Bél dam

I know you've heard the saying, "Beauty is only skin deep."  Well I've discovered that it's box deep as well!  Have you ever heard of beauty boxes?  Me either.....not until I received a box full of amazing gifts from Bél dam Beauty Box - and I must say, it feels like Christmas all over again! 

Bél dam (meaning beautiful lady in Creole language) is a service that provides a box full of beauty products from African American owned businesses to subscribers on a quarterly basis.  My Bél dam Beauty Box is packed with wonderful goodies that nourish my skin, protect my hair, and keep me fresh all at once!  Check out the contents in my Bél dam Beauty Box below!

A few items included in my box are a soy wax candle that smells like Heaven from Soyful Aromas, a beautiful headwrap from Coilygirls Headwraps (IG: @coilygirls, Facebook: Coilygirls Headwraps), some natural soap from Sew Forgiven, a unisex shaving system, Camellia Alise, which includes natural ingredients that make my skin feel smooth as silk and smells excellent (I've already tried it!), and a cute t-shirt that speaks the truth - see below.  

Bél dam Beauty Box is a great way to spoil yourself, and it's an ideal gift to give anyone.  With this type of subscription, you can sample and discover all kinds of unique products every 3 months!

The Bél dam Beauty Box subscription is priced at $49.99.....BUT, if you subscribe here before December 31st, you will receive $10 off!!!  Subscribe today!!    

P.S. - Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!  I actually missed talking to you guys!  If you have a moment, would you please click the link below and vote for me???? I was nominated to be the Fashion Bombshell of 2016 for Fashion Bomb Daily.....and I'm super excited about it!!! I'd appreciate your help with this! 

Vote here! Thank you! 

And remember...beauty is what's on the inside......of the box!

- 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

Sweaters and Situations

I read a quote the other day that simply stated, "Stop focusing on dumb shit."  This quote resonated with me.  I needed to be reminded of this.  After reading the quote, I quickly decided to really work hard on not over-thinking and giving my attention to stuff that won't even matter the next day.  I'm in the process of truly freeing myself (we will talk about this later), and I don't have time to sweat the small stuff or use much needed brain power on unimportant crap.  I'm on a certain type of journey right now, and this journey requires that I surround myself with peace, positive people, good energy, good food, and good outfits.  With that being written, check out my oversized sweater look below.             

I got this oversized sweater off the sale rack at Gap for $25 (sold out, similar here).  I usually don't shop in Gap that much anymore, but something told me to go in there and see what they had.  I walked in and went straight to the sale section, and this sweater was hanging up waiting to go home with me - so, I adopted it. 

I paired it with my over-the-knee boots from H&M, my Berkshire fishnet stockings, Urban Outfitters bag, two-toned leather gloves (sold out, similar here), my beanie, and my Slim Thick Black choker from Intuition.  I've learned over the past several months that chokers make any outfit edgy. I can put on a simple shirt, add my choker and boom - my outfit is elevated.  Chokers were definitely one of the best comeback trends in 2016. 

Check out more looks of my outfit below.   

FYI - I took all of these pictures in my new neighborhood ya'll!  (Yup, I'm overexcited).  The photos above and below were taken on my front porch.  I live in an historical New Orleans neighborhood, and I'm just in awe every time I pull up to my place.  There's so much inspiration right outside my front door, and it's exciting!  I've grown to appreciate antique houses/buildings, graffiti/street art, and quaint coffee shops/bars - and this area has a lot of all that.  I'm in love!   

I'm still getting settled in my new world, so forgive me for not blogging as much as I usually do.  I've been super busy learning my new area, rearranging stuff, laughing hard, eating everything in sight, and being lazy. :-)  However, it's time to get back to the business - I got people to see, moves to make, and things to do.  See you all again on here soon! 

Don't focus on dumb shit!

- Samjah Iman

Velvet 1s

I have never really been the Air Jordan type.  I used to dig some of the shoes but not enough to purchase them.  However, these last two pair of retro Jordan's have touched my fashion heart.  How dare the Jordan franchise come out with some velvet sneaks???? These are by far the baddest Jordan's I've seen! Check them out below.

Since the Jordan's were so funky, I wanted to keep that groove going so I paired them with my Bill Cosby inspired sweater I received from Shop Vintage Bowtique (Instagram), my DIY (do it yourself) chain jeans, my Cuban Link Choker from Intuition, and my vintage Fendi bag I got from Bells Boutique (Instagram). 

These Jordan's definitely add to my "around the way girl" persona.  I will be keeping these babies in rotation weekly.

I hope everyone enjoys their Thanksgiving Holiday. We all have a lot to be thankful for and reflect on.  I'm going to take some time to slow down and get some things in order over the next week or two. I will be taking a short break from Style & Energy but will be back soon.  If I see or hear anything inspiring while on my break, I'll definitely shoot it to you guys.  In the meantime.....

Be blessed and be peaceful,

- Samjah Iman

Happy Birthday Big Brother! 

Outfit Details: Air Jordan 1 Velvet Night Maroon// Cuban Link Choker // Bill Cosby Vintage Sweater - IG - @shopvintagebowtique // Vintage Fendi Bag - IG - @bells_vintage_boutique // DIY Chain Jeans

Photo Credit: Todd Sterling - toddlsterling@aol.com

The Lingerie that Transitions

Remember the movie House Party 2? The big pajama bash they threw?  Yea, someone needs to throw something like that now because I have the perfect lingerie to wear.        

I'm usually the type that likes as less clothes on as possible when I'm in my home, but this piece (the Roar Chemise) from Saxy's can be fun to relax in.  It allows me to keep it cute while at the same time keeping it comfortable.  

I've had lingerie pieces before, and trust me the only place I could wear them was in my home which was a waste of money to me.  So imagine my excitement when I discovered this lingerie from Saxy's that can transition into a daytime look.  I thought I'd hit the jackpot!  Check out the transition below.

This piece gave me a whole new perspective on lingerie.  If I can wear it in the home and outside the home, it's a win-win for me.

Check this lingerie out and more pieces like this here. 

Have a peaceful weekend everyone.  Be safe!

- Samjah Iman

Laying it Out in Leopard

This past week I experienced about 972 emotions pertaining to the recent debacle.  I went from scared to mad to perplexed to negative to sad to indifferent then back to mad.  While experiencing all of my emotions, I engaged in conversations with family members and friends to dissect the recent events.  After all of the conversations and my different emotions, I came to a conclusion.  It's time get our s@$% together.  

Life is hard.  It has been hard and will continue to be hard.  We need to stop looking for a break because we've never had one and possibly will never get one. We've been fighting to survive since the year of 1619, and the fight will not stop in 2017.  We are either going to complain about how we were, are, and will be treated, wait for God to drop something out of the sky, or pray and then jump in the fight by educating ourselves and our children more, loving ourselves more, eating healthier, exercising, handling our finances better, and creating opportunities for our successors.  We can continue to depend on them to help us...or help ourselves.  I choose to help myself. 

To be continued......   

Outfit Details:  Leopard Tights // Blue Jean Shirt // Stan Smith Adidas

- Samjah Iman

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

Booted

There are three reasons why I love fall: no humidity, the clocks go back an hour, and I get to wear over-the-knee boots.  Nothing excites me more than cute purses, spicy (free) food, and a pair of bad boots. 

Great boots allow you to dress down but still make a fashion statement.  The right pair of boots can take your outfit to another level.  If your shoe game is on point and your accessories pop, you can get away with wearing a plain, simple outfit.     

I paired my H&M boots with some cut-off shorts, a white boyfriend shirt, gold jewelry, and my cute animal print bag from Intuition.  The bag and the boots both brought this outfit to life.  

The best thing about these boots is that they were under $100!  Due to the low price, the gray pair have already sold out but the black pair is still available.  Get you a pair soon!  

Outfit Details:  Thigh-high Boots // Purse // Shirt

Have an awesome day everyone!  Stop making excuses and handle your business.  Change your mindset and hustle hard.  I'll do the same. 

Peace!

- The Boot Bandit

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

Be Your Own Kind of Fly

The world we live in will try to tell us how to dress, how much to weigh, how to do our hair, when to fall in love, what type of person to fall in love with, when to have kids, what music to listen to, what type of job to get, and a whole slew of other things.  If we're not careful, we will began to conform to society's standards.

It's easier to follow a crowd, but it's more rewarding to do your own thing.  We have to live our lives according to our own rules.  When it's all said and done, we will be the ones who will have to live with our decisions, not society.  Trying to please everyone is the quickest way to insanity.  

One of the main reasons I love fashion so much is because it represents individuality.  I can dress according to my classy side one day or throw on some sneakers to accommodate my cool side the next.  The outfit I'm wearing in these pictures represents my "I'm chilling today" side.  Sometimes I like to rock a low key look with a classic pair of sneakers and stylish cap.  Truth be told, a low key look is one of my favorite looks to rock.  It stands out in any setting.    

I'm praying that every one has the best weekend they have had in a long time!  I'm gearing up for a new chapter in my life so I will be grinding as usual (stay tuned). 

Remember to ditch the rules and rock to your own beat.  Wear what you want, love who you want, go where you want - be your own kind of fly.

God bless you all.....even if ya'll didn't sneeze (lol). 

Peace,

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: Black Vegan Leather Hat // Puma Careaux // Full of Color Faux Fur Bag

Scary Sexy

Somebody asked me what I was going to be for Halloween, and I simply said "Chic." 

I'm not with the whole dressing up in costumes thing like I used to be.....well I do dress up but not as a character.  I like to dress up in outfits that I would ordinarily wear even if it wasn't Halloween.  For instance, one year I was an 80's flash dancer, and I would totally wear a flash dance costume to the grocery store.  This year, I decided to dress up as me - chic. ;-)

The outfit I'm wearing in these pictures put me in the mind frame of a modern day Harlem Nights ensemble.  It's cocktail-ish, and can be worn to after-five events.  I purchased the dress I'm wearing years ago from ASOS, and what makes the sexy in this dress really pop are my Berkshire Sheer to Waist Fishnet Tights.  Nothing says sexy more than fishnet tights!  Just ask Morris Day; he sang a whole song about fishnet pantyhose!....(google him youngsters).   

Fishnets are not to be worn only under dresses.  They can also be worn under cut off shorts, distressed jeans, and cute mini skirts (I'll give you an example of this in the future).  

I have had plenty of fishnet tights in the past, and they all rip involuntarily before I can really enjoy them ( I actually like to rip them myself).  However, these Berkshire Sheer to Waist Fishnet Tights are quality and fit me to a tee.  They are perfect for all sizes, comfortable enough for all day wear, and only $11.00!  

If you are looking for the perfect fishnet stockings to make your Halloween outfit come to life, or if you just need some fishnets to add to your wardrobe - look no further.  Berkshire is your fishnet haven!  Get your fishnets before 10/31/16 and receive 15% off along with free shipping!  To take advantage of this offer, use code blogger15 at checkout.  Happy Shopping!!    

Outfit Details:  Dress (old) similar here // Fishnet Tights // Heels // Choker // Veil Headpiece (old) similar here     

Timeless Style

There are three things I do not leave home without because if I do, I will feel naked: clothes (well duh), moisturizer (thou shall not be ashy), and most importantly, a watch.

“Man I promise, I’m so self conscious. That’s why you always see me with at least one of my watches.”

— Kanye West

I am a fan of unique watches, and when it comes to choosing watches I like mine to be simple, classy, and timeless.  Therefore when I was presented with the JORD Wood Watch (CORA series) I am wearing in these pictures, there was an immediate attraction.  I fell hard for the natural wood band that matches my skin tone perfectly and the stunning turquoise face, featuring swarovski crystal markers, which glisten in the sun.  I couldn't stop staring at the cool watch, and I couldn't wait to sport it. 

I decided to debut my watch to the world this past Sunday at brunch.  I was going for a relaxed look for this occasion so to complement my watch, I wore a gold cardigan, blue jean shorts, and tan booties.  The watch actually took my outfit to a higher level and gave it some pizazz.  This watch is the perfect staple and one of its kind.     

Check out more pictures of my JORD Wood Watch below.

Most watches you see in the stores can only be worn with one type of look whether it's a dressy look or sporty look.  Not JORD Wood Watches.  One of my favorite things about this watch is that it can fit any type of lifestyle.  Whether you are the business type, adventurous type, classy type or sporty type, this watch (or other JORD Wood Watches) will suit you. 

JORD Wood Watches represent more than just timepieces.  They represent stylish moments and a lifestyle.  I love pieces that have meaning behind them, and I'm always looking for unique, thoughtful gifts for my family and friends.  JORD Wood Watches will definitely be on my holiday shopping list.  As a matter of fact, I'm going to enter the contest on the JORD website to win a $75 e-gift code in hopes of putting it towards the next JORD Wood Watch I buy!

If you are looking for a unique watch to add to your collection or to buy for a loved one, click here to enter the contest for a $75 e-gift code.  Just by entering the contest you will automatically receive a $20 e-gift code!  Hurry up and enter, the contest ends 11/6/16 at 11:59 p.m.!

Have a good weekend everyone.  May it be filled with good times and stylish moments! 

- Samjah Iman

This Post Was Sponsored By JORD WOOD WATCHES.  My opinions are my own.

The Jersey with Meaning

I have been looking for a baseball jersey for quite some time now.  I was having lunch with a friend who owns a store, and he informed me that he actually had Negro Baseball League Jerseys in stock. My eyes lit up, and I got very anxious.  I had to have one.  My mother talked about the Negro Baseball League all the time when I was younger, and representing the history of my people through fashion is a huge honor that I try to take advantage of often.  If I was going to buy a baseball jersey, it was going to be a Negro Baseball League jersey.  It didn't take me any time to get to that store and cop that jersey.  I didn't care what size it was; I was going to make it work.  Check it out below.   

I feel like baseball jerseys represent the ultimate 90's style.  Wearing clothes like this takes me back to those days when fashion and music intermingled.  This outfit brought back memories of girl groups of the 90's like Jade, SWV, and Xscape.  Oh how I miss those days!! 

I could have worn some sneakers with this look but I wanted to give it some extra fly so I chose to wear my combat boots.  I threw my Intuition choker on, some gold jewelry, my unitard, gold H&M belt, and my book bag purse, and a 90's look was born.....again.       

Before I go, let me quickly brief you all on the Negro Baseball League.  African Americans begin to play baseball in the 1800s in the military and college, and eventually they were recruited to play on professional baseball teams.  Shorty after that, racism and laws like Jim Crow prohibited them from continuing to play on professional teams.  As a result, African Americans formed a league of their own. 

What this jersey represents is deep.  I not only purchased this jersey for the history, I also purchased it for the message which simply says to me, "when one team rejects you, form your own." 

Be a beast this week,

 - A girl who's in a league of her own

Outfit Details:  NBL Jersey // Gold Belt (H&M, old) // Unitard // Combat Boots // Purse // Choker

The Cool Sweater Dress

The pictures above were taken a couple of hours after standing by my dear friend/sister's side as she buried her father. During the funeral service, I was paying close attention to what everyone was saying about her father.  I noticed that not many people mentioned his accolades.  I was expecting people to say he was a successful lawyer and honorable judge.....he gave thousands of dollars to charities....he was a faithful member of his fraternity for over 40 years....etc.  However, hardly anyone discussed his accomplishments - but what they did discuss was how Mr. Lain (my friend's father) made them feel.  This made me think.  

Having a positive impact on people is far more important than making all the money you can make or being the best at whatever it is you're trying to be.  Those things are admirable, but how you treat others is the golden ticket.  After listening to Mr. Lain's family and friends speak about how he made them laugh or how he encouraged them, I made a small vow that from now on I would make sure that I encourage someone as often as I can, speak more kind words, make someone smile daily, and push someone in a positive direction.  Join me?          

Now about the cool sweater dress I'm wearing.  I scored this dress from Boohoo for only $20!   It is perfect for the fall weather because the material is thick enough to block out a slight breeze, yet light enough to keep you cool.  Depending on your whereabouts on the globe, you can wear it with a jacket or without a jacket.  I prefer wearing it with a jacket because it adds to the dress.  To complement my dress, I threw on my choker from Intuition and some black booties from Aldo (old).  My vintage Levi jacket came from Etsy.   

Have an awesome, productive week everyone and remember to have a positive impact on someone.

P.S. - Keep your head up Jewel....I got cha.  

- Samjah Iman 

The Purple Shorts

Oh ya'll thought I would let this week end without hollering at ya'll one more time?  Wrong!  I had to show you these cool shorts I got by A Bathing Ape.  I wore them in Cali, and they were perfect for that West Coast vibe.  Not only can I wear these with swimsuits, I can also wear them to lounge around and work out in.  I can see myself sporting these shorts this fall with some over-the-knee boots, a black long sleeve body suit, and a biker jacket.

Also, check out my Wrap Around Black thin choker in the pictures above as well.  I am in love with it!  I think I have gone choker crazy!  They are so stylish....I can wear one everyday.    

P.S. - If you are in the market for new music, check out that new album by Solange - A Seat at the Table.  It is very creative, socially conscious, and has depth. My favorite song so far is F.U.B.U.   

Okay now I can let you guys enjoy your weekend. 

Be good,

- Samjah Iman

California Dreaming

When I was young, I watched the movie White Men Can't Jump (google it youngsters), and the main thing that fascinated me about that movie was Rosie Perez skating on Venice Beach in California.  Her style (denim shorts, a tank top, hoop earrings, and thick socks), and the California vibe captured my attention.  I had to skate on Venice Beach just like Rosie and wear a similar outfit.  Sitting on my parents' couch at the age of 10, I vowed to someday go to Venice Beach and do just that.  Twenty-four years later, and guess what I did......SKATED ON VENICE BEACH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

American Apparel Swimsuit

I needed a quick get away and if you have been following my blog, you all know that I have been trying to get to the beach for months!  Well I got there, and I enjoyed every second of it.  I skated, ate, rode a bike almost everywhere I went, ate again, I talked to strangers, I laughed, I slept, I picked California oranges from a tree, and ate again.  I laid on the beach for hours, I drank green tea at a small cafe in Beverly Hills, I listened to music, I reminisced, I thanked God, I toured, and most of all - I got a peace of mind.  Check out some experiences from my trip below and the styles I chose to rock while on the West Coast.   

Breakfast overlooking the beach was dreamy. 

As you can see above, I got the chance to wear my Bel-Air Bodysuit as a swimsuit on the beach.  I paired it with my Retro Jordans for a sporty vibe. 

Each morning I ate a fresh orange from the orange tree and drank some green tea.  The oranges were the best I've ever had!

In the picture above, I wore an old H&M top, some cut-off shorts that I made from some Wrangler jeans purchased at Walmart, my Stan Smith Adidas, and my By the Layers Choker from Intuition.  This outfit kept me stylish and comfortable as I paraded through LA all day. 

I've been to LA before, but not the beach.  This trip was a whole new experience because I got the chance to relax and just freestyle.  I had nothing plan and just went with the flow.  It was one of the best vacations I have had in a while. 

I am now revitalized.  I recommend taking time to do stuff you love in order to keep your sanity and to renew your spirit.  When you take care of yourself, you are able to give more abundantly to others.  So be good to yourself as much as possible, the world benefits when your vibes are positive.

Peace and Blessings,

 - Samjah Iman

In Living Color

I was in Walmart the other day shopping for groceries.  I passed by the men's section and spotted some Wrangler jeans.  I've never had a second thought about Wrangler jeans, but they caught my eye this particular time.  I decided to buy a pair and transform them into a unique pair of jeans.  I did just that, and let me tell ya'll this.....I think I found my second favorite pair of loose-fitting jeans. Check them out below.  

I purchased the jeans then went right to the paint section to purchase some spray paint.  When I got home, I sliced and cut the jeans to my liking, spray painted them in certain areas, and lightly poured bleach on them in certain spots.  I then washed them to make them shred, and then BOOM - my second favorite pair of loose-fitting jeans were born.   

What I like about these Wrangler jeans, besides the fact that they were only $17.00, is that they are high on the waist and fit comfortably.  Since buying this pair, I have purchased another pair to create shorts.  I'm addicted.

I paired my Wrangler jeans with an old Forever 21 graphic top, my old neon green Steve Madden pumps, and my Ring Around the Choker Necklace from Intuition.  Minus the shoes, this entire outfit was less than $50.00.  I love fashion when it's cute and cost efficient - a win-win situation. 

Have an awesome weekend everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I definitely will!

- Samjah Iman

The Minimalist Look

A lot of people think that fashion is style.  It's not. Style is what you create from the fashion that is presented to you in the stores.  Style represents who you are and what you like.  Style is authentic when it comes from the soul.

The outfit I have on in these pictures represents my style - simple, yet classic.  Throughout my years experimenting with fashion, I've learn that I look and feel my best when I keep it simple.  Every now and then I may experiment with a far-out look, but I always bring it back to minimalism.  It works for me.  Check out my simple t-shirt and wide-leg pants outfit below.      

This outfit allows me to be on-trend and stylish, and most importantly - it's me.  Style is not about pleasing others, trying to fit in, or keeping up with the latest.  It's about being comfortable and being you.  I encourage all of you to venture out every now and then, try some new looks for fun, but find your authentic style and stay true to it.  It doesn't have to be the best style or get the most attention, it just has to be you.  

Have a peaceful day.  Be good to someone.

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details:  T-shirt // Wide-leg Pants // Choker // Sunglasses - my aunt's lol // Sandals

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 Costume Designer/Stylist You Need to Know

“Screw fashion. Find your style. Rock the hell outta that. ”

— Janelle Carothers

When you are watching television shows, have you ever thought about who comes up with the wardrobe concepts?  Ever thought about where entertainers get outfit ideas for their music videos and tours from?  Actors and actresses don't just appear on the set styled and ready to film, and entertainers don't pack their own clothes for their music video shoots and tours.  All of these artists require costume designers and stylists - someone who can bring their story to life through fashion. Allow me to introduce you to a young lady who is doing just that and then some.

Janelle Nicole Carothers, born and raised in Southern California, is a dynamic Costume Designer and Stylist who is no stranger to hard work and ingenuity.  She's designed costumes for television shows like Being Mary Jane and The Game and for movies like The Perfect Match staring Cassie and Terrance J.  Janelle has also styled singers and rap artists such as Neyo, Chris Brown, David Banner, and Juelz Santana for music videos and tours.  Her dynamic work has been featured in Rolling Stone, Ebony Magazine, and Essence to name a few publications, and this is only the beginning!  I got the chance to interview Janelle and get the inside scoop on her career, new jewelry line collaboration, and hustler mentality.  She's not your ordinary costume designer/stylist, and she's not one to sugarcoat anything.  Get into my talk with Janelle below and learn about her style views and why she compares herself to a doctor.  Be prepared to smile, be inspired, and informed all at the same time.    

THE JANELLE NICOLE CAROTHERS INTERVIEW

Me:  What inspired you to pursue a career in fashion? 

Janelle:  I'm not sure when or why I wanted to get into fashion - but once I got into it I realized it wasn't so much the fashion that excited me. Don't get me wrong I LOVE FASHION but that's not what drives my particular passion for Costume Design. What inspired me was story telling through clothes. I love to people watch - people inspired my pursuit. I love watching folks just living. So many walks of life, so many stories behind so many looks. 

Me:  How did you get your foot in the door?

Janelle:  In order to get my foot in the door, I just started moving my feet. When I started moving towards it, God started moving my goals closer to me. It's not a straight line though. The road is very twisty and confusing and filled with catch 22's and contradictions. I just kept saying to myself "there are people who are successful at doing what I want to do. Which means someone has figured this shit out - and I will too". Whenever the glimpse of an opportunity presented itself - I was on it. I ASSISTED my ass off! I was/am soooo grateful to those that saw enough of something in me and gave me a chance. I have literally left my heart in every single project I have ever worked. I just made sure people felt me ... I made people know that I cared the most.

Me:  What inspires your creativity? 

Janelle:  People, fashion, fresh air, current events, kids- so many things to pull from. But, honestly, I am not really the pre-game inspired type of person. My inspiration comes from the work itself. I like to just be thrown in. Once I start moving in it - things start flowing. I have to do A LOT of presentations. I am a perfectionist and a natural over achiever so I do really great presentations for work - people think they are effortless - THEY ARE NOT FOR ME. If I had my way I wouldn't present anything. I would love to just get to work and let everything I show up with just be a surprise. 

Me:  What is your go-to look? 

Janelle:  Great fitting jeans, really thin, slightly sheer t-shirts on the longer side, leather jacket - add sneakers. 

Me:  What fashion item will you not leave home without?

Janelle:  JANELLE CAROTHERS X SLATE :: One Tribe Collection 'Greatness Medallion' in size savage. 

Me:  Who is your style icon? 

Janelle:  Can't name just one, so here's my top 5 (no particular order) ... Tracee Ellis Ross, Nicole Richie, Olsen Twins, GIGI Hadid and Rihanna. 

Me:  What's your favorite style era and why? 

Janelle:  Now - because everyone just does what they want -green light go!

Me:  What prompted you to start One Tribe Collection? What's the meaning behind it? 

Janelle:  SLATE was already a jewelry line that I adored so when the idea of a collaboration on a fine jewelry collection came about it was a no-brainer. But the magic happened when trying to create something bigger than just ourselves. We wanted an outward vision - something that could possibly benefit others first. If the world would stop for a second  and love everything that makes someone different. Love the things about each other that are meant to tear us apart - if we operated as ONE TRIBE just think how far ahead we would be. So from that place we birthed Gold and Diamond symbols of hope and promise. Its the fusion of art, ancient symbolism and modern minimalism. The pieces are designed to inspire and transform.  Each piece embodies delicate design, finesse and technical virtuosity. One voice. One Vibe. One Tribe. 

Me:  What are your future fashion plans? 

Janelle:  I'm still in the trenches of my career. So the future (tomorrow) I have a 6AM call time - so I gotta go to work and continue to fight this good fight. Costume Designing. Just recently added "author" to the resume as I have a book being released towards the end of the year. 

Me:  Do you prefer Rihanna's street style or Bey's? 

Janelle:  Rih in my head.  Bey in real life.

Me:  Adidas, Reeboks, or Nikes? 

Janelle:  Nikes

Me:  Expound on "I Cure Nudity". How did that concept come about? 

Janelle:  Ha! It's started as a little joke. I am to talent what doctors are to patients.  One day someone said to me jokingly "well it's not like your curing cancer" ... My response "agreed, but I'm still curing nudity and without me this movie would be a porn" ... 

Janelle is pictured above sporting the Mother of Mankind necklace ($325) from the JANELLE CAROTHERS X SLATE :: One Tribe Collection.

Me:  What's it like being a celebrity stylist and costume designer? Are you able to have complete creative control over most projects you're involved in? 

Janelle:  THE NON-glamourous part: Carrying, schlepping, loading, unloading, running, pushing, pulling, packing. Steamer burns. Needle pricks. Parking tickets. Missed breakfast. Notes. Meetings. Hurry up. No wait. Be here. You're in the way. Broken nails. Broken phones. Missed friend's baby shower. Favorite sunglasses - now broken. 

THE Glamorous part: The end result - I wouldn't trade it for any other job.

MOST projects are a collaboration. Basically you are executing a vision given to you by writers, directors, artists, record labels etc -  but my job is to insert my ideas that help fill in the blanks and push them past what they were even thinking into something greater. Most of the time the director gives a general idea/feeling but the Costume Designers/Stylist genius is in the details. 

Me:  Any advice for inspiring stylist or entrepreneurs? 

Janelle:  Well first you have to decide which direction you are going in because celebrity styling is totally different then costume designing. Once you've figured that out you should seek mentors and people in your desired occupation to show you the ropes. Suck them dry for information but more importantly pour into them. Be valuable. Be teachable. Once you do that and make yourself invaluable to a stylist or costume designer, the universe starts lining up its own path for you.  Don’t compare your race to anyone else's. Just get in there and commit to doing good work and every single thing else will unfold how it’s supposed to unfold.

Me:  What mantra or words of wisdom do you live by? 

Janelle:  Corny but go big or go home.

Me:  If you can give someone one word of advice pertaining to fashion what would it be? 

Janelle:  Screw fashion. Find your style. Rock the hell outta that. 

For more information on Janelle Nicole Carothers, visit her website at www.JanelleCarothers.com or follow her on social media @icurenudity.  To view her jewelry line, One Tribe Collection, click here.  I am coveting the Reign Cuff piece right now!!

- Samjah Iman

Bel-Air Bodysuit

My brother and I are the biggest fans of the classic TV show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.  We can recite almost any episode word for word.  The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air brings back so many memories.  It was cool to see a black family living good in a ritzy suburb of Los Angeles while raising their rebellious nephew from the hood.  I couldn't wait to tune in each week to see what scheme Carlton and Will had up their sleeves or what Hillary would be wearing (her clothes were on point).  Remember the episode where Will's dad came back into his life for one day only to leave him again?  My heart ached for years after that episode. His father could have at least told him bye......I still haven't recovered from that episode.  What about the episode where Aunt Viv goes to the dance tryouts and upstages all of those young girls with her dance moves?  My people make me do that dance often when we are all together because I can mimic Aunt Viv's dance moves from that episode to a tee!  Don't make me put on my unitard and show ya'll one day!!

Okay okay...enough of the reminiscing.  The Bel-Air, throwback bodysuit that I am wearing in the pictures (available at Private Stock BR) gives me that 90's feel.  The cool thing about this bodysuit is that it can be worn as a swimsuit too!  To accessorize the bodysuit, I added my Cuban Link Choker from Intuition.  This choker added the right amount of flare without overpowering my whole look.  My heels are from Steve Madden. 

That's all for today sweethearts.  Once again thank you all so much for tuning in throughout the week.  I am so grateful!  Talk to you all soon!

P.S. - Be a little selfish and do something for yourself this weekend......you deserve it.

- Samjah Iman