From Zahra

Holiday Style with ShopLately

I always get excited once the temps dip to officially freezing, because to this California girl, it means I get to really enjoy some of my favorite things: spiced coffees, cozy fires, faux fur, cable knits, holiday parties, gift shopping, fancy decorating, and indulgent eating. Of course we had winter in California and people still had holiday parties, but there is something completely special about being in a festive decorated home, sipping something hot, with a roaring fire on when it is bone-chilling cold outside. As much as people like to complain about Chicago weather, I think a lot of people secretly love to hate it. Read more about how I like to celebrate the holiday season here.

Today I’ve teamed up with ShopLately, along with some of my favorite fashion bloggers – to present a little fashion inspiration for the season! We are all wearing pieces from ShopLately, styling them for any type of holiday soiree you may be attending. As you can see here, holiday style does not mean you can only wear red or green and head-to-toe sequins. Each of us put our own personal spin on the styles we chose, and I just love how each look is so unique!

ShopLately is a marketplace where a variety of designers and brands are showcased. Every Monday you will find new arrivals, and every Wednesday you will find a sale event. They also have an “insider program” for $9.00/year to get free shipping on all items! Here is a link to where you can sign up: https://shoplately.com/insider

To check out any of the other looks close-up, go visit these other blogs!

Below L-R Lisa of Stilettos and Diaper Bags, Me, Stephanie of The Naked Canvas, Peggy of Hallways are my Runways, Johanna of 101 Things I Love, Tabitha of Defining Tabitha, and Kaitlyn of Sisters Marie.

 

Photo Credit: http://cleodinephotography.com Holiday_ShoplatelyBlog_Holiday_ShopLatelyHoliday_Blogger_ShopLately

Blog_Holiday Blogger_HolidayShoplately_bloggersShoplately_Dress_All_Saints_JacketGivenchy_Bag_Leopard_BootsShoplately_Dress_Gilt_BootsMy look: Dress: ShopLately | Sweater: J.Crew |Belt: H&M | Jacket: All Saints – Similar Style (under $100) | Boots: Gilt | Bag: Givenchy  | Bracelets: Ann Taylor, Lia Sophia | Rings: David Yurman, Vince Camuto |

More about my look: I chose this cute leopard dress, (only $40!) which is a great piece to have, holiday or not, because it can be worn year-round with pretty much anything (over jeans, under a pencil skirt, with a cardigan, all by itself, etc.) I layered it here with my go-to cable knit sweater because I love the contrast of both the fabric textures and colors. To keep the look festive and not too casual, I belted the sweater – which is a trick I use a lot to define my waist in clothes. I have more of a pear-shape so if I wear a loose sweater and skirt I can look a little frumpy. Last I added the cropped leather jacket – it is super warm and I like how the cropped fit still shows off some of my sweater. Kaitlyn and I both had the same idea with these gorgeous tall boots by Ava & Aiden (on sale for $149!) which are part of the exclusive collection for Gilt.com.

TGIF! Have a great weekend ~

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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!