From Zahra

Lulus + ShopLately + Blogger Holiday

While the boys are away, the girls will…shop! The holidays are my favorite time of year to shop, even if it means wading through huge crowds and waiting in long lines to check out. I especially love the beautiful festive decor, the music, and the scent of pine and spice candles in the air. There is something just so magical about shopping in Chicago this time of year.

Last weekend, I joined some of my favorite Chicago bloggers for a day filled with holiday cheer. We decided to dress in our holiday best, all of us are featuring pieces from retailers Shoplately and Lulus.  We visited the 900 N. Michigan shops, where we first stopped to admire the decked out Christmas tree that towers multiple stories. Between trips to our favorite stores, we sipped cappuccinos and had some much needed girl talk. We ended the day by taking a short walk outside for cupcakes from the Sprinkles cupcake vending machine – because why should you go inside the bakery when you don’t have to?

Scroll down for a glimpse in to our day!

Photos by: Gia Skyler Photography

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My look: Skirt Thanks to: Shoplately | Top Thanks to: Lulus  | Scarf: Givenchy | Heels: Christian Louboutin | Necklace: Banana Republic| Bracelet: J.Crew (30% off with code: GiveThis) | Bag: Kate Spade

Get details on everyone’s looks by checking out their blogs!

L-R  Johanna of 101 Things I Love, Lisa of Stilettos and Diaper Bags, Kaitlyn of Sisters Marie, Alison of Sassy Moms In The City, April of Knocked Up Fabulous, Leyla of Second City Mom 

About the retailers:

Lulu’s is an online retailer known for a unique curated selection sourced from all over the world. They have super stylish clothes at a really great price point.

You can quickly view all of our ShopLately pieces here: ShopLately is an online marketplace where they showcase a variety of designers and brands. Every Monday they have new arrivals and every Wednesday is a sale. They also have an insider program for $9 a year, and you will get free shipping on everything!

Follow Me! @zahra_sandberg

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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!