A 5-Step Plan to Being Free

The more I keep going to sleep and waking up, I am realizing that life isn’t all about the type of job you have, how popular you are, or how much money you have in the bank.  Life is about being free.  This freedom I’m writing about has nothing to do with not being jailed physically.  Instead, it has everything to do with not being jailed mentally.  Below are 5 steps I have discovered that will assist you in being free.

1.       Don't Worry About Other Peoples' Opinion - Stop worrying what other people think or will think.  Just do you!  People will always have something negative and positive to say.  You can't control what comes out of their mouths or what's in their heads.  The only thing you can control is whether it's true or not.  You don't need anyone's approval to be great.  If there's something that you truly want to do or be, and it feels good to you, and God has blessed it -  then it's all good. 

2.      Follow Your Own Path - Your journey is your journey.  Don't agonize over who's further than you or who's behind you.  Everyone has their own path.  Run your course at your own pace.  Jesus addresses this in the bible (John 21: 18-22). To sum it up, Jesus was telling Peter how he would die, and Peter was asking Jesus how would John die.  Jesus simply put him in his place by saying, "What is that to you?  You follow me!"  Jesus was basically telling Peter to mind his own business and worry about his journey.  John's journey is none of his concern.  The next time you are wondering why such and such is where they are in their journey, remember - What is that to you?  You follow your own path!  

3.      Take Care of Your Mind – Feed your mind positive food.  Read more, listen more, and as a friend once told me - monitor what you monitor.  Of course we all have to watch some news to keep abreast of what's going in the world, but it's also a good idea to tune all media outlets out at times.  The media has a way of constantly blasting negative news into our brains which can cause stress and fear.  Turn that crap off at times; read, listen to some music, or watch a comedy.  We've got to stay sane, and the news is not in the business of keeping our minds healthy. 

4.      Get Spiritually Connected - Believe in a higher power and have faith in it...really have faith in it.  When you have a spiritual connection and truly believe in the connection, you won't get wrapped up in the negative things that are happening to you and around you because you know that your peace is not dependent upon those things.  Your peace is dependent upon your spiritual connection.   

5.      Take Responsibility for Your Choices and Your Destiny - Your life is what you make it.  Your 5th grade teacher has nothing to do with you being in the situation you're in now, and your junior high basketball coach didn't hold you back from being a great basketball player.  Your life is your responsibility.  People will be crazy, mean, they will hate, they will try to hold you back, but ultimately it's up to you to still be who you were destined to be.  Learn from your experiences, take charge of your life, and stop blaming others for your mishaps.      

Following these steps will definitely put you on the path to having a free mind.  Your mind is a powerful tool that needs to be opened and healthy so that it can move you in the right direction.  Freeing your mind is one of the most spiritual and peaceful things you can do.  Let's all vow to have free minds in 2017.  

“Free your mind and the rest will follow.”

— Envogue

Have a happy New Year everyone and thanks for voting for me to be the Fashion Bomb Daily Bombshell of 2016!  The last time I checked we were ahead!  I really appreciate all of the support!  

Peace and Blessings in 2017,

-Samjah Iman

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

The Royal Chapter...

Before I closed the door behind me, I sighed and slowly turned around to reflect one last time. I looked at the living room, then the kitchen.  A small smirk came across my face as I began to reminisce about the many emotions that transpired between those walls during the past 9 years.  I experienced some beautiful memories in that place and heart wrenching ones too.  As my eyes began to scan the area for the last time, I spotted a faint red stain on the carpet that was made years ago.  I chuckled.  I remember the night that stained was made and the drinking game that was being played which caused the stain.  My eyes then quickly darted to a corner. I shook my head as I remembered sobbing uncontrollably in that space one day after receiving a text message that knocked the air out of my lungs.  I stood frozen in a daze thinking, "Man, some stuff went down in this place and memories were made that I will keep with me forever."  I became a little emotional then quickly waved the feelings off.  I shrugged my shoulders and slammed the door.  There was no need to reread that chapter because I had already started reading the next one, and just the first sentence of the new chapter has me on the edge of my seat, anxiously awaiting what's to come.  The first four words of the new chapter reads, "Welcome to New Orleans!"

I finally made the move from Baton Rouge to New Orleans.  I know some of you may be thinking that this isn't a major move, but to me it is - especially since I had been in my current place for almost 10 years.  You see, this is a move I've been contemplating for a long time but didn't make a reality because I didn't want to start over, make new connections, find new grocery stores, get to know new neighbors, new smells, new sounds, etc.  I was comfortable where I was with my usual routine...and talking about moving felt good, visiting the city with the reality of going back home felt good, but actually moving and staying in NOLA was another story (yea, that whole What is That in Your Hands post I wrote was for me).  Then one day, I had an epiphany.  I thought to myself, "how can you grow if you only do what's routine and comfortable?" I literally had an "ah-ha" moment, and from then on I began to put things together for the move.  Just a month before this epiphany, I had the opportunity to sign another lease at my previous apartment which would have locked me in that contract for another year, but something told me not to sign the lease.....something said "step out on faith - I got you." And let me tell y'all this, my spirit wasn't lying.  I've stepped out on faith, made the move, and God has shown up and out. 

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase. ”

— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Now, as I type this, I'm chilling in my traditional New Orleans pad, baking some chicken, swaying my head to D'Angelo, and writing to ya'll.  I just got to the city and already I've eaten at the best pizza place - Theo's Neighborhood Pizza, had the best hamburger at Camellia Grill, watched the Saints get embarrassed this past Sunday in the Super Dome, had some delicious blackened red fish and smothered cabbage at Jacques-Imo's, and browsed through some unique, cultural paintings at Frenchy's Art Gallery.  To say the least, I've hit the ground running.....and I'm nowhere near tired yet.  

Frenchy's Art Gallery

I'm not sure what The Royal Chapter in NOLA holds.  But I do know the author who wrote the chapter, and His books are always dope (shout out to God).  Therefore, with the help of this renown author, I plan to make this chapter a page-turner.  Get ready!

P.S. - I'm excited to take you guys on this journey with me!  Stay tuned for pictures of the Queendom (my spot), my neighborhood, and more!

- 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

Prepare for the Fight

In continuing my message I posted on Monday, I thought I'd share some insight that I received from Bishop TD Jakes about two or three weeks ago.  During one of his sermons I caught on YouTube, Jakes preached that life is a fight, and God is our sparring partner which means He is training and equipping us to win the fight.  I thought about what Jakes was saying and a light bulb popped on in my head.  Instead of wishing that I won't have to fight life all the time, I'll go into it ready for the fight.

I'm not looking for a break anymore.  I'm prepared to work hard for whatever I want.  I was talking to my friend Fish Plate (funny story how he got this nickname) about the recent events and the message I received from Bishop Jakes, and he said something that was real.  He said, "Everybody wants to be Oprah and have Oprah's money, but no one wants to experience and live through the struggles Oprah dealt with before she became Oprah."  This is so true because we often look up to millionaires and stars and wish we had their lives, but we never know what their fight was to get where they are. And you better believe that each person we look up to has had or is having some type of fight - that's just life.  

“Don’t want to do the dishes, just want to eat the food. ”

— Unknown

There is always going to be challenges in life.  Traffic will be heavy, our bank account will be missing some zeros, people will be mean and bias, unqualified people will become presidents of countries, the hot water heater will stop working, it will cost a lot to start a business or go back to school, our gas tanks will be low, girlfriends and boyfriends will leave, husbands and wives will disappoint, the brakes will go out, the car will stop running, the computer will freeze up (this is a sure way to make me run up and down the street screaming), the boss will ignore our accomplishments, blah, blah, blah, blah. Shit happens.  Many people will experience all these things and feel like God has not favored them.  This is the furthest thing from the truth.  God is actually training us for bigger fights to come because it doesn't get easier my loves, it gets harder.  The more successful we become the more responsibility we will have - and that's when we'll really have to scuffle. 

“Mo money, Mo problems. ”

— Notorius B.I.G

I stopped complaining about every little thing that was holding me back and started mentally preparing for the hurdles.  In the past, I knew they were coming but was hoping that God would spare me.  Now I know they are coming, and I use the strength that God has equipped me with to knock them all down.  Do I get tired of fighting?  Yup.  Do I feel like I have lost at times? Of course.  But I will not be defeated because I've got things I want to accomplish.  I will not let life get in the way and have me waking up one morning with regrets.   

Life won't let up - so we can't either.  The more we fight, the stronger we will be.   

So here's to life - Moma said knock you out.

- Samjah Iman

P.S. - I've been jamming to a Tribe Called Quest's latest album.  It feels good to have some music with depth to listen to.  So far I'm digging We The People, Kids, and Melatonin.  I will continue listening to discover more songs. 

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

Being Single During Cuffing Season is Lit!

“I’m known to walk alone but I’m alone for a reason. ”

— Beyoncé

I got the chance to do some guest blogging on my girl's website - Moments N Melanin.  In this article, I discuss why being single is a good thing and why my single point of view is currently the best point of view. 😀  Check out the article here.

P.S. - America is scary right now, but God has our back.  He works in mysterious ways, so let's let Him work.  We've survived worse. 

Am I disappointment? Yes. Defeated? HELL NO!!  I'm about to jump in my Jeep, blast my Kendrick Lamar CD "cause we gon' be alright!"  

Keep the faith...

- Samjah Iman

Stay Woke - Be Heard - Be Stylish

The most stylish thing I can do is not wear the perfect jeans, or flex in the baddest shoes, sport the jazziest coat, or pose in the perfect sunglasses - the most stylish thing I can do is VOTE. 

Photo Credit:Presidential Gender Watch. 11/6/16 http://presidentialgenderwatch.org/gender-matters-status-check-gender-gap-presidential-primaries/

I encourage you all to get out there on November 8, 2016, and exercise your right.  I don't need to blog on the history of voting in our country because you all already know what it is.  I just came through to say, "don't sleep - show up."

Let's represent on Tuesday. 

Photo Credit: PSD Graphics. 11/6./16. http://www.psdgraphics.com/psd/photoshop-empty-and-vote-buttons/

Stay Woke, Be heard, Be Stylish - VOTE!

- Samjah Iman

What is That in Your Hand?

Some time ago I heard the story of Moses and the Burning Bush (Exodus 3-4) from the bible being told in a way that relates to everyday life.  It had been about a couple of years ago since I've heard the interpretation of that story, therefore I had pushed it to the back of my mind, but this past weekend I was reminded of it.

Briefly, the story is about God calling Moses to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt and from under Pharaoh's control.  When God called upon Moses, Moses gave God a bunch of reasons as to why he couldn't complete the task that God had given him.  This has been me for the past month. 

I've been on that Moses tip reeeeeaaaaal hard.  I have been faced with an opportunity to grow, and up until this past weekend I have come up with 127 reasons why I couldn't.  I've said everything from "I don't have the type of money I would like to have right now to complete the task" to "I need to get some things situated first before I do it." Then as I was sitting in solitude this past weekend trying to get my mind right, it hit me.  I was reminded of what God asked Moses. "What is that in your hand?"

You see, Moses was giving God reasons as to why he couldn't execute the plan that was assigned to him and then God said, "Dude, what is that in your hand?" Okay he didn't say it quite like that but you see where I'm going.  Moses then answered him and said it was a shepherd's staff.  God then asked him to throw it down and Moses did, and it immediately turned into a snake. God was basically showing Moses that he already possessed the skills and resources needed to complete the task - all he had to do was use them.  God was basically saying , "Bruh, quit tripping and do what I asked you to do. You got everything you need already.  Just do it.  I got you!"

When I thought about this particular story in the bible I immediately got motivated.  I felt like this story came to me because God was telling me to stop worrying about what I don't have because I already have everything I need - and to move forward with the opportunity presented, and He'll do the rest. 

We may not ever have everything we want to have in place to complete a task given to us or to go after a goal we've set.  There will always be a reason to make excuses about what we do not have, but I'm learning that it's not about what we don't have.  It's all about now, and what we do have. 

Stop procrastinating and do what you have to do with what you have now.  He'll provide what you're lacking.

What is that in your hand?

- 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. 

View fullsize

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.

Shut Up

Have you ever had a wonderful idea, exciting news, or new companion that you were super stoked about and as a result you decided to share your enthusiasm with someone, and they killed your vibe on the spot?  Yup, that has happened to me too - a number of times, and then I finally decided to apply some advice my grandmother gave me several years ago....shut up.   

“Don’t tell the dishwasher what you did with ya dishes.”

— Jeezy

My grandmother once told me that you can't tell everyone what you're doing.  Boy was she so right.  You see....everyone has an opinion.  Everyone will tell you what they would do if they were you, but the key factor is - THEY ARE NOT YOU!  I've learned over the years that it's okay to talk to a chosen few but not everyone because some people only want you to live a certain way that makes THEM feel comfortable.  They don't want you to do too much, go too far, or be too great because it makes them feel bad about their circumstances.  Everyone doesn't need to know your every move or your next move because not everyone has your best interest at heart, not everyone is satisfied with themselves so they project their negative vibes on you (misery loves company) and, most importantly, not everyone understands YOUR destiny/journey. 

“Never let ‘em know your next move - don’t you know bad boys move in silence? ”

— Notorious B.I.G. (Ten Crack Commandments)

I once heard Bishop TD Jakes say that we need to stop receiving counsel (from people) that doesn't line up with our purpose.   You could have a brilliant idea or new interest, but you let your idea die or interest fall by the wayside because of how someone reacted when you told them about it. And now that person who reacted negatively to your idea is living his or her life while you are stuck not pursuing your goals or living your life.  Just SHUT UP!  Bring to fruition whatever feels good in your soul and then share it with the world.  Just remember to guard some of your passions and goals before you birth them because not everyone needs to put their energy on your dreams, and not everyone can see your vision like you can see it.

Get your purpose, keep it to yourself, and carry it out.    

- Samjah Iman

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

Just Do It

A lot of us are waiting for the perfect moment to begin working towards our dreams and goals.  I got some news for you, THERE IS NO PERFECT MOMENT!  One of the best slogans/advice comes from Nike - JUST DO IT.  It's simple as that.  Just jump in there and do what you have to do to accomplish what you need to accomplish.  I'm not going to preach today or go on and on about this subject.  I just wanted to drop this quick message in your space and tell you to Get up, Get out, and Get something!  

The saying goes " a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."  I encourage you all to take that first step today.  Whether it's a major step or very small step - just do it.  It won't be easy, but I'm sure it will be worth it, because you never know where that first step will lead you.        

Make something happen on this hump day. 

Hustle hard,

- Samjah Iman