Studio BE NOLA

The older I get the more I crave substance - nourishment in all aspects of my life.  My body needs water, spinach, mushrooms, sleep, bike rides, and long walks.  My mind looks forward to being enhanced by in depth conversations every now and then.  My soul thrives off of culture, prayer and stillness, positive energy, travel, books, time with close friends and family members, a good Jill Scott, Erykah Badu or Kendrick Lamar CD, spiritual teachings, and art.  I'm no longer that young girl who could survive on junk food only.  I am now a grown woman whose existence and prosperity is dependent upon soul food.         

With that being written, my soul was fed this past Saturday in New Orleans, LA.  A friend invited me to view an art display titled Studio BE.  Before arriving to the art studio, I didn't have any expectations.  When I pulled my Jeep onto the broken gravel which sat in front of the building that housed the art, my eyes grew big and my mouth hung open.  My first thought was, "man, my people are so amazing."  I was in love.  Studio BE had me at hello.  

Studio BE, birthed by visual artist and filmmaker Brandan Odums, is an art transformation of a 35,000 square foot warehouse in the Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans, LA.  Studio BE includes paintings and spray paintings of civil rights leaders, activists, social issues, pop culture, New Orleans history and culture, musicians, writers, and famous sayings.  While observing all of the beautiful colors and images, I felt like a kid all over again.  I couldn't contain my curiosity and joy.  This studio is a must-see if you are ever in New Orleans any time soon.  However, just in case you can't get this way in the near future, I looked out for you and captured some photos of the art.  Live the Studio BE experience through my eyes below.          

The purple in the painting below represents the water line in a house that was flooded by Hurricane Katrina. 

My appetite for art was fed this past weekend.  Upon leaving Studio BE, I felt inspired and proud.  The talent and knowledge my people possess is out of this world.  I will never forget my Studio BE experience.  Thank you friend for inviting me....I owe you one.  

For more information on the artist, visit Brandanodums.com or follow his work on social media @studio_be_ and @bmike2c.  

Feed your soul.

- Samjah Iman

Bel-Air Bodysuit

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

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

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

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

- Samjah Iman 

Flower Child

“You a flower child, beautiful child, I’m in your zone. Looking like you came from the 70’s on your own.”

— Drake

The outfit above is what I would have wore to Beyonce's Soul Train-Themed birthday bash if my invitation wouldn't have gotten lost in the mail.  As most of you know I love the 70's fashion era; therefore, when I saw this shirt on Styled By Rish - I immediately felt connected to it. 

This top (or dress) fits right into a Bohemian/70's category.  It's perfect for a festival or those laid back, fall days when you are trying to achieve a "free spirit" look.  To complement my top, I threw on my old, knee-high boots because #1. I'm so ready for boot season, and #2. My boots make the top work as a dress and adds to the Bohemian/70's vibe.         

If you love flowing, comfortable tops - this one is for you.  Trust me when I say this shirt will get plenty of wear because it is so easy to style and versatile.  Get yours before they are all gone!

Love, Peace, and Soul!

- Samjah Iman

Distressed Tee + Combat Boots

I'm ready to start this weekend! I've been all over the place this week. I've eaten almost everything in sight, only exercised once, overslept twice, and lost out on some good shoes at a thrift shop.  Talk about a long week huh?  It's all good because I got a "bounce back" plan in place to renew my vigor.  It's called REST. 

Before I begin my hibernation for this holiday weekend, let me direct you guys to some dope, distressed sweatshirts and tees like the one I'm wearing above.  Monica's Thrift On A Budget has the cutest distressed tees and sweatshirts.  They have different themes on the shirts, and she even has NFL ones!  What better way to be cute during football season than in a trendy, distressed sweatshirt or tee?  Check out her website to snag you one before they're all gone.     

Have an awesome holiday weekend everyone!  Please share my blog posts with anyone needing fashion inspiration when you get a chance. 

Outfit Details: Distressed Tee // Combat Boots // Similar Purse // Necklace

Peace and Blessings

- Samjah Iman

Faith or Fronting?

The only differences between me, you and most extremely successful people is that they have faith, they believe in themselves, and they take action. 

Some of us love quoting faith scriptures because it's embedded in us to do so or because we actually like the way they sound.  We are quick to say "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" but won't act upon what we profess to believe.  There are people that have the whole Book of James plastered all over their cubicle wall at work, but won't start that baking company they've been dreaming about for the last 10 years.  Where they do that at??  If you feel you can do all things and if you believe He lives in you then why haven't you acted on your beliefs?  Are you waiting for some magical, successful dust to be sprinkled on you?  Well here's some news, there is none.  He helps those who help themselves.  

“But even when you pray, the next day you gotta try. Can’t wait for nobody to come down out the sky.”

— CeeLo Green

Believing in yourself is believing in God.  Believing in you means that you believe you were wonderfully made by Him and that you can truly do all things because He lives you.  That's some real power people - let's ACT ON IT!  

We have four months left in this year,  let's take a leap of faith, put in the work and see where it leads us.  If it doesn't work out as planned, at least we will have gained strength, courage, and wisdom.

Boss up!

- Samjah Iman

The Museum and His Shirt

I had an impromptu visit to the Louisiana State Museum this weekend.  I never had any desire to visit that particular museum because I didn't think the history displayed would be something I was interested in seeing.  I was right.  However, they did have a few things about our jazz culture and slavery that caught my attention. 

In order to make good use of my trip to the museum, I did a photo shoot (lesson: when in boring places, take pictures of your outfit).  I wore a Polo Ralph Lauren button down shirt from the big and tall men's section in Dillard's and my Aldo sandals (similar pair here).  There are a few ways to wear this shirt (I will be showing other ways in the future).  This time, I decided to wear it as a dress.  Check it out below.  

There's something sexy about rocking oversized clothing to me.  This is one reason why I am a huge fan of the late singer/actress Aaliyah's style.  She made oversized clothing look so fly.  The oversized look proves that sexiness is not just about showing skin and accenting your curves, it's about your style and attitude.  

Keep it real this week everyone. Hustle hard!

Peace

- Samjah Iman

54-11's

“Fifty-four, eleven - size 7 in girls. Baby face, would look like she was 11 with curls. ”

— DMX

A sexy/cool outfit accented with gold jewelry, classic sneakers, red lips, a pony tail, and sassy attitude is my mode of operation!!!  I can rock this look any day of the week and feel right at home in the style realm.  When I'm wearing a look like this, my swagger is different.  I feel like I'm fresh out of LL Cool J's "Around The Way Girl" video.  The only thing missing is my lollipop. 

My mother purchased this outfit (available on sale here and here) for me during one of her shopping trips because it was black and white (she knows how I operate).  I decided to dress it down so I paired it with my Reebok Freestyle tennis shoes which are known on the New York streets as 54-11's.  This nickname was coined in the late 80's, and it came from the full price of the tennis shoes which was $54.11. Of course the price has jumped since then but the nickname will forever be.  

Enjoy the weekend everyone.  Get some rest and clear your minds.  I will definitely try to do the same thing.

xoxo

- The Around the Way Girl

How to Face Failure, Obstacles and Detours With Grace by Chela Mitchell

Life will have its challenges, and there's nothing we can do to prevent them.  However, we can decide how we approach and deal with those challenges.  I was reading my girl's blog (chelamitchell.com), and I came across an article she wrote on how to face failure in a more positive way.  Click here to check the article out and take heed.

“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.”

— Charles R. Swindoll

Happy Hump Day!

- Samjah Iman

The Silk Blazer

I do not know who decided to give this blazer away to a thrift store, but I am grateful for their insanity.  When I first laid eyes on this blazer, I did a double take and thanked God for small blessings.  It was love at first sight.  

I found this blazer on Instagram from a thrift store called @shopvintagebowtique.  I couldn't believe someone had not purchased it yet (which means it was meant for me).  This blazer is 100% silk, and it cost $36.00!  I was drawn to the print because it reminded me of Versace.  I paired the blazer with a white bodysuit, white cutoff shorts, black Steve Madden heels, a small coin purse (similar one here), and my favorite necklace of the moment which brought the gold colors out in the blazer.

I believe thrift shopping is becoming the new way to shop.  You can find a lot of treasures shopping online or in stores that offer previously owned clothing, and you can save a great deal of money.  If you don't want to take the time to thrift shop on your own, try @shopvintagebowtique or @monicasthriftonabudget on Instagram and let them do the shopping for you.

Have a prosperous week everyone!  Keep the faith!

P.S. - Thank you to everyone that helped me with assisting the family in Baton Rouge who lost all of their belongings due to the flood.  They are overwhelmed with gratefulness.

Peace and Blessings

- Samjah Iman

Flowers on Concrete

Sometimes I have to step away from my all-black ensembles, fresh sneakers, and high heels to let the vulnerable, girly side of my style and persona show.  Wearing any flower pattern portrays this side of me. 

I have this delicate, sweet, and soft nature that is much like a flower.  A flower, however, that is surviving on concrete (i.e. the world).  The world isn't always kind to flowers, but it appreciates their aesthetics.

To all of my flowers who are surviving on concrete, keep blooming.  For our delicate nature and bright colors can make any hard surface gentle.

“Don’t be a hard rock when you really are a gem.”

— Lauryn Hill

Outfit Details:  Flower Dress (old, similar one here) // Tamar Necklace // Steve Madden Sandals

Enjoy the Journey

Sometimes in life, we get so preoccupied with our ultimate goals and success that we forget to enjoy the process that leads us to achieving these goals and success.  Think about it like this. Say you and your loved ones are taking a road trip somewhere. On the way to the destination you pass a lot of great scenery, restaurants, and popular landmarks, but you don't take the time to stop and enjoy these things because you are so focused on getting to your destination.  Yes you eventually make it to your destination, but you've also missed a lot of potentially fun, everlasting memories along the way because you were only concentrating on one part of the trip, not the trip as a whole.

“Life is a journey, not a destination.”

— Ralph Waldo Emerson

Oftentimes we treat life and our goals just like the trip described above.  We don't take the time to enjoy other things that are happening around us because we are only concentrating on the bigger picture.  We are so busy running through life trying to make something happen that we are missing precious moments. 

I hear people talk all the time about what they are going to do when they finally accomplish a goal or reach a certain status.  My question to them is, "What are you doing in the meantime?"  Life shouldn't be on hold until you reach a desired point.  Life is a road that is meant to be traveled and lived at all stages because you never know when that road will change or end. 

Don't wait for the perfect moment to live.  Enjoy the scenery on the way to that perfect moment.  Living on the way to your perfect moment will make your perfect moment that much better.

On another note, I am helping out a family that lost everything during the flood in Baton Rouge.  The family consists of a mother and a daughter who is in the 9th grade.  If you would like to join me in assisting this family, please email me at samjahiman@styleandenergy.com for more information.  Your help and prayers are greatly appreciated.   

I'm enjoying the journey.  Are you?

- Samjah Iman

Fancy (and Comfy) in Adidas

I'm really learning how to make this fashion thing work to accommodate me and not the other way around.  I remember a few years ago, I wasn't too concerned about being comfortable; just cute.  Fast forward to now, and I almost always make sure I accomplish both in everything I wear and do.

I recently attended White Linen Night in New Orleans.  This is a cultural event that involves art, food, all-white fashion, and music.  For this event, I made sure I complied with the all-white fashion request (BeBe Dress (old) and white choker).  I also made sure I was cool (hence the fan I got from the Dollar Store) and comfortable (my Adidas).

It seems the more comfortable I am, the more my style flows.  Fashion is not only about how you look, it's also about how you feel.  Keep it cute and comfy!

P.S. - Please keep the residents of Baton Rouge and surrounding areas in your prayers everyone.  A lot of people here are in desperate need of some love, peace, and blessings.

xoxoxo

- Samjah Iman

Walmart Men's Tee + African Print Purse

Who knew a Walmart men's t-shirt and African print purse would go so well together? 

I purchased a pack of v-neck, men's t-shirts from Walmart a while ago to use for a mentoring project I was overseeing.  I gave each mentee a shirt, and kept one for myself because I'm a borderline, t-shirt hoarder.  Recently, I bought an African print purse from Monica's Thrift On A Budget, and I was anxious to carry it.  I was looking for something to throw on with the purse, and I came across this t-shirt in my dresser.  I wanted the purse to be the focal point of the outfit so I kept it simple and went with my favorite color combination; black and white.  As a result of my outfit choice, the purse definitely got the attention it deserved.

This is the pose you strike when you thought your hair was a bug crawling on you. Lol.

Outfit Details: Walmart Men's V-neck Tee // Steve Madden Shoes // Old Navy Rockstar Jeans // African Print Clutch Purse //

Don't sleep on Walmart men's t-shirts as fashion!  They come in handy! 

Have an exceptionally, cool weekend everyone!  Thank you so much for checking in with me weekly.  Don't forget to share my blog with your friends and family.  I appreciate you all!  xoxoxoxo      

Any specific weekend plans?  I'm nosy lol.

- Samjah Iman

The Not-So Mother Approved Style by Trenched In Style

Let's face it, heels can be aggravating at times.  It's kind of hard to remain fresh when your feet feel like they are jammed in a baby's shoe.  Don't get me wrong, I love a high heel just as much as I love crawfish - but I do believe the feet need a break from time to time. 

Just because your feet are taking break doesn't mean your swag needs to.  You can still be just as dolled up with tennis shoes on as you can be in 5 inch heels.  I know tennis shoes worn with dresses was once a style that was frowned upon, but scratch that now.  Check out this article on Trenched In Style that shows you how to rock your girly looks with your fresh sneakers.

Remember ladies, comfortable and cute is always win-win situation.

Click here to read the article. 

Enjoy!

- Samjah Iman

Fashion Blend

I view clothes as art and my body as a canvas.  My art reflects what I'm feeling for that day or moment.  Some days I choose to be colorful, most days my art is expressed through simplicity.  On the day I wore this outfit, I was feeling many different ways - elegant, edgy, and chill.  I felt like expressing all of those feelings and not suppressing one or the other; therefore, I decided to fuse all of those emotions to create my fashion statement below.   

To create the elegant part of my look - I wore my hair up in a bun, put on some dainty sunshades and carried a dainty purse. I sported a bodysuit from American Apparel to accent my silhouette, and added a choker necklace to the mix for extra class. The edgy part of my ensemble came from the jean shorts I purchased from HM.  To add even more edginess, I altered the shorts by fraying the edges and placing large holes in the front.  The chill part of my look was created by my All Star Converse tennis shoes.  

There you have it - three emotions fused into one fashion statement. 

Art is individualism.  Create your art, embrace it, and rock the hell out of it.  

Happy Monday!

Peace and Blessings

- Samjah Iman

The Dress with Faces

Hey my people!  I'm back from visiting my family in Denver, and I thoroughly enjoyed my loved ones.  My time was well spent with my 92 year-old grandmother, my mother, and aunts.  I really needed that time with people whom I love unconditionally and who love me the same.  Now I'm refreshed and back at it. 

So I'm sure you all know by now that I'm a t-shirt junkie.  A t-shirt is the best way to be fashionable and comfortable at the same.  Whether it's a regular t-shirt or a t-shirt dress, I'm always down.  Check out the cool t-shirt dress I scored from a vintage shop below.  It's simple, yet artsy - just like I like my clothes (and life!).  

While I was putting the finishing touches on this outfit, my aunt came into the room and offered me a style tip.  She suggested I tuck my belt buckle in and turn the belt to the side.  She reminisced and told me stories of how her and my other twin aunt sported belts over dresses and jeans during their college years.  I immediately liked the look, and I rocked it like that for the rest of the day. 

To complete this dress from Monica's Thrift on a Budget, I added my Steve Madden sandals and Urban Outfitters backpack (sold out, similar one here).  I originally wore some other sunshades with this outfit until I saw my other twin aunt pull out the ones I have on in these photos.  I had to jack her for them....these sunshades totally completed my look! 

Thank you all for opening your minds and hearts to my art and thoughts.  I'm so grateful and blessed.  When you get a chance, share my blogs with your friends and family and on social media please.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Have a beautiful weekend everyone and remember to spread love! 

- Samjah Iman

6 Ways to be Unbothered by Social Media Shenanigans

Hey ya'll!  Here's a must-read from my fellow blogging sister, Kayla Alexandria - curator of Moments N Melanin.  She dishes out some good tips on how to navigate these social media streets.  Social media can become an addictive burden that will have you questioning yourself and side-eyeing people at the same time!  Read her post to see how you can control social media and not let it control you! 

Read 6 Ways to be Unbothered by Social Media Shenanigans

- Samjah Iman

Camouflage + Red Shoes

“I be in all black sometimes. Sometimes I be jumpin out trees in camouflage.”

— Lil Wayne

Well of course I didn't jump out of any trees in this outfit, but you get the point.  I actually wore this to a cigar bar in DC, and decided to wear it again for the blog.  When I wore it to the bar, a young lady who wore a dainty dress commented on my outfit by saying, "that's more of my style."  I was flattered because I actually threw this outfit on to kick it with my homie.  I wasn't thinking too hard about my ensemble.  I was simply putting on what was comfortable to me, and what spoke to my style.  When the young lady commented on my look I thought to myself,  "style is all about what you are comfortable with and what's you."       

“When you try hard, that’s when you die hard.”

— Kanye West

I'm learning on my journey not to think too much about everything including my style.  If you overthink everything stress creeps into your space, and things began to get really hectic.  Stay true to yourself, do the best you can do, and the rest will fall into place.   

In the pictures above, I am wearing some high-waist jeans from H&M that have a lot of stretch in them.  My shoes are from Aldo (old but similar pair here).  My t-shirt is from Urban Outfitters, and my purse is from Forever 21 (old but similar one here).  My choker necklace came for Intuition.  I am definitely into these necklaces nowadays.  I rock them almost everyday. 

Enjoy your week everyone!  Let's remember to keep it real with ourselves, and not overthink everything. 

xoxoxo

- Samjah Iman

Casually Cool in Chucks

I'm looking around the corner like, "Friday, where art thou?!"  Well.....since Friday didn't show up early, I decided to act and dress as if it was already here.   

I'm an advocate for t-shirt dresses, and pairing them with tennis shoes.  While browsing through clothes online one day, this particular dress from Boohoo caught my eye immediately.  It looked comfortable, and the color intrigued me.  I don't own a lot of print dresses so that gave me another reason to make the purchase.  When I received the dress, I was pleased with the results.  The material was light, and it was just the right length.  I paired my low-top Chuck Taylor's (my favorite tennis shoes for the summer) with this ensemble to keep the look casual.  I threw in a red purse to add a pop of color.

I'm on my way out of town again to visit family.  I plan to clear my head, eat a lot, regroup, kiss my granny, and enjoy my loved ones.  I hope you all have the best weekend ever! 

Oh and one more thing before I go - if you're enjoying my posts, please share them with a family member or friend. I would appreciate that so much!  Thank you all for taking this journey with me!

Let's talk soon!

Peace and Blessings!!

- Samjah Iman

Black Girls Blog!

Writing has always been therapeutic for me.  I developed a strong interest in the art at a very young age.  As a child, I wrote every chance I got.  I wrote in diaries, notebooks, on random pieces of paper, on clothes, and even on my bedroom door and walls (my mother still complains about that).  As an adult I still do the same thing (minus the doors and walls).  Writing allows me to clear my mind and transform my thoughts into things.  Seeing words formulate into paragraphs and then into full stories excites me.  I'm such a nerd huh?  Oh well!  

I began blogging about two years ago for a local publication in Baton Rouge titled The Rouge Collection where I wrote about fashion and social issues.  This particular platform gave me a chance to develop my voice and put my perspective in the atmosphere.  Once I started doing this, I knew I wanted to continue.  I then began writing for a national publication, Everything Girls Love, while at the same time keeping up with a blog for Chokolat Creme titled The Fashion Liberation Movement.  It wasn't until January of 2016 that someone encouraged me to start my own blog.  I gave it some thought and then decided to pursue it.  Why not combine two things I love (writing and fashion), share my point of view on life, and inspire people along the way?  Six months later - here I am.              

BGB Tee by Chokolat Creme

I recently attended a blogging conference in Washington, DC called Blogging While Brown.  It was so wonderful connecting with like-minded individuals and sharing our aspirations and challenges.  I loved seeing so many black women come together for the art of writing.  I was giddy the whole weekend.  I met some talented ladies at this conference that I will keep in touch with for as long as possible.  I want to share their blogs with you and some other blogs by black girls and guys who weren't at the conference but definitely have blogs you can and will enjoy.  Check them out below.  

1.  Trenched In Style (I was featured on this one!)

2.  Chela Mitchell   

3. Marsh Bars Closet

4.  Moments n Melanin

5.  Styled to a Tea

6.  Fashion Was Here

7.  Jonnita Condra

8.  Circa 88 (dope, plus size cutie who rocks!)

9.  Power 2 the Pen

10.  Hazel Eyes Bombshell

11.  Guerreisms (men's fashion)

12.  Street Etiquette (men's fashion)

13.  The Beauty Beau

14.  The Wire Hanger By Winnie

15.  Locks & Trinkets

16.  Sonique Saturday

The blogs above feature fashion for all, life experiences, faith, inspiration, food, etc.  This list is by no means exhaustive.  As I continue to find new blogs I will definitely share them with you all. 

To all my black girls (and men) blogging, represent your craft and keep going.  We never know who we are inspiring. 

BGB Tee by Chokolat Creme

To purchase your BGB tee click here. 

Keep the blogging movement alive!

- Samjah Iman