A 70's Look + A Message to Life

Hey my people!  I'm back with a 70's inspired look that is perfect for your spring wardrobe.  Check it out below!   

I've been away from the blog for a few days, but I'm back and ready to style and talk.  These last two weeks have been kind of hectic, and life is currently trying to see what I am made of.  It's trying to figure out if I will fight or run, stress or stride, sit down or stand up.  Well...life must not know 'bout me.  Because my boxing gloves stay ready, my heels were made for walking (some of them lol), and I got too much to do therefore sitting down is not an option.  I got something up my sleeve for life.  Do you?

Peace and Blessings,

- Miss Warrior

Outfit Details:  H&M Blouse (in stores) // H&M Flare Jeans (one pair left here) // Vintage Purse (Shopvintagebowtique - Instagram) // Shoes (Aldo - sold out).  

Photo Credit: twoclipz@gmail.com

Clueless Dress

I was and still am a huge fan of the 90's blockbuster, Clueless.  When it first came out, I watched it over and over because it was hilarious (it's even more funny now that I'm older), and the fashion in the movie was super stylish to me.  Along with the flick Pretty Woman, Clueless goes down in my book as one of the best fashion movies of that era.  When I saw the dress I have on in the pictures in H&M, I was immediately reminded of the movie Clueless so I snatched it up.

I used to have several dresses like this.  My friend April and I used to get them from the store in the mall called Rave.  They were about $9.99 then, and boy did they come in handy!  I wore my first dress like this one to an Immature concert.  I paired the dress with my jelly bean heels and a book bag purse.  I just knew I was on! LOL.  Man, those were the days!

Have an extraordinary week everyone!  Keep it cool and positive.

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: Ribbed Jersey Dress // Steve Madden Boots

Photo Credit: majstudios@yahoo.com

H&M Overall Shorts

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

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

A Shirt to You, A Dress to Me

Okay so this 90's vintage shirt (dress in my opinion) I'm sporting in these photos has been in my closet for years.  I felt it was time for her (the shirt/dress) to be seen again so I took it out for a spin.  I found it at a thrift boutique, and it was about $12 or so.  Thrift shopping is my life right now, and because of this addiction I'm saving money and looking good at the same time!  If you feel like you don't have the energy to go thrift shopping on your own (which a lot of people feel this way), no sweat.  They have boutiques that will do that for you.  Check out www.dotherightvintage.com and @shopvintagebowtique (Instagram boutique).  They have the best vintage treasures, and all you have to do is wait for them to find a item you like and purchase it.  Simple as that.       

On another note - I was listening to a TD Jakes sermon on Saturday morning (just a few hours after partying at Zulu and indulging in tasty libations - judge not), and he was touching on the mental aspect of life.  He was saying that you have to constantly feed yourself positive affirmations, and that you can't lose your head and let your emotions control your decisions or thought process when life happens.  This is something that I try to preach and practice often.  I do fall off at times because life does get hard.  However, I'm actively learning each and everyday that the more beautiful words I speak and the more positive things I believe, the more peace I have.  It's not about getting every blessing I've prayed for, it's about making the most out of everything I have already been blessed with and being confident that I will get all the things I need and more in due time.   

Keep your head to the sky my people.  It's all good.

- 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

The Bag

Digging this book bag?  Yup, I figured you would.  I'm definitely loving it.  I got it from the Ashé Cultural Center that I visited this past Saturday.  One of the hosts of the party had it on, and I politely had him take it off so that I could purchase it (gangster, right? lol).  I've been looking for a book bag that I could fit my laptop in, and this colorful beauty is perfect for that and more. 

P.S. - I got a lot on my plate these days, so I started hot yoga on Monday to help me detoxify and become centered.  For those of you who aren't familiar, hot yoga is practicing yoga in a room where the temperature is set at 105 degrees.  Crazy huh?  I know...I question my sanity at times too, but my curiosity couldn't keep me from trying it.  I'll keep you all posted on how it's going and if it's helping.

Welp, it's back to the grind I go.  I'm exhausted, but I had to check in with you guys - and I got to keep going. 

“My eyes bloodshot but my jet don’t lag.”

— Jay Z

I'll chat with you all soon! Happy Mardi Gras!

- Samjah Iman

Photo Credit: Majstudios@yahoo.com

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

NYFW 2017

When I was 16 years old, I got the chance to travel with my 10th grade history class to New York City, New York.  Before then, the only thing I knew about NYC was what I saw on television, and I was excited to go based on my partial perception.  I didn't know what NYC totally had in store, and I didn't know that I was about to experience a love affair that would never end.  When I got to the city, my heart melted.  I felt like I was home.  

Ever since that summer of '98, all I did was talk about NYC.  I began listening to every New York rapper I could find.  I watched tons of movies that were based in NYC.  My brother thought I had gone crazy; he was correct.  I was obsessed.  I went so far as to declare my first child's name would be Brooklyn (yes, New York was that serious to me).  A lot of people go to NYC and fall in love with the tourist attractions and aesthetics.  Those things didn't move me at all.  The tall buildings didn't excite me nor did the bright lights make me beam.  What got me was the hustling vibe I felt.  I was amazed at the fact that everyone was on the move, and they were laser focused on their journeys.  Worrying about what other people were doing didn't seem to be on New Yorkers' agendas at all.  They concentrated on getting where they had to go to handle what they had to handle - this was definitely my type of place.          

Fast forward years later, and I have visited NYC several times.  I've sat in small cafes in Brooklyn, brunched with some fly girls in Harlem, partied at the 40/40 club in Manhattan, and walked aimlessly through the Bronx.  However, my recent visit tops all of the other ones because I GOT THE CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE NEW YORK FASHION WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

“Every year the women of New York leave the past behind and look forward to the future...this is known as Fashion Week.”

— Carrie Bradshaw, Sex And The City

Fashion Week in NYC was just like I imagined it to be; full of fashion.  I landed Friday morning, saw my girl walk in a show Friday evening, caught some sleep, and did it all over again the next day. 

On that Saturday, I was invited to attend a presentation by fashion designer M. Diggs titled The Mahogany Collection.  The ensembles that were featured had a 70's-inspired, glamorous aesthetic.  I was intrigued as I viewed the looks.  See below. 

Pictured above is Malcolm Diggs, the designer of the collection featured.  He stated that his inspiration for this collection actually came from the movie Mahogany, starring his favorite entertainer Diana Ross.  Malcolm's past designs have been seen on celebrities like Lauryn Hill and Fantasia Barrino.  His latest endeavor includes designing looks for the The "Colored" Girl Campaign which highlighted African American women and denounced the sterotype of blatant colorism portrayed by the media. 

To shop this collection, visit www.malcolmscloset.com.  Also, you can follow the brand on Instagram - @mdiggsnyc. 

Above is a better look of what I wore to the event.  I kept it sleek and simple in an all black ensemble with gold accessories.  

Overall my trip to NYC was bomb.  I always miss the city when I'm gone, but I was excited to get back to NOLA for some upcoming activities....I'll update you all soon!!

Outfit Details: Imitation Leather Skirt // Black Turtle Neck // Tamar Necklace // Booties with all black look (Steve Madden outlet store, not available online) //  Booties with vintage fur

xo

- Samjah Iman

Girls Bite Back

“Well-behaved Women Seldom Make History.”

— Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

I saw this t-shirt on a Friday night in H&M while I was under the influence of a lemon drop martini (shopping is even better this way).  I had to have it.  It has so many different meanings, and is relevant on some many different levels. 

At one point in time (still today as well), women were thought of as objects that were only to be seen and admired, but not heard.  We we were given our place in the world, and we were expected to stay in that place at all times.  And most of us did...but then came women like Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Winnie Mandela, Fannie Lou Hamer, Katherine Johnson, Angela Davis, Assata Shakur, Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama, Mary Tyler Moore, etc...and as a result, that "seen not heard" crap became history.

Being a strong woman means that you love yourself enough to be treated fairly.  It means that you not only want to create an environment that is loving for you and your family, you also want to create that type of environment for the world.  If you being strong makes another person feel some type of way, then that person has some insecurities that he or she needs to deal with - and that's not your problem.      

“Strong Women Intimidate Boys and Excite Men.”

— Unknown

Bite Back Ladies...

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: T-shirt with Motif // Slacks (Will be available soon) // Vintage Purse (@shopvintagebowtique - Instagram)

Photo Credit:  majstudios@yahoo.com

Nostalgic 90's

Watching the New Edition movie on BET had me all in my feelings.  I super miss the 90's!  Their music brought back so many childhood memories.  Can you believe that my friends and I crafted a whole dance routine to the song Poison?!  We practiced it everyday, and perfected the moves.  Every time we performed the dance, the entire neighborhood would gather around to watch.  It was just that dope!  We just knew we were headed for Video Soul (google it youngsters) lol.  Those were the days!   

Seeing the New Edition story inspired me to do a 90's look.  I had to pay homage (as I always do) to my favorite era.  Check out my look below.    

Unfortunately I do not have all the outfit details for this look because these are old threads I found in the back of my closet.  I can tell you, however, that the crop shirt came from American Apparel , the choker came from Intuition, the purse is from Urban Outfitters, and the vintage Levi jacket came from Etsy.  

Thank you to everyone for the birthday wishes....I truly enjoyed my day.  Hope you all have a banging week! 

- Samjah Iman

Photo Credit: @twoclipz (Instagram)

The Peach Dress

I am really into this little number I'm wearing in the pictures above.  It's a convenient piece that can go with a lot of different looks.  I decided to pair it with some Steve Madden heels (old) and a classy, vintage purse from @shopvintagebowtique (Instagram boutique).  This is the perfect outfit for a dinner date or even an art gallery event.  It's comfortable and doesn't require much styling.  I received this dress from Tags Boutique.  Tags has some fly clothes for small and curvy women.  The clothes range from casual to dressy, and the prices are moderate.  There are definitely a few items on their site that I will be adding to my wardrobe.  So if you're looking for your next fly outfit or maybe even a Valentine's Day look, head over to their site asap.  If you find something you like (which you definitely will), use the code SAMJAHIMAN for 15% off! 

Happy shopping loves and have an awesome week!

- Samjah Iman

Photo Credit: Clipz (@twoclipz)

A Year Later

A year ago, I began my Style & Energy journey.  I was seeing someone at the time who suggested I start a personal blog to share my perspective on style and all things inspiring.  I gave the suggestion deep thought.  Then I picked up one of my favorite notebooks and jotted down my blog blueprint.  Twelve months later, and here I am.

I have a deep passion for creativity, style, inspiration and writing.  I eat, sleep, and dream this blog, and it has definitely been a challenging, learning experience - but nonetheless, rewarding.  What I've learn on this year-long journey is that blessings and hard work are one in the same.  The bigger the blessing, the harder the work, and truth be told - most people want the blessings without the work.  You get a new car, then you have to put gas in it and maintain it.  Just had a beautiful baby? Got to feed, change, and clothe him or her.  New house?  Got to cut the grass and clean it.  The more you get, the more responsibility you have.  The more you grow, the harder you have to work.  Having over 100 people reading S&E doesn't mean I've made it....it simply means I have to continue to work hard to keep it going.  Is it tiring and stressful at times?  Yup!  Do I trip?  Yup!  Will I stop?  NOPE!  I asked for this blessing.  Therefore, it's my responsibility to maintain what I was blessed with. 

Bishop TD Jakes once said that sowing is hard and reaping is even harder.  Some people think that after they sow a seed and it grows, all they have to do is sit back and reap the harvest.  Wrong!  When your seeds harvest, that's when the real work comes in.  You have to nurture that harvest and make sure it continues to sprout.  In discovering this truth, I look at blessings in a whole different light.  I make sure I'm ready for the harvest before I even begin sowing, and with that newfound understanding - I'm more ready now than I was a year ago for the hard work that Style & Energy requires.     

So here's to one year down and another one to go.  I'm in it to win it.

P.S. - I want to send a special birthday wish to the most wonderful woman I know - my Mommy.  Celebrate your beautiful life Big P...and as you always tell me - Dance girl...Dance!!! 

Outfit Details: Dress (sold out, similar here) // Boots // Choker

Peace,

- Samjah Iman

Flannel and Vizuals

Above and below is the outfit I sported to a pop up shop I was invited to this past weekend for Vizuals Clothing.  I threw on my Walmart Men's Flannel Shirt ($8!!), some cut-off shorts, my vintage purse (only $14!) from @shopvintagebowtique (Instagram Boutique), my Yankee cap, some fishnets, and my Steve Madden booties for this laid back event. 

Vizuals Clothing is a urban/streetwear men's line that women can also rock.  The line consists of denim jackets, long t-shirts, distressed jeans, etc.  The event was super cool.  The deejay was good, the chicken wings were even better, and the clothes were stylish.  See a few of my favorite looks from Vizuals below.        

The Xanx - $130.00

Sherpa Lined Denim Trucker Jacket - $135.00

Regime Suede Trucker Jacket- $70.00

For more information or to see more Vizuals Clothing click here. 

Have an awesome week everyone!  Hustle Hard!!!

- Samjah Iman

The Pink Tee

Style has everything to do with how you rock your attire, not with what your attire consists of.  I like having expensive threads, but I don't need them to feel stylish.  Most of my wardrobe is made up of t-shirts and distressed jeans.  I can wear a t-shirt with almost any look whether it be dressy, casual, sporty, or business.  The Cuffed Slub Knit Tee I'm wearing in this post only costs $8.90!  This shirt fits really good, and it will go with tons of looks.  Check it out below.     

I paired the tee with my H&M shorts that I cut myself, my Vague Steve Madden booties (found them at an outlet store), and of course one of my chokers from Intuition.  This entire outfit was under $100!  Fashion is even better when it's reasonably priced; don't you agree? 

Have a great weekend everyone.....tune out all of the negativity and concentrate on the positive! 

Peace,

- Samjah Iman

Photo Credit: Clipz (@twoclipz)

Broadway Swag

I went to see the Lion King Broadway Play in New Orleans.  It was beyond amazing!  I love theater and watching people perform.  I was in awe during the entire production.  Art is just absoultely beautiful. 

For the event, I decided to dress comfortable, yet nice.  I wanted to be simple with a touch of glam.  Check out my outfit choice below. 

I wore a crisp, white top from American Apparel and wide leg ASOS trousers (I purchased the tall fitting pants).  To fancy the look up, I added my vintage blazer from @shopvintagebowtique (Instagram Boutique), some rust colored chandelier earrings (old, similar pair here), and my gold clutch (old, similar one here). 

Lately I've been crazy busy, and I don't know if I'm coming or going!!  There was a time when my couch would be my excitement for the evening and weekend....boy have times changed.  My social calendar is out of this world these days, but I'm not complaining.  I always try to appreciate each phase of my life, because eventually - it will change. 

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

The Generational Leather Pants

I got some leather pants for free.  I got them right out of my mother's closet.  Believe it or not, she purchased these leather pants when she was about 28 years old.  She tells the story of how she purchased them every time she sees me wearing them.  Momma was strolling through the mall one day and saw the leather pants displayed in a window.  She initially thought they were too expensive to purchase.  She went back again another day to find the pants still sitting pretty on display, waiting to go home with her.  So she swooped them up and kept on kicking.  Little did Momma know, those pants would be passed down to a daughter she didn't even have at the time: a daughter who would cherish those pants and rock the hell out of them too.

Y'all know I love to rock simple, but classic pieces.  So with this look, I wore my Not Your Dad's Hat from Intuition, my Fuzzy Cropped Sweater, and some classic black pumps.  When it comes to style, my motto is keep it simple and fierce.  

When you shop for quality threads you get your money's worth, and you'll have what you've purchased for years to come.  I can't wait to pass these pants on to my unborn daughter and tell her the story of how her grandmother purchased these pants and rocked the hell out of them - as did her mother.      

P.S. - Make sure you serve someone this weekend in honor of Dr. King.  You don't have to participate in some big MLK program or volunteer with a notorious non-profit organization. All you have to do is perform an act of kindness in his honor.  Happy King Holiday! 

- Samjah Iman

Untie Me

I will be checking into rehab soon.  I have come to the realization that I have a problem.  I am a true shopaholic.  When I'm shopping, I get some type of adrenaline rush.  My stomach starts to turn, and I feel overwhelmed.  This is how I know I have a problem.  Pray for me. 

Now that I've gotten all that out of the way, peep the cool anklets I got!  

I used to love ankle bracelets, but I haven't owned any in years.  From time to time I wrap a necklace around my ankle to create an anklet, but those days of making bootleg anklets are officially gone.  Now I have my Untie Me Anklets that I simply adore! 

When I don't have the perfect ankle-strap heels to go with my outfit, these anklets definitely do the trick.  They make my simple pumps look more jazzy. 

Thank you all so much for rocking with me on this journey.  I appreciate all of you more than you know!  When you get the chance, please share my blog with your friends and family so that they can get in on some of this!  Thank you!!

xoxoxo

Outfit Details: Corduroy Bodycon Skirt // Crop Turtle Neck Sweater // Black Pumps (old) similar here

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

NY Yankee Style

I had to have a classic New York Yankee's cap, and I could care less about the Yankees.  But there's just something about these caps that make the ultimate street style statement.  A New York Yankee Cap can turn any casual outfit up for men and women.     

I paired my Yankee cap with an off-the-shoulder bodysuit, some skinny jeans, my Intuition choker, and my Steve Madden booties.  This outfit can be worn to an event, while shopping, or on an outing with a friend.

This fashion thing has no limits.  You can pair sporty pieces with dressy pieces or inexpensive pieces with expensive pieces.  It can be as simple as you want it to be or as extravagant as you want it to be.  As long as it's authentically you, then you are always in style. 

Hope you all have a great weekend!  My hope is that you branch out and do something new or something that makes you smile this weekend.  I plan on exploring more of New Orleans.  I've really been enjoying myself.  I ate fried ribs (Lord Louisiana people fry everything!) and Vietnamese food for the first time this past week, and both were excellent!  Who knows what else I will get into or eat this weekend....the possibilities and food are endless!

Live, Love and Laugh,

- Samjah Iman

The Red Dress

I'm starting 2017 off with hope and a vintage, red dress!  

Everyone meet my vintage, red dress from Do The Right Vintage, and my mother's dog - Denver Collins Malcolm X Obama Saulsberry.  Yup, I named him.  Denver was the perfect accessory to my ensemble.  He tried to upstage my dress a few times, but I wasn't having that.  Check Denver and the dress out below!   

I plan on purchasing more vintage pieces in 2017.  Vintage clothing assures you that your outfit will be unique and not duplicated in most cases.  I want to build my style resume, and vintage pieces push me to enhance my fashion knowledge.  I paired my African Print Clutch with this dress, a simple black belt, and my Steve Madden leopard pumps to play on the red. 

I hope you all had the best holiday ever.  I hope you rested your minds and bodies.  I hope you laughed a lot and ate good.  Now it's time to get our minds right for another prosperous year.  A new year is like a blank canvas, and we are the artists.  We can paint whatever we want on it.  So let's paint some Picasso-type stuff!!! 

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

P.S. - Check out an interview I did at luxemodus.com.  It actually turned out to be a cool interview if I do say so myself.  Lol