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Confessions of a Former Magazine Editor

(All content is fictional, any resemblance to real life characters is purely intentional).

When I was single, working a 60-hour week, and paying my own way, nobody cared what I did for a living. “Why aren’t you married?” was more of a concern. Is there ever a reason for the fortunate/unfortunate status of singledom? I never dared to answer back with: why are you unhappily married?

The word “magazine” stirred as much interest as the word manicure. “Is it that FREE magazine we get in the mail?” Claudia Souza, one of the Palm Island ladies would ask, pretending not to know the magazine and that she hadn’t been introduced to me a hundred times before. That’s because she hadn’t made it on our annual Best Dressed list, and her arch rival Veronica Perez, also a Realtor, had.

The Palm Island husbands would interrogate me about our number of ads and if the magazine was making any money. Away from their wives, the subject would take a different turn, often to the contact information for our front cover model. Whenever I was introduced to someone as the editor of Palm Island Magazine, I would be greeted with a facial expression that toggled between, “So what?” to “What can she do for me?”

Nobody knew that unlike editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour of Vogue Magazine, who has her assistants traumatized if the temperature of her afternoon extra-hot latte isn’t right, editor-in-chief of Palm Island Magazine, was Girl Friday and the Tea Lady. This devil, wore Forever 21.

Nobody wanted to know about my 5 a.m., photo-shoots. Or that if the Marchesa gowns that I’d borrowed from Neiman Marcus for the shoot weren’t returned (of course by me) the following day I’d turn into an eggplant. No one wanted to know, what it was like to deal with a stroppy model that would show up, to a photo-shoot two hours late. Looking nothing like her comp card, with a distracting twitch and a crater size dimple on her left chin, when she smiled.

No one wanted to know how on the spot, the shoot would change, with the existing clothes we’d pulled, from the Floating Fairy concept, to a Dark Angel story, and not a grin in sight. There were compensations, of course, like knowing an anorexic model can have cellulite but they were few and far between.

Nobody got to hear about my Cuban, Wanna Be Mobster, publisher that would sell his entire family for a ¼ page ad. His father a real mobster, who I was told wears a head to toe fur coat a la 80s, when up North, had spent a considerable amount of time in jail, for one of the most legitimate crimes: tax evasion.

Wanna Be Mobster, was one of three children that his father had with his Miami mistress. She had spent her entire life being, the other woman. She had a three-bedroom, two-bathroom house, a beat up Louis Vuitton purse, and an old jaguar to show for it. The electric iron fence to her Little Havana home had the mobster’s initials carved in scroll on it. Territorial initials on a front gate, in Little Havana, to me meant, illegitimate money.

Mini-Mobster didn’t believe in paying for an editorial team. The only reason he was paying me, was for me to find that team. So, I recruited my entire network of friends, which meant my writing group. For a while it was just like our writing club but in print, but how could I expect stories to be handed in on time if nobody was getting paid? I eventually persuaded Mini-Mobster that we’d have no articles for next month, if he didn’t pay up. With the little money the writers were getting, they all avoided me when the deadlines were approaching, (because they were working on other freelance work that was worth their while). One writer had five grandmothers die within a span of six months. I heard all the lines, the sob stories and the lame excuses.

If that wasn’t enough, there were the relentless Public Relations reps to deal with. Kristy Morales, the uptight PR manager at Saks Fifth Avenue who I had only seen in leopard print (and who wore Cavalli only because she was getting an employee discount) should stop writing press releases and start doing yoga. Public Relations reps stop pestering everyone about your clients. And where are they when you actually want something from them, like a correct photo-caption? They’re in Mexico, badgering someone else, about one of their other clients.

What Morales failed to write on her press releases, was that some innocent buyer was paying thousands of dollars for a dress that had probably been worn by countless, iPod dazed models during 10-hour long magazine photo-shoots. And just because they’re thin doesn’t mean they don’t sweat.

For our Vintage Looks fashion spread, our model didn’t fit into any of the size-four sample clothes. Not even with the help of the entire crew. She was more like a size 14 and had gained a few pounds since her last photo comps that had made her look like a goddess. The situation was beyond Photoshop and we were on deadline. Since my Wanna Be Mobster, publisher refused to pay for models, we’d use the free “fresh” faces from the agencies. Some of those faces being more haggard than fresh. So I’d pick the best from the bottom of the barrel. Then the art team would airbrush them until they no longer looked like Kate Adie and looked more like Kate Moss. In this case, we ditched the Vintage Looks concept. I called in Mauricio The Miracle Maker; the make-up artist responsible for the daily transformation of Univision’s evening anchor, plain Jenny, into the ravishing starlet, Jennifer Rodrigo. We did the entire shoot from the neck up, and ended up with a six-page Spring Beauty Shades. I survived.

It was a different story when someone wanted to be in the magazine. I would be invited out to a five-course dinner at The Ritz-Carlton, given use of a private yacht, and have a jewelry line named after me. They needn’t have bothered. We were desperate for Palm Island stories. Being from Little Havana, and still feeling like the “help”, my publisher was happy just to be rubbing shoulders with the Jet Set crowd. When pointing out current or potential advertisers to me at events, he would tell me what car they drive, who they know and an up to date list of their financial assets, that he had told me a hundred times before, at all the other events.

When he found out that our automotive writer, got to drive a new car every week, because he was writing about them, he went ballistic. He decided that I should fire him, so that he could get to drive the cars himself. “Perks like this are for us, not writers!” he yelled. When I told him that he was “writing” a column for driving the cars, he told me to find an intern (free writer), to write the column, with the information from the Internet, without driving the car. When I refused to fire the writer, he did it himself. This was the way things were done in the world of, the Mini-Mobster.

Even though I didn’t live in one of the mansions on Palm Island, I had to look like I did. Frankly if it wasn’t for my bargain buys at Loehmann’s, I don’t think I would have carried it off. I lived on the other side of the tracks, where the avant-garde art galleries, trendy wine bars and roaming crack heads were. As for the affluent readers of Palm Island Magazine, I could almost hear them thinking “Poor little, career girl, surely there must be more to life than thinking about a magazine that everyone tosses away, after looking at the pictures.”

With dark circles under my eyes, clutching onto my cocktail at events, I scoured for potential Palm Island stories. My diet consisted of caffeine and cigarettes or cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. The red crosses that marked my calendar; reminders of all the events I had to attend; looked like the corrections made by a strict school teacher on a bad essay. It also reminded me that I was generally running out of time.

The “ladies that lunch” crew that I met at various social events, would tell me “You’re looking so thin,” and that; “A career is not everything,” and most importantly, “You should hurry up and get married because you might miss the boat.” The way I interpreted that was, “I’ve got a yacht, how come you can’t get on a ferry?” They didn’t know that I felt like I had missed the dinghy. A part of me wanted to be like them, to spend a mortgage payment on a handbag, to have a personal masseuse and not worry about my bills and a part of me felt proud that I was doing something I loved, and that I did it so well, that the ladies that had caught the yacht, vied to be in Palm Island Magazine, where I was the ship’s captain.

No-one had any interest in reading the articles in the magazine, unless, they were in it. In which case they would have it custom mounted and framed in dark mahogany and hung in their hall of fame at home, for all their friends (and fellow readers of Palm Island Magazine) to see. A note to all aspiring editors: give your readers plenty of photos to look at and party photos where they might spot someone they know (that probably doesn’t know them). The rest can be written in Greek. Nobody’s going to read it.

Unless, there is a typo in it. Then all hell breaks loose. You’re bombarded with emails with subject headers such as “You’re an idiot.” You have to officially apologize via print, email and in person to the entire Gonzales, family for having placed a Z and not an S at the end of their name. You also have to reiterate to the magazine readership that they are by no way related to, or have had any relationship with the notorious Gonzalez family (from Hialeah) spelled with a Z. If all of that wasn’t enough, you’ll be forced by your Wanna Be Mobster publisher, to write a six-page article (with photos) about the Gonzales family business: concrete blocks. If you don’t, you may lose their circle of influential potential advertisers from the Miami Builders Society.

I don’t know what it’s like at Vogue or The New York Times, but in my world, advertising, meant editorial coverage. It didn’t matter whether it was an ad for pest control or a funeral parlor, it would end up as a four-page editorial in Palm Island Magazine. All I had to do as an editor was to come up with a catchy title and an angle that’s going to fit our readership. Something like Mighty Mansion Mice Or Diggin’ Designer Caskets? It was that easy.

It must have been a fluke getting that job. In Miami, unless your name is Ana Maria, you grew up in Coral Gables and went to UM, nobody’s going to hire you. I don’t blame them. They want to keep things in the family. After all who’s going to invite a British Iranian to a Quinceanera? The only other way past this hurdle is to have a double barrel name, with a Von in the middle, that gives the impression of European aristocracy, and even then, it needs to be attached to serious money or contacts.
Even though you’re an editor, you’ve got to be bankable asset for bringing in an advertising revenue that will keep your employer afloat long enough to pay your salary, or wages which I prefer to call it.

Salary is for a proper job that comes with benefits such as health insurance, 401K, vacation time and a human resources department there to protect you from fraud or abuse from your publisher. Wages is what the rest of us got.

Unless, you’re married to Alfredo De Santana. If you’re married to De Santana you can get any job in Miami. But then if you’re married to him, it’s unlikely you’ll need a job.

Since I had no ties to Coral Gables, my last name was Azadi not Bacardi, my family had not fled Cuba in the 1960s, and I had only seen Alfredo De Santana from a distance of 500 km at an event, I didn’t fall into any of these categories.

Now that I’m married and figuring out what I want to do next everyone wants to know what I do for a living. People I meet at cocktail parties are now dying to know about my career. It’s the first thing they ask me. They even ask if I have a business card. I remember all the times that I’ve shoved my business card into someone’s hand and they’ve paid no attention to it. They’re now fascinated by my excruciatingly embarrassing details of, what I do all day.

Since I’ve stopped smoking, I have an appetite of a wild boar. I could tell them that I spend most of my “spare” time eating. I now refer to Palm Island Magazine for all the recipes that I never had the time to prepare. And just in case my 5ft 2in stature might not be getting all the nutrients my body needs; I’m supplementing my diet with multi-vitamins.

Should I tell them that I wake at noon, stare into space for most of the day and talk on the phone to my other non-working girlfriends? As I manage to force the words out and I tell them that, “I’m not working … right now,” I can almost hear them thinking, “Poor little, career-less girl.”

THE END
…………………………

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: confessions, former, magagazine editor, miami

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Hi there, I'm Sabrina. Fashion Writer. Coffee drinker. Designer. Read More.

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sabrinaazadi

It ain’t a Persian party without a Versace photo It ain’t a Persian party without a Versace photobomb.  (Zoom in on the clutch on the table). FYI Not mine.🖤  Fashion advice:
Don’t worry about re-wearing the same outfit, worry about not wearing the same outfit twice.  I don’t care who you are, if you’re not wearing your clothes again and again, it tells me you really didn’t love them or feel good wearing them.  Be selective, buy things you love, things that you will cherish and hold onto. And wear them over and over again. Forget about brands and labels. Imagine it didn’t have a label. If you’d still buy something without knowing the brand, then that’s a good indicator and a great method to discovering and fine-tuning your unique and authentic sense of style!  #sabisays #fashionwriter #ocstyle #goldtoop #metallicsareaneutral #style #fashion #lagunabeach #newportbeach #ocblogger #occolumnist #goldisthenewblack #insearchofbeautifulthings #fashionadvise #fashionviews #discoveryourownstyle #ocfashionstylist
One year without my Baba. My extraordinary Baba, One year without my Baba.  My extraordinary Baba, was bestowed with many gifts but authenticity was his currency and his innate ability to connect with people from all walks of life his superpower.  Young at heart with an old soul, he had an incomparable sense of humor yet serious in the pursuit of every undertaking.  A people person yet innately private. Adored his family, children and grandchildren above all else yet never “hands on”. Abundantly gifted yet humble. He was a citizen of the world without ever forgetting where he came from.  The party was always better with him around. A maestro of comedy that never told jokes. His material came from being a voyeur of humanity. He was able to cut through small talk and feel the vulnerability of every individual and make you feel better about who you were. A person’s status, gender, age or nationality was of little importance. He was able to bypass those inconsequential factors to grasp your true essence.  He belonged everywhere, yet he was never fully at home in any one place, any city, any country. Restless yet found solace in his paintbrush.  He was able to see beauty everywhere yet had compassion for those that were suffering. Always curious, a ferocious reader, with a wide, colorful and often impressive inner circle of friends. Many were legends in their own right; writers, poets, artists that he adored but bricklayers and waiters too that he spoke of with equal praise. A gentle soul, that would raise his spectacles to wipe a tear from the corner of his eye when recalling a poignant or even a funny memory.  He brought laughter wherever he went yet was capable of feeling the depth of sadness without ever being melancholy. He was a lover of life. An original. A true star with his own unique magnetic field. He loved all the worldly goods but was never attached to any of it. Enjoyed fame and at one time fortune, yet sought neither. Made friends easily yet remained an enigma to most. Nostalgic, yet always in search of the new. He enjoyed everything glamorous yet valued simplicity in life.
<Continued in comments below>
Dear Harrods, You’ve seen me at my highest and m Dear Harrods,
You’ve seen me at my highest and my lowest. At every decade of my life you’ve meant something different to me.  Before I was old enough to talk my Baba would visit London from Iran, and bring back gifts; fur coats, Diorissimo perfume and Mary Quant make-up for my mom, and on one trip bought me a winter coat from Harrods.  I faintly remember it being a blue wool coat with a velvet collar and a tassel trim.  Later as a five year old girl, then living in London I was in awe of your Xmas windows. We would come to see the magical Xmas lights and window displays and leave with the scent of roasted chestnuts that permeated the chilly air on Brompton Road.  As a young girl I blew the candles of my 13th birthday cake, a Black Forest gateau from Harrods.  At the age of 17 I got a Saturday job selling fragrance in your grand perfumery hall (I walk past that counter every time I come back). I witnessed a different side to you, behind the sparkling shop floor.  Later the trendy “see & be seen” places were Montpeliano across from you and Beauchamp Place. I would walk through the perfume halls with my college books, red lipstick and bright blue faux fur coat, galavanting through each floor with my friends and walking past Al-Fayed  on more than one occasion, acting like we own the place.  As a newly wed I visited Harrods with a sense of nostalgia as if to show who I am and where I was from.  And then when I became a mother, I whizzed Cameron around in his stroller and took him to the toy department and bought him a red double decker Harrods bus.  This time I return alone making this pilgrimage before visiting my dear Baba’s final resting place in Germany. I remember strolling through these halls with him.  On our last trip to London together (2018) I went to Harrods and among other things, I bought a Harrods apron. He loved it so much, I went back the next day and bought him one too.  Harrods, every time we meet, you appear smaller than how I remember you in my memories, you’ve become a miniature version of what I’ve etched in my mind, yet you continue to shine bigger and brighter in my heart.  Until next time. With all my love, Sabi x
“There’s a saying in England, where there’s “There’s a saying in England, where there’s smoke there’s fire.” James Bond.  Iranians also have a saying, “Those who light fires will end up with smoke in their eyes.”  Everything was “hot” @ocfashionweek especially the #astonmartin cars on the red carpet!  #sabisays #fashionwriter #fashioncolumnist #britishwriter #jamesbond #luxurycars #ocevents #ocstyle #fashionblogger #jamesbondquotes #iranianquotes #iranianwriter #fashionstylist #luxurywriter #luxurylifestyle #newportbeach
I’ve become one of those women. You know, the I’ve become one of those women.  You know, the ones that buy gym clothes that will never see the inside of a gym. They wear fashion sneakers for doing their rounds at the mall. Always with their hair up in a bun, hiding behind dark shades and carrying flashy handbags to compensate for their other shortcomings.  I am one of those moms.  Which makes me think we are more alike than we are different. You and I, along with all the people you think you have nothing in common with. All struggling to fit in, to look like we belong, trying to keep it all together, being comfortable or not so comfortable under our skin.  Own who you are, make peace with your shortcomings, celebrate your strengths, speak your truth, and remember we are so much more than our appearances and our fashion labels.  P.S. I went in to buy printer paper at Target (forgot to buy it) and came out buying this outfit and more (hoodie, leggings and tee). Their #joylab collection is a versatile range of mix and match “sportswear” with eclectic prints and soft cotton fabrics, perfect for a put together look while doing mom duties.  Sportswear: @target #joylabtarget 
Sneakers: @pollini 
Sunglasses: @bulgari 
Bag: @chanelofficial  Yes, long post but do you like my balcony remodel? My favorite spot for “me” time. (Swipe).
Happy colorful handbags are the answer. Read my Happy colorful handbags are the answer.  Read my Q & A interview with Maria Fontanellas @mietistudio, a young luxury brand from Barcelona with family ties to the region’s rich leather industry.  Available exclusively @pleasedonotenter @southcoastplaza  Up on my blog: SabiSays.com, link on bio. 🌈  #sabisays #fashionwriter #luxurybrand #fashionconsultant #fashioncolumnist #spanishbrands #southcoastplaza #luxurylifestyle
I never met a kaftan I didn’t like. I know, I I never met a kaftan I didn’t like.  I know, I know, it’s October and I should be thinking about fall everything. But dress according to the weather is my motto.  That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t get excited about fall decor. To be honest fall decor has never been my strong suit. So, I thought I’d make an effort and bought a lovely pumpkin to place outside my front door. My mom immediately suggested we make “khoresht kadoo ba ghooreh” with it (pumpkin stew with sour grapes). What a pity to waste it on decor she said. Quite right.  So our front door might be empty but at least our stomachs will be full.  Thank God for forgiving kaftans.  Photo: @farzykhorami  Kaftan: @zara 
Belt: vintage necklace bought in a small charity shop in London.
Lipstick: @maccosmetics #mangrove my favorite red coral color.  #sabisays #falldecor #fallkaftan #kaftan #caftan #kaftanlovers #blackandwhite #ocstyle #october #happyoctober #persianfood #fashionwriter #fashionstylist #britishwriter #ocwriter #ocstylist #fashionstyle
I get so emotional at weddings. Wishing the beau I get so emotional at weddings.  Wishing the beautiful bride & handsome groom a happy life together.  Watch my stories to see who my handsome date was. ❤️  ……  Dress & clutch: @lenardi_fashion: one of my favorite boutiques (a hidden gem) in #glendale offering a carefully curated collection of clothing and accessories from Italy. He rarely carries more than a few items in each size.  Hair & make-up: myself. I recommend styling with heated rollers instead of a curling iron.  Jewelry: borrowed from my dear Maman. I removed the diamond pendant that was on a chain and wore it with a black silk cord instead. And I made sure I tied it securely with a triple knot!!!  #sabisays #persianwedding #blackandwhite #sofrehaghd #weddingseason #californiaweddings #weddingstyle #outdoorwedding #weddingguest #longgown #madeinitaly #Italiandress #italianclutch #blackandwhitedress
They say it’s a sign of good manners to dress ac They say it’s a sign of good manners to dress according to the occasion.  Autumn has arrived and regardless of my feelings, I’ve not lost sight of all decorum. I will do the right thing and abide by the rules of nature and the inevitable change of seasons.  Autumn, I’ve dressed with your arrival in mind without losing my sense of identity. My silk Pajama shirt keeps me grounded to my British past, my vintage amethyst cocktail ring soothes my nerves, and my fitted knit skirt reminds me to walk straight and keep my eye on the future. I hold on tight to my Bordeaux color buttery soft leather clutch for moral support. Like a steadfast friend, it only gets better with wear.  Autumn, I hear you gently knocking at my door. Although I sense some familiarity with you, my go-to stiff upper lip takes over. Fortunately for you my Iranian sense of hospitality kicks in and I welcome you in and offer you some cardamom tea with walnut cookies.  “Helloooo Autumn,” I say, as I give you a half-hearted air kiss.  “Have you missed me?” you respond teasingly, with a smile.  And we pick up where we left off, circling and maneuvering around each other again.  Top & skirt: @zara 
Clutch: @fontemhandbags 
Ring: vintage.  #sabrinaazadi #fashionwriter #sabisays #pajamashirt #britishstyle #leatherclutch #fashioncolumnist #helloautumn #hellofall #luxurywriter #fall2021trends #fall2021 #fallfashion #summerlover #fallishere #londonerinoc #fashionstyle #fashionmemoirs #whatiwore #handbaglover #fallcolors #californiastyle
An unworn dress, is much like a closed book. A loo An unworn dress,
is much like a closed book.
A loose diamond.
A painting hidden in a vault.
An unworn pair of shoes.
An empty purse.
A colorless rainbow.
An untouched piano key.
A vacant house.
A closed road.
A flowerless garden.
A broken door.
An unspoken word.
An unlit candle.
An unopened letter
A loveless soul.  Waiting to be lived in.
Waiting to tell her story. 
Waiting to be worn.
@sabrinaazadi  Tie-dye rainbow dress: @weartalia @fashionisland  #sabisays #sabrinaazadi #fashionpoetry #fashionmusings #whatwewear #wornstories #whatwewear #memoirs #shopwindow #storyofadress #journeyofadress #thedress #fashionhistory #fashionwriter #fashioncolumnist #fashionblogger #ocstyle #ocboutiques #shopping #dressahopping #fashionisland #shoplocal #smallbusiness #womensupportingwomen #tyedyedress #tyedyefashion #rainbowdress
Did you know that Princess Diana called her custom Did you know that Princess Diana called her custom clutches “Cleavage Clutches”?  Her handbags were the creation of British bag designer #anyahindmarch, Princess Diana would often be photographed holding her satin clutch in front of her chest, especially when stepping out of a car to avoid an unsightly photograph or a wardrobe malfunction.  Seen here (unknowingly) doing the same while taking a selfie with a timer on my iPhone.  It’s an easy solution for those moments when you need a little help. What a good idea.  P.S. Coincidentally, notice the name of my favorite lipstick color…  Dress: @staud.clothing 
Bag: @miumiu 
Lipstick: @ctilburymakeup #thequeen  #sabisays #clutches #princessdiana #princessdi #cleavageclutch #ocstylist #fashioncolumnist #anyahindmarch #miumiu #stauddress #polkadotdress #charlottetilbury #thequeen #fashionwriter #britishstyle #londoner #britishinoc #britishroyalty #royalfashion #labrand @anyahindmarch
Would you believe me if I told you there’s a met Would you believe me if I told you there’s a method to stacking bracelets? And it applies whether you’re wearing two or twenty.  I tend to get my cues from my sister who recently told me she has so many bracelets but doesn’t know which ones to wear together. So I sent her a #wristie.  Do you think Sabi should make a video showing you how to best stack your bracelets?  Let me know in the comments below 💙  #sabisays #stacked #bracelets #tiedye #clutch #newportcoast #ocblogger #fashionwriter #luxurywriter #fashionstyle #stackedbracelets
Ode to Summer Summer, I’m not letting you go t Ode to Summer  Summer, I’m not letting you go that easily.  You’re not going to just disappear and leave me at the altar dressed in a white cotton dress, clutching on to a straw bag.  What about all the promises you made? All our travel plans? You told me you’ll show me the world, but all you did was tease me, driving me around in a rented convertible with the wind blowing in my hair.  Does it have to end like this? And so soon?  We had a few happy months together, some idyllic beach days, balmy nights, garden parties with friends, nights and days rolled into one yet suddenly I feel there’s a chill between us. You’re distracted. The harder I cling onto you the more distant you seem, even icy.  Then the moment I think I’ve lost you, you turn on your charm and all is well and sunny with you again, like yesterday.  You’re playing hot and cold with me. Not knowing what to do or wear, I’m in limbo. You told me you only have eyes for me yet I see you looking out onto the horizon waiting for the next new season, next best thing. You’re enjoying the cool breeze on your face instead of looking into my fiery eyes and embracing a heart that burns only for you.  I still carry the shell you found on the beach. You handed it to me smelling of salty waves and the ocean. I treasure it like it was the biggest pearl. You knew I’ve never cared for all that winter glitz and glamour, you knew I was a simple summer girl at heart. You told me that’s what you liked about me. But all that has changed now. Suddenly I’m not sophisticated enough. You complain that my clothes are too revealing, too bright, not elegant enough, not dark enough.  I still have tan lines, sand between my toes, the taste of pineapple on my lips, the scent of coconut in my hair yet you’re telling me you want more spice in your life, pumpkin spice.  Summer, I’m not letting you go that easily.  Location: @theteahouseonlosrios 
Dress: @farmrio 
Bag: @jmclaughlin
Earrings: @dorr_collection @aquarius.gee  #sabisays #fashionwriter #odetosummer #fictionwriter #summerlover #summervibes #loveletter #summer #falliscoming #occolumnist #fashioncolumnist #ocstyle #ocwriter #fashionjournalist
When I’m in nature I think of fashion. I take When I’m in nature I think of fashion.  I take in the all the colors, textures, scents and the harmony of nature. That’s the thing with nature it’s for everyone to enjoy and take what you want from. And then give back what you like, whatever your genre.  I see chiffon fabric on flower petals, bag handles on the bark of a tree and embroidery on butterfly wings.  Next time you’re feeling uninspired, go for a walk, alone. Look, listen and learn. Nature will slowly reveal its secrets to you.  It may be hard for you to to believe but I have a degree in Ecology. My parents (both actors) wanted me to have a science degree, something to fall back on, to follow my sister’s footsteps, she’s a brilliant scientist, Dr. Azadi. Immigrants don’t have the luxury of choosing, they need stability and a fool proof plan. I chose Ecology because I liked the Oxford educated professor and the time slots.  I was thinking of fashion even during my Ecology classes, and focused on the Ecology of attraction (appearances, symmetry and mating) for my final year thesis. It took me so long to understand Ecology’s  place in my life. I now know I am so much richer for it. Not all riches are the material kind and often you will reap its rewards in ways you had never imagined.  Photo taken @theshermangardens 
Beautiful outdoor exhibit titled “Green HOUSE” living spaces with an outdoor bed, living room, dining room & more! So inspiring! Showing through September 12th.  Photo by my mom @parvindowlatshahi who tells me I was interested in fashion before I could talk.  Slip Dress: @allsaints
Sandals: @chanelofficial  #sabisays #sabrinaazadi #explorewithsabi #shermanlibraryandgardens #outdoorstyle #outdoorart #fashionwriter #ocplacestovisit #ocmustsee #newportbeach #insearchofbeautifulthings #outdoorliving #outdoorexhibits #orangecounty #visitoc
Friends for over 35 years. We were both raised in Friends for over 35 years.  We were both raised in London until she left for NYC and I left for Miami. Through the years we’ve seen each other in Miami, NYC, OC and now again here this time post Covid, with our boys.  We didn’t have enough hours in the day so we stayed up talking and giggling until sunrise. Just like the old days. We even reverted back to our teenage lingo from way back. Everything had changed around us, yet nothing had changed between us, not even our age.  Here we are by day and night.  #sabisays #londongirls #friendshipgoals #friendship #fashionblogger #londonstyle #ocstyle #socalstyle #newportcoast #newportbeach #fashionstylist #fashionwriter #ocwriter #oldfriends #londoner #thankgodforfriends #friendshipday
Addendum to summer rules: add a straw hat! I esc Addendum to summer rules: add a straw hat!  I escaped my usual bubble and spent the day in @sanjuancapistrano playing tourist in #OC.  @sanjuancapistrano is a charming town with a historic landmark, quaint shops, restaurants and blooming bougainvilleas everywhere.  Places to visit:
@missionsanjuancapistrano a historic chapel, museum & gardens.  A lovely tea house that offers al fresco dining and afternoon tea @theteahouseonlosrios  The best Italian restaurant @ciao_pasta (order the Branzino).  And wait for it…drum roll, an antique mall @old_barn_antiques_mall. (Open everyday).  I’m usually on the hunt for jewelry, I collect vintage jewelry but I this time I found a lovely crystal candy jar. You just never know what you’ll find there!  You can literally spend the whole day browsing!  #sabisays #sanjuancapistrano #visitsanjuancapistrano #antiqueshopping #ocantiques #visitoc #fashionwriter #oc #visitoc #antiquesanjuancapistrano #teahouseoc #missionsanjuancapistrano #bougainvilleas #losriossanjuancapistrano #bloomingbougainvillea #strawhat #summerdressing #playingtouristinmyowncity #downtownsanjuancapistrano
Gold Dress & Eggs 🌟🍳 I came downstairs wear Gold Dress & Eggs 🌟🍳  I came downstairs wearing this to go out for a sweet friend’s birthday. My mom looked at me and said “khali lebaset khashangheh vali magheh dari miri aroosi?” (Beautiful dress but are you going to a wedding?)  I didn’t respond. I just went up and grabbed my denim jacket to tone it down. No-one tells the truth like your Maman.  And then just before I was headed out the door Cameron asked for French Toast.  So what did I do? I made him French Toast…in my gold maxi dress.  I then went up and sprayed myself with a ton of perfume and headed out the door. #momlife.  Swipe for details.  Dress: @shopverb 
Bracelets: @jadajojewelry 
Necklace: @lulufrost
Ring: vintage.
Denim jacket: @liujoglobal 
Clutch: Custom, handmade in Colombia.
Perfume: @creedboutique #floralie  #sabisays #fashionwriter #maxidress #golddress #newportbeach #newportcoast #fashionstylist #fashioneditor #ocstyle #fashionblogger #ocmom #topside #lidohouse #lidoisland #lidoliving #topsideroofdeck
Come shop with Sabi! Chainmail, bling, hot pink a Come shop with Sabi!  Chainmail, bling, hot pink and endless possibilities! Now if that didn’t boost your mood not sure what will. Merci @shopcurve  Watch my stories to see more!  #sabisays #shopsmall #shopwithsabi #sabrinaazadi #fashioneditor #fashionstylist #boutiqueshopping #laboutique #westhollywoodshopping #chainmaildress #ocstyle #fashionwriter #summerfashion #bodyjewelry #insearchofbeautifulthings
Summer rules you need to abide by: put on a flowy Summer rules you need to abide by: put on a flowy summer dress, carry a bamboo bag, paint your nails a color that inspires you and then forget about everything else.  Ease of dress is one of the most attractive aspects of a great summer look.  No big logos, no fancy designer labels, no super tight body-con dresses with a thousand intricate details, instead choose something sweet, simple and pure.  Also have to mention my latest pet-peeve that I’ve noticed so much lately is big shiny designer belts with huge golden logos (LV, V, Fendi etc.) on simple cotton summer dresses. That’s a big “no no” for me. Elevation must come from the dress not what you think you’re adding to it. If you must wear a belt on a summer dress, try a piece of rope instead. I’m serious!  Swipe for details.  Dress: @zara (I’m wearing an XS, there’s a lot of fabric on this dress and stretch on the bust-line so I recommend you size down). 
Bag: @jmclaughlin
Ring: @apmmonaco 
Nail color: @opi #mexicocitymovemint  #sabisays #fashionwriter #fashioneditor #oclife #newportbeach #newportcoast #summerstyle #summerrules #summerfashion #summernails #zaradaily #bamboobag #apmmonaco #linendress #blueandwhitedress #bluenails #oceancolors #oc
When your dress matches the art! Such a fun even When your dress matches the art!  Such a fun evening with beautiful @jules_cali @ocfashionweek presented @monaniko_ where gorgeous art and fashion came together seamlessly under one roof.  The best part? Showcasing of local designers each one showing us a different mood, a different story.  @yowie.nath tulle-delicious red carpet ready evening gowns for those events when off the rack just won’t do, you’ll be sure to be the belle of the ball! Love the cohesive color story and my favorite was the pink tulle and feather dramatic strapless gown.  @pegahkhalessi a collection of funky size inclusive designs that had the energy of a mythical Persian Warrior Princess going to an Ibiza style club. Each elaborate print is based on a collage of the designers’ father’s paintings, and you all know that’s a subject close to my heart.  I have my eye on one particular dress. Can’t wait to tell you more about her.  @amenahdesigns Laguna based designers/boutique owners (I’ve been a fan since they first opened). They closed the show with their collection of minimalistic city girl designs that have a beachy twist. Ladies: this is how to show skin in a sophisticated way! I loved the whole wearable collection (and accessories) and want to wear each piece now!  Watch my stories to see each collection.  I not only talk the talk but I walk the walk, my dress @vhollandboutique is by #OC based sustainable brand, with one of a kind ice dyed silk dresses in a soft palette of colors, tied at the shoulder with leather strips, no two are ever the same, made right here in #NewportBeach.  Imagine dipping the tip of a paintbrush into water with swirls of color floating, but on silk! A work of art in itself don’t you think?! 🎨  Dress: @vhollandboutique Eden’s 6th Day available at @seasidegalleryandgoods #newportbeach
Clutch: @fabianafilippi @piajeh_boutique #crystalcove
Jumbo Pearl necklace: my own design!  #sabisays #sabrinaazadi #ocfashionweek #fashionwriter #artandfashion #fashionshow #fashionweek #ocstyle #silkslipdress #tiedye #insearchofbeautifulthings #shopoc #ocdesign #shoplocal
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