Love Zahra + Altai Coats + The Perfect Transitional Piece

Fall has always been my favorite season – not only because of the fashion, nor is it because September’s my birth month – but it’s the concept of renewal and rebirth that excites me. The cooler air is like a wake up call from the lazy summer before it, as the leaves change color and fall, leaving the trees bare. As a kid I loved that Fall brought along the beginning of a new school year and with that the endless possibilities to learn and grow.

I first moved to Bucktown, a neighborhood in Chicago, in the Fall of 2006. I’ve always loved the energy and hustle and bustle of city life as opposed to the laid back vibe I grew up with in California (and currently live with again in the ‘burbs). The neighborhood was and still is cool and edgy, filled with artists lofts, independent coffee shops, and great boutiques .

One such boutique, Altai Coats, is known for their classic designs of hand-made coats using only 100% Australian Wool. Today I’ve teamed up with Altai coats to showcase Fall’s key transitional piece, the lightweight wool jacket, is the comfort equivalent of wearing a fleece sweatsuit. When the temps dipped a few days ago, I wore these coats out and about and did not want to take them off.

 In between a sweater and your most dead-of-winter coat, it is just as easily layered over distressed skinny jeans as a formal dress. The hand-stitched tailoring process makes this the ultimate luxury item and you can see it is made to truly last. As you are looking to add a few cool weather pieces to your wardrobe, do try Altai Coats.

Special offer only for Love Zahra readers: $100 off! (in-store or online)

**Also check out 101 Things I Love blog today – I am featured along with some truly stylish moms talking about staying stylish when life gets hectic (when isn’t it though??) and how to survive motherhood without resorting to yoga pants!**

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Look 1: Coat:  Thanks to: Altai Coats| Jeans: Zara | Bag: Chloe | Heels: Stuart Weitzman – Similar Style | Sunnies: Celine | Jewelry: Thanks to Blake Valentine

Look 2: Thanks to: Altai Coats | Jeans: AG | Bag: Alexander Wang | Booties: Vince Camuto (no longer available)- Similar Style I’m loving| Sunnies: Celine | Jewelry: Thanks to Blake Valentine

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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!