It goes without saying that behind every fashion blog lies a sensational style maven whose wild heart feeds from the most covetable trend.
This time, our hearts was set on “Desert Mannequin”, Anum Bashir’s ground-breaking blog. The Qatar-based artist has mastered the art of multi-tasking with extreme finesse, as she works at the Fire Station Office in Residence program under Qatar Museums by day and is a style blogger by night. But her hectic schedule has never undermined her passion for minimalism as she constantly showers her army of loyal fans with – what else?- extreme styling tips based on her every-day wardrobe.
Evidently, she is always dressed to kill and we seem to be always looking for more! Androgynous and effortlessly-chic? Why yes, that’s soAnum!
And as her laid-back allure brings out an effervescence that we can’t quite put our finger on, the beautiful fashion guru has decided to let us in on her own little travel secrets!
What do you love most about travelling?
With a new city or country, it’s the excitement of visiting a place I’ve never been to,the excitement of discovering their culture, history, fashion industry/ designers, and of course my favorite… FOOD!
I travel a lot for work now, but there are those rare occasions where my husband, sister and brother-in-law decide to take a quick trip somewhere and those getaways are so exciting. Group trips tend to be my favorite.
Travel destination
I’m really itching to go to Japan and Korea. Everyone I know who’s been there sings praises.
Then there’s Africa too, and the safari experience.
Favorite airport style
Black leggings, White button down linen shirt, a denim biker jacket, and usually my Gucci fur loafers. It’s comfortable but still chic. I usually also tend to have a scarf or two around my neck.
Favorite travel wardrobe-packing choices
Lately, it’s been dressy pajamas, linen pants and tops (because of the heat), summery dresses ala Topshop, Vita Kin or Huda Al Nuaimi-who’s doing some very interesting stuff lately, robes, Levi’s jeans, and a few statement blazers. For the summer, I love designers like Rachel Comey, Isa Arfen, Isabel Marant, Johanna Ortiz and Rosie Assoulin, to name a few…
Ultimate travel-friendly shoes
Gucci Princetown Fur Loafers, Chanel Slingbacks, No.21 Tribal knot shoes, and anything by Laurence Dacade.
Favorite bag
I have a few bags that I always pack with me when I’m traveling:
Anything Nathalie Trad
Anything Olympia Le Tan
Something by Fendi (usually a beaded vintage baguette)
My Muzungu Sisters basket bag is ideal for travel because you can literally throw 20 things in there.
Mark Cross is another good choice for when you’re on the go.
M2Malletier backpack is another favorite.
Must-have beauty products
My Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair serum.
My St. Ives Invigorating Apricot Scrub.
Some concealer for around the eyes. That’s about it.
Estee Lauder advanced night repair serum
St.Ives invigorating apricot scrub
Favorite playlist
I have a “Lazy Friday” playlist that consists of Owen, Ben Folds, Norah Jones, Ravi Shankar, Regina Spektor, Coldplay, John Legend, Death Cab for Cutie, and Snow Patrol to name a few. They’re basically songs that remind me of my husband. How cheesy am I?
The one item you would never travel without
Probably my phone and fresh underwear.
Tricks to avoid over-packing
Keep asking yourself, “How many ways can I style this one specific piece?” The trick is to have some good basics that can be mixed and matched in a variety of ways that create new looks without actually having to pack half your closet.
Cindy Menassa
