Love Zahra + Ma Belle Avenue

I recently discovered the newly opened boutique in Hinsdale, called Ma Belle Avenue, and I was so impressed with the store. It is tucked upstairs with a nondescript storefront (they haven’t yet put up the official sign) but the place is full of uniquely wonderful pieces, from clothing to jewelry and hats, as well as kids clothes. There are even home goods like specialty candles. So when I had the opportunity to partner with the boutique, I jumped at the chance, especially because I get to include Adam in my shoot. Side note: we almost couldn’t make it happen because we had a temper tantrum right before the shoot, but with the help of a little bribery to play video games later, he managed to pull it together, and he did a great job in the end I think!

The clothes at Ma Belle Avenue are all designed and manufactured in Lithuania, and once you see it you can immediately notice the high quality of the fabrics and the originality of the designs. If you want something that nobody else is wearing, you will find it there. Even for basics, like this long sleeved tee I’m wearing, which is super soft, there are special details like the buttons down the back and on the neckline. There are also a lot of dresses that would be perfect to wear to work or a semi-formal event like a wedding, and there is a nice selection of knits, this one long cardigan sweater is actually on my list right now.

You can visit Ma Belle Avenue at 50 S Washington Street, Hinsdale (second floor). Also see more of their current inventory on their facebook page.  Happy shopping!

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A peek inside the store:

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A few outtakes:

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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!