Chicago Shoe Market

If you follow me on instagram (@zahra_sandberg) or snapchat (@lovezahra.com) you know that I recently partnered with the Chicago Shoe Market on instagram @chicagoshoemarket for their March 8-9 expo, which showcases over 300 brands and their newest fall shoe ranges. I also did a short talk on the topic of Social Media in Advertising & Marketing – which was a completely new but definitely interesting and fun experience for me. I even had the opportunity to speak to several shoe boutique owners about their current social media strategy and how they can improve upon it.

Retailers at the event get to check out the shoes and accessories in a fun and relaxed environment, with food, cocktails, and entertainment provided.

But let’s talk about the shoes for a second, shall we? I tried to visit all of the brands but there were so many – in two days I still missed a few. Trending for fall is 70’s inspired (think platforms, studded clogs), shoes with cut-outs, and a lot of western influences. There is texture with faux animal skins like python, and also a lot of velvet heavy styles. There were some brands showing their summer lineup, and there are platform espadrilles, lace-up flats, mule slides, and chunky heeled sandals.

If you didn’t get a chance to attend, the next expo is slated for August 23-25th, and you can still register as a retailer, exhibitor, or sponsor. Media is also welcome to join, including bloggers, so you can all get the first look at what is to come next season.

Scroll down for a few snaps from the event. Thanks for visiting as always!

WindyCityShoeTravelersZahraMy outfit: Jeans: Rollas Jeans | Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell | Top: Thanks to Wayf (sold out) here is a similar long-sleeve style that I love | Scarf: Thrifted | Watch: Thanks to Shore projectsWindyCityShoeTravelersAllBlack Fell in love with these shoes by All Black, you can find them at Shoostore.com soon!WindyCityShoeTravelersBootiesThese cutout booties tho! Shoes: Vera Cruz
WindyCityShoeTravelersKeySocks The perfect accompaniment to any shoe – key socks – they don’t show or slip! WindyCityShoeTravelersSupergaYes to Superga hightops in soft velvety fabric!WindyCityShoeTravelersCorsoComoSandals: Corso Como

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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!