A Shah’s Life: An interview with the girl behind the blog

Looking at blogs has become part of my daily routine. Fashion blogs are brilliant for giving me style ideas, introducing me to talented upcoming designers and featuring hot new trends. I discovered Nausheen Shah when I started reading her brilliant blog, A Shah’s Life. Nausheen is a New York-based fashion designer turned stylist/creative consultant.

Her first professional job was designing for Catherine Malandrino and then Zac Posen. Soon she became the Collection Director at Zac Posen followed by Mario Moya. Nausheen then fell into the styling world, becoming a Stylist and Creative Consultant, most notably for Nadia Ali. Together they have shot numerous videos and covers around the world, including Rapture, Pressure and Feels So Good. 

I was lucky enough to be able to have a quick chat with Nausheen and discover how she created such a successful blog, her personal style and how she became a guest contributor on Olivia Palermo’s website. 

First of all, what drew you into the wonderful world of Fashion?

I think most people have that natural attraction to fashion. For me, I grew up with 3 other sisters and my mother would constantly take us shopping. Always being around clothes, shoes and accessories feels like the norm to me. 

Did you have a mentor when you first started out?

My mother. She taught herself how to sew and would create her own garments. She was the first person to teach me sewing technique and construction. 

How would you describe your style?

Constantly evolving.  I love to dress in a way that will make you turn your head, but not because it is too sexy or too weird, but because it is effortlessly chic with a twist. That said, I would say my wardrobe is made up of the following styles: the Lady-like Celine style, the darker Givenchy/McQueen Style, the masculine femme Tom Ford style and the girlie Miu-Miu Style. Just depends on my mood. 

After witnessing so many changes in the industry over the years, where do you see fashion going?

Good question – tough answer. It is quite incredible how much social media has come into play within fashion. I believe fashion shows will always exist, but everything is slowly moving towards live streaming and e-commerce. 

What wardrobe pieces should every girl have in their closet this season?

A sheer, white chiffon collared blouse, a pair of bright coloured pants and an all over crazy printed suit. Whatever you choose, it is all about COLOUR, PRINTS, COLOUR, PRINTS! 

What made you decide to start a blog?

I have been in fashion for over 7 years now and it has evolved from fashion design to interior design to styling to travelling to becoming a foodie and all over again. They all seem to reflect each other in many ways.  A good friend of mine thought all of these experiences were going to waste so she sat me down and encouraged me to start a blog. She even helped me come up with the name “A Shah’s Life.”  “Shah” is my last name and is also the world used as the king of Iran. So it is a play on words in which I am able to share a luxurious lifestyle that can be obtained by all. Once my apartment was placed on the cover of the New York Post Real Estate Section last October, that was the final push to start my blog.  

It’s very exciting to see that you have recently become a guest contributor for Olivia Palermo’s website, how did that happen?

Olivia and her team saw my blog and learned about my background experience. We then had a chat and both agreed I would be a good match for their site. Once Olivia and I met in person, we knew we were both on the same page. I really admire her style and am very excited to share my fashion insight on her website. 

What other areas of fashion do you need to understand and work with to make your job as a stylist work?

Well that is different for everybody. You just need to LOVE what you do and work hard at it. That will honestly take you the furthest. Luckily for me, I am a trained fashion designer and have designed for Catherine Malandrino and ran collections for Zac Posen and Mario Moya so I know the industry pretty well. 

Who is your style icon and what is your favourite era in fashion?

Again another tough question because it is so hard to say only one. As for a style icon, I would say Marlene Dietrich. I love a woman who can dress like a lady or a man and still look just as strong and feminine in either look. I actually get bored very easily so my era choices are constantly changing like my wardrobe.  

What are your personal favorite blogs? Why?

I am in love with From Me to You. Their pictures are stunning and I feel they are one of the most innovative photographers out there. I am also inspired by Kelly Wearstler’s blog for colour stories. 

Would you like to offer any advice to people wanting to go into Fashion?

If you whole heartedly want to do it – DO IT! Don’t let fear get the best of you and do not listen to anyone else’s criticism or warnings. It is tough, but if you give it 100% and don’t give up, I promise you will succeed.  

Finally, what does the future hold for you – any exciting plans or developments?

The exciting thing about fashion and living in New York is you never know what will happen tomorrow. I always imagined myself as a designer and now I am styling and writing as a fashion tastemaker. I hope with my continued hard work, I will only become bigger and better at what I do and love. 

Louise Elsom
Photos: Courtsy of A Shah’s Life

Click here to check out Nausheen’s fabulous insights on everything from runway shows to the latest designers.