I'm On a Podcast....CHECK ME OUT PLEAAASSSEEEE!

It was my first day of Film School at Howard University, and I was on edge. I was nervous about attending such a prestigious institute, nervous about meeting new people, and nervous about the shoes I chose to rock…were they stylish enough for this fashionably, progressive environment, should I have worn the boots instead? I had a million things going through my head and on top of that, my SUV was illegally parked outside of the building (parking spaces on campus were like black people at a Trump rally - few and far between). I was stressed. I wanted to drive back to Monroe, Louisiana and curl up under my momma, but I couldn’t afford the gas so I had to stay…..and I’m glad I did.

My HU experience afforded me the opportunity to not only learn some valuable things about my heritage as it relates to film, it also gave me the opportunity to meet the most incredibly, talented humans from around the world - one of those humans I’m referring to is Crispin Brooks. Crispin and I hit it off immediately when we met in script class. His Caribbean accent was so entertaining that I could listen to him talk all day. His bubbly energy enthralled me. We liked the same music, we loved to laugh, loved to talk about fashion, and we both shared the same nostalgia for everything 90’s. We became super cool. He often shared his dreams with our crew about returning to his island, Anguilla, after film school to create several media platforms to tell stories with an island flair - and he did just that.

After years of living our lives beyond HU we reconnected through social media, and he invited me to be on his podcast! I’m extremely honored that my HU brother thought my life journey was interesting enough to share with his audience. I had a great deal of fun doing this interview. I discussed my path to where I am now, and I talked about my views on fashion, life, and more. I would deeply appreciate it if my Style & Energy fam would listen to the podcast when y’all get the chance….oh and leave a comment on the podcast web-page if you’re digging it. Thanks a bunch!!!

Check the podcast out here….talk to y’all soon! Stay safe!

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: Vintage Dress (found it in H&M for $10!)// White Pumps

Photo Credit: 87 Photography

The Dress from the Unknown

Vintage fashion peaks my imagination.  When I get a vintage piece, I imagine who owned it first, what they did for a living, where they wore the particular piece to, and why they gave it up.  Vintage fashion is more than just fashion to me, it's a story.  A story that keeps being retold over and over....and when I get the pieces, I make sure that my story in these clothes will be interesting, authentic, and most of all full of style.  Get into my story below featuring The Dress from the Unknown. 

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When I received this dress from Do The Right Vintage, I slipped it on and was immediately reminded of the dresses my paternal grandmother used to wear; therefore, I'm guessing this dress dates back to the 1970s or so.  My grandmother's dresses always fit her in the waist and flared at the bottom.  I love fit and flare dresses because they hug my frame just enough to accent my waist, but flare out to keep it conservative.

What is old becomes new in fashion, and this is why I always welcome classic pieces into my closet. When you collect classic pieces, you will definitely get your money's worth and be able to sport those classic items for years to come. 

When you receive new items, take care of them.  Be grateful and mindful when sporting them; put some good energy on those pieces, and then pass them on with grace.  You never know who will inherit them next.

One person's hand me downs is another person's treasure.  

Outfit Details:  Green Vintage Dress // Booties (old) similar pair here // Black Clutch Purse (old) // Gold Belt (old)

For those of you who are on Instagram, you can find Do The Right Vintage at - @dotherightvinatge.  Happy Shopping!

Photography Credit: Todd Sterling (toddlsterling@aol.com)

- Samjah Iman