I usually never make serious resolutions for the new year. When I make resolutions, they are typical and not taken seriously- like getting organized, or working out. Although I did discover my love for working out, but that came unrelated to resolutions. 

This year I do want to make it a mission to be creative, make, and collaborate as much as possible. This means whatever it maybe - starting my art, growing in photo, reaching out to fellow creatives, or working on my blog. I want to be in a constant state of making. So far I think I have a good start, I went to a photo meet up on the New Years Day and met over 200 photographers as part of the instagram group Pursuit of Portraits. I have already reached out to a few area photographers for meeting up, and collaborating, and making that happen. I also have been creating a studio area for some visual art! I have a feeling this year is going to be a good one. 2018 is gonna be my year. 

This shoot was done at the end of 2017, with one of my first connections back here in Ohio. Lindsey Poy's photos are magic. I always love seeing her new photos, check her pics here. I can't wait to hang out more, collaborate and feed off of her creative energy. 

I also loved this outfit. How perfect and easy is this blush, velvet, hoodie-dress? I threw on some OTK boots, and my stack of Alex and Ani's and I was good to go. 

What are some things you are working on this year?

Xo Zafi

I cannot believe Halloween has come and gone this year. Despite it being one of my favorite holidays, I kept it pretty chill this year. I am pretty sure the gross weather had a lot to do with it. I did dress up at school as a comic book character though, going all out on my makeup to perfect a comic book aesthetic. To end my week, I went to a party at the independent movie theatre: The Nightlight with my college bestie, Giselle. Assembling a last-minute costume, I created a dark-eyed, blood, red lips look combined with one of my many black dresses, to become a vampire. And lastly, I found this orange, velvet dress at Target. It was just too cute to pass up. It reminds me of a dress Ms. Frizzle would wear for Halloween; as a teacher I will happily embrace anything that gives me Ms. Frizzle whimsy vibes. The vibrant orange and bat pattern is just so fun! I paired this dress with my go-to leather jacket and some leather booties.

I had a blast finally shooting and exploring Akron with my newest photo friend, Lindsey Poy—check out some of her work here. 

As for a random life update: I know I've been MIA, but this quarter my priority has been getting acclimated to school. In the meantime, I somehow have created a ton of content waiting to be posted, so stay tuned! 

Hope you had a Happy Halloween! <3 

Dress: Target | Jacket: Nasty Gal | Booties: Nordstrom Rack | Accessories: Alex and Ani | Photography: Lindsey Poy

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

Spring, Spring, Spring. I'm so excited that I am slowly finally able to dress for the spring weather. Many of my friends started dressing in spring trends a month ago, this cold baby couldn't get herself out of sweaters, jeans, and boots. 

I'm so excited to finally own something in this super on trend style.. off the shoulder! The minute I saw this tobi.com item I had to have it. Olive is such a gorgeous basic color, and the material is so soft and comfy. I know I will be dressing up and down this item all summer long. Also, I have literally seen everyone rocking the off the shoulder and I had to join in. I'm kind of late jumping in, only because of my reason above... i'm always cold. I know people sacrifice freezing for fashion, but nope I cannot function being cold.. I rather bundle up! haha 

I wore this dress with some of my favorite accessories! I wore this double choker/chain necklace that I got from Versona accessories, and my booties are from Target. I decided to go with a western chic vibe. I stuck with gold coloring on my jewelry, my booties have brass studs, and kind of have a cowgirl feeling. I went with a slightly different hairstyle, it's still down, but instead I parted it down the middle. I think it makes the entire look. I never liked my hair worn this way, but I think I'm going to start wearing it this way! Overall I have a feeling this outfit will be repeated in days to come! 

Dress: Tobi | Necklace: Versona Accessories | Booties: Target | Bracelets: Alex & Ani | Photography: Rachel Hanon