fortune 500 company, start 20 businesses, grind all day, etc. All of this madness will drive you absolutely crazy if you let it. That's why it's important to know who you really are and what motivates you.

It's okay to not want to aspire to be what society tells us we should be. In my opinion living a good life is not about how much material wealth you can gain, it's about finding YOUR purpose and carrying it out.

Let's all take some time this week and dig deep into our souls to discover what really moves us. Let's define what success looks like to us and live up to it. This is our life, no one else should be able to dictate how it unfolds. JUST DO YOU!

“You’re only effective when you’re authentic. ”

— Bishop TD Jakes

Outfit Details: Pants (Similar) // Reversible Top // Shoes // Purse

Photo Credit: shotbyclipz@gmail.com

P.S. - Happy Birthday to the coolest, best father ever!!! Happy Birthday Daddy!

Rest, Child...

July 07, 2017 by Samjah Iman in Style

I read somewhere that resting is one of the most spiritual things we can do. I totally agree with this proverb, but lately I haven't been practicing it. Since I resigned from my job, it's been non-stop. I've been hustling for the other website I work for, meeting new people, hanging out into the wee hours of the night then waking up at 6:50 a.m. to do it all over again. I'm trying to respond to everyone's call, text message and email, be the perfect friend, listen and give the most profound advice, keep my crib clean, grow my blog, exercise, eat right, groom myself, and nurture my creative juices - but I haven't had time to stop and just breathe. My body is nagging me for rest, and my spirit craves solitude. It's important that I listen to these two elements and take heed because my creativity depends on my body and spirit being balanced.

“When you’re in spirit, you’re inspired. ”

— Unknown

It's hard for me not to lend my energy to others, but I'm learning that lending all of my energy to others leaves me drained. I have to protect my energy and make sure Sam is 100% so that I can give my happiest, most alert self to my loved ones. I want to be the best blogger, the best friend, the best daughter/granddaughter, the best companion, the best sister, the best auntie, the best niece, etc. And the only way I can achieve this is by rest and seclusion every now and then. Sometimes I get irritated when people continue to ask me for things and request my presence or ear regarding their circumstances like they should know and understand that I'm worn out. However, I'm learning that most people are only concerned with their wants/needs, and it's not them that I'm irritated with - it's me. I'm the one who needs to refrain from being a people-pleaser and learn how to say no or just not answer the call.

We can't be the best versions of ourselves and keep going if we don't recharge our batteries. So here's to a weekend of protecting our energy, resting, saying no when we feel like it, and doing whatever the hell makes us happy. Cheers!

Photos - bylauraturner.com.

Outfit Details: Vintage Floral Dress

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

7 Banging Swimsuits

June 21, 2016 by Samjah Iman in Style

Yes I am still dreaming of a beach vacation as I stated in my Beachwear on the Bayou post! As you can see, I'm speaking and writing this trip into existence - the law of attraction is in full force!! Hopefully I will get the chance to plan one real soon. Until then, let me show you these bomb swimsuits that I would love to take with me on my trip or just have in my closet for everyday wear. If some of you are lucky enough to be planning your beach getaway soon, check these swimsuits out just in case you haven't found the perfect one yet.

The Nylon Tricot High-Cut One-Piece

As I've stated before, I love a high-cut swimsuit, and this white one is perfect for a minimal look. You can never go wrong with an all white look on the beach.

Kente Zip Front Swimsuit

How hot is this African-inspired piece? Forget wearing this swimsuit just on the beach, it has to be worn as a bodysuit as well!

Boogie Down Zip Front Swimsuit

This swimsuit looks great in black and white too! I can picture myself on the beach wearing this swimsuit, a pop color cover-up and some simple flip flops.

Bright Aztec Swimsuit

Frilly tops are hot so why not sport one to the beach as well? This tops allows you to look cute while keeping your girls tamed at the same time.

High Waist DashiKini Metallic Leatherette

OMG! The beach is not ready for a swimsuit like this! There is no need for a cover up with this one. It needs to be seen at all times!

Super Spaghetti KenteKini Metallic Leatherette

I am loving this African print on swimsuits. The colors are bold and striking.

Vogue The Black Issue High-Cut One-Piece Swimsuit

Of course the Vogue swimsuit is my favorite. I plan on sporting this one as a top. That's the great thing about one-piece swimsuits - they can serve more than one purpose.

Have a great rest of the week everyone....and don't forget to tune in Friday when I announce the winner of the GIFT CARD!!

- 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