Black

Today’s post is difficult to write, and I considered not posting at all actually. But I figure since this is a personal style blog, it is okay to get a little personal once in a while. Also, a long time ago I agreed to post this collaboration with Lulu’s for their Memorial Day sale, and I am not one to go back on my word, so here it is.

I attended my grandmother’s funeral today, and it was as hard as you could imagine it would be for anyone to bury a dear loved one. But the event wasn’t just about the tears and the sadness we all felt losing our beloved, but instead it soon became more about the great woman that she was and celebrating her life.

Attending the funeral was all of her ten children, and dozens (I’m too tired to actually count) of grandchildren, and even a great grandchild, my Adam. There was a huge outpouring of community members, many of whom I hadn’t seen since I was a child. After the service, we went back to the house and spent time praying and drinking tea and sharing stories about our sweet granny. Adam was charming all of the ladies with his cheeky wit and big smile, and actually getting people to laugh for the first time in the entire day.

My all time favorite memory of my grandmother is from when I was in 8th grade, when I had to interview my grandfather for a school project about our family history. I started asking him questions about her, like how did they meet, what did he like about her, and for the first time, I saw my grandpa blush and actually get a little nervous and shy! They really were the love of each other’s lives, and now I am so happy that they will be reunited at long last.  Rest in peace Naniama.

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Patricia-nash-carraraLulu-shirt-dress-sole-society-sura-sandals Lulus-shirt-dressShirtdress worn as top: Thanks to Lulu’s | Jeans: AG Jeans – Similar Style  | Shoes: Thanks to Sole Society | Fringe Bag: Thanks to Patricia Nash Designs  | Necklace: ‘Mom’ Pendant thanks to Helen Ficalora | Watch: Michele

 
LuLu*s is offering up to 50% off of dresses, skirts, tops, rompers and more. Check out the AMAZING selection here. Items will be marked down. The sale begins on Friday, May 22nd at Midnight, PST, and continues through Sunday, May 24th.

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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!