From Zahra

Blue Meets Blue + Love Zahra

This past weekend Tom was out of town and it was just Adam and I, and we spent the weekend getting ready for our new arrival. We did a bit of organizing, decorating, and even laying in bed imagining how our lives are going to change in a few weeks. Adam was curious just how long it was going to be before the new baby would be able to play video games with him, and he promised to teach her all the tricks he has learned.

Thats when it hit me hardest – side note: being pregnant and thinking about the world can be a dangerous combination – I thought why was I born so lucky to be able to do all of this with my son and soon to be daughter, when there are so many moms around the world who don’t have the privilege? In particular, the refugees who are struggling to survive and need our help the most. I’m not even going to start about the recent executive order…except to say I’m beyond ashamed.

Today’s post is more than just my regular outfit post. I partnered with Blue Meets Blue in the past, (see previous post here) a Chicago-based fashion company employing refugee women. They have several collections, ranging from casual to elegant, and accessories, there is something for everyone.  I knew I was going to be doing a maternity shoot (that full post with coming very soon!) with an amazing creative team, and I made sure to wear my gorgeous skirt by Blue Meets Blue for one of the looks. Lupita, Stylist at @Abbybellacouture even informed me how intricate the process is to create even one of the flowers that is embellishing this skirt, which made me love it even more.

This is one easy way to support some of the most deserving people, by giving them an opportunity to use their talents and work with dignity in America and support themselves and their families. Be sure to check out Blue Meets Blue and support its mission to help women who are refugees here in America, and do some guilt-free shopping while you’re at it!

Photo Credit: Stylist @abbybellacouture Make up @veerubiomakeup Hair @marfy27 Videographer @cbixx Photographer @skaiste_vingilys  Jewelry @mahrukh.akuly.jewelry Skirt: Thanks to Blue Meets Blue (email for custom colors) Shoes: Aquazzura 
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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!