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

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. 

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.

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