Trunk Club

A few days ago, I had the opportunity to try out Trunk Club’s newest offering, their women’s styling service. I was already familiar with the company which has a brick and mortar location in Chicago (and also currently in New York, D.C., Los Angeles, and Dallas). Fun fact, years ago I actually interviewed for a job there as a stylist, but since I had a little one, the retail working hours didn’t really fit my schedule so I couldn’t move forward past my preliminary interview. But I left the facility thoroughly impressed with both the company and the people I met with.  I knew it was inevitable they would open a women’s service, since women are just as busy as men, and even more so if you think of all the working moms out there. The trunk service idea is great because it isn’t always feasible to spend an afternoon out shopping, but trying on clothes on your own time in the comfort of your home is totally doable.

If you do go in though, expect a relaxing and fun experience. The cool open loft space in Chicago includes a bar along one wall the size of a city block, where you can order a cool beverage while checking out the pieces your stylist has pulled for you.

I was swamped with both work and mommy duties this week and I didn’t have time to go in to visit with my stylist Elena. So instead, we had a quick phone conversation about my style preference, sizing, and what I was interested in receiving in my first trunk. It was really fun to let someone else pick out things for me, since I am always doing that for myself and others. I told Elena I was really into 70’s inspired styles, classic pieces, and I really wanted to update my accessories with shoes and sunglasses. I was able to preview my trunk online before it was shipped, so that I could remove any items I knew I wouldn’t want. Elena advised me to keep an open mind though, because I may actually like something after trying it on.
trunk-club-boxWhen I received my trunk, I was surprised just how much was packed in it! 17 pieces to be exact, including clothing, shoes, and accessories. I pulled everything out and hung it on my clothing rack in my home office and had a little dress up session.trunk-club-review-clothesThere were some classic pieces like a beautiful silk blouse by Helmut Lang, and a really great leather jacket by Vince which had a really interesting shape when I tried it on. I was also happily surprised by some of the denim pieces Elena packed for me, like Frame denim flare jeans and an oversized denim jacket by Current/Elliott that I wouldn’t have thought I would love so much.trunk-club-women-accessoriesI mentioned I was in the market for a new platform sandal, and the Stuart Weitzman pair were my favorite, though the DVF clog sandal was a really fun pick too. The two sandals pretty much worked with all of the pieces in the trunk, a testament to the skill of my Stylist no doubt.

Here are some of my favorite full looks:
trunk-club trunk-club-outfit trunk-club-women-outfit trunk-club-women-love-zahra After I selected the pieces I wished to keep, I put the rest of the items back in the trunk, attached the return label, and scheduled a UPS pickup from my home. It was a really easy and fun experience overall. The biggest advantage of using this service is really to save time and reduce the stress that is involved with figuring out what to wear. For those who aren’t sartorially inclined themselves, having an expert on hand selecting items for you (free of charge) is invaluable. Even for someone like me who could be considered fashion savvy, it was really cool to see what a professional Stylist would recommend for me.

The price point is on par with what you may find at Nordstrom for labels like Rag & Bone, Vince, and Joie, which makes sense as they are now actually a part of Nordstrom. I didn’t feel any pressure to buy anything, but full disclosure, I did end up buying things I probably wouldn’t have, after trying them on and falling in love. If you are looking to do a complete closet refresh, update your wardrobe seasonally, or just get a perfect outfit for a special event, I’d suggest giving Trunk Club a try. And while you are at it, ask for my girl Elena!

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!