Vintage Ralph Lauren Blazer

You know what has been getting on my nerves lately?  BRAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know I know I know....I need a bra (sometimes), but I just haven't been feeling like one lately (please don't tell my grandmother).  It's such a restriction, and at this point in my life I (they) refused to be held down!  So I let them go free, and I've discovered that I like them free under blazers.  Blazers are now my new shirts...sans bras. 

I want to wear every tailored blazer as a shirt now.  I feel it's such a cool look.  Even if I do pick up the habit of restricting my valuables again (i.e. wearing a bra), I will just wear the bra under a tailored blazer instead of a shirt.  And if the blazer is long enough, I will wear it without a shirt underneath and as a dress.  Blazers are life right now! 

If you've been following S&E, then you know I've been obsessing over vintage clothing lately.  I found this plaid, classic Ralph Lauren blazer on @shopvintagebowtique's Instagram page. I paid little to nothing for it.  It was literally a steal.  The purse I am carrying in the pictures also came from @shopvintagebowtique.  It was just $14 people!!!

I'm wishing everyone a beautiful and peaceful weekend.  It would be so nice if I could sleep all weekend and wake up just to eat crawfish then go back to sleep again, but I can't *sad face*.  I got people to see and things to do - everyday I'm hustling.   

Say no to restrictions and yes to freedom!

- Samjah Iman

NYFW 2017

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

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

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

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

— Carrie Bradshaw, Sex And The City

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

xo

- Samjah Iman

Girls Bite Back

“Well-behaved Women Seldom Make History.”

— Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

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

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

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

“Strong Women Intimidate Boys and Excite Men.”

— Unknown

Bite Back Ladies...

- Samjah Iman

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

Photo Credit:  majstudios@yahoo.com

Nostalgic 90's

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

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

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

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

- Samjah Iman

Photo Credit: @twoclipz (Instagram)

10 Things I Learned at 34 yrs old

My life anniversary (birthday) is approaching; therefore, I've been in reflection mode for the past few weeks.  As I think back over the experiences I encountered during my year of being 34, I am reminded of some valuable lessons I learned and will share with you all.  Get into them below.     

1.  Inner peace is a valuable gift. (If it doesn't bring peace, then stay away from it.)

2.  S#@t happens - but that shouldn't stop you. (Life will do what it does.  Keep going.)

3.  Being true to who you are is grand. (When you are living in your truth and not faking the funk, life is easier.  You have a piece of mind and you are free.  You don't worry about pleasing others or fitting in.  You sleep good at night. )

4.  Trusting your gut is wise.  (Mostly every time I followed my gut, I was correct.  We were blessed with intuition for a reason.....let's use it.)

5.  Trying to please everyone will drive you crazy. (At the end of the day people will ultimately do what's best for them....so do what's best for you.)

6.  Having a positive and grateful outlook on life helps keep stress away.  (Positive affirmations make you feel good inside.)

7.  Every situation is a lesson. (I have learned from every incident that either made me happy, sad, mad, tired, etc.  There's a lesson in everything.)

8.  Self-evaluation is soul cleansing.  (Before you get the spec out of your friend's eye, get the log out of yours. Matthew 7:5).

9.  Pushing yourself to your limit makes you a stronger person.  (You never know how far you can go until you try.)

10.  Growing/maturing is a life long process.  (We should be working on growth daily.  If we don't grow then we aren't living.)

I look forward to living, maturing, and learning much more in my 35th year on this earth.  I can't wait to see what this new journey will bring.  I'm ready and excited! 

Happy Black History Month!

- The Birthday Girl

The Peach Dress

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

Happy shopping loves and have an awesome week!

- Samjah Iman

Photo Credit: Clipz (@twoclipz)

A Year Later

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peace,

- Samjah Iman

Flannel and Vizuals

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

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

The Xanx - $130.00

Sherpa Lined Denim Trucker Jacket - $135.00

Regime Suede Trucker Jacket- $70.00

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

Have an awesome week everyone!  Hustle Hard!!!

- Samjah Iman

Power to the P!

I knew there was going to be a Women's March and many other protests in Washington, DC, but I didn't think about any march going on in New Orleans.  So imagine my face when I walked out of my door to go to the grocery store on Saturday, and I see droves of women marching towards downtown with everything from p$%^& signs to pink hair.  I put my grocery store appointment on the back burner and started following the crowd for a second.  It was mesmerizing. 

Photo Credit: The New Orleans Advocate. Retrieved 01/22/17. http://www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/news/politics/article_a7c5b7a4-e040-11e6-aefa-bf1c2ceb3854.html

To see that many women (men and children) come together for human rights made my soul smile.  On yesterday, my skin color didn't matter, my socioeconomic status wasn't a factor, no one cared about my religion or spiritual practices, nor did anyone ask my political affiliation.  It was all about what was right and fair for humans.  

Photo Credit. Bestofneworleans.com. Retrieved 1/22/17. http://www.bestofneworleans.com/gambit/womens-march-new-orleans-and-march-for-revolution/Slideshow/3096069/3096100

Being that I was on my way to the grocery store, I didn't have my camera.  However, I found a few pictures online for your viewing pleasure.  See below.       

Photo Credit: Bestofneworleans.com. Retrieved 01/22/17. http://www.bestofneworleans.com/gambit/womens-march-new-orleans-and-march-for-revolution/Slideshow/3096069/3096076

Photo Credit: The New Orleans Advocate. Retrieved 01/22/17. http://www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/news/article_b6a63598-e002-11e6-9066-575bd82cb3da.html

The sign above was super funny to me lol! 

Photo Credit: Bestofneworleans.com. Retrieved 01/22/17. http://www.bestofneworleans.com/gambit/womens-march-new-orleans-and-march-for-revolution/Slideshow/3096069/3096081

Photo Credit: Nola.com. Retrieved 01/22/17. http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/01/new_orleans_politicians_trump.html

Photo Credit: Bestofneworleans.com. Retrieved 01/22/17. http://www.bestofneworleans.com/gambit/womens-march-new-orleans-and-march-for-revolution/Slideshow/3096069/3096076

Photo Credit: Bestofneworleans.com. Retrieved 01/22/17. http://www.bestofneworleans.com/gambit/womens-march-new-orleans-and-march-for-revolution/Slideshow/3096069/3096093

I'm proud of women.  I'm proud of the human race.  Times like this show the world how we can come together and make a huge impact.  Fish Plate (my friend) mentioned that he can't wait to see what happens these next four years.  He stated that hard times bring courage and creativity out of our people.  We show the world what we are made of when we are faced with adversity.  Pressure makes diamonds.

Get Your Minds Right....

- A Stylish Feminist

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

Write it Down - How I Reach My Goals

You want to know how I accomplished this blog, moved to New Orleans, wrote for other publications, started a business, etc.?  I wrote it all down on paper.

“Write it down on real paper with a real pencil. And watch shit get real.”

— Erykah Badu

My people, there is power in the pen.  I've not only read a few books that attest to this fact, I've also tried it....and it works.  There's something about reading or writing that triggers your subconscious brain.  When you write your goals down and read them over and over, your subconscious brain begins to think about these goals more actively - which in turn causes you to begin working towards them.  Writing your goals down makes them become clear and tangible.  It gives you a clear picture of what you want, it will push you to take action, and it will allow you to see your progress. 

“You are 42% more likely to achieve your goals just by writing them down. ”

— Dr. Gail Matthews

I write down whatever I want whether it's big or small.  I place my list of goals in a notebook that I carry with me 90% of the time or on a computer or mirror so that I can continuously see them.  I constantly refer back to my list of goals to make sure I'm on track or to revise them, and then I execute a plan to accomplish them.  I even write down clothing items that I want to buy!  And you best believe most of them eventually end up in my closet! LOL

“People with clear, written goals, accomplish far more in a shorter period of time than people without them could ever imagine.”

— Brian Tracy

I challenge all of you to get a piece of paper out and write your goals down.  No matter if they are big or small, weird or funny - write them down, believe that you can accomplish them, read them over and over, and work towards them.  The goals you write down won't be accomplished over night, but I bet you sooner or later you'll see yourself getting closer and closer to what you've written down if you take action.  

So what are you waiting for?  Go ahead - write your life. 

P.S. - Real quick, let me express how proud I am of our President - Barack Obama.  He did an outstanding job.  I am blessed to have witnessed his tenure.  I am so thankful that my niece and nephews got to witness him as the leader of our nation.  I'm grateful that my 89 year-old grandfather got the chance to vote for him right before he passed away.  I'm ecstatic that my 92 year-old grandmother got to see him serve two terms.  I salute President Obama and his beautiful family.  They maintained their integrity, kept it classy, and loving when half of the world wanted them to fail.  They gave 200% to this nation, and made some monumental changes.  President Obama will go down as the smoothest, most debonair, most loving, most fairest President ever!!!!  He's so bomb!  I mean come on...will there ever be another President who knows all of the words to Bell Biv Devoe's song Poison?? 

No matter who lives in that White House from here on out, I will forever be singing Jeezy's song "My President is Black!" 

Farewell Obama!!! Salute!

- 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

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