GT Style: Sadaf Zarrar

Inside your Closet With

Sadaf Zarrar

founder of blog SiddySays

1. How did the idea of starting a fashion blog come to you? 

I started SiddySays.com as a personal blog during a career break while expecting my daughter in 2011. I had noticed that the majority of blog readers were young people, between the ages of 18-35, so I honed the content to “inspire,” and that shaped SiddySays as one of the first style blogs—which also covers fashion extensively. I aspire for SiddySays to be a window to the world out there for all our readers, opening their eyes to the stylish possibilities that exist in every facet of their lives.

2. How would you describe your personal style? 

I feel fashion is a way of expressing one’s self, so my style varies literally from day to day, I don’t take fashion too seriously. I have fun with it, I enjoy it. But I guess if I really had to sum it up in a word, I’d say chic.

I love what Hedi Slimane has done for Saint Laurent since he took charge as the creative director. He fascinates me immensely

3. Your favourite fashion designer? 

I’d be lying if I said I have a favourite designer. I fall in love with pieces and looks all the time. I do however love what Hedi Slimane has done for Saint Laurent since he took charge as the creative director. He fascinates me immensely.

4. Where in Pakistan do you love to shop?

My go to brands are Sania Maskatiya, MUSE, Sublime and Khaadi. I wish I had more time to explore, but this is my comfort zone.

I have stolen shirts from my father for as long as I can remember

5. Who are your inspirations when it comes to style?

I absolutely adore Yasmin Sewell and Leandra Medine. They are both so effortlessly chic, I wish the latter was a little less self-deprecating though!

6.What is the oldest item in your closet?

I love men’s clothes, I have stolen shirts from my father for as long as I can remember. I still have some of the shirts he wore when he was young. I absolutely love wearing them.

7. What is the most prized possession in your closet?

A beautiful hand embroidered shawl given to me by my mother-in-law. I look forward to winters only so I can wear it.

8. Any fashion regrets?

Anyone who experiments with fashion will have regrets. In my case it happens a bit more often than most, I almost always know how to make an outfit better after I see pictures of myself wearing it, but it’s a little too late by then usually!

9. Your blog has become pretty influential in terms of defining tastes in Pakistan. What advice would you give to bloggers struggling to find an audience?

Honestly, the blog is still very niche, but we found some very gracious patrons who work with us and have helped us put SiddySays on the map. Blogs, unlike magazines, are more personality driven; you don’t find an audience, the audience finds you. You just have to be true to your self and those who appreciate your perspective will slowly start following you. Also, I don’t think you should depend on blogging as a sole source of income. If you do, you will always find yourself compromising on content. Learn to say no. Sometimes it’s okay to say “this doesn’t work for me” so I won’t feature it.

 

A beautiful hand embroidered shawl given to me by my mother-in-law. I look forward to winters only so I can wear it.