Jazz Festing

In case ya'll didn't know, I am a festival freak!  I will go to any and every festival if there is food, awesome energy, and good music.  This past weekend I attended the Jazz Festival in New Orleans.  I got to see Usher featuring The Roots perform live.  It was wonderful to say the least.  I was in awe the entire time! 

For this festival I chose to wear a swimsuit, a swimsuit cover up, and some combat boots.  I wanted to keep it simple, yet free.  Check out my outfit below. 

For festivals, the style rule is to always make sure you are comfortable.  You will be doing a lot of moving around so your outfit should accommodate your surroundings.  My go-to outfits for festivals are as follows:

• Short dresses and combat boots
• cut off shorts, crop tops/bodysuits
• Rompers/combat boots 

I rock my combat boots or tennis shoes to festivals because I don't like my feet to get dirty or touch the ground.  Filthy feet are definitely illegal in my book!

I hope you all enjoy this wonderful week that is ahead of us.  I'm looking forward to a productive week and another weekend full of festivals, music, food and fun!  Talk to you all soon!

Happy Jazz Fest!!

- Samjah Iman

The World is Mine

Yup, you guessed it, I painted the words on this jacket too.  I may need to have an intervention real soon before I begin painting on every piece of clothing I have.  It's just that fun and addictive!  With this outfit, I kept it real 1990s-like and threw on a tennis skirt I got from American Apparel some time ago (similar here).  My shoes are some old Nike Dunks I had laying around (available here), and my cute little camera phone case came from a flea market in LA (similar one here).     

On another note, I was grooving to some Erykah Badu jams the other night and a line in her song, Certainly, hit me.  In the song she sings, "The world is mine when I wake up.  I don't need nobody telling me the time."  I've sang this song so many times but never really paid too much attention to that line.  However, when I sang it this time, I was like yessssss Erykah!    

I'm not sure what Erykah was thinking when she spat this line out, but when I heard it this particular time I immediately thought, "this universe CAN and WILL respond to my vibrations because that is how God designed it."  We don't have to wait for anyone to give us permission to be great.  The power of God is within us, therefore greatness is also within us. We can make anything happen in our favor.  All we have to do is believe and act on it.  

With that being said, believe and act on your greatness today and everyday.  The world is yours. 

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

Photo Credit: twoclipz@gmail.com

Sliding...

When I was first introduced to the slipper/slide trend, I was like "no thanks."  I couldn't see myself wearing some plain slides and feeling stylish.  I like athletic slides and the furry ones are even cute, but to me they were just shoes I would throw on to complete a casual look.  Then one day the mailman left a box on my porch that I wasn't expecting.  After opening the box and seeing the cutest slides staring back at me - my opinion changed. 

I am really feeling my Pearl Slides from Intuition - like really really.  Since receiving them, I have paired them with a couple of simple outfits like jeans and a tee or shorts and a bodysuit, and they added flair to both looks.  One day I put them on to go eat crawfish, and it began raining before I left the house.  I instantly frowned when I realized my slides would not be suitable in rainy weather.  The fact that my mood slightly changed for a second when I discovered I couldn't wear my pearl slides shows you how much I am digging them.  I have found my comfortable, go-to shoes for spring.   

On another note, it's Friday everyone!  We did the best we could with what we were dealt this past week.  Now it's time to kick back and enjoy the fruits of our labor.  Let's all do something, at least one thing, that makes us smile this weekend.  It's good for our soul.

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman 

Outfit Details: Velvet Bodysuit // Pearl Slides // Shorts (old, American Apparel - no longer available)

Photo Credit: twoclipz@gmail.com

Organic Mask + Courage

Selah Organic Skin Care

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. ”

— Unkown

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

Photo Credit: kwesi.co

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! 

Outfit Details:

Jumper // Shoes // Sunglasses (available in stores at Urban Outfitters // Vintage Red Bag (seen on Instagram, @Shopvintagebowtique)

- Samjah Iman

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.”

— Lil' Kim, Queen B@$#H

- 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.”

— Jay Z

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