Introduce yourself!
I: Peace! My name is Imani Amos, aka Mookie and I live in Chicago, Illinois. I’m an art school student, a graphic designer, a fake photographer, a freelance model, an HGTV enthusiast, a singer, a West African dancer, a teacher, a good friend, a goofball, a creative, and a french fry, plantain, and taco lover. Quick and to the point! Boom!
What is your style philosophy?
I: Style philosophy? Wear whateva the heck you want! lol. I guess also be comfy, cute, and approachable. I never have the intention of standing out, but I also wear pieces that make me feel good, which ultimately makes one stand out amongst this crazy world of copycats. And when I say approachable, I mean I want to look put together, but stylish enough where anyone would feel comfortable coming up to me and giving me a compliment, or asking me where I got something from. I hate when girls are super stylish, but they have “Get the heck away from me. I’m too fancy for you.” plastered across their forehead, lol. Also, I want to look stylish, but for super cheap. Shopping in thrift stores makes you double take on ALL regular retail prices: gift and a curse.
How would you describe your sense of style?
I: I would describe my style as a mix of my surroundings, influences, and feelings. That’s probably cliché to say but it’s true. I grew up in an African centered community, went to school on the West Side of Chicago in the hood, lived 6 years in St. Louis, grew up with a family in showbiz, and have also traveled. All of these things, plus the internet and many other things of course, have helped to mold and influence my sense of style. Also being an artist allows me to translate the smallest things into broader ideas. I get inspired by the colors on a wall I pass, or the hairstyle that one of my students is wearing…the smallest things. It’s the weirdest thing, being an artist 🙂
What is the process of deciding what to wear in the morning?
I: Well first I consider what I have to do for the day. Because I don’t have the best shoe selection in my opinion, I usually start from the shoes up. Also, since I live in Chicago, I have to go outside at least two times before ultimately deciding what I’m going to wear. I get cold easily, so dressing appropriately is so important. Thank goodness I have a car to cart around layers lol. If I have time I enjoy making full outfits and playing different characters: sophisticated chic lady, tomboy, African queen. However usually I don’t, so I start with a piece and build from there. I live with my mom so if she’s there I always check with her to see if she likes it and she never fails to give me the compliment that I need! Yes for great mommies lol!
What are the three favorite things in your closet?
I: Hmmmm, that’s a tough one. I think my three favorite things would be a set of three gold bracelets that I never take off, my Bulls Starter Jacket, and my camel colored leather bomber jacket. All three of these things were my Aunt Bootsie’s, who passed away a few years ago. They are so special to me and I wear them often so I feel as though she’s with me all the time. It’s also a constant reminder of how classic style is transcendent. I’m definitely going to pass these things on to my kids.
What are some of your favorite shops/websites for clothes, shoes and accessories?
I: The thrift store of course, my own online store shopani.bigcartel.com, H&M, solestruck.com, fattigerworkshop.com/brands, and I love shopping at festivals. I also have a lot of friends who are designers, so wearing their brand is VERY important to me. I honestly just luck up on a lot of the clothes I have, and I shop in my friends’ closets frequently lol.
How long have you been natural?
I: I can’t wait until the day that this question doesn’t have to be asked lol. I’ve been natural all my life. My mom never gave me a perm, so this question is always so interesting to me. It’ll be a great day when the majority of kids will be natural!
What is your signature hairstyle?
I: Since my hair is growing out of the short cut I got at the beginning of 2013, I’ll usually have it pinned in a style that will mimic the same tapered look or a mohawk. My hair is currently at that awkward length stage. I’m trying to decide whether I want to cut it again, or let it grow back out. I’ve also been on this protective style kick lately. I fell in love with crocheting in Marley Braid Hair, although my standard protective style since high school has always been kinky twists…all different sizes and lengths. Twists have been holding me down since ‘05. I’m a quick hairstyle kind of gal though, so the only style that I do to my hair is the basic twist out.
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
I: I don’t really fuss over hair. I’m not really a girly girl per se, so I’ve never ever stuck to a regimen. I’m that girl who has to force herself to use a scarf, if I use it, and owns a satin pillowcase, but it’s been on my pillow maybe once in my life. Because my hair is somewhat short, I do wash or co-wash often because it’s easy to do. I try to be delicate with it, only use wide tooth combs, and try not to manipulate it or put tension on it a lot. As far as products I kind of use whatever is laying around the house. My cousin has a CurlBox membership, so I steal her stuff. And my mom has locs, so I steal her stuff. This answer is not very helpful lol. I DO swear by Bobby Pins and Eco Styler Gel, but that’s probably not the best advice to give someone. My hair looooves water and coconut oil, and I use BB Tropical Roots Twist Cream, Suave Professionals Almond and Shea Butter Conditioner, and Organic Root Stimulator’s Curls Unleashed and Hair Repair Line. That’s all I got. I’m kinda lazy when it comes to hair O_o
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
I: Yes, yes! I’m all over the interwebs. I’m MOST active on my Instagram: www.instagram.com/thefamousiamos (Check out my latest ColorFULL series). Below are all of my other handles:
Model Port: www.wix.com/imaninamos/model
Facebook: www.facebook.com/inamos
Tumblr: www.thefamousiamos.tumblr.com
www.colorfullrejects.tumblr.com
www.iamosphotos.tumblr.com
Twitter: @thefamousiamos
