From Zahra

Make it Rain & A Giveaway!

As a native Californian, it took me a while to learn how to comfortably live in the cold climates that I relocated to in my adult life. Where I grew up, 40 degrees would probably be the coldest winter day for us.  The obvious trick to staying warm and comfortable, even when it is 20 below, is to layer, layer, layer! Which is great because I love creating looks where I layer different colors and prints together, I think it is an art form- but easy to learn how to do. I’ll do a post one day about how the color wheel changed my perspective on everything fashion and interior design related- once I understood the basics, it was really like a lightbulb went off in my head!

Also remember that not all wool or cashmere is created equal. Investing in great quality sweaters and cardigans is key. I have some wool sweaters from Banana Republic and J.Crew that I bought when I first started working, and they still look great! I’ve now grown to love enjoying every season, even the dreariest winter days. After the snowstorm is some great snowmobile weather, after all!

About the look – I think of gingham and plaid as a neutral when it comes to pairing with other prints. Like this one below, even though it is bright I like how it contrasts with the cardigan and the tights. I’d wear this same look with skinny jeans. Wellies are a definite must have for fall/winter in my opinion. Another big plus for the Wellies is you save your heels from wear and tear while you drive – so necessary.

I guess I was subconsciously thinking of the movie Magic Mike when coming up with a blog post title – hehe. I have yet to see it despite the horrible reviews, and it recently became available on demand and is constantly being promoted. I just think it will be one of those ‘so bad that it’s good’ movies like Fast and the Furious II or John Tucker Must Die. Bad movies are definitely one of my guilty pleasures!
Jacket Club Monaco (old) similar in an olive hue and similar on sale at Old Navy/Skirt Ann Taylor (last seen here and on sale now!) Tights Target/ Shirt J.crew (old) similar and similar/Cardigan via Marshalls similar/Boots Hunter/Jewelry Necklace J.crew (old), Bracelets Target (on clearance!), Watch Michael Kors
Also, just a heads up – Nordstrom is having it’s half-yearly sale for women and kids starting November 1st! Double-points for Nordstrom rewards members too. Have fun shopping!

Last but not least, I am giving away my precious ticket for the Gilt Warehouse Sale in Chicago! I unfortunately can’t attend because I forgot it was Eid (Muslim religious holiday), so I thought I should share the love with you instead!
All you have to do is like my facebook page, follow me on GFC and/or Bloglovin’, and leave comment below! If you’ve already done everything, thanks! Much appreciated! The ticket is an e-ticket that you would need to print, so if you win I will contact you and send you the ticket! I will announce the winner by Thursday, October 25th at 5:00 p.m. Central!

Here is the link for some details – hope you win!

http://www.giltcity.com/chicago/chicagowarehouse2012

Thanks for visiting and have a great day!

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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!