Drape Front Blazer + Fringe Sandals

True story: I started my junior high career at a new school where a boy would torment me daily. I knew right when I got off the bus he would be there waiting to make fun of me. His insults were always the same – are you Hindu? Does your dad have a 7-11? Things to that effect. It got to the point where I dreaded going to school. Then one day I had a strange burst of courage – when he asked me if I was Hindu (I don’t know why he thought that was an insult to begin with) I responded with – I’m Muslim – you know like Muhammad Ali?!? That shut him up really quick. All guys knew Muhammad Ali – and no one could deny his greatness as an athlete. After that day he left me alone, and I felt like a champion.

Muhammad Ali inspired the world, being the greatest fighter of our time. But even more important to me, he helped me to be proud of who I am as a Muslim American. Part of that has influenced my stance on social justice, and it is why I have always felt it is important to stand up for what I believe in even if it against popular opinion. If Muhammad Ali could refuse to fight in a war that he did not believe in, a war that was later proved to be a huge stain in American history, then I too could stand up for my own beliefs.

For Muslims around the world, today marks the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, and as anyone who fasts knows, it isn’t the physical not eating part that is the most difficult, because your body and metabolism will adjust pretty quickly, but actually the hardest part is controlling your mind to change your habits. Once you realize you can go without eating, drinking, smoking, or even swearing or speaking harshly (which are all things that you are supposed to abstain from), you are left feeling both confident and empowered. I always feel a greater sense of appreciation for life and the things I normally take for granted. So to everyone who is fasting this month, best wishes for a beautiful and enlightening Ramadan!

And remember to: “Live everyday like it is your last because someday you are going to be right.”  – Muahammad Ali

dstld-denim-fringe-sandals drape-front-jacket-white-dstld-denim-fringe-sandals nordstrom-blazer-white-jeans-fringe-sandals fringe-sandals-steve-maddenDrape front blazer: Nordstrom (sold out) but here is a Similar Style  and a Similar Sleeveless Style | Denim: Thanks to Dstld (DIY’d hem) | Sandals: Steve Madden (available in a few sizes here) and here is a Similar Style and another Similar flat style that I LOVE | Tank: H&M Conscious Collection | Bracelet: Thanks to Folli Follie | Sunnies: Prada via Ditto.com (You can get your free trial of Ditto with my code LOVEZAHRA) Bag: Chanel – Similar Style

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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!