This year is flying by! Yes, I have been posting less... but I also have been doing more! As much as I constantly miss the city, my friends and the lifestyle, I stop to think about my accomplishments. 

For those of you who do not know, I am currently a full-time art teacher. I teach grades 4 though 8 and also get to teach fashion design. I know crazy, middle school!? They are crazy indeed— somedays they are all attitude and are cooler than school, other days they are inquisitive, insightful, creative, silly and inspiring. I absolutely love that I get to inspire and teach them everyday! 

Massillon has truly given me the opportunity to make my visions a reality. We have been creating so much goodness in the classroom- check out some of the work on my art ed twitter. I also have taken on my largest project yet! I recently was the Artistic Director for our school musical, Beauty and the Beast. I was overwhelmed with nothing put positive feedback! Also being part of the theatre community, fed my soul (I'm obsessed with theatre for those of you who didn't know!) Even though it was a middle school level, I set my expectations at nothing but the best. People raved that it did not look like a middle school production either! 

All of these things combined have gotten me noticed. And I am proud to say, I have been chosen as the candidate for my district as Educator Rookie of the Year! I am proud to be a Massillon Tiger. Thank you to everyone in believing in me, supporting me, and recognizing me.

T-I-G!

Jacket: Forever 21 | Jeans: Tobi | Shoes: Free People | Photography: Rachel Hanon

As for my outfit- I found this jacket at Forever 21! It's our school spirit colors, but I love that on the sleeve it says NEW YORK. It is like the best of both worlds! I let the jacket stand for itself by pairing it with all black, of course. My ripped knee black skinnies are from Tobi and my slide-on mules are Free People. I feel like a race car driver in this outfit. 3-2-1... Let's go! Here's to more greatness this year. 

Xo Zafi 

I never really made a post about it here, but if you follow on social you know, I moved back home to OHIO. Obviously my heart will forever be in the city, but I am excited for this new adventure. I have officially survived my first week teaching at my new wonderful school (classroom post coming soon :) ) As I am planning future lessons, I am getting excited to bring all my NYC experiences to class. It just shows that everything happens for a reason, and things will fall into place. With a slower pace of Ohio I will be able to inspire more, and create more, get excited!

This outfit was shot for Free People. Check out the insta post and follow the @fpnewyorkcity account! I wanted to feature a classic outfit of a white bodysuit and denim skirt, but showcase some of my favorite accessories. Sunnies are my favorite, especially when it involves some rainbow fun. I'm loving that scrunchies are back in, this asian inspired one is especially great. Lastly, I am obsessed with fishnet socks. They literally can be worn in so many ways; with sneakers, boots, slides...

I had so much fun shooting this with my gal pal Rachel! We have really been pushing each other in all creative endeavors.. especially shoots. We shot this at one of my favorite museums in the city, The Whitney Museum of American Art. The red cubes by artist by Larry Bell ended up being one of our favorite areas, they added such a fun color-block element. I always make sure to pay a visit during the biennial. If you haven't visited, you must. The building is brand new and has spectacular city views. I'm not the biggest American art fan, but I feel every time I visit, my appreciation for it grows. 

As I go into week 2 of teaching full force, I wish you all the best week. " No one is you and that is your power" -David Grohl. Be amazing lovelies. 

Xo. Zafi

Bodysuit: Free People | Skirt: Free People | Bralette: Free People | Scrunchie: Free People | Sunglasses: Free People | Shoes: Aldo | Camera: Urban Outfitters | Photo: Rachel Hanon

I love summer in the city. Despite the humidity, and sweaty subways I still love it. I love the people out and about, hanging in the park, rooftop bars, and summer fashion. Much of my fashion lately has been Free People. It helps that i'm a stylist there, haha the paycheck goes right back. 

I have been having so much fun finding different ways to wear our items. The minute I saw these floral flare pants I knew I needed them. They are so light and comfy. I love the boho vibes, and the way they move. I paired the pants with a simple go to bodysuit. Also a comfy piece, it can be worn dressed up or down. Although there is sweltering heat during the day, I must prepare for AIR CONDITIONING. I never understand why places cannot just have a normal temperature inside instead of the arctic. To prepare, I am wearing the most perfect suede jacket. Lastly, I had to pair these amazing Jeffery Campbell lace up heels. 

Overall how can you not frolic around in an outfit like this? 

Bodysuit: Free People | Pants: Free People | Shoes: Jeffery Campbell x Free People | Jacket:

Xo. Zafi 

Hey guys.. great news! There is more to come to Renaissance Zafi. As a renaissance woman I have been trying to integrate some of my other loves. Here is my first post to make the effort and officially start adding some art adventures! I will be posting about gallery and museum visits... as well as hopefully some of my own artwork process posts..

When I went home I was able to visit the Akron Art Museum. It def is not as big as the Met, and it's not NYC, but it's part of my hometown. The Akron Art Museum is also pretty impressive for a local small town museum. Firstly, the architecture alone is amazing. It connects old and new, part an old brick building, and the other half a gorgeous glass creation of amazing angles. Thanks to my brother I was able to take a minute and marvel at this Akron wonder designed by Coop Himmelb(l)au. (thanks Faris, for teaching me that as well!) Secondly, it houses some pretty famous works of art- Chuck Close, Frank Stella, Kehinde Wiley, also many artists that I personally know! Some of my professors have work exhibited, and it is inspiring. Maybe one day you will see my work there? 

It was gross and rainy the entire time I was home. I wore my pacific thermal from free people, my New fave Tobi jeans, my go to Nasty Gal jacket, and black booties. 

Location: Akron Art Museum |  Top: Free People | Jeans: Tobi | Boots: Just Fab | Photography: Faris Ahmed