In My Element
I'm at a place right now in my life where I am moving towards being who I am truly meant to be, and it feels wonderful. There's nothing like living in your element and not giving a damn about what anyone or society thinks. I have struggled with (and still do sometimes) pleasing people and doing what's expected of me versus what I want to do. I'm getting over that phase in my life because it brings nothing but stress. I will be the Sam I want to be, and if it doesn't fit a certain person's or society's standards then so be it. My new way of living has me feeling so liberated, loved, and empowered - so I wrote it on my dress. Check it out below.
When you are living in your element/truth - everything seems to line up. You will attract the people and opportunities that are supposed to be in your life. You'll be healthier and happier. You'll feel at home in your soul.
So about this dress.....my friend April and I were on the phone one evening discussing clothes that we could make ourselves. I mentioned a dress I saw that had paint on it and cost about $250. I wasn't paying that for the dress so I decided to make my own. April encouraged my creative thoughts as she usually does so I went to Michael's, purchased acrylic paint and boom - my little dress was created.
I hope you all have an amazing week. I also hope you all find your element/truth and live in it.
“COURAGE is being yourself everyday in a world that tells you to be someone else. ”
The Robe
Yup, I wore my robe to the French Quarter Festival in New Orleans this past weekend. A lot of people thought is was a kimono. It's not. It's my robe that I lounge around the house in, and it's cute enough to wear outside the house every now and then. Check it out.
A dot manicure inspired by Sonique Saturday - a cool LA blogger
I paired my house robe (lol) with a unitard, my All Star tennis and my choker from Intuition. I wanted to be as comfy as possible at this festival. I had a lot of moving around and eating to do, therefore my outfit had to be accommodating.
On another note, I've been really heavy into saying "yes" to myself these past few days. It feels soooo good! Why haven't I been doing this all along?? I had a talk with my home girl this past weekend about how short life is and how trivial stuff shouldn't even matter when our days are numbered. It reminded me that I needed to treat myself as good as possible and also do my best to enjoy life.
I'm only up to bat once, why not knock it out the park - or at least go down trying.
Live!!!
- Samjah Iman
Picture credit: Kineatra @ naturallynex.com
The Pink Clutch
First of all, this entire outfit I have on (shorts and shirt) was about $30 total from American Apparel. They are going out of business, and if there's a store near you then I suggest you go and rack up on basics. Everything in the store is half off!
I paired this cool Pink Clutch with my simple outfit for a little spark. Fun pieces like this can bring any outfit to life. If you don't have any pop clutches, get one. They are spontaneous and flexible in terms of styling.
I hope everyone enjoyed their week and did at least one thing for themselves. I took a bike ride in the French Quarter the other day and listened to a man play the saxophone. It was mesmerizing. I needed that me-time. It made me realize that I have to get back to doing my me-time more often. I need to learn how to say "no" more to people and "yes" more to me. I am the one that has to live with myself, so why not make me happy - right? And when I'm happy, the people in my circle will benefit.
Have an awesome weekend everyone. Put yourself first a few times this weekend and watch how good it feels.
Peace and blessings,
- Samjah Iman
Photo Credit: majstudios@yahoo.com
From NOLA to LA: Cocktails with Claire x Ty Hunter LA
When I wrote down my goals for 2017, I specifically wrote that I wanted to write for a prominent fashion publication. Well, to make a long story short and a short story medium - it happened. I am now a fashion contributor for Fashion Bomb Daily!! I am so honored to work with the #1 multicultural online fashion magazine. It's really grind time now!
This past Saturday, Fashion Bomb Daily (FBD) hosted a jazzy event called Cocktails with Claire x Ty Hunter in Los Angeles (Claire is the founder and Editor-in-chief of FBD, and Ty Hunter is the Creative Director of FBD and a well-known stylist in the industry). I, along with other staff members, attended this event, and it was fascinating to say the least.
I met so many creative souls. I mixed and mingled with some ambitious people, and it felt good to be around like-minded individuals. I learned a lot this weekend about the fashion industry and myself. I learned that no matter what everyone else is doing, I should continue to run my own race and be myself. Individuality and being true to who you are is dope. I cannot stress this enough. When you are truly who you are meant to be, you will attract good energy and genuine people.
Check out the short video I put together of my weekend (it will start after the 6 sec mark). Hope you all enjoy!
The Victorian Blouse
It's no secret that I want mostly all vintage clothes in my closet. I can't get enough of them! I got this vintage blouse from @Shopvintagebowtique (Instagram) for about $20. It reminded me of fashion from the 19th century. I had to have it! My rose clutch from Intuition resembles a vintage piece as well so I made it my main accessory for this ensemble.
I hope you all are having an awesome, productive week thus far. Let's all do what we can to keep the week positive and not let anyone or anything interrupt that positivity. No person or thing deserves that kind of power over our feelings anyway.
Until next time...
Peace and Blessings!
- Samjah Iman
Photo Credit: majstudios@yahoo.com
A 70's Look + A Message to Life
Hey my people! I'm back with a 70's inspired look that is perfect for your spring wardrobe. Check it out below!
I've been away from the blog for a few days, but I'm back and ready to style and talk. These last two weeks have been kind of hectic, and life is currently trying to see what I am made of. It's trying to figure out if I will fight or run, stress or stride, sit down or stand up. Well...life must not know 'bout me. Because my boxing gloves stay ready, my heels were made for walking (some of them lol), and I got too much to do therefore sitting down is not an option. I got something up my sleeve for life. Do you?
Peace and Blessings,
- Miss Warrior
Outfit Details: H&M Blouse (in stores) // H&M Flare Jeans (one pair left here) // Vintage Purse (Shopvintagebowtique - Instagram) // Shoes (Aldo - sold out).
Photo Credit: twoclipz@gmail.com
Get Like Oprah...
I woke up yesterday morning and looked at the clock which read 5:00 a.m. I instantly got an attitude because I had just looked at the same clock 30 minutes ago and it said 1:30 a.m. I don't know if it was daylight savings or someone stealing time but 5:00 a.m. came too soon, and on this day I wasn't having it. So I turned on my back, looked at the ceiling and declared that I wasn't doing any work that day. I was staying in the bed until about 12:15 p.m., and then I would binge watch all the shows I've missed.
Content with my spontaneous decision, I turned on my radio to get a little news and laughter from the Tom Joyner Morning Show. When I turned the radio on, Tom was interviewing Oprah Winfrey about the season two premier of her television series Greenleaf. I was listening to how perky Oprah sounded for an early morning that I was not fond of. Then with her bubbly voice she said, "Tom, I'm out here working like the rent is due!" I laughed along with Tom and the crew. Then I abruptly stopped laughing. All of a sudden I felt like that joke was on me. "Hold on, I can't afford to be laughing at/with Oprah," I thought. "If she is out here grinding like her rent is due, then who am I to be chilling in this bed like my rent isn't?"
I then got out the bed, got my mind right, and hit the ground running that morning. I was reminded that hard work doesn't stop for those who want to reach certain heights. You get back what you put out. And if OPRAH is still putting out tons of effort, then I have no excuse.
I know we all get tired at times (and we should take a break every so often), but if we keep going during those difficult times then we will only build endurance. So the next time we feel like stopping, let's remember - Oprah is still out here working like her rent is due and it probably isn't.....but most of ours really is. Let's get like Oprah.
Peace and Hustle,
- Lil Oprah
Clueless Dress
I was and still am a huge fan of the 90's blockbuster, Clueless. When it first came out, I watched it over and over because it was hilarious (it's even more funny now that I'm older), and the fashion in the movie was super stylish to me. Along with the flick Pretty Woman, Clueless goes down in my book as one of the best fashion movies of that era. When I saw the dress I have on in the pictures in H&M, I was immediately reminded of the movie Clueless so I snatched it up.
I used to have several dresses like this. My friend April and I used to get them from the store in the mall called Rave. They were about $9.99 then, and boy did they come in handy! I wore my first dress like this one to an Immature concert. I paired the dress with my jelly bean heels and a book bag purse. I just knew I was on! LOL. Man, those were the days!
Have an extraordinary week everyone! Keep it cool and positive.
- Samjah Iman
Outfit Details: Ribbed Jersey Dress // Steve Madden Boots
Photo Credit: majstudios@yahoo.com
For Us...
To all the women who wake up before sunrise and work until night falls
To all the women who carry the world on their shoulders and feel like they are alone
To all the women who've been told they were too skinny or too fat - too dark or too light
To all the women who feel uneducated, stuck, and unworthy
To all the women who look in the mirror and struggle with the person looking back at them
To all the women who make a dollar out of a dime
To all the women who feed the kids, do homework, cook the meals, and still manage to polish their nails
To all the women who cry when no one is looking
To all the women who give everything to an undeserving idiot
To all the women who make this challenging life look so easy
To all the women who aren't valued
To all the women who keep it cute even when shit ain't
THIS DAY and EVERY DAMN DAY IS FOR US!!! SALUTE!!!
Happy Women's Day!!!
- Samjah Iman
H&M Overall Shorts
Remember the movie Boyz in the Hood? Remember the part when they were little kids and Dough Boy stated that he was about to go to the store and his brother Ricky said, "why, you ain't got no money." And Dough Boy simply replied, "I'm going anyway!" This was me talking to myself this past Saturday. I met a friend for breakfast, then after breakfast my free self said, "Girl the day is beautiful and young...go shopping!" My reasonable self said, "You ain't got no money!" My free self said, "I'm going anyway!" As a result, I found these cute overall shorts from H&M...check them out!
I've been looking for some overall shorts and stumbled upon these for a reasonable price at H&M. I paired them with my leather Converse and a Cities Print Denim Tote I purchased from American Apparel.
Hope you all had an awesome weekend! I got the chance to catch the movie Get Out on yesterday - A MUST SEE! It is an incredible movie that forces you to use your brain and think beyond the surface. In a nutshell, it reinforces what we already know about us. Check it out!
Have a crazy good week!
Peace and Blessings,
- Samjah Iman
Photo Credit: majstudios@yahoo.com
Queen B@$#H
I discovered my theme song as a freshman in high school. It was and still is Queen B@$#H by Lil' Kim. My brother purchased the Lil' Kim Queen B@$#H CD (probably for the salacious poster that was included in the CD), and I had a habit of stealing his music. I got hold of the Lil' Kim CD, and my mind was blown. I played that CD every time I jumped in my car. I was amazed at the things she would say and how bold she was. I made a mistake and left the CD playing in my car one day, and on that day my mother decided to drive my car. She started the car, and Lil' Kim came blasting through the speakers screaming obscenities. My mother went berserk. I tried to explain to her that I didn't care to emulate the things she was rapping about, I just admired how bold and confident she was and how she defied the traditional standards that women were held to. That explanation didn't work.
Fast forward to now, and I still play the hell out of my theme song and the entire CD. When I need to get pumped or when I feel like I've conquered something, I turn Queen B@$#H on and passionately rap every line. On this day I shot these pictures, I needed something to get me going. I put my song on while I was getting dressed and walked out the house like "WHAT?!"
I guess you can kinda say that this outfit was inspired by Queen B@$#H. When I turned the song on and started feeling the vibes, this is what I pulled out of my closet.
I got this vintage blazer from @shopvintagebowtique (Instagram boutique). I love it because of the stripes and because of the shoulder pads. I wanted to keep the blazer opened so I had to rock my bra as a top. I threw on my men's Levis jeans to keep the outfit casual, and my Tamar Necklace to add some pizazz to the look.
Have a bomb weekend everyone. If you get discouraged about anything, just put your theme song on and boss up! Happy Women's History Month!
“On a mission for the lucci creno.”
- Samjah Iman
Photo Credit: Majstudios@yahoo.com
Mardi Gras 2017
I never thought in my life that I would drink any alcoholic beverage before 11 a.m. in the morning. However, on Tuesday, I found myself on Basin Street in New Orleans at 9:33 a.m. gulping down Apple Crown Royal. After the first sip of the tasty beverage, the adult side of me questioned my priorities and ability to make sound decisions. Then bounce music came blasting through some nearby speakers, and the adolescent side of me spoke. And it specifically said, "Heffa, it's Mardi Gras....party your a$$ off!" And party I did.
Apparently Mardi Gras in New Orleans is Christmas. It's a cultural tradition that the city takes pride in celebrating. During this time, everyone is floating about the city inebriated and as happy as ever (everyone is actually like this here all year round lol). I have been to a few Mardi Gras events in the city before moving here, but living here and being immersed in the culture is a different story. I was amazed at everything I saw. The best part of Mardi Gras for me was having the wonderful opportunity of spending it with the Uptown Indians. I was able to kick it at their headquarters while they finished sewing and preparing their Indian suits (they begin sewing these suits a year in advance) and then I walked miles with them to their Mardi Gras destination where they met up with the Downtown Indians for an Indian square off. It was incredible. I had a blast! See what my camera caught below.
A young Indian in training.
The Chief and his wife.
I believe I have done enough partying for at least two months. I will now try to hibernate for a bit and get my life back into some sort of order, but it is good to be able to experience new things and let loose every so often. It makes the grind that much more enjoyable.
Have an awesome week everyone! Chat with you soon!
- Samjah Iman
A Shirt to You, A Dress to Me
Okay so this 90's vintage shirt (dress in my opinion) I'm sporting in these photos has been in my closet for years. I felt it was time for her (the shirt/dress) to be seen again so I took it out for a spin. I found it at a thrift boutique, and it was about $12 or so. Thrift shopping is my life right now, and because of this addiction I'm saving money and looking good at the same time! If you feel like you don't have the energy to go thrift shopping on your own (which a lot of people feel this way), no sweat. They have boutiques that will do that for you. Check out www.dotherightvintage.com and @shopvintagebowtique (Instagram boutique). They have the best vintage treasures, and all you have to do is wait for them to find a item you like and purchase it. Simple as that.
On another note - I was listening to a TD Jakes sermon on Saturday morning (just a few hours after partying at Zulu and indulging in tasty libations - judge not), and he was touching on the mental aspect of life. He was saying that you have to constantly feed yourself positive affirmations, and that you can't lose your head and let your emotions control your decisions or thought process when life happens. This is something that I try to preach and practice often. I do fall off at times because life does get hard. However, I'm actively learning each and everyday that the more beautiful words I speak and the more positive things I believe, the more peace I have. It's not about getting every blessing I've prayed for, it's about making the most out of everything I have already been blessed with and being confident that I will get all the things I need and more in due time.
Keep your head to the sky my people. It's all good.
- Samjah Iman
Photo Credit: Majstudios@yahoo.com
Mardi Gras Zulu Ball 2017
This is my third time attending the Mardi Gras Zulu Ball in New Orleans. The first time I attended the ball, I learned a valuable lesson which was 'spend the least amount of money as possible on a dress.' For the first ball, I wore an expensive dress. For the second ball, my dress was about $40. And for this ball, I wore a second-hand, 80's vintage dress from my favorite consignment boutique - @shopvintagebowtique (Instagram boutique). I continue to preach that it's not about how expensive an item is, it's about how you wear that item.
Have a beautiful Sunday everyone! Back to Mardi Gras celebrations I go!!
- Samjah Iman
The Bag
Digging this book bag? Yup, I figured you would. I'm definitely loving it. I got it from the Ashé Cultural Center that I visited this past Saturday. One of the hosts of the party had it on, and I politely had him take it off so that I could purchase it (gangster, right? lol). I've been looking for a book bag that I could fit my laptop in, and this colorful beauty is perfect for that and more.
P.S. - I got a lot on my plate these days, so I started hot yoga on Monday to help me detoxify and become centered. For those of you who aren't familiar, hot yoga is practicing yoga in a room where the temperature is set at 105 degrees. Crazy huh? I know...I question my sanity at times too, but my curiosity couldn't keep me from trying it. I'll keep you all posted on how it's going and if it's helping.
Welp, it's back to the grind I go. I'm exhausted, but I had to check in with you guys - and I got to keep going.
“My eyes bloodshot but my jet don’t lag.”
I'll chat with you all soon! Happy Mardi Gras!
- Samjah Iman
Photo Credit: Majstudios@yahoo.com
Black is Beautiful Day Party by Ashé
I'm really feeling very comfortable in New Orleans. It truly feels like this city is where I am supposed to be at this moment. I am satisfied. Each week I experience something new. Something that makes me glad I made the choice to come here. This past weekend the city was hosting All-Star Weekend plus Mardi Gras pregame festivities. Although there was something going on at every hour, I kept it to a minimum and caught Dave Chappelle and Chris Tucker live at the Saengar Theater on Friday night (the funniest show ever!) and attended the Black is Beautiful Day Party at the Ashé Cultural Arts Center on Saturday.
Ashé is a community-based center that uses art and culture to promote human and economic development. This center provides education on African American history and culture, New Orleans history and culture, health and wellness, and the arts. This past Saturday the center hosted a day party which included drinks, live dance and rap performances, a dope deejay who spun hits from artists like Erykah Badu, Solange, and Kendrick Lamar, and African-inspired fashion. Check out some of the fashion below.
I want that suitcase!
I loved EVERYTHING about the top above. I need it!
I thoroughly enjoyed the day party at Ashé. A lot of the clothes featured in the fashion show are available for purchase at the center. Ashé is really a dope place to visit for inspiration, education, and empowerment. I will definitely be attending more events at this center and volunteering there as well in the near future.
For more information on the Ashé Cultural Arts Center, click here.
I hope you all had a great weekend. I hope you rested, spent time with loved ones, and ate good. Now it's back to the grind. Let's get it!
Wishing you the best week ever!
- Samjah Iman
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.”
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.”
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.”
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