From Zahra

Dressed-up Denim

When I first decided to start blogging, I never realized what it would entail. I technically started this blog in 2010 but never really gave it my all, then I got pregnant and, well you know the rest. So, when I really started blogging a couple of months ago, I didn’t know I’d meet so many awesome creative like-minded people. I never really used to read blogs, but now I look forward to posts from fellow bloggers and I find inspiration from their projects as well. So if you are interested in starting a blog, I suggest you do it! It has really allowed me to express some of the creative energy that has been laying dormant probably since I graduated from college and got my first real j-o-b. I believe you have to go after what you love to do, even if that requires you to do it part-time. Most people don’t have a trust fund and all the time in the world – so just do whatever you can, when you can! 
That said, I am excited to share that my first styling project begins tonight – when we are done, I will post the pictures to see if you agree with my choices! The goal is going to be updating an entire wardrobe for fall/winter. Since it is still practically summer weather now, and we want things that will last through the Chicago winter, that is going to be a challenge, but I am definitely up for it!

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There are some occasions where only denim will do. I like to dress up my denim with jewelry and sparkly shoes. This is a look I’d wear out for a casual dinner or shopping. 
jeans forever 21 (old)/denim shirt H&M/Shoes zara/Bangles Candies/Nacklace Givenchy similar

You may have noticed that I’m taking my pictures out of the backyard for a change. I’m just trying to make things a little more interesting around here! I have a few things I am excited about that are coming up in September: date night this Friday, a wedding in New York, and a wedding in Virginia. I will, of course, be snapping pictures along the way!

By the way, sorry for the constant blog site construction going on lately. I’ve been playing around with fonts and layout and teaching myself everything, and let’s just say there is a bit of a learning curve involved…

Thanks for visiting!

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Last week we took a quick trip to escape the snow for some sunshine in Key Largo, Florida☀️ We spent every moment possible outside, Tom and Adam got their Scuba Diver PADI certification (yay!) while Sophia and I spent our days either swimming or drawing marine life and landscapes. This was my first trip after my sister passed last November, and even though I look so happy here, there were so many moments I felt the grief and sadness, as if it happened just yesterday. I am still figuring out how I want to show up in this space, as I have changed so much as a person since the loss. I just don’t feel called to post some of the things I shared before. Maybe that will change someday, or maybe it will just naturally evolve into something new. I think I will take this year to just process it all. (Even the idea of taking an entire year to think through something is a huge shift for my usually hyperactive type A personality) My focus at the moment is just living in the moment with my family and friends, spending time doing things that make me happy and healthy. I hope to share some of that journey here with you ~ thanks for following along ❤️
I had planned to shoot this outfit in collaboration with @lenacoutureofficial right before my dear sister passed away. Saba, the designer, was more than understanding if I didn’t want to anymore - but after thinking on it for a while I decided I wanted to - in my sister’s honor 💗 She was always my biggest hype woman. When i would feel like I’m not good enough or that I should quit (which was often) she would tell me I was unique and great and to keep it up. When I think of my sister, beauty and love is all that she embodied in her being. She expressed that on the outside also - as she loved to wear everything glam, bright & colorful, and full of bling. Hair done, nails done, everything did - that was Nusrat. For this shoot I took the time to get glam after a long hiatus - and makeup and hair took so long because I think I forgot how to do it, but afterwards I was surprised how I felt transformed. When I wore this gorgeous outfit that I know was designed with such love and incredible attention to detail by @lenacoutureofficial, I felt all of that beauty - like a walking piece of art, and very much at peace. Thank you so much to @divmophoto for capturing the feeling so well 💕
Ski weekend with my favorites ❄️❄️ So proud of Sophia for skiing on her own for the first time!
There are some trees with seeds that only grow after a fire. Their seeds are completely sealed with a resin that have to be physically melted off by a great fire in order to propagate. So to do we as humans, gain wisdom only after great pain and suffering.*
A month ago (and one day) I lost my sister and best friend to cancer. I am still completely gutted and broken. But, I’m also so so grateful to have had felt the love that now brings me so much heartbreak. ❤️ I am so inspired by her - and I will forever live my life to honor her memory. Miss you sis ❤️
Classic outfit combo: oversized blazer + denim 🖤fendi mules @shoeslutz
Just a mom who loves mums 🌸 🪴
Cozy for a coffee date ☕️
French. Toast. Egg. Bake. Save this recipe for a weekend or holiday brunch - it’s SO good and fool-proof! I’m not even a sweet person and I love it. The pecans are a non-negotiable IMO - I get honey bourbon vanilla pecans for this and it is just heavenly. Enjoy!