Gingham Trench + Boyfriend Jeans

I absolutely love being fancy. Traveling to exotic locales, tasting fine foods, wearing designer duds, its all my jam. It’s probably due to the fact that I was the fourth out of five children raised in a middle class home, where most of my material things were either hand-me-downs or bargain finds, so I’ve learned to really appreciate the things I couldn’t have.  (Oddly though, when it came to our South Asian clothing, or trips to Pakistan, we seemed to spare no expense – so I guess it was just a matter of Asian parent priorities.)

This past trip to New York filled my soul with all of my luxury dreams. From the fashion shows I attended, to the restaurants and bars we went to, everywhere I went was just so fabulous. One bar I will just call the ‘hipster bar’ where we danced and befriended pretty much everyone, I think something just clicked in me and I was over it. The music, the vibe, everything was just too ‘cool’ for me. You’ve heard of Netflix and chill, I just wanted to hear some Drake and chill. Side note: I even asked the dj to play some Drake and he didn’t oblige.

So maybe I’m actually not fancy at all – or my fancy-ness is all just relative.  If that’s the case I will whole-heartedly accept that. There’s nothing wrong with being just a little mainstream or even just a little basic – in fact, I’d argue to say that it is much cooler to be true to you, and own your basic-ness, whether that is wearing the bag that everyone and their mom has because you absolutely love it, or sticking to skinny jeans when the whole world is wearing mom jeans. Anything else, in my opinion, is trying too hard and that will ultimately leave you unhappy.

Today’s outfit post is from my visit to Laduree in Soho, where I met a good friend for lunch and of course to indulge in a few macarons. The Interior Designer in me was so excited because the decor in that place is just stunning, elegant, and so French. I imagined redoing my own closet inspired by  some of the luxe fabrics, and animal printed carpeting. Then i thought to myself, oh you fancy huh? (In my Drake voice) Then I answered myself, yes. Maybe I am.
lauderee

lauderee-soho

gingham-jacketTrench: Nordstrom | Jeans: Levis | Boots: Sam Edelman (on sale extra 30% off!) | Bag: Chloe  | Top: Bailey 44

Follow Me! @zahra_sandberg

Instagram

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!