You Don't Need New Clothes, Just New Ideas...

I was once the girl who would always claim she had nothing to wear when it came time to get dressed for an occasion.  I would often go out and buy a new clothing item every time I was invited to an event.  Then I got more creative when it came to putting together an outfit and my "I have nothing to wear" days became few and far between. 

Each piece in the outfit on this post is old.  I was looking for something to wear one day so I began piecing things together.  I found an oversize shirt that I made into an off-the-shoulder top by tying it up, a black and white skirt to offset the the top, and yellow pumps to make the entire look pop. 

Looking good doesn't have to be expensive.  All you need are a few staple pieces and a bit of creativity.  I'm sure there are many pieces in your closet that can be transformed or mixed and matched.  For instance, if you have long dress with a split or a short skater dress, wear it over some jeans and add some heels to jazz up the look.  If you have a huge t-shirt, tie it up to create an off-the-shoulder top or wear it alone as a dress with your favorite sneakers. 

These days almost anything goes with fashion.  So before you go shopping next time, see what you can dig up in your stash.  There's nothing that a few staple pieces and a little originality can't solve when it comes to style.   

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details:  Oversize Top (old, similar here) // Black & White Skirt (old) // Yellow Pumps

Still Kicking in My Casual Bodycon Dress + Red Leather Chucks

I was having a conversation with my 93 year old grandmother the other day, and I asked her how she was doing.  Her response was, "I'm still kicking....just not as high."  I giggled.  And I told her as long as she is kicking, then everything is flowing.  I then thought about how I've been feeling a little uninspired and mentally tired lately, but despite those feelings I still get up and do what I have to do.  Sometimes I get a little hard on myself when I feel like I haven't accomplished as much as I think I should.  But then I'm reminded that as long as I'm pushing myself to do something, even if it's small, then it's all good.  

The words my grandmother spoke resonated with me.  It reminded me that there will be times I won't be at my best - my kicks will be lower than usual, and that is totally okay.  As long as I am still kicking, then I am still in the game - and that is half the battle.  

Keep kicking my people...   

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: Bodycon Casual Dress // Red Leather Converse Tennis

Peace Over Money + Spring Colors

I've learned some valuable lessons this past month that have forced me to appreciate and value my peace and to gravely understand that it (my peace) trumps everything - including money. 

Never in the past would I have thought about turning down opportunities to maintain my peace, but at the age of 36 - that's exactly what I am doing.  I'm discovering that I don't have to jump at every offer because not every offer aligns with the peaceful life I'm trying to live.  I've put myself in stressful situations in the name of making money, and at the end of the day I definitely got the money and the stress that came along with it.   

Of course all stressful situations aren't avoidable, but if and when I have the power to control the situations that are - I do just that.  One thing that has contributed to me being more in control of my world is the decision I've made to lighten my material load.  The fewer things I need, the less resources I need - and that gives me more power over the direction my life is going in.  When I had tons of unnecessary, material things - I had no choice but to jump at mostly all opportunities to keep that lifestyle up because the more I accumulated, the more money I needed......not any more.     

At this point in my life I'm reveling in the pure fact that less is more peaceful.  When it's all said and done, my mental stability and well-being reign supreme.  And anyone, anything, or any opportunity that threatens that cannot operate in the same space as I do.

Peace over EVERYTHING,

            - Samjah Iman

P.S. - This spring, it's all about bright colors for fashion.  Even though black is my go-to hue, I'm looking forward to participating in this fad because I do believe that bright colors have a positive effect on our vibe and bring out the hidden colors in our skin tone.  If you're interested in learning about more trends that will  be popping this spring, check out my article on Fashionbombdaily.com.